bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adoption of Conservation Practices: Its Impact on Input Use and Performance in the Northern Region of Ghana
Authors: Boimah Mavis , Mensah-Bonsu Akwasi , Osei-Asare Yaw , Sarpong Daniel B.
Published: September 2018

Conservation Agriculture (CA) is promoted worldwide on the basis of its contribution to economic, social, and environmental sustainability of agricultural production. In Ghana, despite the increasing interest in the promotion of CA and its practices, its rate of adoption is still low, mainly due to the conflicting evidences regarding its effectiveness. This paper contributes to the numerous debates by examining the impact of CA practices on hired labour, rates of inorganic fertilizers applied by adopters, maize yield, and profit of adopters. Using a cross-sectional data, a multinomial endogenous switching regression (MESR) model was employed to compute the Average Treatment Effect (ATE) and Average Treatment Effect on Treated (ATET) for yield, hired labour, inorganic fertilizer rate, and profit of adopters of CA practices. The study reveals that CA practices impact positively on hired labour employed on the farm, but have a negative impact on profits of adopters. No impact whatsoever of adoption of CA practices is observed on maize yield and also inorganic fertilizer application rates. Technical assistance, and training of farmers on strategies that minimize costs of production must be intensified to raise profits of adopters.
Fishing Settlement in Nothern Coast of Jakarta: From Intimidation to Recognition
Authors: Obie Muhammad
Published: September 2018

Coastal area becomes a meeting place of various interests, both the interests of the government to protect and exploit it, as well as local communities for their livelihood survival. This research analyzed the livelihood bases of fishing settlement in north coast of Jakarta, from the time of intimidation, until its existence was recognized by the government. The research strategy used historical case study. Collected data were primary and secondary data. Primary data collection was through in-depth interview and observation. Researcher in this case used biographical methods. Data analysis used a qualitative approach performed simultaneously during data collection took place, and after completion of data collection within a certain period. The secondary data was obtained through literature studies. The results of research showed that livelihood bases of fishing settlement in north coast of Jakarta rely on marine products. Fishermen in this settlement have a deep connection with the sea, so all the economic activities of the people are related to the sea. Since it was first inhabited in the 1970s, the region often got government intimidation which forced fishermen to leave the area. However, due to the fierce resistance of the citizens, the intimidation was ultimately unsuccessful. The government finally acknowledged the existence of fishing settlement after entering the reform era. It results the democratic tap was open where dialogue and negotiation by fishermen figures intensified.
The Problem of Transportation Infrastructure Development in Papua Region Indonesia
Authors: Kusdian R. Didin
Published: September 2018

The eastern region of Indonesia, Papua, decentralized government administration has been divided into 2 (two) provinces, namely West Papua Province with provincial capital of Manokwari and Papua Province with provincial capital of Jayapura. Judging from the history of all the existing provinces, the last territory of independence becomes part of the territory of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. The Republic of Indonesia was established in 1945, and this easternmost region entered as part of the territory of the Republic of Indonesia in 1962. The number and density of its population are the fewest. The development of this area continues to be carried out, various concepts of development planning continue to be developed and implemented. Progress was achieved in several aspects of community life. However, the results achieved have not been as expected. The infrastructure network that has been built has not been successful in balancing the issues of inequality and equity in the context of the whole of Indonesia as a unified infrastructure system that supports all sectors of the lives of citizens, especially the economic and social sectors. Infrastructure is meant here is the infrastructure that is the responsibility of the government in the ministry of communications and the ministry of public works and public housing.

Constraints of topographic conditions, rare population, cultural perceptions, and distance coverage of the already advanced areas are issues that need to be addressed and solved alternative solutions. The system constraints of all infrastructure and the priority of which components must be built first and the priority of the location also become individual issues, which in this system will also include power supply system, fuel, and cement as the main material of infrastructure building.

This paper summarizes and discusses some of the results of discussions and studies related to the acceleration of infrastructure development in Papua.
Indigenous People’s Environmental Concerns: The Missing Piece in Ongoing Administrative and Political Decentralization in Africa
Authors: Atisa George , Zemrani Aziza , Weiss Matthew
Published: September 2018

Decentralization is assumed to make national governments more accountable and enables local people to get involved in governance decisions. This study examines the relationships and whether decentralization activities, policies and regulations support indigenous concerns for the environment. Much of the pristine and local lands globally have already been degraded through overexploitation of natural resources leading to significant loss of environmental benefits to people, especially the marginalized and indigenous communities. Using citizen-over-state and state-over-citizen theory, the influence of national level policies on local policies and vice versa is examined. Two sets of data are analyzed: reports from conservation organizations and peer reviewed publications. The other data is obtained from the World Bank and the Food and Agricultural Organization data base. All African countries are analyzed. The findings show that many national policies and regulations do not support and have no relationship with indigenous peoples’ environmental values, thus undermining local sustainable lifestyles. The more focus on economic development as an outcome is turning out to be a dominant force in driving exploitation of resources and eroding indigenous peoples’ cultural and environment values. While a few policies and regulations have some correlation with indigenous values, they have no significant influence in terms of producing sustainable local level environmental outcomes.
Factors Influencing Property Owners’ Attitudes toward Different Orientations of Sustainability
Authors: Hao Huili , Hill Jeffery M , Prichard Hunter Regan
Published: September 2018

The southeastern United States is well-known for its natural beauty, warm year-round climate, and vacation and outdoor recreational opportunities. This study explores and compares factors influencing property owners’ attitudes toward different scales of sustainability in three coastal counties in North Carolina. In this region, tourism is the major economic driver, with second homes comprising nearly 40% of the total single-family housing stock. The research questions of this study then are: 1) Which factors influence property owners’ attitudes toward sustainable tourism development? 2) Does residential status (full-time residents vs. second-home owners) best predict property owners’ attitudes toward different scales/orientations of sustainability? 3) Which variables most contribute to predicting property owners’ attitudes toward different scales/orientations of sustainability? A total of 1,278 respondents were surveyed concerning their perceptions of sustainable development, satisfaction with community life, and attitudes toward tourism and second-home development. Factor analyses were conducted to identify three different orientations of sustainability as identified by the researchers: operational-oriented sustainability, community-oriented sustainability, and normative-oriented sustainability. Multivariate regression analyses were used to identify and compare factors which have significant influences on attitudes toward orientations of sustainability among different types of property owners. The study results are intended to inform decision-making that will contribute to the long-term economic, environmental, and socio-cultural sustainability of these counties.
Management of Oil Palm’s Residues for Utilization: Reduced Amount of Greenhouse Gas
Authors: Phoochinda Wisakha
Published: September 2018

As the demand of oil palm outputs in the world market and Thailand has increased, it results in the oil palm‘s residues which need to be utilized. The study aimed to investigate the utilization of oil palm’s residues and analyze the greenhouse gas emission from the utilization of oil palm’s residues. The study reviewed related literature to obtain concepts, theories, research works, policies, and measures related to the utilization of oil palm’s residues and interviewed to relevant scholars and agencies. The greenhouse gas emission on the utilization of oil palm’s residues were calculated and then compared.

The study findings revealed the utilization of the residues and the emission of greenhouse gas as follows: cultivation of straw mushroom from empty palm bunch emitted greenhouse gas 323.1264 KgCO2eq /year; use of oil palm fronds as animal feed emitted greenhouse gas 109.674 KgCO2eq /year; use of empty palm bunch to cover soil emitted greenhouse gas in total 109.674 KgCO2eq /year; composting from residues from palm oil extracting plants emitted greenhouse gas 210.346 KgCO2eq /year, compilation of oil palm fronds in heaps revealed no greenhouse gas emission, and composting from palm bunch emitted greenhouse gas 210.346 KgCO2eq /year.
Selectieve distributieovereenkomsten: het luxepaardje van de onlineverkoper?
Authors: Raedts Elske , Roscam Abbing Felix
Published: September 2018

Selectieve distributieovereenkomsten: het luxepaardje van de onlineverkoper?

In dit artikel wordt getoetst of er door de Coty-uitspraak van het Hof van Justitie een verandering is ontstaan in de toelaatbaarheid van bepaalde verboden binnen selectieve distributieovereenkomsten. Hierbij worden met name de Metro-criteria en bestaande rechtspraak (zoals Pierre Fabre en L’Oréal) vergeleken met de Coty-uitspraak en recente nationale rechtspraak in arresten zoals Asics en Nike. Uiteindelijk wordt geconcludeerd dat recente rechtspraak op een aantal vlakken duidelijkheid heeft gebracht, maar dat er nog steeds onduidelijkheden bestaan over de vragen of vanuit mededingingsrechtelijk perspectief een totaalverbod op verkoop via onlinemarktplaatsen toelaatbaar kan zijn en wanneer een product als luxeproduct kwalificeert.
Marktanalyses in het reguleringstoezicht voor luchthavens: a balanced approach
Authors: Heuten Ernst-Jan
Published: September 2018

Marktanalyses in het reguleringstoezicht voor luchthavens: a balanced approach

In Europa wordt discussie gevoerd over de wenselijkheid van het uitvoeren van marktanalyses om te bepalen welke luchthavens in aanmerking komen voor economische regulering. Daarmee kan het regelgevend kader voor luchthavens meer vergelijkbaar worden met bijvoorbeeld dat van de telecommunicatiesector. In dit artikel wordt ingegaan op het huidige juridische kader voor de economische regulering van luchthavens en de discussie die daarover wordt gevoerd voor wat betreft marktanalyses. Voorts wordt ingegaan op een aantal praktische vraagstukken bij bij het invoeren van marktanalyses. Daarbij wordt de mogelijkheid besproken in de regelgeving sturing te geven aan de bewijsvoering rond de afbakening van geografische markten.
Executieveilingenzaak geëxecuteerd door het CBb
Authors: Belhadj Ekram
Published: September 2018

Executieveilingenzaak geëxecuteerd door het CBb

De zaak Executieveilingen is op het bouwfraudeonderzoek na het grootste kartelonderzoek dat de ACM heeft uitgevoerd in termen van aantal betrokken ondernemingen. In tegenstelling tot het bouwfraudeonderzoek heeft de ACM de zaak Executieveilingen, ondanks de omvang van haar onderzoek, niet tot een voor haar goed einde weten te brengen. Deze uitspraak is de eerste waarin het CBb een enkele voortdurende overtreding van artikel 6 Mw niet bewezen acht. In deze annotatie wordt eerst ingegaan op de achtergrond van de zaak. Daarna komen de belangrijkste overwegingen van de uitspraak van het CBb aan bod. Vervolgens wordt de uitspraak geanalyseerd en daarna volgen enkele slotopmerkingen.
Wat is een nadeel voor de mededinging en wie bepaalt dat? Over de rol van deskundigen en de bewijsstandaard in het kader van discriminatie door een dominant platform
Authors: Mulder Jotte
Published: September 2018

Wat is een nadeel voor de mededinging en wie bepaalt dat? Over de rol van deskundigen en de bewijsstandaard in het kader van discriminatie door een dominant platform Rechtbank Amsterdam 21 maart 2018, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2018:1654

Deze uitspraak van de rechtbank Amsterdam ziet op een langslepend conflict tussen Funda en VBO makelaars. De rechtbank stelt op basis van een deskundigenrapport vast dat Funda in het bezit is van een machtspositie. De uitspraak is interessant vanwege de belangrijke rol van het deskundigenrapport en de centraal staande schadetheorie die atypisch is en aanleiding geeft tot enige reflectie op de verhouding tussen zogenoemde uitsluitings- en exploitatie/discriminatoire vormen van misbruik en de verschillende bewijsstandaarden die daarvoor gelden.
Feasibility of Biological Monitoring of Anatomy Laboratory Staff Exposed to Formaldehyde
Authors: Asadi Parisa , R Azari Mansour , Rafieepour Athena , Rahmati Alireza
Published: September 2018

Background: Formaldehyde (FA) is a reactive carcinogenic compound and is used routinely in anatomy theatres. Recently, biological monitoring is introduced as a method of choice for monitoring of exposed workers to hazardous chemicals with systemic absorption. Objectives: Considering the toxicity of formaldehyde and lack of a comprehensive method for its biological monitoring, the aim of this study was to explore a new and non-invasive method for biological monitoring of formaldehyde exposure in the staffs of anatomy theatre. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional investigation and the population of this study was comprised of 20 exposed staffs in an anatomy theatre in Tehran, Iran. The personal monitoring of 20 staff was carried out during the early winter, according to a method from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health No. 2016. Biological monitoring was conducted by measuring FA in staff’s exhaled breath after termination of the work shift. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using correlation analysis. Results: The mean FA personal exposure and its concentration in the exhaled breath of anatomy’s staffs were 698 ± 34 and 195 ± 17 as ppb, respectively. Correlation of staff’s personal exposures to formaldehyde with the excreted formaldehyde in their exhaled breath was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The present study showed that the personal exposure of staffs to the FA was higher than the permissible exposure limit. Statistically significant positive correlation of staff exposure with the content of FA in their exhaled breath indicated the potential of biological monitoring of exposed group to FA through exhaled breath.
Wild Game Changer
Authors: Cao Deborah ,   The Harvard Review of Philosophy
Published: September 2018

For the last two decades, the world has seen the rise of China. With its rise, unfortunately, has come the fall, retreat, and demise of some animals and animal species. China is often singled out for special attention in terms of animal destruction and endangerment. With an increasingly globalized economy and world, we now have a globalized wildlife crisis. This essay focuses on the exploitation of wild animals in China. It argues that the plight of wildlife in China stems from an underlying position in Chinese culture that animals are instruments for human benefits, and such an instrumentalist approach has always dominated the Chinese landscape. This is the case despite the fact that animals and humans are considered to be organically connected in the moral universe in Chinese traditional philosophy in contrast to the segregated approach to humans and non-humans in Western philosophical traditions. It is suggested that to achieve substantive progress in the protection of wildlife and other animals in China, a fundamental change of thinking and acting toward animals by the Chinese to recognize the intrinsic value of animals would be imperative.
Spatiotemporal distribution of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in relation to environmental parameters in a coastal lagoon on the Pacific coast of northwestern Mexico
Authors: Rivas-Montaño Ana M , Luis-Villaseñor Irasema E , Piña-Váldez Pablo , Gómez-Gil Bruno , Lizárraga-Partida Marcial L
Published: September 2018

Vibrio parahaemolyticus has been responsible for the increasing number of diarrhea cases in Sinaloa, Mexico, since 2003. We investigated the presence, distribution, and content of V. parahaemolyticus toxigenic genes detected in water, zooplankton, and sediment samples in relation to environmental variables in Caimanero Lagoon (Mazatlán, Sinaloa). Samples were analyzed by PCR to detect the presence of V. parahaemolyticus and its toxigenic factors. Of all the samples analyzed, 57.5% tested positive for thermolabile hemolysin (tlh), a gene indicative of the species. The thermostable direct hemolysin (tdh) and tdh-related hemolysin (trh) genes, which are both pathogenicity markers of this species, were detected in 9% and 6% of the samples, respectively. The orf8 fragment, which has been recently detected in pandemic strains (O3:K6), was detected in 11% of the samples. Vibrio parahaemolyticus was detected more frequently in zooplankton, with the highest incidence observed in February. Salinity was positively correlated with V. parahaemolyticus; however, no correlation was found between V. parahaemolyticus and temperature. The presence of toxigenic V. parahaemolyticus during the different seasons indicates the need to maintain continuous sanitary inspection of fish products from Caimanero Lagoon.
Discrimination of 3 dominant mangrove species from the Pacific coast of Mexico by spectroscopy on intact leaves
Authors: Flores-de-Santiago Francisco , Kovacs John M , Flores-Verdugo Francisco
Published: September 2018

Spectral discrimination of mangrove leaves is the first step in classifying remotely sensed imagery of mangrove forests. The objective of this study was to analyze spectroscopic data on leaves from the upper and lower parts of mangrove canopies to discriminate species and physiognomic types. Leaf samples from the upper and lower parts of the canopies of 3 mangrove species (Avicennia germinans, Laguncularia racemosa, and Rhizophora mangle) in 2 physiognomic types (basin and fringe) were collected during 2 seasons (dry and rainy). Probability distribution and first-derivative plots were generated for every wavelength (450–1,000 nm) detected in all samples. With the plots, optimal wavelengths were selected and subsequently verified with a canonical discriminant analysis. Results indicated that all species in basin mangrove forests showed a unique distinction between the upper and lower leaves during the dry season. By contrast, species in fringe mangrove forests did not show this difference during both seasons. Optimal wavelengths for species discrimination were located between 540–560 nm and 700–720 nm, which correspond to the green and red-edge wavebands, respectively. Future studies using remote sensing data with the aforementioned wavebands can be conducted to discriminate physiognomic mangrove forest types and to increase accuracy in the classification of mangroves at the canopy level on the Pacific coast of Mexico.
Potential role of platelets for atherosclerotic events in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Vona Rosa , Di Franco Manuela , Gambardella Lucrezia , Di Lollo Anna C. , Iannuccelli Cristina , Valesini Guido , Malorni Walter , Straface Elisabetta
Published: September 2018

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease with increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality that can be attributed to accelerated atherosclerosis. This pilot study aimed to investigate if changes in blood parameters were compatible with atherosclerotic events in RA patients. To this aim, 45 RA women (aged more than 18 years), and 25 age and gender‐matched healthy donors (HD) were included. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, platelet activation and platelet aggregation were analysed in RA patients at baseline and after six months of treatment with disease modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Flow cytometry analysis revealed that ca. 4% of platelets was in activated state (evaluated in term of Annexin V and PAC‐1 positivity) in RA patients at baseline, and that the 76% of platelets displayed mitochondrial hyperpolarization. Moreover, platelets from RA patients at baseline aggregated more than those from HD after whole blood treatment with adenosine diphosphate. Interestingly, platelet aggregation in patients at baseline positively correlated with disease activity measured by DAS28 score. After six months of treatment with DMARDs, platelet activation and platelet aggregation reached values comparable to those of HD. Our preliminary data suggest that platelets might play an active role in the atherosclerosis occurring in RA patients.
Study of dosimetric properties of flattened and unflattened megavoltage x ray beam on high Z implant materials
Authors: Rajamanickam Tamilarasan , Muthu Sivakumar , Murugan Perumal , Pathokonda Muddappa , Senthilnathan Krishnamoorthy , Arunai Nambi Raj Narayanasamy , Ramesh Babu Padmanabhan
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Addition of high Z implants in the treatment vicinity or beam path is unavoidable in certain clinical situation. In this work, we study the properties of radiation interaction parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), x ray beam transmission factor (indirect beam attenuation), interface effects like backscatter dose perturbation factor (BSDF) and forward dose perturbation factor (FDPF) for flattened (FF) and unflattened (UF) x ray beams.

Methods

MAC for stainless steel and titanium alloy was measured using CC13 chamber with appropriate buildup in narrow beam geometry. The x ray beam transmission factors were measured for stainless steel and titanium alloy for different field size, off‐axis, and depths. Profile analysis was performed using a radiation field analyzer (RFA) as a function of field size and depth to study the influence of phantom scattering and spectral variation in the beam. In addition, interface effects such as BSDF and FDPF were measured with gafchromic films at maximum BSDF peak position calculated using Acuros XB algorithm and with PPC40 chamber measured at exit side of high Z material, respectively.

Results

The MAC in both cases decreases with increase in energy for stainless steel (SS) and titanium (Ti) alloy. The MAC increases with the change in x ray beam type from flattened to UF beam because of relatively lower mean energy. The x ray beam transmission factor increases with the increase in energy, field size, and depth owing to increase in penetration power phantom scatter, respectively. The measured BSDF and FDPF were found to be in good agreement with AXB algorithm.

Conclusion

The dosimetric properties of x ray photon beam were studied comprehensively in the presence of high Z material like stainless steel and titanium alloy using both flattened and UF beams to understand and incorporate the findings of various parameters in clinical condition due to the variation in energy spectrum from FF to UF x ray beam.
A technique for total skin electron therapy (TSET) of an anesthetized pediatric patient
Authors: Kron Tomas , Donahoo Grace , Lonski Peta , Wheeler Greg
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Total skin electron therapy (TSET) is a technique to treat cutaneous lymphomas. While TSET is rarely required in pediatric patients, it poses particular problems for the delivery. It was the aim of the present work to develop a method to deliver TSET to young children requiring anesthetics during treatment.

Methods

A customized cradle with a thin window base and Poly(methyl‐methacrylate) (PMMA) frame was built and the patient was treated in supine position. Two times six fields of 6 MeV electrons spaced by 60° gantry angles were used without electron applicator and a field size of 36 × 36 cm2. The two sets of six fields were matched at approximately 65% surface dose by rotating the patient around an axis 30 cm distance from beam central axis, effectively displacing the two sets of fields in sup/inf direction by 60 cm. Electron energy was degraded using a 12 mm PMMA block on the gantry. Focus to skin distance was maximized by displacing the patient in opposite direction of the beam resulting in a different couch position for each field.

Results

A 2‐yr‐old patient was treated in 12 fractions of 1.5 Gy over 2.4 weeks. Dose to skin was verified daily using thermoluminescence dosimetry and/or radiochromic film. The treatment parameters were adjusted slightly based on in vivo dosimetry resulting in a dose distribution for most of the treatment volume within ±20% of the prescribed dose. Six areas were boosted using conventional electron therapy.

Conclusion

TSET can be delivered to pediatric patients using a customized couch top on a conventional linear accelerator.
Despite years of failed treatments, patient cuts back on drinking
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2018

A social worker, a mother and conference calls all united for what looks at this time like a happy outcome for one young man, despite the failure of multiple treatments. Residential treatment, individual counseling, Vivitrol, AA attendance, an interventionist and a stint at an unlicensed rehabilitation center all may have helped in this case study of a young man — age 36 by the time he started working with Patrick Doyle, a social worker who is a family coach enlisted by the patient's parents. But ultimately, they all failed, and the young man was in risky territory, with binges and blackouts. What saved him was his mother's decision to stand up to the insistence by the “recovery team” on total abstinence. The recovery team included Doyle, who recounted the story to ADAW last week, the parents, the therapist, and the interventionist.
Text of opioid bill released by House Ways and Means Committee: 42 CFR Part 2 is spared
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2018

Last week, the long‐awaited opioid package was released by the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee. Notably, 42 CFR Part 2, which the House version had slated for elimination but the Senate had not addressed, is spared. The confidentiality regulation, which requires substance use treatment providers to obtain consent from patients before releasing their information, would have been replaced with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which would have included their information in their record.
Biodegradable bilayer films prepared from individual films of different proteins
Authors: Nogueira Daiane , Martins Vilásia Guimarães
Published: September 2018

Bilayer films propose to combine the characteristics of different individual polymer sources in a single structure, aiming to improve the properties of the films obtained. The objective of this study was to develop and characterize bilayer films prepared from individual films of zein, wheat gluten, and protein isolate from hake (Cynoscion guatacupa), and evaluate the biodegradability of these polymers. Through the casting technique, individual films and bilayers were prepared. The hake proteins isolate films, as well as the bilayers hake protein isolate/zein and hake protein isolate/wheat gluten (BI PI/WG) showed higher tensile strength, while wheat gluten films presented greater elongation at rupture and lower solubility. In addition to having good tensile strength, BI PI/WG presented the best elongation. All films and bilayers reached melting and glass transition temperatures above 100°C. Electromicrographs of the films presented an irregular surface with pores and grooves, being less pronounced in BI PI/WG. In the bilayers, it was not necessary to use any type of adhesive to form a single structure. Films and bilayers showed total biodegradability in 40 days, with the exception of the individual zein film. BI PI/WG proved to be the most suitable for the development of food packaging materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46721.
Platinum‐terpyridine complexes in polymers: A novel approach for the synthesis of self‐healing metallopolymers
Authors: Götz S. , Abend M. , Zechel S. , Hager M. D. , Schubert U. S.
Published: September 2018

The synthesis of novel platinum‐based metallopolymers for self‐healing applications is presented. For this purpose, terpyridine‐platinum complexes were studied using isothermal titration calorimetry regarding their complexation behavior with pyridine. The obtained knowledge was utilized for the preparation of metallopolymers using the reversible addition fragmentation chain‐transfer ‐polymerization technique resulting in well‐defined polymers. Crosslinking with a tetravalent pyridine‐crosslinker enabled the synthesis of a metallopolymer network featuring self‐healing properties. From these experiments, more information about the molecular preconditions for the design of healable metal‐containing polymers could be drawn enabling a further optimization of these systems in the future. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47064.
Preparation and photochromic properties of waterborne polyurethane containing spirooxazine groups
Authors: Cai G. , Shi M. , Gao J. , Yuan L.
Published: September 2018

Two novel photochromic spirooxazines, SO 1 and SO 3, were successfully prepared and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1H‐NMR, and mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (ESI‐MS). SO 1 was doped and grafted with waterborne polyurethane (WPU) to afford D1‐WPU and G1‐WPU. D3‐WPU was prepared by doping SO 3 with waterborne polyurethane. FTIR spectra indicated that SO 1 was grafted onto waterborne polyurethane successfully. Scanning electron microscopy proved that spirooxazines of D‐WPU can be effectively dispersed in a waterborne polyurethane matrix, and spirooxazines of G‐WPU are evenly distributed in the copolymer. The results showed that the light transmittance of modified waterborne polyurethane films decreased compared with pure waterborne polyurethane films, but the water resistance and tensile strength were better. Ultraviolet–visible spectra demonstrated that the thermal stability of spirooxazine derivatives improved significantly after being modified. The fading rate constant of the D3‐WPU film (k = 0.0079 s‐1) during the discoloration process decreased 9.77 times in contrast to SO 3 in ethanol, which showed that the thermal stability of spirooxazine in WPU film was obviously enhanced. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47067.
Synthesis of polyphenylmethylsiloxanes and their enhancement on tribological properties of titanium complex grease
Authors: Li J. , Yin H. , Zhai C. , Wang A. , Shen L.
Published: September 2018

Polyphenylmethylsiloxanes (PPMSs) with the phenyl/methyl mole ratios of 0.25:1–0.75:1 were facilely synthesized using phenylmethyldichlorosilane, diphenyldichlorosilane, dimethyldichlorosilane, and hexamethyldisiloxane as the raw materials with the hydrolysis‐condensation method. The molecular weights (M
w) of the as‐synthesized PPMSs ranged from 1248.7 to 27 014.0. The maximum molecular weight was obtained at the phenyl/methyl ratio of 0.65:1. Titanium complex greases were prepared by using titanium carboxylate as the thickener and PPMS/mineral oil (KN4010) as the mixed base oil. When the weight percentage of PPMS (phenyl/methyl mole ratio of 0.45:1) in the mixed base oil was 20%, the dropping point of the resultant titanium complex grease increased by 21 °C as compared with the sole mineral oil‐based titanium complex grease. The friction coefficient and the wear scar dimension were 0.54 and 0.69 times those of the sole mineral oil‐based titanium complex grease, respectively. According to thermogravimetric analysis–differential scanning calorimetry analysis, the working temperature of the titanium complex grease could reach 240 °C. The addition of PPMS in the titanium complex grease obviously improved its thermal stability and tribological properties. The present work developed a new category of titanium complex grease using PPMS and mineral oil as the mixed base oil. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47168.
Do cognitive deficits persist into adolescence in autism?
Authors: Cantio Cathriona , White Sarah , Madsen Gitte Falcher , Bilenberg Niels , Jepsen Jens Richardt Møllegaard
Published: September 2018

Several theories have attempted to characterise autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) at the cognitive level, most notably: theory of mind (ToM), executive function (EF), and a local processing bias (LB). The aim of this study was to investigate how these cognitive functions develop over time

The three cognitive domains (ToM, EF, and LB) were examined in a group of high‐functioning children (age: 8–12, mean 10.85; IQ: 78–139, mean 105.48) with ASD and a matched group of children with neurotypical development (NTD) (IQ: 75–145, mean: 109.47), and several tasks were used within each domain to ensure the validity of the cognitive measures. Approximately 3 years later (mean age: 14.34), all children and their families were invited to participate in the follow‐up (ASD, N = 21; NTD, N = 30). While the understanding of other's minds does improve from childhood to adolescence, ToM impairment persists in adolescents with ASD relative to their peers. Likewise, a development in EF was observed in the ASD group, while no significant improvement was seen in the NTD group, leading the ASD group to catch up in this domain. We did not detect any group differences at any time point regarding local bias processing (LB). Individual patterns of development were seen, but remarkably, ToM deficits were present in every child with ASD in whom we could detect any cognitive impairment at baseline, and a similar pattern was found at follow‐up. These findings indicate that ToM is a persistent cognitive deficit in ASD. Autism Res 2018, 11: 1229–1238. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

This was the first study to investigate the development of three well‐known cognitive functions into adolescence: While the understanding of other's minds improves from childhood to adolescence, adolescents with ASD are still impaired relative to their peers. The EFs, however, seem to improve to a neurotypical level in ASD as children enter adolescence, while local processing bias seems to differentiate the groups only in early childhood.
Will jurors correct for evidence interdependence in their verdicts? It depends
Authors: Pate Margaret , Kienzle Megan , Vogler Vanessa
Published: September 2018

Throughout an investigation, pieces of evidence are likely to contaminate one another, yet at trial jurors are expected to treat pieces of evidence as if they are independent. Are jurors able to understand potential evidence contamination? The present study showed mock jurors a videotaped trial simulation. Participants were randomly assigned to hear testimony regarding one piece of evidence, two pieces of independent evidence, or two pieces of interdependent evidence. The study tested the hypothesis that jurors who hear evidence that is interdependent will be just as likely to find the defendant guilty as jurors who hear about two pieces of independent evidence. When an eyewitness's identification was the uncontaminated piece of evidence, our hypothesis was supported. However, when the confession was the uncontaminated piece of evidence, jurors seemed to understand that one piece of evidence had been influenced by another and adjusted their beliefs about the defendant's guilt accordingly. This study supports the conclusion that jurors can sometimes identify and correct for evidence contamination in their perceptions of a defendant's guilt. Implications for reform support are discussed.
Interpretation of the mechanism of action of antituberculosis drug bedaquiline based on a novel two‐ion theory of energy coupling in ATP synthesis
Authors: Nath Sunil
Published: September 2018

Tuberculosis (TB) claims the lives of 1.3 million people each year, more than any other bacterial infection. Hence great interest was generated in health communities upon the recent introduction of the new diarylquinoline anti‐TB drug, bedaquiline. Bedaquiline acts by binding to the c‐subunit in the membrane‐bound FO portion of the F1FO‐adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase, the universal enzyme that produces the ATP needed by cells. However, the mechanism of killing by bedaquiline is not fully understood. Recent observations related to the bactericidal effects of bedaquiline, which show that it is a potent uncoupler of respiration‐driven ATP synthesis in Mycobacterium smegmatis are summarized. These observations are then interpreted from the standpoint of Nath's two‐ion theory of energy coupling in ATP synthesis (Nath, Biophys. Chem. 2017; 230:45–52). Especial importance is given to the interpretation of biochemical fluorescence quenching data, and the differences between the uncoupling induced by bedaquiline from that by the classical anionic uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation are highlighted. Suggestions for new experiments that could lead to a better understanding of the uncoupling mechanism are made. A model of uncoupling action by the drug is presented, and the biochemical basis underlying uncoupling of ATP synthesis and lethality in mycobacteria is elucidated. The major biological implications arising from these novel insights are discussed. It is hoped that the analysis will lead to a more fundamental understanding of biological energy coupling, uncoupling and transduction, and to an integrated view for the design of novel antimicrobials by future research in the field.
Innervation of the anconeus epitrochlearis muscle: MRI and cadaveric studies
Authors: Grewal Sanjeet S. , Collin Peter , Ishak Basem , Iwanaga Joe , Amrami Kimberly K. , Ringler Michael D. , de Ruiter Godard C.W. , Spinner Robert J. , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: September 2018

Ulnar neuropathy at the cubital tunnel is common. However, a rare form of ulnar neuropathy here is due to compression from an accessory muscle, the anconeus epitrochlearis. Reports in the literature regarding the details of this muscle's innervation are vague, so the aim of the present study was to characterize this anatomy more clearly. This was a combined review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from patients with an anconeus epitrochlearis and ulnar neuropathy and cadaveric dissections to characterize the innervation of this variant muscle. A review of 11 patients and three reports of ulnar neuropathy and an anconeus epitrochlearis in the literature revealed no MRI changes consistent with acute denervation of this muscle. However, in two cases, there were signs of chronic denervation of the muscle. Dissection of five cadavers revealed that the nerve supply to the anconeus epitrochlearis originated proximal to the medial epicondyle, traveled parallel to the ulnar nerve, terminated on the deep aspect of this muscle, and had a mean length of 60 mm. This clinicoanatomical study provides evidence that the innervation of the anconeus epitrochlearis is proximal to the muscle and on its deep aspect. Clin. Anat. 32:218–223, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retracted: GNA13 promotes tumor growth and angiogenesis by upregulating CXC chemokines via the NF‐κB signaling pathway in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Zhongqiang , Tan Xiao , Luo Jing , Cui Beibei , Lei Sanlin , Si Zhongzhou , Shen Liangfang , Yao Hongliang
Published: September 2018

GNA13 has been found overexpressed in various types of cancer, which is related to tumor metastasis and progression. However, the biological functions of GNA13 in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the role of GNA13 in CRC and investigate the mechanism of how GNA13 promotes tumor growth. Interestingly, our findings showed that GNA13 is commonly upregulated in CRC, where these events are associated with a worse histologic grade and poor survival. Increased expression levels of GNA13 promoted cell growth, migration, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, whereas GNA13 silencing abrogated these malignant phenotypes. In addition, overexpressing GNA13 in cancer cells increased the levels of the chemokines CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL4, which contributed to CRC proliferation and colony formation. Moreover, our mechanistic investigations suggest that the NF‐κB/p65 signaling pathway was activated by the increase in GNA13 levels. Inhibiting the NF‐κB/p65 pathway with an inhibitor decreased GNA13‐induced migration, invasion and CXCL chemokine level increases, indicating the critical role of NF‐κB/p65 signaling in mediating the effects of GNA13 in CRC. Together, these results demonstrate a key role of GNA13 overexpression in CRC that contributes to malignant behavior in cancer cells, at least in part through stimulating angiogenesis and increasing the levels of the NF‐κB‐dependent chemokines CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL4.
Assessment of pasting characteristics of size fractionated industrial parboiled and non‐parboiled broken rice
Authors: Bruce Rebecca M. , Atungulu Griffiths G.
Published: September 2018

Background and objectives

Rice flour generated from broken rice (brokens) has inconsistencies in functional properties. This may be due to differences in size and composition of brokens used for the flour. It is postulated that size classification of brokens can improve flour functionality. Parboiled brokens generated at 12.5% (aged rice) and 18% (fresh rice) moisture content (MC, wet basis) and non‐parboiled (regular) brokens were obtained from commercial milling streams. Broken rice was also generated from six cultivars (two long‐grain pureline, two long‐grain hybrids, and two medium‐grain) of freshly harvested rough rice that were dried at 25°C in the laboratory. The brokens were classified into large, medium, and small, using US sieve size 10, 12, and 20 respectively. Comingling of the brokens based on size was done. Pasting property of the broken rice flour was determined using the Rapid Visco Analyzer.

Findings

The results indicate that the MC of rice before parboiling affects the pasting property of the parboiled broken rice flour, thus rice parboiled at 12.5% MC (aged rice) had higher peak viscosity and final viscosity than rice parboiled at 18% MC (fresh rice). Larger brokens had better pasting properties than smaller brokens. Smaller brokens had higher protein content than large brokens. Whole kernels had higher peak and final viscosities than brokens across all cultivars. These differences may be due to variations in starch distributions across the rice kernel. Comingling of large and small brokens produced flour that has pasting property like either the medium or small brokens.

Conclusions

Size classification of brokens is important in maintaining consistency in the pasting properties of the broken rice flour and resulting products.

Significance and novelty

Size fractionation of brokens provides the opportunity to better understand the functionality of brokens, to direct them to the right end‐use processes and to maximize the potential of this by‐product in producing premium and high‐quality products.
Tuberculous colon perforation mimicking acute appendicitis: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Nahida El‐Rifai , Hassan Harissi , Nabil Daoud , Emmanuelle Leteurtre , Frédéric Gottrand
Published: September 2018

Key Clinical Message

Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical condition encountered in the pediatric age group but the clinical presentation could be misleading. This highlights the importance of exploratory laparotomy even in the absence of systemic manifestations in order not to miss a serious underlying pathology such as intestinal tuberculosis.
A Manganese(V)–Oxo Tetraamido Macrocyclic Ligand (TAML) Cation Radical Complex: Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity Studies
Authors: Karmalkar Deepika G. , Li Xiao‐Xi , Seo Mi Sook , Sankaralingam Muniyandi , Ohta Takehiro , Sarangi Ritimukta , Hong Seungwoo , Nam Wonwoo
Published: September 2018

A mononuclear manganese(V)–oxo complex with tetraamido macrocyclic ligand (TAML), [MnV(O)(TAML)]− (1), is a sluggish oxidant in oxidation reactions. Herein, a mononuclear manganese(V)–oxo TAML cation radical complex, [MnV(O)(TAML+.)] (2), is reported. It was synthesized by reacting [MnIII(TAML)]− with 3.0 equivalents of [RuIII(bpy)3]3+ or upon addition of one‐electron oxidant to 1 and then characterized thoroughly with various spectroscopic techniques along with DFT calculations. Although 1 is a sluggish oxidant, 2 is a strong oxidant capable of activating C−H bonds of hydrocarbons (i.e., hydrogen atom transfer reaction) and transferring its oxygen atom to thioanisoles and olefins (i.e., oxygen atom transfer reaction).
Low‐Cost One‐Pot Synthesis of WS2 Quantum Dots with Wide Emission Spectrum for Light‐Emitting Applications
Authors: Yin Wenxu , Zhang Xiaoyu , Bai Xue , Xue Dingke , Zhuang Xingwei , Song Hongwei , Yu William W.
Published: September 2018

We report a facile and low‐cost synthesis of WS2 quantum dots with bright broad‐band emission, which are suitable for lighting applications. The thus fabricated WS2 light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) exhibit voltage independent electroluminescence spectra, and the optimized white LEDs generate a high color rendering index of 93.
Shenmai injection improves the postoperative immune function of papillary thyroid carcinoma patients by inhibiting differentiation into Treg cells via miR‐103/GPER1 axis
Authors: Fang Tie , Li Jianjun , Wu Xianjiang
Published: September 2018

Shenmai injection (SMI) is increasingly used in tumor combination therapy, devoting to enhancing anti‐tumor effects and reducing the toxicity of chemotherapy drugs. This study aimed to explore the role of SMI in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) treatment. Flow cytometry was used to examine Treg cells percentage in CD4 + T cells. The expression of RNA and protein was analyzed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Inducers were used to stimulate CD4 + T cells to differentiate into Treg cells. The interaction between miR‐103 and G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) was confirmed with the dual luciferase assays. Cell transfection and recombinant plasmids were used to achieve endogenous expression. Compared with patients not treated with 131I, the Treg cells percentage and Foxp3 expression were clearly increased in patients with 131I radiotherapy, just the opposite in SMI combination therapy. SMI inhibited the differentiation of CD4 + T cells into Treg cells. Aberrant expression of miR‐103 and GPER1 induced by 131I was reversed by SMI and 131I combination therapy. GPER1 was negatively regulated by miR‐103 and SMI inhibits the differentiation of CD4 + T cells into Treg cells via miR‐103/GPER1 axis, which improves the postoperative immunological function of PTC patients with 131I radiotherapy.