bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Price Response to Earnings News: The Effects of Past and Current Market States
Authors: Asem Ebenezer , Baulkaran Vishaal
Published: September 2018

We study whether the price reaction to earnings news is sensitive to the past and the current market states. Following advancing markets, the reaction to positive earnings news is weaker when the market continues advancing than when it transitions to a declining state, while the reaction to negative news is independent of the current market state. Following declining markets, the reaction to negative news is stronger when the market continues declining than when it transitions to an advancing state. In contrast, the reaction to positive news is weaker when the market continues declining than when it transitions to an up state. Our results show that market dynamics is an important determinant of investors' reaction to earnings news.
Tpeak‐Tend, Tpeak‐Tend/QT ratio and Tpeak‐Tend dispersion for risk stratification in Brugada Syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tse Gary , Gong Mengqi , Li Christien Ka Hou , Leung Keith Sai Kit , Georgopoulos Stamatis , Bazoukis George , Letsas Konstantinos P. , Sawant Abhishek C. , Mugnai Giacomo , Wong Martin C.S. , Yan Gan Xin , Brugada Pedro , Chierchia Gian‐Battista , de Asmundis Carlo , Baranchuk Adrian , Liu Tong ,   International Health Informatics Study (IHIS) Network
Published: September 2018

Background

Brugada syndrome is an ion channelopathy that predisposes affected subjects to ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF), potentially leading to sudden cardiac death (SCD). Tpeak‐Tend intervals, (Tpeak‐Tend)/QT ratio and Tpeak‐Tend dispersion have been proposed for risk stratification, but their predictive values in Brugada syndrome have been challenged recently.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted to examine their values in predicting arrhythmic and mortality outcomes in Brugada Syndrome. PubMed and Embase databases were searched until 1 May 2018, identifying 29 and 57 studies.

Results

Nine studies involving 1740 subjects (mean age 45 years old, 80% male, mean follow‐up duration was 68 ± 27 months) were included. The mean Tpeak‐Tend interval was 98.9 ms (95% CI: 90.5‐107.2 ms) for patients with adverse events (ventricular arrhythmias or SCD) compared to 87.7 ms (95% CI: 80.5‐94.9 ms) for those without such events, with a mean difference of 11.9 ms (95% CI: 3.6‐20.2 ms, P = 0.005; I2 = 86%). Higher (Tpeak‐Tend)/QT ratios (mean difference = 0.019, 95% CI: 0.003‐0.036, P = 0.024; I2 = 74%) and Tpeak‐Tend dispersion (mean difference = 7.8 ms, 95% CI: 2.1‐13.4 ms, P = 0.007; I2 = 80%) were observed for the event‐positive group.

Conclusion

Tpeak‐Tend interval, (Tpeak‐Tend)/QT ratio and Tpeak‐Tend dispersion were higher in high‐risk than low‐risk Brugada subjects, and thus offer incremental value for risk stratification.
Origins of material loss in highly worn acetabular cups of metal‐on‐metal total hip replacements
Authors: Lu Zhen , Ebramzadeh Edward
Published: September 2018

Excessive wear has been one of the major failure modes of metal‐on‐metal hip implants. From a collection of 541 retrieved ASR metal‐on‐metal implants, we selected those head‐cup pairs with combined wear >100 mm3, (N = 42) to assess the distributions of wear volume on cups, and non‐conformance in the worn areas at the head‐cup interfaces. All 42 had severe cup edge wear (average maximum wear depth 500 μm). On average, 58% of wear volume of cups occurred at the edge areas, whereas 42% occurred well inside the socket, indicating that substantial wear volume of cups was generated well inside the socket. Particularly, in eight cups, more than half of the wear volume occurred well inside the socket. The head‐cup conformance in the worn areas was deteriorated. On average, in worn areas, head‐cup clearance was approximately eight times greater than in unworn areas, and the sphericity of heads and cups was approximately 36 times and 84 times higher, respectively, than in unworn areas. The radius of curvature of the worn surfaces of heads and cups varied widely, with an average variation of 3 mm (0.6–7 mm) and 11 mm (2–47 mm) for heads and cups, respectively. The severely deteriorated conformance at the edge areas and the areas well inside the socket, due to edge contact, could be the major factor for excessive wear of these 42 pairs. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Legacy of eight‐year cover cropping on mycorrhizae, soil, and plants
Authors: García-González Irene , Quemada Miguel , Gabriel José Luis , Alonso-Ayuso María , Hontoria Chiquinquirá
Published: September 2018

Cover crops (CCs) provide ecosystem services to agricultural systems by soil health enhancement. However, the long‐term legacy of CCs on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and subsequent main crop performance is unclear. The main objective of this work was to assess the 8‐year legacy of CCs on AMF activity and several soil and plant parameters during a subsequent maize (Zea mays L.) crop. The study was conducted in a field experiment established in 2006 under Mediterranean climate. Winter treatments were fallow and two CCs, barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and vetch (Vicia sativa L.). We chose four sampling dates during maize development to evaluate the effect of CCs on AMF over time. Compared with fallow treatment, barley CC increased mycorrhizal colonization by 7%, the hyphae length by 39–124%, and AMF spores by 48–87%. However, contrary to expectations, vetch CC did not have any effect on AMF. Overall, earlier sampling dates better displayed treatment differences. Mycorrhizal colonization percentage demonstrated time‐sensitive values, whereas other AMF parameters (hyphae length, AMF spores) better maintained treatment differences over time. Mycorrhizal stimulation after barley increased maize shoot P concentration but shoot N was not increased despite the N deficit. Soil water stable aggregates were enhanced by barley CC (25–51% higher than fallow), notably related to the length of hyphae, AMF spores and glomalin content. Promotion of soil aggregation, nutritional state and plant height by CCs did not translate into maize yield increments. The main benefits of introducing CCs were related to the enhancement of soil quality and nutrient supply rather than to an increased yield of the following maize crop.
High‐resolution reconstruction of 8.2‐ka BP event documented in Père Noël cave, southern Belgium
Authors: Allan M. , Fagel N. , van der Lubbe H. J. L. , Vonhof H. B. , Cheng H. , Edwards R. Lawrence , Verheyden S.
Published: September 2018

A distinct shift in δ18O, δ13C and trace element contents of the Père Noël (PN) stalagmite from southern Belgium revealed an abrupt climatic anomaly at 8.13 ± 0.03 ka BP (before present = before 1950 AD). This anomaly is characterized by a maximum drop in the δ18O (−1.4‰ compared the mean) between 8.13 and 8.10 ka BP (±0.03). This drop of δ18O coincides with a decrease in δ13C and trace element (Sr, Ba and Mg) concentrations suggesting drier conditions. Our precise chronology provides the timing of the outburst of proglacial lakes Agassiz and Ojibway that caused the δ18O, δ13C and trace elemental anomalies at 8.13–8.10 ± 0.03 ka BP, which corresponds to the 8.2‐ka BP event. The PN stalagmite bears δ18O values in fluid inclusions that covary with the δ18O values in calcite, suggesting that the speleothem calcite δ18O primarily reflects variations in the rainfall δ18O. Comparison of the PN record with different marine and terrestrial archives during the 8.2‐ka BP event shows a good agreement in timing and duration, suggesting that the PN speleothem can be regarded as a valuable proxy to better understand the 8.2‐ka BP event.
Hydrolysis Activity of Pyloric Cecal Enterocytes of Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) toward Monoacylglycerol and Lysophosphatidylcholine
Authors: Li Keshuai , Egelandsdal Bjørg , Olsen Rolf E.
Published: September 2018

Some lipid digestion pathways in fish deviate from those in mammals, and many differences may also be species dependent. This report describes a pathway for monoacylglycerol (MAG) and lysophospholipid absorption by intestinal enterocytes in brown trout that may be of significance in salmonids. When culturing primary cells in a medium containing 1‐ and 2‐MAG, we observed a massive hydrolysis of unesterified fatty acids. The hydrolysis activity was retained in the medium even after the removal of the cells. To further characterize these activities, both extracellular and isolated membrane proteins were tested for lipase activity toward triacylglycerol (TAG), diacylglycerol (DAG), MAG, phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), and lysoPtdCho. In both cases, the main hydrolyzing activity was toward MAG followed by lysoPtdCho with very little activity toward DAG, TAG, or PtdCho. The extracellular and membrane proteins were partially purified by fast protein liquid chromatography and identified by proteomics (liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry) focusing on lipase/hydrolase enzymes. In the membrane protein fraction, the data suggested that MAG was produced as an intermediate in the hydrolysis of lysoPtdCho by either lysophospholipase C or lysophospholipase D activity. Both abhydrolase‐domain‐containing protein 6 and abhydrolase‐domain‐containing protein 12 were identified in the membrane protein and they could be responsible for the hydrolysis of MAG. In the culture medium, low‐peptide matches were found for ABHD6 and phospholipases and further studies are needed. In summary, trout enterocytes are capable of hydrolyzing MAG and lysoPtdCho. The enzymes are both extracellular and membrane bound. The pathways may be of significance during lipid absorption in fish lacking a 1,3 specific pancreatic lipase.
Study of the Involvement of Phosphatidic Acid Formation in the Expression of Wound‐Responsive Genes in Cotton
Authors: Bourtsala Angeliki , Dafnis Ioannis , Chroni Angeliki , Farmaki Theodora , Galanopoulou Dia
Published: September 2018

Plants use phospholipase D (PLD, EC 3.1.4.4)/phosphatidic acid (PtdOH) for the transduction of environmental signals including those coming from wounding. Based on our previous findings suggesting that wound‐induced PLDα‐derived PtdOH can act as a local signaling molecule in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), we show that wounding immediately increases local NADPH oxidase (NADPHox) and cellulose synthase A (CeSA) gene expression. After developing a novel fluorimetric assay for the investigation of n‐butanol inhibitory effect on PLD activity, we show that only NADPHox gene upregulation is reduced when n‐butanol is applied prior to wounding. This suggests that NADPHox is a possible downstream target of PLD function, while a different CeSA‐involving response system may exist in cotton. Overall, this study provides new knowledge on signal‐transduction mechanisms following wounding of cotton leaves.
ScatterNet: A convolutional neural network for cone‐beam CT intensity correction
Authors: Hansen David C. , Landry Guillaume , Kamp Florian , Li Minglun , Belka Claus , Parodi Katia , Kurz Christopher
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To demonstrate a proof‐of‐concept for fast cone‐beam CT (CBCT) intensity correction in projection space by the use of deep learning.

Methods

The CBCT scans and corresponding projections were acquired from 30 prostate cancer patients. Reference shading correction was performed using a validated method (CBCT), which estimates scatter and other low‐frequency deviations in the measured CBCT projections on the basis of a prior CT image obtained from warping the planning CT to the CBCT. A convolutional neural network (ScatterNet) was designed, consisting of an attenuation conversion stage followed by a shading correction stage using a UNet‐like architecture. The combined network was trained in 2D, utilizing pairs of measured and corrected projections of the reference method, in order to perform shading correction in projection space before reconstruction. The number of patients used for training, testing, and evaluation was 15, 7, and 8, respectively. The reconstructed CBCT was compared to CBCT in terms of mean and absolute errors (ME and MAE) for the eight evaluation patients (not included in the network training). Volumetric modulated arc photon therapy (VMAT) and intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT) plans were generated on CBCT. Dose was recalculated on CBCT to evaluate its dosimetric accuracy. Single‐field uniform dose proton plans were utilized for proton range comparison of CBCT and CBCT.

Results

The CBCT showed no cupping artifacts and a considerably smaller MAE and ME with respect to CBCT than the uncorrected CBCT (on average 144 Hounsfield units (HU) vs 46 HU for MAE and 138 HU vs −3 HU for ME). The pass‐rates using a 2% dose‐difference criterion at 50% dose cut‐off, were close to 100% for the VMAT plans of all patients when comparing CBCT to CBCT. For IMPT plans pass‐rates were clearly lower, ranging from 15% to 81%. Proton range differences of up to 5 mm occurred.

Conclusions

Using a deep convolutional neural network for CBCT intensity correction was shown to be feasible in the pelvic region for the first time. Dose calculation accuracy on CBCT was high for VMAT, but unsatisfactory for IMPT. With respect to the reference technique (CBCT), the neural network enabled a considerable increase in speed for intensity correction and might eventually allow for on‐the‐fly shading correction during CBCT acquisition.
Priming from the pulpit: Extending regulatory focus theory to church services
Authors: Johnson Clark D. , Bauer Brittney C. , Ascencio Christine A. , Kuang Yunmei
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this research note is to extend a powerful cognitive psychology theory—regulatory focus theory—to a specific nonprofit organization: churches. We apply this theory to the design of church services to model how church leaders can structure services to enhance congregant experience and generate positive behavioral outcomes. We present an experiment utilizing 126 adult Americans as initial evidence for our framework. The results indicate that using appropriate regulatory focus priming strategies can increase congregant donations.
Structural Basis for the Inhibition of Cyclin G‐Associated Kinase by Gefitinib
Authors: Ohbayashi Naomi , Murayama Kazutaka , Kato‐Murayama Miyuki , Kukimoto‐Niino Mutsuko , Uejima Tamami , Matsuda Takayoshi , Ohsawa Noboru , Yokoyama Shigeyuki , Nojima Hiroshi , Shirouzu Mikako
Published: September 2018

Gefitinib is the molecular target drug for advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer. The primary target of gefitinib is the positive mutation of epidermal growth factor receptor, but it also inhibits cyclin G‐associated kinase (GAK). To reveal the molecular bases of GAK and gefitinib binding, structure analyses were conducted and determined two forms of the gefitinib‐bound nanobody⋅GAK kinase domain complex structures. The first form, GAK_1, has one gefitinib at the ATP binding pocket, whereas the second form, GAK_2, binds one each in the ATP binding site and a novel binding site adjacent to the activation segment C‐terminal helix, a unique element of the Numb‐associated kinase family. In the novel binding site, gefitinib binds in the hydrophobic groove around the activation segment, disrupting the conserved hydrogen bonds for the catalytic activity. These structures suggest possibilities for the development of selective GAK inhibitors for viral infections, such as the hepatitis C virus.
Cis/trans isomerization of proline peptide bonds in the backbone of cyclic disulfide‐bridged peptides
Authors: Sui Qiang , Rabenstein Dallas L.
Published: September 2018

Peptides are of interest as potential therapeutic agents, including cyclic disulfide‐bridged peptides because of their limited conformational flexibility and enhanced stability toward proteolysis. To further constrain the flexibility of the peptide backbone, the disulfide‐bridged rings often contain a proline residue, which also serves to facilitate the formation of reverse‐turn structures. However, the proline residue increases the conformational diversity because the tertiary amide peptide bond to proline can exist as significant populations of both the cis and trans isomers. To identify features that affect the distribution between the cis and trans isomers of proline peptide bonds in disulfide‐bridged peptide rings, we have characterized by 1H NMR the kinetics and equilibria of the cis/trans isomerization of the proline peptide bonds for the linear dithiol and cyclic disulfide‐bridged forms of three families of proline‐containing peptides: Ac‐Cys‐Pro‐[NH(CH2)nCO]‐Cys‐NH2, where n = 1‐4; Ac‐Cys‐Xaa‐Pro‐Cys‐NH2 and Ac‐Cys‐Pro‐Xaa‐Cys‐NH2, where Xaa is Gly, Ala and Val; and Ac‐Cys‐Pro‐His‐(Ala)n‐Cys‐NH2, where n = 0‐5. The peptide Ac‐Cys‐Pro‐(4‐AMBA)‐Cys‐NH2, where 4‐AMBA is 4‐aminomethylbenzoic acid, was also studied to determine the effect of a rigid aromatic ring in the peptide backbone on the conformational properties of the Cys‐Pro peptide bond. Equilibrium constants were determined for cis/trans isomerization from the relative intensities of resonances for the cis and trans isomers, and rate constants for cis‐to‐trans and trans‐to‐cis isomerization were determined by the magnetization transfer NMR method. The cis/trans equilibrium is a dynamic equilibrium, and the equilibrium constants vary widely due to the wide range of kinetic stabilities of the various cis and trans isomers.
Laser/Electron Irradiation on Indium Phosphide (InP) Semiconductor: Promising Pathways to In Situ Formation of Indium Nanoparticles
Authors: Assis Marcelo , Macedo Nadia G. , Machado Thales R. , Ferrer Mateus M. , Gouveia Amanda F. , Cordoncillo Eloisa , Torres‐Mendieta Rafael , Beltrán‐Mir Hector , Mínguez‐Vega Gladys , Leite Edson R. , Sambrano Júlio R. , Andrés Juan , Longo Elson
Published: September 2018

In the current study, whether femtosecond laser and electron beam irradiation of indium phosphide (InP) are “green,” fast, and effective methods to produce metallic In nanoparticles is probed. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy are employed to investigate the formation and growth of In nanoparticles on InP. Density functional theory and quantum theory of atoms in molecules calculations are employed to reveal the nature of formation of In nanoparticles under electron beam irradiation. These results expand the fundamental understanding of the atomic processes underpinning the mechanism of In−P bond rupture during the transformation process induced by the electron irradiation of the InP crystal by increasing the total number of electrons in the bulk structure.
A threonine zipper that mediates protein–protein interactions: Structure and prediction
Authors: Oi Curran , Treado John D. , Levine Zachary A. , Lim Christopher S. , Knecht Kirsten M. , Xiong Yong , O'Hern Corey S. , Regan Lynne
Published: September 2018

We present the structure of an engineered protein–protein interface between two beta barrel proteins, which is mediated by interactions between threonine (Thr) residues. This Thr zipper structure suggests that the protein interface is stabilized by close‐packing of the Thr residues, with only one intermonomer hydrogen bond (H‐bond) between two of the Thr residues. This Thr‐rich interface provides a unique opportunity to study the behavior of Thr in the context of many other Thr residues. In previous work, we have shown that the side chain (χ1) dihedral angles of interface and core Thr residues can be predicted with high accuracy using a hard sphere plus stereochemical constraint (HS) model. Here, we demonstrate that in the Thr‐rich local environment of the Thr zipper structure, we are able to predict the χ1 dihedral angles of most of the Thr residues. Some, however, are not well predicted by the HS model. We therefore employed explicitly solvated molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to further investigate the side chain conformations of these residues. The MD simulations illustrate the role that transient H‐bonding to water, in combination with steric constraints, plays in determining the behavior of these Thr side chains.

Broader Audience Statement: Protein–protein interactions are critical to life and the search for ways to disrupt adverse protein–protein interactions involved in disease is an ongoing area of drug discovery. We must better understand protein–protein interfaces, both to be able to disrupt existing ones and to engineer new ones for a variety of biotechnological applications. We have discovered and characterized an artificial Thr‐rich protein–protein interface. This novel interface demonstrates a heretofore unknown property of Thr‐rich surfaces: mediating protein–protein interactions.
Exchange‐Correlation Effects in a Finite‐Temperature Quasi‐One‐Dimensional Electron Gas
Authors: Sharma Akariti , Kaur Kulveer , Garg Vinayak , Moudgil Rajinder K.
Published: September 2018

The exchange‐correlation effects in a finite‐temperature quasi‐one‐dimensional electron gas, using the self‐consistent mean‐field theory of Singwi, Tosi, Land, and Sjölander have been theoretically investigated. The influence of temperature T is elucidated by calculating different static properties (viz. static structure factor, pair‐correlation function, static density susceptibility, and free exchange‐correlation energy) and the plasmon excitation spectra over a wide range of T and electron number density. Noticeable dependence on T is found, with an interesting interplay between short‐range electron correlations and T. More precisely, the pair‐correlation function at small separation and for a given density first becomes stronger (i.e., its value decreases) with increasing T and then weakens monotonically above a critical T, whose value increases with reduction in density. On the other hand, the plasmon energy shows a consistent blue shift with rising T. However, the critical wave vector at which plasmons enter the single electron–hole pair continuum, decreases with T. For highlighting the correction due to short‐range correlations, the results have been compared with the predictions of random‐phase approximation (RPA). As for the zero‐T case, the RPA is found to be reliable only in the high density domain.
Charge Transfer at the Interface Between MnPc and F6TCNNQ
Authors: Waas Daniel , Rückerl Florian , Knupfer Martin
Published: September 2018

Photoelectron spectroscopy in the core level as well as the valence band region has been used to determine the electronic properties of interfaces between manganese phthalocyanine (MnPc) and the strong electron acceptor F6TCNNQ. It is shown that charge transfer occurs at this interface which results in the oxidation (reduction) of MnPc (F6TCNNQ) at the interface. Our data indicate a full electron transfer with no evidence for hybrid states. The valence band data suggest that the interface remains insulating/semiconducting despite the charge transfer, which indicates localized charges.
Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Fibrotic Effects of Human Amniotic Membrane Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Potential in Corneal Repair
Authors: Navas Alejandro , Magaña-Guerrero Fátima Sofía , Domínguez-López Alfredo , Chávez-García César , Partido Graciela , Graue-Hernández Enrique O. , Sánchez-García Francisco Javier , Garfias Yonathan
Published: September 2018

Acute ocular chemical burns are ophthalmic emergencies requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment as they may lead to permanent impairment of vision. The clinical manifestations of such burns are produced by exacerbated innate immune response via the infiltration of inflammatory cells and activation of stromal fibroblasts. New therapies are emerging that are dedicated to repair mechanisms that improve the ocular surface after damage; for example, transplantation of stem cells (SC) has been successfully reported for this purpose. The pursuit of easily accessible, noninvasive procedures to obtain SC has led researchers to focus on human tissues such as amniotic membrane. Human amniotic mesenchymal SC (hAM-MSC) inhibits proinflammatory and fibrotic processes in different diseases. hAM-MSC expresses low levels of classical MHC-I and they do not express MHC-II, making them suitable for regenerative medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intracameral injection of hAM-MSC on the clinical manifestations, the infiltration of inflammatory cells, and the activation of stromal fibroblasts in a corneal alkali-burn model. We also determined the in vitro effect of hAM-MSC conditioned medium (CM) on α-SMA+ human limbal myofibroblast (HLM) frequency and on release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Our results show that intracameral hAM-MSC injection reduces neovascularization, opacity, stromal inflammatory cell infiltrate, and stromal α-SMA+ cells in our model. Moreover, in in vitro assays, CM from hAM-MSC decreased the quantity of α-SMA+ HLM and the release of NETs. These results suggest that intracameral hAM-MSC injection induces an anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic environment that promotes corneal wound healing.
Boosting Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution of Porous Metal Phosphides Nanosheets by Coating Defective TiO2 Overlayers
Authors: Liu Xiufang , Hu Qi , Zhu Bin , Li Guomin , Fan Liangdong , Chai Xiaoyan , Zhang Qianling , Liu Jianhong , He Chuanxin
Published: September 2018

Nonprecious transition metal phosphides (TMPs) have emerged as robust electrocalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the TMPs suffer from low activity for water dissociation, which greatly limits the efficiency for alkaline HER. Here, a facile yet robust strategy is reported to boost the HER of metal phosphides by coating defective TiO2 overlayers. The oxygen vacancies (Ov) on defective TiO2 overlayers are found to possess high activity for adsorption and dissociation of water, thereby significantly promoting the initial Volmer step of HER to generate the reactive hydrogen atoms. Moreover, the porous (Co, Ni)2P (i.e., Co2P and Ni2P) nanosheets provide enough active sites for adsorption and recombination of reactive hydrogen atoms to produce hydrogen gas. The catalytic synergy of (Co, Ni)2P and Ov coupled with the hierarchically porous structure renders the porous (Co, Ni)2P@0.1TiO2 nanosheet arrays excellent electrocatalysts for HER, showing a small overpotential (92 mV) to yield a current density of 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope (49 mV dec−1), and an outstanding stability. This work demonstrates a surface decoration route for enhancing the activity of nonprecious metal‐based electrocatalysts for HER.
Preparation of an organic monolithic column based on carboxyethyl acrylate for capillary liquid chromatography
Authors: Gama Mariana R. , Lee Milton L. , Bottoli Carla B. G.
Published: September 2018

In the current study, a monolithic capillary column based on carboxyethyl acrylate and polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate was successfully prepared by photo‐initiated polymerization in the presence of selected porogens. The columns were used in capillary liquid chromatographic separations in the hydrophilic interaction mode. The monolith composition was optimized by changing the type and amount of the polar monomers. Characterization by scanning electronic microscopy indicated the monolithic columns possessed a homogeneous column bed. After the optimization, the synthesized monolith showed good selectivity for the separation of acrylamides in the hydrophilic interaction mode, with chromatographic efficiency of about 45000 plates m−1 for the most retained compound.
Changes in Granular Swelling and Rheological Properties of Food Crop Starches Modified by Superheated Steam
Authors: Liu Chengmei , Yan Xiaoyan , Xu Xingfeng , Guo Baozhong , Yang Rong , Chen Jun , Zhong Yejun , Luo Shunjing , Xu Jianguo , Wu Jianyong
Published: September 2018

Conventional hydrothermal modification of starches is a time‐ and energy‐consuming process. In this study, superheated steam treatment (SST) is used to modify the granular swelling and rheological properties of rice, corn, wheat, and potato starches, and the dependence of these modifications on starch sources is investigated. SST causes a decrease in granular swelling and structural recovery of gel network regardless of the starch source. The long‐term stability of all the starch gels is improved by SST, but their daubing performance may be degraded. In contrast, the responses of the starch gels to deformation and shear vary depending on the starch sources. The deformability, structural strength, and viscosity of corn, wheat, and potato starch gels are decreased by SST, while those of rice starch gel are increased. The shear‐thinning behavior of rice and wheat starch gels is strengthened and that of corn and potato starch gels is weakened by SST. Considering the high thermal efficiency of SS and the short treatment time (1 h) used in this study, SS treatment can be a superior alternative to conventional hydrothermal modification.
Using Literacy Approaches to Begin the Conversation on Racial Illiteracy
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Annemarie , Allee‐Herndon Karyn A. , Roberts Sherron Killingsworth
Published: September 2018

Systemic racism, and the white privilege that it supports and maintains, remains firmly entrenched in U.S. culture. The current educational climate may be experiencing an increase in racial animus, and students are not immune to the challenges they face as a result. For teachers who truly believe that all children can learn and are entitled to the very best opportunities to reach their full potential, racism must be considered a barrier to reaching this goal for students of color. To actively create an anti‐racist climate in classrooms, educators must actively engage in racial literacy efforts with students. High‐quality, age‐appropriate books with social justice themes can help facilitate conversations about racism and privilege. Integrating literacy approaches, such as literature circles, dialogue journals, and writing impactful pieces, can start important conversations to eradicate racial illiteracy in our classrooms and to better our world.
Screening for morbidly adherent placenta in early pregnancy
Authors: Panaiotova J. , Tokunaka M. , Krajewska K. , Zosmer N. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: September 2018

Objective

To estimate the diagnostic accuracy of a two‐stage strategy for early prediction of morbidly adherent placenta (MAP). In the first stage, at 11–13 weeks' gestation, women with low‐lying placenta and history of uterine surgery are classified as being at high risk for MAP and, in the second stage, at 12–16 weeks, these high‐risk pregnancies are assessed at a specialist MAP clinic.

Methods

This was a prospective study in women having an ultrasound scan at 11–13 weeks' gestation as a part of routine pregnancy care. Women with low‐lying placenta and a history of uterine surgery were followed up at a specialist MAP clinic at 12–16 weeks' gestation, 20–24 weeks and 28–34 weeks. At each visit to the MAP clinic, an ultrasound scan was carried out and the following features suggestive of MAP were recorded: non‐visible Cesarean section scar; bladder wall interruption; thin retroplacental myometrium; presence of intraplacental lacunar spaces; presence of retroplacental arterial‐trophoblastic blood flow; and irregular placental vascularization demonstrated by three‐dimensional power Doppler.

Results

Screening at 11–13 weeks was carried out in 22 604 singleton pregnancies, 1298 (6%) of which were considered to be at high risk of MAP because they had previous uterine surgery and low‐lying placenta. At the MAP clinic at 12–16 weeks, the diagnosis of MAP was suspected in 14 cases and this was confirmed at delivery in 13. In the rest of the population, there were no cases of MAP.

Conclusion

Accurate prediction of MAP can be achieved by ultrasound examination at 12–16 weeks' gestation. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Savings and losses of global water resources in food‐related virtual water trade
Authors: Liu Wenfeng , Antonelli Marta , Kummu Matti , Zhao Xu , Wu Pute , Liu Junguo , Zhuo La , Yang Hong
Published: September 2018

International food trade entails virtual water flows across trading partners. It has been proposed to attenuate regional water scarcity by importing water‐intensive commodities from water‐abundant regions. In addition to alleviating water scarcity in virtual water importing countries, existing studies have reported that food trade also generates global water savings. However, little is known how these global water savings may alleviate water scarcity, which is more relevant to the sustainable use of water resources than only assessing the savings. In this paper, we conducted a comprehensive review on studies of water savings and losses associated with food trade on different spatial scales. We found that the concept of global water savings is built on the disparities in water productivity across countries, whereas the regional water savings measure the inflows of virtual water trade. The significance of water savings is dimmed by the fact that the savings are often not driven by water scarcity. Meanwhile, lacking policy relevance impairs the usefulness of water saving accounting. Future studies should link water savings to alleviating water scarcity at various levels. The water saving accounting needs to go to finer scale, for example, to subnational and river basin scales, to support real water resource management. In the meantime, interdisciplinary efforts are necessary to enhance the water savings as a holistic measure for addressing water scarcity on regional and global scales.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Human Water > Value of Water

Science of Water > Water Extremes
Selective Formation and Characterization of a RhIII Difluorido λ4‐Trifluorosulfanyl Complex
Authors: Pfister Nils , Braun Thomas , Wittwer Philipp , Ahrens Mike
Published: September 2018

A general route to access the Vaska type fluorido complexes trans‐[Rh(F)(CO)(PR3)2] [R = Et (6), Ph (7), iPr (8), Cy (9), tBu (10)] was developed by treatment of trans‐[Rh(Cl)(CO)(PR3)2] (1–5) with Me4NF. The molecular structures of 8 and 9 were determined by X‐ray crystallography. Treatment of the complex 6 with SF4 resulted in the selective formation of complex cis,trans‐[Rh(F)2(SF3)(CO)(PEt3)2] (11), whereas the other fluoride complexes didn't react.
Higher melonic theories
Authors: Gubser Steven S. , Jepsen Christian , Ji Ziming , Trundy Brian
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We classify a large set of melonic theories with arbitrary q-fold interactions, demonstrating that the interaction vertices exhibit a range of symmetries, always of the form ℤ
2

n

for some n, which may be 0. The number of different theories proliferates quickly as q increases above 8 and is related to the problem of counting one-factorizations of complete graphs. The symmetries of the interaction vertex lead to an effective interaction strength that enters into the Schwinger-Dyson equation for the two-point function as well as the kernel used for constructing higher-point functions.
Does mhGAP training of primary health care providers improve the identification of child- and adolescent mental, neurological or substance use disorders? Results from a randomized controlled trial in Uganda
Authors: Akol A. , Makumbi F. , Babirye J. N. , Nalugya J. S. , Nshemereirwe S. , Engebretsen I. M. S.
Published: September 2018

Background.

Integrating child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) into primary health care (PHC) using the WHO mental health gap action program (mhGAP) is recommended for closing a mental health treatment gap in low- and middle-income countries, but PHC providers have limited ability to detect CAMH disorders. We aimed to evaluate the effect of PHC provider mhGAP training on CAMH disorder identification in Eastern Uganda.

Methods.

Thirty-six PHC clinics participated in a randomized controlled trial which compared the proportion of intervention (n= 18) to control (n= 18) clinics with a non-epilepsy CAMH diagnosis over 3 consecutive months following mhGAP-oriented CAMH training. Fisher's exact test and logistic regression based on intention to treat principles were applied. (clinicaltrials.gov registration NCT02552056).

Results.

Nearly two thirds (63.8%, 23/36) of all clinics identified and recorded at least one non-epilepsy CAMH diagnosis from 40 692 clinic visits of patients aged 1–18 recorded over 4 months. The proportion of clinics with a non-epilepsy CAMH diagnosis prior to training was 27.7% (10/36, similar between study arms). Training did not significantly improve intervention clinics’ non-epilepsy CAMH diagnosis (13/18, 72.2%) relative to the control (7/18, 38.9%) arm,p= 0.092. The odds of identifying and recording a non-epilepsy CAMH diagnosis were 2.5 times higher in the intervention than control arms at the end of 3 months of follow-up [adj.OR 2.48; 95% CI (1.31–4.68);p= 0.005].

Conclusion.

In this setting, mhGAP CAMH training of PHC providers increases PHC clinics’ identification and reporting of non-epilepsy CAMH cases but this increase did not reach statistical significance.
FINITENESS OF LOG MINIMAL MODELS AND NEF CURVES ON -FOLDS IN CHARACTERISTIC
Authors: DAS OMPROKASH
Published: September 2018

In this article, we prove a finiteness result on the number of log minimal models for 3-folds in $\operatorname{char}p>5$. We then use this result to prove a version of Batyrev’s conjecture on the structure of nef cone of curves on 3-folds in characteristic $p>5$. We also give a proof of the same conjecture in full generality in characteristic 0. We further verify that the duality of movable curves and pseudo-effective divisors hold in arbitrary characteristic. We then give a criterion for the pseudo-effectiveness of the canonical divisor $K_{X}$ of a smooth projective variety in arbitrary characteristic in terms of the existence of a family of rational curves on $X$.
Floodplain Paleosols of Moskva River Basin: Chronology and Paleoenvironment
Authors: Alexandrovskiy A , Ershova E , Ponomarenko E , Krenke N , Skripkin V
Published: September 2018

Seven main periods of soil formation can be distinguished in the floodplain of the Moskva (Moscow) River, with the oldest paleosols dated to the Allerød age. We analyzed paleosols buried under alluvial deposits, colluvial sediments, and archaeological deposits within the catchment area of the Moskva River. Paleopedological reconstructions were correlated with the results of the pedoanthracological and palynological analyses. Series of radiocarbon (14C) dates were obtained on humic acids and dispersed macro-charcoal from paleosols and archaeological features. Wide time frames of the floodplain paleosol formation were determined at a 95% probability as 14,600–12,600 cal BP for Soil 7; 9500–7000 cal BP for Soils 6 and 5; 6700–5500 cal BP for Soil 4; 5000–4400 cal BP for Soil 3b; 4100–2700 cal BP for Soil 3a; and 2000–700 cal BP for Soil 2. The dates were compared with the age of archaeological sites from the same areas. The comparison revealed a close correspondence between the ages of the soil charcoal and the timing of archaeological occupations. That allowed us to conclude that the fire occurrence on a regional level was associated mainly with the human occupation. The fire record is especially pronounced in floodplain paleosols, due to both the role of rivers as human migration corridors, and the integral accumulation of combustion products from the entire catchment area in these paleosols.
Audiologist-led screening of acoustic neuromas in patients with asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss and/or unilateral tinnitus: our experience in 1126 patients
Authors: Abbas Y , Smith G , Trinidade A
Published: September 2018

Objective

To determine whether patients within an otolaryngology department presenting with asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss and/or unilateral tinnitus can be safely and cost-efficiently screened for acoustic neuroma by audiologists as a first or only point of contact.

Methods

A prospective case series and cost analysis were conducted at a tertiary referral centre. Between April 2013 and March 2017, 1126 adult patients presented to the audiology department with asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss and/or unilateral tinnitus. All were screened for acoustic neuroma with magnetic resonance imaging, based on pre-determined criteria. The main outcome measure was the presence of acoustic neuroma or other pathology on magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Twenty-five patients (2.22 per cent) were found to have an acoustic neuroma (size range: 3–20 mm) and were referred to the otolaryngologist for further assessment. The remaining patients were appropriately managed and discharged by the audiologists without ENT input. This resulted in an overall cost saving of £164 850.

Conclusion

Patients with asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss and/or unilateral tinnitus can be safely screened for acoustic neuroma and independently managed by audiologists as a first or only point of contact, resulting in considerable departmental cost savings.
Heart rate variability during a cognitive reappraisal task in female patients with borderline personality disorder: the role of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and dissociation
Authors: Krause-Utz Annegret , Walther Julia-Caroline , Lis Stefanie , Schmahl Christian , Bohus Martin
Published: September 2018

Background

Emotion dysregulation is a core feature of borderline personality disorder (BPD), which often co-occurs with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Difficulties in emotion regulation (ER) have been linked to lower high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV), a measure of autonomous nervous system functioning. However, previous research on vagally-mediated heart rate in BPD revealed heterogeneous findings and the effects of comorbid PTSD and dissociation on HF-HRV are not yet completely understood. This study aim to investigate HF-HRV during resting-state and an ER task in female BPD patients with comorbid PTSD (BPD + PTSD), patients without this comorbidity (BPD), and healthy controls (HC).

Methods

57 BPD patients (BPD:n= 37, BPD + PTSD:n= 20) and 27 HC performed an ER task with neutral, positive, and negative images. Participants were instructed to either attend these pictures or to down-regulate their upcoming emotions using cognitive reappraisal. Subjective arousal and wellbeing, self-reported dissociation, and electrocardiogram data were assessed.

Results

Independent of ER instruction and picture valence, both patient groups (BPD and BPD + PTSD) reported higher subjective arousal and lower wellbeing; patients with BPD + PTSD further exhibited significantly lower HF-HRV compared with the other groups. Higher self-reported state dissociation predicted higher HF-HRV during down-regulatingv.attending negative pictures in BPD + PTSD.

Conclusions

Findings suggest increased emotional reactivity to negative, positive, and neutral pictures, but do not provide evidence for deficits in instructed ER in BPD. Reduced HF-HRV appears to be particularly linked to comorbid PTSD, while dissociation may underlie attempts to increase ER and HF-HRV in BPD patients with this comorbidity.
EFFECTS OF MASSING AND SPACING ON THE LEARNING OF SEMANTICALLY RELATED AND UNRELATED WORDS
Authors: Nakata Tatsuya , Suzuki Yuichi
Published: September 2018

Although researchers argue that studying semantically related words simultaneously (semantic clustering) inhibits vocabulary acquisition, recent studies have yielded inconsistent results. This study examined the effects of semantic clustering while addressing the limitations of previous studies (e.g., confounding of semantic relatedness with other lexical variables). Furthermore, the study investigated the effects of spacing because spacing might facilitate the learning of semantically related items by alleviating interference. In this study, 133 Japanese university students studied 48 English-Japanese word pairs under two conditions: massed and spaced. Half the words were semantically related to each other while the other half were not. Although there were no significant differences between semantically related and unrelated items in posttest scores, semantically related items led to more interference errors than unrelated items. Furthermore, contrary to the authors’ hypothesis that spacing is particularly beneficial for semantically related items, spacing benefited unrelated items more than it did related items.
Institutionalisation of Knowledge-based Growth: the Case of the Dutch-Frisian Dairy Sector (1895–1950)
Authors: KNIBBE MERIJN , MOLEMA MARIJN
Published: September 2018

This article explores the outlines of an ‘agrarian-industrial knowledge society’ that developed from about 1895. Farmers, breeders, experts and leaders of dairy companies worked in close cooperation to increase the fat percentages in milk. The challenge was to measure these percentages on the farm, and process the information in a systematic way. Feedback mechanisms resulted in the selection of productive cows, because the fat content of milk is highly inheritable through the male as well as the female line. Data gathered from dairy companies and herd books in the Netherlands has uncovered considerable geographical differences in this process of knowledge-based growth. Focusing on Friesland, a Dutch province with a rich tradition of dairy farming, the importance of institutions is illustrated. A dairy counsellor, societies for milk measurement and cattle examination as well as price systems introduced by dairy companies advanced the biological quality of cows.
Constructive Disappointment and Disbelief: Building a Career in Neuroethics
Authors: FINS JOSEPH J.
Published: September 2018

Sometimes one’s greatest academic disappointments can have unexpected outcomes. This is especially true when one is trying to change career trajectories or do something that others did not take seriously. My path into neuroethics was an unexpected journey catalyzed in part by constructive disappointment and the disbelief of colleagues who thought that the work I was pursuing nearly two decades prior was a fool’s errand. After all, could anyone—in his or her right mind—ever conceive of waking up a person unconscious from brain injury and getting him to speak?1
Doing Good, Choosing Freely: How Moral Enhancement Can Be Compatible with Individual Freedom
Authors: BROSTOFF JOSHUA M.
Published: September 2018

Moral enhancement has been accused of curtailing human freedoms. In this article, I suggest the opposite: moral enhancement and individual freedom can go hand in hand. The first section defines freedom, enhancement, and morality and argues that only a naturalistic account of morality allows for the concept of enhancement. The second section looks at ways that freedom may be threatened by moral enhancement, especially by the method of implementation, the creation of new externalities, or the limitation of volitional options. I argue that virtue ethics offers the safest model for moral enhancement. The third section describes ways in which moral enhancement can be achieved while maintaining, or even increasing, individual freedom. Such methods include shifting of the moral axis, replacing vicious options with virtuous ones, and increasing the number of volitional options available. The article concludes in the fourth section by arguing that the technology and techniques that allow us moral enhancement are likely to be the same ones that allow greater freedom than we already enjoy.