bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Catalytic Activity on Post‐Synthesized Hollow Titanium Silicalite‐1 with High Titanium Content on the External Surface
Authors: Zuo Yi , Liu Min , Ma Mengtong , Wang Yanli , Guo Xinwen , Song Chunshan
Published: November 2016

A titanium silicalite‐1 (TS‐1) extrudate with high content of titanium on the external surface was post‐synthesized by using the mixed solution of tetrapropylammonium hydroxide and the hydrolysate of tetrabutyl titanate. The influence of Ti concentration in the post‐synthesis solution on the physicochemical properties and catalytic performance of TS‐1 was also studied. The amorphous silica support covering on the external surface of TS‐1 was crystallized, and some hollows appeared in the samples that were post‐synthesized. Most titanium introduced by this method are located at the external surface of the new generated TS‐1 particles. The molar ratio of Si/Ti on the external surface decreases with the increase of the Ti concentration in the post‐synthesis solution. The catalytic activity for phenol hydroxylation over the TS‐1 samples is enhanced after the post‐synthesis due to the new generated framework Ti on the external surface, providing the reactants more easily adsorbable active centers. A proper Ti concentration (10 vol%) in the post‐synthesis solution leads to the highest catalytic activity by obtaining a proper ratio of tetrahedral and octahedral Ti to anatase TiO2.
Enhanced Oxidative Hydrogen Peroxide Production on Conducting Glass Anodes Modified with Metal Oxides
Authors: Fuku Kojiro , Miyase Yuta , Miseki Yugo , Gunji Takahiro , Sayama Kazuhiro
Published: November 2016

Surface modification of conductive oxide glass (F‐SnO2: FTO) anode substrates using 10 oxides was investigated for efficiently producing oxidative hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from water with hydrogen (H2) production at a Pt cathode. Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) or titanium oxide modification significantly facilitated oxidative H2O2 production in an aqueous solution of bicarbonate (HCO3−) on the anode substrate in the dark. The BiVO4‐supported FTO anode (BiVO4/FTO) achieved not only approximately twice the H2O2 generation performance compared with a bare FTO substrate but also high H2O2 accumulation, and the maximum selectivity (η(H2O2)) and accumulation reached ca. 35 % and 5 mM, respectively.
A Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO)‐Ferroelectrics Hybrid Nanocomposite as High Efficient Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalyst
Authors: Jiang Shan , Zhao Ruoyu , Ren Zhaohui , Chen Xing , Tian He , Wie Xiao , Li Xiang , Shen Ge , Han Gaorong
Published: November 2016

The efficient separation and transport of photogenerated charge carriers via the interface is crucial for the desired performance of the composite photocatalysts. Here we report a facile one‐pot solvothermal approach to prepare reduced graphene oxide (rGO)‐BaTiO3 (BTO) nanocomposites, where single‐crystal and single‐domain BTO nanoparticles were uniformly loaded on the rGO sheets. Such composites demonstrated a dramatic degradation performance of various organic dye pollutants under visible light irradiation. By systematically investigating the ferroelectric polarization, light absorption, charge separation and transport properties of BTO nanoparticles and rGO‐BTO nanocomposites, the high photocatalytic efficiency could be ascribed to the synergic effect of ferroelectric polarization effect in BTO nanoparticles and superior electron transport of rGO on improving separation and transport of the photogenerated charge carriers. This work suggests that implementation of ferroelectric polarization effect in the composites would offer great opportunities to design and prepare high‐efficient rGO‐ferroelectrics photocatalysts for environment remediation.
Tailoring Emission Properties Using Macrocyclic Nanocavities via Guest Interplay in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Chandra Falguni , Pal Kaushik , Koner Apurba L.
Published: November 2016

The non‐covalent approach of tuning photophysical properties via competitive disassembling of a host‐guest complex using same or different classes of the water‐soluble macrocyclic molecule is demonstrated. Cucurbit[7]uril, a pumpkin‐shaped, and heptakis‐(2,6‐di‐O‐methyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin, a toroid‐shaped water‐soluble organic macrocycle are used as competitor host molecule for disassembling another host‐guest assembly. This competitive process has been monitored using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. This competitive fluorescence‐based guest interplay allows us to modulate the emissive properties of encapsulated guest and can be applied for the development of novel fluorescent assay and fluorescent materials.
Lead(II) Removal at the Bioanode of Microbial Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Colantonio Natalie , Kim Younggy
Published: November 2016

Advanced treatment, such as tight membrane filtration and ion exchange, can be applied for Pb2+ removal from wastewater but these methods are expensive with a high demand for electric energy and chemicals. Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) are an emerging wastewater treatment technology and MECs can remove Pb2+ by reduction and precipitation at the cathode and biosorption at the anode; however, reduction at the anode has not been reported. We investigated Pb2+ removal mechanisms using lab‐scale MECs. Using an anion exchange membrane, independent Pb2+ removal in the anode and cathode chambers was observed at various voltage applications, including open circuit, 0.3 V, 0.6 V, and 0.9 V. A substantial amount of metallic Pb (0. 10 ± 0.02 mg) was found on the graphite fiber anode. Also, the observed anode potential (−0.15 to −0.33 V vs. SHE) indicated sufficient driving force for Pb2+ reduction at the anode for the Pb2+ concentration of 0.1 to 2.5 mg L−1. Inactivation of exoelectrogens using ethanol resulted in no Pb2+ removal. The findings show that Pb2+ removal is achieved by various mechanisms in MECs, including electrodeposition at the anode by exoelectrogens.
Dynamic Optimization Model of Flatness Target Curve Based on Hybrid Intelligent Algorithm
Authors: Yan Zhu‐Wen , Bu He‐Nan , Zhang Dian‐Hua
Published: November 2016

By the intelligent strategy of dynamic optimization in flatness target curve, the potential of the flatness control system can be completely fulfilled and the satisfying strip flatness can be speedily obtained. The traditional intervention pattern is static, open‐loop, non‐intelligent. In this paper, a new dynamic adjustment model of flatness target curve has been designed, by which the initial setpoint can be real‐timely regulated. The closed‐loop control system, equipped with the function of intelligent optimization and dynamic regulation, has been developed. A hybrid intelligent algorithm called ZOGE, in which both the searching definiteness and randomness are taken into account and the multipoint searching and single‐point searching are simultaneously carried through, has been proposed. The equivalent factor of flatness target curve has been optimized by function module HYBALO, which is developed on the basis of the hybrid intelligent algorithm and is operated on CFC configuration language in SIMATIC TDC controller. The testing in the field has been conducted through a 1450 mm 5‐stand tandem cold mill. The preliminary finding from the main results of testing in the field is reported: by means of the intelligent compensation model of flatness target curve, the content flatness quality of strip with thin thickness in slow rolling speed is effectively guaranteed. The maximum compensation efficiency of speed is 72.19%. The maximum compensation efficiency of thickness is 98.37%. The ability of eliminating strip flatness defect in dynamic regulation mode of flatness target curve is more powerful than the ability of eliminating strip flatness defect in conventional regulation mode.
Consumption‐based carbon accounting: does it have a future?
Authors: Afionis Stavros , Sakai Marco , Scott Kate , Barrett John , Gouldson Andy
Published: November 2016

Internationally, allocation of responsibility for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is currently based on the production‐based (PB) accounting method, which measures emissions generated in the place where goods and services are produced. However, the growth of emissions embodied in trade has raised the question whether we should switch to, or amalgamate PB accounting, with other accounting approaches. Consumption‐based (CB) accounting has so far emerged as the most prominent alternative. This approach accounts for emissions at the point of consumption, attributing all the emissions that occurred in the course of production and distribution to the final consumers of goods and services. This review has a fourfold objective. First, it provides an account of the logic behind attributing responsibility for emissions on the basis of consumption instead of production. Issues of equity and justice, increased emissions coverage, encouragement of cleaner production practices, and political benefits are considered. Second, it discusses the counterarguments, focusing in particular on issues of technical complexity, mitigation effectiveness, and political acceptability. Third, it presents the spectrum of implementation possibilities—ranging from the status quo to more transformative options—and considers the implications for international climate policy that would accrue under various scenarios of adopting CB accounting in practice. Fourth, it looks at how CB accounting may be adjusted to fit with current political realities and it identifies policy mechanisms that could potentially be utilized to directly or indirectly address CB emissions. Such an approach could unlock new opportunities for climate policy innovation and for climate mitigation. WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e438. doi: 10.1002/wcc.438

This article is categorized under:

Climate Economics > Economics of Mitigation
The European Union and the Paris Agreement: leader, mediator, or bystander?
Authors: Oberthür Sebastian , Groen Lisanne
Published: November 2016

After its defeat at the Copenhagen climate summit in 2009, the EU can be considered to have scored a relative success with the Paris Agreement adopted in December 2015. With the mitigation ambition of the agreement exceeding expectations, the EU realized its policy objectives to a greater extent than it may have anticipated itself. This success was made possible by a moderation of the EU’s policy objectives pursued proactively through an EU bridge‐building and coalition‐building strategy. It was enabled and facilitated by the great‐power politics between China and the US as well as the French Presidency of the Paris conference. With Paris, the EU thus appears to have consolidated its role as a ‘leadiator’ in international climate policy, which it took on after the failure of the Copenhagen conference and road‐tested for the first time in Durban in 2011. In a multipolar climate world, this new role model should remain relevant for the years to come. However, the unpredictability of the underlying internal and external political, economic, and technological dynamics suggests the wisdom of a regular review and adjustment of strategy. WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e445. doi: 10.1002/wcc.445

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > International Policy Framework
On proving confluence modulo equivalence for Constraint Handling Rules
Authors: Christiansen Henning , Kirkeby Maja H.
Published: November 2016

Previous results on proving confluence for Constraint Handling Rules are extended in two ways in order to allow a larger and more realistic class of CHR programs to be considered confluent. Firstly, we introduce the relaxed notion of confluence modulo equivalence into the context of CHR: while confluence for a terminating program means that all alternative derivations for a query lead to the exact same final state, confluence modulo equivalence only requires the final states to be equivalent with respect to an equivalence relation tailored for the given program. Secondly, we allow non-logical built-in predicates such as var/1 and incomplete ones such as is/2, that are ignored in previous work on confluence.

To this end, a new operational semantics for CHR is developed which includes such predicates. In addition, this semantics differs from earlier approaches by its simplicity without loss of generality, and it may also be recommended for future studies of CHR.

For the purely logical subset of CHR, proofs can be expressed in first-order logic, that we show is not sufficient in the present case. We have introduced a formal meta-language that allows reasoning about abstract states and derivations with meta-level restrictions that reflect the non-logical and incomplete predicates. This language represents subproofs as diagrams, which facilitates a systematic enumeration of proof cases, pointing forward to a mechanical support for such proofs.

The Project is supported by The DanishCouncil for IndependentResearch, Natural Sciences, Grant No. DFF4181-00442. The second author’s contribution received funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under Grant Agreement No. 318337, ENTRA—Whole-Systems Energy Transparency.
A phase I trial investigating pulsatile erlotinib in combination with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin in advanced biliary tract cancers
Authors: Goff Laura W. , Cardin Dana B. , Whisenant Jennifer G. , Du Liping , Koyama Tatsuki , Dahlman Kimberly B. , Salaria Safia N. , Young Ruth T. , Ciombor Kristen K. , Gilbert Jill , Smith Stephen James , Chan Emily , Berlin Jordan
Published: November 2016

Advanced biliary tract cancers (ABTC) are among the deadliest malignancies with limited treatment options after progression on standard-of-care chemotherapy, which includes gemcitabine (GEM) and oxaliplatin (OX). The epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor erlotinib has been explored in ABTC with modest efficacy. Erlotinib given continuously may antagonize the action of chemotherapy against cycling tumor cells, but pulsatile dosing of erlotinib with chemotherapy may improve efficacy. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety of pulsatile erlotinib with GEMOX. This was a single-institution phase Ib study that enrolled adult patients with unresectable or metastatic biliary tract, pancreas, duodenal, or ampullary carcinomas that have not received any prior treatment for their disease. Dose escalation followed a standard 3 + 3 design, and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were any treatment-related, first course non-hematologic grade ≥ 3 toxicity, except nausea/vomiting, or grade 4 hematologic toxicity. A dose expansion cohort in ABTC was treated at the MTD. Twenty-eight patients were enrolled and 4 dose levels were explored. The MTD was erlotinib 150 mg + GEM 800 mg/m2 + OX 85 mg/m2. DLTs were diarrhea and anemia. Most frequent toxicities were nausea (78 %), fatigue (71 %), neuropathy (68 %), and diarrhea (61 %), predominantly grade 1–2. In the ABTC patients, the objective response and disease control rates were 29 % and 94 %, respectively, and median overall survival was 18 months. Erlotinib plus GEMOX was well tolerated. Encouraging anti-tumor activity was seen as evidenced by a high disease control rate and longer median OS than standard chemotherapy in the patients with ABTC.
My Identical Twin Sequenced our Genome
Authors: Schilit Samantha L.P. , Schilit Nitenson Arielle
Published: November 2016

With rapidly declining costs, whole genome sequencing is becoming feasible for widespread use. Although cost‐effectiveness is driving increased use of the technology, comprehensive recommendations on how to handle ethical dilemmas have yet to reach a consensus. In this article, Sam shares her experience of undergoing whole genome sequencing. Despite the deeply private nature of the test, the results do not solely belong to Sam; her identical twin sister, Arielle, shares virtually the same genome and received results without a formal consent process. This article explores their parallel experiences as a way of highlighting the controversial ethics of a private test with familial implications.
Non‐conjugated cis/trans 18:2 in Beef Fat are Mainly Δ‐9 Desaturation Products of trans‐18:1 Isomers
Authors: Vahmani P. , Rolland D. C. , Gzyl K. E. , Dugan M. E. R.
Published: November 2016

Human liver cells (HepG2) were cultured with individual trans (t) 18:1 including t6‐, t12‐, t13‐, t14‐, t15‐ and t16‐18:1, and retention times of their Δ‐9 desaturation products were determined using 100‐m biscyanopropyl‐polysiloxane and SLB‐IL111 columns. Corresponding peaks were found in beef adipose tissues known to have different delta‐9 desaturase activities. Further lines of evidence indicating the presence of Δ‐9 desaturation products of t‐18:1 isomers in beef fat were developed by analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) fractionated using Ag+‐TLC, and by GC/MS. Some of the Δ‐9 desaturation products of t‐18:1 have been previously identified in ruminant fat (c9, t12‐ and c9, t13‐18:2). Some of the Δ‐9 desaturation products of t‐18:1 (c9, t14‐ and c9, t15‐18:2) have been previously tentatively identified as different fatty acids, and for the first time we provide evidence of the presence of c9, t16‐18:2, and where t6, c9‐18:2 may elute during analysis of FAME from beef fat.
Lipid Rafts Promote trans Fatty Acid‐Induced Inflammation in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Pan Yao , Liu Benxin , Deng Zeyuan , Fan Yawei , Li Jing , Li Hongyan
Published: November 2016

The effects of two fatty acids, oleic acid (OLA) and elaidic acid (ELA) on normal human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and non‐rafts HUVEC were investigated in this study. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1 and IL‐6) were analyzed. Western blot was used to analyze the expression levels of inflammation‐related proteins (NF‐κB, ERK1/2) and toll‐like receptors 4 (TLR4). The results showed that the levels of nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65 and phosphorylated ERK1/2 were significantly decreased only in non‐lipid rafts cells pretreated with trans fatty acid (TFA). The expression of TLR4 in the ELA‐treated normal cells was higher than that in non‐lipid rafts HUVEC. When the lipid rafts was destroyed by methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, the levels of nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65, phosphorylated ERK1/2 and TLR4 were decreased significantly. Therefore, lipid rafts may be involved in TFA induced‐inflammation in HUVEC through blocking the inflammatory signal pathway. Lipid rafts might be a platform for specific receptors such as TLR4 for TFA to activate the pro‐inflammation on cell membranes.
Development of Rigorous Fatty Acid Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy Quantitation Methods in Support of Soybean Oil Improvement
Authors: Karn Avinash , Heim Crystal , Flint‐Garcia Sherry , Bilyeu Kristin , Gillman Jason
Published: November 2016

The mature seeds of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr) are a valuable source of high‐quality edible lipids and protein. Despite dramatic breeding gains over the past 80 years, soybean oil continues to be oxidatively unstable, due to a high proportion of polyunsaturated triacylglycerols. Until recently, the majority of soybean oil underwent partial chemical hydrogenation. Mounting health concerns over trans fats, however, has increased breeding efforts to introgress mutant and biotechnological genetic alterations of soybean oil composition into high‐yielding lines. As a result, there is an ongoing need to characterize fatty acid composition in a rapid, inexpensive and accurate manner. Gas chromatography is the most commonly used method, but near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) can be calibrated to non‐destructively phenotype various seed compositions accurately and at a high throughput. Here we detail development of NIRS calibrations using intact seeds for every major soybean fatty acid breeding goal over an unprecedented range of oil composition. The NIRS calibrations were shown to be equivalent to destructive chemical analysis, and incorporation into a soybean phenotyping operation has the potential to dramatically reduce cost and accelerate phenotypic analysis.
Intensification of IDegAsp Twice Daily (Adding Insulin Aspart vs. Switching To Basal–Bolus): Exploratory Randomized Trial in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Bebakar Wan Mohamaed Wan , Chaykin Louis , Hersløv Malene Lundgren , Rasmussen Søren
Published: November 2016

Introduction

In a preceding trial comparing two different titration schemes, insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp) showed good efficacy for achieving HbA1c <7% when administered twice daily (BID) in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, poor glycemic control persisted in a minority of patients. The current exploratory trial investigated the efficacy and safety of intensifying IDegAsp BID treatment in these patients by either adding a once-daily (OD) bolus injection of insulin aspart (IAsp) or by switching to a basal–bolus regimen of insulin degludec (IDeg) plus IAsp taken three times a day (TID).

Method

A 26-week, randomized, open-label, phase 3b, treat-to-target trial in which 40 patients with T2D who had not reached target HbA1c ≤7.0% following previous 26-week treatment intensification with IDegAsp BID ±3 oral antidiabetic agents (OADs) were randomized (1:1) to receive IDegAsp BID + IAsp OD (n = 20) or IDeg OD + IAsp TID (n = 20).

Results

Mean baseline HbA1c was 7.9% in the IDegAsp BID + IAsp OD group and 7.7% in the IDeg OD + IAsp TID group. After 26 weeks, the estimated mean change in HbA1c from baseline was 0.05% points in the IDegAsp BID + IAsp OD group and −0.49% points for IDeg OD + IAsp TID: estimated treatment difference (ETD) [95% confidence interval] 0.54% [0.09; 0.99], p = 0.021. Few achieved HbA1c <7% in IDegAsp BID + IAsp OD (four patients) and IDeg OD + IAsp TID groups (five patients). Fasting plasma glucose, hypoglycemia, and adverse events were similar between groups.

Conclusion

When used as intensification regimens in patients who failed to achieve target HbA1c during 26-week IDegAsp BID treatment, HbA1c improvements were numerically greater with IDeg OD + IAsp TID compared with IDegAsp BID + IAsp OD. No new safety issues were identified. However, the small, selective sample means clinical generalizations should be made with caution.

Funding

Novo Nordisk.

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier

NCT01814137.
Two-dimensional impinging jets in hydrodynamic rotational flows
Authors: Cheng Jianfeng , Du Lili , Wang Yongfu
Published: November 2016

The free streamline theory in hydrodynamics is an important and difficult issue not only in fluid mechanics but also in mathematics. The major purpose in this paper is to establish the well-posedness of the impinging jets in steady incompressible, rotational, plane flows. More precisely, given a mass flux and a vorticity of the incoming flows in the inlet of the nozzle, there exists a unique smooth impinging plane jet. Moreover, there exists a smooth free streamline, which goes to infinity and initiates at the endpoint of the nozzle smoothly. In addition, asymptotic behavior in upstream and downstream, uniform direction and other properties of the impinging jet are also obtained. The main ingredients of the mathematic analysis in this paper are based on the modified variational method developed by H. W. Alt, L. A. Caffarelli and A. Friedman in the elegant works [1,17], which has been shown to be powerful to deal with the steady irrotational flows with free streamlines.
A Multifaceted Approach to Reduction of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections in the Intensive Care Unit With an Emphasis on “Stewardship of Culturing”
Authors: Mullin Katherine M. , Kovacs Christopher S. , Fatica Cynthia , Einloth Colette , Neuner Elizabeth A. , Guzman Jorge A. , Kaiser Eric , Menon Venu , Castillo Leticia , Popovich Marc J. , Manno Edward M. , Gordon Steven M. , Fraser Thomas G.
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are among the most common hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Reducing CAUTI rates has become a major focus of attention due to increasing public health concerns and reimbursement implications.

OBJECTIVE

To implement and describe a multifaceted intervention to decrease CAUTIs in our ICUs with an emphasis on indications for obtaining a urine culture.

METHODS

A project team composed of all critical care disciplines was assembled to address an institutional goal of decreasing CAUTIs. Interventions implemented between year 1 and year 2 included protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for placement, maintenance, and removal of catheters. Leaders from all critical care disciplines agreed to align routine culturing practice with American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCCM) and Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) guidelines for evaluating a fever in a critically ill patient. Surveillance data for CAUTI and hospital-acquired bloodstream infection (HABSI) were recorded prospectively according to National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) protocols. Device utilization ratios (DURs), rates of CAUTI, HABSI, and urine cultures were calculated and compared.

RESULTS

The CAUTI rate decreased from 3.0 per 1,000 catheter days in 2013 to 1.9 in 2014. The DUR was 0.7 in 2013 and 0.68 in 2014. The HABSI rates per 1,000 patient days decreased from 2.8 in 2013 to 2.4 in 2014.

CONCLUSIONS

Effectively reducing ICU CAUTI rates requires a multifaceted and collaborative approach; stewardship of culturing was a key and safe component of our successful reduction efforts.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:186–188
Pregnancy and bipolar disorder: the risk of recurrence when discontinuing treatment with mood stabilisers: a systematic review
Authors: Larsen Erik Roj , Saric Kristina
Published: November 2016

Objective

Bipolar disorder in pregnancy may be difficult to treat. The dilemma is whether the women should continue medication throughout pregnancy, and maybe accept a minor risk to harm their unborn child, or discontinue medication and increase the risk of recurrence, which can lead to maternal morbidity, thereby endangering themselves and their foetus.

Design and methods

In September 2016, three electronic search databases; PubMed, Scopus and PsycInfo, were used searching for clinical trials concerning this question. Eight clinical trials concerning risk of recurrence after discontinuation of medication in pregnancy were included.

Results

There is no consensus concerning the risk of discontinuation of medication during pregnancy among bipolar women. The evidence from the trials included underscore that there seem to be a group of pregnant women who are stable despite they are not receiving mood stabilisers during pregnancy. Besides, there is a group of more severe and more unstable bipolar disorders that seem to benefit of a more close monitoring, support and prophylactic medication during pregnancy and postpartum period to prevent recurrence.

Conclusion

For the more stable bipolar women we recommend a well planned and more slowly discontinuation of medication before pregnancy. For the unplanned pregnancies it is important to consider the possibility of a more slowly discontinuation. For the more severe conditions of bipolar disorder, it is important to secure a close monitoring of medication. As the risk of postpartum relapse is high, medication may be started soon after delivery.
“Undistinguished Destruction”: The Effects of Smallpox on British Emancipation Policy in the Revolutionary War
Authors: SELLICK GARY
Published: November 2016

In 1775, Lord Dunmore, the royal governor of Virginia, offered freedom to any African American who fought for the British cause against the colonial rebels in his province. Dunmore's plan to reconquer Virginia with his “Ethiopian Regiment” ended in failure, not due to a lack of willing volunteers but because of a familiar eighteenth-century killer: smallpox. Five years later, similar proclamations were issued in South Carolina. Yet smallpox again hindered British designs, devastating the eager African Americans who flooded to their lines. This paper uses primary source material and research on smallpox to analyze the experiences of African Americans who actively sought freedom with the British during the Revolutionary War. Focussing on the differing regions of Virginia and South Carolina this paper will assess the impact of smallpox on British military designs for runaway slaves while also evaluating the reasons why the disease had such a devastating effect on African Americans during the period. Overall, this paper will show how smallpox, so common in eighteenth-century Europe, put a fatal end to the first widespread push for emancipation on the American continent and helped derail one of Britain's best hopes for turning the tide in the Revolutionary War.
Local Economic Impacts of Coal Mining in the United States 1870 to 1970
Authors: Matheis Mike
Published: November 2016

This article expands upon the current “resource curse” literature by using newly collected county data, spanning over a century, to capture the short- and long-run effects of coal mining activity. It provides evidence that increased levels of coal production had positive net impacts on county-level population and manufacturing activity over an initial ten-year span, which become negative over the subsequent decades. The results provide evidence that any existence of a “resource curse” on local areas due to coal mining is a long-run phenomenon, and in the short run there are potential net benefits.
Larval digenean preferences in two sympatric snail species at differing tidal levels off the Atlantic coast of Patagonia
Authors: Di Giorgio G. , Gilardoni C. , Bagnato E. , Cremonte F. , Ituarte C.
Published: November 2016

Larval stages of the trematodesMaritrema madrynenseand Hemiuroidea fam. gen. et sp. differentially parasitizedSiphonaria lessoniiandS. lateralis, two sympatric pulmonate snail species on the rocky intertidal shore at Puerto Deseado, south-western Atlantic coast of Patagonia, Argentina. Snail specimens were collected at two sampling sites with contrasting physical–chemical characteristics. One site, in the upper intertidal, was exposed to sewage from fish-processing plants, greater hydrodynamic forcing and desiccation, a wider temperature range, longer exposure to ultraviolet radiation and higher abundance of birds. The second site, in the lower intertidal, was generally characterized by less stressful environmental conditions. At both sites,S. lateralisshowed a markedly higher density thanS. lessonii(55.13 vs. 5.87 snails/m2, respectively). Despite this, the prevalence of both digeneans was higher inS. lessonii(17.37% and 3.52% forM. madrynenseand Hemiuroidea, respectively) than inS. lateralis(0.09% and 0% forM. madrynenseand Hemiuroidea, respectively). This study demonstrates high parasite specificity for the host. Low densities ofS. lessoniiare attributed to castration of parasitized hosts and reduction of their physiological condition. The prevalence and intensity of infection of both digenean parasites were higher at the more stressful, upper intertidal site, thus suggesting that a higher abundance of birds and exposure to sewage pollution may promote the transmission of trematodes.
The Impact of Cross-border Integration with Mainland China on Hong Kong's Local Politics: The Individual Visit Scheme as a Double-edged Sword for Political Trust in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Kevin Tze-wai , Zheng Victor , Wan Po-san
Published: November 2016

Using official statistics and a pooled dataset of longitudinal surveys, the aim of this article is to examine the impact of the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) on political trust in Hong Kong. Our multilevel analysis found that the gradual inflow of IVS visitors (mostly overnight visitors) increased political trust in the first few years, but that this trust rapidly diminished in later years, especially after the introduction of the one-year multiple-entry IVS endorsement (which attracted mostly same-day visitors). The main reason for the reduction in the positive impact of the IVS scheme is that the growth in the number of same-day visitors has contributed less to Hong Kong's economy than has the increase in the number of overnight visitors, and has exacerbated several social problems. The impact of mainland visitors has varied across groups with different levels of education. The political trust of people with a senior secondary education has been enhanced more by the increase in overnight visitors and reduced less by the increase in same-day visitors than that of people with a tertiary level of education or a junior secondary education or below.
Schenker Documents Online
Authors: Marvin William M.
Published: November 2016

The unpublished work of Heinrich Schenker (1868–1935) has long fascinated scholars interested in the origins and development of his analytic method. Most of his unpublished papers can be found in two archives: the Oster Collection, housed in the New York Public Library, and the Oswald Jonas Memorial Collection, located at the University of California at Riverside.1.
From coercion to compensation: institutional responses to labour scarcity in the Central African Copperbelt
Authors: JUIF DÁCIL , FRANKEMA EWOUT
Published: November 2016

There is a tight historical connection between endemic labour scarcity and the rise of coercive labour market institutions in former African colonies. This paper explores how European mining companies in the Belgian Congo and Northern Rhodesia secured scarce supplies of African labour, by combining coercive labour recruitment practices with considerable investments in living standards. By reconstructing internationally comparable real wages, we show that copper mine workers lived at barebones subsistence in the 1910s–1920s, but experienced rapid welfare gains from the mid-1920s onwards, to become among the best paid manual labourers in Sub-Saharan Africa from the 1940s onwards. We investigate how labour stabilization programs raised welfare conditions of mining worker families (e.g., medical care, education, housing quality) in the Congo, and why these welfare programs were more hesitantly adopted in Northern Rhodesia. By showing how solutions to labour scarcity varied across spaceandtime, we stress the need for dynamic conceptualizations of colonial institutions, as a counterweight to their oft supposed persistence in the historical economics literature.
Religion as a Peacemaker? Peace Duration after Ethnic Civil Wars
Authors: Gurses Mehmet , Rost Nicolas
Published: November 2016

What role does religion play in preventing civil war from recurring? Politicians have proposed that when warring groups share the same religion, achieving a durable peace will be easier. We test this hypothesis empirically using a large-nsample of all ethnic civil wars that began and ended between 1950 and 2006, and a measure of co-religiosity between the ethnic group in power and the main opposition group. The analysis shows that there is no positive relationship between co-religiosity and the duration of post-civil war peace, showing that sharing the same religion may not help to bring about peace following an ethnic civil war. To the contrary, the closer religious ties, the less likely it is that peace will last after the end of the conflict, and the higher the risk that conflict will recur.
Eating Problems in Adolescents and Youths: Explanatory Variables
Authors: Maganto Carmen , Garaigordobil Maite , Kortabarria Lorea
Published: November 2016

This study had the following goals: (1) to analyze the differences between participants with and without risk of eating disorders (ED) in self-esteem, happiness, depression, anxiety, anger, and psychological variables related to ED; (2) to determine possible differences in the group at risk of ED on these variables as a function of sex; and (3) to determine which variables explain the risk of ED. Eight assessment instruments were administered to 1.075 participants (74.6% without risk of ED and 25.4% at risk). The results confirmed: (1) Significant differences such that the without-risk group scored higher on self-esteem and happiness, and lower on depression, anxiety, anger, ED-related variables, and perceived weight (large effect size: η2 = .49; r = .70); (2) Within the at-risk group, males scored higher on body self-esteem, general self-esteem, and anger-state, while females scored higher on perceived weight, state-trait depression, state-trait anxiety, inefficiency, interoceptive awareness, and asceticism (large effect size: η2 = .31; r = .56); and (3) The explanatory variables in both sexes were: for drive for thinness – perceived weight, inefficiency, and impulsivity; for bulimia – body self-esteem; and for body dissatisfaction – inefficiency, perceived weight, anxiety-trait, and happiness. The study provides relevant variables for designing ED prevention and/or treatment programs.
The Brazilian Twin Registry
Authors: Ferreira Paulo H. , Oliveira Vinicius C. , Junqueira Daniela R. , Cisneros Lígia C. , Ferreira Lucas C. , Murphy Kate , Ordoñana Juan R. , Hopper John L. , Teixeira-Salmela Luci F.
Published: November 2016

The Brazilian Twin Registry (BTR) was established in 2013 and has impelled twin research in South America. The main aim of the initiative was to create a resource that would be accessible to the Brazilian scientific community as well as international researchers interested in the investigation of the contribution of genetic and environmental factors in the development of common diseases, phenotypes, and human behavior traits. The BTR is a joint effort between academic and governmental institutions from Brazil and Australia. The collaboration includes the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) in Brazil, the University of Sydney and University of Melbourne in Australia, the Australian Twin Registry, as well as the research foundations CNPq and CAPES in Brazil. The BTR is a member of the International Network of Twin Registries. Recruitment strategies used to register twins have been through participation in a longitudinal study investigating genetic and environmental factors for low back pain occurrence, and from a variety of sources including media campaigns and social networking. Currently, 291 twins are registered in the BTR, with data on demographics, zygosity, anthropometrics, and health history having been collected from 151 twins using a standardized self-reported questionnaire. Future BTR plans include the registration of thousands of Brazilian twins identified from different sources and collaborate nationally and internationally with other research groups interested on twin studies.
Lithium promotes DNA stability and survival of ischemic retinal neurocytes by upregulating DNA ligase IV
Authors: Yang Ying , Wu Nandan , Tian Sijia , Li Fan , Hu Huan , Chen Pei , Cai Xiaoxiao , Xu Lijun , Zhang Jing , Chen Zhao , Ge Jian , Yu Keming , Zhuang Jing
Published: November 2016

Neurons display genomic fragility and show fragmented DNA in pathological degeneration. A failure to repair DNA breaks may result in cell death or apoptosis. Lithium protects retinal neurocytes following nutrient deprivation or partial nerve crush, but the underlying mechanisms are not well defined. Here we demonstrate that pretreatment with lithium protects retinal neurocytes from ischemia-induced damage and enhances light response in rat retina following ischemia–reperfusion injury. Moreover, we found that DNA nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair is implicated in this process because in ischemic retinal neurocytes, lithium significantly reduces the number of γ-H2AX foci (well-characterized markers of DNA double-strand breaks in situ) and increases the DNA ligase IV expression level. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf-1) and phosphorylated cyclic AMP-response element binding protein-1 (P-CREB1) bind to ligase IV promoter to cause upregulation of ligase IV in neurocytes. The ischemic upregulation of Nrf-1 and lithium-induced increase of P-CREB1 cooperate to promote transcription of ligase IV. Short hairpin RNAs against Nrf-1 and CREB1 could significantly inhibit the increase in promoter activity and expression of ligase IV observed in the control oligos following lithium treatment in retinal neurocytes. More importantly, ischemic stimulation triggers the expression of ligase IV. Taken together, our results thus reveal a novel mechanism that lithium offers neuroprotection from ischemia-induced damage by enhancing DNA NHEJ repair.
Dendritic cell-elicited B-cell activation fosters immune privilege via IL-10 signals in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ouyang Fang-Zhu , Wu Rui-Qi , Wei Yuan , Liu Rui-Xian , Yang Dong , Xiao Xiao , Zheng Limin , Li Bo , Lao Xiang-Ming , Kuang Dong-Ming
Published: November 2016

B cells are prominent components of human solid tumours, but activation status and functions of these cells in human cancers remain elusive. Here we establish that over 50% B cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exhibit an FcγRIIlow/− activated phenotype, and high infiltration of these cells positively correlates with cancer progression. Environmental semimature dendritic cells, but not macrophages, can operate in a CD95L-dependent pathway to generate FcγRIIlow/− activated B cells. Early activation of monocytes in cancer environments is critical for the generation of semimature dendritic cells and subsequent FcγRIIlow/− activated B cells. More importantly, the activated FcγRIIlow/− B cells from HCC tumours, but not the resting FcγRIIhigh B cells, without external stimulation suppress autologous tumour-specific cytotoxic T-cell immunity via IL-10 signals. Collectively, generation of FcγRIIlow/− activated B cells may represent a mechanism by which the immune activation is linked to immune tolerance in the tumour milieu.
Spatially precise visual gain control mediated by a cholinergic circuit in the midbrain attention network
Authors: Asadollahi Ali , Knudsen Eric I.
Published: November 2016

A primary function of the midbrain stimulus selection network is to compute the highest-priority location for attention and gaze. Here we report the contribution of a specific cholinergic circuit to this computation. We functionally disconnected the tegmental cholinergic nucleus isthmi pars parvocellularis (Ipc) from the optic tectum (OT) in barn owls by reversibly blocking excitatory transmission in the Ipc. Focal blockade in the Ipc decreases the gain and spatial discrimination of OT units specifically for the locations represented by the visual receptive fields (VRFs) of the disconnected Ipc units, and causes OT VRFs to shift away from that location. The results demonstrate mechanisms by which this cholinergic circuit controls bottom-up stimulus competition and by which top-down signals can bias this competition, and they establish causal linkages between a particular circuit, gain control and dynamic shifts of VRFs. This circuit may perform the same function in all vertebrate species.
CUG-binding protein 1 regulates HSC activation and liver fibrogenesis
Authors: Wu Xingxin , Wu Xudong , Ma Yuxiang , Shao Fenli , Tan Yang , Tan Tao , Gu Liyun , Zhou Yang , Sun Beicheng , Sun Yang , Wu Xuefeng , Xu Qiang
Published: November 2016

Excessive activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a key step in liver fibrogenesis. Here we report that CUG-binding protein 1 (CUGBP1) expression is elevated in HSCs and positively correlates with liver fibrosis severity in human liver biopsies. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) selectively increases CUGBP1 expression in cultured HSCs in a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent manner. Knockdown of CUGBP1 inhibits alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and promotes interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production in HSCs in vitro. We further show that CUGBP1 specifically binds to the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of human IFN-γ mRNA and promotes its decay. In mice, knockdown of CUGBP1 alleviates, whereas its overexpression exacerbates, bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, CUGBP1-mediated IFN-γ mRNA decay is a key event for profibrotic TGF-β-dependent activation of HSCs, and inhibiting CUGBP1 to promote IFN-γ signalling in activated HSCs could be a novel strategy to treat liver fibrosis.
Seafloor observations indicate spatial separation of coseismic and postseismic slips in the 2011 Tohoku earthquake
Authors: Iinuma Takeshi , Hino Ryota , Uchida Naoki , Nakamura Wataru , Kido Motoyuki , Osada Yukihito , Miura Satoshi
Published: November 2016

Large interplate earthquakes are often followed by postseismic slip that is considered to occur in areas surrounding the coseismic ruptures. Such spatial separation is expected from the difference in frictional and material properties in and around the faults. However, even though the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake ruptured a vast area on the plate interface, the estimation of high-resolution slip is usually difficult because of the lack of seafloor geodetic data. Here using the seafloor and terrestrial geodetic data, we investigated the postseismic slip to examine whether it was spatially separated with the coseismic slip by applying a comprehensive finite-element method model to subtract the viscoelastic components from the observed postseismic displacements. The high-resolution co- and postseismic slip distributions clarified the spatial separation, which also agreed with the activities of interplate and repeating earthquakes. These findings suggest that the conventional frictional property model is valid for the source region of gigantic earthquakes.
Field warming experiments shed light on the wheat yield response to temperature in China
Authors: Zhao Chuang , Piao Shilong , Huang Yao , Wang Xuhui , Ciais Philippe , Huang Mengtian , Zeng Zhenzhong , Peng Shushi
Published: November 2016

Wheat growth is sensitive to temperature, but the effect of future warming on yield is uncertain. Here, focusing on China, we compiled 46 observations of the sensitivity of wheat yield to temperature change (SY,T, yield change per °C) from field warming experiments and 102 SY,T estimates from local process-based and statistical models. The average SY,T from field warming experiments, local process-based models and statistical models is −0.7±7.8(±s.d.)% per °C, −5.7±6.5% per °C and 0.4±4.4% per °C, respectively. Moreover, SY,T is different across regions and warming experiments indicate positive SY,T values in regions where growing-season mean temperature is low, and water supply is not limiting, and negative values elsewhere. Gridded crop model simulations from the Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project appear to capture the spatial pattern of SY,T deduced from warming observations. These results from local manipulative experiments could be used to improve crop models in the future.
Correction: Corrigendum: Recent increases in Arctic freshwater flux affects Labrador Sea convection and Atlantic overturning circulation
Authors: Yang Qian , Dixon Timothy H. , Myers Paul G. , Bonin Jennifer , Chambers Don , van den Broeke M. R. , Ribergaard Mads H. , Mortensen John
Published: November 2016

Nature Communications 7: Article number: 10525 (2016); Published: 22 January 2016; Updated: 17 November 2016 The authors wish to add ‘Mads H. Ribergaard’ and ‘John Mortensen’ to the author list of this Article for the provision of oceanographic data. This has now been updated in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.