bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geopolitical Forecasting Skill in Strategic Intelligence
Authors: Mandel David R. , Barnes Alan
Published: October 2017

Extending research by the authors on intelligence forecasting, the forecasting skill of 3622 geopolitical forecasts extracted from strategic intelligence reports was examined. The codable subset of forecasts (N = 2013) was expressed with verbal probabilities (e.g., likely) and translated to numeric probability equivalents. This subset showed very good calibration and discrimination, but also underconfidence. There was no support for the hypothesis that forecasting skill was good mainly because of the general ease of forecasting topics. First, forecasting skill was as good among authoritative key judgments as in the general set. Second, forecasts that were assigned high degrees of certainty, indicative of ease, (p ≤ 0.05 or p ≥ 0.95) did not discriminate as well as less certain forecasts (0.05 < p < 0.95), and these subsets did not differ in calibration. Sensitivity and benchmarking tests further revealed that if the 1609 uncodable forecasts were all assigned forecast probabilities of .5 (i.e., if all followed a “cautious ignorance” rule), skill characteristics would still show a large effect size improvement over a variety of guesswork strategies. The findings support a cautiously optimistic assessment of forecasting skill in strategic intelligence and indicate that such skill is not primarily attributable to the selection of easy forecasting topics. However, the large proportion of uncodable cases suggests that intelligence forecasts could be improved by avoiding imprecise language that affects not only the codability but also, in all likelihood, the interpretability and indicative value of forecasts for intelligence consumers. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diversion evaluations: a specialized forensic examination
Authors: Barber‐Rioja Virginia , Rotter Merrill , Schombs Faith
Published: October 2017

Diversion programs screen justice‐involved individuals for the presence of psychiatric disorders, and after negotiations take place with attorneys and treatment providers, these programs link participants with community‐based treatment programs in lieu of incarceration. As the number of diversion programs, including mental health courts, continues to rapidly grow, so does the need for “diversion evaluations”. Diversion evaluations are a type of forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) conducted to assist the courts in making decisions regarding diversion eligibility. As a result, they should follow the general principles of FMHA and the American Academy of Psychiatry and Law Practice Guideline for Forensic Assessment. Diversion evaluations also require application of specific areas of knowledge and experience, as court‐based diversion is a unique, therapeutically focused context that is purposefully non‐adversarial. The diversion evaluator is a role that combines objective decision‐making with clinical consultation. The purpose of this article is to apply generally accepted forensic report standards to diversion evaluations, with a particular focus on the unique issues of diversion‐specific forensic evaluations.
Sodium‐Containing Spinel Zinc Ferrite as a Catalyst Precursor for the Selective Synthesis of Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuels
Authors: Choi Yo Han , Ra Eun Cheol , Kim Eun Hyup , Kim Kwang Young , Jang Youn Jeong , Kang Kyeong‐Nam , Choi Sun Hee , Jang Ji‐Hyun , Lee Jae Sung
Published: October 2017

A microwave‐assisted hydrothermal synthesis produces ZnFe2O4 containing Na residue as a precursor to a CO2 hydrogenation catalyst that displays high CO2 conversion and high selectivity to liquid hydrocarbon products in the gasoline and diesel range with high olefin‐to‐paraffin ratios. Compared to reference catalysts derived from Fe2O3 and a ZnO–Fe2O3 physical mixture, the ZnFe2O4‐derived catalyst contains well‐dispersed iron particles with Zn serving as a structural promoter. A profound effect of the residual Na as an electronic promoter is also observed, which improves the selectivity for C5+ hydrocarbons and olefins. The ZnFe2O4‐derived catalyst exhibits excellent performance in the CO2 Fischer–Tropsch reaction as it forms the active Hägg iron carbide (χ‐Fe5C2) phase readily through the in situ carburization of iron.
Liquid Hydrocarbon Production from CO2: Recent Development in Metal‐Based Electrocatalysis
Authors: Daiyan Rahman , Lu Xunyu , Ng Yun Hau , Amal Rose
Published: October 2017

Rising levels of CO2 accumulation in the atmosphere have attracted considerable interest in technologies capable of CO2 capture, storage and conversion. The electrochemical reduction of CO2 into high‐value liquid organic products could be of vital importance to mitigate this issue. The conversion of CO2 into liquid fuels by using photovoltaic cells, which can readily be integrated in the current infrastructure, will help realize the creation of a sustainable cycle of carbon‐based fuel that will promote zero net CO2 emissions. Despite promising findings, significant challenges still persist that must be circumvented to make the technology profitable for large‐scale utilization. With such possibilities, this Minireview presents the current high‐performing catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to liquid hydrocarbons, address the limitations and unify the current understanding of the different reaction mechanisms. The Minireview also explores current research directions to improve process efficiencies and production rate and discusses the scope of using photo‐assisted electrochemical reduction systems to find stable, highly efficient catalysts that can harvest solar energy directly to convert CO2 into liquid hydrocarbons.
Ruthenium Water Oxidation Catalysts based on Pentapyridyl Ligands
Authors: Gil‐Sepulcre Marcos , Böhler Michael , Schilling Mauro , Bozoglian Fernando , Bachmann Cyril , Scherrer Dominik , Fox Thomas , Spingler Bernhard , Gimbert‐Suriñach Carolina , Alberto Roger , Bofill Roger , Sala Xavier , Luber Sandra , Richmond Craig J. , Llobet Antoni
Published: October 2017

Ruthenium complexes containing the pentapyridyl ligand 6,6′′‐(methoxy(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylene)di‐2,2′‐bipyridine (L‐OMe) of general formula trans‐[RuII(X)(L‐OMe‐κ‐N5)]n+ (X=Cl, n=1, trans‐1+; X=H2O, n=2, trans‐22+) have been isolated and characterized in solution (by NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy) and in the solid state by XRD. Both complexes undergo a series of substitution reactions at oxidation state RuII and RuIII when dissolved in aqueous triflic acid–trifluoroethanol solutions as monitored by UV/Vis spectroscopy, and the corresponding rate constants were determined. In particular, aqueous solutions of the RuIII‐Cl complex trans‐[RuIII(Cl)(L‐OMe‐κ‐N5)]2+ (trans‐12+) generates a family of Ru aquo complexes, namely trans‐[RuIII(H2O)(L‐OMe‐κ‐N5)]3+ (trans‐23+), [RuIII(H2O)2(L‐OMe‐κ‐N4)]3+ (trans‐33+), and [RuIII(Cl)(H2O)(L‐OMe‐κ‐N4)]2+ (trans‐42+). Although complex trans‐42+ is a powerful water oxidation catalyst, complex trans‐23+ has only a moderate activity and trans‐33+ shows no activity. A parallel study with related complexes containing the methyl‐substituted ligand 6,6′′‐(1‐pyridin‐2‐yl)ethane‐1,1‐diyl)di‐2,2′‐bipyridine (L‐Me) was carried out. The behavior of all of these catalysts has been rationalized based on substitution kinetics, oxygen evolution kinetics, electrochemical properties, and density functional theory calculations. The best catalyst, trans‐42+, reaches turnover frequencies of 0.71 s−1 using CeIV as a sacrificial oxidant, with oxidative efficiencies above 95 %.
Testing predictions of the emotion regulation model of binge‐eating disorder
Authors: Kenny Therese E. , Singleton Christopher , Carter Jacqueline C.
Published: October 2017

Objective

The emotion regulation (ER) model of binge eating posits that individuals with binge‐eating disorder (BED) experience more intense emotions and greater difficulties in ER than individuals without BED, leading them to binge eat as a means of regulating emotions. According to this model, individuals with BED should report greater difficulties in ER than their non‐BED counterparts, the severity of these difficulties should be positively associated with BED symptoms, and this association should be stronger when individuals experience persistent negative emotions (i.e., depression). Studies examining these hypotheses, however, have been limited.

Method

Data were collected from adults meeting the DSM 5 criteria for BED (n = 71; 93% female) and no history of an eating disorder (NED; n =  79; 83.5% female). Participants completed self‐report measures of difficulties in ER, eating disorder (ED) psychopathology, and depression.

Results

Individuals with BED reported greater difficulties in ER compared to those with NED. Moreover, difficulties in ER predicted unique variance in binge frequency and ED psychopathology in BED. Depression moderated the association between ER difficulties and binge frequency such that emotion dysregulation and binge frequency were positively associated in those reporting high, but not low, depression levels.

Discussion

The association between difficulties in ER and ED pathology in BED suggests that treatments focusing on improving ER skills may be effective in treating this ED; however, the moderating effect of depression underscores the need for research on individual differences and treatment moderators. These findings suggest the importance of ER in understanding and treating BED.
One‐Pot Catalytic Approach for the Selective Aerobic Synthesis of Imines from Alcohols and Amines Using Efficient Arene Diruthenium(II) Catalysts under Mild Conditions
Authors: Saranya Sundar , Ramesh Rengan , Grzegorz Małecki Jan
Published: October 2017

A green and efficient catalytic approach for the selective synthesis of imines in air at room temperature was achieved with the aid of newly synthesised diruthenium(II) complexes [(η6‐p‐cymene)2Ru2Cl2(µ‐L)] containing substituted 1,2‐diacylhydrazine ligands. All the new complexes were fully characterised by analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The solid‐state structure of a representative complex was solved by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The diruthenium(II) complexes also enable the selective aerobic oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes. The catalytic reaction operates in the presence of air as a green and cheap oxidant, and releases water as the only by‐product. A plausible mechanism is proposed for the imine formation, which is believed to proceed via an aldehyde intermediate.
Physicochemical characterization of miscanthus and its application in heavy metals removal from wastewaters
Authors: Osman Ahmed I. , Ahmed Abdelkader T. , Johnston Christopher R. , Rooney David W.
Published: October 2017

Miscanthus species originated in Asia and were imported into Europe and North America as ornamental plants. They are perennial rhizomatous grasses with lignified stems and present very high growth rates, even in more temperate maritime climates. This potentially abundant biomass offers benefits to many sectors and is used to an extent in energy generation applications, however, issues with regards to its physicochemical combustion characteristics currently hinder this uptake. In this work, a novel alternative application, namely its direct use of dry miscanthus (DM) plant as an adsorbent for heavy metals removal (HMR) from wastewaters, was investigated. The physical, chemical, and leaching properties of DM were analyzed using XRD, SBET, TGA, DSC, SEM‐EDX, elemental analysis, halogen, and ICP techniques. Subsequently, the HMR capacity of miscanthus was studied for lead, copper, and zinc from aqueous solutions. Results showed a high percentage removal of 66%, 83%, and 88%, respectively, with the majority being removed during the first hour of the test. Overall the results show that DM plant can be effectively utilized in wastewater treatment. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1058–1067, 2018
Probabilistic performance‐based optimum design of seismic isolation for a California high‐speed rail prototype bridge
Authors: Li Yong , Conte Joel P.
Published: October 2017

Previous comparison studies on seismic isolation have demonstrated its beneficial and detrimental effects on the structural performance of high‐speed rail bridges during earthquakes. Striking a balance between these 2 competing effects requires proper tuning of the controlling design parameters in the design of the seismic isolation system. This results in a challenging problem for practical design in performance‐based engineering, particularly when the uncertainty in seismic loading needs to be explicitly accounted for. This problem can be tackled using a novel probabilistic performance‐based optimum seismic design (PPBOSD) framework, which has been previously proposed as an extension of the performance‐based earthquake engineering methodology. For this purpose, a parametric probabilistic demand hazard analysis is performed over a grid in the seismic isolator parameter space, using high‐throughput cloud‐computing resources, for a California high‐speed rail (CHSR) prototype bridge. The derived probabilistic structural demand hazard results conditional on a seismic hazard level and unconditional, i.e., accounting for all seismic hazard levels, are used to define 2 families of risk features, respectively. Various risk features are explored as functions of the key isolator parameters and are used to construct probabilistic objective and constraint functions in defining well‐posed optimization problems. These optimization problems are solved using a grid‐based, brute‐force approach as an application of the PPBOSD framework, seeking optimum seismic isolator parameters for the CHSR prototype bridge. This research shows the promising use of seismic isolation for CHSR bridges, as well as the potential of the versatile PPBOSD framework in solving probabilistic performance‐based real‐world design problems.
Nappe stack of Piemonte–Ligurian units south of Aosta Valley: New evidence from Urtier Valley (Western Alps)
Authors: Ellero Alessandro , Loprieno Andrea
Published: October 2017

New results of structural and lithostratigraphic investigations performed in the Urtier Valley, located south of Aosta Valley at the northern flank of the Gran Paradiso Massif, shed new light on the nappe stack architecture of the Western Alps. Two distinct Piemonte–Ligurian units were recognized in the area: (a) the blueschist facies Broillot unit, with a well‐preserved lithostratigraphic succession that includes ophiolites and their metasedimentary cover and (2) the eclogitic Bardonney unit with clasts and/or slices of ophiolites embedded in a carbonate/quarzitic and/or metabasic matrix. Three major deformation stages have been recognized (D1, D2, and D3). D1 phase occurred during the peak metamorphic conditions (i.e., eclogite or blueschist facies). D2 and D3 phases are related to multistage exhumation processes, from early stacking to late refolding of former nappe contacts. Despite the intensity of deformation and metamorphism, the original lithostratigraphic succession of the Broillot unit allowed us to use a lithostratigraphic approach to reconstruct the structures in the study area. For the first time, differences in the nappe stack exposed south and north of the Aosta Valley are reported. In fact, contrary to what is observed in the north, the eclogitic units exposed in the Urtier Valley lay above and not below the blueschist units. A new model for the tectonic evolution, which ranges from stages of subduction to large‐scale nappe refolding, is proposed. It is able to explain the difference in the architecture of the north and south of the Aosta Valley.
Petrogenesis of the Sanshilipu gabbro complex in the Shangdan Suture: New constraints on evolution of the Qinling Orogen
Authors: Liu Junfeng , Sun Yong
Published: October 2017

The Sanshilipu gabbro complex is located along the Shangdan Suture, which is important to understanding the evolution of the Qinling Orogen, Central China. The complex is mainly composed of norite, gabbro, and gabbro–diorite. Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) zircon dating yields a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 414 ± 2.8 Ma, interpreted to represent the crystallization age of the gabbro complex. The complex has SiO2 contents ranging from 48.6 to 51.3 wt% with enrichment of Na relative to K, showing calc‐alkaline feature. The studied samples are characterized by an enrichment of large‐ion lithophile elements (Ba, Sr, and Pb) and depletion of HFSE (Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, and Ti) and a large range of Nb/Ta ratios (3.7 to 11.8). They also have early flattened‐LREE distribution patterns. These geochemical characteristics indicate that the Sanshilipu gabbro complex was formed in an island‐arc environment. They have slightly enriched Sr–Nd isotope compositions with (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.7047–0.7063 and ɛNd(t) from −0.44 to −4.63, indicating that the formation of the complex was involved in some subducted sediments and oceanic crust and fluid released from the subducted slab. The identification of island‐arc‐originated mafic rocks suggests that the onset time of the collision between the Yangtze Craton and the North China Craton should be younger than 415 Ma.
The Early Aptian (Cretaceous) stratigraphy of Mount Pagasarri (N Spain): Oceanic anoxic event‐1a
Authors: Fernández‐Mendiola Pedro A. , Mendicoa Jone , Owen Hugh G. , García‐Mondéjar Joaquín
Published: October 2017

Sedimentological, stratigraphical, palaeontological, and geochemical evidence from outcrops of the Early Aptian (Cretaceous) succession in Mount Pagasarri (northern Spain) dated by ammonites is described to elucidate the origin of organic carbon‐rich sediments and carbonate platforms in the Early Aptian of the northern margin of the Tethyan Ocean. A 1,600‐m‐thick section spans the latest Barremian to the end of the Early Aptian and is divided into 3 units: a lower marine nearshore, a middle rudist‐coral shallow‐water carbonate platform, and a deeper‐water outer shelf. Deshayesites oglanlensis, D. forbesi, D. deshayesi and Dufrenoyia furcata ammonite zones are represented. Three organic carbon‐rich intervals are recognised. The oldest (top Barremian) is correlated with the Taxy Level of France/Germany. A second organic layer in the lower part of the Deshayesites deshayesi Zone sediments correlates with the Selli Event of Italy. A third organic‐carbon enriched layer in the D. furcata Zone sediments post‐dates the Aparein Level of the Aralar area in Spain. Carbon isotope curves reveal a brief negative excursion followed by a more prolonged positive trend during the Early Aptian interpreted as oceanic anoxic event 1a (OAE1a). Three carbonate platform growth phases are recognised in the Basque‐Cantabrian Basin with OAE1a being developed between carbonate platform Phases 1 and 2. The Peñascal Limestones (late Early Aptian) represent carbonate platform Phase 3 of the Basque‐Cantabrian Basin succeeded by ammonite‐bearing marls of the latest Early Aptian, reflecting platform demise and subsequent marine flooding. The Mount Pagasarri area is a key locality for study of the oceanic anoxic events in the Greenhouse Earth of the Early Aptian.
Composition and age of Jurassic diabase dikes in the Xiongcun porphyry copper–gold district, southern margin of the Lhasa terrane, Tibet, China: Petrogenesis and tectonic setting
Authors: Lang Xinghai , Wang Xuhui , Tang Juxing , Deng Yulin , Cui Zhiwei , Yin Qing , Xie Fuwei
Published: October 2017

Diabase dikes are extensively distributed in the Xiongcun porphyry copper–gold district in the southern margin of the Lhasa terrane. Here, we report zircon U–Pb ages determined by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) along with Hf isotopic, whole‐rock elemental, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data for these diabase dikes. Zircons from one of the Xiongcun diabase dikes yielded an emplacement age of 165.3 ± 1.0 Ma. The Xiongcun diabase dikes display subalkaline features and tholeiite compositions. They are enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Ba, and K) and light rare earth elements and are depleted in high‐field‐strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti). The Xiongcun diabase dikes exhibit relatively low ratios of (87Sr/86Sr)i(0.70386–0.70501), (206Pb/204Pb)i(18.15–18.40), (207Pb/204P)i(15.52–15.57), and (208Pb/204Pb)i(38.06–39.46) and relatively high values of εNd(t) (5.85–6.92) and εHf(t) (+12.58 to +14.03). Combined with previous research results, these findings suggest that the Xiongcun diabase dikes and Early Mesozoic magmatic rocks in the southern margin of the Lhasa terrane formed in an active continental margin magmatic arc setting related to the northward subduction of the Neo‐Tethys oceanic slab; however, the possibility that the Xiongcun diabase dikes were formed in an intra‐oceanic arc setting cannot be excluded. Their parental magmas were formed by the partial melting of the depleted mantle source that was modified by fluids released from the Neo‐Tethys oceanic slab. The magmas experienced fractional crystallization of olivine and clinopyroxene and underwent limited crustal contamination during magma emplacement. The ~165 Ma Xiongcun diabase dikes, which probably originated under an extensional stress condition in a magmatic arc setting, correspond to the timing of Middle Jurassic subduction‐related porphyry copper mineralization (161–172 Ma) in the southern margin of the Lhasa terrane, likely suggesting that this episode of mineralization occurred during a period of changing stress from compression to extension.
Shear stress upregulates regeneration‐related immediate early genes in liver progenitors in 3D ECM‐like microenvironments
Authors: Nishii Kenichiro , Brodin Erik , Renshaw Taylor , Weesner Rachael , Moran Emma , Soker Shay , Sparks Jessica L.
Published: October 2017

The role of fluid stresses in activating the hepatic stem/progenitor cell regenerative response is not well understood. This study hypothesized that immediate early genes (IEGs) with known links to liver regeneration will be upregulated in liver progenitor cells (LPCs) exposed to in vitro shear stresses on the order of those produced from elevated interstitial flow after partial hepatectomy. The objectives were: (1) to develop a shear flow chamber for application of fluid stress to LPCs in 3D culture; and (2) to determine the effects of fluid stress on IEG expression in LPCs. Two hours of shear stress exposure at ∼4 dyn/cm2 was applied to LPCs embedded individually or as 3D spheroids within a hyaluronic acid/collagen I hydrogel. Results were compared against static controls. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the effect of experimental treatments on gene expression. Twenty‐nine genes were analyzed, including IEGs and other genes linked to liver regeneration. Four IEGs (CFOS, IP10, MKP1, ALB) and three other regeneration‐related genes (WNT, VEGF, EpCAM) were significantly upregulated in LPCs in response to fluid mechanical stress. LPCs maintained an early to intermediate stage of differentiation in spheroid culture in the absence of the hydrogel, and addition of the gel initiated cholangiocyte differentiation programs which were abrogated by the onset of flow. Collectively the flow‐upregulated genes fit the pattern of an LPC‐mediated proliferative/regenerative response. These results suggest that fluid stresses are potentially important regulators of the LPC‐mediated regeneration response in liver.
Curcumin, hemostasis, thrombosis, and coagulation
Authors: Keihanian Faeze , Saeidinia Amin , Bagheri Ramin Khameneh , Johnston Thomas P. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: October 2017

Atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease is a major cause of mortality throughout the world. Platelet activation and aggregation play a central role in hemostasis and thrombosis. Herbal medicines have been traditionally used in the management of cardiovascular disease and can help in modifying its progression, particularly in hemostasis and the coagulation process, as well as altering platelet function tests and some coagulation parameters. Curcumin is a polyphenol derived from the Curcuma longa plant and has been used extensively in complementary and alternative medicine, as it is nontoxic and safe with various therapeutic properties. Modern scientific research has demonstrated its anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, anti‐carcinogenic, antithrombotic, and cardiovascular protective effects. The present study reviewed previous studies in the literature, which support the positive activity of curcumin in hemostasis, anticoagulation, and fibrinolysis. We also presented molecular mechanisms associated with the antiplatelet and anticoagulant activities of curcumin and potential implications for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Effect of sludge age on microbial consortia developed in MFCs
Authors: Mateo Sara , Zamorano‐López Nuria , Borras Luis , Fernandez‐Morales Francisco Jesús , Cañizares Pablo , Seco Aurora , Rodrigo Manuel
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

This work is focused on the assessment of the performance of mini‐scale air‐breathing microbial fuel cells (MFCs), by monitoring the evolution of the bio‐electrogenic activity for a period of 40 days and by comparing the microorganisms populations developed in each of the MFCs after this period.

RESULTS

Five MFCs were operated at sludge ages ranging from 1.4 to 10.0 days. Results showed the superb performance of the MFC operating under a sludge age of 2.5 days. Desulfuromonas, Syntrophothermus, Solitalea, Acholeplasma, Propionicimonas, Desulfobacula and Sphaerochaeta are proposed as potentially responsible for the bio‐electrogenic activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Microbial population analysis through Illumina amplicon sequencing demonstrated that despite all MFCs being seeded with the same mixed culture inoculum, the biological cultures developed in the suspension and the biofilm are completely different and depend strongly on sludge age. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Chronic and Late Poverty as the Main Concerns in a Twofold Survey on Intertemporal Poverty Preferences
Authors: Esposito Lucio , Chiappero‐Martinetti Enrica
Published: October 2017

The increasing attention gained by the intertemporal aspect of poverty has led to the flourishing of measurement tools that are informed by conflicting views on deprivation dynamics. We test individual preferences for alternative intertemporal poverty patterns using primary data from a sample of 1083 undergraduate students and a heterogeneous sample of 310 adults in the Dominican Republic. For both samples, the strongest concerns are chronic (rather than intermittent) and poverty in the second rather than in the first part of one's life. Preferences are significantly affected by a duration‐based between‐subject randomly assigned treatment. Individual characteristics such as age and standard of living are significant predictors of respondents' views. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of an isotopic stream index connecting physiographic characteristics of montane catchments
Authors: Peng Tsung‐Ren , Tong Lun‐Tao , Liu Tsang‐Sen , Zhan Wen‐Jun , Chiang Li‐Wei , Lu Wan‐Chung , Chen Chi‐Tsun
Published: October 2017

This study is to develop an isotopic catchment‐effect index (CEI) connecting the physiographic characteristics of stream catchments. A CEI, describing the extent of difference in stable water isotopic compositions (δ values) between stream water and local precipitation at any given sampling site, can help in judging whether water resource management should be focused on upstream regions of streams or local hydrology issues. To establish the isotopic CEI, this study measured δ values of stream water and derived δ18O of local precipitation based on regional isotopic altitude gradient at montane catchments of various sizes. Results indicate that the CEI is strongly related to catchment physiographic characteristics, such as length of main stream, mean area, mean elevation, perimeter, and slope. These characteristics are considered important indices of streamflow. Based on mathematical regression modeling describing the relationships between CEI and respective physiographic factors, CEI values can predict respective physiographic factors and vice versa. Moreover, according to the multiple equations derived in this study, catchments of larger size and steeper slope give elevated CEI values while greater stream length reduces the CEI's value. A greater CEI value indicates that local stream water is principally sourced from upstream reaches rather than contributions from local precipitation. In addition, CEI values are greater in winter than in summer resulting from monsoon effect. Consequently, this study establishes CEI as a useful descriptor of the physiographic characteristics of catchments.
Pilot screening study of targeted genetic polymorphisms for association with seasonal influenza hospital admission
Authors: Carter Tonia C. , Hebbring Scott J. , Liu Jixia , Mosley Jonathan D. , Shaffer Christian M. , Ivacic Lynn C. , Kopitzke Sarah , Stefanski Elisha L. , Strenn Rob , Sundaram Maria E. , Meece Jennifer , Brilliant Murray H. , Ferdinands Jill M. , Belongia Edward A.
Published: October 2017

Host response to influenza is highly variable, suggesting a potential role of host genetic variation. To investigate the host genetics of severe influenza in a targeted fashion, 32 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within viral immune response genes were evaluated for association with seasonal influenza hospitalization in an adult study population with European ancestry. SNP allele and genotype frequencies were compared between hospitalized influenza patients (cases) and population controls in a case‐control study that included a discovery group (26 cases and 993 controls) and two independent, validation groups (1 with 84 cases and 4076 controls; the other with 128 cases and 9187 controls). Cases and controls had similar allele frequencies for variant rs12252 in interferon‐inducible transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) (P > 0.05), and the study did not replicate the previously reported association of rs12252 with hospitalized influenza. In the discovery group, the preliminary finding of an association with a nonsense polymorphism (rs8072510) within the schlafen family member 13 (SFLN13) gene (P = 0.0099) was not confirmed in either validation group. Neither rs12252 nor rs8072510 showed an association according to the presence of clinical risk factors for influenza complications (P > 0.05), suggesting that these factors did not modify associations between the SNPs and hospitalized influenza. No other SNPs showed a statistically significant association with hospitalized influenza. Further research is needed to identify genetic factors involved in host response to seasonal influenza infection and to assess whether rs12252, a low‐frequency variant in Europeans, contributes to influenza severity in populations with European ancestry.
Establishment of a markerless multiple‐gene deletion method based on Cre/loxP mutant system for Bacillus pumilus
Authors: Guan Zheng‐Bing , Wang Kai‐Qiang , Shui Yan , Liao Xiang‐Ru
Published: October 2017

In this study, we established a Cre/loxP mutant recombination system (Cre/lox71‐66 system) for markerless gene deletion to facilitate our follow‐up rational genetic engineering to the strain Bacillus pumilus W3. This modified method uses two mutant loxP sites, which after recombination creates a double‐mutant loxP site that is poorly recognized by Cre recombinase, facilitating multiple gene deletions in a single genetic background. Two selected genes, cotA and sigF, were continuously knocked out and verified at different levels using this method. This method is simple and efficient and can be easily implemented for multiple gene deletions in B. pumilus.
Phlpp inhibitors block pain and cartilage degradation associated with osteoarthritis
Authors: Hwang Soyun M. , Feigenson Marina , Begun Dana L. , Shull Lomeli Carpio , Culley Kirsty L. , Otero Miguel , Goldring Mary B. , Ta Lauren E. , Kakar Sanjeev , Bradley Elizabeth W. , Westendorf Jennifer J.
Published: October 2017

Phlpp protein phosphatases are abnormally abundant within human osteoarthritic articular chondrocytes and may contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. Mice lacking Phlpp1 were previously shown to be resistant to post‐traumatic osteoarthritis. Here a small molecule with therapeutic properties that inhibits Phlpp1 and Phlpp2 was tested for its ability to slow post‐traumatic OA in mice and to stimulate anabolic pathways in human articular cartilage from OA joints. PTOA was induced in male C57Bl/6 mice by surgically destabilizing the meniscus. Seven weeks after surgery, mice received a single intra‐articular injection of the Phlpp inhibitor NSC117079 or saline. Mechanical allodynia was measured with von Frey assays, mobility was tracked in an open field system, and cartilage damage was assessed histologically. A single intra‐articular injection of the Phlpp inhibitor NSC117079 attenuated mechanical allodynia and slowed articular cartilage degradation in joints with a destabilized meniscus. Animals treated with the Phlpp inhibitor 7 weeks after injury maintained normal activity levels, while those in the control group traveled shorter distances and were less active 3 months after the joint injury. NSC117079 also increased production of cartilage extracellular matrix components (glycosaminoglycans and aggrecan) in over 90% of human articular cartilage explants from OA patients and increased phosphorylation of Phlpp1 substrates (AKT2, ERK1/2, and PKC) in human articular chondrocytes. Our results indicate that Phlpp inhibitor NSC117079 is a novel osteoarthritis disease modifying drug candidate that may have palliative affects. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1487–1497, 2018.
Quantifying changes and influences on mottled duck density in Texas
Authors: Ross Beth E. , Haukos David A. , Walther Patrick
Published: October 2017

Understanding the relative influence of environmental and intrinsic effects on populations is important for managing and conserving harvested species, especially those species inhabiting changing environments. Additionally, climate change can increase the uncertainty associated with management of species in these changing environments, making understanding factors affecting their populations even more important. Coastal ecosystems are particularly threatened by climate change; the combined effects of increasing severe weather events, sea level rise, and drought will likely have non‐linear effects on coastal marsh wildlife species and their associated habitats. A species of conservation concern that persists in these coastal areas is the mottled duck (Anas fulvigula). Mottled ducks in the western Gulf Coast are approximately 50% below target abundance numbers established by the Gulf Coast Joint Venture for Texas and Louisiana, USA. Although evidence for declines in mottled duck abundance is apparent, specific causes of the decrease remain unknown. Our goals were to determine where the largest declines in mottled duck population were occurring along the system of Texas Gulf Coast National Wildlife Refuges and quantify the relative contribution of environmental and intrinsic effects on changes to relative population density. We modeled aerial survey data of mottled duck density along the Texas Gulf Coast from 1986–2015 to quantify effects of extreme weather events on an index to mottled duck density using the United States Climate Extremes Index and Palmer Drought Severity Index. Our results indicate that decreases in abundance are best described by an increase in days with extreme 1‐day precipitation from June to November (hurricane season) and an increase in drought severity. Better understanding those portions of the life cycle affected by environmental conditions, and how to manage mottled duck habitat in conjunction with these events will likely be key to persistence of the species under future environmental conditions. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Health disparities among adults with voice problems in the United States
Authors: Hur Kevin , Zhou Sheng , Bertelsen Caitlin , Johns Michael M.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To assess differences in access to care and healthcare utilization among adults who reported voice problems in 2012.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The 2012 National Health Interview Survey was utilized to evaluate adults who had a “voice problem in the past 12 months.” Multivariate analyses determined the influence of sociodemographic variables on the prevalence of voice problems in adults and access to care.

Results

Among 243 million adults in the United States, 17.9 ± 0.05 million adults (7.63% ± 0.21%) report experiencing voice problems. After controlling for age, education, income level, geographic region, and health insurance status, African Americans (odds ratio [OR]: 0.83, P < 0.05), Hispanics (OR: 0.61, P < 0.01), and other minorities (OR: 0.69, P < 0.01) had a lower OR for reporting voice problems in the last year relative to white adults. Among adults with voice problems, Hispanics were more likely to delay care because they could not reach a medical office by telephone (OR: 1.85, P < 0.01) and due to long wait times at the doctor's office (OR: 2.04, P < 0.01) compared to white adults. Adults with voice problems who were a racial minority, low income, or had public health insurance were more likely to postpone care because they lacked a mode of transportation.

Conclusion

Targeted programs are necessary to address the health disparities and barriers to care among those who suffer from voice problems.

Level of Evidence

IV. Laryngoscope, 128:915–920, 2018
High Resolution Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Secoiridoids and Metabolites as Biomarkers of Acute Olive Oil Intake—An Approach to Study Interindividual Variability in Humans
Authors: Silva Sandra , Garcia‐Aloy Mar , Figueira Maria Eduardo , Combet Emilie , Mullen William , Bronze Maria Rosário
Published: October 2017

Scope

Phenolic compounds are minor components of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Secoiridoids are the major components contributing to the phenolic content of EVOO. Information is lacking regarding their potential as biomarkers for EVOO intake.

Methods and results

Healthy volunteers (n = 9) ingested 50 mL of EVOO in a single dose containing 322 mg kg−1 total phenolic content (caffeic acid equivalents) and 6 mg 20 g−1 hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives. Plasma is collected before (0 h) and at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 h after ingestion. Urine samples are collected prior to ingestion (0 h) and at 0–4, 4–8, 8–15, and 15–24 h. Samples are analyzed by UPLC coupled with an Exactive Orbitrap MS. Partial least squares discriminant analysis with orthogonal signal correction is applied to screen for metabolites that allow sample discrimination. Plasma biomarkers and urine biomarkers are selected although individual variability is observed among volunteers. Results are in accordance with in vitro experiments performed (in vitro digestion and hepatic microsomal activity assays).

Conclusions

Plasma (elenolic acid + H2; p‐HPEA‐EA + H2 + glucuronide) and urinary (3,4‐DHPEA‐EA, 3,4‐DHPEA‐EA + H2+glucuronide, methyl 3,4‐DHPEA‐EA + H2+glucuronide) secoiridoid compounds are selected as biomarkers to monitor EVOO intake showing good predictive ability according to multivariate analysis.
Influence of brush length of PVP chains immobilized on silicon wafers on their blood compatibility
Authors: Nie Shengqiang , Qin Hui , Li Lulu , Zhang Chunmei , Yan Wei , Liu Yuan , Luo Jun , Chen Ping
Published: October 2017

In this study, the influence of variations in chain length of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) brushes on the blood compatibility of silicon wafer surfaces to which they were chemically attached was studied. Si surfaces were functionalized with various lengths of PVP brush using atom transfer radical polymerization technology and confirmed by elliptical polarized light, atom force microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The blood compatibility of these biointerfaces were systematically investigated by measuring protein adsorption, clotting time, platelet adhesion, contact activation, and complement activation. The results indicate that the hemocompatibility of the surfaces was highly related to PVP brush chain length and hydrophilicity of the surfaces. Our results contribute to rational biointerface design for specific biomedical applications. The results reveal that the PVP brushes with a long chain length have great potential for blood contacting applications due to their reduced protein absorption and cell activation following its contact with blood.
Toward 3D printed hydrogen storage materials made with ABS‐MOF composites
Authors: Kreider Megan C. , Sefa Makfir , Fedchak James A. , Scherschligt Julia , Bible Michael , Natarajan Bharath , Klimov Nikolai N. , Miller Abigail E. , Ahmed Zeeshan , Hartings Matthew R.
Published: October 2017

The push to advance efficient, renewable, and clean energy sources has brought with it an effort to generate materials that are capable of storing hydrogen. Metal–organic framework materials (MOFs) have been the focus of many such studies as they are categorized for their large internal surface areas. We have addressed one of the major shortcomings of MOFs (their processibility) by creating and 3D printing a composite of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and MOF‐5, a prototypical MOF, which is often used to benchmark H2 uptake capacity of other MOFs. The ABS‐MOF‐5 composites can be printed at MOF‐5 compositions of 10% and below. Other physical and mechanical properties of the polymer (glass transition temperature, stress and strain at the breaking point, and Young's modulus) either remain unchanged or show some degree of hardening due to the interaction between the polymer and the MOF. We do observe some MOF‐5 degradation through the blending process, likely due to the ambient humidity through the purification and solvent casting steps. Even with this degradation, the MOF still retains some of its ability to uptake H2, seen in the ability of the composite to uptake more H2 than the pure polymer. The experiments and results described here represent a significant first step toward 3D printing MOF‐5‐based materials for H2 storage.
Removal of organic water pollutant using magnetite nanomaterials embedded with ionic copolymers of 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sodium sulfonate cryogels
Authors: Al‐Hussain Sami A , Ezzat Abdelrhman O , Gaffer Amany K , Atta Ayman M
Published: October 2017

Magnetite cryogel composites as macroporous crosslinked matrices have received wide attention and attract much interest in the water purification and desalination industry. They can be used to produce effective adsorbents with high adsorption rate, capacity and desorption for water pollutants. In this work, the incorporation of magnetite nanoparticles into cryogels by the in situ method is proposed to increase the dispersion of nanoparticles in the gel composites and to produce effective magnetic materials with high adsorption capacities. Ionic sodium‐2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonate (Na‐AMPS) monomer was selected to prepare cryogels as the homopolymer or copolymers with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) or N‐vinyl pyrrolidone (VP) by the crosslinking polymerization technique in the frozen state. Magnetite nanoparticles were introduced into the cryogel by the in situ co‐precipitation method after introducing iron cations into the cryogel networks. The surface morphologies, crystal structure, magnetite content, thermal stability and magnetic properties were determined for the cryogels and their magnetite composites. The magnetite cryogel composites show significantly enhanced methylene blue dye removal in short times with higher adsorption efficiencies and good regeneration to form an effective adsorbent for water treatment. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Using the SAPAS to identify risk for personality disorders among psychiatric outpatients in India: A feasibility study
Authors: Innocent Simeon , Podder Priyanka , Ram Jai Ranjan , Barnicot Kirsten , Sen Piyal
Published: October 2017

Personality disorders (PDs) are common among psychiatric outpatients and are associated with increased morbidity and worse treatment outcomes. Epidemiological research conducted among this population in Asian countries is limited, reflecting a significant gap in the current literature. One barrier to this research is the lack of appropriate screening tools. The current research assessed the feasibility of using the SAPAS (Standardized Assessment of Personality–Abbreviated Scale) screening tool to identify individuals at high risk of PD in an Indian psychiatric outpatient population and provides an initial estimate of PD prevalence by using a validated diagnostic interview, the ICD‐10 International Personality Disorder Examination.

The findings suggest that whilst use of the SAPAS was feasible, acceptable to patients and led to clinically useful findings, when using the recommended cut‐off score of 4, the SAPAS largely overdiagnoses the risk for PD in psychiatric outpatients in India (positive predictive value = 26.3%). The estimated prevalence of personality disorder in the sample was 11.1%, based on administering the International Personality Disorder Examination diagnostic interview to high‐risk patients scoring 4 and above on the SAPAS, which is higher than previous estimates for this population and still likely to be an underestimation. Future studies should translate the measure into Bengali and evaluate its sensitivity and specificity at different cut‐off points in order to optimize its use in Indian populations. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring precision in bioassays: Rethinking assay validation
Authors: Fay Michael P. , Sachs Michael C. , Miura Kazutoyo
Published: October 2017

The m:n:θb procedure is often used for validating an assay for precision, where m levels of an analyte are measured with n replicates at each level, and if all m estimates of coefficient of variation (CV) are less than θb, then the assay is declared validated for precision. The statistical properties of the procedure are unknown so there is no clear statistical statement of precision upon passing. Further, it is unclear how to modify the procedure for relative potency assays in which the constant standard deviation (SD) model fits much better than the traditional constant CV model. We use simple normal error models to show that under constant CV across the m levels, the probability of passing when the CV is θb is about 10% to 20% for some recommended implementations; however, for extreme heterogeniety of CV when the largest CV is θb, the passing probability can be greater than 50%. We derive 100q% upper confidence limits on the CV under constant CV models and derive analogous limits for the SD under a constant SD model. Additionally, for a post‐validation assay output of y, we derive 68.27% confidence intervals on either the mean or log geometric mean of the assay output using either y±s (for the constant SD model) or
(for the constant CV model), where s and rG are constants that do not depend on y. We demonstrate the methods on a growth inhibition assay used to measure biologic activity of antibodies against the malaria parasite.