bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stabilizing conditions for model predictive control
Authors: Mayne David Q. , Falugi Paola
Published: November 2018

Existing stabilizing conditions that use a terminal cost and constraint that, if satisfied, ensure stability and recursive feasibility for deterministic, robust, and stochastic model predictive control are briefly reviewed and analyzed. It is pointed out that these conditions do not cover all situations. Proposals are made to cover a wider range of desired applications.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Administration Attenuates Colon Cancer Progression by Modulating the Immune Component within the Colorectal Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: François Sabine , Usunier Benoit , Forgue-Lafitte Marie-Elisabeth , L’Homme Bruno , Benderitter Marc , Douay Luc , Gorin Norbert-Claude , Larsen Annette K. , Chapel Alain
Published: November 2018

We here determine the influence of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy on the progression of solid tumors. The influence of MSCs was investigated in human colorectal cancer cells as well as in an immunocompetent rat model of colorectal carcinogenesis representative of the human pathology. Treatment with bone marrow (BM)-derived MSCs significantly reduced both cancer initiation and cancer progression by increasing the number of tumor-free animals as well as decreasing the number and the size of the tumors by half, thereby extending their lifespan. The attenuation of cancer progression was mediated by the capacity of the MSCs to modulate the immune component. Specifically, in the adenocarcinomas (ADKs) of MSC-treated rats, the infiltration of CD68+ monocytes/macrophages was 50% less while the presence of CD3+ lymphocytes increased almost twofold. The MSCs reprogrammed the macrophages to become regulatory cells involved in phagocytosis thereby inhibiting the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the MSCs decreased NK (Natural Killer) and rTh17 cell activities, Treg recruitment, the presence of CD8+ lymphocytes and endothelial cells while restoring Th17 cell activity. The expression of miR-150 and miR-7 increased up to fivefold indicating a likely role for these miRNAs in the modulation of tumor growth. Importantly, MSC administration limited the damage of healthy tissues and attenuated tumor growth following radiotherapy. Taken together, we here show that that MSCs have durable action on colon cancer development by modulating the immune component of the tumor microenvironment. In addition, we identify two miRNAs associated with the capacity of MSCs to attenuate cancer growth. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:285&300
Biosynthesized Quantum Dot Size Cu Nanocatalyst: Peroxidase Mimetic and Aqueous Phase Conversion of Fructose
Authors: Thiyam David Singh , Nongmeikapam Amla Chanu , Nandeibam Ayingbi Devi , Heikham Farida Devi , Henam Premananda Singh
Published: November 2018

Environmentally benign, stable quantum dot size spherical Cu particles with an average size of ∼ 4.5 nm, as measured via transmission electron microscope, were coherently tailored exploiting renewable ethno‐pharmacological Oxalis corniculata plant extract as both reducing plus capping agent. The reliable green aqueous synthesis approach completely excluded the usage of inert atmosphere and harmful chemicals including organic solvents. The ensuing cost effective Cu nanoparticles exhibited excellent intrinsic peroxidase like activity and superior nanozyme behaviour compare to earlier reports with Km value of 0.01426 M and rmax equal to 0.1399 Mmin−1 toward the oxidation of peroxidase substrate H2O2 in presence of o‐phenylenediamine, a paradigm reaction. Significantly, the as‐prepared Cu particles have been proven to be a novel catalyst for feasible selective aqueous phase conversion of fructose to levulinic acid with a maximum yield of ∼ 22.38% at 90°C in the absenteeism of prominent side product(s), auxiliaries and high temperature reaction condition. Lewis acid property and large surface area of the generated nanoscale particles attributed to their excellent catalytic potential introducing a new avenue in the continuous demand for better sensing, biomedical applications and cleaner energy production.
Density Functional Theory Study on the Mechanisms of Platinum‐ and Gold‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerizations of Biaryl Propargyl Alcohol and Indolyl Allenol to Phenanthrene and Carbazole
Authors: Menkir Mengistu G. , Lee Shyi L.
Published: November 2018

The mechanisms and selectivity of PtCl2‐ and AuCl‐catalyzed cyclizations of indolyl allenols as well as PtCl2‐ and InCl3‐catalyzed cyclization of biaryl propargyl alcohol were analyzed by means of DFT calculations to gain deeper insights into the reaction mechanisms and the different reactivity of Pt and In catalysts. The calculated results ruled out the mechanism proposed in the original study as a feasible pathway for PtCl2‐ and AuCl‐catalyzed cyclizations of indolyl allenols. Alternatively, by performing an exhaustive search on the potential energy surface, we found that PtCl2‐ and AuCl‐catalyzed cyclizations of indolyl allenols involve 6‐endo‐trig cyclization followed by water cluster‐assisted elimination of H2O, and the generation of product‐catalyst complex occurs by in situ‐generated H2O‐assisted deprotonation/proto‐demetalation sequence for Pt‐catalysis and by 1,2‐H shift for Au‐catalysis. In contrast, PtCl2‐catalyzed cyclization of biaryl propargyl alcohol proceeds through 6‐exo‐dig cyclization followed by direct hydrogen abstraction by hydroxyl group and 1,2‐H shift processes to afford vinylphenanthrene, while the same reaction in the presence of InCl3 catalyst offers fluorene via concerted 5‐exo‐tet cyclization/aromatization. The NBO analysis of the intermediate formed after the elimination of H2O in the catalytic cycles indicates that the nature of bonding is not quite carbene. The calculated results are very well in agreement with the experimental observations.
Three‐Component Synthesis of Spiropyrans Using SBA‐15/En Bonded Phosphorous Acid [SBA‐15/Pr‐NH1‐y(CH2PO3H2)y‐Et‐NH2‐x(CH2PO3H2)x] as a New Nanoporous Heterogeneous Catalyst
Authors: Zarei Mahmoud , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali , Moosavi‐Zare Ahmad Reza , Noroozizadeh Ehsan , Rostamnia Sadegh
Published: November 2018

In this work, a convenient multi‐component reaction towards the synthesis of spiropyran derivatives catalyzed was described using SBA‐15/(CH2)3N(CH2PO3H2)(CH2)2‐N(CH2PO3H2)2 as a novel efficient, recyclable and nanostructured catalyst in water under reflux condition. The main advantages of the offered methodology are notable yields, short reaction times and the reusability of the catalyst. This catalyst was also tested in large scale to investigate it for using in industrial applications which had remarkable results.
TGA, DSC and DFT Studies of TKX‐50, ABTOX and Their Key Precursors
Authors: Talawar Mahadev B. , Nandagopal Sundaramurthy , Singh Sudhir , Mahajan Anilkumar P. , Badgujar Dilip M. , Gupta Manoj , Shafeeuulla Khan Md. Abdul
Published: November 2018

TKX‐50 (Dihydroxylammonium 5,5’‐bistetrazolate‐1,1’‐dioxide) and ABTOX (Diammonium salt of 5,5’‐bistetrazole‐1,1′‐diolate) being simple and cheap to prepare from commonly available chemicals, are emerging as promising energetic materials along with the advantages like required thermal insensitivity, low toxicity and safe handling. In order to synthesize such powerful materials with utmost care, it is essential to know about the precursors and reaction intermediates involved. Therefore, the detailed thermal analyses of various precursors such as glyoxime (I), dichloroglyoxime (II), diazidoglyoxime (III) and bistetrazoledihydroxide (IV) and final products viz., TKX‐50 (V) and ABTOX (VI) were carried out using differential scanning calorimetric and thermal gravimetric analysis experiments. The relative trend of band gap values calculated from the difference of HOMO and LUMO is well correlated with the decomposition temperatures (Tmax) values at a heating rate of 10 °C min−1 indicating the relative thermal stability of I–VI. The impact and friction sensitivity of ABTOX and TKX‐50 indicated that these compounds are safer than the currently known powerful explosives such as CL‐20. The calculated density impulse of TKX‐50 in rocket propellant formulations was found to be 499 g m−2 s−1 which is similar as that of HMX (494 g m−2 s−1). The theoretical performance prediction of TKX‐50 as the potential ingredient in gun propellant formulations indicated that the TKX‐50 could yield higher force constant (1471 J K−1) in comparison to currently known explosive such as RDX (1412 J K−1).
Metal‐Free and Ultrasound‐Assisted C–C and O‐Si (O‐Protected) Bond Formation in Cyanosilylation of Aldehydes with TMSCN Catalyzed by Functionalized Graphene Oxide Derivatives
Authors: Mohammadi Ozra , Golestanzadeh Mohsen , Abdouss Majid
Published: November 2018

A novel and efficient graphene oxide derivatives‐catalyzed cyanosilylation of aldehydes was developed using trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN) as the cyanide source under metal‐free and ultrasound irradiation. In this important reaction, the C−C and O−Si bonds were formed without transition metal. The corresponding cyanohydrin trimethylsilyl ethers were obtained in good to excellent yields. In addition, the catalyst was reusable for six catalytic cycles without remarkable decreasing in its activity.
Synthesis of Gold Nanorods Using Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) of Different Molecular Weights as an Additive
Authors: Requejo Katherinne I. , Liopo Anton V. , Zubarev Eugene R.
Published: November 2018

The use of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) of different molecular weights (5‐360 kDa) during the synthesis of gold nanorods (AuNRs) via seedless and seed‐mediated approaches is reported. For both syntheses, the LSPR band can be tuned from 700 to 1050 nm by modifying the molecular weight of PVP in a time dependent addition of polymer. Moreover, the growth of AuNRs in 100 mM cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) is accelerated as the molecular weight of PVP increases from 5 to 360 kDa for the seedless approach. In the case of AuNRs synthesized by the seed‐mediated approach, the aspect ratio decreases from 7.41 to 3.72 as the molecular weight of PVP increases to 55 kDa. For both protocols, high molecular weight of PVP reduces the shape yield despite of producing smaller AuNRs. Therefore, the incorporation of small amounts of PVP during the growth stage can be utilized for the preparation of anisotropic nanostructures to tune their optical properties and improve their shape yield.
Blended Scrum model for software development organizations
Authors: Çetin Esra , Onay Durdu Pınar
Published: November 2018

Software organizations have to develop software in a short time, and quickly respond to changing requirements. Recently, organizations have started to implement agile development models to reduce cost and increase productivity and quality. Scrum, one of the most widely used agile methodologies, is often implemented in various ways that depart in an uncontrolled fashion from the original model, resulting in development methods often called “ScrumBut.” Some argue that such incomplete implementations violate Scrum's core practices and philosophy, while others propose that all methodologies should be adapted to organization's unique culture and integrated with their best practices.

In this research, a Blended Scrum model was proposed to overcome uncontrolled ScrumBut issues while transitioning to Scrum. The study was organized as a case study in which software professionals working in Scrum teams were interviewed. In addition, a questionnaire was conducted with other software professionals to determine how agile methods, specifically Scrum, were used. The interviews and questionnaire revealed various Scrum practical implementations. The Blended Scrum model was developed by integrating original Scrum with practices that were determined by interviews and questionnaire conducted with software professionals with real‐world Scrum experience. Finally, the Blended Scrum model was evaluated by Scrum professionals and received positive feedback.
Flatness Analysis and Control of Strips with Different Thickness in 2250 mm Hot Tandem Rolling
Authors: Chai Xiaojun , Li Hongbo , Zhang Jie , Zhou Yizhong , Ma Henghao , Zhang Pengwu
Published: November 2018

Aiming at the flatness difference between thick strip and thin strip under the same flatness control strategy on a 2250 mm hot tandem rolling line, a flatness calculation model is firstly established in this paper. With the unknown variable–transversal flow of metal solved by finite element methods, the flatness calculation model is used to analyze and compare the flatness and longitudinal residual stress evolution during thick strip and thin strip rolling. The result shows that under the premise of the constant exit relative crown in the downstream stands, the distribution of metal transversal flow due to larger reduction ratio in F2 and F3 stand causes the flatness of thin strip differing much from that of thick strip. In order to improve the flatness quality, a crown setup method is proposed. Based on the relationship among the distribution of metal transversal flow, entry relative crown, and the change of relative crown obtained from the finite element model, the exit crown of thin strip at each stand is optimized by genetic algorithm with a restriction of achieving the target crown at exit of F7 stand and a goal of good flatness quality during rolling.
Optimal configuration and sizing of regional energy service company's energy hub with integrated demand response
Authors: Qiu Zhi , Wang Beibei , Huang Junhui , Xie Zhenjian
Published: November 2018

The growing development of interactive energy systems has motivated a regional energy service company (ESCO) to build energy hubs (EH) that play a substantial role in the coupling of various energy carriers. EH configuration optimization is critical to the economic operation of an ESCO. Therefore, this study proposes a configuration and sizing model that considers the integrated demand response (IDR) to optimize the size of the infrastructures in an EH, and hence minimize the total cost. The EH, which is composed of converters and storage units, is modelled in the matrix form, wherein the operation constraints are expressed in detail. Subsequently, an IDR program based on both responsive thermal and electrical loads is innovatively incorporated into the optimization model, and its effects on EH planning were investigated. By considering several cases: (i) we confirm the effectiveness of the IDR in terms of both cost and capacity reduction on components in the EH; (ii) we show the limited impact of the IDR on the investment cost and equipment configuration, primarily owing to constraints on the maximal total number of dispatching hours; (iii) we observe variations in the impact degree on infrastructure capacity, based on several factors including load characteristics and the electricity–gas price ratio. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In vitro study of the demineralization induced in human enamel by an acidic beverage using X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy and Raman microscopy
Authors: Cândido M. , Silveira J.M. , Mata A. , Carvalho M.L. , Pessanha S.
Published: November 2018

This study was conducted with the purpose of evaluating the demineralization effect of a widely consumed acidic soft drink, Coca‐Cola®, in human enamel. This way, an in vitro model for the daily intake of this beverage was developed taking into account the intraoral environment. The evaluation of the enamel specimens was undertaken considering two approaches, the direct analysis of enamel surface and the study of specimens as cross sections. The depolarization ratio of the phosphate symmetric stretching band in Raman spectra was used to evaluate the loss of mineralization of the hydroxyapatite matrix, and the changes regarding the elemental content was performed using energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF). For comparison, the Rayleigh‐to‐Compton ratio in EDXRF spectra of enamel samples was also determined in order to establish alterations in the average atomic number of the samples before and after erosive challenge.

Considering the model applied and the timeframe of study, we determined evidences of demineralization after consumption of this drink. There was a significant increase of depolarization ratio in most of the analyzed specimens as well as a decrease of the concentration of major elements concomitant with apparent increase of the concentration of trace elements. Moreover, depths of demineralization of tens of micrometers were obtained with both spectroscopic techniques, showing consistency between the obtained results.
The Influence of Isomerism on Crystallization in Aluminum Pyridinedicarboxylate Coordination Compounds
Authors: Wharmby Michael T. , Stock Norbert
Published: November 2018

The reactions of three isomeric pyridinedicarboxylic acid linkers – 2,4‐, 2,6‐, and 3,5‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid – with various aluminum salts were investigated by high‐throughput solvothermal synthesis. Two coordination compounds were obtained from the symmetrical linkers (2,6‐ and 3,5‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid). The former is based on molecular Al–O dimers, similar to those reported in the coordination polymer CAU‐16. The latter forms a porous extended framework and is a member of the CAU‐10 family of compounds. Full characterization of both compounds is reported. Crystal structures were determined from high‐resolution synchrotron powder diffraction data. The number of guest water molecules determined crystallographically is in excellent agreement with the number found by thermogravimetric and elemental analyses. It was found that the CAU‐10 analogue undergoes a reversible, displacive phase transition from a non‐centrosymmetric to a centrosymmetric space group on loss of guest water molecules, due to guest‐framework interactions.
Crystal and Electronic Structure and Optical Properties of AE2SiP4 (AE = Sr, Eu, Ba) and Ba4Si3P8
Authors: Mark Justin , Dolyniuk Juli‐Anna , Tran Nhon , Kovnir Kirill
Published: November 2018

Three new compounds in the AE‐Si‐P (AE = Sr, Eu, Ba) systems are reported. Sr2SiP4 and Eu2SiP4, the first members of their respective ternary systems, are isostructural to previously reported Ba2SiP4 and crystallize in the noncentrosymmetric I42d (no. 122) space group. Ba4Si3P8 crystallizes in the new structure type, in P21/c (no. 14) space group, mP‐120 Pearson symbol, Wyckoff sequence e30. In the crystal structures of Sr2SiP4 and Eu2SiP4 all SiP4 tetrahedral building blocks are connected via formation of P–P bonds forming a three‐dimensional framework. In the crystal structure of Ba4Si3P8, Si‐P tetrahedral chains formed by corner‐sharing, edge‐sharing, and P–P bonds are surrounded by Ba cations. This results in a quasi‐one‐dimensional structure. Electronic structure calculations and UV/Vis measurements suggest that the AE2SiP4 (AE = Sr, Eu, Ba) are direct bandgap semiconductors with bandgaps of ca. 1.4 eV and have potential for thermoelectric applications.
Religious Disagreement
Authors: De Cruz Helen
Published: November 2018

This Element examines what we can learn from religious disagreement, focusing on disagreement with possible selves and former selves, the epistemic significance of religious agreement, the problem of disagreements between religious experts, and the significance of philosophy of religion. Helen De Cruz shows how religious beliefs of others constitute significant higher-order evidence. At the same time, she advises that we should not necessarily become agnostic about all religious matters, because our cognitive background colors the way we evaluate evidence. This allows us to maintain religious beliefs in many cases, while nevertheless taking the religious beliefs of others seriously.
Sorting same-size red blood cells in deep deterministic lateral displacement devices
Authors: Kabacaoğlu Gökberk , Biros George
Published: November 2018

Microfluidic sorting of deformable particles finds many applications, for example, medical devices for cells. Deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) is one of them. Particle sorting via DLD relies only on hydrodynamic forces. For rigid spherical particles, this separation is to a great extent understood and can be attributed to size differences: large particles displace in the lateral direction with respect to the flow while small particles travel in the flow direction with negligible lateral displacement. However, the separation of non-spherical deformable particles such as red blood cells (RBCs) is more complicated than that of rigid particles. For example, is it possible to separate deformable particles that have the same size but different mechanical properties? We study deformability-based sorting of same-size RBCs via DLD using an in-house integral equation solver for vesicle flows in two dimensions. Our goal is to quantitatively characterize the physical mechanisms that enable the cell separation. To this end, we systematically investigate the effects of the interior fluid viscosity and membrane elasticity of a cell on its behaviour. In particular, we consider deep devices in which a cell can show rich dynamics such as taking a particular angular orientation depending on its mechanical properties. We have found out that cells moving with a sufficiently high positive inclination angle with respect to the flow direction displace laterally while those with smaller angles travel with the flow streamlines. Thereby, deformability-based cell sorting is possible. The underlying mechanism here is cell migration due to the cell’s positive inclination and the shear gradient. The higher the inclination is, the farther the cell can travel laterally. We also assess the efficiency of the technique for dense suspensions. It turns out that most of the cells in dense suspensions do not displace in the lateral direction no matter what their deformability is. As a result, separating cells using a DLD device becomes harder.
Effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on language, speech and communication outcomes: a review longitudinal studies
Authors: Hendricks Gaironeesa , Malcolm-Smith Susan , Adnams Colleen , Stein Dan Joseph , Donald Kirsten Ann Mary
Published: November 2018

Objective

The aim of this paper was to provide a systematic review and update on the available longitudinal studies on the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on language, speech and communication development, as well as associated potential environmental confounders during the preschool period.

Methods

A literature search was restricted to English, full‐text, peer‐reviewed, longitudinal studies in from 1970 until present: PUBMed, Scopus, Web of Science {C-e Collection, Biological Abstracts, KCI-Kean Journal Database, Russian Science Citation Index, SciELO Citation Index, Zoological Rec-d}, Academic Search Premier (Africa-Wide Information, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO. Keywords included: prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE); speech or language or communication outcomes; neurocognitive or neurodevelopment or neurobehavioral or neurobehavioural; infant or baby or toddler or preschooler; longitudinal or follow-up. The inclusion criteria included (i) longitudinal cohorts with at least 2 time-points; (ii) association of light, moderate or heavy PAE on language, speech or communication delay, development or disorder; (iii) environmental confounders; (iv) infants up to preschool age.

Results

Six studies satisfied the threshold for inclusion. Three studies reported that PAE was significantly associated with receptive or expressive delay. These studies demonstrated lower scores on either receptive or expressive communication in the alcohol group in comparison to the non-alcohol group, even after controlling for environmental factors up to 36 months.

Conclusion

Evidence from the longitudinal studies reviewed suggest that PAE influenced delays in receptive and expressive communication up to 36 months. Contextual risk factors played a significant role in language development over time and especially as children approached school age.
High-Precision Biogenic Fraction Analyses of Liquid Fuels by 14C AMS at HEKAL
Authors: Varga Tamás , Major István , Janovics Róbert , Kurucz Júlia , Veres Mihály , Jull A J Timothy , Péter Mónika , Molnár Mihály
Published: November 2018

The biocomponent ratio in liquid fuels as well as the usage of renewable resources for fuel consumption in the transport sector needs to be increased as a result of EU directive 2003/30/EC. Based on radiocarbon (14C) measurements, it should be relatively simple and fast to measure the weight percentage of the fossil and biological sources by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) as recommended in the ASTM D 6866-12 and EN 16640 standards. In this study, a relatively easy and fast sample preparation and measurement method based on AMS measurements was developed at the Hertelendi Laboratory of Environmental Studies (HEKAL) using reference samples from the Hungarian MOL Nyrt. oil company. Considering the recent EU regulation for mixing rates of liquid fuels in the transport sector (0.7–2% biofuel content) and the projected higher rates (2–10% biofuel content), the method is applicable to determine fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) and/or hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) derived proportions of fuel blends with a 1σ uncertainty better than±0.3% m/m.
Sealed Tube Combustion Method with MnO2 for AMS 14C Measurement
Authors: Janovics Róbert , Futó István , Molnár Mihály
Published: November 2018

An effective sealed tube combustion method was designed with an MnO2 oxidant for accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS 14C) measurements. Different types of materials (oxalic acid, cellulose, sucrose, wood, collagen, graphite, and humic acid) were used to test the method. A normal borosilicate glass tube was used instead of quartz and the combustion was done at 550ºC. The yield of the combustion is above 98% even in the case of the less combustible material such as graphite. The MnO2 reagent does not introduce detectable carbon contamination. The typical background is 0.29±0.20 pMC in the case of 200 µg carbon, measured as solid graphite target. With direct measurement of the CO2 by gas ion source AMS, the method is applicable up to 50 µg of carbon with an acceptable (~1 pMC) 14C background. A new type of tube cracker was developed for a quick chipless method of tube cracking and sample changing. In this way, the gas handling process takes only 5–6 min/sample.
Isotopic Signature (δ13C, ∆14C) of DIC in Sediment Pore Waters: An Example from the Rhone River Delta
Authors: Dumoulin J-P , Pozzato L , Rassman J , Toussaint F , Fontugne M , Tisnérat-Laborde N , Beck L , Caffy I , Delqué-Količ E , Moreau C , Rabouille C
Published: November 2018

A better understanding of the dynamics of different particulate organic matter (OM) pools in the coastal carbon budget is a key issue for quantifying the role of the coastal ocean in the global carbon cycle. To elucidate the benthic component of this carbon cycle at the land-sea interface, we investigated the carbon isotope signatures (δ13C and ∆14C) in the sediment pore waters dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in addition to the sediment OM to constrain the origin of the OM mineralized in sediments. The study site is located at the outlet of the Rhône River (Mediterranean Sea), which was chosen because this river is one of the most nuclearized rivers in Europe and nuclear 14C can serve as a tracer to follow the fate of the OM discharged by the river to the coastal sea. The ∆14C results found in the pore waters DIC show a general offset between buried and mineralized OM following a preferential mineralization model of young and fresh particles. For example, we found that the sediment OM has values with a mean ∆14C=–33‰ at sampling stations near the river mouth whereas enriched ∆14C values around +523‰ and +667‰ respectively were found for the pore waters DIC. This indicates complete mineralization of a riverine fraction of OM enriched in 14C in the river conduit during in-stream photosynthesis. In shelf sediments, the ∆14C of pore waters DIC is slightly enriched (+57‰) with sediment OM reaching –570‰. A mixing model shows that particles mineralized near the river mouth are certainly of riverine phytoplanktonic origin whereas OM mineralized on the shelf is of marine origin. This work highlights the fact that pore waters provide additional information compared to sediments alone and it seems essential to work on both pools to study the carbon budget in river prodelta.
Leucine promotes porcine myofibre type transformation from fast-twitch to slow-twitch through the protein kinase B (Akt)/forkhead box 1 signalling pathway and microRNA-27a
Authors: Zhang Shurun , Chen Xiaoling , Huang Zhiqing , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , Chen Hong , He Jun , Luo Junqiu , Zheng Ping , Yu Jie , Luo Yuheng
Published: November 2018

Muscle fibre types can transform from slow-twitch (slow myosin heavy chain (MyHC)) to fast-twitch (fast MyHC) or vice versa. Leucine plays a vital effect in the development of skeletal muscle. However, the role of leucine in porcine myofibre type transformation and its mechanism are still unclear. In this study, effects of leucine and microRNA-27a (miR-27a) on the transformation of porcine myofibre type were investigatedin vitro. We found that leucine increased slow MyHC protein level and decreased fast MyHC protein level, increased the levels of phospho-protein kinase B (Akt)/Akt and phospho-forkhead box 1 (FoxO1)/FoxO1 and decreased the FoxO1 protein level. However, blocking the Akt/FoxO1 signalling pathway by wortmannin attenuated the role of leucine in porcine myofibre type transformation. Over-expression of miR-27a decreased slow MyHC protein level and increased fast MyHC protein level, whereas inhibition of miR-27a had an opposite effect. We also found that expression of miR-27a was down-regulated following leucine treatment. Moreover, over-expression of miR-27a repressed transformation from fast MyHC to slow MyHC caused by leucine, suggesting that miR-27a is interdicted by leucine and then contributes to porcine muscle fibre type transformation. Our finding provided the first evidence that leucine promotes porcine myofibre type transformation from fast MyHC to slow MyHC via the Akt/FoxO1 signalling pathway and miR-27a.
Dynamics of forage ingestion, oral processing and digesta outflow from the rumen: a development in a mechanistic model of a grazing ruminant, MINDY
Authors: Gregorini P. , Provenza F. D. , Villalba J. J. , Beukes P. C. , Forbes M. J.
Published: November 2018

Detailed representation of ingesta inflow to and digesta outflow from the rumen is critical for improving the modelling of rumen function and herbage intake of grazing ruminants. The objective of the current work was to extend a mechanistic model of a grazing ruminant, MINDY, to simulate the dynamic links between ingestive and digestive processes as affected by forage and sward features (e.g. sward structure, herbage chemical composition) as well as the internal state of the animal. The work integrates existing aspects of forage ingestion, oral physiology and rumen digestion that influence ingesta characteristics and digesta outflows from the rumen, respectively. The paper describes the structure and function of the new development, assessing the new model in terms of dynamic changes of oral processing of ingesta and rumen dilution rate under different grazing contexts. MINDY reproduces characteristics of ingesta inflow to and digesta outflow from the rumen of grazing ruminants, achieving temporal patterns of occurrence within and between meals, similar to those for grazing animals reported in the literature. The model realistically simulates changes in particle size distribution of the ingestive bolus, bolus weight and rumen dilution rate in response to contrasting grazing management regimes. The new concepts encoded in MINDY capture the underlying biological mechanisms that drive the dynamic link between ingestion and digestion patterns. This development advances in the understanding and modelling of grazing and digestive behaviour patterns of free-ranging ruminants.
A little-known endemic caught in the South-east Asian extinction crisis: the Annamite striped rabbit Nesolagus timminsi
Authors: Tilker Andrew , Nguyen An , Abrams Jesse F. , Bhagwat Tejas , Le Minh , Van Nguyen Thanh , Nguyen Anh Tuan , Niedballa Jürgen , Sollmann Rahel , Wilting Andreas
Published: November 2018

The Annamite mountains of Viet Nam and the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao) are an area of exceptional mammalian endemism but intensive poaching has defaunated much of the region, creating an extinction crisis for the endemic species. To make efficient use of limited conservation resources, it is imperative that conservation stakeholders obtain basic information about poorly known and threatened endemics. We present the first comprehensive information on the ecology, distribution and status of the little-known endemic Annamite striped rabbit Nesolagus timminsi. We used a systematic camera-trapping design to study the species in five areas in Viet Nam and Lao. In 29,180 camera-trap-nights we recorded 152 independent events at 36 of 266 stations. We obtained an additional 143 independent detections across 12 stations from a supplementary non-systematic survey. We analysed activity patterns and social behaviour. We also used single-species occupancy models to assess factors that influence occupancy at the landscape scale. We used N-mixture models to obtain local abundance estimates in one target area. The Annamite striped rabbit was found to be nocturnal and primarily solitary. Species occupancy was best explained by a proxy for past hunting pressure, with no significant relationships to current anthropogenic or environmental factors. Local abundance was 0.57 individuals per camera-trap station for one of our sites, and estimated to be zero at the other site where hunting appears to have been more intense. Our results provide information on priority areas for targeted anti-poaching efforts and give the first conservation baseline for the species.
Do household living arrangements explain gender and ethnicity differences in receipt of support services? Findings from LiLACS NZ Māori and non-Māori advanced age cohorts
Authors: Lapsley Hilary , Kerse Ngaire , Moyes Simon A. , Keeling Sally , Muru-Lanning Marama Leigh , Wiles Janine , Jatrana Santosh
Published: November 2018

Services providing practical support are a key component in the spectrum of social care assisting older people to age in place. Te Puāwaitanga o Ngā Tapuwae Kia Ora Tonu/Life and Living in Advanced Age: A Cohort Study in New Zealand (LiLACS NZ), a longitudinal study of Māori and non-Māori in advanced age, aims to determine predictors of successful ageing and to understand trajectories of health and wellbeing. This paper investigates whether household living arrangements (living alone or with others) might explain previously reported gender and ethnic differences in support service utilisation. We had shown that women and non-Māori received more services than men and Māori despite better health. The results of analyses in this paper show that, as expected, poorer physical function led to increased service use. After controlling for functional status, household living arrangements (living alone) were the next strongest driver of service use. In a fully adjusted model, previously observed differences around gender and ethnicity were no longer significant predictors of support service use. However, gender and ethnicity do shape living arrangements in advanced age. Women in advanced age are more likely to live alone, consequently needing more outside support, whereas men are more likely to have a spouse/partner able to provide care. Māori are more likely to live in multigenerational households, the care available at home meaning they are less likely to qualify for formal support. This study points to a need for understanding how gender and ethnicity interact with living arrangements and suggests that inequities may not be absent when the presence of others in a household renders an older person ineligible for formal care.
Reports of perceived racial discrimination among African American children predict negative affect and smoking behavior in adulthood: A sensitive period hypothesis
Authors: Gibbons Frederick X. , Fleischli Mary E. , Gerrard Meg , Simons Ronald L.
Published: November 2018

We examined the prospective relations between a cultural risk factor, perceived racial discrimination (PRD), and subsequent negative affect and health behavior (smoking) in a panel of 889 African American children (part of the Family and Community Health Study). Cultural moderators (protective factors) of these relations were also examined. PRD was assessed six times from ages 10.5 (Wave 1) to 24.5 (Wave 6), and negative affect (anger and depressive symptoms) was assessed at Wave 2 (age 12.5) and Wave 6 (age 24.5). Results indicated that Wave 1 PRD predicted Wave 6 smoking, controlling for multiple factors related to smoking and/or PRD, including smoking at age 15.5. Structural equation models indicated that these relations between Wave 1 PRD and smoking were mediated by both early and later negative affect. The models also indicated that Wave 1 PRD had a direct impact on Wave 6 anger (assessed 14 years later), controlling for the effects of PRD on early affect. Cultural socialization was associated with lower rates of adolescent smoking, and it buffered the relation between PRD and Wave 6 anger. The impact of early PRD experiences along with suggestions for culturally informed interventions and preventive interventions that might buffer against early PRD effects are discussed.
Nutrition knowledge related to breakfast skipping among Japanese adults aged 18–64 years: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Matsumoto Mai , Ishige Naomi , Sakamoto Azusa , Saito Aki , Ikemoto Shinji
Published: November 2018

Objective

Breakfast skipping is regarded as a public health issue among adults worldwide. Nutrition knowledge has been reported to be one of predictors of dietary behaviour. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the association between nutrition knowledge and breakfast skipping.

Design

Data regarding nutrition knowledge were obtained by using a validated, self-administered general nutrition knowledge questionnaire for Japanese adults (JGNKQ). Participants were classified into three nutrition knowledge level groups according to total JGNKQ score: Low, Middle and High. In addition, participants reported the frequency of meal consumption per week and rated the difficulty in finding time to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in the lifestyle questionnaire. The differences in frequency of breakfast, lunch and dinner consumption among Low, Middle and High nutrition knowledge groups were determined by using ANCOVA adjusted for potential confounding factors.

Setting

Kanto region, Japan.

Participants

Japanese adults aged 18–64 years (n1165, 57·3% women).

Results

Mean age of the participants was 43·8 (sd8·9) years. There were no significant differences found in the proportion of respondents reporting difficulty in finding time to eat each meal among the three groups. However, the frequency of breakfast consumption was significantly different among Low, Middle and High groups, while lunch and dinner frequency did not differ among the three groups.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that nutrition knowledge level is related to breakfast skipping among Japanese adults.
Families of the missing in Sri Lanka: Psychosocial considerations in transitional justice mechanisms
Authors: Salih Maleeka , Samarasinghe Gameela
Published: November 2018

In the last thirty years, tens of thousands of Sri Lankans have experienced enforced disappearances of family members. In 2016, many members of such families came before the Consultation Task Force on Reconciliation Mechanisms, which was mandated to gather views on how people thought the transitional justice mechanisms should be designed, how they should be established and how they should function. This process allowed the families to share their experiences and to outline what they saw as important in shaping the transitional justice mechanisms. This article surveys the complex nature of their distress and psychosocial needs, as expressed by them during the consultations. It proposes that transitional justice mechanisms should be designed to protect their psychosocial well-being, address their complex psychosocial needs, and provide them with support and protection before, during and after their engagement in the mechanisms.
Strengthening resilience: The ICRC's community-based approach to ensuring the protection of education
Authors: Loane Geoff , Santos Ricardo Fal-Dutra
Published: November 2018

Education has received increased attention within the humanitarian sector. In conflict-affected contexts, access to education may be hampered by attacks against and the military use of educational facilities as well as attacks and threats of attacks against students, teachers and other education-related persons. Affected populations may also find themselves unable to access education, for example due to displacement.

This article looks into the different sets of humanitarian responses aimed at (1) ensuring the protection of educational facilities and related persons, mostly through advocacy efforts centred on weapons bearers, and (2) (re-)establishing education services where they are not present or are no longer functioning, mostly through programmes directed at affected populations. It then argues that, in contrast with dominant practices, the protection of education can also be ensured through programmatic responses with meaningful participation of affected communities, and examines the example of the Safer Schools programme in Ukraine.
Assessing Fitness Costs from a Herbicide-Resistance Management Perspective: A Review and Insight
Authors: Keshtkar Eshagh , Abdolshahi Roohollah , Sasanfar Hamidreza , Zand Eskandar , Beffa Roland , Dayan Franck E. , Kudsk Per
Published: November 2018

In recent years, herbicide resistance has attracted much attention as an increasingly urgent problem worldwide. Unfortunately, most of that effort was focused on confirmation of resistance and characterization of the mechanisms of resistance. For management purposes, knowledge about biology and ecology of the resistant weed phenotypes is critical. This includes fitness of the resistant biotypes compared with the corresponding wild biotypes. Accordingly, fitness has been the subject of many studies; however, lack of consensus on the concept of fitness resulted in poor experimental designs and misinterpretation of the ensuing data. In recent years, methodological protocols for conducting proper fitness studies have been proposed; however, we think these methods should be reconsidered from a herbicide-resistance management viewpoint. In addition, a discussion of the inherent challenges associated with fitness cost studies is pertinent. We believe that the methodological requirements for fitness studies of herbicide-resistant weed biotypes might differ from those applied in other scientific disciplines such as evolutionary ecology and genetics. Moreover, another important question is to what extent controlling genetic background is necessary when the aim of a fitness study is developing management practices for resistant biotypes. Among the methods available to control genetic background, we suggest two approaches (single population and pedigreed lines) as the most appropriate methods to detect differences between resistant (R) and susceptible (S) populations and to derive herbicide-resistant weed management programs. Based on these two methods, we suggest two new approaches that we named the “recurrent single population” and “recurrent pedigreed lines” methods. Importantly, whenever the aim of a fitness study is to develop optimal resistance management, we suggest selecting R and S plants within a single population and evaluating all fitness components from seed to seed instead of measuring changes in the frequency of R and S alleles through multigenerational fitness studies.
Seed Fecundity, Persistence, and Germination Biology of Prairie Groundcherry (Physalis hederifolia) in Australia
Authors: Wu Hanwen , Stanton Rex , Lemerle Deirdre
Published: November 2018

Prairie groundcherry [Physalis hederifolia(A. Gray) var.fendleri(A. Gray) Cronquist] is an invasive perennial weed with the potential to become a significant summer weed across 409 million hectares in Australia. Current management practices do not provide effective control of established populations. A better understanding of the seed biology is needed to effectively manage this weed. A series of field and laboratory studies were conducted to determine plant fecundity, soil seedbank longevity, and the factors that affect seed germination.Physalis hederifoliahas the capacity to produce 66 to 86 berries plant−1, 51 to 74 seeds berry−1, and approximately 4,500 seeds plant−1, with the seeds potentially able to persist in the soil seedbank for 20 yr if buried in an intact dry berry pod. The bare-seed component of the soil seedbank can be virtually exhausted within 3 yr if cultivation is minimized to avoid burial of seed. Optimal temperature for germination is diurnal fluctuations of 15 C within the temperature range of 10 and 30 C. Increasing osmotic stress levels reduced the germination under all temperature regimes, with less than 6% germination occurring at −0.96 MPa.Physalis hederifoliaseed germination was not significantly affected by substrate pH 4 to 10 or salt levels less than 160 mM, while the germination was significantly reduced at NaCl concentrations above 160 mM. These results suggest thatP. hederifoliacan adapt to a range of substrate conditions. Stopping seed set, avoiding grazing plants with viable seeds, and minimizing seed burial in the soil are some effective strategies to control this weed.
Urgent need to clarify the definition of chronic critical limb ischemia – a position paper from the European Society for Vascular Medicine
Authors: Constans Joël , Bura-Rivière Alessandra , Visona Adriana , Brodmann Marianne , Abraham Pierre , Olinic Dan-Mircea , Madaric Juraj , Steiner Sabine , Quéré Isabelle , Mazzolai Lucia , Belch Jill
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Chronic critical lower limb ischemia (CLI) has been defined as ischemia that endangers the leg. An attempt was made to give a precise definition of CLI, based on clinical and hemodynamic data (Second European Consensus). CLI may be easily defined from a clinical point of view as rest pain of the distal foot or gangrene or ulceration. It is probably useful to add leg ulcers of other origin which do not heal because of severe ischemia, and to consider the impact of frailty on adverse outcome. From a hemodynamic viewpoint there is no consensus and most of the existing classifications are not based upon evidence. We should thus propose a definition and then validate it in a prospective cohort in order to define the patients at major risk of amputation, and also to define the categories of patients whose prognosis is improved by revascularisation. From today’s available data, it seems clear that the patients with a systolic toe pressure (STP) below 30 mmHg must be revascularised whenever possible. However other patients with clinically suspected CLI and STP above 30 mmHg must be evaluated and treated in specialised vascular units and revascularisation has to be discussed on a case by case basis, taking into account other data such as the WiFi classification for ulcers.In conclusion, many useful but at times contradictory definitions of CLI have been suggested. Only a few have taken into account evidence, and none have been validated prospectively. This paper aims to address this and to give notice that a CLI registry within Europe will be set up to prospectively validate, or not, the previous and suggested definitions of CLI.