bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Chemistry, Vol. 10, No. 1
Authors: John Albert
Published: January 2018

International Journal of Chemistry wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal is greatly appreciated. Many authors, regardless of whether International Journal of Chemistry publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers.Reviewers for Volume 10, Number 1 Ahmet Ozan Gezerman, Yildiz Technical University, TurkeyAmer A. Taqa, Mosul University, IraqChanchal Kumar Malik, Vanderbilt University, USAGreg Peters, University of Findlay, USAHesham G. Ibrahim, Al-Mergheb University, LibyaMustafa Oguzhan Kaya, Siirt University, TurkeyPriyanka Singh, University of Iowa, USAR. K. Dey, Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), IndiaSeverine Queyroy, Aix-Marseille Université, FranceShyamal Kumar Chattopadhyay, Bengal Engineering and Science University, IndiaSitaram Acharya, Texas Christian University, USASitaram Bhavaraju, U.S.PHARMACOPEIA, USAThirupathi Barla, Harvard University, USA                  Albert JohnOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of International Journal of ChemistryCanadian Center of Science and Education
Nutrient and Anti-nutrient Profile of a Local Formula from Sorghum, Peanut, Honey and Ghee (Metu2) for Treatment of Severe Acute Malnutrition
Authors: Andrew Amegovu K. , Yiga Peter , Kuorwel Kuorwel K. , Chewere Timothy
Published: January 2018

World over, we are still struggling with persistent acute malnutrition levels; an estimated 17 million preschool children suffer from SAM, roughly the same figures as reported in 2013, a trend depicting insufficient progress towards the 2025 World Health Assembly. One such affected area is Karamoja Region in North Eastern Uganda. Partly, the trend could be attributed to unsustainable interventions like RUTF. Formulas from locally available foods could provide not only an affordable but also a culturally acceptable and effective home based solution.   Locally available sorghum, peanut, honey and ghee in North Eastern Uganda, is such a potential local formula. The nutritional and anti-nutritional profile of this local formula(metu2) was compared to plumpy-nut. Standard official analytical methods were used. Proximate composition was comparable and within the WHO recommendations for therapeutic formulas. Local formula(metu2) had a comparatively high energy content, 528kcal/100g to 509kcal in plumpynut. Vitamin A and K contents were below the WHO recommendations in local formula while Na, Mg and essential fatty acids were comparable and within the contents needed for SAM recovery. Zn was comparatively higher in plumpy-nut but levels in both formulas were below the recommendations. Trypsin inhibitors, phytates and condensed tannins were higher in local formula while aflatoxins were within the limits but not for plumpynut. Though lacking in critical K, Zn and Vitamin A, local formula(metu2) was comparable to plumpy-nut and its efficacy to sustain recovery from SAM needs to be studied.
Land Titling, Local Governance and Investment: An Empirical Investigation in Tanzania
Authors: Kassa Woubet
Published: January 2018

The role of property rights in resource allocation has been one of the central themes in development economics. Empirical clarity has been lacking; however, due to possible endogeneity of titles, unobserved heterogeneities and the non-experimental nature of the data. In addition, local political arrangements could encroach on the legitimacy and security that government titles provide. This study introduces new information that captures plot owners’ (dis)approval of local governance structures and its implications on the titling-investment relationship. We find that titles will have the expected outcomes when there is higher level of approval of local administrative units by plot owners. Using the 2010/2011 Tanzania Living Standards Measurement Survey data, we show that the effects of titling on investment is positive and sizable. However, the investment return from titling is either negative or nonexistent when there is a higher level of disapproval of the local governing units by plot owners. Simply providing titles might not help investment without underlying changes in local governance and hence perceptions and legitimacy of local governance structures. Investment on land depends not on titling per se, but the future security titling might provide which in turn depends on the sense of approval (or disapproval) owners accord to the local the administrative structure and their functions.
Response of Sorghum Production in Kenya to Prices and Public Investments
Authors: Onono Perez A.
Published: January 2018

Expansion of sorghum production in the arid and semi-arid areas in Kenya has been singled out as a potential for addressing food security challenges due to climate shocks affecting maize production and reduced availability of arable land in the medium and high potential areas. Towards achieving this the government has used guaranteed minimum output prices, input subsidies and public investments to promote agricultural developments as some of the instruments of policy to provide incentives to farmers. Literature is deficient of studies on production behaviour of sorghum in the country with respect to market prices and public investments. This study provides an empirical evidence on the response of sorghum production to output and input prices as well as to public investments. The study used data spanning the period 1978 to 2014 to fit an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) specification of the output response equation using the EViews statistical software. The findings show that sorghum production in Kenya does not respond to increases in its output price and is not adversely affected by input prices. Increased development spending in agriculture lead to increased sorghum production and also increase use of fertilisers and certified seeds. The findings suggest that policy interventions based on output prices and input prices alone would not yield the desired increased expansion in sorghum production. The government should increase budgetary allocations to agricultural development.
Ameboid movement of cancer cells
Authors: Simiczyjew Aleksandra , Konopnicka Anna , Nowak Dorota
Published: January 2018

Cell migration is a very complicated process essential for proper functioning of all living cells and organisms. It underlies numerous physiological processes as embryogenesis or wound healing as well as pathological processes such as cancer cell metastasis. The manner of cell locomotion was classified based on many parameters. There are two ways of individual migration: amoeboid and mesenchymal. The locomotion of groups of cells is known as collective type of movement.
Amoeboid migration refers to rounded or ellipsoid cells and is regulated by Rho family proteins. It is stimulated by GTPase Rho and kinase ROCK. Cells which migrate in amoeboid mode do not form mature focal adhesions or stress fibres composed of polymerized actin. These cells form very dynamic migratory protrusions called blebbs. They are formed on the leading edge of the cell, which moves forward due to contractions occurring at opposite edge. In contrast to mesenchymal mode of movement, in amoeboid migration proteases activity is not required, because cells just squeeze through gaps present in extracellular matrix using actomyosin contractility.
Additionally cells are able to change their mode of migration. One of this possible transformation
is mesenchymal to amoeboid transition, which is crucial in metastasis and cancer
invasion. This paper describes mechanisms responsible for amoeboid movement and basic
pathways regulating this process.
Diagnostična vrednost označevalcev pri sepsi
Authors: Žargaj Anja , Korošec Peter , Šifrer Franci , Košnik Mitja
Published: January 2018

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction that arises when a host responds insufficiently to an infection as bacteria enter the bloodstream. In recent years, SOFA scoring system has been used to identify poor organ functioning. Microbiological blood tests represent a gold standard in sepsis diagnostics. Reliable biomarkers for early detection of sepsis would greatly facilitate rapid and efficient treatment of sepsis.Methods: In a prospective non-interventional study we studied the diagnostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), neutrophil CD64 index, neutrophil granulocyte count and immature neutrophil count in patients with sepsis and patients with severe infection without sepsis. A total of 46 consecutive intensive-care-unit patients admitted for severe infection and 10 healthy controls were included. The patients were treated routinely according to the principles of good clinical practice.Results: Statistically significant diﬀerences between the two groups of patients have been established for the CD64 index, the PCT and the immature neutrophil count, whereas the diﬀerences in the CRP and the neutrophil granulocyte count are statistically non-significant. The highest diagnostic values were measured for the immature neutrophil count (AUC 0.91) and PCT (AUC 0.84). The combination of biomarkers has been shown to have same predictive values as the immature neutrophil count and the PCT.
Essai d’évaluation du coût économique de la réalisation des cibles des objectifs du millénaire pour le développement liés à l’eau potable en Algérie
Authors: Kherbache Nabil , Oukaci Kamal
Published: January 2018

L’objectif de l’article est d’évaluer le coût économique de la réalisation de la cible 7.C des objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement (OMD) et de s’interroger sur les contraintes et les améliorations ressenties dans le service d’approvisionnement de l’eau potable en Algérie. L’approche méthodologique utilisée s’adosse sur l’analyse des documents, ouvrages, articles, données et informations relatives à l’investissement/financement du sous-secteur de l’eau potable en Algérie. Ces données nous ont été fournies par les directions centrales du ministère des Ressources en eau et de l’Environnement (MREE) et l’Algérienne des eaux (ADE). L’étude montre que l’évolution favorable des indicateurs de l’eau potable est due à une politique d’investissement massif dans ce sous-secteur. Le cumul des montants autorisés pour la période analysée (1999-2012) s’évalue à environ 23,459 milliards $US dont seuls 61,6 % ont été dépensés de manière effective. La faiblesse de la capacité d’absorption s’explique par des entraves lors de l’exécution des budgets alloués et un manque d’un capital intellectuel capable de relever effacement le défi des OMD inhérents à l’eau et de gérer durablement les ressources en eau. Ces efforts se sont heurtés à des contraintes sur le terrain en raison d’une concentration sur la mobilisation de l’eau en amont (politique de l’offre) sans valorisation de la ressource en aval par une gestion de la demande en eau (GDE). Toutefois, l’Algérie a pu réaliser les cibles des OMD liés à l’accès à l’eau, avant l’échéance fixée par l’ONU en 2015, avec un coût économique qui s’estime à 14,515 milliards $US. Le pays assure un accès à l’eau potable à la majorité de la population avec un taux de raccordement de 98 % en 2015 contre 78 % en 1999 et il a pu atteindre l’objectif lié à l’assainissement où le taux de raccordement aux réseaux d’assainissement s’évaluait en 2015 de 90 % alors qu’il était de 73,2 % en 2000.
ACID ACTIVATION OF PRRENJAS CLAY MINERAL
Authors: Mele Altin , Taraj Krenaida , Korpa Arjan
Published: January 2018

Prrenjas clay mineral is found in southeast Albania and has a high content on bentonite. Theinfluence of the sulphuric acid activation on the composition, structure and surface properties ofPrrenjas clay mineral is investigated in this study by means of elemental chemical analysis, X-RayDiffractometry, IR Spectroscopy and gas adsorption-desorption measurement. H2SO4concentrations of 0.143 M, 0.232 M, 0.371 M, 0.537 M, 0.734 M, 0.927 M and 1.456 M were used inthe treatment of samples. The treatment by increasing the acid concentration brings the leaching ofAl3+, Fe2+, Mg2+ from the clay structure. The specific surface area and the pore volume of the claysamples increases respectively from 83 m2/g and 0.069 cm3/g for the untreated clay to 420 m2/g and0.384 cm3/g for the clay mineral treated with 1.456 M H2SO4 solution. New mesopores were createdduring the acid activation mainly in the range of 2 – 8 nm. For the samples treated with 0.927 Mand 1.456 M solutions the increase in specific surface area and pore volume is very high. Thecationic exchange capacity decreases steadily with the concentration of H2SO4 used for thetreatment.
JON-HROMATOGRAFSKO ODREDJIVANJE JONA U BIODIZELU, BIOETANOLU I BIOGASU
Authors: Ignjatović Ljubiša , Sredović Ignjatović Ivana
Published: January 2018

Smanjenje emisije gasova staklene bašte i korišćenje obnovljivih izvora energije su danasjedni od najizazovnijih zadataka u oblasti nauke o životnoj sredini. U tom smislu biogoriva suveoma obećavajuće alternative gorivima koja se sada upotrebljavaju. Uspešna komercijalizacija itržišno prihvatanje biogoriva zavise od prisustva jona koji imaju negativan uticaj na delove motorakao i na životnu sredinu. U tom smislu jonska hromatografija ima značajnu ulogu u kontrolikvaliteta biogoriva. Pored određivanja sadžaja katjona, glicerola i antioksidanasa u biodizelu,jonska hromatografija sa direktnim injektiranjem omogućava određivanje hlorida i sulfata ubioetanolu. Takođe, jonska hromatografija postaje dragocena tehnika u monitoringu i procesnojkontroli uzoraka iz reaktora biogasa. Ovaj rad prikazuje primenu jonske hromatografijekombinovane sa “inline” pripremom uzoraka za određivanje anjona i katjona u biogorivima iisparljivih organskih kiselina u procesnim rastvorima: tragovi anjona u benzin/etanol smeši moguda se odrede do nivoa ppb nakon eliminacije uticaja matriksa; alkalni i vodom ekstraktabilnizemno-alkalni metali u biodizelu su određivani posle ekstrakcije azotnom kiselinom i naknadnedijalize; u uzorcima iz reaktora biogasa, organske kiseline malih molarnih masa koje potiču odbiodegradacije organske supstance mogu se odrediti primenom jon-istiskujuće hromatografije posledijalize ili ultrafiltracije.
Copper‐Mediated Di‐ and Monofluoromethanesulfonylation of Arenediazonium Tetrafluoroborates: Probing the Fluorine Effect
Authors: Xing Bo , Ni Chuanfa , Hu Jinbo
Published: January 2018

A copper‐mediated di‐ and monofluoromethanesulfonylation of arenediazonium tetrafluoroborates using di‐ and monofluoromethanesulfinate reagents provides aryl difluoromethyl (or monofluoromethyl) sulfones in good yields. It was found that the relative reactivity of these sodium fluoroalkanesulfinates in the present reactions decreases in the following order: CH2FSO2Na > CF2HSO2Na > CF3SO2Na.
Coupling colloidal forces with yield stress of charged inorganic particle suspension: A review
Authors: Otsuki Akira
Published: January 2018

This paper aims to summarize the series of investigations on coupling suspension yield stress and DLVO (Derjaguin‐Landau‐Verwey‐Overbeek) forces, i.e. van der Waals and electrical double layer forces. This summary provides a better understanding of the basic phenomena associated, historical development and current status of this useful coupling, and also discusses the applicability and limitations/variations of such coupling applied to different types of concentrated aqueous particle suspensions. Aqueous suspensions discussed are composed of charged inorganic fine particles, including metal oxide colloidal particles, mineral fine particles, and clays. The research gaps are identified and specific future perspectives are discussed to further enhance the use of this unique and useful coupling, and to aim for the transition from the modelling of similar particle suspension systems to its dissimilar/mix particle suspension systems that fit more with the current and future industry needs in particle processing.
Conformers, properties, and docking mechanism of the anticancer drug docetaxel: DFT and molecular dynamics studies
Authors: Sun Chuancai , Zhu Lijuan , Zhang Chao , Song Ce , Wang Cuihong , Zhang Meiling , Xie Yaoming , Schaefer Henry F.
Published: January 2018

The conformational structures and properties of the anticancer drug docetaxel (DTX) are studied theoretically. A total of 3888 trial structures were initially generated by all combinations of internal single‐bond rotamers and screened with the B3LYP/3‐21G* method. A total of 31 unique conformers were further optimized at the B3LYP/6‐311G* method. Their relative energies, dipole moments, rotational constants, and harmonic vibrational frequencies were predicted. Single‐point relative energies were then determined at the M06‐L/6‐311G(2df,p) level. The UV spectrum of the lowest‐lying DTX conformer in methanol was investigated with the TD‐CAM‐B3LYP/6‐311 + G(2df,p) method. The 31 unique DTX structures are mainly docked at three different sites within β‐tubulin. Based on the results of molecular docking and double‐float MD simulations, the lowest‐lying DTX conformer consistently exhibits good docking performance with β‐tubulin. We identified the residues LYS299, ARG215, GLN294, LEU275, THR216, GLU290, PRO274, and THR276 on β‐tubulin as active sites forming a binding pocket responsible for locking DTX within β‐tubulin to make the combination more stable. The RMSD values show that the predicted complexes are favorable, and the SASA analysis shows that the hydrophilic properties of DTX are better than paclitaxel. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
1H‐1,2,3‐Triazole‐tethered Isatin–coumarin Hybrids: Design, Synthesis and In Vitro Anti‐mycobacterial Evaluation
Authors: Liu Bi , Hu Guowen , Tang Xiuqin , Wang Guangqiang , Xu Zhi
Published: January 2018

A series of novel 1H‐1,2,3‐triazole‐tethered isatin–coumarin hybrids 7a–l integrate three anti‐tuberculosis bioactive substances/pharmacophoric units including coumarin, isatin, and I‐A09 were designed, synthesized, and tested for their in vitro anti‐mycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv as well as cytotoxicity in VERO cell line. The results showed that all hybrids exhibited weak to moderate activity against the tested two strains with minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 50 to 200 μg/mL.
Structure and stability analysis of biocompatible hydroxyapatite reinforced chitosan nanocomposite
Authors: Chakraborty Himel , Bhowmik Nandagopal
Published: January 2018

Nano‐hydroxyapatite has been used in multifunctional potential clinical applications where certain particle size distribution and morphology are required. The hydroxyapatite/chitosan composites were prepared using in situ co‐precipitation technique, influence of the reaction temperature on the crystallization and particle growth of the synthesized nano‐hydroxyapatite were examined. It was observed that the increase in synthesis temperature had a great influence on particle size and crystal structure of nano‐hydroxyapatite, whereas, the low temperature showed inhabitation of the hydroxyapatite growth in c‐direction and low crystallinity which was confirmed using XRD and electron diffraction pattern of TEM micrographs. The molar ratio of the bone‐like apatite layer for composite prepared at 70°C was higher was higher than the composites prepared at lower temperatures (40°C and −5°C). The AFM images of −5°C, 40°C, and 70°C n‐HAp/CTS composite display presence of CTS rich domains. These CTS rich and domains are made of smaller globular shaped particles in which, n‐HAp particles are embedded in the polymer matrix. The SBF degraded AFM surface topography of the composites shows the CTS is degraded fast rather the n‐HAp. The elastic modulus determined from nanoindentation of −5°C, 40°C, and 70°C n‐HAp/CTS composites are 17.91, 24.56, and 30.62 GPa respectively. Hardness values of the three composites in the same order were found to be 0.86, 1.35, and 1.74 GPa, respectively. Macro‐mechanical tests showed significant enhancement in elastic modulus, coefficient of friction and hardness of 70°C n‐HAp/CTS composites over −5°C and 40°C n‐HAp/CTS. However, the SBF degraded samples also performed moderate improvement in nanomechanical property. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E573–E583, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis of a new nanocomposite based‐on graphene‐oxide for selective removal of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions
Authors: Ensafi Avval Mahsa , Moghadam Peyman Najafi , Baradarani Mohammad Mehdi
Published: January 2018

In this study, a new nanocomposite was synthesized based on graphene‐oxide (GO) for the selective removal of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions. In the first step, the GO was synthesized from graphite. Then amino‐telechelic poly (hexamethylenediisocyanate‐co‐propylene glycol) (THMDI‐PG) was synthesized. Finally, The GO was reacted with the THMDI‐PG to obtain the final nanocomposite. The prepared nanocomposite was then used as the heavy metal ions adsorbent in Pb2+ and binary ionic metal media and showed a selective behavior toward the Pb2+ ions. The abundant oxygen‐containing groups on the surfaces of nanocomposite played an important role in Pb2+ ion adsorption on GO and the adsorption was dependent on pH values and independent of ionic strength. Different analysis such as Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy were carried out to characterize the prepared nanocomposite. Moreover, the effect of various adsorption parameters such as pH, adsorbent dose, adsorption time, temperature, agitation speed, and initial concentration of the ions were investigated and optimized. The obtained results showed an efficient performance of the prepared nanocomposite for the removal of the Pb2+ ions. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:730–737, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of water or alkali solution immersion on the water uptake and physicochemical properties of a pultruded carbon fiber reinforced polyurethane plate
Authors: Hong Bin , Xian Guijun , Li Hui
Published: January 2018

Carbon fiber reinforced polyurethane (CFRPU) composites exhibit a high potential in infrastructure application due to their easy manufacturing and excellent mechanical properties. In the present article, a pultruded CFRPU plate subjected to water or alkaline solution immersion at various temperatures was investigated, and compared with a commonly used epoxy‐based CFRP plate, in terms of the water uptake and physicochemical properties. As found, CFRPU plates exhibited excellent resistance to both water and alkaline immersion without noticeable degradation in the mechanical properties. No hydrolysis occurred for CFRPU under both immersion conditions for 1 year at 20–60°C. After 1 year of immersion, the tensile properties of CFRPU kept constant or even were enhanced slightly. On the contrary, the epoxy‐based CFRP plate showed a noticeable hydrolysis, and decreased in the tensile properties remarkably, especially in the case of the alkaline immersion. In addition, unlike the bond between carbon fiber and the epoxy, the bond between the carbon fiber and the polyurethane matrix was not affected by the above immersion. Accordingly, CFRPU was considered to be much more durable in the water or alkaline immersion conditions. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:738–748, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Novel high‐density polyethylene‐niobium pentoxide dielectric materials
Authors: Golla Brahma Raju , Tummala Mahesh , Akhil P. S. , James A. R.
Published: January 2018

This study for the first time reports the processing and properties of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) reinforced with niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) up to 40 wt%. In this work, Nb2O5 was chosen as reinforcement because of its advantageous properties such as good dielectric properties, high temperature stability and excellent biocompatible properties. Almost fully dense HDPE–Nb2O5 composites were prepared via hot pressing route. Both the hardness and dielectric properties of the HDPE increased significantly with the addition of Nb2O5. The hardness of HDPE increased from ∼37 to 60 MPa (i.e., by 62%) with the addition of 40 wt% Nb2O5. The dielectric constant and dissipation factor (dielectric loss) were found to increase with the increasing Nb2O5 content. We have achieved highest ever reported dielectric constant (ε') of 14.66 for HDPE–40 wt% Nb2O5 and the dielectric constant of HDPE is enhanced by 237% and shows the potential of Nb2O5 in improving the dielectric and hardness properties of HDPE. With increasing frequency there was slight decrease in the dielectric constant of HDPE–Nb2O5 composites, whereas not much change in the dielectric constant of pure HDPE. The dielectric constant (ε') of HDPE is 4.6 at 1 MHz, while the ε' value for the composite with 40 wt% Nb2O5 ceramic filler was found to be 13.2. The dielectric loss for the HDPE composites is higher than the neat polymer, particularly HDPE–40 wt% Nb2O5 composite measured with maximum dielectric loss (0.08) at 100 Hz. Nevertheless, the dielectric loss of HDPE materials significantly decreased with further increasing the frequency to 1 kHz and the dielectric loss even significantly lowered with increasing frequency to 1 MHz. The experimental values of dielectric constant show much better values than the calculated values based on theoretical models. The newly developed HDPE–Nb2O5 composites are showing much better dielectric properties than the reported literature values of HDPE materials. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:749–757, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
A water‐soluble, AIE‐active polyelectrolyte for conventional and fluorescence lifetime imaging of mouse neuroblastoma neuro‐2A cells
Authors: Wang Yinan , Yao Hongming , Zhou Jian , Hong Yuning , Chen Bin , Zhang Bolong , Smith Trevor A. , Wong Wallace W. H. , Zhao Zujin
Published: January 2018

A new conjugated polyelectrolyte containing tetraphenylethene units in the backbone is synthesized and characterized. This polyelectrolyte is water‐soluble and exhibits aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) behavior. It is biocompatible and can be directly used in conventional and fluorescence lifetime imaging of mouse neuroblastoma neuro‐2A cells, providing useful information of cellular morphology and intracellular aggregation or motion. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 672–680
Photomechanical effects in liquid crystalline polymer networks and elastomers
Authors: White Timothy J.
Published: January 2018

Liquid crystals are widely employed as stimuli‐responsive materials. Liquid crystallinity can be retained in polymeric form. Photoinduced mechanical effects in liquid crystalline polymer networks and elastomers have been a topic of considerable recent research. This review details the historical underpinnings and recent advances in the synthesis and the corresponding photomechanical response of these materials. In nearly all cases, the conversion of light into mechanical work has employed azobenzene as either a guest additive or covalently attached to the network. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 695–705
Automated cars meet human drivers: responsible human-robot coordination and the ethics of mixed traffic
Authors: Nyholm Sven , Smids Jilles
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we discuss the ethics of automated driving. More specifically, we discuss responsible human-robot coordination within mixed traffic: i.e. traffic involving both automated cars and conventional human-driven cars. We do three main things. First, we explain key differences in robotic and human agency and expectation-forming mechanisms that are likely to give rise to compatibility-problems in mixed traffic, which may lead to crashes and accidents. Second, we identify three possible solution-strategies for achieving better human-robot coordination within mixed traffic. Third, we identify important ethical challenges raised by each of these three possible strategies for achieving optimized human-robot cordination in this domain. Among other things, we argue that we should not just explore ways of making robotic driving more like human driving. Rather, we ought also to take seriously potential ways (e.g. technological means) of making human driving more like robotic driving. Nor should we assume that complete automation is always the ideal to aim for; in some traffic-situations, the best results may be achieved through human-robot collaboration. Ultimately, our main aim in this paper is to argue that the new field of the ethics of automated driving needs take seriously the ethics of mixed traffic and responsible human-robot coordination.
Laxative effect of repeated Daiokanzoto is attributable to decrease in aquaporin-3 expression in the colon
Authors: Kon Risako , Yamamura Miho , Matsunaga Yukari , Kimura Hiroshi , Minami Moe , Kato Saki , Ikarashi Nobutomo , Sugiyama Kiyoshi
Published: January 2018

Daiokanzoto (DKT) exerts its laxative effect via colonic inflammation caused by sennoside A in Daio (rhubarb). Previously, we showed that the laxative effect of sennoside A is related to decreased aquaporin-3 (AQP3) expression in mucosal epithelial cells due to colonic inflammation. We also found that a combination of glycyrrhizin, an ingredient in Kanzo (glycyrrhiza), and sennoside A attenuates the inflammatory response induced by sennoside A and reduces its laxative effect. These findings indicate that DKT may be a long-term treatment for chronic constipation, but there is no evidence supporting this hypothesis. In this study, we analyzed the laxative effect of repeated DKT administration, focusing on AQP3 expression in the colon. After rats were treated for 7 days, decreased AQP3 expression and the onset of diarrhea were observed in the DKT group, but were not seen in the Daio group either. Although the relative abundance of gut microbiota after repeated DKT administration was similar to that after control treatment, Daio reduced Lactobacillaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, and Bacteroidaceae levels and markedly increased Lachnospiraceae levels. In this study, we show that DKT has a sustained laxative effect, even upon repeated use, probably because it maintains decreased AQP3 expression and gut microbiota homeostasis. This outcome therefore indicates that DKT can be used as a long-term treatment for chronic constipation.
An environmental scan of academic pediatric emergency medicine at Canadian medical schools: Identifying variability across Canada
Authors: Artz Jennifer D. , Meckler Garth , Argintaru Niran , Lim Roderick , Stiell Ian G.
Published: January 2018

Objective

To complement our environmental scan of academic emergency medicine departments, we conducted a similar environmental scan of the academic pediatric emergency medicine programs offered by the Canadian medical schools.

Methods

We developed an 88-question form, which was distributed to pediatric academic leaders at each medical school. The responses were validated via email to ensure that the questions were answered completely and consistently.

Results

Fourteen of the 17 Canadian medical schools have some type of pediatric emergency medicine academic program. None of the pediatric emergency medicine units have full departmental status, while nine are divisions, two are sections, and three have no status. Canadian academic pediatric emergency medicine is practised at 13 major teaching hospitals and one specialized pediatric emergency department. There are 394 pediatric emergency medicine faculty members, including 13 full professors and 64 associate professors. Eight sites regularly take pediatric undergraduate clinical clerks, and all 14 provide resident education. Fellowship training is offered at 10 sites, with five offering advanced pediatric emergency medicine fellowship training. Half of the sites have at least one physician with a Master’s degree in education, totalling 18 faculty members across Canada. There are 31 clinical researchers with salary support at nine universities. Eleven sites have published peer-reviewed papers (n=423) in the past five years, ranging from two to 102 per site. Annual academic budgets range from $10,000 to $2,607,515.

Conclusions

This comprehensive review of academic activities in pediatric emergency medicine across Canada identifies the variability across the country, including the recognition of sites above and below the national average, which may prompt change at individual sites. Sharing these academic practices may inspire sites to provide more support to teachers, educators, and researchers.
The Role of Negative Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Surveillance Swabs in Predicting the Need for Empiric Vancomycin Therapy in Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Chotiprasitsakul Darunee , Tamma Pranita D. , Gadala Avinash , Cosgrove Sara E.
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVES

The role of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal surveillance swabs (nasal swabs) in guiding decisions about prescribing vancomycin is unclear. We aimed to determine the likelihood that patients with negative MRSA nasal swabs develop subsequent MRSA infections; to assess avoidable vancomycin days for patients with negative nasal swabs; and to identify risk factors for having a negative nasal swab and developing a MRSA infection during the intensive care unit (ICU) stay.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in 6 ICUs at a tertiary-care hospital from December 2013 through June 2015. The negative predictive value (NPV), defined as the ability of a negative nasal swab to predict no subsequent MRSA infection, was calculated. Days of vancomycin continued or restarted after 3 days from the collection time of the first negative nasal swab were determined. A matched case-control study identified risk factors for having a negative nasal swab and developing MRSA infection.

RESULTS

Of 11,441 patients with MRSA-negative nasal swabs, the rate of subsequent MRSA infection was 0.22%. A negative nasal swab had a NPV of 99.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 99.1%–99.6%). Vancomycin was continued or started after nasal swab results were available in 1,431 patients, translating to 7,364 vancomycin days. No risk factors associated with MRSA infection were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

In our hospital with a low prevalence of MRSA transmission, a negative MRSA nasal swab was helpful in identifying patients with low risk of MRSA infection in whom empiric vancomycin therapy could be stopped and in whom the subsequent initiation of vancomycin therapy during an ICU admission could be avoided.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:290–296
LEGAL POLYCENTRISM: A CHRISTIAN THEOLOGICAL AND JURISPRUDENTIAL EVALUATION
Authors: VanDrunen David
Published: January 2018

Legal theorists have long debated whether law originates from a single source (the actions of state officials) or from multiple sources (including the innumerable communities and associations that constitute broader civil society). In recent years, proponents have defended polycentrism—and its critics have tried to refute it—from various moral, economic, and historical angles. But no contemporary writer has examined polycentrism from a Christian perspective. In the absence of such a study heretofore, this article attempts to evaluate legal polycentrism from a Christian theological and jurisprudential perspective. The Christian scriptures and Christian theology do not directly address whether law is polycentric or monocentric. Nevertheless, appealing to a number of biblical-theological issues—including the image of God, the Noahic covenant (Genesis 8:21–9:17), wisdom, and the purpose of civil government—I argue that Christians have good reason to regard polycentrism as a more satisfactory view of law.
NONINCREASING DEPTH FUNCTIONS OF MONOMIAL IDEALS
Authors: MATSUDA KAZUNORI , SUZUKI TAO , TSUCHIYA AKIYOSHI
Published: January 2018

Given a nonincreasing function f : ℤ≥ 0 \{0} → ℤ≥ 0 such that (i) f(k) − f(k + 1) ≤ 1 for all k ≥ 1 and (ii) if a = f(1) and b = limk → ∞f(k), then |f−1(a)| ≤ |f−1(a − 1)| ≤ ··· ≤ |f−1(b + 1)|, a system of generators of a monomial ideal I ⊂ K[x1, . . ., xn] for which depth S/Ik = f(k) for all k ≥ 1 is explicitly described. Furthermore, we give a characterization of triplets of integers (n, d, r) with n > 0, d ≥ 0 and r > 0 with the properties that there exists a monomial ideal I ⊂ S = K[x1, . . ., xn] for which limk→∞ depth S/Ik = d and dstab(I) = r, where dstab(I) is the smallest integer k0 ≥ 1 with depth S/Ik0 = depth S/Ik0+1 = depth S/Ik0+2 = ···.
POTENTIALS OF A FROBENIUS-LIKE STRUCTURE
Authors: HERTLING CLAUS , VARCHENKO ALEXANDER
Published: January 2018

This paper proves the existence of potentials of the first and second kind of a Frobenius like structure in a frame, which encompasses families of arrangements. The frame uses the notion of matroids. For the proof of the existence of the potentials, a power series ansatz is made. The proof that it works requires that certain decompositions of tuples of coordinate vector fields are related by certain elementary transformations. This is shown with a nontrivial result on matroid partition.
EXAMPLE OF A GROUP WHOSE QUANTUM ISOMETRY GROUP DOES NOT DEPEND ON THE GENERATING SET
Authors: MANDAL ARNAB
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we have shown that the quantum isometry group of Cr*(ℤ), denoted by ℚ(ℤ, S) as in Goswami and Mandal, Rev. Math. Phys.29(3) (2017), 1750008, with respect to a symmetric generating set S does not depend on the generating set S. Moreover, we have proved that the result is no longer true if the group ℤ is replaced by $\underbrace{\mathbb{Z} \times \mathbb{Z} \times\cdots \times \mathbb{Z}}_{n \ copies} \ \forall \ n>1$.
FINITE GROUPS WITH ENGEL SINKS OF BOUNDED RANK
Authors: KHUKHRO E. I. , SHUMYATSKY P.
Published: January 2018

For an element g of a group G, an Engel sink is a subset ${\mathscr E}$(g) such that for every x ∈ G all sufficiently long commutators [. . .[[x, g], g], . . ., g] belong to ${\mathscr E}$(g). A finite group is nilpotent if and only if every element has a trivial Engel sink. We prove that if in a finite group G every element has an Engel sink generating a subgroup of rank r, then G has a normal subgroup N of rank bounded in terms of r such that G/N is nilpotent.
Alterations in plasma constituents, growth and egg production traits due to selection in three genotypes of Japanese quail
Authors: Farahat G. S. , Mahmoud B. Y. , El-Komy E. M. , El-Full E. A.
Published: January 2018

The present investigation was carried out to estimate the effects of genotype and sex on growth and laying performance and assess the variations in plasma constituents in the tested genotypes and their relations with productive traits after four generations of selection. Data of growth and laying performance on 1440 females and males of Japanese quail were taken from the three quail genotypes: maternal (MG), long shank length (LSG28) and control (CG) genotypes. Genotype significantly affected all studied growth productive traits, favouring selected genotypes. The LSG28surpassed MG in total protein, albumin (Alb), globulin (Glob), triglycerides and Alb/Glob ratio and lowered both cholesterol and total lipids (TL). Sex significantly favoured females, which had higher body weight, longer shank length at 35 days of age and higher body weight gain during the period from 1 to 35 days of age. Females showed significantly higher concentrations of both Alb and TL than males. The MG exceeded LSG28in fertility and hatchability per cent. Correlations for both growth and productive traits with plasma constituents revealed inconsistent trends in either magnitude or direction. Four generations of selection resulted in substantial phenotypic improvements in most growth and productive traits, as well as plasma constituents studied in LSG28, and favoured MG in maturity, days needed to produce the first ten eggs, higher egg production per cent and heavier egg mass.
Broadband radar cross-section reduction using polarization conversion metasurface
Authors: Zheng Qi , Guo Chenjiang , Li Haixiong , Ding Jun
Published: January 2018

A wideband and high-efficiency polarization conversion metasurface (PCM) is proposed and applied to reduce radar cross section (RCS). The proposed PCM unit is composed of two oblique asymmetry triangle split rings, which generate multiple plasmon resonances. Simulated and measured results demonstrate that it achieves polarization conversion over 90% from 9.24 to 17.64 GHz. Besides square checkerboard, the proposed PCM units and mirror units are arranged in triangle checkerboard. The mechanisms of both checkerboard PCMs are analyzed based on standard array theory, including the relationship between RCS reduction value and polarization conversion ratio value. The derived formulas provide a guideline to design checkerboard structure based on PCM. Simulated results demonstrate that both checkerboard PCMs achieve over 62% relative bandwidth of 10 dB RCS reduction under normal incidence with respect to the equal-sized metallic plate, which also means that the triangle one could be an alternative solution to reduce RCS. To verify the analyzed and simulated results, the fabricated sample and measured results of both checkerboard PCMs are presented. Good agreements are achieved between measurements, simulations and numerical analysis.
A comprehensive study of cryogenic cooled millimeter-wave frequency multipliers based on GaAs Schottky-barrier varactors
Authors: Johansen Tom K. , Rybalko Oleksandr , Zhurbenko Vitaliy , Bulcha Berhanu , Hesler Jeffrey
Published: January 2018

The benefit of cryogenic cooling on the performance of millimeter-wave GaAs Schottky-barrier varactor-based frequency multipliers has been studied. For this purpose, a dedicated compact model of a GaAs Schottky-barrier varactor using a triple-anode diode stack has been developed for use with a commercial RF and microwave CAD tool. The model implements critical physical phenomena such as thermionic-field emission current transport at cryogenic temperatures, temperature dependent mobility, reverse breakdown, self-heating, and high-field velocity saturation effects. A parallel conduction model is employed in order to include the effect of barrier inhomogeneities which is known to cause deviation from the expected I--V characteristics at cryogenic temperatures. The developed model is shown to accurately fit the I--V --T dataset from 25 to 295 K measured on the varactor diode stack. Harmonic balance simulations using the model are used to predict the efficiency of a millimeter-wave balanced doubler from room to cryogenic temperatures. The estimation is verified experimentally using a 188 GHz balanced doubler cooled down to 77 K. The model has been further verified down to 14 K using a 78 GHz balanced doubler.
Changes in renal hemodynamics of undernourished fetuses appear earlier than IUGR evidences
Authors: Barbero A. , Porcu C. , Spezzigu A. , Succu S. , Dattena M. , Gallus M. , Molle G. , Naitana S. , Gonzalez-Bulnes A. , Berlinguer F.
Published: January 2018

The present study used a sheep model of intrauterine growth restriction, combining maternal undernutrition and twinning, to determine possible markers of early damage to the fetal kidney. The occurrence of early deviations in fetal hemodynamics which may be indicative of changes in blood perfusion was assessed by Doppler ultrasonography. A total of 24 sheep divided in two groups were fed with the same standard grain-based diet but fulfilling either their daily maintenance requirements for pregnancy (control group; n=12, six singleton and six twin pregnancies) or only the 50% of such quantity (food-restricted group; n=12; four singleton and eight twin pregnancies). All the fetuses were assessed by both B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography at Day 115 of pregnancy. Fetal blood supply was affected by maternal undernutrition, although there were still no evidences of brain-sparing excepting in fetuses at greatest challenge (twins in underfed pregnancies). However, there were early changes in the blood supply to the kidneys of underfed fetuses and underfed twins evidenced decreases in kidney size.
Above and Below: Understanding River-Groundwater Exchanges
Authors: Brunner Philip , Renard Philippe , Therrien René , Simmons Craig , Hendricks Franssen Harrie-Jan
Published: January 2018

Field data, new technologies, numerical modelling, and geostatistical methods can be combined to improve understanding of the interactions between surface water and groundwater.
Lensing of fast radio bursts by binaries to probe compact dark matter
Authors: Wang Y. K. , Wang F. Y.
Published: January 2018

The possibility that a fraction of dark matter is comprised of massive compact halo objects (MACHOs) remains unclear, especially in the 20–100 M⊙ window. MACHOs could make up binaries, whose mergers may be detected by LIGO as gravitational wave events. On the other hand, the cosmological origin of fast radio burst (FRBs) has been confirmed. We investigate the possibility of detecting FRBs gravitational lensed by MACHO binaries to constrain their properties. Since lensing events could generate more than one image, lensing by binaries could cause multiple-peak FRBs. The angular separation between these images is roughly 10−3 mas, which is too small to be resolved. The typical time interval between different images is roughly 1 millisecond (ms). The flux ratio between different images is from approximately 10 to 103. With the expected detection rate of 104 FRBs per year by the upcoming experiments, we could expect five multi-peak FRBs observed per year with a time interval larger than 1 ms and flux ratio less than 103 if the fraction of dark matter in MACHOs is f ~ 0.01. A null search of multiple-peak FRBs for time intervals larger than 1 ms and flux ratio less than 103 with 104 FRBs would constrain the fraction f of dark matter in MACHOs to f < 0.001.