bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nudging pro‐environmental behavior: evidence and opportunities
Authors: Byerly Hilary , Balmford Andrew , Ferraro Paul J , Hammond Wagner Courtney , Palchak Elizabeth , Polasky Stephen , Ricketts Taylor H , Schwartz Aaron J , Fisher Brendan
Published: March 2018

Human behavior is responsible for many of our greatest environmental challenges. The accumulated effects of many individual and household decisions have major negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem health. Human behavioral science blends psychology and economics to understand how people respond to the context in which they make decisions (eg who presents the information and how it is framed). Behavioral insights have informed new strategies to improve personal health and financial choices. However, less is known about whether and how these insights can encourage choices that are better for the environment. We review 160 experimental interventions that attempt to alter behavior in six domains in which decisions have major environmental impacts: family planning, land management, meat consumption, transportation choices, waste production, and water use. The evidence suggests that social influence and simple adjustments to decision settings can influence pro‐environmental decisions. We identify four important gaps in the evidence that provide opportunities for future research. To address these gaps, we encourage collaborations between researchers and practitioners that look at the effects of embedding tests of behavior‐change interventions within environmental programs.
Stranded capital: environmental stewardship is part of the economy, too
Authors: Roman Joe , DeLauer Verna , Altman Irit , Fisher Brendan , Boumans Roelof , Kaufman Les
Published: March 2018

The many values that humans place on biodiversity are widely acknowledged but difficult to measure in practice. We address this problem by quantifying the contribution of marine‐related environmental stewardship, in the form of donations and volunteer hours, to the economy of coastal Massachusetts. Our conservative evaluation suggests that marine stewardship activities contributed at least $179 million to the state economy in 2014, a figure that exceeded revenues derived in that same year from commercial finfish operations ($105 million) and whale watching ($111 million), two acknowledged cornerstones of the regional economy. Almost imperceptibly, the coastal economy has been transformed from one dependent on commercial exchange to a diverse economy that includes, to a large measure, marine stewardship. Donations and volunteer efforts are useful indicators of environmental values that can be hard to quantify, and represent one measure of human determination to protect the planet.
PCMT1 is an unfavorable predictor and functions as an oncogene in bladder cancer
Authors: Dong Liming , Li Yanpei , Xue Dongwei , Liu Yili
Published: March 2018

The role of protein l‐isoaspartate (d‐aspartate) O‐methyltransferase (PCMT1) in human cancer was generally cognized. The clinical significance and biological function of PCMT1 in bladder cancer is still unknown. PCMT1 mRNA and protein expression levels in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines were detected by qRT‐PCR, immunohistochemistry, or western blot. The correlation between PCMT1 expression and clinicopathological factors was analyzed through immunohistochemistry in 108 bladder cancer patients. Loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function studies were conducted to explore the biological function of PCMT1 in bladder cancer cell lines in regulating cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In our results, we found that PCMT1 was overexpressed in bladder cancer tissues compared with normal urothelium tissues in microarray datasets (GSE3167). Then, we confirmed PCMT1 mRNA and protein expression were increased in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines compared with paired normal urothelium tissues and normal uroepithelial cell line. PCMT1 protein expression was obviously correlated with clinical stage, muscularis invasion, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis. Survival analysis showed that PCMT1 protein high‐expression was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for bladder cancer patients. The in vitro experiments showed PCMT1 regulated bladder cancer cells migration and invasion through modulating epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐associated genes expression including E‐cadherin, vimentin, Snail and Slug, but had no effect on proliferation. In conclusion, PCMT1 is an unfavorable prognostic biomarker and involves in cells migration and invasion through regulating EMT‐associated genes. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(4):291–299, 2018
Factors influencing elk recruitment across ecotypes in the Western United States
Authors: Lukacs Paul M. , Mitchell Michael S. , Hebblewhite Mark , Johnson Bruce K. , Johnson Heather , Kauffman Matthew , Proffitt Kelly M. , Zager Peter , Brodie Jedediah , Hersey Kent , Holland A. Andrew , Hurley Mark , McCorquodale Scott , Middleton Arthur , Nordhagen Matthew , Nowak J. Joshua , Walsh Daniel P. , White P. J.
Published: March 2018

Ungulates are key components in ecosystems and economically important for sport and subsistence harvest. Yet the relative importance of the effects of weather conditions, forage productivity, and carnivores on ungulates are not well understood. We examined changes in elk (Cervus canadensis) recruitment (indexed as age ratios) across 7 states and 3 ecotypes in the northwestern United States during 1989–2010, while considering the effects of predator richness, forage productivity, and precipitation. We found a broad‐scale, long‐term decrease in elk recruitment of 0.48 juveniles/100 adult females/year. Weather conditions (indexed as summer and winter precipitation) showed small, but measurable, influences on recruitment. Forage productivity on summer and winter ranges (indexed by normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI] metrics) had the strongest effect on elk recruitment relative to other factors. Relationships between forage productivity and recruitment varied seasonally and regionally. The productivity of winter habitat was more important in southern parts of the study area, whereas annual variation in productivity of summer habitat had more influence on recruitment in northern areas. Elk recruitment varied by up to 15 juveniles/100 adult females across the range of variation in forage productivity. Areas with more species of large carnivores had relatively low elk recruitment, presumably because of increased predation. Wolves (Canis lupus) were associated with a decrease of 5 juveniles/100 adult females, whereas grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) were associated with an additional decrease of 7 juveniles/100 adult females. Carnivore species can have a critical influence on ungulate recruitment because their influence rivals large ranges of variation in environmental conditions. A more pressing concern, however, stems from persistent broad‐scale decreases in recruitment across the distribution of elk in the northwestern United States, irrespective of carnivore richness. Our results suggest that wildlife managers interested in improving recruitment of elk consider the combined effects of habitat and predators. Efforts to manage summer and winter ranges to increase forage productivity may have a positive effect on recruitment. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Aerogels Derived from Polymer Nanofibers and Their Applications
Authors: Qian Zhenchao , Wang Zhen , Zhao Ning , Xu Jian
Published: March 2018

Aerogels are gels in which the solvent is supplanted by air while the pores and networks are largely maintained. Owing to their low bulk density, high porosity, and large specific surface area (SSA), aerogels are promising for many applications. Various inorganic aerogels, e.g., silica aerogels, are intensively studied. However, the mechanical brittleness of common inorganic aerogels has seriously restricted their applications. In the past decade, nanofibers have been developed as building blocks for the construction of aerogels to improve their mechanical property. Unlike traditional frameworks constructed by interconnected particles, nanofibers can form chemically cross‐linked and/or physically entangled 3D skeletons, thus showing flexibility instead of brittleness. Therefore, excellent elasticity and toughness, ultralow density, high SSA, and tunable chemical composition can be expected for the polymer nanofiber‐derived aerogels (PNAs). In this review, recent research progress in the fabrication, properties, and applications of PNAs is summarized. Various nanofibers, including nanocelluloses, nanochitins, and electrospun nanofibers are included, as well as carbon nanofibers from the corresponding organic precursors. Typical applications in supercapacitors, electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction, flexible electrodes, oil absorbents, adsorbents, tissue engineering, stimuli‐responsive materials, and catalyst carriers, are presented. Finally, the challenges and future development of PNAs are discussed.
A Nonconjugated Zwitterionic Polymer: Cathode Interfacial Layer Comparable with PFN for Narrow‐Bandgap Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Li Zhendong , Chen Qiaoyun , Liu Yanfeng , Ding Lan , Zhang Kaicheng , Zhu Kai , Yuan Ligang , Dong Bin , Zhou Yi , Song Bo
Published: March 2018

A nonconjugated, alcohol‐soluble zwitterionic polymer, poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (denoted by PSBMA), is employed as cathode interfacial layer (CIL) in polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on PTB7‐Th:PC71BM. Compared with the control device without CIL, PSCs with PSBMA CILs show significant enhancement on the resulting performance, and the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.27% is achieved. Under parallel conditions, PSCs with PSBMA as CIL show comparable performance than those with widely used poly[(9,9‐bis(30‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)propyl)‐2,7‐fluorene)‐alt‐2,7‐(9,9‐ioctylfluorene)] as CIL. The polar groups of PSBMA not only provide a solvent orthogonal solubility in the process of preparation of the devices but also lead to interfacial dipole to the electrode, which promises a better energy level alignment. In addition, PSBMA‐based devices show better abilities of hole blocking. These results indicate that the zwitterionic polymer PSBMA should be a promising CIL in PSC‐based narrow‐bandgap polymers.
Influence of defined amount of voids on the mechanical properties of carbon fiber‐reinforced plastics
Authors: Ashir Moniruddoza , Nocke Andreas , Bulavinov Andrey , Pinchuk Roman , Cherif Chokri
Published: March 2018

The fault‐free fabrication of fiber‐reinforced plastics (FRPs) is a big hurdle for textile and composite manufacturers. Voids are generated during the infiltration process of FRPs, which then reduce the mechanical performance of FRPs. This paper describes the effect of defined amount of voids on the mechanical properties, such as tensile, bending, impact and inter‐laminar shear strength of FRPs. The defined amount of voids in carbon FRPs are produced by a newly developed process—mixing of a foaming agent with resin system during the infusion process. The utmost advantage of this process is simple, time‐saving and reproducible. The produced FRPs from this process can be utilized for the validation of ultrasonic testing of FRPs. Four types of FRPs with six carbon layers are fabricated by a vacuum assisted resin infusion process. Carbon fibers are chosen in this study because of their growing market potential. Then, the mechanical properties of the produced carbon FRPs are tested. Besides the mechanical testing, the microscopic testing and ultrasound testing is executed to qualitatively analyze the length and distribution of produced voids. Results reveal that the mechanical properties of carbon FRPs reduce by an increase in defined amount of voids. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1049–E1056, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
On the plasma deposition of vancomycin‐containing nano‐capsules for drug‐delivery applications
Authors: Lo Porto Chiara , Palumbo Fabio , Buxadera‐Palomero Judit , Canal Cristina , Jelinek Petr , Zajickova Lenka , Favia Pietro
Published: March 2018

Aerosol‐assisted atmospheric pressure plasma allows for a one‐step synthesis of vancomycin‐containing nano‐capsules. Morphological and chemical analyses are carried out to estimate how different discharge parameters affect the plasma deposition process. Nano‐capsules size and abundance largely depend on the shell precursor content in the gas feed and on the drug concentration in the aerosol solution. Based on these results a deposition mechanism is proposed, where, interestingly, the key step is the formation of the nano‐capsules in the plasma phase. Furthermore, the related antibacterial activity is proved against Staphylococcus aureus. Preliminary release tests indicate the possible exploitation of the plasma‐deposited vancomycin‐containing nano‐capsules in the drug delivery field, and systems based on other bioactive molecules can be expected.
Sleeping Sickness in the ‘Omics Era
Authors: Tiberti Natalia , Sanchez Jean‐Charles
Published: March 2018

Sleeping sickness is a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei parasites, affecting the poorest communities in sub‐Saharan Africa. The great efforts done by the scientific community, local governments, and non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) via active patients’ screening, vector control, and introduction of improved treatment regimens have significantly contributed to the reduction of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) incidence during the last 15 years. Consequently, the WHO has announced the objective of HAT elimination as a public health problem by 2020. Studies at both parasite and host levels have improved our understanding of the parasite biology and the mechanisms of parasite interaction with its mammalian host. In this review, the impact that ‘omics studies have had on sleeping sickness by revealing novel properties of parasite's subcellular organelles are summarized, by highlighting changes induced in the host during the infection and by proposing potential disease markers and therapeutic targets.
Left‐handed meta‐surface loaded with ring resonator modelling for satellite application
Authors: Hasan Md. Mehedi , Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Islam Mohammad Tariqul
Published: March 2018

A new geometry of compact meta‐surface, loaded with the ring resonator for satellite application (Ku‐band), is presented in this paper. The diamond‐shaped meta‐surface is designed by the metallic ring resonator with metallic ground plane separated by a dielectric substrate layer, while epoxy resin fibre is utilized as a dielectric substrate layer. The proposed meta‐surface structure is successfully simulated, fabricated, and measured. Effects of the design specifications on the surface current and field distribution are also investigated elaborately. Theoretical and simulated results show that the diamond‐shape structure resonance is at 15.84 GHz, whereas the measured results are slightly shifted around at 15.87 GHz. The designed meta‐surface structure also exhibits the left‐handed characteristics at 15.88 GHz, where the estimations of permittivity is −4 + 0.28j, permeability is −19.2 − 134.6j, and negative index is −5.51 − 3.86j. Further, the lumped element equivalent circuit model of the proposed meta‐surface unit cell is explained. Moreover, the 10 × 10 mm2 meta‐surface single‐unit‐cell prototype is compact in size and the impact on the performance by modifying the meta‐surface structure is investigated. Therefore, the meta‐surface integrated antenna shows resonance frequency bands from 14.0 to 14.50 GHz, which is used as INSAT‐4A communication satellite uplink frequency.
Merger of Energetic Affinity and Optimal Geometry Provides New Class of Boron Nitride Based Sorbents with Unprecedented Hydrogen Storage Capacity
Authors: Shahsavari Rouzbeh , Zhao Shuo
Published: March 2018

Hydrogen is an ideal synthetic fuel because it is lightweight, abundant and its oxidation product (water) is environmentally benign. However, its utilization is impeded by the lack of an efficient storage device. A new building block approach is proposed for an exhaustive search of optimal hydrogen uptakes in a series of low density boron nitride (BN) nanoarchitectures via extensive 3868 ab initio‐based multiscale simulations. By probing various geometries, temperatures, pressures, and doping ratios, these results demonstrate a maximum uptake of 8.65 wt% at 300 K, the highest hydrogen uptake on sorbents at room temperature without doping. Li+ doping of the nanoarchitectures offers a set of optimal combinations of gravimetric and volumetric uptakes, surpassing the US Department of Energy targets. These findings suggest that the merger of energetic affinity and optimal geometry in BN building blocks overcomes the intrinsic limitations of sorbent materials, putting hybrid BN nanoarchitectures on equal footing with hydrides while demonstrating a superior capacity‐kinetics–thermodynamics relationship.
Exosomal miRNA Profiling to Identify Nanoparticle Phagocytic Mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Lin , Hao Changfu , Yao Sanqiao , Tang Rong , Guo Wei , Cong Hongbin , Li Jiangfeng , Bao Lei , Wang Di , Li Yiping , Yu Xinghao , Duan Shuyin , Yao Wu
Published: March 2018

Inhaling a dangerous amount of nanoparticles leads to pulmonary inflammatory and immune disorders, which integrates several kinds of cells. Exosomes are suggested to play a crucial role in intercellular communication via miRNA transmission. To investigate the role of exosomal miRNA in nanoparticle phagocytosis, a total of 54 pneumoconiosis patients along with 100 healthy controls are recruited, exosomes derived from their venous blood are collected, and then exosomal miRNAs are profiled with high‐throughput sequencing technology. miRNAs which are differentially expressed are used to predict target genes and conduct functional annotation. Interactions between miRNA hsa‐let‐7a‐5p, hsa‐let‐7i‐5p, and their cotarget gene WASL are found that can affect nanoparticle phagocytosis. The follow‐up analysis of gene structure, tissue specificity, and miRNA‐target gene regulatory mode supports the findings. Specially, the assumption is further confirmed via a series of cellular experiments, and the fibroblast transdifferentiate rate that is used as an indicator of nanoparticle phagocytosis decreased when elevating miRNA expression level. Thus, data in this study indicate that downregulation of miRNA hsa‐let‐7a‐5p and hsa‐let‐7i‐5p contributes to WASL elevation, promoting WASL and VASP complex formation, which is necessary for initiating Arp2/3 induced phagocytosis.
Highly Active, Durable Ultrathin MoTe2 Layers for the Electroreduction of CO2 to CH4
Authors: Liu Xijun , Yang Hui , He Jia , Liu Haoxuan , Song Lida , Li Lan , Luo Jun
Published: March 2018

The electroreduction of CO2 to CH4 is a highly desirable, challenging research topic. In this study, an electrocatalytic system comprising ultrathin MoTe2 layers and an ionic liquid electrolyte for the reduction of CO2 to methane is reported, efficiently affording methane with a faradaic efficiency of 83 ± 3% (similar to the best Cu‐based catalysts reported thus far) and a durable activity of greater than 45 h at a relatively high current density of 25.6 mA cm−2 (−1.0 VRHE). The results obtained can facilitate research on the design of other transition‐metal dichalcogenide electrocatalysts for the reduction of CO2 to valuable fuels.
Numerical Simulation of the Dynamic Formation of Slag Skin and Heat Flow Distribution during the Electroslag Remelting Process
Authors: Yu Jia , Liu Fubin , Jiang Zhouhua , Kang Congpeng , Chen Kui , Li Huabing , Geng Xin
Published: March 2018

A 2D axisymmetric model is established to investigate the dynamic formation of slag skin and heat flow distribution during the electroslag remelting process. The growth of ingots is addressed with the dynamic mesh technique, and the volume of fluid model is employed to trace the slag/metal interface. The results indicate that the slag skin thickness at the slag/mold interface increases with the distance from the free slag surface, with a maximum thickness of 4 mm at the slag/pool interface. With the growth of ingot, the slag skin at the slag/pool interface is partially remelted by the hotter metal and finally solidifies around the solidified ingot with a thickness of 1 mm. The calculated percentage of heat flow is in reasonable agreement with the measurement. The loss of heat flow to the mold accounts for 67% of the power input, and approximately 28% of that power is absorbed by droplets in a laboratory scale ESR unit. The heat loss to slag/mold interface first increases with increasing slag temperature and then slowly decreases with decreasing slag bath height. The heat of the ingot primarily escapes from the baseplate at the initial stage. However, as the ingot grows, the heat loss in the radial gradually becomes dominant.
Role of fault ride‐through strategies for power grids with 100% power electronic‐interfaced distributed renewable energy resources
Authors: Meegahapola Lasantha , Datta Manoj , Nutkani Inam , Conroy James
Published: March 2018

Electricity networks are evolving rapidly with the large‐scale integration of power electronic (PE)‐interfaced distributed renewable energy resources (DRERs). With this rapid deployment of PE‐interfaced renewables, requirements set for the PE‐interfaced DRERs have also evolved to maintain grid security and reliability. Fault ride‐through (FRT) is an essential requirement which should be adhered by DRERs, which will ensure security and reliability of the power system during grid faults. This paper critically reviews the existing FRT standards (grid‐code requirements) and FRT strategies implemented/ proposed for major DRERs, such as wind energy conversion systems (WECSs), solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, and microgrids. According to the review, robust FRT strategies are implemented/proposed DRERs, however, the FRT grid codes are presently developed with the perspective of both synchronous and renewable generation operating in the power system. However, this current approach should be augmented considering 100% PE‐based renewable energy scenarios, and emerging issues, such as high penetration of PE‐interfaced small‐scale renewable generators (e.g., domestic solar‐PV systems) and recurring grid faults, to achieve a sustainable renewable energy future.

This article is categorized under:

Concentrating Solar Power > Systems and Infrastructure

Wind Power > Systems and Infrastructure

Photovoltaics > Systems and Infrastructure
Cytoplasmic functions of long noncoding RNAs
Authors: Noh Ji Heon , Kim Kyoung Mi , McClusky Waverly G. , Abdelmohsen Kotb , Gorospe Myriam
Published: March 2018

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides found throughout the cell that lack protein‐coding function. Their functions are closely linked to their interaction with RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) and nucleic acids. Nuclear lncRNAs have been studied extensively, revealing complexes with structural and regulatory roles that enable gene organization and control transcription. Cytoplasmic lncRNAs are less well understood, but accumulating evidence indicates that they also form complexes with diverse structural and regulatory functions. Here, we review our current knowledge of cytoplasmic lncRNAs and the different levels of gene regulation controlled by cytoplasmic lncRNA complexes, including mRNA turnover, translation, protein stability, sponging of cytosolic factors, and modulation of signaling pathways. We conclude by discussing areas of future study needed to elucidate comprehensively the biology of lncRNAs, to further understand the impact of lncRNAs on physiology and design lncRNA‐centered therapeutic strategies.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
Low-energy effective field theory below the electroweak scale: operators and matching
Authors: Jenkins Elizabeth E. , Manohar Aneesh V. , Stoffer Peter
Published: March 2018

Abstract

The gauge-invariant operators up to dimension six in the low-energy effective field theory below the electroweak scale are classified. There are 70 Hermitian dimension-five and 3631 Hermitian dimension-six operators that conserve baryon and lepton number, as well as ΔB = ±ΔL = ±1, ΔL = ±2, and ΔL = ±4 operators. The matching onto these operators from the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) up to order 1/Λ2 is computed at tree level. SMEFT imposes constraints on the coefficients of the low-energy effective theory, which can be checked experimentally to determine whether the electroweak gauge symmetry is broken by a single fundamental scalar doublet as in SMEFT. Our results, when combined with the one-loop anomalous dimensions of the low-energy theory and the one-loop anomalous dimensions of SMEFT, allow one to compute the low-energy implications of new physics to leading-log accuracy, and combine them consistently with high-energy LHC constraints.
Continuous spin fields of mixed-symmetry type
Authors: Alkalaev Konstantin , Grigoriev Maxim
Published: March 2018

Abstract

We propose a description of continuous spin massless fields of mixed-symmetry type in Minkowski space at the level of equations of motion. It is based on the appropriately modified version of the constrained system originally used to describe massless bosonic fields of mixed-symmetry type. The description is shown to produce generalized versions of triplet, metric-like, and light-cone formulations. In particular, for scalar continuous spin fields we reproduce the Bekaert-Mourad formulation and the Schuster-Toro formulation. Because a continuous spin system inevitably involves infinite number of fields, specification of the allowed class of field configurations becomes a part of its definition. We show that the naive choice leads to an empty system and propose a suitable class resulting in the correct degrees of freedom. We also demonstrate that the gauge symmetries present in the formulation are all Stueckelberg-like so that the continuous spin system is not a genuine gauge theory.
Non-local observables at finite temperature in AdS/CFT
Authors: Erdmenger Johanna , Miekley Nina
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Within gauge/gravity duality, we consider the AdS-Schwarzschild metric in arbitrary dimensions. We obtain analytical closed-form results for the two-point function, Wilson loop and entanglement entropy for strip geometries in the finite-temperature field-theory dual. According to the duality, these are given by the area of minimal surfaces of different dimension in the gravity background. Our analytical results involve generalised hypergeometric functions. We show that they reproduce known numerical results to great accuracy. Our results allow to identify new physical behaviour: for instance, we consider the entanglement density, i.e. the difference of entanglement entropies at finite and vanishing temperature divided by the volume of the entangling region. For field theories of dimension seven or higher, we find that the entanglement density displays non-monotonic behaviour as function of ℓ · T , with ℓ the strip width and T the temperature. This implies that the area theorem, proven for RG flows in general dimensions, does not apply here. This may signal the emergence of new degrees of freedom for AdS Schwarzschild black holes in eight or more dimensions.
Resummation of non-global logarithms and the BFKL equation
Authors: Caron-Huot Simon
Published: March 2018

Abstract

We consider a ‘color density matrix’ in gauge theory. We argue that it systematically resums large logarithms originating from wide-angle soft radiation, sometimes referred to as non-global logarithms, to all logarithmic orders. We calculate its anomalous dimension at leading- and next-to-leading order. Combined with a conformal transformation known to relate this problem to shockwave scattering in the Regge limit, this is used to rederive the next-to-leading order Balitsky-Fadin-Kuraev-Lipatov equation (including its nonlinear generalization, the so-called Balitsky-JIMWLK equation), finding perfect agreement with the literature. Exponentiation of divergences to all logarithmic orders is demonstrated. The possibility of obtaining the evolution equation (and BFKL) to three-loop is discussed.
Searches for vector-like quarks at future colliders and implications for composite Higgs models with dark matter
Authors: Chala Mikael , Gröber Ramona , Spannowsky Michael
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Many composite Higgs models predict the existence of vector-like quarks with masses outside the reach of the LHC, e.g. m

Q
≳ 2 TeV, in particular if these models contain a dark matter candidate. In such models the mass of the new resonances is bounded from above to satisfy the constraint from the observed relic density. We therefore develop new strategies to search for vector-like quarks at a future 100 TeV collider and evaluate what masses and interactions can be probed. We find that masses as large as ∼ 6.4 (∼9) TeV can be tested if the fermionic resonances decay into Standard Model (dark matter) particles. We also discuss the complementarity of dark matter searches, showing that most of the parameter space can be closed. On balance, this study motivates further the consideration of a higher-energy hadron collider for a next generation of facilities.
Quality of Life in Patients with Background of Iatrogenic Bile Duct Injury
Authors: Flores‐Rangel Gustavo Alain , Chapa‐Azuela Oscar , Rosales Alejandro José , Roca‐Vasquez Carmen , Böhm‐González Simone Teresa
Published: March 2018

Background

There are only a few reports regarding the quality of life of patients who underwent a complicated cholecystectomy with an iatrogenic bile duct injury (IBDI); the results have been heterogeneous and realized with unspecific measures.

Methods

The objective was to determine whether the quality of life of the subjects with a history of IBDI repaired with bilioenteric derivation is modified in the long term with respect to a control group, for which a group of patients with a history of IBDI (group A) was compared with a group of patients with a history of uncomplicated cholecystectomy (group B). Two different measures were used: on the one hand, the SF‐12 questionnaire and on the other hand, a questionnaire was implemented where the patient could determine by himself which variables define his quality of life.

Results

A total of 46 patients were included in group A and 51 in group B. The analysis of the SF‐12 questionnaire showed a statistical significant reduction in 4 of 8 of the evaluated parameters (general health, physical functioning, physical role and social functioning) in group A in comparison with group B. If a more specific questionnaire is used, the results are similar, with a statistically significant reduction in the quality of life within the group A (0.03).

Conclusions

We conclude that the quality of life of patients with a history of bilioenteric derivation due to an IBDI decreases significantly compared to patients with uncomplicated cholecystectomy.
Tetrahydrobiopterin treatment reduces brain L‐Phe but only partially improves serotonin in hyperphenylalaninemic ENU1/2 mice
Authors: Scherer Tanja , Allegri Gabriella , Sarkissian Christineh N. , Ying Ming , Grisch‐Chan Hiu Man , Rassi Anahita , Winn Shelley R. , Harding Cary O. , Martinez Aurora , Thöny Beat
Published: March 2018

Hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) caused by hepatic phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency has severe consequences on brain monoamine neurotransmitter metabolism. We have studied monoamine neurotransmitter status and the effect of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) treatment in Pahenu1/enu2 (ENU1/2) mice, a model of partial PAH deficiency. These mice exhibit elevated blood L‐phenylalanine (L‐Phe) concentrations similar to that of mild hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA), but brain levels of L‐Phe are still ~5‐fold elevated compared to wild‐type. We found that brain L‐tyrosine, L‐tryptophan, BH4 cofactor and catecholamine concentrations, and brain tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity were normal in these mice but that brain serotonin, 5‐hydroxyindolacetic acid (5HIAA) and 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) content, and brain TH protein, as well as tryptophan hydroxylase type 2 (TPH2) protein levels and activity were reduced in comparison to wild‐type mice. Parenteral L‐Phe loading conditions did not lead to significant changes in brain neurometabolite concentrations. Remarkably, enteral BH4 treatment, which normalized brain L‐Phe levels in ENU1/2 mice, lead to only partial recovery of brain serotonin and 5HIAA concentrations. Furthermore, indirect evidence indicated that the GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH) feedback regulatory protein (GFRP) complex may be a sensor for brain L‐Phe elevation to ameliorate the toxic effects of HPA. We conclude that BH4 treatment of HPA toward systemic L‐Phe lowering reverses elevated brain L‐Phe content but the recovery of TPH2 protein and activity as well as serotonin levels is suboptimal, indicating that patients with mild HPA and mood problems (depression or anxiety) treated with the current diet may benefit from supplementation with BH4 and 5‐OH‐tryptophan.
If My Blood Pressure Is High, Do I Take It to Heart? Behavioral Effects of Biomarker Collection in the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Edwards Ryan D.
Published: March 2018

Starting in 2006, respondents in the biennial U.S. Health and Retirement Study were asked to submit biomarkers every other wave and were notified of several results. Rates of undiagnosed high blood pressure and diabetes according to these biomarkers were 1.5 % and 0.7 %, respectively. An intent-to-treat analysis suggests that collection and notification had small effects on the average respondent and may have reduced health care utilization. Among respondents who received notification of potentially dangerous biomarker levels, subsequent rates of new diagnosis and associated pharmaceutical usage increased by 20 to 40 percentage points, an order of magnitude above baseline. High blood glucose A1C was associated with a 2.2 % drop in weight and an increase in exercise among respondents without a previous diagnosis of diabetes. Notifications appear also to have altered health behaviors by spouses, suggesting household responses to health maintenance. Biomarker collection seems to have altered circumstances for an interesting minority of HRS respondents.
Feminist Social Studies Teachers: The Role of Teachers’ Backgrounds and Beliefs in Shaping Gender-Equitable Practices
Authors: Stevens Kaylene M. , Martell Christopher C.
Published: March 2018

Gender inequity is a persistent problem in the United States. While the high school social studies classroom should be an important space for addressing gender inequity, there is significant underrepresentation of women in the curriculum. Thus, it is crucial that we understand how self-described feminist social studies teachers present women and gender-equity in their classrooms. In this mixed-methods study, the researchers examined the beliefs and practices of six feminist-identifying teachers. The results reveal commonalities across teachers related to classroom discourses, curricular modifications, and professional practice, yet there were compelling differences based on whether or not the teacher subscribed to a critical feminist perspective or a liberal feminist perspective. While all the teachers in the study saw themselves as change agents, teachers who operated from a critical feminist lens focused more on structural gender inequity as a means to eliminate sexism, whereas teachers who operated from a liberal lens focused more on individual acts of sexism and greater inclusion of women—often individual women—in the curriculum. This study contributes to the scarce research on feminism in social studies and provides tools for practitioners who want practices that are more inclusive.
Fratura bilateral do colo do fêmur secundária a crise convulsiva: Tratamento com artroplastia total do quadril pelo acesso anterior direto
Authors: Kimura Osamu de Sandes , de Moraes Rui Felipe Pache , Fernandes Marco Bernardo Cury , Freitas Emílio Henrique Carvalho , Seabra Alexandre , Lima George Kalif
Published: March 2018

A fratura bilateral do colo do fêmur secundária à crise convulsiva é um evento raro. A ocorrência dessas lesões está relacionada a contrações musculares tônico-clônicas vigorosas e ao uso de medicações anticonvulsivantes. As fraturas do colo do fêmur no adulto jovem tratadas com artroplastia total do quadril são exceção, e a escolha do acesso cirúrgico deve levar em consideração diversos fatores; o acesso anterior direto é uma possibilidade para artroplastia total do quadril. Os autores apresentam o caso de um homem de 36 anos com fratura bilateral do colo do fêmur secundária a crise convulsiva e em uso regular de fenitoína. Devido ao risco de falha da fixação e ao tempo de evolução prolongado, optou-se pela artroplastia total do quadril bilateral. A escolha da via de acesso deve levar em consideração a anatomia do paciente, a disponibilidade de materiais e a experiência do cirurgião. Dessa forma, a maior facilidade de preparo e posicionamento do paciente, o menor tempo de internação, a reabilitação pós-operatória precoce e o domínio da técnica pelo cirurgião são possíveis justificativas para a adoção do acesso anterior direto.
Protecting Healthcare Personnel in Outpatient Settings: The Influence of Mandatory Versus Nonmandatory Influenza Vaccination Policies on Workplace Absenteeism During Multiple Respiratory Virus Seasons
Authors: Frederick John , Brown Alexandria C. , Cummings Derek A. , Gaydos Charlotte A. , Gibert Cynthia L. , Gorse Geoffrey J. , Los Jenna G. , Nyquist Ann-Christine , Perl Trish M. , Price Connie S. , Radonovich Lewis J. , Reich Nicholas G. , Rodriguez-Barradas Maria C. , Bessesen Mary T. , Simberkoff Michael S.
Published: March 2018

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of mandatory and nonmandatory influenza vaccination policies on vaccination rates and symptomatic absenteeism among healthcare personnel (HCP).

DESIGN

Retrospective observational cohort study.

SETTING

This study took place at 3 university medical centers with mandatory influenza vaccination policies and 4 Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare systems with nonmandatory influenza vaccination policies.

PARTICIPANTS

The study included 2,304 outpatient HCP at mandatory vaccination sites and 1,759 outpatient HCP at nonmandatory vaccination sites.

METHODS

To determine the incidence and duration of absenteeism in outpatient settings, HCP participating in the Respiratory Protection Effectiveness Clinical Trial at both mandatory and nonmandatory vaccination sites over 3 viral respiratory illness (VRI) seasons (2012–2015) reported their influenza vaccination status and symptomatic days absent from work weekly throughout a 12-week period during the peak VRI season each year. The adjusted effects of vaccination and other modulating factors on absenteeism rates were estimated using multivariable regression models.

RESULTS

The proportion of participants who received influenza vaccination was lower each year at nonmandatory than at mandatory vaccination sites (odds ratio [OR], 0.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07–0.11). Among HCP who reported at least 1 sick day, vaccinated HCP had lower symptomatic days absent compared to unvaccinated HCP (OR for 2012–2013 and 2013–2014, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.72–0.93; OR for 2014–2015, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.69–0.95).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that mandatory HCP influenza vaccination policies increase influenza vaccination rates and that HCP symptomatic absenteeism diminishes as rates of influenza vaccination increase. These findings should be considered in formulating HCP influenza vaccination policies.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:452–461
A DUE DILIGENCE STANDARD OF ATTRIBUTION IN CYBERSPACE
Authors: Chircop Luke
Published: March 2018

The technical and legal challenges of attribution in cyberspace prevent the meaningful operation of the international law framework of State responsibility. Despite the anticipation surrounding its publication, theTallinn Manual 2.0went no further than its predecessor in offering a cogent legal solution to this problem. Instead, the Manual confined its analysis of attribution to the well-known provisions of the International Law Commission's Articles on State Responsibility. This article departs from theTallinn Manual 2.0in arguing that the due diligence principle offers a preferable and appropriate standard of attribution in cyberspace.
‘Sins’ in Paul
Authors: Gathercole Simon
Published: March 2018

A familiar feature in Pauline scholarship is the view that Sin as a power, and the concomitant forces of the flesh and death, are the dominant elements in Paul's account of the human plight. The present article seeks not to deny the significance of these elements, but to argue that equally important are ‘sins’ or individual infractions of the divine will. It is argued here that recent developments in Pauline studies have, in combination, led to an unwarranted downplaying of sins plural. In a number of key passages, Paul includes such acts of transgression in his account of the human plight.
Roman Faith and Christian Faith
Authors: Seifrid Mark A.
Published: March 2018

These three short papers were delivered at the 72nd General Meeting of the Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas, held in Pretoria, South Africa, on 8–11 August 2017. The ‘Quaestiones disputatae’ session was chaired by the President of the Society, Professor Michael Wolter. The first two papers engage with Teresa Morgan's book, Roman Faith and Christian Faith, and Professor Morgan responds to them in the third.
Dirty Hands and Moral Injury
Authors: Wiinikka-Lydon Joseph
Published: March 2018

Moral injury describes the effects of violence on veterans beyond what trauma discourse can describe. I put moral injury in conversation with a separate but related concept, dirty hands. Focusing on Michael Walzer's framing of dirty hands and Jonathan Shay's understanding of moral injury, I argue that moral injury can be seen as part of the dirt of a political leader's dirty hands decisions. Such comparison can focus more attention on the broader institutional context in which such dirty hands decisions are executed, while contributing to the growing vocabulary of moral conflict, trauma, and harm.
A Tesla-type long-pulse generator with wide flat-top width based on a double-width pulse-forming line
Authors: Liu Sheng , Su Jian-Cang , Zhang Xibo , Pan Ya-Feng , Fan Hong-Yan , Fan Xu-Liang
Published: March 2018

To produce pulses with good flat-top quality, pulse-forming lines (PFLs) have been widely used in the field of Tesla-type pulse generators. To shorten the physical length of the PFL, a double-width PFL (DWPFL) is proposed that doubles the output pulse width while maintaining flat-top quality. A repetitively 10 GW Tesla-type long-pulse generator producing pulses with flat-top width of about 110 ns was developed with a coaxial DWPFL to produce high-current electron beams. Electron beams of about 10 GW with flat-top widths of about 110 ns were obtained on a planar vacuum diode load. With this pulse generator and a C-band high-power microwave system, microwaves of ~2.2 GW power and full-width at half-maximum of 101 ns were generated. The experiment demonstrates the feasibility and ideal output waveform quality of the DWPFL.
For the Orphan, the Widow, the Poor: How to Curb Enforcing by Vulture Funds against the Highly Indebted Poor Countries
Authors: MEGLIANI MAURO
Published: March 2018

The dynamic of the secondary market for sovereign debt has been affected by the presence of a peculiar category of holders: vulture funds. These funds, specializing in purchasing the debt of sovereign states in distress at a discounted market price, stay aloof from restructuring processes and then enforce their claims in courts to secure the face value. For low revenue debtor countries, paying the claims may involve reducing the resources available for basic services to the population. For very poor countries this also involves a significant regression in terms of development. Against this background, the purpose of this work is to inquire whether and to what extent there exists a rule permitting the suspending and rescheduling of payments so as to pay dues without impairing services. In order to find such a rule, inquiry is to be made into general norms: necessity and public policy. It is under the umbrella of the truly international public policy that the duty of a state to provide certain basic services to its population can be subsumed and the corollary of the suspension and rescheduling of these payments consistently with this duty can be applied.
Evaluation of Postemergence-Directed Herbicides for Purple Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) Control in Fresh-Market Tomato
Authors: Boyd Nathan S. , Dittmar Peter
Published: March 2018

Purple nutsedge is difficult to control in vegetable plasticulture due to its ability to penetrate the plastic mulch. Experiments were conducted in Spring 2011 and 2012 at the Plant Science Research and Education Center in Citra, Florida, and in Spring and Fall 2013 at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, Florida. The objective was to determine tomato (cv. Amelia, Charger, and Florida 47) tolerance and purple nutsedge response to herbicides and herbicide tank-mixes applied POST-directed to base of tomato. Chlorimuron-ethyl, flazasulfuron, fomesafen, halosulfuron, imazosulfuron, rimsulfuron, nicosulfuron, and trifloxysulfuron applied POST-directed to the base of the crop did not cause crop damage. Halosulfuron or tank-mixes that contained halosulfuron tended to provide the greatest nutsedge suppression in all experiments. Halosulfuron or nicosulfuron+rimsulfuron applications when tomato (cv. Charger) were flowering reduced marketable yields by 22-28% compared to the nontreated control. No yield reductions occurred with Florida 47 or Amelia cultivars. Flazasulfuron provided similar purple nutsedge suppression to halosulfuron and did not damage tomato. Tank-mixes that contained halosulfuron tended not to provide any added benefit over halosulfuron alone. This research identified herbicides that are safe for use as a POST-directed application in tomato. Additional research is needed to evaluate efficacy of these herbicides on broadleaf weeds.
Standards for recanalisation of chronic venous outflow obstructions
Authors: Lichtenberg Michael , de Graaf Rick , Erbel Christian
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is the most common complication after iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis. It reduces quality of life and increases deep vein thrombosis (DVT)-related costs. The clinical symptoms and severity of PTS may vary; the most common symptoms include edema, pain (venous claudication), hyperpigmentation, lipodermatosclerosis, and ulceration. PTS is based on the principle of outflow obstruction, which may be caused by venous hypertension and may lead to valvular damage and venous reflux or insufficiency. Recent technical developments and new stent techniques now allow recanalisation of even complex venous outflow obstructions within the iliac vein and the inferior vena cava. This manuscript gives an overview on the latest standards for venous recanalisation.
USGS Nominee Calls Scientific Integrity a High Priority
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: March 2018

James Reilly, a former astronaut and petroleum geologist, told senators that resolving USGS budget challenges and maintaining the agency’s core mission are other top priorities.