bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formylated polystyrene for the fabrication of pore selective aldehyde group functionalized honeycomb patterned porous polystyrene films
Authors: Modigunta Jeevan Kumar Reddy , Male Umashankar , Huh Do Sung
Published: August 2018

Formylated polystyrene (PS‐CHO) was synthesized by chemical modification of polystyrene (PS) for the fabrication of honeycomb patterned (HCP) porous PS films with aldehyde group functionalized pores via breath figure method under humid conditions. The incorporation of hydrophilic aldehyde group affected the hydrophobicity of PS solution and assisted the self‐assembly of PS‐CHO toward pore. The presence of aldehyde groups in the films were proved by the post treatment with Tollens's reagent, which results in silver decoration at pores. The morphology of the films before and after silver decoration was studied by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The pore selectively self‐assembled aldehyde groups in the patterned porous films can have many applications as a reactive substrate in biomaterials and chemical moieties adhesion. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1181–1192
Characterization of regenerated starch from 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate ionic liquid with different anti‐solvents
Authors: Liu Kun , Tan Xiaoyan , Li Xiaoxi , Chen Ling , Xie Fengwei
Published: August 2018

A comparison study of the structures and properties of starches regenerated from 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate ([Emim][OAc]) using different anti‐solvents (water, ethanol, or both water and ethanol) was conducted. The starch regenerated with water presented a V‐type crystalline structure whereas the one regenerated in ethanol displayed amorphous structure. Moreover, when an ethanol–water–ethanol method was used for regeneration, the product showed a weak V‐type crystalline structure. SAXS and FTIR were also used to investigate the molecular order of native and regenerated starches. With water used for regeneration, the aggregation and rearrangement of starch molecules occurred more easily. The increased enzyme resistance and thermal stability of regenerated starch with water could be ascribed to the rearrangement of molecular chains forming an aggregated structure with some degree of order. The reconstitution of starch molecules during regeneration with different anti‐solvents changed the multiscale structures and properties of the starch. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1231–1238
A systematic review of factors related to children's quality of life and mental health after brain tumor
Authors: Bell Hayley , Ownsworth Tamara , Lloyd Owen , Sheeran Nicola , Chambers Suzanne
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Brain tumor has been found to have a major impact on children's quality of life (QOL); yet, the subjective impact of the illness is still not well understood. This review aimed to investigate factors related to children's subjective well‐being (SWB), or self‐reported QOL and mental health after brain tumor. A further aim was to determine the consistency between child and parent‐proxy ratings of children's SWB and common factors associated with both child and parent‐proxy ratings.

Methods

A systematic search of PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, and Scopus was conducted from 1980 to May 2018 to identify eligible studies. Methodological quality of these studies was assessed by 2 independent reviewers.

Results

Twenty studies investigated factors related to children's self‐reported mental health or QOL. Fourteen studies examined these factors from the perspectives of both children and their parents. Overall, risk factors for poor QOL included infratentorial tumors, radiation, hydrocephalus, lower IQ, and behavioral problems. Only 5 studies examined mental health outcomes, the findings of which were mixed. Relatively few studies examined psychosocial variables related to children's SWB.

Conclusions

Although several risk factors for poor QOL were identified, further research investigating mental health outcomes and the influence of psychosocial factors on children's SWB is needed to guide support interventions for pediatric brain tumor.
Red/Near‐Infrared Emissive Metalloporphyrin‐Based Nanodots for Magnetic Resonance Imaging‐Guided Photodynamic Therapy In Vivo
Authors: Wu Fengshou , Chen Jingwen , Li Zhicong , Su Huifang , Leung Ken Cham‐Fai , Wang Han , Zhu Xunjin
Published: August 2018

Near‐infrared emissive (NIR) porphyrin‐implanted carbon nanodots (PCNDs or MPCNDs) are prepared by selectively carbonization of free base or metal complexes [M = Zn(II) or Mn(III)] of tetra‐(meso‐aminophenyl)porphyrin in the presence of citric acid. The as‐prepared nanodots exhibit spontaneously NIR emission, small size, good aqueous dispersibility, and favorable biocompatibility characteristic of both porphyrins and pristine carbon nanodots. The subcellular localization experiment of nanodots indicates a lysosome‐targeting feature. And the in vitro photodynamic therapy (PDT) results on HeLa cells indicate the nanodots alone have no adverse effect on tumor cells, but display remarkable photodynamic efficacy upon irradiation. Moreover, MnPCNDs containing paramagnetic Mn(III) ions, which possesses good biocompatibility, NIR luminescence, and magnetic resonance imaging and efficient singlet oxygen production, are further studied in magnetic resonance imaging‐guided photodynamic therapy in vivo.
Multi‐Scale Network Model Supported by Proteomics for Analysis of Combined Gemcitabine and Birinapant Effects in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhu Xu , Shen Xiaomeng , Qu Jun , Straubinger Robert M. , Jusko William J.
Published: August 2018

Gemcitabine combined with birinapant, an inhibitor of apoptosis protein antagonist, acts synergistically to reduce pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. A large‐scale proteomics dataset provided rich time‐series data on proteome‐level changes that reflect the underlying biological system and mechanisms of action of these drugs. A multiscale network model was developed to link the signaling pathways of cell cycle regulation, DNA damage response, DNA repair, apoptosis, nuclear factor‐kappa β (NF‐κβ), and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)‐p38 to cell cycle progression, proliferation, and death. After validating the network model under different conditions, the Sobol Sensitivity Analysis was applied to identify promising targets to enhance gemcitabine efficacy. The effects of p53 silencing and combining curcumin with gemcitabine were also tested with the developed model. Merging proteomics analysis with systems modeling facilitates the characterization of quantitative relations among relevant signaling pathways in drug action and resistance, and such multiscale network models could be applied for prediction of combination efficacy and target selection.
Thermoelectric Properties of Bi‐Doped Mg2Si0.6Sn0.4 Solid Solutions Synthesized by Two‐Step Low Temperature Reaction Combined with Hot Pressing
Authors: Polymeris George S. , Vlachos Nikolaos , Symeou Elli , Kyratsi Theodora
Published: August 2018

The goal of this study is to investigate the influence of the amount of Bi doping on the microstructure and thermoelectric properties of the Mg2Si0.60Sn0.4 material studied by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and thermoelectric measurements. The results of the present study provide strong evidence for the presence of a number of secondary phases with different stoichiometries, including Si‐rich and Sn‐rich phases, besides the main matrix and the MgO. Phase separation could be attributed to preferential occupancy of the dopant (bismuth in the present case) on tin sites in the lattice, leading to segregated darker regions that are observed in the SEM micrographs, which arose as a result of non‐diffusion of Si in the matrix. The electron concentration increases with increasing Bi concentration, similar with Sb. The optimum amount of Bi seems to correspond to Mg2Si0.57Sn0.4Bi0.03 with maximum dimensionless figure of merit of ≈1.2 at 850 K, arising from a high power factor 36 µW cm–1 K−2 and a low lattice thermal conductivity of ≈1.5 W m−1 K−1. These materials exhibit a high thermoelectric figure of merit, which is one of the best among all reported Mg2Si1−xSnx compounds on the Si‐rich side.
Localization of Yttrium Segregation within YSZ Grain Boundary Dislocation Cores
Authors: Sánchez‐Santolino Gabriel , Salafranca Juan , Pantelides Sokrates T. , Pennycook Stephen J. , León Carlos , Varela María
Published: August 2018

Ionic conductivity blocking at grain boundaries in polycrystalline electrolytes is one of the main obstacles that need to be overcome in order to improve the performance of solid state fuel cells and batteries. To this aim, harnessing the physical properties of grain boundaries in ionic conducting materials such as yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) down to the atomic scale arises as a greatly important task. Here a structural and compositional analysis of a single grain boundary in a 9 mol.% yttria content YSZ bicrystal by means of aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy is presented. Studies here combine strain and compositional atomic resolution analysis with density‐functional‐theory calculations in order to find a preferential segregation of yttrium to the expansive atomic sites at the grain boundary dislocation cores. These results address a crucial step toward the understanding of the physical properties of grain boundaries down to atomic dimensions.
Graphical analysis for overall effectiveness management: A graphical method to support operation and maintenance performance assessment
Authors: Viveros Gunckel Pablo , Kristjanpoller Fredy , López‐Campos Mónica , Crespo Márquez Adolfo , Pascual Rodrigo
Published: August 2018

This article presents a graphical tool for the monitoring of performance indicators called GAOEM (Graphical Analysis for Overall Effectiveness Management). GAOEM comprehends the main indicators of maintenance and operations management, and it constitutes an adaptation of the overall effectiveness index. GAOEM facilitates control and analysis by using specific indicators in a graphic panel, designed for industries with high investment in physical assets. It also facilitates an efficient reading and interpreting of the data, enriching the analysis, the search for phenomena of interest and improvement opportunities to support the decision making.

GAOEM requires 3 categories of input data, which are interventions data, time data, and production/process data. With this information, the basic performance indicators are calculated, being these indicators fundamental for the control and monitoring of the performance level. Later, these indicators will be the basis for calculation of both partial and total performance.

GAOEM can be used as a diagnosis, analysis, control and monitoring tool for the indicators of interest at a strategic level, as well as a tool for searching of phenomena typical of a specific stage of the life cycle of assets and also of those conditions resulting from improper operation and/or maintenance, identifying their root causes.
Scale distortion from pressure baselines as a source of inaccuracy in triple‐isotope measurements
Authors: Yeung Laurence Y. , Hayles Justin A. , Hu Huanting , Ash Jeanine L. , Sun Tao
Published: August 2018

Rationale

Isotope ratio measurements have become extremely precise in recent years, with many approaching parts‐per‐million (ppm) levels of precision. However, seemingly innocuous errors in signal baselines, which exist only when gas enters the instrument, might lead to significant errors. These “pressure‐baseline” (PBL) offsets may have a variety of origins, such as incoherent scattering of the analyte, isobaric interferences, or electron ablation from the walls of the flight tube. They are probably present in all but ultra‐high‐resolution instruments, but their importance for high‐precision measurements has not been investigated.

Methods

We derive the governing equations for the PBL effect. We compare the oxygen triple‐isotope composition of gases on three different mass spectrometers before and after applying a correction for PBLs to determine their effects. We also compare the composition of atmospheric O2 with that of several standard minerals (San‐Carlos Olivine and UWG‐2) on two high‐precision mass spectrometers and compare those results with the differences reported in the literature.

Results

We find that PBLs lead to stretching or compression of isotopic variations. The scale distortion is non‐mass‐dependent, affecting the accuracy of triple‐isotope covariations. The governing equations suggest that linear stretching corrections using traditional isotopic delta values (e.g., δ18O) are rigorous for PBL‐induced errors in pure gases. When the reference and sample gases are not comparable in composition or purity, however, a different correction scheme may be required. These non‐mass‐dependent errors are systematic and may have influenced previous measurements of triple‐isotope covariations in natural materials.

Conclusions

Accurate measurements of isotopic variations are essential to biogeochemistry and for testing theoretical models of isotope effects. PBLs are probably ubiquitous, contributing to the interlaboratory disagreements in triple‐isotope compositions of materials differing greatly in δ18O values. Moreover, they may lead to inaccurate determination of triple‐isotope compositions and fractionation factors, which has implications for isotopic studies in hydrology and biogeochemistry.
Discrimination of the geographic origin of pork using multi‐isotopes and statistical analysis
Authors: Shin Woo‐Jin , Choi Seung‐Hyun , Ryu Jong‐Sik , Song Byeong‐Yeol , Song Joo‐Hyun , Park Sanghee , Min Ji‐Sook
Published: August 2018

Rationale

While global pork production has grown exponentially in recent decades to 109 Mt in 2010, methods aimed at verifying the geographic origin of pork products have yet to be thoroughly investigated. Here, we analyzed pork samples available in South Korea in order to discriminate their geographic origin.

Methods

A total of the 37 pork samples originated from South Korea and other countries (Denmark, Germany, France, Spain, Canada and Mexico) were collected in order to classify their geographic origins using multi‐isotope ratios, such as δ18O, δ2H, δ13C, δ15N values measured by IRMS, 87Sr/86Sr ratios measured by MC‐ICP‐MS, and multivariate statistical approaches.

Results

There is a wide range of 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the pork samples, varying from 0.70779 to 0.71245, due to the lithology where the pork was raised. Canadian samples displayed the lowest δ18O and δ2H values mainly due to the latitude effect. Furthermore, the δ13C values of European and Canadian samples were lower than those of Korean and Mexican samples, depending on whether the feed was composed of either C3 or C4 plants. The δ15N values of the European and Canadian samples were much higher than those of the other samples, possibly resulting from the δ15N values of the feed.

Conclusions

While differences in pork samples were observed that depended on geographic origin, this study suggests that more detailed investigations are needed to validate whether a combination of multi‐isotope and multivariate statistical approaches is a valid method for determining the geographic origin of pork.
Pembrolizumab‐induced myasthenia gravis with myositis in a patient with lung cancer
Authors: Hibino Makoto , Maeda Kazunari , Horiuchi Shigeto , Fukuda Minoru , Kondo Tetsuri
Published: August 2018

In the new era of cancer immunotherapy, clinical research has uncovered diverse and unpredictable immune‐related adverse events. Here, we report the first case of pembrolizumab‐induced myasthenia gravis (MG) and myositis in a patient with lung cancer. The patient developed symptoms after the second infusion of pembrolizumab and was successfully treated with systemic corticosteroid therapy. With the accelerated development of immune checkpoint inhibitors as mono‐ or combination therapies for various malignancies, clinicians should closely monitor patients for important immune‐related adverse events, such as MG, especially during the early phase of the treatment.
The value of a desk study for building a national river obstacle inventory
Authors: Atkinson Siobhán , Bruen Michael , Turner Jonathan N. , Ball Bernard , Bullock Craig , O'Sullivan John J. , Casserly Colm , King James J. , Cullagh Alan , Kelly‐Quinn Mary
Published: August 2018

This study evaluates two desk‐based approaches for building an inventory of man‐made river obstacles. The creation of a river obstacle inventory is a vital first step in developing a prioritization process for obstacle removal and/or modification. In this study, a desktop geographical information system analysis of two rivers and their tributary network was undertaken, using two different approaches. The first involved analysing historical maps, satellite imagery, and Ordnance Survey Ireland Discovery Series maps and producing a geo‐referenced layer of all the potential river obstacles. The second involved developing a geo‐referenced layer of potential river obstacles based on the intersections between elements of the transport network (roads and railways) and river systems. To determine the effectiveness of the desk studies, the located obstacles were cross‐referenced with actual obstacles verified through a field survey.

The desk studies identified several thousand potential obstacles. The study utilizing a range of maps consistently located a greater number of actual obstacles than the desk study based on intersections between the transport and river networks.

The results indicate that desk‐based research offers an efficient and effective method for locating river obstacles and can guide subsequent field surveys aimed at confirming the presence of obstacles. This is particularly useful for eliminating from study large stretches of rivers that would otherwise need to be walked to confirm the presence, or otherwise, of potential river obstacles. In this regard, desk‐based exercises can offer opportunities to save on both time and cost in larger river assessments.
Surface Engineering of CdS Quantum Dots for Photocatalytic Applications under Direct Sunlight
Authors: Srinivasan Vijayalakshmi , Hiragond Chaitanya B. , Khanna Pawan K. , More Priyesh V.
Published: August 2018

The photocatalytic ability of materials is globally studied and has many applications in the field of water purification, water splitting to produce hydrogen fuel and decomposition of toxic chemicals. Herein, we present CdS quantum dots (QDs) based efficient photocatalyst for potential photocatalytic applications by modifying its surface with different capping ligands or thin ZnO shell. For this purpose, we have prepared CdS quantum dots by passivating its surface with 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), diphenylamine (DPA) and sodium succinate (SS) as capping agents. Additionally, Zn2+doping or thin ZnO shell was grownin‐situon CdS cores with varied molar concentrations to observe its effect on photocatalytic activity. The study includes both the synthesis and characterization of the products along with their photocatalytic activity under direct sunlight (75000‐90000 Lux). The effect of surface passivation of CdS QDs on their photocatalytic activity is discussed in detail. We also propose the possible mechanism for degradation of methylene blue using surface engineered CdS QDs.
Sodium Tertiary Pentoxide: A Mild and Efficient Base to Make C–C Bond between Acetylenes and Aldehydes (or) Ketones Producing Propargyl Alcohols
Authors: Savarimuthu Sebastian Antony , Thankappan Hajeeth , Thomas Selvaraj Augustine , Prakash Devarajan Gnanaprakasi Leo
Published: August 2018

This report confirms that sodium tertiary‐pentoxide is a very effective base for the nucleophilic addition of acetylenes to aldehydes and ketones in 1,4‐dioxane at room temperature. These mild and operationally simple procedures have been working well with a variety of aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes and also equally working well with aliphatic, aromatic and heteroaromatic ketones. A very clean product of secondary and tertiary propargylic alcohols were obtained from 70–94% yield. This process has been explored in bulk scale synthesis on selected molecules and also adapted the column free purification for most of the substrates.
Fe(ClO4)3⋅xH2O‐Catalysed Ritter Reaction: Synthesis of N‐tert‐Butyl Amides from Nitriles and Di‐tert‐Butyl Dicarbonate
Authors: Feng Chengliang , Yan Bin , Yao Wenjin , Chen Junqing , Ji Min
Published: August 2018

A convenient and excellent yield procedure for the synthesis of N‐tert‐butyl Amides by Ritter reaction with nitriles and (Boc)2O in the presence of Fe(ClO4)3⋅xH2O as a highly stable, effective and available catalyst is described.
Stacking‐Controlled Assembly of Cabbage‐Like Graphene Microsphere for Charge Storage Applications
Authors: Kim Sun Kyung , Lee Byeongyong , Ha Taehyeong , Park Su‐Ryeon , Chang Hankwon , Lee Seung Woo , Jang Hee Dong
Published: August 2018

Nanostructured graphene electrodes generally have a low density, which can limit the volumetric performance for energy storage devices. The liquid‐phase mild reduction process of graphene oxide sheets is combined with the continuous aerosol densification process to produce high‐density graphene agglomerates in the form of microspheres. The produced graphene assembly shows the cabbage‐like morphology with a high density of 0.75 g cm−3. In spite of such high density, the cabbage‐like graphene microspheres have narrow‐ranged mesopores and a high surface area. The cabbage‐like graphene microsphere exhibits both high gravimetric and volumetric energy densities due to the optimized microstructure, which shows a high gravimetric capacitance of 177 F g−1 and volumetric capacitance of 117 F cm−3 in supercapacitors. As a cathode for lithium‐ion capacitors, the cabbage‐like graphene delivers a reversible capacity of ≈176 mAh g−1. The stacking‐control approach provides a new pathway to control the microstructure of the graphene assembly and corresponding charge storage characteristics for energy storage applications.
LDMBL: An architecture for reducing code duplication in heavyweight binary instrumentations
Authors: Momeni Behnam , Kharrazi Mehdi
Published: August 2018

Emergence of instrumentation frameworks has vastly contributed to the software engineering practices. As the instrumentation use cases become more complex, complexity of instrumenting programs also increases, leading to a higher risk of software defects, increased development time, and decreased maintainability. In security applications such as symbolic execution and taint analysis, which need to instrument a large number of instruction types, this complexity is prominent. This paper presents an architecture based on the Pin binary instrumentation framework to abstract the low‐level OS and hardware‐dependent implementation details, facilitate code reuse in heavyweight instrumentation use cases, and improve instrumenting program development time. Instructions of x86 and x86‐64 hardware architectures are formally categorized using the Z language based on the Pin framework API. This categorization is used to automate the instrumentation phase on the basis of a configuration list. Furthermore, instrumentation context data such as register data are modeled in an object‐oriented scheme. This makes it possible to focus the instrumenting program development time on writing the essential analysis logics while access to low‐level OS and hardware dependencies are streamlined. The proposed architecture is evaluated by instrumenting 135 instruction types in a concrete symbolic execution engine, resulting in a reduction of the instrumenting program size by 59.7%. Furthermore, performance overhead measure against the SPEC CINT2006 programs is limited to 8.7%.
Sugar‐sweetened Beverage Tax and Potential Impact on Dental Caries in Thai Adults: An Evaluation Using the Group Model Building Approach
Authors: Urwannachotima Nipaporn , Hanvoravongchai Piya , Ansah John Pastor
Published: August 2018

Sugar‐sweetened beverage tax (SSB tax) has been proposed in Thailand in an attempt to reduce sugar content in beverages and sugar consumption among the Thai population. However, it is uncertain if the SSB tax will translate into lower sugar consumption and consequently improve dental caries. This paper aims to elicit and represent the complex dynamic relationships between SSB tax, sugar consumption, and dental caries in Thailand. A group model building approach, based on the systems modelling methodology of system thinking, was used to engage stakeholders to develop a causal loop diagram (causal map) to elucidate the dynamic interrelationships of SSB tax on sugar consumption and dental caries. The causal loop diagram identified seven balancing feedback loops and one reinforcing feedback loop. The balancing loops operate to reduce the prevalence of dental caries and the impact of SSB tax on SSB consumption, while the reinforcing loop operates to maintain the share of SSB consumption among the Thai population. The main insight from this study suggests that implementing SSB tax alone will not achieve the desired oral health outcomes, without combining it with other non‐tariff interventions—such as oral health education and improved access to oral health services. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental investigation on the fire resistance of cast‐in‐situ hollow core concrete slabs constructed using filler boxes and an assembly box system
Authors: Lyu Junli , Wang Yong , Van Coile Ruben , Huang Zhaohui , Huang Yuner
Published: August 2018

This paper presents the results of four fire tests on full‐scale cast‐in‐situ, hollow core concrete slabs, constructed using filler boxes and an assembly box system. Experimental data include the furnace temperature, temperature distribution in the slab, and vertical and horizontal deflections during the heating and cooling phases, as well as observed cracking patterns. The test data indicate that the tested hollow slabs with plastic filler boxes have good performance in case of standard fire exposure with small vertical deflections and high deflection recovery in long duration testing. For slabs with assembly box systems serious spalling was observed, resulting in integrity failure after 69 minutes in one of the tests. Nevertheless, load bearing capacity was maintained for all tests. The tests highlight the importance of the boundary conditions and the arrangement of the filler system on the fire behavior of the hollow slabs, particularly with respect to the observed cracking, spalling, and structural integrity.
Glutathione peroxidase‐1 overexpressing transgenic mice are protected from neurotoxicity induced by microcystin‐leucine‐arginine
Authors: Shin Eun‐Joo , Hwang Yeong Gwang , Pham Duc Toan , Lee Ji Won , Lee Yu Jeung , Pyo Dongjin , Jeong Ji Hoon , Lei Xin Gen , Kim Hyoung‐Chun
Published: August 2018

Although it has been well‐recognized that microcystin‐leucine‐arginine (MCLR), the most common form of microcystins, induces neurotoxicity, little is currently known about the underlying mechanism for this neurotoxicity. Here, we found that MCLR (10 ng/μL/mouse, i.c.v.) induces significant neuronal loss in the hippocampus of mice. MCLR‐induced neurotoxicity was accompanied by oxidative stress, as shown by a significant increase in the level of 4‐hydroxynonenal, protein carbonyl, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Superoxide dismutase‐1 (SOD‐1) activity was significantly increased, but glutathione peroxidase (GPx) level was significantly decreased following MCLR insult. In addition, MCLR significantly inhibited GSH/GSSG ratio, and significantly induced NFκB DNA binding activity. Because reduced activity of GPx appeared to be critical for the imbalance between activities of SODs and GPx, we utilized GPx‐1 overexpressing transgenic mice to ascertain the role of GPx‐1 in this neurotoxicity. Genetic overexpression of GPx‐1 or NFκB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) significantly attenuated MCLR‐induced hippocampal neuronal loss in mice. However, PDTC did not exert any additive effect on neuroprotection mediated by GPx‐1 overexpression, indicating that NFκB is a neurotoxic target of MCLR. Combined, these results suggest that MCLR‐induced neurotoxicity requires oxidative stress associated with failure in compensatory induction of GPx, possibly through activation of the transcription factor NFκB.
The comparison of a revised Leopold matrix and fuzzy methods in environmental impact assessment, a case study: The construction of Al‐A'amiriya residential complex, Baghdad, Iraq
Authors: Asadollahfardi Gholamreza , Asadi Mohsen
Published: August 2018

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is an efficient method to recognize and alleviate the unfavorable and inevitable impacts of human activity on the environment. The EIA is dependent on expert opinions, which can be influenced by personal experience and knowledge. To evaluate this influence, we carried out EIA of 6,000 residential apartment units of Al‐A'amiriya, Baghdad, Iraq, using a revised Leopold matrix and fuzzy methods. The matrix results reflected the direct opinions of experts. The fuzzy method was developed according to the principles of expert comments. In the matrix method, the environmental impacts of each activity were evaluated by scores between −5 (very bad) to 5 (very good). The inputs to the fuzzy method were intensity and weather stability. The fuzzy estimation of the environmental impact was composed of a group of three values; P1 as the intensity, P2 as the extent, and P3 as the persistence. We gathered the expert opinions and used the Analytical Hierarchical Process to determine the weighting coefficient of each fuzzy anticipation. The matrix method was dependent on the expert opinions. The mean values of the matrix and P‐values in each column and row scores depict the impacts of a project on the environmental aspects and each element of construction on the environment. The comparison of the results indicated an average difference of 30% between the Leopold matrix and fuzzy methods. In regard to the availability and sufficiency of data, the difference was around 10%.
Differences in ultrasound features of papillations in unilocular‐solid adnexal cysts: a retrospective international multicenter study
Authors: Landolfo C. , Valentin L. , Franchi D. , Van Holsbeke C. , Fruscio R. , Froyman W. , Sladkevicius P. , Kaijser J. , Ameye L. , Bourne T. , Savelli L. , Coosemans A. , Testa A. , Timmerman D.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To identify ultrasound features of papillations or of the cyst wall that can discriminate between benign and malignant unilocular‐solid cysts with papillations but no other solid components.

Methods

From the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) database derived from seven ultrasound centers, we identified patients with an adnexal lesion described at ultrasonography as unilocular‐solid with papillations but no other solid components. All patients had undergone transvaginal ultrasound between 1999 and 2007 or 2009 and 2012, by an experienced examiner following the IOTA research protocol. Information on four ultrasound features of papillations had been collected prospectively. Information on a further seven ultrasound features was collected retrospectively from electronic or paper ultrasound images of good quality. The histological diagnosis of the surgically removed adnexal lesion was considered the gold standard.

Results

Of 204 masses included, 131 (64.2%) were benign, 42 (20.6%) were borderline tumors, 30 (14.7%) were primary invasive tumors and one (0.5%) was a metastasis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the following ultrasound features to be associated independently with malignancy: height of the largest papillation, presence of blood flow in papillations, papillation confluence or dissemination, and shadows behind papillations. Shadows decreased the odds of malignancy, while the other features increased them.

Conclusion

We have identified ultrasound features that can help to discriminate between benign and malignant unilocular‐solid cysts with papillations but no other solid components. Our results need to be confirmed in prospective studies. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Diagnosis and management of patients with enhanced myometrial vascularity associated with retained products of conception
Authors: Groszmann Y. S. , Healy Murphy A. L. , Benacerraf B. R.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To assess the complication rate, including estimated amount of blood loss, in patients undergoing dilation and curettage (D&C) for the treatment of retained products of conception with markedly enhanced myometrial vascularity mimicking arteriovenous malformation.

Methods

This was a retrospective medical‐records review study of patients with retained products of conception with enhanced myometrial vascularity presenting to our ultrasound unit between August 2015 and August 2017. Color/power Doppler imaging was used subjectively to identify the degree and extent of vascularity. All patients underwent D&C, and their operative reports and medical records were reviewed to see if ultrasound guidance was used, to ascertain estimated blood loss and to identify complications during or after the procedure.

Results

The study group included 31 patients, of whom seven had retained products of conception after a vaginal delivery and 24 had retained products of conception after a first‐trimester termination or miscarriage. The largest dimension of the region of enhanced myometrial vascularity ranged from 10 mm to 53 mm, with 14/31 having a width of ≥ 20 mm. Fifteen patients underwent a standard D&C procedure, 13 an ultrasound‐guided procedure and three hysteroscopy. Estimated operative blood loss varied from negligible to a maximum of 400 mL. There were no intraoperative complications, although one patient was treated for presumed endometritis.

Conclusions

An increasing number of studies describe the enhanced myometrial vascularity associated with retained products of conception as ‘acquired arteriovenous malformation’, with some recommending management with uterine‐artery embolization. Our study demonstrates that the enhanced myometrial vascularity is associated with retained products of conception, and surgical removal by D&C, possibly with the aid of ultrasound guidance or hysteroscopy, is a safe treatment option. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
In this issue of Weather
Authors: Galvin Jim
Published: August 2018

This month, we begin a series of guides to the science of climate change. The first of this bimonthly series of Climate Change Shorts, ‘What do we mean by climate change?’ by David Warrilow and the Climate Science Communications Group, is on p. 251. The series will simply answer the basic main questions about this important part of our science, step by step.

To begin the issue, though, we have a review of optical phenomena by Mila Zinkova: ‘Ice haloes – history, lore and science’. This fascinating paper on p. 239 describes the requirements for haloes to be observed, their mention in literature from ancient times and outlines an unusual halo display seen in San Francisco on 23 February 2016.

Every forecaster, after a few months or years in the job, has a tale describing when a forecast or a broadcast went badly wrong! It is a learning experience we must all go through. On p. 247, Ken Kemp describes his experiences in ‘Bad days at the office. Extreme weather events’.

Forecasting and observations in incised orography – typical of much of the higher ground of the British Isles – presents a challenge to the forecaster. ‘A short climatological study of cold air pools and drainage flows in small valleys’ by Bradley Jemmett‐Smith, Andrew Ross and Peter Sheridan provides useful insight on this subject, beginning on p. 256.

The North Atlantic Oscillation is a major indicator of progression or the lack of it in Western Europe. On p. 262, ‘Influence of the North Atlantic Oscillation at local and regional scales: a case study of the Belgian coast’ by Anne‐Lise Montreuil and Margaret Chen shows how significant the effects of this oscillation are to forecasters.

We finish this month’s issue looking back at the development of the links between meteorological societies in Europe, completing a review, the first part having appeared in May’s issue (p. 149). ‘Associating weather societies across Europe, Part 2’ by René Morin and Jon Wieringa on p. 268 reflects the warmth between members of European societies as they established this co‐operative venture.
STIM1 deficiency is linked to Alzheimer’s disease and triggers cell death in SH-SY5Y cells by upregulation of L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ entry
Authors: Pascual-Caro Carlos , Berrocal Maria , Lopez-Guerrero Aida M. , Alvarez-Barrientos Alberto , Pozo-Guisado Eulalia , Gutierrez-Merino Carlos , Mata Ana M. , Martin-Romero Francisco Javier
Published: August 2018

STIM1 is an endoplasmic reticulum protein with a role in Ca2+mobilization and signaling. As a sensor of intraluminal Ca2+levels, STIM1 modulates plasma membrane Ca2+channels to regulate Ca2+entry. In neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and in familial Alzheimer’s disease patient skin fibroblasts, STIM1 is cleaved at the transmembrane domain by the presenilin-1-associated γ-secretase, leading to dysregulation of Ca2+homeostasis. In this report, we investigated expression levels of STIM1 in brain tissues (medium frontal gyrus) of pathologically confirmed Alzheimer’s disease patients, and observed that STIM1 protein expression level decreased with the progression of neurodegeneration. To study the role of STIM1 in neurodegeneration, a strategy was designed to knock-out the expression ofSTIM1gene in the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, as an in vitro model to examine the phenotype of STIM1-deficient neuronal cells. It was proved that, while STIM1 is not required for the differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells, it is absolutely essential for cell survival in differentiating cells. Differentiated STIM1-KO cells showed a significant decrease of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I activity, mitochondrial inner membrane depolarization, reduced mitochondrial free Ca2+concentration, and higher levels of senescence as compared with wild-type cells. In parallel, STIM1-KO cells showed a potentiated Ca2+entry in response to depolarization, which was sensitive to nifedipine, pointing to L-type voltage-operated Ca2+channels as mediators of the upregulated Ca2+entry. The stable knocking-down ofCACNA1Ctranscripts restored mitochondrial function, increased mitochondrial Ca2+levels, and dropped senescence to basal levels, demonstrating the essential role of the upregulation of voltage-operated Ca2+entry through Cav1.2 channels in STIM1-deficient SH-SY5Y cell death.

Key messages

STIM1 protein expression decreases with the progression of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease.

STIM1 is essential for cell viability in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells.

STIM1 deficiency triggers voltage-regulated Ca2+entry-dependent cell death.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and senescence are features of STIM1-deficient differentiated cells.
Damring Formation During Rotary Kiln Chromite Pre-reduction: Effects of Pulverized Carbonaceous Fuel Selection and Partial Pellet Melting
Authors: van Staden Y. , Beukes J. P. , van Zyl P. G. , Ringdalen E. , Tangstad M. , Kleynhans E. L. J. , Bunt J. R.
Published: August 2018

Electricity consumption is the largest cost contributing factor in the production of ferrochrome. Currently the pelletized chromite pre-reduction process (solid-state reduction of chromite) is the process option with the lowest specific electricity consumption (MWh/ton). In this process, pelletized chromite is fed into a rotary kiln at 1573 K (1300 °C), where partial pre-reduction takes place. Damring formation (material build-up) in the rotary kiln causes routine shutdowns, resulting in loss of revenue. The damring formation is possibly caused by melting of the ash of the pulverized coal used to fire the kiln and/or the partial melting of the chromite pellets. Ash fusion temperatures of twenty different samples were evaluated to assess the temperature at which the pulverized coal ash will start to contribute to damring formation. Sessile drop tests were used to assess the softening behavior of different ore types (e.g., UG2, MG, and LG metgrade), as well as softening of composite chromite pellets made from these ores. Actual damrings were also analyzed using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results indicate that it is mainly the pulverized coal ash that will contribute to damring formation, and not ore or pellet softening. Multiple-linear regression was used to derive equations to predict the ash fusion temperatures of the pulverized coal ash, which can be used by ferrochrome producers to optimize pulverized coal selection.
U–Pb SHRIMP-II ages of titanite and timing constraints on apatite–nepheline mineralization in the Khibiny and Lovozero alkaline massifs (Kola Peninsula)
Authors: Rodionov N.V. , Lepekhina E.N. , Antonov A.V. , Kapitonov I.N. , Balashova Yu.S. , Belyatsky B.V. , Arzamastsev A.A. , Sergeev S.A.
Published: August 2018

Results of this study of titanite samples collected from silicate rocks and apatite–nepheline–(sphene) ores from Paleozoic polyphase alkaline nepheline syenite complexes of the Khibiny and Lovozero massifs revealed the possibility of their in-situ U–Pb dating using sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe SHRIMP-II with an accuracy of 1.0–1.5%, which is comparable with that of U–Pb zircon analysis. Employing different approaches to age determination of the formation of the U–Pb system of titanites, the combined isochrons and mixing lines were plotted from the data obtained from the differentiated complex samples (121 analyses of five Khibiny samples and 52 analyses of one Lovozero sample) and apatite–nepheline ores (120 analyses of five Khibiny samples and 88 analyses of three Lovozero samples). They indicate synchronous crystallization of titanite in silicate rocks throughout the complexes: 374.1 ± 3.7 Ma for the Khibiny massif and 380.9 ± 4.5 Ma for the Lovozero massif, and attest to the later formation of phosphate–rare-metal ores: 371.0 ± 4.2 and 361.4 ± 3.2 Ma, respectively. The relatively delayed ore mineralization specific to the Lovozero massif can be accounted for the significantly lower volumes of magmatic melt and ore fluid involved, different thermal conditions, and the pattern of the investigated mineralization. As such, the obtained U–Pb data from titanite make it possible to limit significantly the time interval (most likely, not exceeding 15–20 Ma) comprising the evolution and activity of the ore-magmatic system of major agpaitic complexes, which is probably associated with plume magmatism.
PERMUTATIONS OF THE INTEGERS INDUCE ONLY THE TRIVIAL AUTOMORPHISM OF THE TURING DEGREES
Authors: KJOS-HANSSEN BJØRN
Published: August 2018

Is there a nontrivial automorphism of the Turing degrees? It is a major open problem of computability theory. Past results have limited how nontrivial automorphisms could possibly be. Here we consider instead how an automorphism might be induced by a function on reals, or even by a function on integers. We show that a permutation of ω cannot induce any nontrivial automorphism of the Turing degrees of members of 2ω, and in fact any permutation that induces the trivial automorphism must be computable.

A main idea of the proof is to consider the members of 2ω to be probabilities, and use statistics: from random outcomes from a distribution we can compute that distribution, but not much more.
FACING OBJECTS: AN INVESTIGATION OF NON-HUMAN PERSONHOOD IN CLASSIC MAYA CONTEXTS
Authors: Jackson Sarah E.
Published: August 2018

Research on Classic Maya personhood confirms that personhood was extended to non-human entities; however, questions about its operation and impact remain. What is the nature of the linkage between human beings and object persons, and how does personhood pass between them? What is the impact on an object of becoming personed? I approach these questions through depictions in Classic Maya iconography of faces shown on non-human objects, indicating potential to act in person-like ways. Close examination of “faced” objects reveals that Classic Maya personhood represents a substance that does not require humans as a source, and acts, instead, as an untethered resource accessed by entities able to act in social, relational ways. Furthermore, object personhood represents a state of identity in which essences of persons and objects co-exist, opening possibilities for complicating categories of being in the ancient Maya world.
Potential impact of global warming on seed bank, dormancy and germination of three succulent species from the Chihuahuan Desert
Authors: Aragón-Gastélum José Luis , Flores Joel , Jurado Enrique , Ramírez-Tobías Hugo M. , Robles-Díaz Erika , Rodas-Ortiz Juan Pablo , Yáñez-Espinosa Laura
Published: August 2018

We assessed inter-seasonal dynamics of seed banks, dormancy and seed germination in three endemic Chihuahuan Desert succulent species, under simulated soil warming conditions. Hexagonal open top-chambers (OTCs) were used to increase soil temperature. Seeds ofEchinocactus platyacanthus(Cactaceae),Yucca filiferaandAgave striata(Asparagaceae) were collected and buried within and outside OTCs. During the course of one year, at the end of each season, seed batches were exhumed to test viability and germination. Soil temperature in OTCs was higher than in control plots.Yucca filiferaseeds always had high germination independently of warming treatment and season.Agave striataseeds from OTCs had higher germination than those from control plots.Agave striataexhibited low germination in fresh seeds, but high germination in spring. Seeds from this species lost viability throughout the experimental timeframe, and had no viable seeds remaining in the soil.Echinocactus platyacanthusshowed high germination in fresh seeds and displayed dormancy cycling, leading to high germination in spring, low germination in summer and autumn, and high germination in winter. Germination of this species was also higher in seeds from OTCs than those from control plots.Echinocactus platyacanthusformed soil seed banks and its cycle of inter-seasonal dormancy/germination could be an efficient physiological mechanism in a climate change scenario. Under global warming projections, our results suggest that future temperatures may still fall within the three studied species’ thermal germination range. However, higher germination forA. striataandE. platyacanthusat warmer temperatures may reduce the number of seeds retained in the seed bank, and this could be interpreted as limiting their ability to spread risk over time. This is the first experimental study projecting an increase in soil temperature to assess population traits of succulent plants under a climate change scenario for American deserts.