bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing research preferences in conservation science
Authors: Montana Jasper , Sandbrook Chris , Robertson Ellen , Ryan Melanie
Published: October 2019

Conservation researchers are increasingly drawing on a wide range of philosophies, methods and values to examine conservation problems. Here we adopt methods from social psychology to develop a questionnaire with the dual purpose of illuminating diversity within conservation research communities and providing a tool for use in cross-disciplinary dialogue workshops. The questionnaire probes the preferences that different researchers have with regards to conservation science. It elicits insight into their motivations for carrying out research, the scales at which they tackle problems, the subjects they focus on, their beliefs about the connections between nature and society, their sense of reality as absolute or socially constituted, and their propensity for collaboration. Testing the questionnaire with a group of 204 conservation scientists at a student conference on conservation science, we illustrate the latent and multidimensional diversity in the research preferences held by conservation scientists. We suggest that creating opportunities to further explore these differences and similarities using facilitated dialogue could enrich the mutual understanding of the diverse research community in the conservation field.
Amygdala functional connectivity in major depression – disentangling markers of pathology, risk and resilience
Authors: Wackerhagen Carolin , Veer Ilya M. , Erk Susanne , Mohnke Sebastian , Lett Tristram A. , Wüstenberg Torsten , Romanczuk-Seiferth Nina Y. , Schwarz Kristina , Schweiger Janina I. , Tost Heike , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Heinz Andreas , Walter Henrik
Published: October 2019

Background

Limbic-cortical imbalance is an established model for the neurobiology of major depressive disorder (MDD), but imaging genetics studies have been contradicting regarding potential risk and resilience mechanisms. Here, we re-assessed previously reported limbic-cortical alterations between MDD relatives and controls in combination with a newly acquired sample of MDD patients and controls, to disentangle pathology, risk, and resilience.

Methods

We analyzed functional magnetic resonance imaging data and negative affectivity (NA) of MDD patients (n = 48), unaffected first-degree relatives of MDD patients (n = 49) and controls (n = 109) who performed a faces matching task. Brain response and task-dependent amygdala functional connectivity (FC) were compared between groups and assessed for associations with NA.

Results

Groups did not differ in task-related brain activation but activation in the superior frontal gyrus (SFG) was inversely correlated with NA in patients and controls. Pathology was associated with task-independent decreases of amygdala FC with regions of the default mode network (DMN) and decreased amygdala FC with the medial frontal gyrus during faces matching, potentially reflecting a task-independent DMN predominance and a limbic-cortical disintegration during faces processing in MDD. Risk was associated with task-independent decreases of amygdala-FC with fronto-parietal regions and reduced faces-associated amygdala-fusiform gyrus FC. Resilience corresponded to task-independent increases in amygdala FC with the perigenual anterior cingulate cortex (pgACC) and increased FC between amygdala, pgACC, and SFG during faces matching.

Conclusion

Our results encourage a refinement of the limbic-cortical imbalance model of depression. The validity of proposed risk and resilience markers needs to be tested in prospective studies. Further limitations are discussed.
Exploring underexposed stories: the experienced lifecourse of financially excluded older adults
Authors: Van Regenmortel Sofie , Smetcoren An-Sofie , Marsillas Sara , Lambotte Deborah , Fret Bram , De Donder Liesbeth
Published: October 2019

To gain insights into vulnerable lifecourses and give a voice to those often underrepresented in quantitative research, this study examines the life stories (past, present and future) of 19 financially excluded older adults using an adapted version of McAdams’ life-story interview scheme. Although these life stories demonstrate an accumulation of many disadvantages and an uncertain future because of current financial situations, the stories also reflect the generativity, resilience, coping strategies and agency of financially excluded older adults. We demonstrate how the experienced lifecourse is built around both negative and positive turning points and transitions which go beyond the classical education–work–retirement triumvirate, and how socio-cultural life scripts are used as a framework to build one's own life story in order to achieve continuity. The discussion highlights the potential for deploying the life-story method as a qualitative resource for providing individualised care.
Marital status, close social network and loneliness of older adults in the Czech Republic
Authors: Štípková Martina
Published: October 2019

The wellbeing of older adults is closely related to their social relationships. There is a well-documented association of widowhood with social isolation and loneliness, but less is known about the consequences of divorce. This paper focuses on the effects of divorce and widowhood on the characteristics of social networks and loneliness in the Czech Republic. Data from the Czech component of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, 2015, are used. The results show that married older adults have the lowest levels of loneliness and, together with widowed men, the largest network of confidants. However, the size of the network is not associated with loneliness (net of socio-demographic variables). The only characteristic of the close social network that has an influence on loneliness is the presence of a partner in the network. This variable explains part of the advantage of spouses. Divorce is found to have a smaller impact on loneliness than widowhood, but the size of the difference depends on the gender and timing of the event. Widowed men seem to be most vulnerable while persons who divorce at age 50 or later experience the lowest level of loneliness among the unmarried groups. The favourable effect of late divorce can be interpreted in relation to the specific nature of partnership decisions in later life.
Global minimisers for anisotropic attractive–repulsive interactions
Authors: KAIB GUNNAR , KANG KYUNGKEUN , STEVENS ANGELA
Published: October 2019

We prove the existence of global minimisers for a class of attractive–repulsive interaction potentials that are in general not radially symmetric. The global minimisers have compact support. For potentials including degenerate power-law diffusion, the interaction potential can be unbounded from below. Further, a formal calculation indicates that for non-symmetric potentials global minimisers may neither be radial symmetric nor unique.
Law and finance in Britain c.1900
Authors: Coyle Christopher , Musacchio Aldo , Turner John D.
Published: October 2019

In this article, using new estimates of the size of the UK's capital market, we examine financial development and investor protection laws in Britain c.1900 to test the influential law and finance hypothesis. Our evidence suggests that there was not a close correlation between financial development and investor protection laws c.1900 and that the size of the UK's share market is a puzzle given the paucity of statutory investor protection. To illustrate that Britain was not unique in its approach to investor protection in this era, we examine investor protection laws across legal families c.1900.
The Impact of Treatment with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Authors: Caglar Bahadır , Serin Suha , Yilmaz Gokhan , Torun Alper , Parlak Ismet
Published: October 2019

Introduction:

Approximately 50,000 patients per year present at emergency departments (EDs) because of carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication. The hypothesis of this study was that the half-life of CO and the regression period of complaints could be reduced more rapidly by applying oxygen with the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) modality using a non-invasive mechanical ventilator.

Methods:

The patients were divided into Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of the treatment method applied. Patients in Group 1 received FiO2 1.0 15 l/minute oxygen at room temperature for at least 30 minutes with a non-rebreather mask. Patients in Group 2 received FiO2 1.0 oxygen at 12 cmH2O pressure with non-invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 30 minutes with an oronasal mask in the CPAP modality.

Results:

The median values (interquartile range) of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels at zero and 30 minutes of patients were 19% (8) and 14% (6) in Group 1 and 22% (8) and nine percent (3) in Group 2; a median difference of six percent (2) was detected in Group 1 and of 13% (4) in Group 2 in the first 30 minutes (P <.001). When the symptoms of the patients were examined, the median values of Group 1 and Group 2 at zero minutes were both eight units and at 30 minutes were five and three units, respectively. A decrease of five units was determined in the median of Group 2 in the first 30 minutes, and a decrease of two units in the median of Group 1 (P <.001).

Conclusion:

The use of CPAP was determined to more rapidly reduce COHb level as opposed to high-flow oxygen therapy. It is also thought that it may enable earlier discharge by reducing the duration of the emergency follow-up since it provides a faster improvement in the symptoms of the patients.
Tipping the scales of justice: the role of forensic evaluations in the criminalization of mental illness
Authors: McCallum Katherine E. , Gowensmith W. Neil
Published: October 2019

An unprecedented number of individuals with mental illness are represented in the criminal justice system. The unending growth of mentally ill populations in the justice system has led to jails and court dockets being increasingly overwhelmed with cases involving mental illness, state hospitals devoting far more beds and resources to forensic cases, and people without a criminal commitment left waiting for mental health services as forensic cases are prioritized. Although a forensic mental health evaluation is only one component of this larger system, common problems with forensic mental health evaluations can exacerbate the criminalization of persons with mental illness in many ways. This article reviews the current literature regarding issues of quality, reliability, and validity of forensic mental health evaluations, discusses the broader impact of these issues, and offers potential solutions for the field.
What is the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder, extreme appraisals of internal state and symptoms in bipolar disorder?
Authors: Frost Laura , Mansell Warren , Varese Filippo , Tai Sara
Published: October 2019

Background:

It is important to understand the factors associated with more severe mood symptoms in bipolar disorder. The integrative cognitive model of bipolar disorder proposes that extreme appraisals of changes to internal states maintain and exacerbate mood symptoms.

Aims:

The current study aimed to investigate if post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is related to current depressive and manic bipolar symptoms, and whether this relationship is mediated by appraisals of internal state.

Method:

Participants with bipolar disorder (n = 82) from a randomized controlled trial of cognitive therapy for bipolar disorder (the TEAMS trial) completed self-reported questionnaires assessing appraisals of internal state, generalized anxiety symptoms, and self-reported and observer-rated depressive and manic symptoms. Clinical interviews assessed PTSD co-morbidity.

Results:

Participants with bipolar and co-morbid PTSD (n = 27) had higher depressive symptoms and more conflicting appraisals than those without PTSD. Regression analyses found PTSD to be associated with depressive symptoms but not manic symptoms. Conflicting appraisals were found to be associated only with manic symptoms meaning that the planned mediation analysis could not be completed.

Conclusions:

Findings provide partial support for the integrative cognitive model of bipolar disorder and highlight the need for transdiagnostic treatments in bipolar disorder due to the prevalence and impact of trauma and co-morbidity. Working on trauma experiences in therapy may impact on depressive symptoms for those with bipolar disorder and co-morbid PTSD.
The Role of Soil Moisture Feedbacks in Future Summer Temperature Change over East Asia
Authors: Li Kai , Zhang Jingyong , Yang Kai , Wu Lingyun
Published: October 2019

The increased mean temperature and temperature variability under global warming can have many adverse impacts on human and natural systems. However, how soil moisture‐atmosphere interaction can affect future climate change over East Asia remains largely unclear. We use long‐term regional climate simulations with the Community Climate System Model‐Weather Research and Forecasting (CCSM‐WRF) model system to investigate the role of soil moisture feedbacks in future summer surface air temperature change over East Asia. Results show that summer surface air temperature and precipitation are projected to increase over most of East Asia by the end of 21st century under the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) scenario. Soil moisture feedbacks lead to an increased summer mean temperature of 0.15°C averaged over East Asia, with key regions appearing over the northern part of Tibetan Plateau, Sichuan Basin, and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin during 2071‐2100 under the RCP8.5 scenario. And regionally averaged interannual temperature variability induced by soil moisture feedbacks is substantially enhanced as a whole. Regarding the spatial distribution, soil moisture feedbacks on interannual temperature variability are projected to strengthen notably over the northern part of Tibetan Plateau, the Hexi Corridor, and Sichuan Basin and weaken over the south Tibetan Plateau, southeast China, and the areas surrounding the Lake Baikal. The stronger responses of surface heat and the atmospheric boundary layer to dry anomalies than wet anomalies lead to an obvious dry‐wet asymmetry of soil moisture feedbacks on summer surface air temperature over the key areas of East Asia.
Rapid Late Quaternary Slip, Repeated Prehistoric Earthquake Rupture, and Widespread Landsliding Associated With the Karakudzhur Thrust, Central Kyrgyz Tien Shan
Authors: Campbell G. E. , Walker R. T. , Abdrakhmatov K. , Carolin S. , Carr A. S. , Elliott J. R. , Jackson J. , Mackenzie D. , Rizza M. , Rodes A.
Published: October 2019

Field studies have shown that active faulting in the SW Tien Shan is distributed across a series of E‐W reverse faults along the range fronts and within basin interiors, with summed shortening rates that are consistent with GPS measurements. In contrast, few field studies have been undertaken to determine the distribution, and the average slip rates, of faults in the central and eastern parts of the Tien Shan. In this paper we use remote and field‐based observations to characterize the active faulting and tectonic geomorphology of the Karakudzhur Basin in the central Tien Shan of Kyrgyzstan. We use radiocarbon, luminescence, and uranium series dating to provide ages on three fluvial terraces that are vertically displaced across the basin‐bounding reverse fault and estimate fault slip rates using a 20°S dipping fault exposure. We find that the fault has a slip‐rate of ∼2.4–5.9 mm/year averaged over the Holocene, indicating that it accommodates a major part of the shortening measured by GPS. In contrast to the relatively uniform distribution of N‐S shortening in the SW Tien Shan, significant shortening may instead be concentrated at present on a few active faults in the northern part of the central Tien Shan. The fresh geomorphic expression of the Karakudzhur fault suggests that it has ruptured in recent prehistory in a large‐magnitudeMw≥ 7 earthquake. From palaeoseismic trenching we show that two significant surface rupturing earthquakes have occurred since ~2.4 ka. The most recent earthquake was potentially accompanied by widespread landsliding and faulting in the surrounding highlands.
Radiometric Stability Validation of 17 Years of AIRS Data Using Sea Surface Temperatures
Authors: Aumann Hartmut H. , Broberg Steve , Manning Evan , Pagano Tom
Published: October 2019

We evaluate the stability of the radiometric calibration of the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) by analyzing the trend in the time series of the difference between the brightness temperatures measured in the 1,231‐cm−1 atmospheric window channel, corrected for atmospheric transmission, relative to the Real‐Time Global Sea Surface Temperature (RTGSST) for oceans between 30S and 30N. The observed bias relative to the RTGSST between 2002 and 2019 was less than 250 mK, with a 2–3‐mK/yr trend. Establishing the stability of the 1,231‐cm−1 channel at tropical ocean temperatures at the 2–3‐mK/yr level is a necessary but not sufficient condition of establishing the calibration stability of all AIRS channels over the full dynamic range at a comparable level. Our analysis indirectly establishes the stability of the RTGSST for the 2002–2017 time period and region at the 2–3‐mK/yr level, with a degradation since 2017.
The Significance of Tomographic Edge Zones for Large Earthquakes in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Z. , Kao H.
Published: October 2019

Seismogenesis of large earthquakes in Taiwan are often controlled by regional tectonics. Despite decades of efforts, the detailed relationship between seismogenesis of disastrous earthquakes and the geophysical properties of the earth materials remains unclear. In this study, we conduct high‐resolution tomography inversion of seismic velocities (Vp and Vs) and the Poisson's ratio (σ), and the results are used to infer the three‐dimensional (3‐D) distributions of crack density (ε) and saturation rate (ζ). We find that more than 70% of large (moment or local magnitudes ≥6, M6+) earthquakes occurred along tomographic edge zones (TEZ) within the crust where the spatial gradient exceeds 0.1, including all three disastrous events in the past two decades: the 1999 M7.6 Chi‐Chi, 2016 M6.5 Meinung, and the 2018 M6.4 Hualien earthquakes. We attribute the preference of large crustal earthquakes along TEZ as the consequence of fluid migration from the more saturated side to the opposite, leading to the build‐up of high pore pressure along TEZ. Locations of historical M6+ earthquakes are consistent with the inference of excessive fluids from either the extensive dehydration of hydrous minerals within the subducting Philippine Sea plate or the sedimentary compaction of alluvium and clastic deposits in the foreland basin west of the orogenic belt. Positive correlation between M6+ earthquakes and TEZ is not unique to Taiwan. Several famous earthquakes in regions with different tectonic settings appear to be associated with local TEZ. Our study could provide insights to long‐term mitigation of regional seismic hazards in Taiwan and probably elsewhere.
Episodes of Warm‐Air Advection Causing Cloud‐Surface Decoupling During the MARCUS
Authors: Zheng Youtong , Li Zhanqing
Published: October 2019

It has been known for decades that advection of a cloud‐topped marine boundary layer (CTBL) over warmer sea surface causes the stratification (or decoupling) of the CTBL via the entrainment feedback, a mechanism commonly known as “deepening‐warming” decoupling that is typical in subtropics. This study focuses on the opposite direction of advection, that is, low‐level warm air advection (LLWAA), and its impacts on the decoupling degree of a CTBL. Our hypothesis is that LLWAA stabilizes a CTBL, causing a decoupling of the CTBL. It is tested for three LLWAA episodes observed during the Measurements of Aerosols, Radiation, and CloUds over the Southern Ocean (MARCUS) field campaign between the Hobart (43°S, 147°E), Australia, and several Antarctic coast stations. By synthesizing the shipborne measurements of CTBL structure, Himawari‐8 satellite imagery of cloud fields, and reanalysis of meteorological field, four common characteristics of CTBLs under the LLWAA are found: (1) CTBLs are highly stratified to the extent that penetrations of cumulus into main temperature inversions, which are common for subtropical decoupled CTBLs, do not exist; (2) sea surface temperature is 1–2 K lower than the near‐surface air temperature; (3) clouds manifest stratiform with lifetime as long as several tens of hours; and (4) they locate in warm sectors of middle‐latitude cyclones. Possible mechanisms for the maintenance of decoupled clouds under LLWAA are discussed in terms of dynamic and thermodynamic factors. Lapse rates of the decoupled CTBLs are markedly lower than those commonly used for passive satellite estimation of cloud top heights.
The Latitudinal Variability of Oceanic Rainfall Properties and Its Implication for Satellite Retrievals: 1. Drop Size Distribution Properties
Authors: Protat Alain , Klepp Christian , Louf Valentin , Petersen Walter A. , Alexander Simon P. , Barros Ana , Leinonen Jussi , Mace Gerald G.
Published: October 2019

In this study, we analyze an in situ shipboard global ocean drop size distribution (DSD) 8‐year database to understand the underpinning microphysical reasons for discrepancies between satellite oceanic rainfall products at high latitudes reported in the literature. The natural, latitudinal, and convective‐stratiform variability of the DSD is found to be large, with a substantially lower drop concentration with diameter smaller than 3 mm in the Southern hemisphere high latitude (S‐highlat, south of 45°S) and Northern Hemisphere polar latitude (N‐polar, north of 67.5°S) bands, which is where satellite rainfall products most disagree. In contrast, the latitudinal variability of the normalized oceanic DSD is small, implying that the functional form of the normalized DSD can be assumed constant and accurately parameterized using proposed fits. The S‐highlat and N‐polar latitude bands stand out as regions with oceanic rainfall properties different from other latitudes, highlighting fundamental differences in rainfall processes at different latitudes and associated specific challenges for satellite rainfall retrieval techniques. The most salient differences in DSD properties between these two regions and the other latitude bands are: (1) a systematically higher (lower) frequency of occurrence of rainfall rates below (above) 1 mm h‐1, (2) much lower drop concentrations, (3) very different values of the DSD shape parameter (μ0) from what is currently assumed in satellite radar rainfall algorithms, and (4) very different DSD properties in both the convective and stratiform rainfall regimes. Overall, this study provides insights into how DSD assumptions in satellite radar rainfall retrieval techniques could be refined.
Mapping and Characterization of Martian Intercrater Bedrock Plains: Insights Into Resurfacing Processes in the Martian Cratered Highlands
Authors: Cowart J. C. , Rogers A. D. , Edwards C. S.
Published: October 2019

We have produced a map of the Martian highlands that identifies and delineates flat, areally expansive regions of lithified material (bedrock plains) using orbit‐based thermal measurements. We performed morphological and spectral analyses to infer their mechanical properties and determine compositional differences from the surrounding unlithified materials. We tested a previously noted relationship between bedrock plains and olivine spectral detections with quantitative olivine abundance modeling. Finally, we created a catalogue of process‐related landforms (e.g., layering, sinuous ridges, and raised lobate surfaces) associated with bedrock plains. These investigations were used to interpret potential bedrock plain origins. We found that bedrock plains commonly contain multiple morphologically and spectrally distinct subunits. Many bedrock plain surfaces are moderately to heavily degraded, with an apparent susceptibility to aeolian erosion. These properties are consistent with friable clastic materials. Bedrock plains are generally basaltic in composition. They are compositionally distinct from their surroundings, in nearly all cases due to variations in mafic mineralogy. Olivine enrichments associated with bedrock plains are common but not ubiquitous. Olivine enrichments within plain subunits were typically less than 10% above the surrounding, unlithified surface materials. These enrichments could have arisen from mineral fractionation processes during the bulk transport and erosional deflation of clastic materials. Some bedrock plains show strong evidence for fluvial deposition, especially in the Terra Sabaea region. Finally, in addition to clastic bedrock plains, a cluster of bedrock plains in central Terra Cimmeria contain subunits that show evidence for emplacement via effusive volcanism.
Formation, Analysis, Occurrence and Mitigation of Acrylamide Content in Foods
Authors: Šimko P. , Kolarič L.
Published: October 2019

Acrylamide (AA) belongs to the food processing contaminants group, forming in foods containing reducing saccharides (e.g. glucose and fructose) and amino acids, mainly asparagine. From these precursors, AA is formed during thermal procedures such as baking and frying of potatoes, cereals, coffee and cocoa beans at temperatures above 120 °C. AA is formed in the early stage of the Maillard reaction from decarboxylated Schiff base, decarboxylated Amadori product, or 3-amino-propionamide, respectively. Due to its metabolic transformation into glycidamide, which can react with DNA nucleobases, AA is listed in Group 2A by The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as probably carcinogenic to humans. Because of these facts, in 2018 the European Union (EU) set out so called ‘benchmark levels’ i.e. indicators used for verification of the effectiveness of the mitigation measures in broad food categories. In addition, the EU also set out performance criteria for evaluation of analytical methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) to be used for the determination of AA content in foods. Mitigation measures can be applied at any stage of food production and lies in the elimination of precursors during the growing of raw materials, splitting precursors during technological pre-treatments, or stimulation of AA polymerisation reactivity by the addition of some inorganic salts that are frequently added to foods (e.g. NaCl, K4[Fe(CN)6], or KIO3) to form biologically unharmful polyacrylamide during heating processes.
2- and 3-Monochloropropanediol (MCPD) Esters and Glycidyl Esters: Methods of Analysis, Occurrence, and Mitigation in Refined Oils, Infant Formula, and Other Processed Foods
Authors: Beekman Jessica K. , Granvogl Michael , MacMahon Shaun
Published: October 2019

Fatty acid esters of monochloropropanediol (MCPD) and glycidol are process-induced chemical contaminants that are formed during the deodorization process of edible oil refining. These contaminants are considered potentially carcinogenic and/or genotoxic, making their presence in edible oils and processed foods containing these oils a potential health risk. This chapter examines methods of analysis, occurrence, and potential mitigation approaches with regard to these fatty acid ester contaminants in oils and other complex food matrices. Specific emphasis is placed on current research at the United States Food and Drug Administration.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Processed Food: Scientific Challenges and Research Recommendations
Authors: Singh Lochan , Agarwal Tripti
Published: October 2019

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in processed food have been a topic of concern for the past 60 years. Several advancements have been made towards understanding their toxicity, formation, occurrence and detection, risk assessment and legislative guidelines. Still, the research field is facing several challenges starting from general challenges such as lack of data on oral toxicity and direct effect on the human body, using toxic equivalency factors from coal tar mixtures for food etc., to specific challenges such as diversity in processing of food products, matrix-interferences, PAH solubility and clean-up requirements. Furthermore, use of non-environmentally friendly solvents and non-/semi-automatized processes, ambiguity in reported PAHs and consumption data, and different risk assessment approaches are problematic. Besides these challenges, this chapter discusses the lack of detailed mechanisms for PAH formation in processed food, analysis of PAH derivatives and process by-products, lack of diagnostic ratios for source-apportionment and food regulations. Standardization of food products and processes, designing cooking tools, model development, initial food sample screening, rapid contaminant detection, identification of hidden influential factors and establishing an international platform for discussion of the research needs are some recommendations. A focus on these will further enhance our cognizance and insight about these toxic compounds in processed food products.
Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs) in Food: Health Implications and Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Birch Catherine S. , Bonwick Graham A.
Published: October 2019

Controversy remains over the impact of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), not only in their formation, but also whether they actually come directly from food products or are generated by the body in response to ingestion of certain foods. This final chapter will take a different approach to food contaminants and look at the health impact of AGEs, regardless of whether they are directly ingested from food, autogenerated by the body as a consequence of underlying disease conditions or contribute to the aetiology of disease. AGEs are formed from food components or as a consequence of some disease states, such as type II diabetes or cardiovascular disease (CVD). As such these compounds are inextricably linked to the Maillard reaction and cooking conditions. Furthermore, processing-derived chemical contaminants in cooked foods are of concern to consumers. This chapter examines new research into naturally derived plant extracts as inhibitory agents on new dietary AGE (dAGE) formation and introduces practical approaches for the reduction of dAGE consumption in the daily diet. Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of AGEs is paramount to developing strategies against diabetic and cardiovascular complications.
Engineering anisotropic cardiac monolayers on microelectrode arrays for non-invasive analyses of electrophysiological properties
Authors: Alassaf Ahmad , Tansik Gulistan , Mayo Vera , Wubker Laura , Carbonero Daniel , Agarwal Ashutosh
Published: October 2019

Engineering cardiac tissues with physiological architectural and mechanical properties on microelectrode arrays enables long term culture and non-invasive collection of electrophysiological readouts.
A cobalt corrole/carbon nanotube enables simultaneous electrochemical monitoring of oxygen and ascorbic acid in the rat brain
Authors: Liu Xiaomeng , Feng Taotao , Ji Wenliang , Wang Zhaojun , Zhang Meining
Published: October 2019

Simultaneous detection of O2 and ascorbic acid in the rat brain using a cobalt corrole and carbon nanotube nanocomposite modified carbon fiber electrode.
Short to ultrashort peptide-based hydrogels as a platform for biomedical applications
Authors: Yadav Nitin , Chauhan Meenakshi K. , Chauhan Virander S.
Published: October 2019

Short peptides have attracted much attention due to their easy synthesis, diverse functionalisation possibilities, low cost, possibility to make a large range of hierarchical nanostructures and most importantly their high biocompatibility and biodegradability.
Nickel-catalyzed reductive defunctionalization of esters in the absence of an external reductant: activation of C–O bonds
Authors: Iyori Yasuaki , Takahashi Kenjiro , Yamazaki Ken , Ano Yusuke , Chatani Naoto
Published: October 2019

The nickel-catalyzed reductive cleavage of esters in the absence of an external reductant, which involves the cleavage of an inert acyl C–O bond inO-alkyl esters is reported.
NMR relaxation and modelling study of the dynamics of SF6 and Xe in porous organic cages
Authors: Håkansson Pär , Javed Muhammad Asadullah , Komulainen Sanna , Chen Linjiang , Holden Daniel , Hasell Tom , Cooper Andrew , Lantto Perttu , Telkki Ville-Veikko
Published: October 2019

The dynamics of gas in CC3 porous solid is explored with NMR diffusion and relaxation experiments and interpreted with molecular level modeling.
Electrochemical phase transformation accompanied with Mg extraction and insertion in a spinel MgMn2O4 cathode material
Authors: Hatakeyama Takuya , Okamoto Norihiko L. , Shimokawa Kohei , Li Hongyi , Nakao Aiko , Uchimoto Yoshiharu , Tanimura Hiroshi , Kawaguchi Tomoya , Ichitsubo Tetsu
Published: October 2019

Electrochemical Mg extraction from spinel MgMn2O4 active material was firmly proven experimentally by various techniques such as STEM, XPS, XRD, etc.
Confinement of Pt nanoparticles in cage-type mesoporous silica SBA-16 as efficient catalysts for toluene oxidation: the effect of carboxylic groups on the mesopore surface
Authors: Wu Hung-Chi , Chen Tse-Ching , Budi Canggih Setya , Huang Pin-Hsuan , Chen Ching-Shiun , Kao Hsien-Ming
Published: October 2019

In this work, 3D cage-type mesoporous SBA-16 materials functionalized with –COOH groups are used to support Pt metals and provide high catalytic activity for toluene oxidation.
Can cerium oxide serve as a phosphodiesterase-mimetic nanozyme?
Authors: Janoš Pavel , Ederer Jakub , Došek Marek , Štojdl Jiří , Henych Jiří , Tolasz Jakub , Kormunda Martin , Mazanec Karel
Published: October 2019

Nanoceria accelerates dramatically not only the dephosphorylation of energetically rich biomolecules such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), but also the cleavage of highly resistant phosphodiester bonds in 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).
Preventing viral disease by ZnONPs through directly deactivating TMV and activating plant immunity in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Cai Lin , Liu Changyun , Fan Guangjin , Liu Chaolong , Sun Xianchao
Published: October 2019

ZnONPs can prevent viral disease through directly deactivating TMV and activating plant immunity in Nicotiana benthamiana.
Nanomaterials as fertilizers for improving plant mineral nutrition and environmental outcomes
Authors: Kopittke Peter M. , Lombi Enzo , Wang Peng , Schjoerring Jan K. , Husted Søren
Published: October 2019

Nanomaterials can potentially be used as fertilizers to improve both plant nutrition and environmental outcomes.
DNAzyme-based biosensor as a rapid and accurate verification tool to complement simultaneous enzyme-based media forE. colidetection
Authors: Zaouri Noor , Cui Zhengfang , Peinetti Ana Sol , Lu Yi , Hong Pei-Ying
Published: October 2019

DNAzyme-based biosensor can complement enzyme-based media to identifyE. colirapidly.
Pectin oligosaccharides from hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifidaBunge. Var. major) inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products in infant formula milk powder
Authors: Zhu Rugang , Hong Mengling , Zhuang Chunyun , Zhang Lijiao , Wang Congya , Liu Jianli , Duan Zhenhua , Shang Feifei , Hu Fengqing , Li Tiejing , Ning Chong , Chen Gang
Published: October 2019

Pectin oligosaccharides (POSs) can not only be used as prebiotics but also can be used as natural food-borne antiglycation agents, which is related to their structure, including molecular weight and galacturonic acid content.
Protective effect of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens against Salmonella via polarizing macrophages to M1 phenotype directly and to M2 depended on microbiota
Authors: Fu Aikun , Mo Qiufen , Wu Yanping , Wang Baikui , Liu Rongrong , Tang Li , Zeng Zhonghua , Zhang Xiaoping , Li Weifen
Published: October 2019

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SC06 (BaSC06), a potential probiotic, plays a positive role in animal growth performance and immune function.
Identification of bioactive compounds in Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101-fermented reconstituted skimmed milk and their anti-cancer effect in combination with 5-fluorouracil on colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Chang Chia-Yuan , Pan Tzu-Ming
Published: October 2019

Chemotherapy is currently used to treat colorectal cancer (CRC), the most common cancer worldwide.
Synthesis of long-chain polyols from the Claisen condensation of γ-valerolactone
Authors: Santos Camila S. , Soares Caio C. S. P. , Vieira Adriano S. , Burtoloso Antonio C. B.
Published: October 2019

Synthesis of C10–C21 branched polyols from the Claisen condensation of GVL.
Microplasma-synthesized ultra-small NiO nanocrystals, a ubiquitous hole transport material
Authors: Chakrabarti Supriya , Carolan Darragh , Alessi Bruno , Maguire Paul , Svrcek Vladimir , Mariotti Davide
Published: October 2019

We report on a one-step hybrid atmospheric pressure plasma-liquid synthesis of ultra-small NiO nanocrystals (2 nm mean diameter), which exhibit strong quantum confinement and excellent compatibility as hole transport layer for various solar absorber layers.
Surface-passivated, soluble and non-toxic graphene nano-sheets for the selective sensing of toxic Cr(vi) and Hg(ii) metal ions and as a blue fluorescent ink
Authors: Aggarwal Ruchi , Anand Satyesh Raj , Saini Deepika , Gunture Gunture , Singh Ravindra , Sonker Amit Kumar , Sonkar Sumit Kumar
Published: October 2019

Blue fluorescent f-GNS were synthesized by an amine functionalization process, for sensing of toxic Cr(vi) and Hg(ii) metal ions. f-GNS showed a non-toxic behavior against E. coli cells and also be used as a fluorescent ink.
G-Quadruplex based hydrogels stabilized by a cationic polymer as an efficient adsorbent of picric acid
Authors: Zhang Jin , Li Xiaoyang , Sun Xiuping , Liu Yihan , Hao Jingcheng , Tan Yebang , Song Aixin
Published: October 2019

Hydrogels based on G-quadruplexes (G-hydrogels) were prepared using guanosine 5′-monophosphate disodium salt, GMP, with a hyperbranched poly(ethylenimine), PEI, containing abundant –NH2 groups.
Effective solid phase extraction using centrifugation combined with a vacuum-based method for ambient gaseous PAHs
Authors: Tala Wittaya , Chantara Somporn
Published: October 2019

The developed SPE clean-up procedure provides much better efficiency for a group of low molecular weight PAHs than the conventional procedure. It is therefore appropriate for extraction of gaseous PAHs from ambient air samples.
A carbonized porous aromatic framework to achieve customized nitrogen atoms for enhanced supercapacitor performance
Authors: Zhao Yunbo , Bu Naishun , Shao Huimin , Zhang Qian , Feng Bin , Xu Yanmei , Zheng Guiyue , Yuan Ye , Yan Zhuojun , Xia Lixin
Published: October 2019

A porous aromatic framework serving as a precursor preserves the customized nitrogen atoms in the porous carbons, which endows improved electrochemical properties for high-performance supercapacitor applications.
Palladium/cobalt nanowires with improved hydrogen sensing stability at ultra-low temperatures
Authors: Du Lingling , Feng Dongliang , Xing Xiaxia , Fu Yang , Fonseca Luis F. , Yang Dachi
Published: October 2019

The advanced PdCo NW sensors developed for the detection of hydrogen at a wide temperature range showed excellent low-temperature stability.
Polymer-supported metal catalysts for the heterogeneous polymerisation of lactones
Authors: Howard Ioli C. , Hammond Ceri , Buchard Antoine
Published: October 2019

Polymer-supported metal catalysts are used for the heterogeneous polymerisation of renewable lactones, towards the efficient and environmentally benign production of sustainable polymers.
The rapid effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) enriched phospholipids on alleviating exercise fatigue in mice
Authors: Wang Cheng-Cheng , Shi Hao-Hao , Zhang Ling-Yu , Ding Lin , Xue Chang-Hu , Yanagita Teruyoshi , Zhang Tian-Tian , Wang Yu-Ming
Published: October 2019

EPA-PL has rapid effects on alleviating exercise fatigue by inhibiting lactic acid accumulation, glycogen consumption and muscle injury.
Silkworm cocoon derived N, O-codoped hierarchical porous carbon with ultrahigh specific surface area for efficient capture of methylene blue with exceptionally high uptake: kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamics
Authors: Zhu Genxing , Liu Qi , Cao Fengyi , Qin Qi , Jiao Mingli
Published: October 2019

Silkworm cocoon derived N, O-HPC (SBET= 2270.19 m2g−1) was synthesized, and demonstrated exceptionally high uptake of MB (2104.29 mg g−1).
Metal free synthesis of ethylene and propylene carbonate from alkylene halohydrin and CO2 at room temperature
Authors: Khokarale Santosh Govind , Mikkola Jyri-Pekka
Published: October 2019

Metal free, one-pot and room temperature syntheses of the industrially important cyclic carbonates such as ethylene and propylene carbonate were performed from alkylene halohydrins and CO2.
Amine-assisted solubilization of unsubstituted zinc phthalocyanine for film deposition purposes
Authors: Borovkov N. Y. , Odintsova E. G. , Petrenko V. E. , Kolker A. M.
Published: October 2019

Wet-processing of unsubstituted zinc phthalocyanine into polycrystalline films is mastered.
Synthesis and characterization of a ZnGa2O4:Cr3+-based aerogel
Authors: Zhang Ting , Du Ai , Chen Chuanxiang , Ji Xiujie , Zhou Bin , Shen Jun , Zhang Zhihua
Published: October 2019

A ZnGa2O4:Cr3+-based aerogel was prepared by using polyacrylic acid (PAA) as a dispersant and propylene oxide (PO) as a crosslinking agent via CO2 supercritical drying.
Aqueous asymmetric supercapacitors based on electrodeposited poly(1,5-naphthalenediamine) and poly(4,4′-oxydianiline)
Authors: Zhao Yi , Wang Xiaoxu , Xin Tuo , Wang Na , Liu Jinzhang
Published: October 2019

An aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor with a 1.6 V voltage window is fabricated by using two dissimilar polymers.
Visual observation of hydrogen bubble generation from monodisperse CoP QDs on ultrafine g-C3N4 fiber under visible light irradiation
Authors: Zeng Yunxiong , Xia Yingchun , Song Wenjia , Luo Shenglian
Published: October 2019

Solar-driven hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) via water splitting is an attractive technology to address the growing demand for clean fuels.
Hand-in-hand quantum dot assembly sensitized photocathodes for enhanced photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wu Hao-Lin , Li Xu-Bing , Wang Yang , Zhou Shuai , Chen Ya-Jing , He Xiao-Jun , Tung Chen-Ho , Wu Li-Zhu
Published: October 2019

A hand-in-hand QD assembly sensitized photocathode with extended light absorption and oriented charge transfer is established for enhanced PEC water splitting, which is comparable to or even better than those external cocatalyst-assisted systems.
Site-selective symmetries of Eu3+-doped BaTiO3 ceramics: a structural elucidation by optical spectroscopy
Authors: Serna-Gallén Pablo , Beltrán-Mir Héctor , Cordoncillo Eloísa , West Anthony R. , Balda Rolindes , Fernández Joaquín
Published: October 2019

By means of optical spectroscopy, our study gives a plausible elucidation of Eu3+ site occupation in micron-sized BaTiO3 particles.
A triplet state energy transfer material design concept enables enhanced visualization applications
Authors: Shi Caihong , Yao Jian , Wang Xinrui , Wen Xue , Shi Wenying , Lu Chao
Published: October 2019

A triplet energy transfer approach to fabricate Eu–CD nanomaterials to improve sensor and visualization effects for –OH-related environmental changes.
Cadmium telluride quantum dot-exposed human bronchial epithelial cells: a further study of the cellular response by proteomics
Authors: Xu Yan-Ming , Tan Heng Wee , Zheng Wei , Liang Zhan-Ling , Yu Fei-Yuan , Wu Dan-Dan , Yao Yue , Zhong Qiu-Hua , Yan Rui , Lau Andy T. Y.
Published: October 2019

Quantum dots (QDs) are luminescent nanoparticles with superior versatility. In this regard, cadmium telluride (CdTe) QDs have been widely used for various bioimaging applications. Although these nano-Cd containing particles can be capped with shells to reduce their cytotoxicity, these shells would be gradually disintegrated after a certain period of time, thereby inevitably exerting nanotoxicity. Previously, we showed that treatment of human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells with uncapped CdTe QDs (520Q, 580Q and 730Q with emission maximum at 520, 580 and 730 nm, respectively) elicited dose-dependent cytotoxicity for 520Q and 580Q (<5 nm), while 730Q (>5 nm) elicited negligible cytotoxicity. In order to gain a more global perspective on the action mechanism of these nano-Cd particles, here, we further characterized the proteome response of BEAS-2B when challenged with the above QDs. Interestingly, among the three nano-Cd particles, we observed that 520Q and 580Q treatment altered the BEAS-2B proteome significantly in a very similar magnitude while 730Q has no obvious impact at all, as compared with the untreated control. Notably, the treatment of BEAS-2B with glutathione before nano-Cd particles abrogated the induction/repression of differentially expressed proteins and prevented cell death. Taken together, our findings show that uncapped CdTe nanoparticles (520Q and 580Q) induce oxidative stress in human bronchial epithelial cells, and the similarly altered protein signatures also suggest potential mitotoxicity and common cellular and detoxification responses upon exposure of lung cells to these two QDs. On the other hand, 730Q may exert a more noticeable effect after long-term exposure, but not upon transient exposure.
Development and validation of nomogram combining serum biomarker for predicting survival in patients with resected rectal cancer
Authors: Fan Shaonan , Li Ting , Zhou Ping , Peng Qiliang , Zhu Yaqun
Published: October 2019

Purpose: Nomogram is a widely used tool that precisely predicts individualized cancer prognoses. We aimed to develop and validate a reliable nomogram including serum tumor biomarkers to predict individual overall survival (OS) for patients with resected rectal cancer (RC) and compare the predictive value with the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stages.

Patients and methods: We analyzed 520 patients who were diagnosed with non-metastatic rectal cancer as training cohort. External validation was performed in a cohort of 11851 patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Independent prognostic factors were identified and integrated to build a nomogram using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. The nomogram was evaluated by Harrell’s concordance index (C-index) and calibration plots in both training and validation cohort.

Results: The calibration curves for probability of 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS in both cohorts showed favorable accordance between the nomogram prediction and the actual observation. The C-indices of the nomograms to predict OS were 0.71 in training cohort and 0.69 in the SEER cohort, which were higher than that of the seventh edition American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM staging system for predicting OS (training cohort, 0.71 vs. 0.58, respectively; P-value < 0.001; validation cohort, 0.69 vs. 0.57, respectively; P-value < 0.001).

Conclusion: We developed and validated a novel nomogram based on CEA and other factors for predicting OS in patients with resected RC, which could assist clinical decision making and improvement of prognosis prediction for individual RC patients after surgery.
Animal experimentation: implementation and application of the 3Rs
Authors: Lewis David I.
Published: October 2019

Despite the development of powerful molecular biological techniques and technologies, studies involving research animals remain a key component of discovery biology, and in the discovery and development of new medicines. In 1959, The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique, the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) were developed to provide a framework to ensure animal research was undertaken as humanely as possible. Sixty years since their inception, the extent to which the 3Rs have been adopted and implemented by the global scientific and medical research communities has unfortunately been slow and patchy. However, this situation is changing rapidly as awareness increases, not only of the 3Rs themselves, but of the impact of animal welfare on the reproducibility, reliability and translatability of data from animal studies.