bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption and Photocatalytic Degradation of Anionic and Cationic Surfactants on Nitrogen‐Modified TiO2
Authors: Kuźmiński Kamil , Morawski Antoni W. , Janus Magdalena
Published: September 2018

Adsorption and photocatalytic decomposition of anionic and cationic surfactants are presented. Two different types of photocatalysts were studied, commercial TiO2‐P25 (Evonik) with pHpzc = 5.65 and nitrogen‐modified TiO2/N pHpzc = 6.7 (point of zero charge). Two different types of surfactants were used: anionic surfactant NaDBS (sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate) and cationic surfactant BtCl (benzethonium chloride). Obtained adsorption isotherms of NaDBS and BtCl comply with the conditions of monolayer Langmuir model isotherms. The maximal anionic surfactant adsorption took place at acidic pH and it was higher for TiO2/N (196 mg g−1) than for commercial TiO2‐P25 (140 mg g−1). There was the opposite situation in the case of cationic surfactants, higher adsorption took place at alkaline condition and it was higher for TiO2/N (100 mg g−1) than for commercial TiO2‐P25 (85 mg g−1). Photocatalytic degradation has been found to be more effective in neutral and high than in low pH solutions for both surfactants. It is mainly the difference between charges of the surface of photocatalysts and ionic parts of individual surfactants that determined the effectiveness for each of them.
Computed tomography or contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography for follow‐up of liver metastases after Cyberknife therapy?: A prospective pilot study
Authors: Marsico Maria , Gabbani Tommaso , Lunardi Sarah , Lei Barbara , Lucarini Matteo , Cuffari Biagio , Curatolo Angela , Biagini Maria Rosa , Annese Vito
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) allows the study of vascularization of secondary liver lesions. The Cyberknife (Accuray, Inc, Sunnyvale, CA) is a therapeutic method that allows a tumor target to be subjected to a high radiant dose gradient. This prospective pilot study aimed to demonstrate the concordance of CEUS versus contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in determining the stability or disease progression of secondary liver lesions after treatment with the Cyberknife.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients were consecutively enrolled, and 3 different operators evaluated the CEUS images and the intermodality concordance with CECT. All patients received CEUS at 1 and 2 months after the Cyberknife therapy. The intermodality agreement was evaluated by the Cohen κ coefficient and a multivariate analysis according to the method of Janson and Olsson (Educ Psychol Meas 2001; 61:277–289).

Results

Forty secondary liver lesions were detected and treated. Forty‐one CECT and 51 CEUS examinations were performed without any adverse events in the 24 patients. The intermodality agreement rates, calculated for the operators as Cohen κ values, were κ = 1.00, 0.881, and 0.767, respectively. The multivariate analysis of intermodality agreement showed an almost perfect value (ι = 0.841).

Conclusions

This pilot study found excellent diagnostic correspondence between CEUS and CECT in the evaluation of local disease stability or progression after Cyberknife therapy in liver metastases. These findings suggest that CEUS could play an important role in the surveillance of these patients because of its high accuracy and reproducibility, thus reducing the need for CECT.
Negative priming effect of three kinds of biochar on the mineralization of native soil organic carbon
Authors: Liu Yuxue , Chen Ying , Wang Yuying , Lu Haohao , He Lili , Yang Shengmao
Published: September 2018

This study was conducted to improve our understanding of the effect of biochar on the degradation of original soil organic carbon (SOC) and the resulting net C sequestration. A 120‐day incubation experiment was conducted to detect the CO2 evolution from soil amended with three kinds of biochar, namely, rice husk biochar (RH), pecan shell biochar (PS), and bamboo biochar (BB), at biochar to soil ratios of 0% (as control), 1%, 2%, and 5%, as well as 100% pure biochar, and to evaluate their priming effect on SOC mineralization. Results showed that the cumulative mineralized amounts of SOC decreased by 7.95–10.7% with 5% RH, PS, and BB treatments, whereas there were no significant differences in 1% or 2% biochar treatments after 120 days of incubation compared with the control. Biochar had a suppressing influence on native SOC decomposition, and the effect increased with the amount of applied biochar increasing. The negative priming effect of biochar on the mineralization of SOC was mainly observed after 15 days of incubation and increased with incubation time. The negative effects of BB and RH were significantly stronger than that of PS at the 5% application ratio. This was mainly due to the less pores and smaller specific surface area of PS, which resulted in the weaker encapsulation and adsorption protection effect of PS than RH and BB, and inhibited the degradation of the adsorbed native SOC. Therefore, BB and RH have great potential for C sequestration and mitigation, especially in soils with low organic C.
Properties of TSA in natural seawater at ambient and elevated temperature
Authors: Wilson Havard , Johnsen Roy , Rodriguez Cristian T. , Hesjevik Sven M.
Published: September 2018

Electrochemical properties of thermal sprayed aluminium (TSA) coating were investigated in natural seawater at elevated temperatures with and without cathodic protection (CP). TSA has a low current density requirement when connected to a CP system, regardless of temperature. The corrosion rates for TSA were found to be low both under CP and at open circuit potential at temperatures in the range 20–90 °C. However, measurements of the TSA coating thickness before and after exposure indicate there might be chemical dissolution of the coating. However, this has not been reported anywhere else in the literature, so more data is necessary to conclude. Post exposure analysis indicated calcareous deposits on the TSA exposed for up to 280 days. In SEM small amounts were found, and the type of deposits were dependent on temperature, with the deposits being more based on Mg at higher temperatures.
Tilted‐CAIPI for highly accelerated distortion‐free EPI with point spread function (PSF) encoding
Authors: Dong Zijing , Wang Fuyixue , Reese Timothy G. , Manhard Mary Katherine , Bilgic Berkin , Wald Lawrence L. , Guo Hua , Setsompop Kawin
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To develop a method for fast distortion‐ and blurring‐free imaging.

Theory: EPI with point‐spread‐function (PSF) mapping can achieve distortion‐ and blurring‐free imaging at a cost of long acquisition time. In this study, an acquisition/reconstruction technique, termed “tilted‐CAIPI,” is proposed to achieve >20× acceleration for PSF‐EPI. The proposed method systematically optimized the k‐space sampling trajectory with B0‐inhomogeneity‐informed reconstruction, to exploit the inherent signal correlation in PSF‐EPI and take full advantage of coil sensitivity. Susceptibility‐induced phase accumulation is regarded as an additional encoding that is estimated by calibration data and integrated into reconstruction. Self‐navigated phase correction was developed to correct shot‐to‐shot phase variation in diffusion imaging.

Methods

Tilted‐CAIPI was implemented at 3T, with incorporation of partial Fourier and simultaneous multislice to achieve further accelerations. T2‐weighted, T2*‐weighted, and diffusion‐weighted imaging experiments were conducted to evaluate the proposed method.

Results

The ability of tilted‐CAIPI to provide highly accelerated imaging without distortion and blurring was demonstrated through in vivo brain experiments, where only 8 shots per simultaneous slice group were required to provide high‐quality, high‐SNR imaging at 0.8–1 mm resolution.

Conclusion

Tilted‐CAIPI achieved fast distortion‐ and blurring‐free imaging with high SNR. Whole‐brain T2‐weighted, T2*‐weighted, and diffusion imaging can be obtained in just 15–60 s.
A human cerebral and cerebellar 8‐channel transceive RF dipole coil array at 7T
Authors: Clément Jérémie D. , Gruetter Rolf , Ipek Özlem
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Dipole antennas that provide high transmit field penetration with large coverage, and their use in a parallel transmit setup, may be advantageous in minimizing B‐field inhomogeneities at ultra‐high field, i.e 7T. We have developed and evaluated an 8‐channel RF dipole coil array for imaging the entire cerebral and cerebellar regions in man.

Methods

A coil array was modeled with seven dipoles: six placed covering the occipital and temporal lobes; one covering the parietal lobe; and two loops covering the frontal lobe. Center‐shortened and fractionated dipoles were simulated for the array configuration and assessed with respect to B‐field at maximum specific absorption rate averaged over 10 g tissue regions in human brain. The whole‐brain center‐shortened dipoles with frontal loops coil array was constructed and its transmit properties were assessed with respect to MR images, B‐field, and homogeneity.

Results

In simulations, the dipole arrays showed comparable performances to cover the whole‐brain. However, for ease of construction, the center‐shortened dipole was favored. High spatial resolution anatomical images of the human brain with the coil array demonstrated a full coverage of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum.

Conclusions

The 8‐channel center‐shortened dipoles and frontal loops coil array promises remarkable efficiency in highly challenging regions as the cerebellum, and phase‐only RF shimming of whole‐brain could greatly benefit ultra‐high field magnetic resonance imaging of the human brain at 7T.
Quantifying Uncertainty in Aquatic Telemetry: Using Received Signal Strength to Estimate Telemetry Error
Authors: Heim Kurt C. , Steeves Michael E. , McMahon Thomas E. , Ertel Brian D. , Koel Todd M.
Published: September 2018

Telemetry error is not regularly considered in aquatic studies; however, when it is considered, it is generally treated as a static value despite high variation that can occur even within a single tracking event. We describe a simple procedure for using received signal strength (RSS) to estimate telemetry error. We recorded the RSSs of ground- and air-based detections of large (11 g; 11 × 59 mm) and small (8 g; 11 × 43 mm) 172-MHz radio transmitters across a range of distances. Received signal strength was an excellent predictor of the distance to transmitter for ground tracking detections (large transmitter: r2 = 0.98; small transmitter: r2 = 0.97) and a fair predictor for aerial detections (large transmitter: r2 = 0.49; small transmitter: r2 = 0.57). We also manipulated transmitter antenna lengths and unexpectedly found that both transmitters performed better with shorter antennas relative to factory lengths. With calibrated models relating RSS to the distance to transmitter, RSSs from field-collected data can be used to approximate telemetry error and draw spatial confidence areas around location estimates for analysis and interpretation. During a concurrent movement study, we estimated telemetry error for 2,436 detections of fish at large. Ground tracking error estimates ranged from 1 to 131 m (median = 24 m), and aerial error estimates were most often less than 300 m but were as high as 1 km. The benefits of representing telemetry data as spatial confidence areas guided by the RSS of each detection are discussed. With appropriate caution, this method will provide a more robust alternative to the assumption that error is constant, negligible, or both.
Validation of the Diet Satisfaction Questionnaire: a new measure of satisfaction with diets for weight management
Authors: James B. L. , Loken E. , Roe L. S. , Myrissa K. , Lawton C. L. , Dye L. , Rolls B. J.
Published: September 2018

Objective

The Diet Satisfaction Questionnaire was developed to fill the need for a validated measure to evaluate satisfaction with weight‐management diets. This paper further develops the questionnaire, examining the factor structure of the original questionnaire, cross‐validating a revised version in a second sample and relating diet satisfaction to weight loss during a 1‐year trial.

Methods

The 45‐item Diet Satisfaction Questionnaire (DSat‐45) uses seven scales to assess characteristics that influence diet satisfaction: Healthy Lifestyle, Convenience, Cost, Family Dynamics, Preoccupation with Food, Negative Aspects, and Planning and Preparation. It was administered five times during a 1‐year weight‐loss trial (n = 186 women) and once as an online survey in a separate sample (n = 510 adults). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess and refine the DSat‐45 structure, and reliability and validity data were examined in both samples for the revised questionnaire, the DSat‐28. Associations were examined between both DSat questionnaires and weight loss in the trial.

Results

Internal consistency (reliability) was moderate for the DSat‐45. Confirmatory factor analysis showed improved fit for a five‐factor structure, resulting in the DSat‐28 that retained four of the original scales and a shortened fifth scale. This revised questionnaire was reliable in both samples. Weight loss across the year‐long trial was positively related to satisfaction with Healthy Lifestyle, Preoccupation with Food, and Planning and Preparation in both versions of the questionnaire.

Conclusions

Measures of reliability and validity were improved in the more concise DSat‐28 compared to the DSat‐45. This shorter measure should be used in future work to evaluate satisfaction with weight‐management diets.
Ignition of Organic Explosive Materials by a Copper Oxide Film Absorbing a Laser Pulse
Authors: Dolgachev Vadim , Khaneft Alexander , Mitrofanov Anatoly
Published: September 2018

This work present experimental results of PETN ignition and of numerical simulations of PETN, RDX, HMX, and TATB ignition by a copper oxide (CuO) film heated using a millisecond fiber laser YLS‐150. It was established that the dynamic ignition threshold of organic explosive materials (EM) in a three‐layer system (glass – CuO – EM) by a laser pulse has a minimum at the CuO film thickness of 12 
. The density of the critical ignition energy of EM is increasing in the sequence of PETN, RDX, HMX, and TATB with PETN having the smallest and TATB having the highest density of the critical ignition energy.
Comparative study of the effect of disease causing and benign mutations in position Q92 on cholesterol binding by the NPC1 n‐terminal domain
Authors: Petukh Marharyta , Zhulin Igor B.
Published: September 2018

The Niemann‐Pick type C1 (NPC1) protein is a large transmembrane protein located in lysosomes/endosomes. NPC1 binds cholesterol (CLR) and transports it to cellular membrane and endoplasmic reticulum. Mutations in NPC1 cause Niemann‐Pick type C (NPC) disease, a rare autosomal disorder characterized by intracellular accumulations of CLR and subsequent neurodegeneration leading to premature death. Among known disease‐causing mutations in NPC1, Q92R is the one that is located in the N‐terminal cholesterol‐binding domain [NTD]. Here we study the effect of the mutation on the ability of NPC1 (NTD) to bind and retain CLR in the binding pocket using structural analysis. We compare characteristics of the Q92R and Q92S mutant type (MT) protein, which is predicted to be benign. We provide detailed investigation of the CLR‐NPC1 (NTD) binding process; and propose the mechanism, by which Q92R mutation causes NPC disease. We show that although Q92 residue neither directly participates in catalytic activity of the NPC1 (NTD), nor defines its CLR‐binding specificity ‐ it is important for the overall protein structure as well as for providing favorable electrostatic environment for CLR transfer. Our results suggest that a negative electrostatic potential of the CLR binding site (the S‐opening) might promote NPC2 interaction with NPC1 (NTD) and/or proper CLR orientation and its enforced transfer. We show that in contrast to the benign Q92S mutation, Q92R significantly reduces electrostatic potential around S‐opening, and thus likely affects NPC1 (NTD)‐NPC2 interaction and/or CLR transfer from NPC2 to NPC1.
Investigation of Elemental Composition Change by Laser Ablation of a Rare‐Earth Containing Material
Authors: Kang Kyung‐Tae , Rho Yoonsoo , Park Hee K. , Hwang David J.
Published: September 2018

Rare earth doped materials, in the form of nanoparticles, have attracted extensive attention in photonic and biomedical applications. Separation of rare earth elements in a clean way has been also topic of great interest. Laser ablation has been actively examined to convert the rare earth containing bulk materials into functional nanoparticles as a potentially clean, efficient production method. However, elemental composition change during laser ablation based rare earth containing nanoparticle conversion process has not been studied extensively despite its significance. In this study, an ultraviolet nanosecond pulsed laser is used to ablate an erbium containing glass material with a major aim of tracking elemental composition in collected nanoparticles. The effect of laser fluence and laser beam spot is experimentally investigated by morphological, optical, spectroscopic, and elemental analyses. The results indicates the careful choice of laser parameters for the laser ablation can either preserve the elemental composition of bulk materials for applications dealing with rare earth containing materials or separate rare earth elements from bulk materials.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Seeded Biomimetic Scaffolds as a Factory of Soluble RANKL in Rankl-Deficient Osteopetrosis
Authors: Menale Ciro , Campodoni Elisabetta , Palagano Eleonora , Mantero Stefano , Erreni Marco , Inforzato Antonio , Fontana Elena , Schena Francesca , van’t Hof Rob , Sandri Monica , Tampieri Anna , Villa Anna , Sobacchi Cristina
Published: September 2018

Biomimetic scaffolds are extremely versatile in terms of chemical composition and physical properties, which can be defined to accomplish specific applications. One property that can be added is the production/release of bioactive soluble factors, either directly from the biomaterial, or from cells embedded within the biomaterial. We reasoned that pursuing this strategy would be appropriate to setup a cell-based therapy for RANKL-deficient autosomal recessive osteopetrosis, a very rare skeletal genetic disease in which lack of the essential osteoclastogenic factor RANKL impedes osteoclast formation. The exogenously administered RANKL cytokine is effective in achieving osteoclast formation and function in vitro and in vivo, thus, we produced murine Rankl−/− mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) overexpressing human soluble RANKL (hsRL) following lentiviral transduction (LVhsRL). Here, we described a three-dimensional (3D) culture system based on a magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite/collagen I (MgHA/Col) biocompatible scaffold closely reproducing bone physicochemical properties. MgHA/Col-seeded murine MSCs showed improved properties, as compared to two-dimensional (2D) culture, in terms of proliferation and hsRL production, with respect to LVhsRL-transduced cells. When implanted subcutaneously in Rankl−/− mice, these cell constructs were well tolerated, colonized by host cells, and intensely vascularized. Of note, in the bone of Rankl−/− mice that carried scaffolds with either WT or LVhsRL-transduced Rankl−/− MSCs, we specifically observed formation of TRAP+ cells, likely due to sRL released from the scaffolds into circulation. Thus, our strategy proved to have the potential to elicit an effect on the bone; further work is required to maximize these benefits and achieve improvements of the skeletal pathology in the treated Rankl−/− mice. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:22–34
Graphitic Carbon Materials for Advanced Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Zheng‐Long , Park Jooha , Yoon Gabin , Kim Haegyeom , Kang Kisuk
Published: September 2018

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have dominated the energy storage market for more than two decades; however, the quest for lower‐cost battery alternatives is rapidly expanding, especially for large‐scale applications. Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have recently experienced an impressive resurgence owing to the earth's abundance of sodium resources and the similar electrochemistry of SIBs and the well‐established LIBs. Nonetheless, whereas cost‐effective and reliable graphite anodes have served as a cornerstone in current LIB technology, one of the major limitations of SIBs has been the inability to exploit graphite as an electrode because of its negligible sodium storage capability. Recently, however, clear progress has been made in preparing high‐performance graphitic carbon anodes for SIBs with new findings on the mechanisms of sodium storage. Herein, this paper aims to review the progress made in understanding the sodium storage mechanisms in graphitic carbon materials and comprehensively summarize the start‐of‐the‐art achievements by surveying the correlations among the type of graphitic material, microstructure, sodium storage mechanisms, and electrochemical performance in SIBs. In addition, perspectives related to practical applications, including the electrolyte, coulombic efficiency, and applicability in sodium‐ion full cells, are also presented.
Ultrasound of flexor digitorum apparatus in acute and chronic pathology
Authors: Sirlyn Quanson , Bird Stephen
Published: September 2018

The flexor digitorum apparatus (FDA) of the finger consists of two flexor tendons located within their osteofibrous tunnel, reinforced by the pulley apparatus and the supporting volar plates. The FDA is essential for facilitating hand grasping functions, and pathology affecting the FDA can result in functional impairment of the hand. These injuries can be open or closed in nature and are commonly the sequelae of acute trauma or chronic overuse. This article includes an overview of the anatomy of the FDA, ultrasound scanning technique and common pathologies that sonographic assessment may encounter. The anatomy of the finger and its variants is complex, and an ultrasound can only be accurate if the operator possesses comprehensive knowledge of these structures.
Automatisierte Fertigung von Hohlprofilknoten für Jacket‐Gründungsstrukturen
Authors: Schaumann Peter , Rethmeier Michael , Schürmann Karsten , Pittner Andreas , Dänekas Christian , Schippereit Christian
Published: September 2018

Die Entwicklung in der Offshore‐Windenergie hin zu größeren, leistungsstärkeren Anlagentypen sowie die zeitgleich zunehmenden Wassertiefen der projektierten Windparks stellt u. a. Designer und Fertiger der Gründungsstrukturen der Windenergieanlagen vor wachsende Herausforderungen. Neben dem Gründungskonzept mittels XL‐Monopiles rückt auch die Jacketgründung wegen der Kombination aus dem vergleichsweise geringen Materialverbrauch bei gleichzeitig hoher Steifigkeit in den Fokus. Der Fertigungsaufwand der Jackets ist verglichen mit Monopiles groß, kann jedoch durch die Kombination aus Standardrohren mit automatisiert gefertigten Jacketknoten reduziert werden. Vor diesem Hintergrund befasst sich dieser Beitrag mit der Prozesskette der automatisierten Fertigung von Hohlprofilknoten inklusive der Digitalisierung relevanter Fertigungsparameter sowie der optischen Erfassung der Schweißnahtgeometrie durch einen Linienlaser. Des Weiteren wird eine Methodik zur Analyse der gescannten Schweißnahtgeometrie anhand von drei Referenzstellen eines X‐Knotens vorgestellt, mit der sowohl die Kerbradien als auch die Nahtanstiegswinkel bestimmt werden können. Abschließend werden die Geometrieparameter beim Ermüdungsnachweis nach dem Kerbspannungskonzept berücksichtigt und ihr Einfluss durch einen Vergleich mit dem Strukturspannungskonzept auf Basis äquivalenter Spannungskonzentrationsfaktoren quantifiziert.
Aeroelastic analysis of a floating offshore wind turbine in platform‐induced surge motion using a fully coupled CFD‐MBD method
Authors: Liu Yuanchuan , Xiao Qing , Incecik Atilla , Peyrard Christophe
Published: September 2018

Modern offshore wind turbines are susceptible to blade deformation because of their increased size and the recent trend of installing these turbines on floating platforms in deep sea. In this paper, an aeroelastic analysis tool for floating offshore wind turbines is presented by coupling a high‐fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver with a general purpose multibody dynamics code, which is capable of modelling flexible bodies based on the nonlinear beam theory. With the tool developed, we demonstrated its applications to the NREL 5 MW offshore wind turbine with aeroelastic blades. The impacts of blade flexibility and platform‐induced surge motion on wind turbine aerodynamics and structural responses are studied and illustrated by the CFD results of the flow field, force, and wake structure. Results are compared with data obtained from the engineering tool FAST v8.
Electroweak corrections in the 2HDM for neutral scalar Higgs-boson production through gluon fusion
Authors: Jenniches Laura , Sturm Christian , Uccirati Sandro
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We have computed the two-loop, electroweak corrections to the production of a light and a heavy neutral, scalar Higgs-boson through the important gluon fusion process in the Two-Higgs-Doublet Model. We provide our results in various renormalization schemes for different scenarios and benchmark points, which will be valuable for experimental studies at the LHC. We describe the technicalities of our two-loop calculation and augment it by a phenomenological discussion. Our results are also applicable to the gluonic neutral, scalar Higgs-boson decays.
A novel two‐day intervention reduces stress in caregivers of persons with dementia
Authors: Spalding‐Wilson Kelsey N. , Guzmán‐Vélez Edmarie , Angelica Jade , Wiggs Kelsey , Savransky Anya , Tranel Daniel
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Caregivers of individuals with dementia are at heightened risk for stress‐related mental and physical illnesses, and this problem is growing. There is a critical need to develop effective interventions for caregivers. This study tested whether a 2‐day intervention improved psychological health in caregivers of individuals with dementia.

Methods

Family caregivers (N = 104) were randomly assigned to a 2‐day intervention or wait‐list control group. The intervention uses techniques aimed at fostering self‐care for caregivers and improving communication between caregivers and individuals with dementia. Self‐reported caregiver burden, stress, anxiety, and depression were measured at 1, 3, and 6 months after intervention.

Results

Most participants (91.5%) completed the entire study. The intervention significantly reduced perceived stress for up to 6 months (Β = ‐2.84, t = ‐2.68, P = .008) and was considered by nearly all respondents to be helpful for managing challenging behaviors.

Discussion

A low‐cost, brief intervention shows promise for producing lasting improvements in caregiver's psychological health.
When the Money Stops: Fluctuations in Financial Remittances and Incumbent Approval in Central Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia
Authors: TERTYTCHNAYA KATERINA , DE VRIES CATHERINE E. , SOLAZ HECTOR , DOYLE DAVID
Published: September 2018

Fluctuations in the volume and the value of financial remittances received from abroad affect the livelihood of households in developing economies across the world. Yet, political scientists have little to say about how changes in remittances, as opposed to the receipt of remittance payments alone, affect recipients’ political attitudes. Relying on a unique four-wave panel study of Kyrgyz citizens between 2010–2013 and a cross-sectional sample of 28 countries in Central Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia, we show that when people experience a decrease (increase) in remittances, they become less (more) satisfied about their household economic situation and misattribute responsibility to the incumbent at home. Our findings advance the literature on the political consequences of remittance payments and suggest that far from exclusively being an international risk-sharing mechanism for developing countries, remittances can also drive fluctuations in incumbent approval and compromise rudimentary accountability mechanisms in the developing world.
The effects of combined oxytocin and cognitive behavioral social skills training on social cognition in schizophrenia
Authors: Strauss Gregory P. , Granholm Eric , Holden Jason L. , Ruiz Ivan , Gold James M. , Kelly Deanna L. , Buchanan Robert W.
Published: September 2018

Background

Individuals with schizophrenia have deficits in social cognition that are associated with poor functional outcome. Unfortunately, current treatments result in only modest improvement in social cognition. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide with pro-social effects, has significant benefits for social cognition in the general population. However, studies examining the efficacy of oxytocin in schizophrenia have yielded inconsistent results. One reason for inconsistency may be that oxytocin has typically not been combined with psychosocial interventions. It may be necessary for individuals with schizophrenia to receive concurrent psychosocial treatment while taking oxytocin to have the context needed to make gains in social cognitive skills.

Methods

The current study tested this hypothesis in a 24-week (48 session) double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that combined oxytocin and Cognitive-Behavioral Social Skills Training (CBSST), which included elements from Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT). Participants included 62 outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia (placebo n = 31; oxytocin n = 31) who received 36 IU BID, with supervised administration 45 min prior to sessions on CBSST group therapy days. Participants completed a battery of measures administered at 0, 12, and 24 weeks that assessed social cognition.

Results

CBSST generally failed to enhance social cognition from baseline to end of study, and there was no additive benefit of oxytocin beyond the effects of CBSST alone.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that combined CBSST and oxytocin had minimal benefit for social cognition, adding to the growing literature indicating null effects of oxytocin in multi-dose trials. Methodological and biological factors may contribute to inconsistent results across studies.
The mediating roles of functional limitations and social support on the relationship between vision impairment and depressive symptoms in older adults
Authors: Gong Xiuquan , Ni Zhao , Wu Bei
Published: September 2018

Vision impairment is prevalent and it is strongly associated with depressive symptoms in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the mediating roles of functional limitations and social support on the relationship between vision impairment and depressive symptoms in older adults. This study used data from a probability-based sample of 1,093 adults aged 60 and older in Shanghai, China. Structural equation models were used to examine the structural relationships among sets of variables simultaneously, including vision impairment, activities of daily living ADLs, instrumental ADLs (IADLs), friends support, family support, relatives support and depressive symptoms. The bootstrapping method and the program PRODCLIN were used to test the indirect effects of these variables. This study found that vision impairment was directly associated with a higher level of depressive symptoms, and the association was partially mediated by functional limitations (IADLs) and social support (friends support). The study demonstrates that improving social support from friends and enhancing social participation for visually impaired older adults can reduce depressive symptoms. More importantly, this study contributes to the knowledge of mediating mechanisms between vision impairment and depressive symptoms.
Assessing the impact of partial early retirement on self-perceived health, depression level and quality of life in Belgium: a longitudinal perspective using the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE)
Authors: Wels Jacques
Published: September 2018

For about 20 years, Belgium has successfully implemented working-time reduction policies for the older workforce. However, the impact of such policies on health has not been explored yet. Using longitudinal data from Waves 5 and 6 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) (N = 1,498), the paper assesses whether working-time reduction in late career is associated with a change in self-perceived health, depression (EURO-D) and quality of life (CASP-12). For that purpose, ordered logit and ordinary least squares regressions are performed, using four different models for defining working-time reductions. Results show that people reducing working time with or without additional social benefits tend to have a poorer self-perceived health at follow-up compared with people keeping the same or increasing working time. By comparison, people moving to retirement are more likely to present a better self-perceived health, depression level and quality of life compared to people increasing or keeping the same working-time level. Although, introducing an interaction effect, the paper shows that the change in quality of life for respondents reducing working hours in addition to social benefits tends to be less negative for those who wished to retire early at baseline than for those who did not.
How to Use a Fundamental Discovery in Physics: The Early Days of Electron Diffraction
Authors: Navarro Jaume
Published: September 2018

Argument

The discovery of electron diffraction by George Paget Thomson in Aberdeen and Clinton J. Davisson and Lester H. Germer at the Bell Labs has often been portrayed as an example of independent discovery. Neither team was particularly interested in the developments of the nascent quantum theory but they both ended up demonstrating one of the most striking experimental consequences of the new physics. This paper traces the aftermath of this discovery and the way electron diffraction immediately turned from empirical evidence of a highly novel theory into a technique for applied and technological research. Thomson was the first to design an “electron diffraction camera,” an instrument that soon found its place in laboratories around the world. I discuss the role played by Davisson and Germer, and by Thomson in the development of electron diffraction as a “research technology,” taking into account their specific institutional settings and research cultures. While Davisson and Germer remained in the industry-oriented Bell Labs, Thomson moved to Imperial College in 1930 where collaboration first, and competition later with George I. Finch was also relevant for the consolidation of an instrument that eventually became widely known as the “Finch Camera.”
“Electron Theory” and the Emergence of Atomic Physics in Japan
Authors: Ito Kenji
Published: September 2018

Argument

This paper discusses one aspect of the context in which atomic physics developed in Japan between 1905 and 1931. It argues that during this period, there was a social context in which atomic physics was valued as a study of the electron and was thus relevant to electrical engineering. To demonstrate this, I first show that after the Russo-Japanese War, electrical engineering was deemed a valuable and viable field of research in Japan. Second, I show that physicists wrote textbooks and popular accounts about the electron, covering topics from both atomic physics and electrical engineering and presenting the former as relevant to the latter. Finally, as an example of how atomic physics partially emerged from this context, I discuss the group of Kujirai Tsunetarō, an electrical engineer who worked in the physics department of the Institute for Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN). From Kujirai's group, Nishina Yoshio started his career and became the most important Japanese atomic and nuclear physicist of the 1930s.
Evaluation of Pethoxamid-Containing Weed Control Programs in Drill-seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Godwin John , Norsworthy Jason K. , Scott Robert C.
Published: September 2018

Herbicide resistance to several of the most common weed species in US rice production, such as barnyardgrass and red rice, has made weed control extremely difficult with available herbicide options. No very-long-chain fatty acid–inhibiting herbicides are labeled for use in US rice; however, pethoxamid is one such herbicide under development for soil-applied use to control grasses and small-seeded broadleaves in rice and various row crops. Field trials were conducted in 2015 and 2016 near Stuttgart, AR, for rice tolerance and in 2016 near Colt, AR, and Lonoke, AR, for weed control with the use of pethoxamid-containing rice herbicide programs. Pethoxamid was applied alone and in a program at 420 and 560 g ai ha–1 with other herbicides labeled in rice including clomazone, quinclorac, propanil, imazethapyr, and carfentrazone POST. Injury less than 10% was seen for all treatments 2 wk after application in 2015 and 2016, except for pethoxamid at 420 g ha–1 to clomazone to one-leaf rice. Rice injury dissipated to less than 5% following all treatments by 4 wk after flood establishment. Barnyardgrass was controlled 95% or more near Colt and 93% or more near Lonoke for herbicide programs including clomazone PRE followed by pethoxamid plus quinclorac or imazethapyr at three- to four-leaf stage rice. Considering the minimal injury and high levels of barnyardgrass control associated with pethoxamid-containing weed control programs, pethoxamid provides a unique and effective site of action for use in US rice production.
Better Data for Modeling the Sun’s Influence on Climate
Authors: Dudok de Wit T. , Funke B. , Haberreiter M. , Matthes K.
Published: September 2018

Several international initiatives are working to stitch together data describing solar forcing of Earth’s climate. Their objective is to improve understanding of climate response to solar variability.
Urinary Phthalate Metabolites in Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) From Sarasota Bay, FL, USA
Authors: Hart Leslie B. , Beckingham Barbara , Wells Randall S. , Alten Flagg Moriah , Wischusen Kerry , Moors Amanda , Kucklick John , Pisarski Emily , Wirth Ed
Published: September 2018

Phthalates are chemical additives to common consumer goods including cleaning products, cosmetics, personal care products, and plastic. Because they are not chemically bound to these products and are widely used, the potential for environmental contamination is significant. Phthalates and their metabolites have been associated with endocrine disruption and reproductive impairment, among other adverse health effects, in laboratory animals and human epidemiologic studies. Common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are vulnerable to environmental pollutants due to their apex position in the food chain, long life spans, and habitat overlap with developed coastal areas. The objective of this study was to quantify phthalate metabolite concentrations in urine collected from bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay, Florida, during May 2016 (n = 7) and May 2017 (n = 10). Screening of nine phthalate monoester metabolites in bottlenose dolphin urine was performed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry using methods adapted from those used for analyzing human samples. At least one phthalate metabolite was detected in 71% of the dolphins sampled across both years, with the highest concentrations detected for monoethyl phthalate (MEP; GM = 5.4 ng/ml; 95%CI: 1.3–22.0 ng/ml) and mono‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP; GM = 1.9 ng/ml; 95%CI: 1.1–3.2 ng/ml). These data demonstrate exposure to two of the most commonly used phthalates in commercial manufacturing, diethyl phthalate (DEP) and di‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). This study establishes methods for urinary detection of phthalate metabolites in marine mammals and provides baseline data to address a significant and growing, yet poorly understood, health threat to marine wildlife.
The Influence of Wind and Waves on Spreading and Mixing in the Fraser River Plume
Authors: Kastner Samuel E. , Horner‐Devine Alexander R. , Thomson Jim
Published: September 2018

This study uses drifter‐based observations to investigate the role of wind and waves on spreading and mixing in the Fraser River plume. Local winter wind patterns commonly result in two distinct forcing conditions, moderate winds from the southeast (SE) and strong winds from the northwest (NW). We examine how these patterns influence the spreading and mixing dynamics of the plume. Under SE winds, the plume thins, spreads, and turns to the right (north) upon exiting the river mouth. Mixing is initially intense in the region of maximum spreading, but it is short‐lived. Under NW winds, which oppose the rightward tendency of the plume, the plume remains thicker, narrower, and flows directly across the Strait with a lateral front on its northern side. Mixing is initially lower than under SE forcing but persists further across the Strait. A Lagrangian stream‐normal momentum balance shows that wind and interfacial stress under NW conditions compress the sea surface height anomaly formed by the river discharge and guide the flow across the Strait. This reconfiguration changes spreading and mixing dynamics of the plume; plume spreading, which drives intense mixing under SE winds, is shut down under NW winds, and mixing rates are consequently much lower. Despite the initially lower mixing rates, the region of active mixing extends further under NW winds, resulting in higher net mixing. These results highlight that the wind, which is often a primary cause of increased plume mixing, can also significantly influence mixing by changing the geometry of the plume.
A comparison of genome cohort participants’ genetic knowledge and preferences to receive genetic results before and after a genetics workshop
Authors: Yamamoto Kayono , Shimizu Atsushi , Aizawa Fumie , Kawame Hiroshi , Tokutomi Tomoharu , Fukushima Akimune
Published: September 2018

Several biobanks have begun returning genetic results to individuals, making the development of public genetic literacy an urgent task for their effective use. No research exists regarding the effects of genetic education on biobank participants, so we conducted genetics workshops with specialists, and surveyed differences in the participants’ (n = 112) preferences to receive their own genetic information by disease categories and their genetic knowledge using questionnaires before and after the workshops. Almost 90% of our participants were over 60 years old, which was similar to our previous preference research. The preference to receive five of the six categories of genetic information (lifestyle diseases, pharmacogenetics, adult-onset non-clinically actionable diseases, non-clinically actionable multifactorial diseases, and all genetic information) was slightly but significantly decreased after the genetics workshop. More participants preferred to receive genetic results regarding lifestyle diseases, pharmacogenetics, and adult-onset clinically actionable diseases after the workshop, while less participants preferred to receive information regarding adult-onset non-clinically actionable diseases, non-clinically actionable multifactorial diseases, and all genetic information. Total genetic knowledge scores significantly increased after the workshop (before: 11.89, after: 13.30, p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that genetics workshops are useful to improve the genetic literacy of genome cohort participants.
Correction to: Natural product pectolinarigenin inhibits osteosarcoma growth and metastasis via SHP-1-mediated STAT3 signaling inhibition
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Suoyuan , Li Jingjie , Yin Fei , Hua Yingqi , Wang Zhouying , Lin Binhui , Wang Hongsheng , Zou Dongqing , Zhou Zifei , Xu Jing , Yi Chengqing , Cai Zhengdong
Published: September 2018

Since publication of this article, the authors have noticed errors in Fig. 1e (the merge image of control group) and Fig. 5e (Pec. 50 mg/kg group). As a result of the misfiling of the data, incorrect images were inadvertently inserted in Figs. 1e and 5e during figure preparation. The correct figures are given below.
Correction to: The BH3-only protein Bad is dispensable for TNF-mediated cell death
Authors: Ottina E. , Sochalska M. , Sgonc R. , Villunger A.
Published: September 2018

Since publication of this article, the authors wished to draw attention to an error in the materials section as a result of which they have been mis-cited (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41422-018-0041-7). The dose of TNF given was not in fact 15 mg/kg body weight (as stated in the “mouse work” section), but 15 μg/kg body weight.
Reviving the Weizmann process for commercial n-butanol production
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc-Phuong-Thao , Raynaud Céline , Meynial-Salles Isabelle , Soucaille Philippe
Published: September 2018

Developing a commercial process for the biological production of n-butanol is challenging as it needs to combine high titer, yield, and productivities. Here we engineer Clostridium acetobutylicum to stably and continuously produce n-butanol on a mineral media with glucose as sole carbon source. We further design a continuous process for fermentation of high concentration glucose syrup using in situ extraction of alcohols by distillation under low pressure and high cell density cultures to increase the titer, yield, and productivity of n-butanol production to the level of 550 g/L, 0.35 g/g, and 14 g/L/hr, respectively. This process provides a mean to produce n-butanol at performance levels comparable to that of corn wet milling ethanol plants using yeast as a biocatalyst. It may hold the potential to be scaled-up at pilot and industrial levels for the commercial production of n-butanol.
Integrative effects of dystrophin loss on metabolic function of the mdx mouse
Authors: Strakova Jana , Kamdar Forum , Kulhanek Debra , Razzoli Maria , Garry Daniel J. , Ervasti James M. , Bartolomucci Alessandro , Townsend DeWayne
Published: September 2018

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a disease marked by the development of skeletal muscle weakness and wasting. DMD results from mutations in the gene for the cytoskeletal protein dystrophin. The loss of dystrophin expression is not limited to muscle weakness but has multiple systemic consequences. Managing the nutritional requirements is an important aspect of the clinical care of DMD patients and is complicated by the poor understanding of the role of dystrophin, and dystrophic processes, in regulating metabolism. Here, we show that mdx mice, a genetic model of DMD, have significantly reduced fat mass relative to wild type C57BL/10. The alteration in body composition is independent of the presence of skeletal muscle disease, as it is still present in mice with transgenic expression of a fully-functional dystrophin in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, mdx mice do not increase their fat mass or body weight when housed under thermoneutral conditions, in marked contrast to C57BL/10 mice. We also demonstrated that mdx mice have significantly reduced fat metabolism and altered glucose uptake. These significant metabolic changes in dystrophic mice implicate dystrophin as an important regulator of metabolism. Understanding the metabolic functions of dystrophin is important for managing the nutritional needs of DMD patients.