bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal dependence of cadmium molecular effects on Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819) protamine‐like protein properties
Authors: Piscopo Marina
Published: July 2019

Mussels have a seasonal reproduction and cadmium is a common stressor in estuarine and coastal environments. In previous studies, we have shown that exposure to subtoxic doses of cadmium produced alterations in the properties of winter Mytilus galloprovincialis sperm protamine‐like (PL) proteins. In this study, it was analyzed the possibility that these cadmium effects may be seasonal. Winter and summer mussels were exposed to CdCl2, and it was tested the PL‐proteins for cadmium bioaccumulation, electrophoretic pattern, DNA binding, and potentiality to induce DNA oxidative damage. It was found that cadmium exposure did not produce the same effects on PL‐proteins of summer mussels that were produced on PL‐proteins of winter mussels, that is: cadmium bioaccumulation, alterations in the acetic acid‐urea polyacrylamide gels (AU‐PAGE) and sodium dodecyl sulfate‐PAGE pattern, a reduced DNA binding affinity and the ability to induce DNA oxidative damage. PL‐proteins from summer mussels, apart from not being affected by all the abovementioned effects of cadmium, also showed a very low DNA binding affinity, independent of cadmium exposure. This study reveals clock‐associated seasonal responses to cadmium in M. galloprovincialis. Understanding the mechanisms through which environmental signals guide biological rhythms is fundamental to understanding the seasonal sensitivity of this bioindicator, to use M. galloprovincialis in appropriate seasonal periods.
Relaxation methods for solving the tensor equation arising from the higher‐order Markov chains
Authors: Liu Dongdong , Li Wen , Vong Seak‐Weng
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we propose several relaxation algorithms for solving the tensor equation arising from the higher‐order Markov chain and the multilinear PageRank. The semi‐symmetrization technique on the original equation is also employed to modify the proposed algorithms. The convergence analysis is given for the proposed algorithms. It is shown that the new algorithms are more efficient than the existing ones by some numerical experiments when relaxation parameters are chosen suitably.
Designing of energetic miktoarm A2B2 star‐shaped polymer by means of click chemistry and ROP techniques
Authors: Bodaghi Asghar
Published: July 2019

Novel A2B2‐type energetic miktoarm star‐shaped copolymers composed of two PGN arms and two PCL arms was synthesized by the combination of ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) and “click” chemistry. Initially, diazido end‐functionalized two‐arm PGN, (PGN)2‐(N3)2, was synthesized by ROP of glycidyl nitrate monomers. Subsequently, (PGN)2‐(PCL)2 was obtained from the click reaction between diazido end‐functionalized (PGN)2‐(N3)2 polymers and propargyl‐terminated poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PTPCL). This star copolymer solves problems of PCL (lake of energy) and PGN (low Tg). The Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) studies revealed that (PGN)2‐(PCL)2 was successfully obtained. The thermal behavior of star polymer was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and derivative thermogravimetry. The results show that (PGN)2‐(PCL)2 decomposed at two stages. The first stage is seen at 212.6°C which related to degradation of –ONO2 group and second stage attributed to degradation of PCL group which is seen at 346.1°C.
High false‐positive non‐invasive prenatal screening results for sex chromosome abnormalities: Are maternal factors the culprit?
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhou Qin , Chen Yingping , Shi Ye , Zheng Fangxiu , Liu Jianbing , Yu Bin
Published: July 2019

Objective

To explore the impact of maternal sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) and copy number variation (CNV) on false‐positive results of non‐invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) for predicting foetal SCAs.

Methods

In total, 22 844 pregnant women were recruited to undergo NIPS. Pregnant women with high‐risk of SCAs underwent prenatal diagnosis and maternal copy number variation sequencing (CNV‐seq).

Results

Among 117 women with high‐risk of SCAs, 72 accepted prenatal diagnosis, 86 accepted maternal CNV‐seq, and 21 had maternal sex chromosome abnormalities. The abnormality rate was significantly higher than women at low‐risk of SCAs (24.42% vs 3.51%). Using a novel parameter cffDNA (ChrX)/cffDNA, when the ratio was greater than 2, all foetuses had normal karyotype, and 75.0% (6/8) had abnormal maternal chromosome X. If the ratio was less than or equal to 2, only 10% (4/40) of the mothers had chromosome X CNV alterations, while 33.3% (13/40) of their foetuses had sex chromosomes CNV abnormalities.

Conclusions

Approximately 25% of pregnant women with SCAs predicted by NIPS had sex chromosome abnormalities as determined by CNV‐seq. The ratio of cffDNA (ChrX)/cffDNA can tentatively distinguish the maternal or foetal origin of abnormal cell‐free DNA. In a reanalysis of previous NIPS data, false‐positive results caused by maternal CNV might be elucidated.
EU postmarket surveillance plans for medical devices
Authors: Pane Josep , Francisca Reynold D.C. , Verhamme Katia M.C. , Orozco Marcia , Viroux Hilde , Rebollo Irene , Sturkenboom Miriam C.J.M.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Recent public health safety issues involving medical devices have led to a growing demand to improve the current passive‐reactive postmarket surveillance (PMS) system. Various European Union (EU) national competent authorities have started to focus on strengthening the postmarket risk evaluation. As a consequence, the new EU medical device regulation was published; it includes the concept of a PMS Plan.

Methods

This publication reviewed Annex III Technical Documentation on PMS and Annex XIV Part B: Postmarket clinical follow‐up from the new Regulation (EU) 2017/745 of the European Parliament and of the Council on medical devices.

Results

The results of the PMS activities will be described in the PMS plan and will be used to update other related documents. A modular approach to structure the contents of the PMS plan will help to consistently update other PMS information. It is our suggestion that the PMS plan should consist of a PMS plan Core and a PMS plan Supplement. The PMS plan Core document will describe the PMS system, and the PMS plan Supplement will outline the specific activities performed by the manufacturer for a particular medical device.

Conclusions

The PMS plan may serve as a thorough tool for the benefit‐risk evaluation of medical devices. If properly developed and implemented, it will function as a key player in the establishment of a new framework for proactive safety evaluation of medical devices.
Radical Ring‐Opening Polymerization Behavior of 1,1‐Dicyano‐2‐Vinylcyclopropane and Its Copolymerization with 1‐Cyano‐1‐Ester‐2‐Vinylcyclopropane
Authors: Okamoto Shusuke , Sudo Atsushi , Endo Takeshi
Published: July 2019

Radical ring‐opening polymerization of 1,1‐dicyano‐2‐vinylcyclopropane1was performed in benzonitrile to find the corresponding homopolymer2soluble in organic solvents was successfully obtained while that in other solvents gave crosslinked and thus insoluble homopolymer. In addition,1underwent radical copolymerization with 1‐cyano‐1‐ester‐2‐vinylcyclopropanes3and4to afford the corresponding copolymers7and8. By increasing the content of the1‐derived unit in the resulting copolymers, the solubility of the copolymers in organic solvents became lower and the residual weights at 600 °C and their glass transition temperatures became higher. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1723–1729
Hybrid‐type strigolactone analogues derived from auxins
Authors: Blanco‐Ania Daniel , Mateman Jurgen J , Hýlová Adéla , Spíchal Lukáš , Debie Luc M , Zwanenburg Binne
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Strigolactones (SLs) have a vast number of ecological implications because of the broad spectrum of their biological activities. Unfortunately, the limited availability of SLs restricts their applicability for the benefit of humanity and renders synthesis the only option for their production. However, the structural complexity of SLs impedes their economical synthesis, which is unfeasible on a large scale. Synthesis of SL analogues and mimics with a simpler structure, but with retention of bioactivity, is the solution to this problem.

RESULTS

Here, we present eight new hybrid‐type SL analogues derived from auxin, synthesized via coupling of auxin ester [ethyl 2‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)acetate] and of ethyl 2‐phenylacetate with four D‐rings (mono‐, two di‐ and trimethylated). The new hybrid‐type SL analogues were bioassayed to assess the germination activity of seeds of the parasitic weeds Striga hermonthica, Orobanche minor and Phelipanche ramosa using the classical method of counting germinated seeds and a colorimetric method. The bioassays revealed that analogues with a natural monomethylated D‐ring had appreciable to good activity towards the three species and were the most active derivatives. By contrast, derivatives with the trimethylated D‐ring showed no activity. The dimethylated derivatives (2,4‐dimethyl and 3,4‐dimethyl) were slightly active, especially towards P. ramosa.

CONCLUSIONS

New hybrid‐type analogues derived from auxins have been prepared. These analogues may be attractive as potential suicidal germination agents for parasitic weed control because of their ease of preparation and relevant bioactivity. © 2019 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Pheromone peptide cOB1 from native Enterococcus faecalis forms amyloid‐like structures: A new paradigm for peptide pheromones
Authors: Gour Shalini , Kumar Vijay , Rana Monika , Yadav Jay Kant
Published: July 2019

Pheromone peptides are an important component of bacterial quorum‐sensing system. The pheromone peptide cOB1 (VAVLVLGA) of native commensal Enterococcus faecalis has also been identified as an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) and reported to kill the prototype clinical isolate strain of E. faecalis V583. In this study, the pheromone peptide cOB1 has shown to form amyloid‐like structures, a characteristic which is never reported for a pheromone peptide so far. With in silico analysis, the peptide was predicted to be highly amyloidogenic. Further, under experimental conditions, cOB1 formed aggregates displaying characteristics of amyloid structures such as bathochromic shift in Congo red absorbance, enhancement in thioflavin T fluorescence, and fibrillar morphology under transmission electron microscopy. This novel property of pheromone peptide cOB1 may have some direct effects on the binding of the pheromone to the receptor cells and subsequent conjugative transfer, making this observation more important for the therapeutics, dealing with the generation of virulent and multidrug‐resistant pathogenic strains.
Effect of Plasma Treatment on the Sensor Properties of a Light‐Addressable Potentiometric Sensor (LAPS)
Authors: Özsoylu Dua , Kizildag Sefa , Schöning Michael J. , Wagner Torsten
Published: July 2019

A light‐addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) is a field‐effect‐based (bio‐) chemical sensor, in which a desired sensing area on the sensor surface can be defined by illumination. Light addressability can be used to visualize the concentration and spatial distribution of the target molecules, e.g., H+ ions. This unique feature has great potential for the label‐free imaging of the metabolic activity of living organisms. The cultivation of those organisms needs specially tailored surface properties of the sensor. O2 plasma treatment is an attractive and promising tool for rapid surface engineering. However, the potential impacts of the technique are carefully investigated for the sensors that suffer from plasma‐induced damage. Herein, a LAPS with a Ta2O5 pH‐sensitive surface is successfully patterned by plasma treatment, and its effects are investigated by contact angle and scanning LAPS measurements. The plasma duration of 30 s (30 W) is found to be the threshold value, where excessive wettability begins. Furthermore, this treatment approach causes moderate plasma‐induced damage, which can be reduced by thermal annealing (10 min at 300 °C). These findings provide a useful guideline to support future studies, where the LAPS surface is desired to be more hydrophilic by O2 plasma treatment.
A Bayesian control chart for monitoring the ratio of Weibull percentiles
Authors: Erto Pasquale , Lepore Antonio , Palumbo Biagio , Vanacore Amalia
Published: July 2019

This paper introduces a new Bayesian control chart to compare two processes by monitoring the ratio of percentiles of two quality characteristics that are assumed to be independent Weibull distributed random variables with the same and stable shape parameter larger than one. The chart analyses the sampling data directly, instead of transforming them in order to comply with the usual normality assumption, as many charts do. A real application in the wood industry and a wide simulation illustrate the features of the chart and its performance, depending on the number of training data, the quality of prior information, and the magnitude of the shift.
Effect of management strategies on reducing negative impacts of climate change on water resources of the Isfahan–Borkhar aquifer using MODFLOW
Authors: Ostad‐Ali‐Askari Kaveh , Ghorbanizadeh Kharazi Hossein , Shayannejad Mohammad , Zareian Mohammad Javad
Published: July 2019

Recently, many studies have investigated the effect of climate change on groundwater resources in semiarid and arid areas and have shown adverse effects on groundwater recharge and water level. However, only a few studies have shown suitable strategies for reducing these adverse effects. In this study, climate conditions were predicted for the future period of 2020–2044, under the emission scenarios of RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5, for Isfahan–Borkhar aquifer, Isfahan, Iran, using MODFLOW‐2000 (MODFLOW is United States Geological Survey product). Results showed that the average groundwater level of the aquifer would decrease to 13, 15, and 16 m in 2012 to 2044 approximately under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively. Then, three groundwater sustainability management scenarios were defined that included 10%, 30%, and 50% reduction in groundwater extraction. These strategies simulated the reduced negative effects of climate change on the aquifer. The results showed that decreases in water withdrawal rates of 10%, 30%, and 50% under RCP8.5 scenario (critical scenario) could decrease the mean groundwater level by 14, 11, and 7 m, respectively. The main result of the study showed that 50% reduction in groundwater withdrawal may increase the groundwater levels significantly in order to restore the aquifer sustainability in the study area. In this study, with assuming that the current harvest of wells in the future period is constant, so the results of studies showed that for the aquifer's sustainability management, the water abstraction from the aquifer should reduce up to 50% of the existing wells. Changing the irrigation method from surface to subdroplet irrigation plays an important role in reducing the withdrawal from the aquifer. The results of a study in Iran have shown that the change in the irrigation method from surface to subdroplet irrigation causes a 40% reduction in water use for agriculture.
Anode‐Free Sodium Metal Batteries Based on Nanohybrid Core–Shell Templates
Authors: Lee Min Eui , Lee Seunggon , Choi Jaewon , Jin Hyoung‐Joon , Han Seungyong , Yun Young Soo
Published: July 2019

Anode‐free sodium metal batteries (AF‐SMBs) can deliver high energy and enormous power, but their cycle lives are still insufficient for them to be practical as a power source in modern electronic devices and/or grid systems. In this study, a nanohybrid template based on high aspect‐ratio silver nanofibers and nitrogen‐rich carbon thin layers as a core–shell structure is designed to improve the Coulombic efficiency (CE) and cycling performance of AF‐SMBs. The catalytic nanohybrid templates dramatically reduce the voltage overshooting caused by metal nucleation to one‐fifth that of a bare Al foil electrode (≈6 mV vs ≈30 mV), and high average CE values of >99% are achieved over a wide range of current rates from 0.2 to 8 mA cm−2. Moreover, exceptionally long cycle lives for more than 1600 cycles and an additional 1500 cycles are achieved with a highly stable CE of >99.9%. These results show that AF‐SMBs are feasible with the nanohybrid electrode system.
Nanoparticle–Plant Interactions: Two‐Way Traffic
Authors: Khan Mujeebur Rahman , Adam Vojtech , Rizvi Tanveer Fatima , Zhang Baohong , Ahamad Faheem , Jośko Izabela , Zhu Ye , Yang Mingying , Mao Chuanbin
Published: July 2019

In this Review, an effort is made to discuss the most recent progress and future trend in the two‐way traffic of the interactions between plants and nanoparticles (NPs). One way is the use of plants to synthesize NPs in an environmentally benign manner with a focus on the mechanism and optimization of the synthesis. Another way is the effects of synthetic NPs on plant fate with a focus on the transport mechanisms of NPs within plants as well as NP‐mediated seed germination and plant development. When NPs are in soil, they can be adsorbed at the root surface, followed by their uptake and inter/intracellular movement in the plant tissues. NPs may also be taken up by foliage under aerial deposition, largely through stomata, trichomes, and cuticles, but the exact mode of NP entry into plants is not well documented. The NP–plant interactions may lead to inhibitory or stimulatory effects on seed germination and plant development, depending on NP compositions, concentrations, and plant species. In numerous cases, radiation‐absorbing efficiency, CO2 assimilation capacity, and delay of chloroplast aging have been reported in the plant response to NP treatments, although the mechanisms involved in these processes remain to be studied.
Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Thermal Properties of Energetic Semicarbazide Salt, Manganese(II) Salt, and Coordination Compound of 3,5‐Dinitrobenzoic Acid
Authors: Lv Liping , Zhong Ye , Kong Lei , Huang Huisheng , Zhang Tonglai , Li Zhimin
Published: July 2019

Nitro compounds have been actively researched as driven by their potential to be high‐performing energetic materials. Herein, three new nitro compounds including semicarbazide 3,5‐dinitrobenzoate, (SCZ)(DNBA), manganese 3,5‐dinitrobenzoate dihydrate, [Mn(DNBA)2(H2O)2]n, and bis(semicarbazide) manganese(II) 3,5‐dinitrobenzoate, Mn(SCZ)2(DNBA)2, were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The results indicated that the above mentioned compounds are ionic, polymeric, and molecular in nature, respectively. Moreover, their thermal decomposition properties were assessed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Their non‐isothermal reaction kinetics parameters, critical temperature of thermal explosion (Tbp), entropy of activation (ΔS≠), enthalpy of activation (ΔH≠), and free energy of activation (ΔG≠) of the exothermic decomposition process were also calculated. Results suggest that there was a relationship between the structure and thermal stability.
Optical and Structural Properties of Tin Sulfide Nanoparticles Obtained via Solvothermal Routes
Authors: Adeyemi Jerry O. , Oyewo Opeyemi A. , Onwudiwe Damian C.
Published: July 2019

The effect of using different solvothermal approaches, involving heat‐up and hot‐injection routes, on the phase, morphology and optical properties of tin sulfide nanoparticles using novel dibutyltin(IV) p‐methylphenyl dithiocarbamate as single source precursor compound have been studied. Dibutyltin(IV) p‐methylphenyldithiocarbamate was synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic techniques (FT‐IR, 1H, 13C and 119Sn), and elemental analysis. TG analysis, studied under nitrogen, revealed tin sulfide of the rare mixed‐valence binary phase (Sn2S3) as the final residue at the end of the decomposition process. The samples presented as SnS1 and SnS2 obtained by the heat‐up and hot injection routes respectively, at 220 °C and in the presence of oleylamine as surfactant, revealed the α‐cubic phase of SnS with Herzenbergite structure. The X‐ray diffraction analysis of the nanoparticles also revealed patterns which showed preferred growth along (111) orientation; hence, favoring anisotropic shapes which were more distinct at higher magnification images of the TEM as a pseudo spherical morphology tending toward the formation of short rods. The optical property of the nanoparticles exhibited a blue shift in the bandgap energy with respect to the bulk, which is an evidence of quantum confinement effect.
Through the Mirror: The Account of Other Minds in Chinese Yogācāra Buddhism
Authors: Li Jingjing
Published: July 2019

This article proposes a new reading of the mirror analogy presented in the doctrine of Chinese Yogācāra Buddhism. Clerics, such as Xuanzang 玄奘 (602–664) and his protégé Kuiji 窺基 (632–682), articulated this analogy to describe our experience of other minds. In contrast with existing interpretations of this analogy as figurative ways of expressing ideas of projecting and reproducing, I argue that this mirroring experience should be understood as revealing, whereby we perceive other minds through the second-person perspective. This mirroring experience, in its allusion to the collectivity of consciousness, yields the metaphysical explication of mutual interdependence and the prescription of norms for compassionate actions.
May Dyspnea Sensation Influence the Sexual Function in Men With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome? A Prospective Control Study
Authors: Skoczyński Szymon , Nowosielski Krzysztof , Minarowski Łukasz , Brożek Grzegorz , Oraczewska Aleksandra , Glinka Klaudia , Ficek Karolina , Kotulska Beata , Tobiczyk Ewelina , Skomro Robert , Mróz Robert , Barczyk Adam
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Dyspnea sensation is frequently present in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) patients; however, its possible influence on sexual function and body image has not been well analyzed.

Aims

To evaluate sexual function, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD), and body image during sexual activity and its relationship with dyspnea in men with OSA.

Methods

129 men were included in the prospective study, with 61 diagnosed with OSA (cases) and 68 age- and BMI-matched healthy control subjects. Patients were assessed for the severity of heart failure by the New York Heart Association scale and dyspnea by the Visual Analogue Scale. OSA was confirmed by in-laboratory polysomnography.

Main Outcome Measures

International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was used as a measure of sexual function, body image during sexual activity was assessed by the Body Exposure During Sexual Activity Questionnaire, whereas SD was diagnosed using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition.

Results

The mean age of the studied population was 57.9 ± 10.8 years. Presence of dyspnea interfered with sexual life in 20% of men diagnosed with OSA and with work performance in 33%. Men with OSA had worse scores in IIEF-15 compared with control subjects and higher frequency of sexual distress compared with men with OSA. There were no differences in the rate of SD according to criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition. The presence of OSA worsened the perceived body image during sexual activity. The presence of dyspnea was the only negative factor affecting sexual function in general (IIEF-15 score) and 1 of the factors affecting erectile function and orgasmic function.

Conclusion

In men with OSA, body image is negatively influenced by the presence of OSA. Furthermore, the presence of dyspnea assessed by the New York Heart Association scale impairs sexual function in that group of men.
The Effect of Bupivacaine on the Efficacy of Antibiotic Coating on Penile Implants in Preventing Infection
Authors: Lokeshwar Soum D. , Horodyski Laura , Lahorewala Sarrah S. , Morera Daley S. , Arora Himanshu , Kava Bruce , Ramasamy Ranjith
Published: July 2019

Background

In an effort to reduce dependence on opioids following inflatable penile prosthesis placement, intra-operative soaking of the implant in Bupivacaine (BUP) has been proposed as part of a multimodal approach to pain control. However, no study has shown if the addition of BUP affects the antimicrobial properties of InhibiZone on AMS700 (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA) and/or of antibiotic soaked Titan Coloplast (Coloplast Corporation, Minneapolis, MN).

Aim

To determine if BUP alters the zone of inhibition (ZOI) against Staphylococcus epidermidis (S epidermidis) and Escherichia coli (E coli), common gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial causes of infection, respectively, created by InhibiZone coated AMS and/or by antibiotic-soaked Coloplast implant.

Methods

S epidermidis and E coli were spread on agar plates. After a 30-minute incubation, four AMS with InhibiZone strips treated with sterile saline or BUP (1.25 mg/mL) were placed on a plate. 4 Coloplast strips were dipped in varying routinely used concentrations of Rifampin (0–10 mg/mL) plus Gentamicin (0–1 mg/mL; rifampin and gentamicin (R+G)) solution with or without BUP. The ZOI for AMS with InhibiZone and Coloplast dipped in antibiotic solution was measured using ImageJ software. Normalized ZOI was calculated as (ZOI area/plate area) × 100. Unpaired t-test compared the mean ± SD ZOI between BUP and no BUP groups (n = 4/group).

Outcomes

The primary outcome of the study was the ZOI against E coli and S epidermidis at 24 and 48 hours.

Results

Growth of both S epidermidis and E coli at 24 and 48 hours of incubation was inhibited in both implants and the addition of BUP did not alter the ZOI. Coloplast strips dipped in R+G produced a ZOI in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, the ZOI against S epidermidis compared to that of E coli was much wider for both implants.

Clinical Implications

This suggests that the use of BUP does not affect the protective effects of antibiotic dips and can potentially be used during penile prosthesis surgery pending clinical trials.

Strengths and Limitations

This is the first study to evaluate the effect of BUP on anti-bacterial dips. As with all in vitro analysis, further research must be done to see if these findings hold true in the clinical setting.

Conclusions

The addition of BUP does not impede the in vitro antibacterial activity of InhibiZone-coated AMS or R+G-soaked Coloplast. Whether these in vitro findings translate to surgical outcomes needs to be evaluated in future preclinical trials.
Fifteen years of phishing: can technology save us?
Authors: Furnell Steven , Millet Kieran , Papadaki Maria
Published: July 2019

With the first incidents dating back to 2003, phishing has now been a problem for over a decade and a half. Unfortunately, just like malware, it's proven to be the cyber security equivalent of an unwanted genie that we can't put back in the bottle. Despite many efforts to educate users and provide safeguards, people are still falling victim.

Although it is a long-established threat, phishing continues to grow and represents a significant issue for individuals and organisations.

Steven Furnell, Kieran Millet and Maria Papadaki of the Centre for Security, Communications and Network Research, University of Plymouth, UK, examine the scale of the problem and look at the effectiveness of some of our technology-based defences. And they present the results of a practical assessment of the capabilities of email services to identify and highlight phishing based upon message content.
On the maximisation of control power in low-speed flight
Authors: Campos L. M. B. C. , Marques J. M. G.
Published: July 2019

The maximisation of control power is considered for an aircraft with multiple control surfaces, with the force and moment coefficients specified by polynomials of the control surface deflections of degree two. The optimal deflections, which maximise and minimise any force or moment coefficient, are determined subject to constraints on the range of deflection of each control surface. The results are applied to a flying wing configuration to determine: (i/ii) the pitch trim, at the lowest drag for the fastest climb, and at the highest drag for the steepest descent; (iii) the maximum and minimum pitching moment; (iv) the maximum and minimum yaw control power and the fraction needed to compensate an outboard engine failure for several propulsion configurations; (v) the maximum and minimum rolling moment. The optimal use of all control surfaces has significant advantages over using just one, e.g. the range of drag modulation with pitch trim is much wider and the maximum and minimum available control moments larger.
Diagnostic accuracy of eFAST in the trauma patient: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Netherton Stuart , Milenkovic Velimir , Taylor Mark , Davis Philip J.
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Performing an extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (eFAST) exam is common practice in the initial assessment of trauma patients. The objective of this study was to systematically review the published literature on diagnostic accuracy of all components of the eFAST exam.

Methods

We searched Medline and Embase from inception through October 2018, for diagnostic studies examining the sensitivity and specificity of the eFAST exam. After removal of duplicates, 767 records remained for screening, of which 119 underwent full text review. Meta-DiSc™ software was used to create pooled sensitivities and specificities for included studies. Study quality was assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUADAS-2) tool.

Results

Seventy-five studies representing 24,350 patients satisfied our selection criteria. Studies were published between 1989 and 2017. Pooled sensitivities and specificities were calculated for the detection of pneumothorax (69% and 99% respectively), pericardial effusion (91% and 94% respectively), and intra-abdominal free fluid (74% and 98% respectively). Sub-group analysis was completed for detection of intra-abdominal free fluid in hypotensive (sensitivity 74% and specificity 95%), adult normotensive (sensitivity 76% and specificity 98%) and pediatric patients (sensitivity 71% and specificity 95%).

Conclusions

Our systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that e-FAST is a useful bedside tool for ruling in pneumothorax, pericardial effusion, and intra-abdominal free fluid in the trauma setting. Its usefulness as a rule-out tool is not supported by these results.
Non-dimensional energy dissipation rate near the turbulent/non-turbulent interfacial layer in free shear flows and shear free turbulence
Authors: Watanabe Tomoaki , da Silva Carlos B. , Nagata Koji
Published: July 2019

The non-dimensional dissipation rate $C_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}}=\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}L/u^{\prime 3}$, where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}$, $L$ and $u^{\prime }$ are the viscous energy dissipation rate, integral length scale of turbulence and root-mean-square of the velocity fluctuations, respectively, is computed and analysed within the turbulent/non-turbulent interfacial (TNTI) layer using direct numerical simulations of a planar jet, mixing layer and shear free turbulence. The TNTI layer that separates the turbulent and non-turbulent regions exists at the edge of free shear turbulent flows and turbulent boundary layers, and comprises both the viscous superlayer and turbulent sublayer regions. The computation of $C_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}}$ is made possible by the introduction of an original procedure, based on local volume averages within spheres of radius $r$, combined with conditional sampling as a function of the location with respect to the TNTI layer. The new procedure allows for a detailed investigation of the scale dependence of several turbulent quantities near the TNTI layer. An important achievement of this procedure consists in permitting the computation of the turbulent integral scale within the TNTI layer, which is shown to be approximately constant. Both the non-dimensional dissipation rate and turbulent Reynolds number $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}$ vary in space within the TNTI layer, where two relations are observed: $C_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}}\sim Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}^{-1}$ and $C_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}}\sim Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}^{-2}$. Specifically, whereas the viscous superlayer and part of the turbulent sublayer display $C_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}}\sim Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}^{-2}$, the remaining of the turbulent sublayer exhibits $C_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}}\sim Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}^{-1}$, which is consistent with non-equilibrium turbulence (Vassilicos, Annu. Rev. Fluid Mech. vol. 47, 2015, pp. 95–114).
Decomposition of the mean skin-friction drag in compressible turbulent channel flows
Authors: Li Weipeng , Fan Yitong , Modesti Davide , Cheng Cheng
Published: July 2019

The mean skin-friction drag in a wall-bounded turbulent flow can be decomposed into different physics-informed contributions based on the mean and statistical turbulence quantities across the wall layer. Following Renard & Deck’s study (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 790, 2016, pp. 339–367) on the skin-friction drag decomposition of incompressible wall-bounded turbulence, we extend their method to a compressible form and use it to investigate the effect of density and viscosity variations on skin-friction drag generation, using direct numerical simulation data of compressible turbulent channel flows. We use this novel decomposition to study the skin-friction contributions associated with the molecular viscous dissipation and the turbulent kinetic energy production and we investigate their dependence on Reynolds and Mach number. We show that, upon application of the compressibility transformation of Trettel & Larsson (Phys. Fluids, vol. 28, 2016, 026102), the skin-friction drag contributions can be only partially transformed into the equivalent incompressible ones, as additional terms appear representing deviations from the incompressible counterpart. Nevertheless, these additional contributions are found to be negligible at sufficiently large equivalent Reynolds number and low Mach number. Moreover, we derive an exact relationship between the wall heat flux coefficient and the skin-friction drag coefficient, which allows us to relate the wall heat flux to the skin-friction generation process.
Contention and the Pendulum Pivot: Weighting Equal Justice
Authors: Ward Geoff K.
Published: July 2019

InBreaking the Pendulum: The Long Struggle Over Criminal Justice(2017), Philip Goodman, Joshua Page, and Michelle Phelps advocate replacing the pendular notion of penal change with an agonistic approach, where contention is central. This Essay reflects on a pendulum component that has escaped theoretical or empirical scrutiny in pendular accounts of penal change: the pivot determining how freely a pendulum weight swings, and its resting equilibrium. In this parting glance at the pendulum heuristic, I relate this pivot to the agonistic perspective on punishment and—focusing on racial politics of juvenile justice—imagine an antiracist calibration of struggle over penal change.
Gridded and direct Epoch of Reionisation bispectrum estimates using the Murchison Widefield Array
Authors: Trott Cathryn M. , Watkinson Catherine A. , Jordan Christopher H. , Yoshiura Shintaro , Majumdar Suman , Barry N. , Byrne R. , Hazelton B. J. , Hasegawa K. , Joseph R. , Kaneuji T. , Kubota K. , Li W. , Line J. , Lynch C. , McKinley B. , Mitchell D. A. , Morales M. F. , Murray S. , Pindor B. , Pober J. C. , Rahimi M. , Riding J. , Takahashi K. , Tingay S. J. , Wayth R. B. , Webster R. L. , Wilensky M. , Wyithe J. S. B. , Zheng Q. , Emrich David , Beardsley A. P. , Booler T. , Crosse B. , Franzen T. M. O. , Horsley L. , Johnston-Hollitt M. , Kaplan D. L. , Kenney D. , Pallot D. , Sleap G. , Steele K. , Walker M. , Williams A. , Wu C.
Published: July 2019

We apply two methods to estimate the 21-cm bispectrum from data taken within the Epoch of Reionisation (EoR) project of the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA). Using data acquired with the Phase II compact array allows a direct bispectrum estimate to be undertaken on the multiple redundantly spaced triangles of antenna tiles, as well as an estimate based on data gridded to the uv-plane. The direct and gridded bispectrum estimators are applied to 21 h of high-band (167–197 MHz; z = 6.2–7.5) data from the 2016 and 2017 observing seasons. Analytic predictions for the bispectrum bias and variance for point-source foregrounds are derived. We compare the output of these approaches, the foreground contribution to the signal, and future prospects for measuring the bispectra with redundant and non-redundant arrays. We find that some triangle configurations yield bispectrum estimates that are consistent with the expected noise level after 10 h, while equilateral configurations are strongly foreground-dominated. Careful choice of triangle configurations may be made to reduce foreground bias that hinders power spectrum estimators, and the 21-cm bispectrum may be accessible in less time than the 21-cm power spectrum for some wave modes, with detections in hundreds of hours.
Life is everywhere in sinters: examples from Jurassic hot-spring environments of Argentine Patagonia
Authors: Guido Diego M , Campbell Kathleen A , Foucher Frédéric , Westall Frances
Published: July 2019

Jurassic siliceous hot-spring (sinter) deposits from Argentine Patagonia were evaluated to determine the distribution and preservation quality of their entombed microbial fabrics. Detailed study showed that the Claudia palaeo-geothermal field hosts the best-preserved sinter apron in the Deseado Massif geological province, where we also found hot-spring silica–biotic interactions extending into hydrothermally influenced fluvial and lacustrine settings. Carbonaceous material was identified by petrography and Raman spectroscopy mapping; it is inter-laminated with silica across proximal vent to distal marsh facies. The ubiquitous presence of microbial biosignatures has application to studies of hydrothermal settings of early life on Earth and potentially Mars.
THE DIPLOMATIC REPERTOIRES OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANIES IN MUGHAL SOUTH ASIA, 1608–1717
Authors: VAN MEERSBERGEN GUIDO
Published: July 2019

This article presents the first survey of the full range of diplomatic interactions between the Mughal Empire and the English and Dutch East India Companies (EIC and VOC) in the period 1608–1717. It proposes a typology of the six different modes of diplomacy practised by the EIC and VOC as a means to understand better the distinct nature of corporate diplomacy. Moving its focus beyond exceptional embassies, this article demonstrates that by far the most common forms of Company diplomatic activity consisted of low-profile petitioning at the imperial centre and ongoing political interactions with provincial and local power-holders. It draws on c. fifty distinct episodes to chart how Dutch and English diplomatic repertoires in South Asia took shape in response to local demands and conventions. Both Companies petitioned Mughal emperors in much the same way as Indian subjects did, and both relied on Mughal patrons to do so. Cast in the role of supplicants seeking imperial favour and protection, Company envoys presented themselves as obliging participants in the ceremonial performance of an asymmetrical relationship. By tying commercial privileges to expectations of submission and service, the imperial government proceeded to incorporate these foreign actors into a domestic political framework.
Meaning, metaphor, and argument structure
Authors: NISBET TIM
Published: July 2019

This paper challenges what it calls thesemantic determinist hypothesis(SDH) of argument licensing, according to which the syntactic realisation of a verb’s arguments is a function of its semantic properties. Specifically, it takes issue with ‘event schema’ versions of the SDH applied to the English ditransitive alternation (give/send{Jesse the gun/the gun to Jesse}), which claim a systematic, syntactically predictive distinction between ‘caused possession’ and ‘caused motion’. It is first shown that semantic and syntactic irregularities among the alternating verbs disconfirm such a mapping. More crucially, however, it is argued that ‘non-prototypical’ (metaphorical and idiomatic) usage (The news report gave Walt an idea,Walt’s actions gave the lie to his promises,The discovery sent Jesse into a fury) is fatal to the SDH, since the hypothesis entails the existence ofsemantic constraintson argument realisation which these expressions violate.

Based on an analysis of the semantically-related verbsgive,send, andput, it is claimed that prototypical, metaphorical and idiomatic expressions of a verb can all be licensed straightforwardly, but only if theory maintains separate syntactic and semantic representation of arguments in lexical entries, observing the ‘parallel architecture’ of Jackendoff (1997, 2002), and only if argument tokens are licensed by the syntactic representation alone. A type of structure called aLexical Argument Constructionis proposed, which can describe all the relevant properties of verbs and verbal idioms.
Familial factors and the risk of borderline personality pathology: genetic and environmental transmission
Authors: Fatimah Haya , Wiernik Brenton M. , Gorey Claire , McGue Matt , Iacono William G. , Bornovalova Marina A.
Published: July 2019

Background

Parental characteristics and practices predict borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms in children. However, it is difficult to disentangle whether these effects are genetically or environmentally mediated. The present study examines the contributions of genetic and environmental influences by comparing the effects of familial risk factors (i.e. parental psychopathology and borderline traits, maladaptive parenting, marital discord) on child BPD traits in genetically related (biological) and non-related (adoptive) families.

Methods

Data are from 409 adoptive and 208 biological families who participated in the Siblings Interaction and Behavior Study (SIBS) and 580 twin families the Minnesota Twin Family Study (MTFS). Parent characteristics and practices included parental psychopathology (measured via structured clinical interviews), parental BPD traits, parenting behaviors, and marital discord. A series of multi-level regression models were estimated to examine the relationship of familial risk factors to child BPD traits and to test whether children's adoptive status moderated the association.

Results

Symptom counts of parents' conduct disorder, adult antisocial behavior, nicotine, alcohol, and illicit drug dependence, and paternal BPD traits substantially predicted child BPD traits only in biological offspring, implying genetic transmission. Maternal BPD traits and both maternal and paternal conflict, lack of regard, and lack of involvement predicted offspring BPD traits regardless of the adoptive status, implying environmental transmission.

Conclusions

Parental externalizing psychopathology and father's BPD traits contribute genetic risk for offspring BPD traits, but mothers' BPD traits and parents' poor parenting constitute environmental risks for the development of these offspring traits.
Impact of the statutory concessionary travel scheme on bus travel among older people: a natural experiment from England
Authors: Whitley Elise , Craig Peter , Popham Frank
Published: July 2019

In the context of worldwide ageing, increasing numbers of older people are lonely, isolated and excluded, with serious implications for health, and cognitive and physical functioning. Access to good public transport can improve mobility and social participation among older adults, and policies that improve access and promote use, such as concessionary travel schemes, are potentially important in promoting healthy and successful ageing. Concessionary travel schemes for older people are in place in many countries but are under threat following the global financial crisis. Evidence regarding their success in encouraging activity and social participation is generally positive but based largely on qualitative or observational associations and, in particular, is often limited by the lack of appropriate comparison groups. We use changes in the English statutory scheme, in particular the rising eligibility age from 2010 onwards, as a natural experiment to explore its impact on older people's travel. A difference-in-difference-in-difference analysis of National Travel Surveys (2002–2016) compares three age groups differentially affected by eligibility criteria: 50–59 years (consistently ineligible), 60–64 years (decreasing eligibility from 2010) and 65–74 years (consistently eligible). Compared with 50–59-year-olds, bus travel by 60–74-year-olds increased year-on-year from 2002 to 2010 then fell following rises in eligibility age (annual change in weekly bus travel: −2.9 per cent (−4.1%, −1.7%) in 60–74- versus 50–59-year-olds). Results were consistent across gender, occupation and rurality. Our results indicate that access to, specifically, free travel increases bus use and access to services among older people, potentially improving mobility, social participation and health. However, the rising eligibility age in England has led to a reduction in bus travel in older people, including those not directly affected by the change, demonstrating that the positive impact of the concession goes beyond those who are eligible. Future work should explore the cost–benefit trade-off of this and similar schemes worldwide.
‘Who Tells Your Story?’: Narrative Theory, Public Memory, and the Hamilton Phenomenon
Authors: Schrader Valerie Lynn
Published: July 2019

The popularity of Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit musical Hamilton has been unprecedented. Hamilton tells the story of the first United States Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, a founding father who, until recently, was often forgotten in American public memory. Miranda's unique musical, which fuses an eighteenth- and nineteenth-century story with contemporary music and text, features actors of various races and genders in order to tell the story of ‘America then’ by and for ‘America now’. Through a close textual analysis of the musical's script, cast recording, and sheet music, Valerie Lynn Schrader uses narrative theory to explore how Hamilton creates public memory of one of the lesserknown US founding fathers. She argues that, through the narrative paradigm, Hamilton creates what narrative theorist Walter Fisher refers to as ‘public moral argument’,1 through which audience members can discern life lessons, or ‘equipment for living’,2 for their own lives. Finally, the article suggests that the rhetorical theory of Burkean identification may play a role in how public memory of Hamilton's story is formed and how audience members learn life lessons from the musical. Valerie Lynn Schrader is Associate Professor of Communications Arts and Sciences at the Schuylkill Campus of the Pennsylvania State University. Her research focuses on rhetorical messages in theatre works, especially musical theatre productions. She is herself a classically trained lyric soprano/soubrette.