bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Combination of Ion Exchange and Electrochemical Reduction for Nitrate Removal from Drinking Water Part I: Nitrate Removal Using a Selective Anion Exchanger in the Bicarbonate Form with Reuse of the Regenerant Solution
Authors: Jelínek Luděk , Parschová Helena , Matějka Zdeněk , Paidar Martin , Bouzek Karel
Published: December 2018

The process of selective nitrate removal from drinking water by means of ion exchange was studied. A commercial strong base anion exchanger with triethylammonium (−N+Et3) functional groups was used in the bicarbonate (HCO3−) and carbonate (CO32−) form. The aim of this study was to optimize ion‐exchanger regeneration in view of the sub‐ sequent electrochemical reduction of nitrates in the spent regenerant so‐ lution. The effects of ion‐exchanger form, concentration of regenerant solution, and presence of nitrates, chlorides, and sulphates in the regenerant solution were studied. The strong base anion exchanger in HCO3− form that was investigated was able to treat 270 bed volumes of model water solution containing 124 mg dm−3 nitrates. To achieve adequate regeneration of the saturated anion exchanger, it is necessary to use approximately 30 bed volumes of fresh 1‐M sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) regenerant solution. The presence of residual 50‐mg dm−3 nitrates in the regenerant solution, treated by electrolysis, resulted in an increase in the dose of regenerant solution to 35 bed volumes and a decrease in the subsequent sorption run of approximately 13%. The volume of applied regenerant solution was high, but the consumption of NaHCO3 for regeneration was low.
Biofilm Fixed Film Systems
Authors: Josyula Kartik , Liu Hong , Liang Jiaming , Lerner Robert , Sheng Zhiya , Liu Yang
Published: December 2018

The work reviewed here was published during 2009 and describes research that involves biofilms treating pollutants. The review is divided into the following sections: biofilm measurement and characterization, biofilm reactors, microbial fuel cells and biofilm models.
Exosome‐encapsulated microRNA‐4525, microRNA‐451a and microRNA‐21 in portal vein blood is a high‐sensitive liquid biomarker for the selection of high‐risk pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients
Authors: Kawamura Sachiyo , Iinuma Hisae , Wada Keita , Takahashi Kunihiko , Minezaki Shunryo , Kainuma Masahiko , Shibuya Makoto , Miura Fumihiko , Sano Keiji
Published: December 2018

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal malignancy with poor prognosis. This is due to late diagnosis and lack of reliable prognostic biomarkers. In this study, we focused on exosomal microRNA (miRNA) in portal vein blood (PVB) as a potential biomarker to identify patients at high‐risk for recurrence and poor postoperative outcome.

Methods

Exosomal miR‐4525, miR‐451a and miR‐21 expressions were assessed using PVB and peripheral blood (PB) collected from 55 PDAC patients during curative pancreatectomy. Correlation between the miRNA expressions and clinical outcomes, and target genes expressions was investigated.

Results

Exosomal miR‐4525, miR‐451a and miR‐21 levels were upregulated in PVB, which were higher than those in the PB. High expression of miR‐4525, miR‐451a and miR‐21 in PVB was associated with recurrence with a higher sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy than that in PB. Cox regression analysis showed miR‐4525, miR‐451a and miR‐21 levels in PVB were independent prognostic factors for overall survival and disease‐free survival. There was a negative correlation between the expressions of miR‐4525 and MEN1 mRNA, miR‐451a and CAB39 mRNA, and t miR‐21 and PDCD4 mRNA.

Conclusions

miR‐4525, miR‐451a and miR‐21 in PVB are potential biomarkers identifying patients at high‐risk for recurrence and poor survival in resected PDAC patients.
Cover Image, Volume 99, Issue 2
Authors: Mangan David , McCleary Barry V , Culleton Helena , Cornaggia Claudio , Ivory Ruth , McKie Vincent A , Delaney Elaine , Kargelis Tadas
Published: December 2018

The cover image is based on the Research Article A novel enzymatic method for the measurement of lactose in lactose‐free products by David Mangan et al., DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.9317. This cover was supported by Megazyme.

image
Incidence and comparative outcomes of periampullary cancer: A population‐based analysis demonstrating improved outcomes and increased use of adjuvant therapy from 2004 to 2012
Authors: Hester Caitlin A. , Dogeas Epameinondas , Augustine Mathew M. , Mansour John C. , Polanco Patricio M. , Porembka Matthew R. , Wang Sam C. , Zeh Herbert J. , Yopp Adam C.
Published: December 2018

Background and Objectives

Periampullary adenocarcinoma (PAC) is stratified anatomically: ampullary adenocarcinoma (AA), distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC), duodenal adenocarcinoma (DA), and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We aimed to determine differences in incidence, prognosis, and treatment in stage‐matched PAC patients in a longitudinal study.

Methods

PAC patients were identified in The National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2012. Clinicopathological variables were compared between subtypes. Covariate‐adjusted treatment use and OS were compared.

Results

The 116 705 patients with PAC were identified: 1320 (9%) AA, 3732 (3%) DCC, 7142 (6%) DA, and 95 511 (82%) PDAC. DA, DCC, and PDAC were associated with worse survival compared with AA (hazard ratio [HR], 1.10; 95% CI, 1.1‐1.1; HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.4‐1.6, and HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.8‐1.9). Among resected patients, DA was associated with improved survival compared with AA (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.67‐0.75); DCC and PDAC were associated with worse survival (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.31‐1.53 and HR, 2.041; 95% CI, 1.07‐2.12). Resected AA, PDAC, and DA, but not DCC, demonstrated significantly improved survival over the studied period. While all patients had increased adjuvant therapy (AT) receipt over time (P < 0.001), only patients with PDAC had increased neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) receipt (
P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Resected PDAC, AA, and DA were associated with clinically significant improved survival over time, mirroring a concurrent associated increased receipt of AT.
Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound in Extracorporeal Support: In Vitro Studies and Initial Experience and Safety Data in the Extreme Premature Fetal Lamb Maintained by the Extrauterine Environment for Neonatal Development
Authors: Didier Ryne A. , Sridharan Anush , Lawrence Kendall , Coleman Beverly G. , Davey Marcus G. , Flake Alan W.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) administration on hemodynamic parameters and support equipment in in vitro and in vivo models of extracorporeal support.

Methods

In vitro, incrementally increasing bolus doses of a UCA were administered proximal to a membrane oxygenator, and ultrasound cine clips were obtained. The rates of microbubble destruction across the oxygenator and over time were calculated from time‐intensity‐curves. Measurements across the membrane oxygenator were recorded and compared by a repeated‐measures analysis of variance. In vivo, 7 premature fetal lambs were transferred from placental support to the extrauterine environment for neonatal development. Contrast agent boluses were administered for contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) examinations. Hemodynamic parameters and serum laboratory values were evaluated before and after the examinations by paired t tests. For oxygenator staining, oxygenator membranes from the in vitro circuit, study animals (n = 4), and control animals (n = 4) were stained for the adherent UCA.

Results

In vitro, with all doses (0.1–4 mL), there was no difference in measured parameters across the oxygenator (P ≥ .09). Contrast agent destruction (3%–14%) across the oxygenator was observed at the first pass with a progressive decline in contrast intensity over time. In vivo, there was no difference in hemodynamic parameters or serum laboratory values (P ≥ .08) with any CEUS examination (n = 17). For oxygenator staining, all oxygenator membranes were negative for UCA with lipid staining.

Conclusions

The UCA had no detectable effect on the oxygenator or measured parameters in in vitro and in vivo studies, thus providing additional safety data to support the use of CEUS in the setting of extracorporeal support.
A single‐ and multireference study on CH (X2Π) reaction with O2 ()
Authors: Keshavarz Fatemeh , Mousavipour S. Hosein
Published: December 2018

This study focuses on the dynamics of the reaction of CH (X2Π) radicals with O2 () in the presence of N2, as the bath gas molecule. A general description of the reaction mechanism was investigated by employing molecular dynamics simulations with an implanted reactive force field under a realistic system that could account for both reactive and nonreactive collisions. This tool helped to provide an initial guess for the reaction mechanism to unravel some information about the potential reaction paths and secondary products. The initial guess was used to explore the detailed reaction mechanism quantum mechanically over the lowest doublet and quadruplet surfaces at the single‐reference level of CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVTZ and the multireference level of CASPT2/aug‐cc‐pVTZ. The theoretical bimolecular reaction rate constants were computed by solving a master equation over the lowest doublet single‐ and multireference potential energy surfaces. The calculated rate constant for loss of the reactants and formation of the HCO and CO products declared noticeable agreement with the available experimental rate constants. HCO, CO, and CO2 are identified as the main products along with the following single‐reference (multireference)‐based product branching ratios at 450 K: [triangular 1CO2 + 2H and linear 1CO2 + 2H]: 69.1% (79.3%); 1CO + 2OH: 18.2% (15.0%); 2HCO + 3O: 12.7% (5.7%). Both single‐ and multireference calculations demonstrated reliable chemical kinetics results, in the context of the available experimental rate constants and resulted in fair agreement with the experimentally reported branching ratios.
Exogenous (Pomegranate Juice) or Endogenous (Paraoxonase1) Antioxidants Decrease Triacylglycerol Accumulation in Mouse Cardiovascular Disease‐Related Tissues
Authors: Rom Oren , Volkova Nina , Jeries Helana , Grajeda‐Iglesias Claudia , Aviram Michael
Published: December 2018

The polyphenol‐rich pomegranate juice (PJ) and the high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐associated paraoxonase1 (PON1) are known as potent atheroprotective antioxidants, but their effects on other tissues related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) remain unknown. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of treating mice with PJ or recombinant PON1 (rePON1) on the oxidation and lipid status of CVD‐related tissues: serum, aorta, heart, liver, kidney, visceral, and subcutaneous adipose tissues (VAT and SAT). Both PJ consumption and rePON1 injection decreased the serum levels of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (16% and 19%) and triacylglycerols (TAG, 24% and 27%), while only rePON1 increased the levels of thiol groups (35%) and decreased serum cholesterol (15%). Both PJ and rePON1 significantly decreased aortic cholesterol (38% and 32%) and TAG (62% and 58%) contents in association with downregulation of the key TAG biosynthetic enzyme diacylglycerol O‐acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1, 71% and 65%), while only PJ decreased aortic lipid peroxides (47%). Substantial TAG‐lowering effects of both PJ and rePON1 were observed also in the heart (31% and 42%), liver (34% and 42%), and kidney (42% and 57%). In both VAT and SAT, rePON1 decreased the levels of lipid peroxides (28% and 25%), while PJ decreased the TAG content (22% and 18%). Ex vivo incubation of SAT with serum derived from mice that consumed PJ or injected with rePON1 decreased SAT lipid peroxides (35% or 28%) and TAG mass (12% or 10%). These novel findings highlight potent TAG‐lowering properties of exogenous (PJ) and endogenous (PON1) antioxidants in tissues associated with CVD.
Functional characterization of a novel arachidonic acid 12S‐lipoxygenase in the halotolerant bacterium Myxococcus fulvus exhibiting complex social living patterns
Authors: Goloshchapova Kateryna , Stehling Sabine , Heydeck Dagmar , Blum Maximilian , Kuhn Hartmut
Published: December 2018

Lipoxygenases are lipid peroxidizing enzymes, which frequently occur in higher plants and mammals. These enzymes are also expressed in lower multicellular organisms but here they are not widely distributed. In bacteria, lipoxygenases rarely occur and evaluation of the currently available bacterial genomes suggested that <0.5% of all sequenced bacterial species carry putative lipoxygenase genes. We recently rescreened the public bacterial genome databases for lipoxygenase‐like sequences and identified two novel lipoxygenase isoforms (MF‐LOX1 and MF‐LOX2) in the halotolerant Myxococcus fulvus. Both enzymes share a low degree of amino acid conservation with well‐characterized eukaryotic lipoxygenase isoforms but they involve the catalytically essential iron cluster. Here, we cloned the MF‐LOX1 cDNA, expressed the corresponding enzyme as N‐terminal hexa‐his‐tag fusion protein, purified the recombinant enzyme to electrophoretic homogeneity, and characterized it with respect to its protein‐chemical and enzymatic properties. We found that M. fulvus expresses a catalytically active intracellular lipoxygenase that converts arachidonic acid and other polyunsaturated fatty acids enantioselectively to the corresponding n‐9 hydroperoxy derivatives. The enzyme prefers C20‐ and C22‐polyenoic fatty acids but does not exhibit significant membrane oxygenase activity. The possible biological relevance of MF‐LOX1 will be discussed in the context of the suggested concepts of other bacterial lipoxygenases.
Living with type 1 diabetes as experienced by young adults
Authors: Carlsund Åsa , Söderberg Siv
Published: December 2018

Aim

Describe young adults` (19–30 years) experiences of living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).

Background

Young adulthood is characterized by adaption to adult roles, gradual separation from parental support and leaving the parental home. Living with T1D in young adulthood raises challenges and concerns.

Design

This study has a qualitative design.

Methods

Semistructured interviews with 12 young adults living with T1D for 3–14 years, analysed with qualitative content analysis.

Results

The analysis revealed contradictory ways of handling the illness, as is illuminated in two main categories (a) and five subcategories (b). Handling the situation and dealing with different opinions (a), (b) managing daily life, emotional roller coaster and general attitudes, own views and apprehensions, ignorance and lack of motivation. Most participants were motivated, had knowledge and were in control of their long‐term illness. Planning and structure were an essential part of their daily life. The participants were anxious about losing control of their bodies, the situation, die or be a burden to other people.
There is no mystery to sleep
Authors: Foster Russell G.
Published: December 2018

The reasons why we sleep have been debated endlessly and the arguments have tended to focus upon one key biological function that applies to the human species. Such explanations cannot account for the ubiquity of sleep across all animal life. This Opinion Paper explores the logic which enables all animal sleep to be defined as follows: Sleep is a period of physical inactivity during which time an individual of a particular species avoids movement within an environment to which it is poorly adapted, whilst using this time to undertake a range of essential biological activities that allow optimum performance during the period of activity.
Novel Synthesis and Characterization of Doxycycline‐Loaded Gold Nanoparticles: The Golden Doxycycline for Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Haddada Maroua Ben , Jeannot Katy , Spadavecchia Jolanda
Published: December 2018

Doxycycline (DOXY) is a tetracycline antibiotic with a potent antibacterial activity against a wide variety of bacteria. One potential strategy to enhance the penetration and the antibacterial activity of antibiotics is the use of nanotechnology. In this work, an innovative synthesis of stable PEGylated‐gold nanoparticles (PEG‐AuNPs) loaded with DOXY is reported. As far as it is known, this is the first report on the combination of DOXY with AuNPs as polymeric complex. The obtained nanoparticles are fully characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta‐potential, and UV–vis and Raman spectroscopy. The stability and sustained activity of the drug in nanoparticles is determined on a panel of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria in comparison with the native form of the drug. This combined therapeutic agent restores the susceptibility of DOXY and shows an antibacterial activity against major human pathogens.
Early detection of non‐tuberculous mycobacteria in children with cystic fibrosis using induced sputum at annual review
Authors: Ahmed Molla I. , Kulkarni Hemant , Shajpal Sarita , Patel Deepa , Patel Prakash , Claydon Alison , Modha Deborah E. , Gaillard Erol A.
Published: December 2018

Aim

Non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have emerged as an important pathogen in cystic fibrosis (CF). Early detection and treatment of NTM can preserve lung function and maintain good lung health. Many children with CF are not regular sputum producers and cough swabs cannot routinely be used to diagnose NTM. We aimed to test the hypothesis that performing sputum induction at routine annual review results in earlier identification of NTM in non‐sputum producing children with CF.

Method

We conducted a 5‐year prospective observational cohort study involving children with CF aged 5‐17 years who had sputum induction with hypertonic saline for microbiological surveillance including NTM at their annual review.

Results

Forty‐two children (19 males, mean age 11.4 years ± 3.6, mean FEV1% predicted 94.7 ± 20.6) participated in the study. Forty‐one induced sputum samples from 29 children yielded bacterial pathogens. Six samples from six children (14% of the cohort) yielded NTM never previously isolated from the patient. We also detected three isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and one isolate each of Burkholderia cepacia complex and Meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), all of which were first time isolates.

Conclusion

We conclude that annual induced sputum for microbiological surveillance is useful for early detection of NTM and other important respiratory pathogens, particularly in non‐expectorating children. This may lead to earlier identification and help inform initiation of eradication treatment in children with NTM. Children can also be cohorted earlier, before they potentially infect other children in the clinic.
A Truncation of 11‐Dimensional Supergravity for Fubini‐Like Instantons in AdS4/CFT3
Authors: Naghdi M.
Published: December 2018

From a consistent Kaluza‐Klein truncation of 11‐dimensional supergravity over , with a general 4‐form ansatz, we arrive at a set of equations and solutions for the included fields. In particular, we have a bulk equation for a self‐interacting (pseudo)scalar with arbitrary mass. By computing the energy‐momentum tensors of the associated Einstein equations, to include the backreaction, and setting them to zero, we solve the resulting equations with the bulk one and get solutions corresponding to marginal and marginally relevant deformations of the boundary CFT3, which break the conformal symmetry. These bulk (pseudo)scalars are ‐singlet and the corresponding solutions break all supersymmetries and parity because of the associated (anti)M‐branes wrapping around specific and mixed internal and external directions. As a result and according to AdS4/CFT3 duality rules, we would realize the boundary counterpart in three‐dimensional Chern‐Simon field theories with matters in fundamental representations. In particular, we build a ‐invariant Fubini‐like instanton solution by setting a specific boundary Lagrangian. The resulting solution is used to describe the dynamics of thin‐wall bubbles that cause instability and big crunch singularities in the bulk because of the unboundedness of the boundary double‐hump potential from below. Relations to mass‐deformed ABJM model, vector models and scale invariance breaking are also discussed. Meanwhile, we evaluate corrections for the background actions because of the bulk and boundary instantons.
Quantum Breaking Bound on de Sitter and Swampland
Authors: Dvali Gia , Gomez Cesar , Zell Sebastian
Published: December 2018

Quantum consistency suggests that any de Sitter patch that lasts a number of Hubble times that exceeds its Gibbons‐Hawking entropy divided by the number of light particle species suffers an effect of quantum breaking. Inclusion of other interactions makes the quantum break‐time shorter. The requirement that this must not happen puts severe constraints on scalar potentials, essentially suppressing the self‐reproduction regimes. In particular, it eliminates both local and global minima with positive energy densities and imposes a general upper bound on the number of e‐foldings in any given Hubble patch. Consequently, maxima and other tachyonic directions must be curved stronger than the corresponding Hubble parameter. We show that the key relations of the recently‐proposed de Sitter swampland conjecture follow from the de Sitter quantum breaking bound. We give a general derivation and also illustrate this on a concrete example of D‐brane inflation. We can say that string theory as a consistent theory of quantum gravity nullifies a positive vacuum energy in self‐defense against quantum breaking.
Comparison study on simulation effect of improved simulation methods for packaging random vibration test
Authors: Zhou Hao , Wang Zhi‐Wei
Published: December 2018

In general, existing testing methods for packaging design employ Gaussian distributions to represent vibration induced by road profiles. However, the actual road vehicle vibration is non‐Gaussian. The key limitation is that the simulated Gaussian vibration cannot reconstruct the shock events buried in the vibration, which will result in inaccurate reliability evaluation of cushion packaging. A new simulation technique called shock extraction has been proposed and validated in our earlier study. This article is a further study of our previous research. The shock extraction method has been compared with other three representative simulation methods including the single‐level PSD, three‐way split spectral, and wavelet decomposition in terms of simulation effect. Signal simulated by the shock extraction method possesses the same vibration intensity, duration, approximate statistical characteristics, and PSD plots with the original signal. The results show that the simulation effect of the shock extraction method is the best, and the worst is the single‐level PSD. The wavelet decomposition and three‐way split spectral are somewhere in the middle.
Comparative study of magnetic and electronic properties of room‐temperature polar magnets ScFeO3 and InFeO3
Authors: Lima Adilmo F. , Lalic Milan V.
Published: December 2018

We performed calculations based on collinear and non‐collinear spin density functional theory to investigate magnetic and electronic properties of new room‐temperature polar magnetic compounds AFeO3 (A = Sc, In). Exchange and correlation effects were simulated by standard local spin density approximation and the generalized gradient approximation. We determined that the canted G‐type antiferromagnetic (G‐AFM) structure of the Fe spin moments is the most stable magnetic structure for both compounds, in accordance with experimental facts. The calculated Fe spin magnetic moments and resulting weak ferromagnetic components perpendicular to the c‐axis also agree well with the experiment. The magnitude of the Fe spin moment does not depend on the fact if the G‐AFM structure is collinear or canted. The energy difference between these two structures is found to be much larger for InFeO3, so as the exchange interaction constant Jnn between nearest‐neighbor magnetic Fe ions. The ScFeO3 and InFeO3 electronic structures, which reproduce well their magnetic properties are presented and discussed. By comparing them with the band structures of some typical multiferroics, we conclude that different electronic mechanisms should be responsible for their ferroelectric distortion. In ScFeO3, the cause of this distortion should be attributed to the hybridization between almost empty Sc 3d and occupied O 2p states along the hexagonal c‐axis. For InFeO3, however, the stereochemical activity of the In 5s localized electrons should be the principal driving force for ferroelectric distortion.
Mechanistic insights into the efficient intramolecular chemiexcitation of dioxetanones from TD‐DFT and multireference calculations
Authors: Pinto da Silva Luís , Magalhães Carla M.
Published: December 2018

Despite decades of research, it is still not clear what is the mechanism behind the efficient chemiexcitation of dioxetanones in chemiluminescent and bioluminescent reactions. In fact, long‐standing theories (charge transfer‐initiated luminescence and chemically induced electron‐exchange luminescence) have been demonstrated to not be able to explain this phenomenon. Herein, a theoretical approach using reliable and up‐to‐date methodology was used to address this problem, by focusing on model dioxetanones. Time‐dependent (TD)‐Density functional theory (DFT) and multireference complete‐active‐space second‐order perturbation theory (CASPT2) calculations provided evidence that points to efficient intramolecular chemiexcitation being the result of the reacting molecules having access to a long zone of the Potential energy surface (PES), within the biradicalar region, where S0 and S1 are degenerate. Molecules with inefficient chemiexcitation are unable to reach this zone of degeneracy. Our main finding is that access to the region of degeneracy appears to be given due to increased interaction between the keto and CO2 moieties, as supported by the use of the activation strain model and Born‐Oppenheimer molecular dynamics, which extends the biradical region by delaying the rupture of the peroxide ring. Increased interaction derives from attractive electrostatic interactions between the moieties of dioxetanone. Thus, we hypothesize that efficient chemiexcitation results not only from electron/charge transfer and subsequent charge annihilation but is instead based on the degree of interaction between the keto and CO2 moieties, which controls the access to a region of degeneracy between the ground and excited states.
Was university's conduct code unconstitutionally vague?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: December 2018

A female University of Michigan student filed a complaint in January 2016 with the university's Office of Institutional Equity that fellow student John Doe manipulated her into performing oral sex on him after she became drunk at a party.
High Efficiency Dephosphorization by Mixed Injection during Steelmaking Process
Authors: Lv Ming , Zhu Rong , Yang Ling‐zhi
Published: December 2018

A new dephosphorization technology with introduction of partial CO2 into O2 is proposed in this paper. Thermodynamic characteristics and dephosphorization mechanism by introduction of CO2 are analyzed and the results show that using CO2 as partial dephosphorization oxidant can change the selective oxidation condition of steelmaking system, control the temperature of bath, strengthen the stirring ability, and finally obtain a high efficiency of dephosphorization. Meanwhile, the relationship between selective oxidation temperature T of C and P, partial pressure of CO gas, slag activity, and compositions of melt is obtained as follows. Furthermore, dephosphorization trails are carried out in a 30t steelmaking converter and a 300t special dephosphorization converter, respectively. It is concluded that the new technology of injecting CO2–O2 mixture is beneficial to reduce phosphorus content in liquid steel, increase the partition ratio of phosphorus, and reduce iron loss of slag.
Toxic releases from an industry in decline: Environmental trends in Maine's pulp and paper sector
Authors: Auer Matthew R.
Published: December 2018

Historically, the pulp and paper industry has been a cornerstone of Maine's economy, but it is also a major generator of pollution to the state's air and waterways. The industry has been in decline for several decades, with the most recent period of economic turmoil taking place in the aftermath of the Great Recession. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, pulp and paper manufacturing is among the top sources of the release of toxic chemicals. Hence, one might expect that as the sector declines, the by‐production of toxic pollution from pulp and paper mills would also decline. However, a comparison of the mills’ releases of seven major toxic chemicals in the year immediately before—2010—and the year immediately after—2016—the latest round of mill closures, shows that the absolute quantities of industrial releases of some toxic chemicals remained steady or increased over the amounts released in the precrisis period. More encouragingly, in the latter period, a greater portion of releases of toxic chemicals were managed in ways other than direct discharge to air and water.
A supersymmetric exotic field theory in (1+1) dimensions: one loop soliton quantum mass corrections
Authors: Aguirre A. R. , Flores-Hidalgo G.
Published: December 2018

Abstract

We consider one loop quantum corrections to soliton mass for the

$$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$

N
=
1

supersymmetric extension of the (1+1)-dimensional scalar field theory with the potential U (ϕ) = ϕ
2 cos2 (ln ϕ
2). First, we compute the one loop quantum soliton mass correction of the bosonic sector. To do that, we regularize implicitly such quantity by subtracting and adding its corresponding tadpole graph contribution, and use the renormalization prescription that the added term vanishes with the corresponding counterterms. As a result we get a finite unambiguous formula for the soliton quantum mass corrections up to one loop order. Afterwards, the computation for the supersymmetric case is extended straightforwardly and we obtain for the one loop quantum correction of the SUSY kink mass the expected value previously derived for the SUSY sine-Gordon and ϕ
4 models. However, we also have found that for a particular value of the parameters, contrary to what was expected, the introduction of supersymmetry in this model worsens ultraviolet divergences rather than improving them.
Finite cutoff AdS5 holography and the generalized gradient flow
Authors: Shyam Vasudev
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Recently proposed double trace deformations of large N holographic CFTs in four dimensions define a one parameter family of quantum field theories, which are interpreted in the bulk dual as living on successive finite radius hypersurfaces. The transformation of variables that turns the equation defining the deformation of a four dimensional large N CFT by such operators into the expression for the radial ADM Hamiltonian in the bulk is found.

This prescription clarifies the role of various functions of background fields that appear in the flow equation defining the deformed holographic CFT, and also their relationship to the holographic anomaly.

The effect of these deformations can also be seen as triggering a generalized gradient flow for the fields of the induced gravity theory obtained from integrating out the fundamental fields of the holographic CFT. The potential for this gradient flow is found to resemble the two derivative effective action previously derived using holographic renormalization.
Relative Value of Adapted Novel Bibliometrics in Evaluating Surgical Academic Impact and Reach
Authors: Robinson David B. T. , Hopkins Luke , Brown Chris , Abdelrahman Tarig , Powell Arfon G. , Egan Richard J. , Lewis Wyn G.
Published: December 2018

Background

The Hirsch index, often used to assess research impact, suffers from questionable validity within the context of General Surgery, and consequently adapted bibliometrics and altmetrics have emerged, including the r‐index, m‐index, g‐index and i10‐index. This study aimed to assess the relative value of these novel bibliometrics in a single UK Deanery General Surgical Consultant cohort.

Method

Five indices (h, r, m, g and i10) and altmetric scores (AS) were calculated for 151 general surgical consultants in a UK Deanery. Indices and AS were calculated from publication data via the Scopus search engine with assessment of construct validity and reliability.

Results

The median number of publications, h‐index, r‐index, m‐index, g‐index and i10‐index were 13 (range 0–389), 5 (range 0–63), 5.2 (range 0–64.8), 0.33 (range 0–1.5), 10 (range 0–125) and 4 (range 0–245), respectively. Correlation coefficients of r‐index, m‐index, g‐index and i10‐index with h‐index were 0.913 (p < 0.001), 0.716 (p < 0.001), 0.961 (p < 0.001) and 0.939 (p < 0.001), respectively. Significant variance was observed when the cohort was ranked by individual bibliometric measures; the median ranking shifts were: r‐index − 2 (− 46 to + 23); m‐index − 6.5 (− 53 to + 22); g‐index − 0.5 (− 24 to + 13); and i10‐index 0 (− 8 to + 11), respectively (p < 0.001). The median altmetric score and AS index were 0 (range 0–225.5) and 1 (range 0–10), respectively; AS index correlated strongly with h‐index (correlation coefficient 0.390, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Adapted bibliometric indices appear to be equally valid measures of evaluating academic productivity, impact and reach.
Effects of geometry on the seismic wavefield of Alpine glaciers
Authors: Preiswerk Lukas E. , Michel Clotaire , Walter Fabian , Fäh Donat
Published: December 2018

Passive seismology allows measurement of the structure of glaciers and ice sheets. However, most techniques used so far in this context are based on horizontally homogeneous media where parameters vary only with depth (1-D approximations), which are appropriate only for a subset of glaciers. Here, we analyze seismic noise records from three different types of glaciers (plateau, valley and avalanching glacier) to characterize the influence of the glacier geometry on the seismic wavefield. Using horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios, polarization analysis and modal analysis, we show that the plateau glacier and the valley glacier can be seen as 1-D, whereas the relatively small avalanching glacier shows 3-D effects due to its bed topography and the deep crevasses. In principle, the techniques proposed here might allow monitoring such crevasses and their depth, and thus to constrain a key parameter of avalanching and calving glacier fronts.
Walk tall: The story of Rex Bionics
Authors: Woods Christine , Callagher Lisa , Jaffray Tim
Published: December 2018

Executive Summary

Walk tall: The story of REX Bionics is about the key decisions faced by the founders Richard Little and Robert (Robbie) Irving to commercialise a ‘walking skeleton’ for people who are wheelchair-bound for extended periods. The changing role of the founders in a technology-based business and the interplay between the founders’ vision and the reality of growing technology-based businesses is the focus. The history of REX Bionics lies in the founders’ first-hand experiences with people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Over 15 years the company evolved from a ‘workshop idea’ in a garage to public listing on the London AIM Stock Exchange. Facing multiple institutional hurdles, rapidly moving technology and high start-up costs, REX Bionics successfully commercialised the walking robotic exoskeleton inspirited by the ‘Power Load’ in the movie Aliens. Little and Irving faced some tough choices about which commercialisation pathways to pursue in the light of diverse perspectives from the board of directors, an advisory board, various investors to their personal mission.
A stress perspective on antecedents of abusive supervision: Blaming the organisation when exhausted supervisors abuse
Authors: Ng Boon Ching Serene , Zhang Xiujuan , Chen Zhen Xiong George
Published: December 2018

Drawing on the stress literature (transactional theory of stress, job demands-resources model and conservation of resources theory), this study aims to provide new insights into the antecedents of abusive supervision. We collected data from 95 supervisors with matched responses from 358 subordinates working across various industries in China using a time-lagged survey. We tested our moderated mediation model using path analyses. Results revealed that perceived workplace competitiveness triggered supervisors’ felt stress and psychological strain, resulting in abusive supervision. Two workplace constraints (climate of error aversion and organisational sanctions against aggression) were examined as moderators: a high climate of error aversion intensified the positive relationship between supervisors’ perceived competition and supervisors’ felt stress; while high organisational sanctions against aggression mitigated the positive relationship between supervisors’ psychological strain and abusive supervision. Together, these findings highlight the importance of workplace constraints and explicate how they influence resource-drained supervisors to displace their aggression onto subordinates.
States and Capitals of Health: Multilevel Health Governance in Brazil
Authors: Alves Jorge Antonio , Gibson Christopher L.
Published: December 2018

Scholars of Brazil’s public health system commonly note the intertwined roles that federal, state, and municipal governments play in delivering care, yet few studies systematically examine varying service performance in areas with overlapping mandates, such as state capitals. This study addresses that gap by developing and analyzing a novel measure of municipal primary care provision that accounts for the proportion of the population without access to private services in 11 large capital cities, then comparing them to the noncapital municipalities in their states. The study finds that capitals generally underperform the noncapital municipalities in primary service delivery. It then draws on a comparative case study in two major capitals, Salvador and Belo Horizonte, and their encompassing states to explore how a history of cooperative or adversarial relations between state and local governments conditions the impact of partisanship, participatory institutions, and public health activists on primary care delivery.
A comprehensive study of oxidative stress in patients with somatic symptom disorder
Authors: Kabadayi Sahin Esra , Caykoylu Ali , Senat Almila , Erel Ozcan
Published: December 2018

Objective

To investigate oxidative stress parameters [total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), paraoxonase (PON), arylesterase (ARE) and thiol-disulphide homeostasis] in patients who were diagnosed as having somatic symptom disorder in accordance with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5.

Methods

The study included 41 medication-free patients with somatic symptom disorder and 47 age, sex, and sociodemographic-matched healthy individuals. The patients were administered the Patient Health Questionnaire-15, Somatic Symptom Amplification Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory. TOS, TAS, OSI, PON, ARE thiol, disulphide levels, and routine biochemical parameters were compared between the two groups.

Results

TOS, OSI, disulphide levels, disulphide/native thiol, and disulphide/total thiol ratios were found significantly higher in the patient group compared with the control group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in PON, ARE, and TAS parameters between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study showed that the level of oxidants increased and oxidative balance was impaired in somatic symptom disorder. Oxidative stress may play a role in the aetiopathogenesis of this disorder. This is the first study to report an association between oxidative stress and somatic symptom disorder.
“Spirit to Spirit”: The Imagery of the Kiss in theZoharand its Possible Sources
Authors: Werthmann Tanja
Published: December 2018

The study explores the character and meaning of the imagery of the kiss in theZoharas an expression of dynamic union. In order to demonstrate the formation of a specific structure of ideas and their dynamics within Kabbalistic theosophy, theZoharicimagery found in the pericopeTerumahhas been situated here within the context of numerous sources, from which theZohar, through direct or indirect transmission, could have drawn its key elements. The metaphor of the kiss, which allows the Zoharic homily to embrace several central Kabbalistic concepts of love, presents love as a universal power, being comprised of two Neoplatonic notions, the hypostatic relation and the principle of “being contained in each other.” The analysis of the various sources across ancient Greek, medieval Islamic, and Christian traditions amounts to a different characterization of the meaning adduced thus far in scholarship regarding eros in Jewish mysticism and suggests a more plausible trajectory of influence of Greek sources in the early Kabbalah.
A Shadow Rate or a Quadratic Policy Rule? The Best Way to Enforce the Zero Lower Bound in the United States
Authors: Andreasen Martin M. , Meldrum Andrew
Published: December 2018

We study whether it is better to enforce the zero lower bound (ZLB) in models of U.S. Treasury yields using a shadow rate model or a quadratic term structure model. We show that the models achieve a similar in-sample fit and perform comparably in matching conditional expectations of future yields. However, when the recent ZLB period is included in the sample, the models’ ability to match conditional expectations away from the ZLB deteriorates because the time-series dynamics of the pricing factors change. In addition, neither model provides a reasonable description of conditional volatilities when yields are away from the ZLB.
Models of service delivery for ear and hearing care in remote or resource-constrained environments
Authors: Bhutta M F
Published: December 2018

Background

There is poor availability of ear and hearing services globally, because of a lack of infrastructure, funding, equipment and appropriately trained personnel. When deciding upon delivery of ear and hearing services, an approach based upon community assessment is advocated, with subsequent asset mapping and acquisition.

Objectives

Some of the challenges to delivery of care in resource-constrained or remote environments are acknowledged, with discussion of several existing models of service delivery, and their advantages and disadvantages. Public health and telehealth are also mentioned. This article may assist those trying to set up new programmes in ear and hearing health.
Scattering of radio frequency waves by cylindrical filaments with general orientation relative to the magnetic field
Authors: Valvis S. I. , Ram A. K. , Hizanidis K. , Papagiannis P. , Papadopoulos A. , Zisis A. , Tigelis I. G. , Glytsis E.
Published: December 2018

Radio frequency (RF) waves are routinely used in tokamak fusion plasmas for plasma heating, current control, as well as in diagnostics. These waves are excited by antenna structures placed near the tokamak’s wall and they have to propagate through a turbulent layer known as the scrape-off layer, before reaching the core plasma (which is their target). This layer exhibits coherent density fluctuations in the form of filaments and blobs. The scattering processes of RF plane waves by a single filament is studied with the assumption that the filament has a cylindrical shape and infinite length. Furthermore, besides the major toroidal component of the externally imposed magnetic field, there is also a small poloidal magnetic field component. Considering also that the cylindrical filament’s axis is not necessarily aligned with the toroidal direction, the total magnetic field is in general neither aligned with the axis of the cylinder nor with the toroidal direction. The investigation concerns the case of electron cyclotron (EC) waves (of frequency $f_{0}=170~\text{GHz}$) for tokamak applications. The study covers a variety of density contrasts between the filament and the ambient plasma, different magnetic field inclinations with respect to the cylinder axis (for the same magnitude of magnetic induction $B=4.5T$) and a wide range of filament radii.
Current distribution and status of the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra in South Korea
Authors: Jo Yeong-Seok , Lee Oh-Sun , Park Tae-Jin , Kim Han-Na , Baccus John T.
Published: December 2018

The status of Asian populations of the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra is largely unknown. Since its designation as a Natural Monument (in 1983) and as Endangered (in 1997) in South Korea the authorities there have been trying to conserve and recover the species. We conducted a national otter survey by standard methods in 2017 and compared the current otter distribution to those recorded in a previous survey (2010). We found otter signs in 84.5% of 1,105 10 × 10 km grid cells, with the highest sprainting intensity in the south-west in the Yeongsan River Basin and on the south coast, where we recorded 7.05 and 6.26 spraints/site, respectively. Despite relatively low spraint densities, the otter has expanded its range since 2010 by colonizing urban areas. This trend suggests that South Korea could be a source area for the recovery of the Eurasian otter in East Asia.
The role of literariness in second language incidental vocabulary acquisition
Authors: BORDAG DENISA , ROGAHN MARIA
Published: December 2018

In two reading experiments involving a self-paced reading task, we explored how literariness affects initial stages of incidental vocabulary acquisition during reading in second language German. In Experiment 1, literariness was operationalized along the formalist, language-driven approach, focusing on the role of literary devices and their assumed ability to draw readers’ attention to the verbal message itself. In Experiment 2, we included conventions related to reading fiction (book title, author name, and year of publishing) to modulate the reader’s mode of text processing, which defines literariness according to reader-driven approaches (e.g., reception theory). Contrary to the expectations based on the noticing hypothesis (Schmidt, 2012), we did not observe any advantage for incidental vocabulary acquisition in literary texts compared to nonliterary ones. However, in accordance with claims taking into account the limits of cognitive resources, we found evidence that acquisition of unknown words is impeded, if these directly participate in a literary device.
Eye gaze and L2 speakers’ responses to recasts: A systematic replication study of McDonough, Crowther, Kielstra and Trofimovich (2015)
Authors: McDonough Kim , Trofimovich Pavel , Dao Phung , Abashidze Dato
Published: December 2018

To confirm the role of social factors in mediating cognitive processes, this systematic replication study seeks to extend the generalizability of an exploratory study (McDonough, Crowther, Kielstra & Trofimovich 2015) that reported a positive association between eye gaze and second language (L2) speakers’ responses to recasts. For this replication, L2 English speakers (N = 74) carried out communicative tasks with research assistants who provided recasts in response to non-targetlike forms while both interlocutors’ eye gaze behavior was tracked. Transcripts were analyzed for the occurrence of recasts in response to different error types, recast length, and L2 speaker responses. Eye gaze length for the research assistants (RAs) when producing the recast move and the L2 speaker when responding to the recast were obtained in seconds, and mutual gaze (i.e., simultaneous looking) was included as a binary eye gaze variable. A logistic regression model confirmed the findings of McDonough et al. (2015), with both L2 speaker and mutual eye gaze predictive of targetlike responses; however, the effect of L2 speaker's eye gaze duration was in the opposite direction as compared to the initial study. The implications are discussed in terms of understanding the role of eye gaze in face to face interaction.