bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program Can Change Nutrition Care Practice: A Multicenter Experience in Elective Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Martin Lisa , Gillis Chelsia , Atkins Marlis , Gillam Melani , Sheppard Caroline , Buhler Sue , Hammond Carlota Basualdo , Nelson Gregg , Gramlich Leah
Published: July 2018

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs are multimodal evidenced‐based care pathways for optimal recovery. Central to ERAS is integration of perioperative nutrition care into the overall management of the patient. This study describes changes to perioperative nutrition care after implementation of an ERAS program, and identifies factors that affect compliance to ERAS care elements and short‐term postoperative outcomes.

Methods

Data were prospectively collected from patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery at 6 hospitals in Alberta, Canada, from 2013–2017. Compliance to nutrition care elements (nutrition risk screening, preoperative carbohydrate loading, early postoperative oral feeding, and mobilization) was recorded before ERAS implementation (pre‐ERAS group, n = 487) and with ERAS implementation (ERAS group, n = 3536). Logistic regression identified factors that affect compliance to care elements, length of hospital stay (LOS), and postoperative complications.

Results

A total of 4023 patients were included. The rate of nutrition risk screening improved from 9% (pre‐ERAS group) to 74% (ERAS group); 12% were at nutrition risk. Compliance increased for preoperative carbohydrate loading (4%–61%), early postoperative oral feeding (P < .001), and mobilization (P < .001). In multivariable logistic regression, nutrition risk independently predicted low overall compliance (<70%) to ERAS care elements (odds ratio [OR] 2.77; 95% CI, 2.11–3.64; P < .001) and a trend for LOS >5 days (OR 1.40; 95% CI, 1.00–1.96; P = .052). Low compliance to ERAS (<70%) predicted postoperative complications (OR 2.69; 95% CI, 2.23–3.24; P < .001).

Conclusion

ERAS implementation positively impacted the adoption of standardized perioperative nutrition care practices. Nutrition risk screening identified patients less able to comply with postoperative nutrition care elements and who had longer LOS.
Salt‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for enhancing the concentration of matrine alkaloids in traditional Chinese medicine and its preparations
Authors: Zhang Yanqin , Chen Xuan , Li Jie , Hu Shuang , Wang Runqin , Bai Xiaohong
Published: July 2018

A fast, simple, and efficient salt‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography was developed and introduced for the simultaneous enrichment, extraction, and determination of the trace levels of matrine alkaloids (sophoridine, matrine, and sophocarpine) in Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and Composite Kushen injection. Compared with conventional dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, the proposed method, with added salt but without dispersant and centrifuging, makes the operation simpler, greener, and leads to a higher enrichment factor. The crucial parameters affecting the enrichment factors of target analytes, such as type and volume of extraction solvent, pH of sample phase, salt concentration, volume of sample phase, and extraction time, were investigated and optimized, meanwhile, the extraction mechanism of the method was analyzed and described. Under the optimized conditions, the enrichment factors of the three matrine alkaloids were 150, 178, and 227, respectively. Good linearities (r2 ≥ 0.9992) for all analytes, low limits of detection (less than 0.08 ng/mL), satisfactory precisions (2.1–12.3%), and accuracies (recoveries, 99.3–103.9%) were achieved. The experimental results showed that the approach is a simple, fast, green, eco‐friendly, and sensitive method and can be used for the preconcentration and determination of matrine alkaloids in traditional Chinese medicines and their preparations.
Characterizing blue carbon stocks in Thalassia testudinum meadows subjected to different phosphorus supplies: A lignin biomarker approach
Authors: Barry Savanna C. , Bianchi Thomas S. , Shields Michael R. , Hutchings Jack A. , Jacoby Charles A. , Frazer Thomas K.
Published: July 2018

Seagrass meadows represent globally important stores of carbon. However, environmental heterogeneity in shallow, estuarine environments may shape the quantity, composition, and postdepositional processing of organic carbon stocks (Corg) in such meadows. Along a persistent gradient in total phosphorus concentrations in the water column and a parallel gradient in seagrass morphology, we measured bulk carbon parameters (Corg, dry bulk density, %Corg, Corg : N, δ13C) and lignin biomarkers in Thalassia testudinum tissues and in the sediments beneath these meadows in three coastal systems. We found Corg stocks and sources differed among coastal systems, but the aforementioned parameters were not consistently related to either standing stocks of seagrass or historical nutrient concentrations. We estimated that seagrasses contributed 30–53% of the total sedimentary Corg in these three coastal systems, with the remainder derived from allochthonous sources. The coastal system with intermediate phosphorus concentrations and aboveground seagrass stock had more Corg overall, more Corg from seagrass, and sediments with lower bulk density. A consistent negative relationship between dry bulk density and %Corg suggested hydrodynamics exerted a strong influence on stocks and sources of sedimentary Corg. Lignin biomarkers refined our understanding of sources of Corg and postdepositional processing of seagrass tissues. Phenolic acid‐to‐aldehyde ratios were high in fresh T. testudinum tissues. Lower values in sediments indicated seagrass tissues undergo extensive loss of acidic lignin phenols after deposition resulting in a need for lignin biomarker indices designed for estuarine sediments. Future studies of seagrass Corg should account for hydrodynamic setting, especially when investigating influences of environmental heterogeneity.
On a refinement of a theorem of Landau on Koebe domains
Authors: Ito Manabu
Published: July 2018

We state and prove a refinement of a classical theorem due to Landau on the Koebe domains for certain families of holomorphic functions introduced by A. W. Goodman. Our geometric approach in this article enables us to derive several statements of interest, which would not be produced via the methods in Goodman's paper, as immediate corollaries of the proof of the main theorem.
Selective chemoattraction of the benthic diatom Seminavis robusta to phosphate but not to inorganic nitrogen sources contributes to biofilm structuring
Authors: V. Bondoc Karen Grace , Lembke Christine , Vyverman Wim , Pohnert Georg
Published: July 2018

Diatoms frequently dominate marine and freshwater biofilms as major primary producers. Nutrient resources in these biofilms are patchily distributed and fluctuate dynamically over time. We recently reported that this spatially and temporally structured environment can be exploited by motile diatoms that use chemoattraction to dissolved silicate (dSi) under Si starvation. Here, we show that the behavioral response of diatoms is more complex and selective as cells are also responding to gradients of dissolved phosphate (dP) when starved in this nutrient. In contrast, neither nitrate nor ammonium (dN) triggers an attractive response under nitrogen limitation. Video monitoring and movement pattern analysis of the model diatom Seminavis robusta revealed that dP attraction is mediated by a combined chemokinetic and chemotactic response. After locating nutrient hotspots, the microalgae slow down and recover from the limitation. The fastest recovery in terms of growth was observed after dSi limitation. In agreement with the lack of directional response, recovery from dN limitation was slowest, indicating that no short‐term benefit would be drawn by the algae from the location of transient hotspots of this resource. Our results highlight the ability of diatoms to adapt to nutrient limitation by active foraging and might explain their success in patchy benthic environments.
miR‐9 regulates ferroptosis by targeting glutamic‐oxaloacetic transaminase GOT1 in melanoma
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Wu Longfei , Zhang Peng , Luo Meiying , Du Jing , Gao Tongtong , O'Connell Douglas , Wang Gaoyang , Wang Hong , Yang Yongfei
Published: July 2018

Ferroptosis is a recently recognized form of regulated cell death driven by lipid‐based reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. However, the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis regulation are still largely unknown. Here we identified a novel miRNA, miR‐9, as an important regulator of ferroptosis by directly targeting GOT1 in melanoma cells. Overexpression of miR‐9 suppressed GOT1 by directly binding to its 3′‐UTR, which subsequently reduced erastin‐ and RSL3‐induced ferroptosis. Conversely, suppression of miR‐9 increased the sensitivity of melanoma cells to erastin and RSL3. Importantly, anti‐miR‐9 mediated lipid ROS accumulation and ferroptotic cell death could be abrogated by inhibiting glutaminolysis process. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that miR‐9 regulates ferroptosis by targeting GOT1 in melanoma cells, illustrating the important role of miRNA in ferroptosis.
Synthesis, Characterization, Cytotoxicity, and Antibacterial Properties of trans‐γ‐Halo‐δ‐lactones
Authors: Kamizela Angelika , Gawdzik Barbara , Urbaniak Mariusz , Lechowicz Łukasz , Białońska Agata , Gonciarz Weronika , Chmiela Magdalena
Published: July 2018

A new four‐step pathway for the synthesis of γ‐halo‐δ‐lactones is described from simple, commercially available substrates: aryl bromides and 3‐methyl crotonaldehyde. The halogenolactonization reaction of β,δ‐substituted, γ,δ‐unsaturated carboxylic acid 4 a–c is regio‐ and stereoselective and gives only the trans‐isomers of lactones 5 a–c, 6 a–c, and 7 a–c. The structures of all synthesized compounds were confirmed by using spectroscopic methods. For bromolactone, containing a naphthyl moiety in the structure, crystallographic analysis was also performed. The lactones were tested for their cytotoxic activity against L929 cell lines (mouse fibroblasts) and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli strains ATCC 8739 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 65389. Compounds 5 a, 5 c, 7 a, and 7 b statistically significantly inhibited the metabolic activity of mouse fibroblasts L929. Compounds 5 b and 6 a were not cytotoxic towards L929 cells, but showed moderate bactericidal properties.
Highly Efficient Identification of O‐GalNAc Glycosylation by an Acid‐Assisted Glycoform Simplification Approach
Authors: You Xin , Qin Hongqiang , Mao Jiawei , Tian Yu , Dong Mingming , Guo Zhimou , Liang Xinmiao , Wang Liming , Jin Yan , Ye Mingliang
Published: July 2018

Compared with N‐linked glycosylation, the analysis of O‐GalNAc glycosylation is extremely challenging due to the high structure diversity of glycans and lack of glycosidases to release O‐GalNAc glycans. In this work, a glycoform simplification strategy by combining HILIC enrichment with chemical de‐sialylation to characterize O‐GalNAc glycosylation of human serum is presented. This method is first validated by using the bovine fetuin as the test sample. It is found that more than 90% of the sialic acid residues can be removed from bovine fetuin by the acid‐assisted de‐sialylation method, which significantly simplifies the glycan structure and improves identification sensitivity. Indeed, the number of identified peptide backbones increases nearly one fold when this strategy is used. This method is further applied to analyze the human serum sample, where 185 O‐GalNAc modified peptide sequences corresponding to 94 proteins with high confidence (FDR (false detection rate) <1%) are identified. This straight forward strategy can significantly reduce the variations of glycan structures, and is applicable to analysis of other biological samples with high complexity.
Tunable and High Photoluminescence Quantum Yield from Self‐Decorated TiO2 Quantum Dots on Fluorine Doped Mesoporous TiO2 Flowers by Rapid Thermal Annealing
Authors: Paul Kamal Kumar , Jana Subhadip , Giri P. K.
Published: July 2018

Herein a novel approach is reported to achieve tunable and high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY) from the self‐grown spherical TiO2 quantum dots (QDs) on fluorine doped TiO2 (F‐TiO2) flowers, mesoporous in nature, synthesized by a simple solvothermal process. The strong PL emission from F‐TiO2 QDs centered at ≈485 nm is associated with shallow and deep traps, and a record high PL QY of ≈5.76% is measured at room temperature. Size distribution and doping of F‐TiO2 nanocrystals (NCs) are successfully tuned by simply varying the HF concentration during synthesis. During the post‐growth rapid thermal annealing (RTA) under vacuum, the arbitrary shaped F‐TiO2 NCs transform into spherical QDs with smaller sizes and it shows dramatic enhancement (≈163 times) in the PL intensity. Electron spin resonance (ESR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirm the high density of oxygen vacancy defects on the surface of TiO2 NCs. Confocal fluorescence microscopy imaging shows bright whitish emission from the F‐TiO2 QDs. Low temperature and time resolved PL studies reveal that the ultrafast radiative recombination in the TiO2 QDs results in highly efficient PL emission. A highly stable, biologically inert, and highly fluorescent TiO2 QDs/flowers without any capping agent demonstrated here is significant for emerging applications in bioimaging, energy, and environmental cleaning.
On the use of data transformation in response surface methodology
Authors: Hattab Mohammad Wasef
Published: July 2018

One of the main objectives of response surface methodology is to find the operating settings that optimize the mean function. When estimating the optimum settings, it is highly important to take the response variance into account. Data transformations are frequently used to eliminate variance heterogeneity. Important references in response surface methodology such as Box and Draperand Myers et alrecommend transforming the data prior to process optimization, if needed. Process optimization is initialized if the response transformation successfully stabilizes the variance. In this paper, I oppose using such a practice without complete understanding of its implications. It basically implies that variation is a key characteristic of the process understudy and postulates relationship between the mean and the variance. When ignoring this relationship, the optimum settings found on the transformed scale may have very high variance. A solution based on ridge analysis is presented. Practitioners must proceed with caution when applying data transformation to their datasets.
Different estimation methods for exponentiated Rayleigh distribution under constant‐stress accelerated life test
Authors: Nassar Mazen , Dey Sanku
Published: July 2018

The accelerated life testing is an efficient approach and has been used in several fields to obtain failure time data of test units in a much shorter time than testing at normal operating conditions. In this article, we consider 6 frequentist estimation methods, namely, method of maximum likelihood estimation, method of least square estimation, method of weighted least square estimation, method of percentile estimation, method of maximum product of spacing estimation, and method of Cramér‐von‐Mises estimation to estimate the parameters and the reliability function of the exponentiated Rayleigh distribution under normal use conditions using constant accelerated life testing. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to compare the performances of the proposed methods of estimation for both small and large samples. The performances of the estimators have been compared in terms of their mean squared error using simulated samples. Simulation results showed that percentile method gives the best results among other estimation methods in terms of mean squared error. Finally, a real data set is analyzed for illustrative purposes.
Response surface split‐plot designs: A literature review
Authors: Cortes Luis A. , Simpson James R. , Parker Peter A.
Published: July 2018

The fundamental principles of experiment design are factorization, replication, randomization, and local control of error. In many industrial experiments, however, departure from these principles is commonplace. Often in our experiments, complete randomization is not feasible because factor level settings are hard, impractical, or inconvenient to change, or the resources available to execute under homogeneous conditions are limited. These restrictions in randomization result in split‐plot experiments. Also, we are often interested in fitting second‐order models, which lead to second‐order split‐plot experiments. Although response surface methodology has experienced a phenomenal growth since its inception, second‐order split‐plot design has received only modest attention relative to other topics during the same period. Many graduate textbooks either ignore or only provide a relatively basic treatise of this subject. The peer‐reviewed literature on second‐order split‐plot designs, especially with blocking, is scarce, limited in examples, and often provides limited or too general guidelines. This deficit of information leaves practitioners ill‐prepared to face the many challenges associated with these types of designs. This article seeks to provide an overview of recent literature on response surface split‐plot designs to help practitioners in dealing with these types of designs.
DEWMA control charts for censored data using Rayleigh lifetimes
Authors: Raza Syed Muhammad Muslim , Ali Sajid , Butt Muhammad Moeen
Published: July 2018

We present conditional expected value (CEV) and conditional median (CM)‐based double exponentially weighted moving average (DEWMA) charts for monitoring the type I censored data. We use the Rayleigh distribution for illustration of the proposed chart and mainly focus on the mean level shifts. The relation of variance level shifts with mean level shifts for the Rayleigh distribution is also discussed. In particular, we discuss known parameter as well as the unknown parameter case, where the parameter estimation is done by the method of maximum likelihood. Furthermore, a comparison between CEVDEWMA and CMDEWMA is also a part of this study. The performance of the proposed chart is evaluated using the average run length and a real‐life case study is also presented in this article.
Exotic species, rather than low flow, negatively affect native fish in the Oglio River, Northern Italy
Authors: Gavioli Anna , Mancini Marco , Milardi Marco , Aschonitis Vassilis , Racchetti Erica , Viaroli Pierluigi , Castaldelli Giuseppe
Published: July 2018

Rivers worldwide are impacted by human activities such as habitat degradation, habitat fragmentation, waterway flow regulation, and introduction of exotic species, which are responsible for the reduction or the disappearance of native species in many parts of the world. The Oglio River, a tributary of the Po River in Northern Italy, is a good example of a river with a long history of human alteration and where exotic invasions are present. We used data on water parameters and fish communities along the watercourse to investigate whether low flow conditions, degraded water quality, abundant exotic species, and the presence of migration barriers could be a disadvantage for native species. We used ordination methods (redundancy analysis), variance partitioning analysis, and the threshold indicator taxa analysis to explore changes in community composition and ecofunctional traits along an altitude gradient. We found that exotic species affected native ones more than water quality and hydromorphological parameters. Native species were most abundant in the upper reach of the Oglio River, despite low flow and shallow depth. Moreover, rheophilic and clear water native fish decreased rapidly in the lower reach of the river, where exotic species increased. This distribution could be explained by the presence of barriers in the middle reach, which block exotic species migrating upstream from the highly invaded Po River, and by a lower suitability of the upper reach for some exotic species. Our results provide a general description of the fish fauna of a strongly regulated river and can contribute to develop more effective fish and water management practices.
Electrically Controlled Nano and Micro Actuation in Memristive Switching Devices with On‐Chip Gas Encapsulation
Authors: Kos Dean , Astier Hippolyte P. A. G. , Martino Giuliana Di , Mertens Jan , Ohadi Hamid , De Fazio Domenico , Yoon Duhee , Zhao Zhuang , Kuhn Alexander , Ferrari Andrea C. , Ford Christopher J. B. , Baumberg Jeremy J.
Published: July 2018

Nanoactuators are a key component for developing nanomachinery. Here, an electrically driven device yielding actuation stresses exceeding 1 MPa withintegrated optical readout is demonstrated. 10 nm thick Al2O3 electrolyte films are sandwiched between graphene and Au electrodes. These allow reversible room‐temperature solid‐state redox reactions, producing Al metal and O2 gas in a memristive‐type switching device. The resulting high‐pressure oxygen micro‐fuel reservoirs are encapsulated under the graphene, swelling to heights of up to 1 µm, which can be dynamically tracked by plasmonic rulers. Unlike standard memristors where the memristive redox reaction occurs in single or few conductive filaments, the mechanical deformation forces the creation of new filaments over the whole area of the inflated film. The resulting on–off resistance ratios reach 108 in some cycles. The synchronization of nanoactuation and memristive switching in these devices is compatible with large‐scale fabrication and has potential for precise and electrically monitored actuation technology.
Seasonal dynamics of agonistic behavior and hormones in an ex situ all‐male colony of large flying foxes
Authors: Freeman Hani D. , Wood Michelle , Schook Mandi W. , Leighty Katherine A. , Lavin Shana R. , Wiebe Susan , Blowers Tracy E. , Daneault Rachel , Mylniczenko Natalie , Wheaton Catharine J.
Published: July 2018

Large flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus) are a socially complex species. In situ colonies typically comprise thousands of individuals in small harems of one male to many females. In ex situ environments, all‐male colonies are becoming more common due to a surplus of males in the population. There is limited information describing the hormonal and behavioral patterns of all‐male colonies during the breeding season. We assessed seasonal changes in hormones and behavior in an all‐male colony of 12 large flying foxes at Disney's Animal Kingdom®. We validated hormone assays using morning urine and fecal samples to assess seasonal changes in excreted immunoreactive testosterone and glucocorticoid metabolites. We collected behavior data using an all‐occurrence method, recording agonistic behaviors related to territorial defense (hooking, biting, wing flexing, vocalizing, and wrestling), and sexual behavior (mounting and frontal grabbing). Results indicated that (i) we could reliably measure testosterone and glucocorticoid metabolites concentrations from fecal and urine samples collected from individual bats; (ii) there were distinct relationships between changes in levels of agonism and hormone concentrations throughout the year; and (iii) three agonistic behaviors (chasing, wrestling, and open‐mouth threat) peaked prior to the increase in testosterone and glucocorticoid hormones measured during the breeding season. These three behaviors could potentially be used as early indicators to signal the onset of the breeding season and allow time to implement ex situ management changes to reduce the incidence of agonism between individuals.
Exciting LLM geometries
Authors: de Mello Koch Robert , Huang Jia-Hui , Tribelhorn Laila
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We study excitations of LLM geometries. These geometries arise from the backreaction of a condensate of giant gravitons. Excitations of the condensed branes are open strings, which give rise to an emergent Yang-Mills theory at low energy. We study the dynamics of the planar limit of these emergent gauge theories, accumulating evidence that they are planar$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$N=4super Yang-Mills. There are three observations supporting this conclusion: (i) we argue for an isomorphism between the planar Hilbert space of the original$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$N=4super Yang-Mills and the planar Hilbert space of the emergent gauge theory, (ii) we argue that the OPE coefficients of the planar limit of the emergent gauge theory vanish and (iii) we argue that the planar spectrum of anomalous dimensions of the emergent gauge theory is that of planar$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$N=4super Yang-Mills. Despite the fact that the planar limit of the emergent gauge theory is planar$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$N=4super Yang-Mills, we explain why the emergent gauge theory is not$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$N=4super Yang-Mills theory.
Prognostic Value of Trefoil Factor 3 Expression in Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Taniguchi Yoshiki , Kurokawa Yukinori , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Mikami Jota , Miyazaki Yasuhiro , Tanaka Koji , Makino Tomoki , Yamasaki Makoto , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: July 2018

Background

Trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) is a small molecule secreted by the mammalian gastrointestinal tract and is overexpressed in some human malignant tumors. We investigated the prognostic values of immunohistochemical (IHC) TFF3 expression and serum TFF3 levels in patients with gastric cancer, and whether TFF3 influenced tumor proliferation and invasion in vitro.

Methods

We examined 111 patients who underwent R0 gastrectomy for gastric cancer between April 2012 and April 2015. IHC TFF3 expression and serum TFF3 levels were evaluated regarding their associations with clinicopathological factors and recurrence‐free survival (RFS). In vitro cell proliferation and migration assays were used to explore the biological role of TFF3 in human gastric cancer cell lines following transfection with a lentivirus‐based shRNA plasmid.

Results

IHC TFF3 expression showed significant associations with depth of invasion (p = 0.024), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.008), and RFS (log‐rank p = 0.002). Serum TFF3 levels were correlated with IHC TFF3 expression (p = 0.013). RFS was significantly poorer in patients with high (n = 27) compared to low (n = 84) serum TFF3 levels (log‐rank p = 0.003). Cox multivariate analysis indicated that serum TFF3 level was an independent prognostic factor for RFS (p = 0.024). In vitro assays, TFF3 downregulation significantly inhibited both proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells.

Conclusions

Serum TFF3 levels could be useful prognostic markers in patients with gastric cancer. TFF3 may play various biological roles in proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells.
Does Adoption of Agricultural Innovations Impact Farm Production and Household Welfare in Sub-Saharan Africa? A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ogundari Kolawole , Bolarinwa Olufemi Daniel
Published: July 2018

Although adoption of agricultural innovations has been extensively examined in the literature, its impact on indicators of farm production and household welfare measures remains ambiguous in the context of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study contributes to the literature by conducting a meta-regression analysis on 92 studies published between 2001 and 2015 in the SSA region. Overall, empirical results from the meta-analysis suggest that adoption of agricultural innovations has a positive and significant effect on indicators of farm production and household welfare measures. However, the magnitude of the impact is relatively small, which also suggests a weak relationship.
Wall pressure and vorticity in the intermittently turbulent regime of the Stokes boundary layer
Authors: Bettencourt João H. , Dias Frédéric
Published: July 2018

In this paper we study the wall pressure and vorticity fields of the Stokes boundary layer in the intermittently turbulent regime through direct numerical simulation (DNS). The DNS results are compared to experimental measurements and a good agreement is found for the mean and fluctuating velocity fields. We observe maxima of the turbulent kinetic energy and wall shear stress in the early deceleration stage and minima in the late acceleration stage. The wall pressure field is characterized by large fluctuations with respect to the root mean square level, while the skewness and kurtosis of the wall pressure show significant deviations from their Gaussian values. The wall vorticity components show different behaviours during the cycle: for the streamwise component, positive and negative fluctuations have the same probability of occurrence throughout the cycle while the spanwise fluctuations favour negative extrema in the acceleration stage and positive extrema in the deceleration stage. The wall vorticity flux is a function of the wall pressure gradients. Vorticity creation at the wall reaches a maximum at the beginning of the deceleration stage due to the increase of uncorrelated wall pressure signals. The spanwise vorticity component is the most affected by the oscillations of the outer flow. These findings have consequences for the design of wave energy converters. In extreme seas, wave induced fluid velocities can be very high and extreme wall pressure fluctuations may occur. Moreover, the spanwise vortical fields oscillate violently in a wave cycle, inducing strong interactions between vortices and the device that can enhance the device motion.
Antifilarial activity of azadirachtin fuelled through reactive oxygen species induced apoptosis: a thorough molecular study on Setaria cervi
Authors: Mukherjee N. , Joardar N. , Sinha Babu S.P.
Published: July 2018

Efficacious therapeutic strategies against lymphatic filariasis are always sought after. However, natural products are a promising resource for developing effective antifilarial agents. Azadirachtin, a significant tetranortriterpenoid phytocompound found inAzadirachta indica, was evaluatedin vitrofor antifilarial potential against the filarial parasiteSetaria cervi. Dye exclusion and MTT assay confirmed the antifilarial potential of azadirachtin againstS. cerviwith a median lethal dose (LC50) of 6.28 μg/ml for microfilariae (mf), and 9.55 μg/ml for adult parasites. Morphological aberrations were prominent in the histological sections of the azadirachtin-exposed parasites. Moreover, alterations in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) parameters in treated parasites were evident. Induction of apoptosis in treated parasites was confirmed by DNA laddering, acridine orange (AO)/ethidium bromide (EtBr) double staining andin situDNA fragmentation. The downregulation of anti-apoptotic CED-9 and upregulation of proapoptotic EGL-1, CED-4 and CED-3 at both the transcription and translation levels confirmed apoptosis execution at the molecular level. Changes in the gene expressions of nuc-1, cps-6 and crn-1 further clarified the molecular cause of DNA degradation. Furthermore, azadirachtin was found to be non-toxic in bothin vitroandin vivotoxicity analyses. Therefore, the experimental evidence detailed the pharmacological effectiveness of azadirachtin as a possible therapeutic agent against filariasis.
A revision ofLeptogium(Collemataceae, lichenized Ascomycota) from Antarctica with a key to species
Authors: KITAURA Marcos J. , SCUR Mayara C. , SPIELMANN Adriano A. , LORENZ-LEMKE Aline P.
Published: July 2018

With more than 180 known species,Leptogiumhas its greatest richness in tropical regions. Only three species have so far been reported from Antarctica but extensive surveys in the Antarctic Maritime Islands have shown that this is an underestimate.Leptogium antarcticum(non-isidiate, with medulla composed of columnar hyphae),L. marcellii(non-isidiate, with medulla composed of a sponge-like arrangement of hyphae) andL. tectum(isidiate, with medulla composed of columnar hyphae) are described here as new to science. The new species are compared with those already reported for the genus in Antarctica, namelyL. crispatellum,L. menziesiiandL. puberulum, and an identification key is provided. Sequences of ITS and mrSSU regions were obtained from recently collectedL. antarcticum,L. marcellii,L. puberulumandL. tectumspecimens. Morphological and anatomical data were compared along with available genetic data in order to delimit these species more accurately, using an integrative approach.
Habitat associations and distribution model forFuscopannaria leucostictain Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: PEARSON Kara , CAMERON Robert , MCMULLIN R. Troy
Published: July 2018

Fuscopannaria leucostictais a rare and understudied cyanolichen with an interesting and unusual distribution in tertiary relict hotspots worldwide. There is a relatively large population in eastern North America, where it occurs mostly throughout the Appalachian Mountains and reaches its northernmost extent in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada. The ability to detect this species, and thus determine its habitat requirements, is critical for understanding how it might be affected by human-induced environmental degradation. Maximum entropy modelling with MaxEnt was used to predict the distribution of suitable habitat for this species in Nova Scotia using 62 presence locations, 1405 pseudo-absence locations and four environmental covariates: depth to water table (a proxy for relative soil moisture), distance to the coast and mean annual temperature and precipitation. Our predictive maps identify important habitat features and areas of high suitability in Nova Scotia with an area under the curve value of 0·85. The predicted distribution of this lichen was most affected by temperature. This study elucidates locations as well as species-habitat relationships forF. leucosticta,providing land managers with baseline data that can aid in the discovery of additional populations and provide a better understanding of its ecological requirements which will support the development of sound conservation strategies for this rare lichen.
Biology and ecology of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) stranded and sighted at 25°S in the south-western Atlantic Ocean during 1989–2016
Authors: Domit Camila , Domiciano Isabela G. , Broadhurst Matt K. , Bracarense Ana Paula F. R. , Rosa Liana , Cechin Gustavo , Nassar Paula
Published: July 2018

Historical strandings and sightings (1989–2016) of Tursiops truncatus at 25oS in the south-western Atlantic Ocean (Paraná, Brazil) were assessed to (1) investigate temporal fluctuations; and (2) quantify biological, ecological and health parameters of regional populations. In total, 57 T. truncatus carcasses in mostly advanced stages of decomposition (~80% of all specimens) were recorded. Standardized temporal strandings (per observational effort) varied considerably and with no clear annual relationship beyond a peak in 2007, but there were consistently more strandings in winter/spring (74%) than summer/autumn (26%). While there was uncertainty over age estimation (i.e. not available for the population), individuals classified as juveniles/subadults were more frequent (80%) than calves (14%) and adults (6%). Of 28 carcasses assessed, 27 showed a positive linear relationship between TL and condyle-basal length, while one specimen had a clear southern skull morphotype. Suggestive lesions of Crassicauda sp. were recorded in 77% of assessed skulls and four types of tooth pathologies were observed. Nine individuals were more closely investigated for gross and histopathological alterations and had clear evidence of fishery interactions and various health issues associated with disease and oedema accompanied by alveolar fibrosis. While the regional frequency of T. truncatus strandings was lower than other more vulnerable cetaceans, the absolute numbers (e.g. 15 individuals in 2016) and some uncertainty concerning regional taxonomy are noteworthy, and justify ongoing spatio-temporal monitoring. Further, given the evidence of disease in some specimens, future work should not only encompass rigorous taxonomic assessments, but also health to comprehensively evaluate regional stocks. Small cetacean species are sentinels and their condition could inform ongoing environmental assessments.
Testing the resource economic monopolization hypothesis and its consequences for the mating system ofAlpheus estuariensis(Decapoda, Caridea, Alpheidae)
Authors: Barroso Danillo , Fernandes Rodrigues Alves Douglas , Hirose Gustavo L.
Published: July 2018

The aim of the present study is to test the resource economic monopolization hypothesis and the hypothesis of monogamy using the shrimpAlpheus estuariensisas a model. The shrimps were collected in two areas in the Vaza-Barriz estuary, north-east Brazil, from August to November 2016. The average abundance of refuges was obtained through 30 random replicates. The shrimp presented a random distribution in both areas. Males and females found together showed a weak relation between their sizes, with males being larger than females. In addition, the cheliped of males grows proportionally more than that of females. The great abundance of refuges present in the environment, added to the aforementioned results, do not support the idea of refuge-guarding behaviour or monogamy. These results, which are in disagreement with those already found for some shrimps of the same family, genus, and even species, reinforce the idea that Alpheidae can be used as a model in the study of how environmental conditions are capable of shaping the social behaviour of a species.
When trust is lost: the impact of interpersonal trauma on social interactions
Authors: Bell Victoria , Robinson Benjamin , Katona Cornelius , Fett Anne-Kathrin , Shergill Sukhi
Published: July 2018

Background

Trauma due to deliberate harm by others is known to increase the likelihood of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This is the first study investigating basic and dynamic trust in ‘interpersonal’ PTSD.

Methods

Thirty-two participants with PTSD and 22 healthy controls played a novel multi-round version of a monetary investment protocol, the so-called ‘Trust Game’, a task from the behavioural economics literature, which is considered to involve trust and reciprocity. We used two ‘Trust Games’ including cooperative and unfair partners.

Results

Findings showed an effect for lower basic investment in PTSD compared to healthy controls, that trended towards significance (p = 0.09). All participants showed behavioural flexibility and modified their trust based on behavioural cues from their cooperative and unfair game partners. However, participants with PTSD made significantly lower investments towards the cooperative partner than controls. Investments towards the unfair partner did not differ between groups. Higher trauma scores were associated with lower levels of trust-related investments towards the cooperative but not the unfair game partner.

Conclusion

The association between reduced trust towards cooperative others in individuals who experienced interpersonal trauma could indicate acquired insensitivity to social rewards or inflexible negative beliefs about others as a sequel of the traumatic experience, which increases in a dose response relationship with the severity of the trauma. A specific focus on cooperation and trusting behaviour could provide a treatment target for future cognitive and pharmacological interventions.
Stalin's Intention and Lemkin's Silence
Authors: ETKIND ALEXANDER
Published: July 2018

Can we distinguish between those historical events – wars, revolutions or man-made catastrophes – that were intentional and those that were not? Does this distinction matter, and in what way? Somehow the issue of intention has become central in the debates about the Ukrainian Famine. Writing her review in The Guardian, Sheila Fitzpatrick puts the question in the title: ‘Did Stalin Deliberately let Ukraine Starve?’. In this forum J. Arch Getty pronounces that ‘the question of Holodomor is a question of intention’. Since ‘we still do not have a single document directly stating [Stalin's] motivations and intentions’ – we cannot blame him of this catastrophe. The historians of the Soviet Union cannot use the concept of genocide because the Soviet leaders did not articulate their intention to kill the millions of their compatriots.
Questioning the Distinctiveness of the Ukrainian Famine
Authors: CAMERON SARAH
Published: July 2018

The collectivisation famines of the 1930s are one of the darkest and most contested chapters in Soviet history. Carried out in the name of agricultural modernisation, Stalin's policy of forced collectivisation led to immense human suffering. Somewhere between 5 to 9 million people are believed to have perished in these famines, with the burden falling disproportionately on several major food-producing regions, including Ukraine, Kazakhstan, the Volga Basin and the Don and Kuban regions of the North Caucasus. Those who survived these terrifying events found their lives transformed, and collectivisation and the accompanying famines played a crucial role in integrating the Soviet Union's vast rural population into the institutions of a ‘workers’ state’.
Experimental validatıon of peripheral dose distribution of electron beams for eclipse electron Monte Carlo algorithm
Authors: Acar Hilal , Caglar Mustafa , Altinok Ayse Y.
Published: July 2018

Aim

The accuracy of two calculation algorithms of the Varian Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS), the electron Monte Carlo algorithm (eMC) and general Gaussian pencil beam algorithm (GGPB) for calculating peripheral dose distribution of electron beams was investigated.

Methods

Peripheral dose measurements were carried out for 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 22 MeV electron beams using parallel plate ionisation chamber and EBT3 film in the slab phantom. Measurements were performed for 6×6, 10×10 and 25×25 cm2 cone sizes at dmax of each energy up to 20 cm beyond the field edges. The measured and TPS calculated data were compared.

Results

The TPS underestimated the out-of-field doses. The difference between measured and calculated doses increase with the cone size. For ionisation chamber measurement, the largest deviation between calculated and measured doses is <4·29% using the eMC, but can increase up to 8·72% of the distribution using GGPB. For film measurement, the minimum gamma analysis passing rates between measured and calculated dose distributions for all field sizes and energies used in this study were 91·2 and 74·7% for eMC and GGPB, respectively.

Findings

The use of GGPB for planning large field treatments with 6 MeV could lead to inaccuracies of clinical significance.
A study to evaluate the effectiveness of Best Beginnings’ Baby Buddy phone app in England: a protocol paper
Authors: Deave Toity , Kendal Sally , Lingam Raghu , Day Crispin , Goodenough Trudy , Bailey Elizabeth , Ginja Sam , Nightingale Sam , Coad Jane
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Developments in information and communication technologies have enabled electronic health and seen a huge expansion over the last decade. This has increased the possibility of self-management of health issues.

Purpose

To assess the effectiveness of the Baby Buddy app on maternal self-efficacy and mental well-being three months post-birth in a sample of mothers recruited antenatally. In addition, to explore when, why and how mothers use the app and consider any benefits the app may offer them in relation to their parenting, health, relationships or communication with their child, friends, family members or health professionals.

Methods

We will use a mixed-methods approach, a cohort study, a qualitative element and analysis of in-app data. Participants will be first-time pregnant women, aged 16 years and over, between 12 and 16 weeks of gestation and recruited from five English study sites.

Evaluation plan

We will compare maternal self-efficacy and mental health at three months post-delivery in mothers who have downloaded the Baby Buddy app compared with those that have not downloaded the app, controlling for confounding factors. Women will be recruited antenatally between 12 and 16 weeks of gestation. Further follow-ups will take place at 35 weeks of gestation and three months post-birth. Data from the cohort study will be supplemented by in-app data that will include, for example, patterns of usage. Qualitative data will assess the impact of the app on the lives of pregnant women and health professionals using both focus groups and interviews.

Ethics

Approval from the West Midlands-South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee (NRES) (16/WM/0029) and the University of the West of England, Bristol, Research Ethics Committee (HAS.16.08.001).

Dissemination

Findings of the study will be published in peer reviewed and professional journals, presented locally, nationally and at international conferences. Participants will receive a summary of the findings and the results will be published on Best Beginnings’ website.
Relocation of Light and Moderate‐Magnitude (M4–6) Seismicity Along the Central Mid‐Atlantic
Authors: Cleveland K. Michael , Ammon Charles J. , Kintner Jonas
Published: July 2018

We estimate precise relative epicentroid locations of earthquakes along the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge (MAR) between 12°N and 19°N using intermediate‐period Rayleigh and Love wave cross‐correlation measurements. We relocate 152 earthquakes with magnitudes ranging between 4.0 and 6.0 and when possible use P waveform modeling to estimate centroid depths. We compare surface‐wave locations to locations in the U.S. Geological Survey, Global Centroid Moment Tensor, and Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory hydroacoustic catalogs (Smith et al., , https://doi.org/10.1029/2001GL013912) and demonstrate that surface‐wave based relative location techniques provide significant improvement on precision. Our analyses shift locations to more tectonically consistent alignments that correlate strongly with bathymetric features. Relocations along the Fifteen‐Twenty and Marathon Fracture Zones (FZs) move to within a few kilometers of the transform bathymetry. Events along ridge segments scatter over a distance of about 10–20 km perpendicular to the local plate boundary and most ridge‐segment seismicity clusters spatially. North of the Fifteen‐Twenty FZ, ridge events along several segments locate preferentially in the North American Plate, suggesting recent asymmetric seismic strain release and perhaps asymmetric spreading. Along the ridge between 13°N and 14°N, moderate‐magnitude seismic strain release concentrates in an area with two active oceanic core complexes (OCC) along the western rift boundary, but the largest events along this segment appear to occur along the eastern boundary rift valley faults and represent deformation opposite the OCC detachment surface processes. Precise moderate‐magnitude earthquake epicentroid locations for events that occurred over the last few decades complement the results of temporary seismometer deployments that have imaged microseismic activity along the MAR.
Global Distribution of Non‐algal Particles From Ocean Color Data and Implications for Phytoplankton Biomass Detection
Authors: Bellacicco M. , Volpe G. , Briggs N. , Brando V. , Pitarch J. , Landolfi A. , Colella S. , Marullo S. , Santoleri R.
Published: July 2018

In the last few decades, phytoplankton biomass has been commonly studied from space. However, satellite analysis of non‐algal particles (NAPs), including heterotrophic bacteria and viruses, is relatively recent. In this work, we estimate the backscattering coefficient associated with the NAP fraction that does not covary with chlorophyll based on satellite particulate backscattering coefficient and chlorophyll (bbpNAP). bbpNAP is computed at 100‐km resolution using 19 years of monthly satellite data. We find clear differences in bbpNAP between northern and southern oceans. High bbpNAP values are found in the Arctic and Southern Oceans, the North Atlantic area influenced by the Gulf Stream current, as well as shelf regions (i.e., Patagonian shelf) affected by upwelling regimes. Low correlation between chlorophyll and backscattering prevents precise bbpNAP estimations in oligotrophic areas (e.g., subtropical gyres). These bbpNAP estimations lead to a reduction to half in satellite‐based phytoplankton biomass estimates respect to previously published results.