bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochemical and Sr―Nd isotopic constraints on the origin of volcanic rocks from the northern Okinawa Trough
Authors: Shu Yunchao , Zeng Zhigang , Yin Xuebo , Wang Xiaoyuan , Chen Shuai
Published: October 2018

Okinawa Trough is an active back‐arc basin behind the Ryukyu Arc in the western Pacific. We report the geochemical and isotopic (Sr, Nd) compositions of volcanic rocks, which are recovered as lavas and pumices, dredged from northern Okinawa Trough. The volcanic rocks are composed of basaltic andesite, andesite, dacite, and trachydacite. Both intermediate and felsic rocks are characterized by enrichments in large‐ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and depletion in high‐field strength elements (HFSEs). Three groups of volcanic rocks have been identified. Andesite D5‐1 and trachydacite D10 display identical Sr and Nd isotopic ratios, together with strongly enriched in light‐REE and incompatible elements, compared to previously published basalts from middle Okinawa Trough (MOT). Andesite D5‐1 and trachydacite D10 are derived from basaltic magma modified by fractional crystallization. Andesites D5‐2, D5‐3, and D5‐4 exhibit lower 87Sr/86Sr and higher 143Nd/144Nd ratios than MOT basalts, transitional REE patterns and trace element ratios between adakite rocks and MOT basalts. Features of these samples can be interpreted by further mixing of the interaction magma of mantle wedge and subducted‐slab‐melt, with evolved basaltic magma. Dacite D22, occurring as pumice, shows undistinguishable trace element, including REE, and Sr and Nd isotopic compositions with rhyolites from the southern Ryukyu volcanic front, which indicates that this pumice was not emplaced in situ and most likely drifted from southern Ryukyu volcanic front by Kuroshio Current.
Examining differences in neuropsychiatric symptom factor trajectories in empirically derived mild cognitive impairment subtypes
Authors: De Vito Alyssa N. , Calamia Matthew , Weitzner Daniel S. , Bernstein John P.K. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine neuropsychiatric symptom (NPS) factor severity progression over time in empirically derived (ED) mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subtypes.

Methods

Participants in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study diagnosed with MCI by Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative protocol using conventional clinical (CC) criteria (n = 788) were reclassified using cluster analysis as amnestic, dysnomic, dysexecutive MCI, or cluster‐derived normal (CC‐Normal) using empirical criteria. Cognitively normal (CN) participants (n = 207) were also identified. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory‐Questionnaire (NPI‐Q) was administered from baseline through 48‐month follow‐up. Exploratory factor analysis was completed to determine the NPI‐Q factor structure at 6‐month follow‐up. Multilevel modeling was used to determine NPI‐Q symptom severity factor and apathy symptom progression over time by cognitive subtype.

Results

The exploratory factor analysis revealed that the NPI‐Q consisted of 2 factors: hyperactivity/agitation and mood symptoms. Using clinical and empirical criteria, all MCI groups were identified as having more severe hyperactivity/agitation symptoms than CN participants. However, only the amnestic MCI group identified using empirical criteria showed an increase in symptom severity over time relative to CN participants. Mood factor and apathy symptoms were found to be more severe in dysexecutive and amnestic groups in both models. Similarly, both models identified a significant worsening of mood and apathy symptoms over time for dysexecutive and amnestic groups relative to CN participants.

Conclusions

This study provides further support that empirical criteria aid in examining the progression of clinical characteristics associated with MCI. Further, it helps to identify which MCI subtypes may be at higher risk for NPS progression.
Vascular depression and the death of Queen Victoria
Authors: Abrams Robert C. , Alexopoulos George S.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The aim of this article was to examine relationships between the neurological events that were the immediate cause of the death of Queen Victoria and the late‐life depression that preceded it.

Methods/Design

The authors closely reviewed the surviving medical notes of Queen Victoria's personal physician, Sir James Reid,Bt. recorded during the Queen's last 10 days of life. These notes were summarized in a chronological narrative and their implications considered in light of current concepts of vascular depression.

Results

The depression that Queen Victoria experienced over the 5 months prior to her death and during her final 10 days from 13 January 1901 until 22 January likely had a vascular etiology.

Conclusions

Although conclusions from this study are necessarily speculative given the lack of neuroimaging and other diagnostic tools available in 1901, it emerged that Queen Victoria had experienced early‐onset depression followed in later life by an acute depressive episode associated with vascular risk factors and personal losses, a sequence also encountered by today's geriatricians. In addition, etiological connections between the Queen's early‐onset and late‐life depressions appeared probable. Underlined for contemporary practitioners are the suffering experienced by patients with vascular depression at the end of their lives, as well as the struggles of physicians like Sir James Reid to provide clinical wisdom and emotional support.
Carer coping and resident agitation as predictors of quality of life in care home residents living with dementia: Managing Agitation and Raising Quality of Life (MARQUE) English national care home prospective cohort study
Authors: Laybourne Anne , Livingston Gill , Cousins Sian , Rapaport Penny , Lambe Kate , La Frenais Francesca , Savage Hannah , Manela Monica , Stringer Aisling , Marston Louise , Barber Julie , Cooper Claudia
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The objectives of the study are (1) to test our primary hypothesis that carers using more dysfunctional coping strategies predict lower quality of life in care home residents living with dementia, and this is moderated by levels of resident agitation, and (2) to explore relationships between carer dysfunctional coping strategy use, agitation, quality of life, and resident survival.

Methods

In the largest prospective cohort to date, we interviewed carers from 97 care home units (baseline, 4, 8, 12, 16 months) about quality of life (DEMQOL‐Proxy) and agitation (Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory) of 1483 residents living with dementia. At baseline, we interviewed 1566 carers about coping strategies (Brief COPE), averaging scores across care home units.

Results

Carer dysfunctional coping strategies did not predict resident quality of life over 16 months (0.03, 95% CI −0.40 to 0.46). Lower resident quality of life was longitudinally associated with worse Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory score (−0.25, 95% CI −0.26 to −0.23). Survival was not associated with carer dysfunctional coping, resident quality of life, or agitation scores.

Conclusions

Carer dysfunctional coping did not predict resident quality of life. Levels of resident agitation were consistently high and related to lower quality of life, over 16 months. Lack of association between carer dysfunctional coping and resident quality of life may reflect the influence of the care home or an insensitivity of aggregated coping strategy scores. The lack of relationship with survival indicates that agitation is not explained mainly by illness. Scalable interventions to reduce agitation in care home residents living with dementia are urgently needed.
Role of Farnesoid X Receptor and Bile Acids in Hepatic Tumor Development
Authors: Takahashi Shogo , Tanaka Naoki , Fukami Tatsuki , Xie Cen , Yagai Tomoki , Kim Donghwan , Velenosi Thomas J. , Yan Tingting , Krausz Kristopher W. , Levi Moshe , Gonzalez Frank J.
Published: October 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, and an association between altered bile acid (BA) metabolism, down‐regulation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), which is a master regulator of BA metabolism, and hepatocarcinogenesis has been documented. While global FXR deficiency in mice results in spontaneous HCC with aging, the contribution of tissue‐specific FXR deficiency to hepatocarcinogenesis remains unclear. In this study, the prevalence of hepatic tumors, expression of genes related to tumorigenesis, and serum/liver BA levels were compared among male whole‐body Fxr‐null, hepatocyte‐specific Fxr‐null (Fxr
∆Hep), and enterocyte‐specific Fxr‐null (Fxr
∆IE) mice at the age of 3, 14, and 20 months. More than 90% of 20‐month‐old whole‐body Fxr‐null mice had hepatic tumors with enhanced hepatic expression of myelocytomatosis oncogene (Myc) and cyclin‐dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4) messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and elevated serum taurocholate (TCA) and tauromuricholate (TMCA) and their respective unconjugated derivatives. The incidence of hepatic tumors was significantly lower in Fxr
∆Hep and Fxr
∆IE mice (20% and 5%, respectively), and the increases in Myc and Cdk4 mRNA or serum BA concentrations were not detected in these mice compared to Fxr
floxed [fl]/fl mice; a similar tendency was observed in 14‐month‐old mice. However, increased hepatic c‐Myc protein expression was found only in Fxr‐null mice at the age of 3, 14, and 20 months. Treatment with TCA induced Myc expression in Fxr‐null cultured primary mouse hepatocytes but not in wild‐type (WT) mouse hepatocytes, demonstrating that the combination of hepatocyte FXR disruption with elevated TCA is required for Myc induction and ensuing age‐dependent hepatocarcinogenesis in Fxr‐null mice. Conclusion: There is a relatively low risk of hepatic tumors by inhibition of FXR in enterocytes, likely due to the lack of increased TCA and Myc induction.
Evaluating Women’s Preferences for Hepatitis C Treatment During Pregnancy
Authors: Kushner Tatyana , Cohen Jennifer , Tien Phyllis C. , Terrault Norah A.
Published: October 2018

There is a rising prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) among women of child‐bearing age nationally, which prompted a recommendation by national guidelines to screen all women for HCV during pregnancy. Women with HCV during pregnancy are at risk of perinatal transmission of HCV. Directly acting antiviral (DAA) therapy during pregnancy can potentially reduce the risk of perinatal transmission as well as cure women while they are engaged in antenatal care. However, data on the safety and efficacy of DAAs during pregnancy are limited. We aimed to evaluate the preferences of women with HCV regarding potential DAA treatment during pregnancy. We conducted a survey of women with a history of HCV followed in the University of California, San Francisco HCV clinic and in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study (most of whom are coinfected with HIV) to determine their preferences for DAA treatment during pregnancy. A total of 141 women completed the survey. Sixty percent reported that they would be willing to take antepartum DAA therapy if it lowered the risk of perinatal transmission. Only 21% reported that they would agree to take DAA therapy during pregnancy for self‐cure; 20% of women stated that they would not, yet indicated that they might change their minds if there were more human data available regarding use of DAAs during pregnancy. In multivariable analysis, having a previous history of taking DAAs and being of childbearing age at the time of the survey were associated with willingness to take DAA medication during pregnancy (odds ratios 4.29 and 4.11, respectively). Conclusion: These results point to the need for further investigation of the role of HCV therapy during pregnancy.
Exosomes from human placenta purified by affinity chromatography on sepharose bearing immobilized antibodies against CD81 tetraspanin contain many peptides and small proteins
Authors: Burkova Evgeniya E. , Dmitrenok Pavel S. , Bulgakov Dmitrii V. , Vlassov Valentin V. , Ryabchikova Elena I. , Nevinsky Georgy A.
Published: October 2018

Exosomes are nanovesicles (40–100 nm) containing various RNAs and different proteins. Exosomes are involved in intracellular communication and immune system function. Exosomes from different sources are usually isolated using standard methods—centrifugation and ultracentrifugations. Exosomes isolated by these procedures were reported to contain from a few dozen to thousands of different proteins. Here crude vesicle preparations from five placentas (normal pregnancy) were first obtained using standard centrifugation procedures. According to electron‐microscopic studies, these preparations contained vesicles of different size (30–225 nm), particles of round shape of average electron density (“nonvesicles” 20–40 nm) (A), structured clusters of associated proteins and shapeless aggregations (B), as well as ring‐shaped 10–14 nm structures formed by ferritin (C). After additional purification of the vesicle preparations by gel filtration on Sepharose 4B, the main part of protein structures was removed; however, the preparations still contained small admixtures of components A–C. Further purification of the preparations by affinity chromatography on Sepharose bearing immobilized antibodies against exosome surface protein CD81 led to isolation of highly purified exosomes (40–100 nm). These exosomes according to electron microscopy data contained tetraspanin embedded in the membrane, which was stained with antibodies against CD81 conjugated with 10–12 nm gold nanoparticles. SDS‐PAGE and MALDI MS and MS/MS mass spectrometry of tryptic hydrolysates of proteins contained in these exosomes revealed eleven major proteins (>10 kDa): hemoglobin subunits, CD81, interleukin‐1 receptor, annexin A5, cytoplasmic actin, alpha‐actin‐4, alkaline phosphatase, human serum albumin, serotransferrin, and lactotrasferrin. Using MALDI mass analysis of the highly purified exosomes, we for the first time found that in addition to the large proteins (>10 kDa), exosomes having affinity to CD81 contain more than 27 different peptides and small proteins of 2–10 kDa. This finding can be useful for revealing biological functions of pure exosomes. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(11):1144–1155, 2018
Kombiglyze (metformin and saxagliptin)‐induced hepatotoxicity in a patient with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Thalha Abdul Malik , Mahadeva Sanjiv , Boon Tan Alexander Tong , Mun Kein Seong
Published: October 2018

A 33‐year‐old man was referred with hyperosmotic symptoms of 4 weeks. Clinical examination showed palpable hepatomegaly and no stigmata of liver disease. Findings were random glucose 16.6 mmol/L, HbA1c 12.4%, triglyceride 6.2 mmol/L, normal LFTs and ultrasound liver: increased echogenicity. Management consisted of dietician referral and commencement of metformin 500 mg bd, diamicron MR 60 mg od, and fenofibrate 145 mg od. He was non‐compliant, complaining of “heaviness of head” after consuming oral diabetic agents, without symptoms of hypoglycemia. Treatment was switched to Kombiglyze XR (saxaglipitin 5 mg + metformin 1000 mg) and empagliflozin 25 mg od. He presented 1 week later with generalised pruritus with ALT 307 IU/L and serum GGT 808 IU/L. Following this, a percutaneous liver biopsy was performed, revealing steatohepatitis and marked intra‐hepatic cholestasis. Kombiglyze XR was withheld, with resolution of LFTs to baseline. Phenotypes of liver injury are categorised according to R value, defined as ratio ALT/ULN:ALP/ULN. R value of ≥5:hepatocellular injury, ≤2:cholestatic injury, 2–5:mixed‐type injury. Here, R value points toward mixed type (R = 3.203). Hepatotoxicity in patients with NASH is difficult to diagnose, based on laboratory parameters. Liver histology was useful in indicating additional changes apart from NASH, causing liver derangement. The Rousal Uclaf Causality Assessment Method is a scoring method to determine the probability of drug induced liver injury. RUCAM score for this case was 6 (probable adverse drug reaction). Hepatotoxicity from saxagliptin not been reported prior. Clinicians need to be more vigilant, particularly in patients with NASH.
On the effect of TiO2 nanocrystallites over the plasmonic photodegradation by Au nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Jiale , Barbosa Eduardo C.M. , Fang Zebo , Parussulo André L.A. , dos Reis Flavia V.E. , Ando Rômulo A. , Araki Koiti , Toma Henrique E. , Camargo Pedro H.C.
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we aimed at investigating the effect of the presence of small TiO2 crystallites over the transfer of hot electrons from Au nanoparticles (NPs) mediated by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) excitation and its subsequent photocatalytic activities. To this end, we employed TiO2 colloidal spheres composed of TiO2 crystallites of 8.5 nm in size decorated with Au NPs (TiO2–Au) of 17 nm in size over the TiO2 surface as model materials. Moreover, the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light excitation was employed as a target plasmonic transformation. We found that the plasmonic photocatalytic activity was significantly higher for the TiO2–Au hybrid relative to its individual Au NPs or TiO2 counterparts under excitation at 633 nm. These results could be explained based on the transfer of hot electrons generated upon the SPR excitation from Au NPs to the TiO2 conduction band in the TiO2–Au material, which will be recombined on the surface of TiO2 crystallites or at the interface between TiO2 crystallites, decreasing electrons density in Au NPs that lead to the formation of hydroxyl radicals that contribute and improve the photocatalytic degradation of MB. This mechanism was supported by the fact that the presence of TiO2 leads to a decrease in the p‐aminothiophenol to p,p′‐dimercaptoazobenzene SPR‐mediated oxidation in the TiO2–Au relative to Au NPs. We believe that the results reported herein suggest that TiO2–Au materials may represent attractive systems for designing plasmonic photocatalysts with improved performances towards a variety of transformations using solar/visible light as the energy input.
Reducing emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation in Angola: Insights from the scarp forest conservation ‘hotspot’
Authors: Leite Ana , Cáceres Aimy , Melo Martim , Mills Michael S.L. , Monteiro Antonio T.
Published: October 2018

The depletion of forests in conservation hotspots is a poorly known societal concern of the post‐conflict society of Angola. Rapid economic and population growth, fragile environmental regulation, enforcement, and planning threat these invaluable forests and their biodiversity. By mitigating climate change through a sustainable management of forests, Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) could also favour the preservation of biodiversity. This study addresses the depletion of forests in Angolan conservation ‘hotspots’ under a REDD+ perspective. In the escarpment forest, a centre of endemism, activity data, and emission factors were assessed between 2001 and 2014. Next, spatial factors associated with deforestation were identified using generalized linear modelling, and it was provided a view on how REDD+ may support sustainable forest management in conservation hotspots. Activity data based on an error‐corrected estimate indicated a deforested area of 4856.3 ± 653.1 ha between 2001 and 2014. Field mean above‐ground carbon content amounted to 89.4 ± 126.4 tCha‐1. Among the most relevant factors associated with deforestation were elevation, density of bare land, north–south exposure (aspect), and distance to trails. All negatively related to deforestation. Overall, the threatened escarpment forest conservation hotspot seems to have significant potential for reducing carbon emissions and beneficiate from REDD+. Yet the considerable uncertainty in our estimates limited the discussions in the magnitude of forest depletion and carbon emissions. In view of performance‐based payments for development, additional field surveying is necessary to boost the accuracies presented by new forest monitoring tools that can reduce technical difficulties and sustain the eligibility of Angola for international REDD+ funding sources.
Enantioselectivity in degradation and ecological risk of the chiral pesticide ethiprole
Authors: Zhang Qing , Xiong Wu , Gao Beibei , Cryder Zachary , Zhang Zhaoxian , Tian Mingming , Sanganyado Edmond , Shi Haiyan , Wang Minghua
Published: October 2018

Intensive agricultural activities have caused land degradation due to soil pollution, particularly by pesticides. However, the degradation, metabolism, and toxicity of chiral pesticides by soil microorganisms are often enantioselective. This study aimed to determine the effect of chirality on the degradation of the enantiomers of ethiprole in soil and their impact on soil microbial communities. (R)‐ethiprole underwent directional chiral conversion to the (S)‐enantiomer in a paddy soil microcosm, leading to elevated concentrations of (S)‐ethiprole. Initially, the bacterial operational taxonomic units significantly decreased after 3 days of incubation with rac‐ethiprole, (R)‐ethiprole, and (S)‐ethiprole but gradually increased in the later stage. Principal coordinate analysis revealed that the bacterial community structure was enantioselectively affected by the ethiprole enantiomers. Within 3 days, both rac‐ethiprole and (R)‐ethiprole reshaped the original stochastic microbial community into a deterministic community (variable selection). Thus, we propose that the enantioselective behavior and ecotoxicology of chiral pesticides need to be considered, especially because there are numerous chiral pesticides currently in use within agricultural management. The comprehensive understanding of the ecological risk of chiral pesticide enantiomers is vital to the process of improving sustainable production and environmental health in agricultural ecosystems.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) harvest: Tractor and grain chaser traffic effects on soil compaction and crop yields
Authors: Botta Guido Fernando , Tolón‐Becerra Alfredo , Bienvenido Fernando , Rivero David , Laureda Daniel Andres , Ezquerra‐Canalejo Alejandra , Contessotto Enrique Ernesto
Published: October 2018

Previous studies have defined compaction as an important degradation process of agricultural soils. However, there is very little information (under field conditions) on the effects of tractor and grain chaser traffic during harvest operations on soil cropped for 15 years under no‐till cultivation methods. The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of two different total loads of tractor and grain chaser traffic on soil physical properties and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) yields. The treatments included a control plot with no tractor or grain chaser traffic (T1), a plot with tractor and grain chaser traffic with a total load of 275.8 kN (94.35 kN km−1 ha−1; T2), and a plot with tractor and grain chaser traffic with a load of 332.2 kN (123 kN km−1 ha−1; T3). Soil physical properties and sunflower yields were analysed over three growing seasons in the western part of the Pampa region, Argentina. In the topsoil (0 to 200 mm), the results showed that after one pass of T2 and T3, infiltration decreased significantly compared with that in T1; a similar trend was observed for total topsoil porosity. Cone index values in T3 were >2.5 MPa and between 3.33 and 4.90 MPa in the subsoil (200 to 600 mm). Dry bulk density values in T3 were >1.70 Mg m−3 in the topsoil and in the subsoil. This study also demonstrated that as the wheel load and ground contact pressure increase, sunflower yields decrease and subsoil compaction increases, even in soils with a high bearing capacity.
Labile organic matter plays a more important role than the autotrophic bacterial community in regulating microbial CO2 fixation in an eroded watershed
Authors: Jiang Jieyu , Li Zhongwu , Xiao Haibing , Wang Danyang , Liu Chun , Zhang Xuqin , Peng Hao , Zeng Guangming
Published: October 2018

Understanding the effect of soil erosion on soil carbon (C) fixation is of great significance for evaluating the complicated connection between land degradation and C cycle. To investigate erosion‐induced changes in autotrophic bacterial community and microbial carbon dioxide (CO2) fixation, three typical eroding sites and three depositional sites were selected in the hilly red soil region of southern China with severe erosion. Positive responses of autotrophic microbial abundance to soil deposition were observed, whereas no obvious changes in microbial diversity were observed between eroding and depositional sites. The relative abundances of obligate autotrophic bacteria, such as Rhodopseudomonas and Pseudonocardia, were enhanced in the eroding sites. Deposition of organic matter‐rich soil was not conducive to the growth of obligate autotrophic bacteria. The average rate and amount of microbial CO2 fixation at the depositional sites (30.86 mg C km−2 year−1 and 0.05 g kg−1) were higher than those at the eroding sites (18.04 mg C km−2 year−1 and 0.025 g kg−1), which indicated that soil deposition significantly enhanced autotrophic microbial CO2 fixation. In addition, multiple stepwise linear regression showed that compared with microbial properties (abundance and diversity), dissolved organic carbon is a more important explanation factor for the change of microbial CO2 fixation rate (68.8%, P = 0.001).
A farmer–scientist investigation of soil carbon sequestration potential in a chronosequence of perennial pastures
Authors: Pauli Natasha , Abbott Lynette K. , Rex Rob , Rex Caroline , Solaiman Zakaria M.
Published: October 2018

Australian agricultural soils have sustained a substantial loss of naturally low levels of soil organic carbon (SOC) through conversion of native vegetation to cropping. Recently, government programmes focused on greenhouse gas emission abatement have provided incentives for conversion of cropland to permanent pastures. Concurrently, some farmers are pursuing innovative pasture grazing practices, such as the use of perennial pastures and rotational grazing. Although gaining carbon credits is generally not the main driver for uptake of these practices, there is significant potential for soil carbon sequestration. We investigated SOC stocks across a chronosequence of pastures sown with temperate, perennial grasses in south‐western Australia. This study presents a rare insight into short‐ and long‐term carbon dynamics in a novel agricultural system, which has potential for greater uptake within this region. SOC stocks for the upper 30 cm of soil ranged from 64.9 t ha−1 in the longest established pasture (sown in 2003 and sampled in 2012 and 2014) to 25.2 t ha−1 in a poorly performing pasture (sown in 2007). SOC stocks at two of the sampled sites showed large (19.7 to 22.0 t ha−1) fluctuations over a 2‐year period, which was likely linked to targeted management practices intended to increase pasture productivity. Taking into account farmers' needs for experimenting with management practices and their detailed local knowledge of why certain locations responded in different ways is paramount for developing longer term and larger scale approaches to improve soil health through novel agricultural practices.
Reflections on the international impact of Chinese STM journals
Authors: Zhang Yuehong (Helen) , Bao Fang , Wu Jian , Lin Hanfeng
Published: October 2018

There are 5,020 scientific, technical and medical (STM) periodicals, including 548 English‐language (E‐L) journals, in China. To quickly increase the international influence of Chinese journals, government management launched significant initiatives for publishers, such as the ‘Project for Enhancing International Impact of China STM Journals (PIIJ, 2013–2018)’. This paper investigates the underlying objectives and assumptions made about the value and impact of Chinese E‐L journals and the effect of PIIJ support and international publisher collaboration. The authors conclude that, while the E‐L journals are demonstrating some quantifiable improvements in internationalization, there are no equal pressures or recognition for qualitative quality measures, and this may undermine the ability of Chinese E‐L journals to build sustainable strategic plans.
Metaparticles: Dressing Nano‐Objects with a Hyperbolic Coating
Authors: Wang Pan , Krasavin Alexey V. , Viscomi Francesco N. , Adawi Ali M. , Bouillard Jean‐Sebastien G. , Zhang Lei , Roth Diane J. , Tong Limin , Zayats Anatoly V.
Published: October 2018

The ability to engineer the optical response of a plasmonic nano‐object is highly desired to achieve better control over light–matter interactions. Due to the sensitivity of plasmon resonances to the surrounding media, isotropic dielectric coating is an easy approach to modify the optical properties of a plasmonic nanostructure. However, the choice of coatings and the provided tunability is limited by the range of refractive indices of available materials. Here, it is shown that coating of plasmonic nano‐objects with an anisotropic metamaterial, which displays a hyperbolic dispersion and allows the design of refractive index on demand, provides greater flexibility in engineering their interaction with light. This is experimentally demonstrated by coating Au nanospheres with alternating SiO2 and Au multishells. This creates rich and highly tunable plasmonic modes covering a broad wavelength range (≈400–2200 nm) and produces high local field intensity enhancement (≈500‐fold). The concept is extended to hyperbolic coating of dielectric nano‐objects, confirming the nature of the modes to be related to the resonances in the hyperbolic layer. The implemented approach using a coating with an engineered effective refractive index may find applications in plasmon‐enhanced spectroscopy, nanolasers, design of nonlinear phenomena, photothermal conversions, and hot‐electron generation.
Elastic deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of single crystal nickel nanowire in tensile test along [0 0 1] orientation
Authors: Ma S. , Zhang J. , Li P. , Zhang Y. , Jin H. , Zhang W.
Published: October 2018

Elastic deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of single crystal nickel nanowire in tensile test have been investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. When the temperature is above 300 K, the deformation of nanowire is inhomogeneous in the elastic stage. It can generate a kind of (body‐centered cubic)‐like structure within the material to guide the elastic deformation, rather than the uniform deformation of all the atoms. The (body‐centered cubic)‐like structure will transform to be a body‐centered cubic structure gradually with the increasing of strain and will revert to be a face‐centered cubic structure when the twin crystal appears. The formation of (body‐centered cubic)‐like structure could reduce the density of the material to resist deformation. Besides, the (body‐centered cubic)‐like structure increase with increasing of strain or temperature, and they will gather together to reduce the interface energy. Our conclusion also can be proved by the radial distribution functions g(r).
Microstructure and creep behavior of a new developed nickel‐base single‐crystal superalloy
Authors: Xu W. , Zhao Y. , Sun S. , Liang X. , Tao R. , Ma D.
Published: October 2018

A new developed nickel‐base superalloy is employed to prepare single‐crystal castings. The as‐cast and heat‐treated microstructure, the creep behavior in 900 °C/ 500 MPa and 1100 °C / 140 MPa are investigated. The dendrites are well developed in the as‐cast microstructure. Segregation and γ′ precipitation morphology difference exist between dendrite core and γ/γ′ eutectic pool. After heat treatment the segregation is significantly decreased and the γ′ precipitations of all regions become much more uniform and cubic. Creep curves in varied conditions both present three stages, while the specimen in 1100 °C exhibits lower creep rate and longer life span. The fracture analysis shows that fracture style changes from mixed fracture to ductile when the temperature increases from 900 °C to 1100 °C. Porosity is the crack resource to form the facet, which is observed in both specimens. The γ′ precipitations raft in both specimens, while the further development of γ′ rafting is found in that of 1100 °C / 140 MPa, as well as the surface recrystallization with coarser rafted γ/γ′ microstructure.
Sliding wear performance of metallic laser coatings against composite PTFE seals
Authors: Tuominen J. , Pajukoski H. , Vuoristo P. , Thieme S. , Nowotny S. , Näkki J.
Published: October 2018

Laser coatings are frequently used in applications where they slide against various elastomeric and polymeric seals or guide bands in different environments. Examples of such applications include hydraulics, maritime propulsion systems and components in pulp & paper industry. In this study highly corrosion resistant Inconel 625 (DIN Mat. No. 2.4856) and Thermanit 2509 super duplex stainless steel (∼1.4501) coatings manufactured by novel coaxial hot‐wire laser cladding technique are tested in dry conditions at room temperature against various composite polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) seals. Despite only small difference in coating surface hardness, ∼1.4501 and 2.4856 show significant differences in wear and friction performance against various seals. For instance, ∼1.4501 is superior to 2.4856 against glass fiber and MoS2 reinforced PTFE in terms of wear resistance and friction characteristics, whereas 2.4856 performs better against bronze reinforced PTFE seal. The reference Stellite laser coating, which is the hardest counter surface in this study, exhibits the best wear behavior against all the seal materials tested. The differences in wear performances are explained by cohesive and adhesive wear mechanisms.
Estimating Growth of Caribbean Spiny Lobster Using Mark–Recapture Data
Authors: Zhang Yuying , Yao Nan
Published: October 2018

To estimate the growth of the hard-to-age Caribbean spiny lobster Panulirus argus in the southeastern USA, a double-maximum-likelihood-estimation method (referred to as the “likelihood model”) has been applied to the mark–recapture data collected in the Florida Keys from 1967 to 2003. Parameters related to the intermolt period and the growth increment have been assessed, and the uncertainty of the parameters has been estimated using the bootstrap resampling method. For better comparison with the previously published step-wise growth models, an individual-based model, in which the variance and covariance of model parameters were fully considered, has been developed to simulate growth transition matrices. The simulation results were compared directly by using the Frobenius Norm. The results indicated that the likelihood model produces a more conservative growth estimate with lower uncertainty. However, the likelihood weights should be set with caution. This study can improve our understanding of the growth of the Caribbean spiny lobster. The products can be directly used in the future for integrated size-structured, stock assessment models for Caribbean spiny lobster; the methods can be easily adaptable to other crustacean species.
A monopole antenna based on SISL with dual bands for WLAN operations
Authors: Newton Moro Eric , Mou Shouxian , Ma Kaixue , Yan Ningning , Meng Fanyi
Published: October 2018

A dual‐band and self‐packaged monopole antenna utilizing substrate integrated suspend‐line for 2.4/5.2 GHz wireless local area network application is propounded. The antenna is made up of 5 layer substrates with 2 air lacunas placed in stack. Comparatively, more metal surfaces in the antenna design are allowed for impedance matching and radiation characteristics. By etching slots on the patch and modifying the ground planes, dual band is achieved. In addition, low loss property is obtained because of the air cavities and efficiency of 97.8% at 2.4 GHz and 96.9% at 5.2 GHz is acquired.
High‐performance filtering power divider with multiple transmission zeros
Authors: Bai Yecheng , Xu Kai Da
Published: October 2018

A wideband filtering power divider (FPD) with multiple transmission zeros (TZs) is presented in this article. By introducing four pairs of coupled lines and two half‐wavelength stubs to the power divider, a flat passband with two controllable TZs and four fixed ones is achieved. A resistor is then arranged in the structures to obtain good isolation between output ports. For demonstration, a FPD centred at 2.6 GHz with 3‐dB fractional bandwidth of 22% is designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured minimum in‐band insertion loss is 0.34 dB, and the isolation is over 20 dB within the passband. Good agreement between the simulated and measured results can be observed.
Automatic and efficient hybrid viscous mesh generation based on clipped Voronoi diagrams
Authors: Gan Yangke , Liu Jianfei
Published: October 2018

The commonly used advancing layers method to generate hybrid meshes suffers from many drawbacks. The generation of isotropic meshes for far‐field domains with irregular and complex boundary subdivisions after boundary layers advancing is time consuming and, in some cases, is not robust in 3D. To address these difficulties, this paper presents a novel method to generate hybrid polygonal meshes in 2D and polyhedral meshes in 3D for viscous flow simulations. In the proposed method, first, we generate a full Voronoi diagram for the appropriate distribution of generators that avoids the extra mesh generation required for the remaining holes in the advancing layers method. To recover the inner solid boundaries, we implement a robust boundary cell cutting process. Because the generators are located layer by layer near the boundaries, there is no requirement to consider all of the Voronoi cells. Only the first layer Voronoi cells must be cut, making the calculation very efficient. We have generated hybrid meshes using the present method for many viscous flow cases. The results show close agreement between the computations and the experimental results, thus indicating the reliability and effectiveness of the hybrid mesh generated by our method.
Changes in the Perceptions of Self‐weighing Across Time in a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention
Authors: Fahey Margaret C. , Klesges Robert C. , Kocak Mehmet , Wayne Talcott G. , Krukowski Rebecca A.
Published: October 2018

Objective

Changes in beliefs about self‐weighing were examined across time in a behavioral weight loss intervention.

Methods

Active duty military personnel (n = 248) enrolled in a 12‐month counselor‐initiated or self‐paced intervention based on the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) Intensive Lifestyle Intervention. Using an electronic scale, participants were asked to self‐weigh daily. Self‐weighing perceptions were compared from baseline to 4 months (weight loss phase), from 4 months to 12 months (weight maintenance phase), and from baseline to 12 months (full intervention), as well as across time by behavioral and demographic characteristics.

Results

Overall, participants perceived self‐weighing as more helpful and positive, less frustrating, and making them less self‐conscious after the weight loss phase. After weight maintenance, individuals believed self‐weighing was less helpful and positive, more frustrating and anxiety provoking, and making them more self‐conscious. However, after the intervention, participants still viewed self‐weighing as more helpful and positive and less frustrating than at baseline. Weight change, self‐weighing behavior prior to the intervention, and intervention condition were associated with perception change. Controlling for these influencing factors, differences in gender, BMI, age, ethnicity, and race were observed in how beliefs changed across time.

Conclusions

Results suggest engaging in a weight loss intervention promoting daily self‐weighing increases positive and decreases negative beliefs about self‐weighing.
Dissemination of the Look AHEAD Intensive Lifestyle Intervention in the United States Military: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Krukowski Rebecca A. , Hare Marion E. , Talcott Gerald W. , Gladney Leslie A. , Johnson Karen C. , Richey Phyllis A. , Kocak Mehmet , Keller Patrick L. , Hryshko‐Mullen Ann , Klesges Robert C.
Published: October 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study, “Fit Blue,” was to compare a translation of the Look AHEAD (Action for Heath in Diabetes) intensive lifestyle intervention with a self‐paced version of the same intervention among active duty military personnel.

Methods

Active duty military personnel (N = 248; 49% male, 34% racial minority) with overweight or obesity were randomized to 12‐month distance‐based (i.e., phone and email) parallel programs, counselor‐initiated (CI) condition or self‐paced (SP) condition, from 2014 to 2016. Trained lay interventionists were retired military personnel or had extensive familiarity with the military.

Results

The CI condition had greater weight loss at 4 months (CI: mean ± SD = −3.2 ± 3.4 kg; SP: −0.6 ± 2.9 kg; P < 0.0001) and at 12 months (CI: mean ± SD = −1.9 ± 4.1 kg; SP: −0.1 ± 3.8 kg; P < 0.001). Participants in the CI condition also had a greater percent weight loss at both 4 months (CI: 3.5% ± 3.8, SP: 0.6% ± 3.1; P < 0.0001) and 12 months (CI: 2.1% ± 4.7, SP: 0.0% ± 4.0; P < 0.001). In addition, a greater proportion of CI participants lost 5% or more at 4 months (CI: 29.8%, SP: 10.5%; P < 0.001) and at 12 months (CI: 29.5%, SP: 15.6%; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The CI behavioral weight loss intervention translated from Look AHEAD was well received and is a promising approach for managing weight in an active duty military population.
Specific Energy: A Comprehensive Measure of Pump Station Performance
Authors: Steger Perry , Pierce David
Published: October 2018

Water utilities can run pump stations at peak performance by tracking and optimizing specific energy.
Nanoporous Copper Pattern Fabricated by Electron Beam Irradiation on Cu3N Film for SERS Application
Authors: Du Yun , Yin Yin , Wang Jiawei , Wang Zongli , Li Charong , Baunack Stefan , Ma Libo , Schmidt Oliver G.
Published: October 2018

Copper nanostructures have aroused extensive research interests due to their wide applications in electronics, catalysis, and photonics. Here, a novel strategy to fabricate copper nanoporous structures by illuminating electron beam on as‐prepared copper nitride thin films is reported. This electron beam‐based direct writing method provides a precise control of the nanoporous sites on substrates. Experimental results reveal significant surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for copper porous nanostructures compared with flat copper nitride thin films due to localized surface plasmon resonances supported at the nanopores. This work provides a maskless method to prepare copper nanoporous structures from copper nitride films and implies an efficient SERS platform for sensitive molecular diagnostics.
Effect of Strong Metal‐Support Interaction of Pt/TiO2 on Hydrodeoxygenation of m‐Cresol
Authors: Zhao Xiangyu , Wu Xiaoxia , Wang Hua , Han Jinyu , Ge Qingfeng , Zhu Xinli
Published: October 2018

Hydrodeoxygenation of m‐cresol was investigated at 350 °C and atmospheric pressure over Pt/TiO2 reduced at different temperatures. Increasing reduction temperature results in an increased degree of strong metal‐support interactions (SMSI). Consequently, both the number of the perimeter sites at the Pt‐TiO2 interface and the oxygen vacancy sites in close proximity to Pt are increased. Increasing reduction temperature from 350 to 550 °C leads to the turnover frequency of toluene formation to increase by more than 3 times. These results indicate that the perimeter sites at the Pt‐TiO2 interface with oxygen vacancy are the more active sites for deoxygenation than the bare Pt sites. The results also suggest that balancing the SMSI effect and the number of exposed Pt sites is essential for an efficient catalyst for deoxygenation of phenolics to aromatics.
Highly Efficient Degradation of Tobacco Specific N‐Nitrosamines by TiO2 Mesocrystals with Robust and Tailored Microporous Structure
Authors: Deng Qixin , Hong Zhensheng , Liu Huiming , Huang Chaozhang , Xu Hanchun , Lan Hongqiao , Xie Wei , Xie Jianping , Wei Mingdeng
Published: October 2018

It is essential to control tobacco specific N‐nitrosamines (TSNAs) pollution for the protection of public health, which were identified as the most abundant carcinogens in tobacco and tobacco smoke. Herein, we provide microporous TiO2 mesocrystals as a new material for the remove of TSNAs with high degradation efficiency. The anatase TiO2 mesocrystals with tunable microporous structure were synthesized by a facile method under the acid solution. The TiO2 mesocrystals were firstly used to the remove of TSNAs through photocatalytic degradation. It's exciting that TSNAs of tobacco extraction solution can be almost entirely reduced (up to 97%) by anatase TiO2 mesocrystals after 30 mins through photocatalytic degradation. Moreover, it's found that the microporous size of mesocrystals play a key role on the degradation capability. The TiO2 mesocrystals with microporous size comparable to the size of TSNAs molecule exhibit the best degradation performance. This finding offers a robust microporous material and efficient method for removing the carcinogen like TSNAs as well as other pollutants in environment.
Solventless Olefin Epoxidation Using a Mo–Loaded Sisal Derived Acid‐Char Catalyst
Authors: Petit Cécile , Silva Miguel V. , Mestre Ana S. , Ania Conchi O. , Vaz Pedro D. , Carvalho Ana P. , Nunes Carla D.
Published: October 2018

This study presents a stable, selective and reusable catalyst prepared by a biomass‐derived acid‐biochar (acid‐char) functionalized with the organometallic complex [MoI2(CO)3(MeCN)2] (Mo), yielding a material where the [MoI2(CO)3] core is coordinated at surface functional groups of the acid‐char material. The characterization of this catalyst, denoted as Mo@acid‐char, by using various complementary techniques confirmed the successful immobilization of the [MoI2(CO)3] core at the surface of the acid‐char material. The catalytic activity of the material was evaluated for olefin epoxidation reactions of cis‐cyclooctene and R‐(+)‐limonene, varying relevant reaction parameters such as temperature, solvent and oxidant ratio. The Mo@acid‐char showed an excellent selectivity for epoxide products at mild temperature (ca. 328 K). Interestingly, the catalyst exhibited its highest activity when the reaction was carried out under solventless conditions, allowing the catalysts reuse for several cycles. Thus, the synthesized Mo@acid‐char contributed for a sustainable use of biomass waste (e. g., sisal) through the development of environmentally friendly processes avoiding the use of solvents.
Surfactant‐Free In Situ Synthesis of Sub‐5 nm Silver Nanoparticles Embedded Silica Sub‐Microspheres as Highly Efficient and Recyclable Catalysts
Authors: Shen Qihui , Gao Hanliang , Xue Peng , Lü Yang , Li Dongmei , Lian Lili , Liu Yan , Liu Xiaoyang
Published: October 2018

A novel surfactant‐free in situ synthesis approach of ‘naked’ small silver nanoparticles (2.63 nm.d) supported by silica sub‐microspheres was demonstrated. When this catalyst was used for 4‐nitrophenol catalytic reduction, the rate constant k reached 0.42 s−1 even when the catalyst concentration was low (10 mg•L−1). Meanwhile, the catalysts also maintained their high catalytic efficiency even after 25 repeated reaction cycles. Our approach therefore provided a way to generate ‘clean’ Ag nanoparticles supported catalyst without any post‐treatment, which exhibited outstanding catalytic activity and could potentially extend to the heterogeneous catalysts development based on other noble metals.