bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The incidence of esophageal cancer and dysplasia in a Chinese population with nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus
Authors: Lee Shou‐Wu , Lien Han‐Chung , Peng Yen‐Chun , Lin Ming‐Xian , Ko Chung‐Wang , Chang Chi‐Sen
Published: August 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of dysplastic transformation of Barrett's esophagus (BE) in a Chinese population.

Method

Data from nondysplastic BE patients at Taichung Veterans General Hospital were collected from May 2008 to June 2017. The enrolled individuals received regular upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy during follow up. The pathological transformations, including low‐grade dysplasia (LGD), high‐grade dysplasia (HGD), or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), were collected prospectively until June 2017. Rates of progression were calculated in cases with a diagnosis of dysplasia or EAC.

Results

There were 51 subjects who met the inclusion criteria, with a mean follow up of 3.71 years (SD, 1.61) and a total follow up of 189.1 patient‐years. Eight cases (15.7%) developed LGD, with a calculated incidence rate of 2.9% per year. The mean time to development of LGD was 3.26 years (SD, 2.68–3.84). One subject (2%) developed EAC, with a calculated incidence rate of 0.4% per year. No case with HGD was detected.

Conclusion

In a Chinese population with nondysplastic BE, 15.7% of cases developed LGD, with an incidence rate of 2.9% per year, and 2% of cases developed EAC, with an incidence rate of 0.4% per year.
HIV viral suppression and longevity among a cohort of children initiating antiretroviral therapy in Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Teasdale Chloe A , Sogaula Nonzwakazi , Yuengling Katharine A , Wang Chunhui , Mutiti Anthony , Arpadi Stephen , Nxele Mahlubandile , Pepeta Lungile , Mogashoa Mary , Rivadeneira Emilia D , Abrams Elaine J
Published: August 2018

Introduction

There are limited data on viral suppression (VS) in children with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in routine care in low‐resource settings. We examined VS in a cohort of children initiating ART in routine HIV care in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Methods

The Pediatric Enhanced Surveillance Study enrolled HIV‐infected ART eligibility children zero to twelve years at five health facilities from 2012 to 2014. All children received routine HIV care and treatment services and attended quarterly study visits for up to 24 months. Time to VS among those starting treatment was measured from ART start date to first viral load (VL) result <1000 and VL <50 copies/mL using competing risk estimators (death as competing risk). Multivariable sub‐distributional hazards models examined characteristics associated with VS and VL rebound following suppression among those with a VL >30 days after the VS date.

Results

Of 397 children enrolled, 349 (87.9%) started ART: 118 (33.8%) children age <12 months, 122 (35.0%) one to five years and 109 (31.2%) six to twelve years. At study enrolment, median weight‐for‐age z‐score (WAZ) was −1.7 (interquartile range (IQR):−3.1 to −0.4) and median log VL was 5.6 (IQR: 5.0 to 6.2). Cumulative incidence of VS <1000 copies/mL at six, twelve and twenty‐four months was 57.6% (95% CI 52.1 to 62.7), 78.7% (95% CI 73.7 to 82.9) and 84.0% (95% CI 78.9 to 87.9); for VS <50 copies/mL: 40.3% (95% CI 35.0 to 45.5), 63.9% (95% CI 58.2 to 69.0) and 72.9% (95% CI 66.9 to 78.0). At 12 months only 46.6% (95% CI 36.6 to 56.0) of children <12 months had achieved VS <50 copies/mL compared to 76.9% (95% CI 67.9 to 83.7) of children six to twelve years (p < 0.001). In multivariable models, children with VL >1 million copies/mL at ART initiation were half as likely to achieve VS <50 copies/mL (adjusted sub‐distributional hazards 0.50; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.71). Among children achieving VS <50 copies/mL, 37 (19.7%) had VL 50 to 1000 copies/mL and 31 (16.5%) had a VL >1000 copies/mL. Children <12 months had twofold increased risk of VL rebound to VL >1000 copies/mL (adjusted relative risk 2.03, 95% CI: 1.10 to 3.74) compared with six to twelve year olds.

Conclusions

We found suboptimal VS among South African children initiating treatment and high proportions experiencing VL rebound, particularly among younger children. Greater efforts are needed to ensure that all children achieve optimal outcomes.
Assessing the reliability and uncertainties of projected changes in precipitation and temperature in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 models over the Lake Chad basin
Authors: Nkiaka Elias , Nawaz Rizwan , Lovett Jon C.
Published: August 2018

Lake Chad lost more than 80% of its surface area over the past decades as a result of environmental change and climate variability. It is not yet known how climate change will affect water resources availability in the basin over the coming decades. In this study, the reliability ensemble averaging (REA) technique was used to evaluate the performance of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) models in simulating present‐day precipitation and temperature (1980–2005), and to quantify the uncertainties in future projections (2050–2075) under two representative concentration pathways (RCPs) in the Lake Chad basin (LCB). Analyses were carried out at both annual and seasonal timescales. Overall, the CMIP5 models simulated precipitation better than temperature in the study area. Although the models were able to simulate the annual precipitation cycle in the basin, most models overestimated precipitation during the dry season and underestimated it during the monsoon season. Future annual basin precipitation is projected to increase by 2.5 and 5%, respectively, under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenario by the middle of the century by most of the models and most of the model projections are within the REA uncertainty range. Despite the increase in projected annual precipitation in the basin, most models project a decrease in monsoon precipitation under both RCPs. Although the uncertainty range for future precipitation projections for most models lie within the range of natural climate variability, additional analysis is needed for results to be useful for any future planning in the study area.
A model‐based comparison of extreme winds in the Arctic and around Greenland
Authors: Gutjahr Oliver , Heinemann Günther
Published: August 2018

This paper compares extreme value statistics of daily maximum 10 m wind speed in winter simulated by the regional climate model COSMO‐CLM at a horizontal resolution of 15 km (C15) with the reanalyses ERA‐Interim and Arctic System reanalysis (ASR version 1 and 2) and with a satellite data set (CCMPv2). Our C15 simulation (1979/1980–2015/2016, November–April) is thereby the longest high‐resolution simulation available for the Arctic. The results show that the extreme wind speeds tend to increase over the ocean with increasing the horizontal model resolution. A horizontal resolution of ≤15 km is required to sufficiently capture all extreme wind characteristics, in particular for the tip jets and barrier winds over the Irminger Sea and in the Denmark Strait, and for the low‐level jets in the Nares Strait. Of almost equal importance are physical parameterizations of surface fluxes and of turbulence. Capturing extreme wind characteristics has a direct effect on climate relevant air–ice–ocean interactions, such as triggering open‐ocean deep convection, polynya dynamics, or on the sea ice and freshwater balance of the Arctic.
Equations to compensate for the temperature effect on readings from dielectric Decagon MPS‐2 and MPS‐6 water potential sensors in soils
Authors: Walthert Lorenz , Schleppi Patrick
Published: August 2018

Dielectric sensors use electrical permittivity as a proxy for water content. They determine permittivity by using sensor‐type‐specific techniques and calibration functions, and relate it to a volumetric water content. Water potential sensors then translate the water content into a potential based on the sensor‐specific moisture characteristic curve. Dielectric readings are affected by temperature, which may distort hydraulically‐induced changes in soil water content. Methods for the removal of spurious temperature effects are lacking for dielectric water potential sensors. With this study, we aimed to fill this knowledge gap for the dielectric Decagon MPS‐2 and MPS‐6 water potential sensors. We first determined the temperature effect on MPS readings with laboratory experiments in which temperature was cycled between 4 and 26°C in different soil types. We then fitted single empirical equations that compensated for the temperature effect on MPS readings. Finally, we validated temperature‐compensated MPS soil water potentials, and therefore the equations, in a multi‐year field study in two forest soils where hourly data from three sensor models were available, i.e., from MPS‐2, MPS‐6, and a heat capacity sensor (ecoTech pF‐Meter) that is not sensitive to temperature effects. The temperature fluctuation experiments showed that the strongest temperature effects on MPS readings occur under dry conditions and that the MPS sensors themselves are largely responsible for these effects. Likewise, the field‐based validation showed that the MPS readings were highly affected by temperature under dry conditions. Applying a temperature compensation to these readings, using the equations from the temperature fluctuation experiments, resulted in strong correlations near the 1:1 line between data from the MPS and pF‐Meter sensors. Therefore, we recommend using the equations to remove spurious temperature effects from MPS‐2 and MPS‐6 readings in non‐saline soils with water potentials between –100 and –2000 kPa (at 22°C) and temperatures between 4 and 26°C.
Vanillin biotechnology: the perspectives and future
Authors: Banerjee Goutam , Chattopadhyay Pritam
Published: August 2018

The biotechnological production of fragrances is a recent trend that has expanded rapidly in the last two decades. Vanillin is the second most popular flavoring agent after saffron and is extensively used in various applications, e.g., as a food additive in food and beverages and as a masking agent in various pharmaceutical formulations. It is also considered a valuable product for other applications, such as metal plating and the production of other flavoring agents, herbicides, ripening agents, antifoaming agents, and personal and home‐use products (such as in deodorants, air fresheners, and floor‐polishing agents). In general, three types of vanillin, namely natural, biotechnological, and chemical/synthetic, are available on the market. However, only natural and nature‐identical (biotechnologically produced from ferulic acid only) vanillins are considered as food‐grade additives by most food‐safety control authorities worldwide. In the present review, we summarize recent trends in fermentation technology for vanillin production and discuss the importance of the choice of raw materials for the economically viable production of vanillin. We also describe the key enzymes used in the biotechnological production of vanillin as well as their underlying genes. Research to advance our understanding of the molecular regulation of different pathways involved in vanillin production from ferulic acid is still ongoing. The enhanced knowledge is expected to offer new opportunities for the application of metabolic engineering to optimize the production of nature‐identical vanillin. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of selected emerging contaminants in freshwater invertebrates using a universal extraction technique and liquid chromatography accurate mass spectrometry
Authors: Althakafy Jalal T. , Kulsing Chadin , Grace Michael R. , Marriott Philip J.
Published: August 2018

A simple sample preparation method based on a modified liquid‐phase extraction approach to extract selected pharmaceuticals and personal care products from freshwater organisms is described. Extracted samples were analysed using liquid chromatography with Q‐Exactive plus hybrid quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry, using 2.6 μm C18 media. A 0.1% v/v acetic acid/acetonitrile mobile phase was applied over a 20 min gradient. Method detection limits in full scan mode were ca. 0.04–2.38 ng of analyte per g of sample. Linearity ranged from 0.9750 to 0.9996 over the calibration range of 0.01–100 μg/L; MS mass accuracy was <2 ppm for most analytes. This method was applied to quantify six pharmaceuticals and personal care products in seven invertebrate samples. For tandem mass spectrometry analysis, selection of precursor ions was performed for each pharmaceutical, with Mass Frontier software illustrating the fragmentation mechanism. Effects of collision energy on intensities of ions was further investigated. The tandem mass spectrometry condition resulting in the highest signal of respective selected product ion was selected to confirm each pharmaceutical, which was initially observed in the full scan mode. Results indicate that pharmaceuticals and personal care products found to be present in water‐ways, may be incorporated into organisms that live in the environment of affected water streams.
Management initiatives in support of the soil quality of urban allotment gardens: Examples from Nantes (France)
Authors: Le Guern Cécile , Jean‐Soro Liliane , Béchet Béatrice , Lebeau Thierry , Bouquet Dorine
Published: August 2018

Urban allotment gardens (UAGs) are important for the provision of foodstuffs, social cohesion, residents' well‐being, and prevention of the formation of local heat islands during summer. The soils of these gardens however may be adversely affected by pollution threats and thus create health risks. In such cases, appropriate management becomes necessary. For several gardens exhibiting soil contamination (e.g., Pb at 100–400 mg kg−1) in the city of Nantes, local actors collaborated, including scientists, the municipality's Parks and Open Space Department, elected officials, sanitary administration, and each site's gardeners' association. The soil characterization step was performed along with a sanitary risk evaluation and discussion of management options, based on both the pollution characteristics and local context. The most frequent option consisted of replacing the polluted soils with clean soils. Managing the excavated polluted soils on‐site (e.g., for ornamental purposes) limited the economic and environmental impacts associated with this solution. Alternative solutions, including a combined system of nonaccumulative cropping vegetables at the time of phytoextraction, were also employed to maintain gardening uses. In some cases, land use (gardening) was changed into, for example, an orchard, open space, or ornamental space. A combination of solutions was introduced in several gardens. The various options available for managing polluted soils, as implemented in Nantes' UAGs and based mainly on nature‐based solution, can be applied more generally in order to improve soil quality. In addition to enhancing the quality of both residents' lives and biodiversity, several solutions allow preserving or even restoring soil functions.
Incorporation of potential natural vegetation into revegetation programmes for sustainable land management
Authors: Peng Shouzhang , Li Zhi
Published: August 2018

Knowledge of potential natural vegetation (PNV) is imperative when implementing revegetation to mitigate land degradation and promote sustainable land management. To date, however, PNV has received relatively little attention. One challenge is determining which type of PNV is the best‐fit ecosystem under investigation. The objective of this study was to develop a revegetation program and evaluate its potential efficacy at correcting existing land use patterns. The PNV pattern was generated using a physically based ecosystem model called Lund–Potsdam–Jena General Ecosystem Simulator. The Loess Plateau of China was selected as the study area because it has undergone substantial degradation and revegetation. The results showed that from 1981 to 2014, forest and steppe accounted for 29.8% and 68.2% of the entire area, respectively. Comparisons between observed and simulated land use patterns indicated that current forestland and grassland distributions must be changed. Only 55.2 ± 1.4% of the existing forestland aligned with the PNV model. A more appropriate vegetation type for the remaining forestland would be grass. It was found that 78.4 ± 1.3% of the existing grassland was consistent with the PNV whereas the remainder should be forested. Comparisons between simulated PNV and existing farmland indicated that the steeper zones could be converted to forestland or grassland. They account for 40.6% and 58.7% of the steeper farmland area, respectively. The framework developed herein and the results derived therefrom may assist other regions facing similar land degradation issues in the development of revegetation programs and the promotion of sustainable land management.
Mucosal injury following short‐term tracheal intubation: A novel animal model and composite tracheal injury score
Authors: Sinha Rishie , Correia Ricardo , Gardner David , Grau‐Roma Llorenc , de Brot Simone , Hardman Jonathan , Morgan Steve , Norris Andrew
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Postintubation laryngotracheal injury is common. Assessment of histopathological changes currently requires animal models. We set about developing a viable, resource effective animal model to study these effects and to develop a detailed tissue injury score.

Methods

Six pigs were anesthetized using a standard regimen. We intubated the tracheas using a standard endotracheal tube modified to include optical sensors. Animals were anesthetized for a duration of two to four hours, and their lungs were ventilated using a normoxic gas mixture. Following euthanasia, the tracheas were removed and underwent histological assessment by two independent veterinary pathologists. The histological lesions, including controls, were described and quantified, and two pathologists classified tissues according to a novel injury score.

Results

Mean duration of tracheal intubation was 191 minutes (SD ± 41.6). In all except one animal, cuff pressures were maintained in the range of 25–45 cmH20. Histopathological findings in all study animals showed more extensive changes than previously described with short‐term intubation. Changes were seen in all mucosal layers consistent with acute, suppurative, and ulcerative tracheitis. The range of scores of the developed composite scoring system among the animals was wider than in earlier descriptions. There was a high percentage of agreement between both pathologists.

Conclusions

We have described a novel tracheal injury score to assess pathological changes following short term intubation in a viable animal model. The scoring system distinguished between the test animals as well as controls and may be appropriate for continuing study of intubation injury.

Level of Evidence

3
Possible role of hydrogen sulfide as an endogenous relaxation factor in the rat bladder and prostate
Authors: Zou Suo , Shimizu Takahiro , Shimizu Shogo , Higashi Youichirou , Nakamura Kumiko , Ono Hideaki , Aratake Takaaki , Saito Motoaki
Published: August 2018

Aims

To clarify the roles of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous gasotransmitter, in the rat bladder and prostate, we investigated the distribution of enzymes related to H2S biosynthesis (cystathionine β‐synthase [CBS], cystathionine γ‐lyase [CSE], 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase [MPST], cysteine aminotransferase [CAT], and D‐amino acid oxidase [DAO]) and the content of H2S. We also investigated the effects of H2S donors (NaHS and GYY4137) on the contractility of both tissues and on micturition.

Methods

The distribution of these enzymes was investigated by real‐time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Tissue H2S content was measured by the methylene blue method. The effects of NaHS (1 × 10−9 to 3 × 10−4 M) were evaluated on carbachol (10−5 M)‐induced pre‐contracted bladder strips, and on noradrenaline (10−5 M)‐induced pre‐contracted prostate strips, which were pretreated with propranolol (10−6 M). In addition, in urethane‐anesthetized male Wistar rats, the effects of intravesically instilled GYY4137 (10−8, 10−7, and 10−6 M) on micturition were evaluated by cystometry.

Results

MPST and CAT were detected in the bladder and prostate, CBS was only detected in the prostate, while CSE and DAO were not detected in both tissues. Immunoreactivity of these enzymes was mainly detected in the urothelium and smooth muscle layer of the bladder and in the prostate glandular epithelium. H2S was detected in both tissues. NaHS dose‐dependently induced relaxation of pre‐contracted bladder and prostate strips. Intravesically instilled GYY4137 significantly prolonged intercontraction intervals.

Conclusions

It is possible that H2S can function as an endogenous relaxation factor in the rat bladder and prostate.
Does corporate social responsibility cushion unethical brand behavior? Insights from chocolate confectionery
Authors: Insch Andrea , Black Tessa
Published: August 2018

Food and agribusiness companies face increasing scrutiny of their corporate social responsibilities (CSRs) due to the impacts of their business activities on the environment and in society. In particular, the procurement practices of some companies in the commercial food industry have been linked to unsustainable farming, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity. This study investigates the extent to which a positive CSR reputation influences consumers' evaluations of a company and its new products following brand misconduct involving unethical procurement of palm oil. The results of an experiment revealed that a positive CSR reputation prior to the misconduct enhanced consumers' evaluations of the company and their support for its new products, thereby facilitating its recovery. These findings extend understanding of the potential insurance afforded by a positive CSR reputation and its halo effect in situations of brand misconduct in the food industry, in this case where a brand has failed to meet consumers' expectations of its obligations to avoid commercial activities that threaten the natural environment.
New directions for public service reform in developing countries
Authors: McCourt Willy
Published: August 2018

This paper argues that recent developments in practice and theory provide a more promising basis for public service reform in developing countries than we have had since at least the turn of the century. There have been significant instances of large‐scale reform success, such as Nepal's Public Service Commission and Malaysia's delivery unit, Pemandu, and also “pockets of effectiveness” in individual agencies in many countries. They contribute to a more fruitful and diverse repertoire of reform approaches than generally realized. Policymakers can draw on all those instances and types of reform, together with relevant rich country experiences, as they improvise and tailor responses to their always unique reform problems. Proceeding in this way helps reformers to expand the “reform space” available within the political economy. Donors can help reformers if they facilitate reform in the spirit of the Busan Partnership rather than impose their preferred models. In short, the new direction which this paper identifies can be stated as creative problem solving by local actors facilitated by sympathetic donors, building on examples of reform success and drawing on a repertoire of poor and rich country reform approaches.
Diagnosis and outcome in nonhydropic fetal pleural effusions
Authors: Wellesley Diana , Howe David T.
Published: August 2018

Objective

To determine the outcome of all pregnancies with nonhydropic fetal pleural effusions in the Wessex region.

Method

Data were extracted from the Wessex congenital anomaly database for the years 1994‐2015 inclusive.

Results

Sixty‐two fetuses and babies were identified giving a total prevalence of 1:9500. Eight fetuses had bilateral effusions with additional, nonhydrops anomalies, and 54 had isolated effusions. Of the isolated cases, 36 presented before 24‐week gestation: 12 were unilateral and 24 bilateral. All of the unilateral effusions resolved before or soon after birth with no other diagnosis but of the bilateral cases, four (17%) had a trisomy and three (13%) a genetic or syndrome diagnosis. Eighteen isolated cases presented after 24‐week gestation, six were unilateral of which one had trisomy 21 (17%), and three (50%) Noonan's or another lymphoedema syndrome. Twelve were bilateral: One had trisomy 21, one an unbalanced translocation (17%), three had Noonan's or another lymphoedema syndrome, and two an unspecified syndrome (42%) at birth.

Conclusion

These data suggest that a chromosomal microarray should be offered to all fetuses presenting with a pleural effusion in the absence of hydrops, and Noonan's syndrome testing should be considered for those that develop after 24 weeks.

Aim

To determine the outcome of all pregnancies with nonhydropic fetal pleural effusions in the Wessex region from 1994–2015.
Decreased rectal meconium signal on MRI in fetuses with open spinal dysraphism
Authors: Nagaraj Usha D. , Calvo‐Garcia Maria A. , Merrow Arnold C. , Zhang Bin , Kline‐Fath Beth M.
Published: August 2018

Objective

To evaluate rectal meconium signal in fetuses with open spinal dysraphism and correlate findings with postnatal exam.

Methods

This is a single‐institution Institutional Review Board‐approved Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant retrospective analysis of fetal MRIs of open spinal dysraphism from 2004 to 2016. Fetuses with diagnostic T1‐weighted images and postnatal follow‐up at our institution were included.

Results

A total of 115 fetuses (average gestational age 23.9 ± 3.6 weeks) met inclusion criteria. Of these, 80% (92/115) had T1 hyperintense rectal meconium signal. Average height of the meconium column, measured from the base of the bladder to its most inferior extent, was 9.2 ± 4.3 mm in fetuses ≥20‐week gestational age and 11.1 ± 4.4 mm in fetuses ≥23‐week gestational age (n = 110) . None had bowel dilation. One of 115 fetuses had a simple form of anorectal malformation allowing complete repair in the neonatal period, but this fetus had a normal meconium column height on fetal MRI of 22 mm. The remaining 23/115 fetuses with lack of normal rectal meconium signal were born without evidence of anorectal malformation.

Conclusion

Decreased or absent T1‐hyperintense rectal meconium signal in fetuses with open spinal dysraphism does not correlate with imperforate anus postnatal and may be a reflection of neurogenic bowel in this patient population.
Preparation of high‐tack value adhesive for offset printing inline cold foil stamping and its performance characterization
Authors: Liu Xiao , Luo Shiyong , Li Xuemei , Zhang Wenyu , Zhang Nengjian , Deng Gang , Li Shaoguo
Published: August 2018

A high‐tack‐value adhesive for offset printing inline cold foil stamping was prepared using rosin‐modified phenolic resin, terpene resin, industrial soybean oil, and solvent oil. The prepared adhesive can overcome the low accuracy of cold foil stamping and reproduction of existing conventional adhesives. The tack value, viscosity, ink (adhesive) thread length, ink flow, viscoelasticity, thixotropy, emulsification rate, and solid content of the prepared adhesives were characterized. The adhesive was applied on a MAN ROLAND 700 eight‐color offset printing cold foil stamping press. Stamping quality was evaluated. Results showed that the prepared adhesive has high tack value and the increment of the tack value is small with increasing test time. To achieve good stamping quality, the tack value of the adhesive should be controlled between 20 to 30, and its viscosity and emulsification rate should be kept at approximately 80 Pa·s and within the range of 30% to 40%, respectively. Appropriate levels of viscoelasticity, thixotropy, and ink flow were also necessary. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:139–144, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thermoresponsive drug controlled release from chitosan‐based hydrogel embedded with poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) nanogels
Authors: Shin Bomina , Kim Jongjun , Vales Temmy Pegarro , Yang Si Kyung , Kim Jong‐Ki , Sohn Honglae , Kim Ho‐Joong
Published: August 2018

A facile synthetic strategy was developed for the preparation of thermoresponsive nanocomposite hydrogels comprising crosslinked chitosan (CS) networks and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) [p(NIPAAm)] nanogels. First, thermoresponsive p(NIPAAm) nanogels were synthesized via emulsion polymerization. The p(NIPAAm) nanogels were introduced into methacrylamide CS (MC) solution and the free‐radical initiated crosslinking reaction of MC produced nanogel‐embedded hydrogels. The last step involves the loading of the antibacterial model drug levofloxacin (LFX) into the prepared nanocomposite hydrogels by allowing the preformed hydrogels to swell to equilibrium in the drug's aqueous solution. The integration of p(NIPAAm) nanogel into CS networks facilitates thermoresponsive release of LFX with an enhancement of the drug‐loading capacity within the hydrogel. Notably, thermoresponsive drug‐release was achieved without unwarranted modification of the hydrogel's dimension and shape, although an increase in temperature caused the collapse of the p(NIPAAm) nanogels. The thermoresponsive property of the investigated nanocomposite hydrogel is beneficial and may offer broad opportunities for drug temperature‐triggered release for clinical applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem.2018,56, 1907–1914
Low‐frequency high‐intensity versus medium‐frequency low‐intensity combined therapy in the management of active myofascial trigger points: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Takla Mary Kamal Nassif
Published: August 2018

Background

Electrotherapeutic modalities have proven to be one of the best therapeutic options for myofascial pain syndrome, targeting the myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Combined therapy (CT) is described with paucity in literature as the application of ultrasound (US) and electrical stimulating current concurrently and at the same site.

Aim

The aim was to compare between low‐frequency, high‐intensity burst transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation CT (burst‐TENS‐CT) and medium‐frequency, low‐intensity amplitude modulated frequency CT (AMF‐CT) on upper trapezius active MTrPs (A‐MTrPs).

Participants and intervention

In this single‐blinded randomized controlled trial design, 70 participants with acute mechanical neck pain and at least two A‐MTrPs in the upper trapezius were simply and randomly allocated into three groups—the burst‐TENS‐CT, the AMF‐CT, or the sham‐CT control groups. All groups received three sessions per week for four consecutive weeks.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures included pressure pain threshold (PPT) using a digital electronic algometer and active cervical lateral flexion range of motion (ROM) using an iPhone Clinometer application. Data were collected prior to the first treatment and at the end of the 4‐week trial.

Results

There were statistically significant improvements in postintervention PPT and ROM values in both treatment groups (p < 0.0001). As for the sham‐US, no significant difference was found between the preintervention and postintervention values (p > 0.05). Bonferroni correction test revealed that there was a significant difference between all the three groups (p < 0.0001). Additionally, burst‐TENS‐CT yields a greater increase in PPT and ROM values (547% and 49.32%, respectively) than that of medium‐frequency AMF‐CT.

Conclusion

Within the scope of this study, both CT modalities were effective in increasing PPT and cervical lateral flexion ROM. Nonetheless, low‐frequency, high‐intensity burst‐TENS‐CT was shown to be superior over the medium‐frequency, low‐intensity AMF‐CT in terms of reducing pain sensitivity and increasing ROM.
Sublethal and transgenerational effects of thiamethoxam applied to cotton seed on Chrysoperla externa and Harmonia axyridis
Authors: Sâmia Rafaella R , Gontijo Pablo C , Oliveira Rodrigo L , Carvalho Geraldo A
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Thiamethoxam, when applied as a seed treatment, can contaminate plant products, such as extrafloral nectar, and have non‐target effects on beneficial arthropods. This study assessed the non‐target effects of thiamethoxam applied to cotton seed on the life history parameters of the predators Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).

RESULTS

Exposure of C. externa larvae to plants grown from thiamethoxam‐treated seeds caused sublethal and transgenerational effects. Thiamethoxam treatment doubled the proportion of pharate adults and reduced egg fertility in C. externa F0 and F1 generations. In addition, the insecticide prolonged pupal developmental time in the C. externa F1 generation. Thiamethoxam treatment also had a transgenerational effect on exposed H. axyridis larvae, reducing pupal survival in the F1 generation. In the adult bioassay, thiamethoxam treatment reduced egg fertility of C. externa, prolonged the larval period, and reduced both fecundity and egg fertility of the F1 generation. Thiamethoxam also caused transgenerational effect on H. axyridis adults, reducing larval survival of the F1 generation.

CONCLUSION

Thiamethoxam seed treatment was harmful for both predators, but C. externa was more affected by the insecticide than H. axyridis. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Unpacking distinction within mobility: Social prestige and international students
Authors: Prazeres Laura
Published: August 2018

This paper investigates the complex ways in which young people engage in social distinction within international mobility. The study offers novel conceptual and empirical insights by examining how distinction and social advantage is reproduced through short‐term student mobility from the Global North to the Global South. In doing so, it elucidates the iterative process of distinction‐making within mobility and argues that young mobile people negotiate a tension between different forms of distinction. Specifically, it unpacks and conceptualises distinction into dual categories—collective and individual—and suggests that students alternate and waver between these categories in order to both validate and elevate their position within a mobility hierarchy. The paper also considers how particular places are viewed as more distinctive and affording greater gains in cultural and symbolic capital. It concludes with future interrogations and ways forward for research on international mobility and distinction.
Performance evaluation of social network anomaly detection using a moving window–based scan method
Authors: Zhao Meng J. , Driscoll Anne R. , Sengupta Srijan , Fricker Ronald D. , Spitzner Dan J. , Woodall William H.
Published: August 2018

Timely detection of anomalous events in networks, particularly social networks, is a problem of increasing interest and relevance. A variety of methods have been proposed for monitoring such networks, including the window‐based scan method proposed by a previous study. However, research assessing the performance of this and other methods has been sparse. In this article, we use simulated social network structures to study the performance of the Priebe et al method. The detection power is high only when more than half of the social network experiences anomalous behavior or if the anomalous behavior is extreme. Both can be represented by high signal‐to‐noise ratios in the network. More precisely, Priebe's scan method performs well when the signal‐to‐noise ratio is above 20. Simulation studies are used to show that an improved detection rate and shortened monitoring delays can be achieved by lagging the moving window used for standardization, lowering the signaling threshold, and using shorter moving windows at the initial stage of monitoring. We suggest a community detection method to be used after an anomalous event has been identified to help determine the subnetwork associated with this anomalous behavior.
Reasons for implementing ISO 14001 in Malaysia
Authors: Sorooshian Shahryar , Ting Khaw Chin
Published: August 2018

Environmental management systems (EMS) have been introduced globally to reduce environmental degradation issues brought about by industrial development. The research discussed in this paper is aimed at identifying the benefits and motivations of the implementation of EMS in compliance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 standard in Malaysian industries by using the pairwise comparison method. Experts in EMS from the Scientific and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia were invited to participate in the research panel. Based on the experts’ input, data analysis was carried out by using multi‐criteria pairwise comparisons. The findings showed the ranked benefits and motivations of the implementation of the ISO 14001 standard for businesses. The results can indicate to policy‐makers and business advisors how businesses can be encouraged to implement the ISO 14001.
Treatment of effluent from re‐refined lubricating oils by combined processes of coagulation, flocculation, and Fenton process
Authors: da Silva Lucas Pisoni , Taffarel Silvio Roberto , da Silveira Fernanda Rosa , de Sá Fagner Tafarel Campos , Oliveira Luís Felipe Silva
Published: August 2018

This work examines the possibility and the potential application of physicochemical processes (coagulation and flocculation) and advanced oxidative processes (Fenton Process) in the treatment of effluents from the re‐refining of used lubricating oils.
Dimension-six electroweak top-loop effects in Higgs production and decay
Authors: Vryonidou Eleni , Zhang Cen
Published: August 2018

Abstract

We study the next-to-leading order electroweak corrections to Higgs processes from dimension-six top-quark operators in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory approach. We consider the major production channels, including W H, ZH, and VBF production at the LHC, and ZH, VBF production at future lepton colliders, as well as the major decay channels including H → γγ, γZ, W lν, Zll,

$$ b\overline{b} $$

b

b
¯

, μμ, ττ . The results show that within the current constraints, top-quark operators can shift the signal strength of the loop-induced processes, i.e. H → γγ, γZ, by factors of

$$ \sim \mathcal{O}(1)-\mathcal{O}(10) $$

∼
O

1

−
O

10

, and that of the tree-level processes, i.e. all remaining production and decay channels, by ∼ 5 − 10% at the LHC, and up to ∼ 15% at future lepton colliders. This implies that essentially all Higgs channels have started to become sensitive to top-quark couplings, and in particular, Higgs observables at high luminosity LHC as well as future lepton colliders, even below the

$$ t\overline{t} $$

t

t
¯

threshold, will improve our knowledge of top-quark couplings. We derive the sensitivities of Higgs measurements to top-quark operators at the high luminosity LHC, using projections for both inclusive and differential measurements. We conclude that treating the dimension-six top-quark sector and the Higgs/electroweak sector separately may not continue to be a good strategy. A global analysis combining Higgs and top-quark measurements is desirable, and our calculation and implementation provide an automatic and realistic simulation tool for this purpose.
Sharing but not caring: collider phenomenology
Authors: Bernal Nicolás , Fong Chee Sheng , Tonero Alberto
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Based on a previous work on scenarios where the Standard Model and dark matter particles share a common asymmetry through effective operators at early time in the Universe and later on decouple from each other (not care), in this work, we study in detail the collider phenomenology of these scenarios. In particular, we use the experimental results from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) to constrain the viable parameter space. Besides effective operators, we also constrain the parameter space of some representative ultraviolet complete models with experimental results from both the LHC and the Large Electron-Positron Collider. Specifically, we use measurements related to jets + missing transverse energy (MET), di-jets and photon + MET. In the case of ultraviolet models, depending on the assumptions on the couplings and masses of mediators, the derived constraints can become more or less stringent. We consider also the situation where one of the mediators has mass below 100 GeV, in this case we use the ultraviolet model to construct a new effective operator responsible for the sharing of the asymmetry and study its phenomenology.
A systems‐based model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Tang Yi , Lutz Michael W. , Xing Yi
Published: August 2018

The new National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association Research Framework for Alzheimer's disease has been developed to accelerate drug discovery and offer a common structure and language to construct new Alzheimer's disease conceptual models. However, as a “complex” disease, a model based on systems‐level understanding is needed to accommodate the complex, interacting etiologic pathways and the system‐level changes associated with Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and interventions that are currently known and which will be identified in the future. To accomplish this, the evolution of the structure of the research framework itself should be encouraged.
The infrahyoid myocutaneous flap for reconstruction after oral cancer resection: A retrospective single‐surgeon study
Authors: Chotipanich Adit , Wongmanee Sombat
Published: August 2018

Objective

To review our experience with infrahyoid myocutaneous flap in reconstruction after oral cancer resection.

Methods

Chart reviews were completed for all patients who underwent oral reconstruction with an infrahyoid myocutaneous flap by a single surgeon in the Department of Otolaryngology at Chonburi Cancer Hospital from 2011 to 2017. Characteristics of the patients and postoperative complications were analyzed.

Results

Of the 34 patients in the study, 10 (29.4%) developed partial flap loss and 1 (2.9%) developed total flap loss. All cases of partial flap loss resolved with conservative treatment. Apparent cancer involvement of a cervical lymph node was significantly associated with flap failure (odds ratio: 5.0, 95% CI: 1.03–24.28).

Conclusions

The infrahyoid myocutaneous flap is a fairly reliable reconstruction method. The flap should be performed with caution in cases with gross lymph node involvement.
Exploring the use of ‘third countries’ in proliferation networks: the case of Malaysia
Authors: Salisbury Daniel
Published: August 2018

‘Third countries’ are frequently exploited by those involved in networks to transfer proliferation-sensitive technologies, allowing procurement agents to obscure the end user or vendor located in the proliferating state, and to deceive industry, export licensing officials, and intelligence services. While ‘third countries’ frequently feature in illicit transactions, the academic literature exploring the roles played by entities in these jurisdictions is limited. Building on the sanctions busting literature, this article proposes a loose typology considering the ways in which third countries can be exploited by proliferation networks. The typology is illustrated using three cases involving entities based in Malaysia – A. Q. Khan’s nuclear black market network, and Iran and North Korea’s efforts to procure and market WMD-related and military goods. These cases are used to generate insights into proliferators’ selection of ‘third country’ hubs. The article argues that while exploitation of third countries by proliferation networks is a similar, but distinct phenomenon to trade-based sanctions busting, hubs of both activities share characteristics. Furthermore, the article argues that other factors beyond the lax regulatory environment, such as level of development, and personal connections, are often as important in driving the decisions of proliferation networks. The article concludes with implications for nonproliferation policy.
The politicization of immigration in Italy. Who frames the issue, when and how
Authors: Urso Ornella
Published: August 2018

Italy is one of the most representative ‘new immigration countries.’ Between the 1980s and the 1990s, it became a major country of destination for immigrants coming from Asia, Middle East, and North Africa. As a result, since the mid-90s, immigration has gained salience within the Italian political debate. Building on the existing literature on agenda-setting and framing studies, this article studies the evolution of the immigration issue in Italy over the last two decades. It focuses on the framing and, more specifically, the position political actors tend to adopt when debating on immigration. In particular, the main research questions are: to what extent is the framing of immigration associated with the traditional left vs. right spectrum? Do incumbent political parties tend to adopt a different position toward immigration than opposition parties? This article analyses party competition dynamics over the immigration issue in Italy from 1995 to 2011. The author carried out a political-claim analysis of articles from two Italian national daily newspapers. Findings show that immigration is more a positional issue than a valence one. Political actors’ positions towards migration appear to be anchored to the old left vs. right dimension of the political conflict. This demonstrates that parties’ engagement within the political conflict goes beyond electoral campaigns. Finally, being in government seems to play a crucial role in ‘softening’ the way party actors frame immigration, in terms of both the arguments used and the pro- or anti-immigration positions adopted.
A Tribute to Jaak Panksepp (1943–2017)
Authors: Davis Kenneth L. , Montag Christian
Published: August 2018

This article gives a short overview on the life and achievements of Jaak Panksepp. Jaak Panksepp dedicated his life to the study of mammalian emotions. By means of electrical stimulation of the brain and psychopharmacological challenges he carved out seven primary emotional systems being highly conserved across different species of mammals including homo sapiens. The primary emotional systems are called SEEKING, CARE, LUST, PLAY (positive emotions), and FEAR, RAGE, SADNESS (negative emotions). While his early career was characterized by the direct study of these primary emotions in mammals, in his late career he invested more and more time in applying his knowledge to different fields of psychology including personality neuroscience and psychiatry.
Characterizations and Direct Sums of Unit-Endoregular Modules
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiang , Lee Gangyong
Published: August 2018

A module is called unit-endoregular if its endomorphism ring is unit-regular. In this paper, we continue the research in unit-endoregular modules. More characterizations of unit-endoregular modules are obtained. As a special case, we show that for an abelian group G, Endℤ(G) is a unit-regular Baer ring if and only if Endℤ(G) is a two-sided extending regular ring. While the class of unit-endoregular modules is not closed under direct sums, we provide a characterization when there are direct sums of two or more unit-endoregular modules also unit-endoregular under certain conditions. In particular, we investigate unit-endoregular modules which are direct sums of indecomposable modules.