bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of the mTOR pathway in male Lewis rats after morphine self-administration and subsequent extinction training
Authors: Ucha Marcos , Coria Santiago M , Núñez Adrián E , Santos-Toscano Raquel , Roura-Martínez David , Fernández Ruiz Javier , Higuera-Matas Alejandro , Ambrosio Emilio
Published: March 2018

Addiction is a chronic disorder with an elevated risk of relapse, even after long periods of abstinence. Some of the neural mechanisms mediating addictions require protein synthesis, which could be relevant for the development of more effective treatments. The mTOR signaling pathway regulates protein synthesis processes that have recently been linked to the development of drug addiction. Thus, we have assessed the effects of morphine self-administration and its subsequent extinction on the expression of several genes that act in this pathway, and on the levels of some phosphoproteins in three brain areas related to reward learning and extinction: the amygdala, the nucleus accumbens, and the prefrontal cortex. We found an increase inRaptorandEif4ebp2gene expression in the amygdala of rats that self-administered morphine, and this persisted beyond the extinction period. The expression ofInsrin the amygdala of control animals decreased over time while the opposite effect was seen in the rats that self-administered morphine. We also found a strong correlation between some of the biochemical variables measured and behavioral traits, suggesting a significant role for the genes and phosphoproteins identified, mostly in the amygdala, in the behavioral effects of morphine.
Development of carbon anode for cathodic protection of mild steel in chloride environment
Authors: Osundare Ayomide , Oloruntoba Daniel Toyin , Popoola Patricia
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop technically efficient and economically effective sacrificial anodes that can be used for cathodic protection (CP) of pipelines in marine environment and fill the knowledge gap in the use of carbon anodes for CP.

Design/methodology/approach

A sacrificial anode was produced via sand casting by adding varying weight-percent of coal and ferrosilicon to a constant weight-percent of grey cast iron. The hardness of the produced anodes was evaluated using a Rockwell hardness tester. The microstructure of the anodes was observed with scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to study the phases present. A potentiostat was used to assess the corrosion behaviour of the produced anodes and mild steel in 3.5 Wt.% NaCl solution.

Findings

The SEM results showed that some anodes had interdendritic graphite formation, while others had pronounced graphite flakes. The EDS analysis showed carbon and iron to be the prominent elements in the anode. Anodes Bc, B2 and B5 with a corrosion rate of two order of magnitudes were observed to have similar dendritic structures. Anode B4 is the most electronegative with an Ecorr of −670.274 mV Ag/AgCl and a corrosion rate of 0.052475 mmpy. The produced anodes can be used to protect mild steel in the same environment owing to their lower Ecorr values compared to that of mild steel −540.907 mV Ag/AgCl.

Originality/value

Alloying has been majorly used to improve the efficiency of sacrificial anodes and to alleviate its setbacks. However, development of more technically efficient and economically effective sacrificial anodes via production of composite has not been exhaustively considered. Hence, this research focuses on the development of a carbon based anode by adding natural occurring coal and ferrosilicon to grey cast iron. The corrosion behaviour of the produced anode was evaluated and compared to that of mild steel in marine environment.
The current farm downturn vs the 1920s and 1980s farm crises
Authors: Zhang Wendong , Tidgren Kristine
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the current farm economic downturn and credit restructuring by comparing it with the 1920s and 1980s farm crises from both economic and regulatory perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper closely compares critical economic and regulatory aspects of the current farm downturn with two previous farm crises in the 1920s and 1980s, and equally importantly, the golden eras that occurred before them. This study compares key aggregate statistics in land value, agricultural credit, lending regulations, and also evaluates the situations and impacts on individual farmer households by using three representative case studies.

Findings

The authors argue that there are at least three economic and regulatory reasons why the current farm downturn is unlikely to slide into a sudden collapse of the agricultural markets: strong, real income; growth in the 2000s, historically low interest rates; and more prudent agricultural lending practices. The current farm downturn is more likely a liquidity and working capital problem, as opposed to a solvency and balance sheet problem for the overall agricultural sector. The authors argue that the trajectory of the current farm downturn will likely be a gradual, drawn-out one like that of the 1920s farm crisis, as opposed to a sudden collapse as in the 1980s farm crisis.

Originality/value

The review provides empirical evidence for cautious optimism of the future trajectory of the current downturn, and argues that the current downturn is much more similar to the 1920s pattern than the 1980s crisis.
An integrated approach for implementation of agile manufacturing system in an Indian manufacturing industry
Authors: Sindhwani Rahul , Malhotra Vasdev
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The advent of globalization not only made the manufacturing sector highly competitive but also facilitated best-quality products. The trend is further augmented by e-Commerce which increases the penetration to the targeted customer with the easy availability of customized product. In this backdrop, Indian manufacturing industries are striving hard to seek out best systems which will yield maximum profitability. Time is ripe to realize the true potential of agile manufacturing system (AMS). Infusion of AMS in manufacturing industry will bring forth the elusive mix of customer needs and products at lowest possible cost. But adoption and implementation of AMS is a challenging task in itself. There are certain facilitators and criteria which not only facilitate the system but also help in the effective and smooth implementation of this system. The purpose of this paper is to identify the criteria to weightage and ranking to AMS facilitators. This study was carried out by different approaches, namely, entropy approach, multi-objective optimization on the basis of ratio analysis (MOORA) method, Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) analysis and a cross-sectional survey of manufacturing firms in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The criteria and facilitators are identified followed by the application of entropy approach, MOORA method and VIKOR analysis to study and analyze the criteria weight and provide the ranking to AMS facilitators.

Findings

The result of the entropy approach concludes that beneficiary and non-beneficiary criteria carry 48.43 and 51.56 percent weight, respectively. MOORA method and VIKOR analysis conclude that organization structure and virtual enterprise facilitators are carrying the first and second rank, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

This study is completed on the basis of responses from few experts from industry and academicians who may not reflect the attitude of entire industry community.

Practical implications

This research is expected to facilitate policy makers in government and industries to frame policies for optimum utilization of resources and infrastructure for better performance. This paper helps the researcher to do a case study on the implementation of AMS and then finally helps to society in getting the high-quality product in an easy way.

Originality/value

Integration of entropy approach, MOORA method and VIKOR analysis with identification of AMS criteria weightage and ranking to AMS facilitators has been recommended for an industry which is an innovative effort for the execution of AMS.
Model for assessing the quality of marketing-management education
Authors: Rivera Jaime , Alarcón Víctor
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This study aims to propose and test a model of educational quality in marketing-management by incorporating resource-capability variables that are linked to learning outcomes for students and the competitive positioning of universities.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the resource-dependence theory, this study develops a comprehensive model for measuring educational quality. A sample comprising Spanish university teachers has been used to test the hypothesised relationships by using a two-stage least squares regression analysis while controlling for the possible effect of the public/private nature of the university.

Findings

The results validate the model and show that educational capabilities are reliable variables for predicting the educational quality of marketing-management programmes at Spanish universities.

Research limitations/implications

Similar to all educational research studies, certain problems have been acknowledged with respect to the data and the theoretical constructs that are used in the study. Future studies can replicate this study’s model by using more direct objective measures of the theoretical constructs and extend the study to other countries with different educational contexts.

Practical implications

The results provide guidance to marketing teachers at a university in designing high-quality marketing-management educational programmes and in developing self-diagnostic tools that can determine a university’s likelihood of competitive success.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few studies to apply the resource-dependence theory to the analysis of the variables associated with the quality of marketing-management education. In doing so, the study presents original multiitem scales to improve the measurement of model constructs.
Tourism and male homosexual identities: directions for sociocultural research
Authors: Monterrubio Carlos
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a critical review of the existing research on the relationships between tourism and male homosexual identities and, based on a sociocultural perspective, suggestions for specific directions in future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on a review of the literature that focuses on two independent yet intersecting topics: tourism and homosexuality and identity formation processes.

Findings

Specific directions for future research are offered regarding the role that tourism plays in homosexual identity development. The proposed paths for future research include the tangible contributions of tourism to the stages of homosexual tourists’ identity development and the (re)construction, negotiation and globalisation of homosexual and queer identities through tourists’ cultural interactions. Two further suggested directions are the significance of tourism for non-Western homosexual tourists and tourism’s impacts on local homosexual identities.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based solely on the existing literature on male homosexuality and mostly on studies published in English.

Originality/value

The research included a critical analysis of the commonly assumed significance of tourism in homosexual identity formation. The results provide directions for future empirical research and calls for a solid theoretical foundation that allows researchers to demonstrate, understand and explain how tourism contributes to gay and queer identities.
The immune characterization of interferon‐β responses in tuberculosis patients
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Sun Yi , He Caiyun , Qiu Xiaofen , Zhou Dalei , Ye Zulu , Long Yakang , Tang Tao , Su Xuan , Ma Jiangjun
Published: March 2018

We aimed to assess the immunoregulatory effects of IFN‐β in patients with tuberculous pleurisy. IFN‐β, IFN‐γ and IL‐17 expression levels were detected, and correlations among these factors in different culture groups were analyzed. Pleural fluid mononuclear cells (PFMC) from tuberculous pleural effusions, but not peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy donors, spontaneously expressed IFN‐β, IL‐17 and IFN‐γ. Moreover, exogenous IFN‐β significantly inhibited the expression of IL‐17 in PFMC. By contrast, IFN‐β simultaneously enhanced the levels of IFN‐γ. To further investigate the regulation of IL‐17 and IFN‐γ by endogenous IFN‐β, an IFN‐β neutralizing antibody was simultaneously added to bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG)‐stimulated PFMC. IL‐17 expression was significantly increased, but IFN‐γ production was markedly decreased in the experimental group supplemented with the IFN‐β neutralizing antibody. Simultaneously, IL‐17 production was remarkably increased in the experimental group supplemented with the IFN‐γ neutralizing antibody. Taken together, in our study, we first found that freshly isolated PFMC, but not PBMC from healthy donors, spontaneously expressed IFN‐β, IL‐17 and IFN‐γ in vivo. Moreover, IFN‐β suppressed IL‐17 expression and increased IFN‐γ production. Furthermore, both IFN‐β and IFN‐γ down‐regulated IL‐17 expression. These observations suggest that caution is required when basing anti‐tuberculosis treatment on the inhibition of IFN‐β signaling.
Patient‐controlled hospital admission for patients with severe mental disorders: a nationwide prospective multicentre study
Authors: Thomsen C. T. , Benros M. E. , Maltesen T. , Hastrup L. H. , Andersen P. K. , Giacco D. , Nordentoft M.
Published: March 2018

Objective

To assess whether implementing patient‐controlled admission (PCA) can reduce coercion and improve other clinical outcomes for psychiatric in‐patients.

Methods

During 2013–2016, 422 patients in the PCA group were propensity score matched 1:5 with a control group (n = 2110) that received treatment as usual (TAU). Patients were followed up for at least one year using the intention to treat principle utilising nationwide registers. In a paired design, the outcomes of PCA patients during the year after signing a contract were compared with the year before.

Results

No reduction in coercion (risk difference = 0.001; 95% CI: −0.038; 0.040) or self‐harming behaviour (risk difference = 0.005; 95% CI: −0.008; 0.018) was observed in the PCA group compared with the TAU group. The PCA group had more in‐patient bed days (mean difference = 28.4; 95% CI: 21.3; 35.5) and more medication use (P < 0.0001) than the TAU group. Before and after analyses showed reduction in coercion (P = 0.0001) and in‐patient bed days (P = 0.0003).

Conclusion

Implementing PCA did not reduce coercion, service use or self‐harm behaviour when compared with TAU. Beneficial effects of PCA were observed only in the before and after PCA comparisons. Further research should investigate whether PCA affects other outcomes to better establish its clinical value.
Seasonality overrides differences in butterfly species composition between natural and anthropogenic forest habitats
Authors: Habel J. C. , Seibold S. , Ulrich W. , Schmitt T.
Published: March 2018

Anthropogenic disturbances that alter habitat structures can lead to strong changes in species composition. The importance of certain habitat features for structuring species composition, however, may be determined by the availability of resources that can seasonally fluctuate. The Kenyan Arabuko Sokoke coastal forest consists of three pristine forest types and provides various anthropogenic forest‐like habitats, such as plantations and transition zones between forest and agricultural land. In parallel, this region experiences pronounced climatic seasonality which causes differences in resource availability. To test for potential differences in butterfly communities between natural and anthropogenic forest habitats, and whether they vary seasonally, we assessed butterfly species along transects in all five habitat types during the rainy and the consecutive dry season. We compiled ecological characteristics for each transect and for each butterfly species. We found highest species richness and abundances in the three natural forest habitats during the rainy season. Our data show distinct species clusters for each habitat type during the rainy season. In contrast, butterfly species composition does not form distinct community groups during the dry season. During this time period, highest species richness and abundances are found in plantations. These temporal differences in species richness, abundance and species composition between the two seasons are assumed to be driven by limited nectar availability inside of the forest during the dry season. This situation might lead to increased mobility and the invasion of anthropogenic habitats, where nectar sources are still available during the dry season. Thus, plantations might represent a surrogate habitat for forest butterflies during their imaginal stage, but do not represent a suitable habitat providing all resources needed for successful larval development.
Enhanced neuronal and blunted hemodynamic reactivity to cocaine in the prefrontal cortex following extended cocaine access: optical imaging study in anesthetized rats
Authors: Allen Craig P. , Park Kicheon , Li Ang , Volkow Nora D. , Koob George F. , Pan Yingtian , Hu Xiu‐Ti , Du Congwu
Published: March 2018

Cocaine addiction is associated with dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which facilitates relapse and compulsive drug taking. To assess if cocaine's effects on both neuronal and vascular activity contribute to PFC dysfunction, we used optical coherence tomography and multi‐wavelength laser speckle to measure vascularization and hemodynamics and used GCaMP6f to monitor intracellular Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]in) as a marker of neuronal activity. Rats were given short (1 hour; ShA) or long (6 hours; LgA) access cocaine self‐administration. As expected, LgA but not ShA rats escalated cocaine intake. In naïve rats, acute cocaine decreased oxygenated hemoglobin, increased deoxygenated hemoglobin and reduced cerebral blood flow in PFC, likely due to cocaine‐induced vasoconstriction. ShA rats showed enhanced hemodynamic response and slower recovery after cocaine, versus naïve. LgA rats showed a blunted hemodynamic response, but an enhanced PFC neuronal [Ca2+]in increase after cocaine challenge associated with drug intake. Both ShA and LgA groups had higher vessel density, indicative of angiogenesis, presumably to compensate for cocaine's vasoconstricting effects. Cocaine self‐administration modified the PFC cerebrovascular responses enhancing it in ShA and attenuating it in LgA animals. In contrast, LgA but not ShA animals showed sensitized neuronal reactivity to acute cocaine in the PFC. The opposite changes in hemodynamics (decreased) and neuronal responses (enhanced) in LgA rats indicate that these constitute distinct effects and suggest that the neuronal and not the vascular effects are associated with escalation of cocaine intake in addiction whereas its vascular effect in PFC might contribute to cognitive deficits that increase vulnerability to relapse.
Fine versus coarse atrial fibrillation in rheumatic mitral stenosis: The impact of aging and the clinical significance
Authors: Pourafkari Leili , Baghbani‐Oskouei Aidin , Aslanabadi Naser , Tajlil Arezou , Ghaffari Samad , Sadigh Ali Mosavi , Savadi‐Oskouei Safa , Enamzadeh Elgar , Parizad Raziyeh , Nader Nader D
Published: March 2018

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) as the most rhythm disturbance in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS), is classified in to coarse and fine subtypes according to the height of fibrillatory wave amplitude. The aim of this study is to identify the factors associated with the presence of fine versus coarse morphology in patients with rheumatic MS.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, patients with confirmed diagnosis of severe rheumatic MS admitted between March 2013 and March 2017 were screened. Patients were categorized to sinus rhythm (SR) and AF rhythm (coarse and fine subtypes) groups according to the admission electrocardiogram. The association between various clinical and echocardiographic factors and the development of fine versus coarse AF were examined.

Results

Among 754 patients with the diagnosis of rheumatic MS, 288 (198 female) were found to have AF (38%). Among them 206 (71.5%), and 82 (28.5%) patients had fine and coarse morphology respectively. Patient in these two groups were quite similar in terms of echocardiographic parameters and comorbidities. However, patients with fine morphology AF were significantly older. (p‐Value=.007).

Conclusion

Coarse morphology of AF is common in patients with rheumatic MS. While echocardiographic or most clinical parameters do not seem to associate with the occurrence of coarse or fine morphology, age seems to be the only independent factor correlated with the presence of fine subtype of AF in this population.
Inhibition of In Vitro Metabolism of Opioids by Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
Authors: Moody David E. , Fu Yueqiao , Fang Wenfang B.
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that skeletal muscle relaxants could inhibit the in vitro metabolism of common comedications opioids buprenorphine, methadone and oxycodone. The compounds [solubility‐limited concentration (μM) studied] were as follows: baclofen (1000), carisoprodol (200), its metabolite meprobamate (1000), chlorzoxazone (200), cyclobenzaprine (1000), metaxalone (50), methocarbamol (1000), orphenadrine (1000) and tizanidine (1000). Compounds were first incubated with human liver microsomes ± pre‐incubation, screened with pathway‐specific cDNA‐expressed cytochrome P450s (rCYP), and then IC50 values determined using either 8‐concentration tests for those where the rCYP screen suggested an IC50 was achievable, or a 3‐concentration test with downward extrapolation if screen suggested 50% inhibition was not achievable. These results were then extrapolated to determine an inhibitory potential. Six pathway inhibitor combinations were identified with a moderate inhibitory potential (≥2.0 < 5.0): five with chlorzoxazone, R‐EDDP, S‐EDDP and noroxycodone production by CYP3A4, and R‐ and S‐EDDP production by CYP2B6; and one for the meprobamate effect on noroxycodone production by CYP3A4. An additional eleven combinations were found with a weak inhibitory potential (≥1.25 < 2.0): five with carisoprodol, two each with methocarbamol and meprobamate, and one each with metaxalone and orphenadrine. This represents the first comprehensive study of the inhibitory effect of this class of drugs and suggests that some of them may produce significant drug–drug interactions with opioids that are frequent comedications with skeletal muscle relaxants.
Botulinum toxin: did the black box warning change how we treat children with cerebral palsy?
Authors: Kolaski Kat
Published: March 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Swinney et al. on pages 498–504 of this issue.
Floral resource pulse decreases bumble bee foraging trip duration in central Wisconsin agroecosystem
Authors: Hemberger Jeremy , Gratton Claudio
Published: March 2018

1. Resource pulses, narrow periods of high resource availability, can elicit strong behavioural responses across diverse taxa. Mass‐flowering agricultural crops are an example of a resource pulse that insect pollinators exploit. However, the underlying mechanism behind changes in pollinator behaviour associated with mass‐flowering crops is still relatively unexplored.

2. The present study quantified the behavioural response of bumble bees, an important wild pollinator, to commercial cranberry bloom, an important mass‐flowering crop in Wisconsin, U.S.A. Over a 2‐year period, foraging trip duration was measured using radio frequency identification at 14 farms situated across landscape contexts, ranging from high to low natural area (woodland amount). Using transect surveys, floral resource abundance at a landscape scale was estimated.

3. It was found that bumble bees were highly sensitive to temporal changes in landscape‐level resource abundance associated with the onset of cranberry bloom, during which they decreased foraging trip duration by 22% and increased the number of foraging trips during bloom by 24% on average relative to the period before and after bloom. This phenomenon was consistent across colonies, individual bees, and landscape contexts, despite a higher abundance of flowers in low woodland landscapes. Bumble bee colonies growing in low‐ and high‐woodland landscapes exhibited a similar performance.

4. As mass‐flowering crops are probably a factor influencing bumble bee foraging behaviour in agricultural regions, investigations should continue into how variable resource landscapes, particularly those offering resource pulses, affect wild pollinators and the pollination services they provide.
Drought consistently alters the composition of soil fungal and bacterial communities in grasslands from two continents
Authors: Ochoa‐Hueso Raúl , Collins Scott L. , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Hamonts Kelly , Pockman William T. , Sinsabaugh Robert L. , Smith Melinda D. , Knapp Alan K. , Power Sally A.
Published: March 2018

The effects of short‐term drought on soil microbial communities remain largely unexplored, particularly at large scales and under field conditions. We used seven experimental sites from two continents (North America and Australia) to evaluate the impacts of imposed extreme drought on the abundance, community composition, richness, and function of soil bacterial and fungal communities. The sites encompassed different grassland ecosystems spanning a wide range of climatic and soil properties. Drought significantly altered the community composition of soil bacteria and, to a lesser extent, fungi in grasslands from two continents. The magnitude of the fungal community change was directly proportional to the precipitation gradient. This greater fungal sensitivity to drought at more mesic sites contrasts with the generally observed pattern of greater drought sensitivity of plant communities in more arid grasslands, suggesting that plant and microbial communities may respond differently along precipitation gradients. Actinobateria, and Chloroflexi, bacterial phyla typically dominant in dry environments, increased their relative abundance in response to drought, whereas Glomeromycetes, a fungal class regarded as widely symbiotic, decreased in relative abundance. The response of Chlamydiae and Tenericutes, two phyla of mostly pathogenic species, decreased and increased along the precipitation gradient, respectively. Soil enzyme activity consistently increased under drought, a response that was attributed to drought‐induced changes in microbial community structure rather than to changes in abundance and diversity. Our results provide evidence that drought has a widespread effect on the assembly of microbial communities, one of the major drivers of soil function in terrestrial ecosystems. Such responses may have important implications for the provision of key ecosystem services, including nutrient cycling, and may result in the weakening of plant–microbial interactions and a greater incidence of certain soil‐borne diseases.
Push‐Pull Tests for Estimating RDX and TNT Degradation Rates in Groundwater
Authors: Michalsen Mandy M. , Weiss Rebecca , King Aaron , Gent David , Medina Victor F. , Istok Jonathan D.
Published: March 2018

In situ bioremediation is being considered to optimize an existing pump‐and‐treat remedy for treatment of explosives‐contaminated groundwater at the Umatilla Chemical Depot. Push‐pull tests were conducted using a phased approach to measure in situ hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX) and 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT) degradation rates associated with various carbon substrates. Phase I included short‐duration transport tests conducted in each well to determine dilution rates and retardation factors for RDX and TNT. Phase II included aquifer “feedings” conducted by injecting 150 gallons of treated site groundwater amended with ethanol, corn syrup, lactose or emulsified oil (concentrations 10, 25 and 27 mM, respectively; 12% by volume for emulsified oil). Wells received up to 6 substrate “feedings” over the course of 3 months followed by monitoring dissolved oxygen, nitrate, Fe(II), and sulfate to gauge in situ redox conditions as indicators of anaerobic microbial activity. Phase III included push‐pull tests conducted by injecting 150 gallons of site groundwater amended with approximately 1000 µg/L RDX, 350 µg/L TNT, carbon substrate and a conservative tracer, followed by sampling over 8 d. Corn syrup resulted in the best RDX removal (82% on average) and the largest RDX degradation rate coefficient (1.4 ± 1.1 d−1). Emulsified oil resulted in the best TNT removal (99%) and largest TNT degradation rate coefficient (5.7 × 10−2 d−1). These results will be used to simulate full‐scale in situ bioremediation scenarios at Umatilla and will support a go/no‐go decision to initiate full‐scale bioremediation remedy optimization.
The Value of Groundwater Modeling to Support a Pump and Treat Design
Authors: Compernolle T. , Van Passel S. , Lebbe L.
Published: March 2018

A wide range of rules, algorithms, and models are available to design an effective pump and treat remediation system. Often, one refers to the effectiveness of the developed pump and treat system to demonstrate how valuable the use of a groundwater model can be. An economic valuation of the groundwater model is usually missing. This study provides a framework that puts the discussion concerning the use of groundwater models in an economic perspective. It is not only demonstrated that a more effective pump and treat system can be designed using a groundwater model, but also the economic implications of using a groundwater model are calculated. A set of economic decision rules is applied to determine the economic value of a groundwater model. It is shown that investing in a groundwater model can be economically worthwhile. The remediation time is reduced, remediation costs are saved and the property can be sold more early. These benefits outweigh the costs of developing a groundwater model, and hence a positive net benefit (NB) is determined.
Assessing BTEX Biodegradation Potential at a Refinery Using Molecular Biological Tools
Authors: Key Katherine C. , Sublette Kerry L. , Johannes Tyler W. , Ogles Dora , Baldwin Brett , Biernacki Anita
Published: March 2018

A microbial survey of hydrocarbon‐impacted groundwater and vadose zone at a Midwestern refinery employed molecular biological tools to elucidate the microbial processes involved in bioremediation occurring in the subsurface. qPCR analysis of bio‐traps incubated in groundwater indicated that a large and diverse microbial community was present throughout the site and suggested that mechanisms of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) biodegradation included aerobic oxidation, sulfate reduction, methanogenesis, and possibly Fe+3 reduction. To assess the role of vadose zone microorganisms in hydrocarbon attenuation, RNA was extracted from soil core samples, and reverse transcriptase‐qPCR (RT‐qPCR) analysis indicated that microbial activity in the vadose zone generally increased with depth, likely supported by hydrocarbons and methane volatilizing from the groundwater. Stable isotope probing (SIP) with 13C6‐benzene provided direct evidence of benzene biodegradation in six of the eight wells studied. The highest levels of 13C were detected in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) extracted from the two monitoring wells closest to the river. The influx of nutrients and oxygen coming from the river may help to maintain a robust population of hydrocarbon degraders in these wells. While qPCR analysis indicated that microorganisms with the genetic potential for hydrocarbon biodegradation were ubiquitous at the site, RT‐qPCR and SIP results were used to refine the site conceptual model by identifying areas where that genetic potential was actively being expressed and locations where biodegradation was lagging.
On‐Site Vapor‐Phase Analysis as a Novel Approach for Monitoring Groundwater Wells
Authors: Adamson David T. , McHugh Thomas E. , Rysz Michal W. , Landazuri Roberto , Seyedabbasi Mir Ahmad , Haas Patrick E. , Newell Charles J.
Published: March 2018

The results of comprehensive field testing of on‐site vapor‐phase‐based groundwater monitoring methods are presented to demonstrate their utility as a robust and cost‐effective approach for rapidly obtaining volatile organic compounds (VOCs) concentration data from a monitoring well. These methods—which rely on sensitive, commercially available field equipment to analyze vapor in equilibrium with groundwater—proved easy to implement and can be tailored to site‐specific needs, including multilevel sampling. During field testing, low‐flow groundwater concentrations could be reasonably estimated using submerged passive vapor diffusion samplers or field equilibration of collected groundwater (R2 = 0.85 to 0.96). These two methods are not as reliant on in‐well mixing to overcome vertical stratification within wells as simpler headspace methods. The importance of well and aquifer‐specific factors on concentration data (and therefore method selection) is highlighted, including the effect of changing in‐well patterns due to seasonal temperature gradients. Results indicated that vertical stratification was relatively limited within the set of wells included in these studies, resulting in similar performance for short depth‐discrete passive vapor diffusion samplers (constructed from 40‐mL vials) and longer samplers (2.5 to 5 feet in length) designed to cover a larger portion of the screened interval. A year‐long, multi‐event evaluation demonstrated that vapor‐phase‐based monitoring methods are no more variable than conventional groundwater monitoring methods, with both types subject to similar spatial and temporal variability that can be difficult to reduce. Vapor sampling methods represent a promising approach for estimation of groundwater concentrations by reducing the cost liabilities associated with monitoring while providing a more sustainable approach.
Evaluating the Subsurface Distribution of Zero‐Valent Iron Using Magnetic Susceptibility
Authors: Arnason John G. , Harkness Mark , Butler‐Veytia Belinda
Published: March 2018

Successful in situ groundwater remediation relies on the adequate distribution of treatment materials within the subsurface. Zero‐valent iron (ZVI) is widely used for the remediation of soils contaminated with chlorinated organic compounds. Because ZVI is a solid, various techniques are used to distribute ZVI in the subsurface; however, a major uncertainty in this process involves determining the distribution of the iron during emplacement. A method of mapping the distribution of ferromagnetic material such as ZVI is by magnetic susceptibility (MS), a novel approach that is highly sensitive, quantitative, objective, and easily applied in field. The method has been tested in the laboratory on synthetic cores containing EHC®, an organic amendment containing 40 to 50% ZVI, using an MS meter with two types of sensors (loop and handheld). Both sensors have high sensitivity (e.g., 1% disseminated EHC is easily detected), whereas the hand‐held sensor has greater spatial resolution (e.g., differences are notable on a scale of 1 cm). Following the laboratory studies, the handheld instrument was used to perform field measurements for multiple pilot studies and a full‐scale application of EHC using various delivery methods (pneumatic fracturing, hydraulic fracturing, and direct injection) to construct a biobarrier at a field remedial site. The MS method has proven invaluable in quantifying amendment distribution and ensuring appropriate application of this remedial technology.
Presence of Semi‐Volatile Organic Contaminants in Shallow Groundwater of Selected Regions in China
Authors: Chen Liang , Jin Song , Liu Yulong , Liu Fei
Published: March 2018

A pioneering investigation of semi‐volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in shallow groundwater in China was hereby reported. Representative groundwater samples were collected from three selected regions: Eastern Hai River Plain, Yangtze River Delta, and Yunnan‐Guizhou Plateau, and analyzed for 103 SVOCs linked to agricultural and industrial practices. Analytical results showed that 70 of the 103 SVOCs were present in the groundwater samples, a detection frequency of approximately 86%. Compounds detected most frequently included P,P′‐DDT (53.49%, MDL 0.0007 µg/L), 2,4‐dinitrotoluene (51.16%, MDL 0.02 µg/L), and phenol (51.16%, MDL 0.02 µg/L). Fifteen SVOCs, such as P,P′‐DDT, 2,4‐dinitrotoluene, heptachlor, and aldrin, were detected at concentrations exceeding the USA National Recommended Water Quality Criteria‐2009 (USNRWQC‐2009). Most of these 15 SVOCs belong to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorine pesticides. The detection of SVOCs in the Yunnan‐Guizhou Plateau warrants special concern, since this region has limited human activities and been assumed as an environmentally pristine area. The data from this work are expected to contribute to the database of contemporary groundwater quality in China.
Anti‐Helicobacter pylori therapy in localized gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: A prospective, nationwide, multicenter study in Japan
Authors: Sugizaki Katsuya , Tari Akira , Kitadai Yasuhiko , Oda Ichiro , Nakamura Shotaro , Yoshino Tadashi , Sugiyama Toshiro
Published: March 2018

Background

Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy was approved in Japan for the first‐line, standard treatment of H. pylori‐positive gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Although several retrospective studies or small‐scale single‐center studies have been reported, a prospective, large‐scale, nationwide, multicenter study has not been reported from Japan.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a prospective, nationwide, multicenter study to evaluate the clinical efficacy of rabeprazole‐based triple H. pylori eradication therapy for patients with localized gastric MALT lymphoma in practice‐based clinical trial. A total of 108 H. pylori‐positive patients with stage I/II1 gastric MALT lymphoma underwent H. pylori eradication therapy. The primary endpoints were complete remission (CR) rate and the rate of transfer to secondary treatment. The secondary endpoints were CR maintenance duration and overall survival (OS).

Results

CR of lymphoma was achieved in 84 of 97 patients (86.6%), during the period 2.0‐44.7 months (median, 5.3 months) after starting H. pylori eradication treatment. CR was maintained in 77 of 81 patients (95.1%) for 0.4‐53.2 months (median, 33.1 months). Secondary treatments (radiotherapy, rituximab, or gastrectomy) for gastric MALT lymphoma were needed in 10 of the 97 patients (10.31%). During follow‐up, OS rate was 96.9% (94/97) and the causes of 3 deaths were not related to lymphoma.

Conclusions

Rabeprazole‐based H. pylori eradication therapy demonstrated a high CR rate, long CR maintenance, and a good OS for patients with localized gastric MALT lymphoma in this prospective, practice‐based, multicenter study.
Brief report: Lactobacillus bulgaricus GLB44 (Proviotic™) plus esomeprazole for Helicobacter pylori eradication: A pilot study
Authors: Opekun Antone R. , Gonzales Savannah A. , Al‐Saadi Mahmoud A. , Graham David Y.
Published: March 2018

Background

Recent studies of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus GLB44 plus a proton‐pump inhibitor (PPI) reported cures of more than 90% of patients with active Helicobacter pylori infections.

Aim

To confirm the high H. pylori cure rates reported previously.

Method

A pilot study was done in healthy H. pylori‐infected volunteers using 3‐gram sachet (3 billion cells) of L. delbrueckii GLB44 plus 22.3 mg of esomeprazole b.i.d., for 14 days. The result was determined by urea breath testing 4 weeks after therapy. Stopping rules required for ending enrollment if less than 3 of the first 10 subjects were cured.

Results

Nine subjects were entered and because all failed to achieve negative urea breath test, the stopping rule required the study to end.

Conclusion

We were unable to confirm reports of achieving a high H. pylori cure rate with L. delbrueckii GLB44 plus a PPI.
Survivalist Modernity and the Logic of Its Governmentality
Authors: Kim Hong‐Jung
Published: March 2018

In this article, I analyze the governmental discourses of Chung‐Hee Park, drawing on Walter Benjamin's concept of the archeology of dreams. Following Benjamin, I argue that modern Korea has been shaped largely under the prevailing influence of survivalism, viewed as a principle of governmentality as well as a collective mentality. Since the late 19th century the Korean peninsula has been enmeshed in enduring geopolitico‐economic threats. The Cold War brought about suffering through the Korean War, which was carried over into an authoritarian and developmental state. Finally, under the hegemony of neoliberalism at the end of the 20th century, Koreans once again underwent a collective crisis of survival. Here, I focus on Cold War survivalism and explore the discourses of Chung‐Hee Park as representative texts exemplifying the logic and rationale of survivalist governmentality. Viewed as the most influential figure of 20th‐century Korea, Park crystallized and implemented a survivalist governmentality, the fundamental logic of which can be delineated in the following four axioms: (i) the transcendental structure of problems, (ii) kairotic time, (iii) the praxeology of power, and (iv) the sovereign leader. These four constitute the specific narrative of national survival that functioned as a blueprint for building up the developmental Korean state.
Prevention of pressure ulcers with a static air support surface: A systematic review
Authors: Serraes Brecht , van Leen Martin , Schols Jos , Van Hecke Ann , Verhaeghe Sofie , Beeckman Dimitri
Published: March 2018

The aims of this study were to identify, assess, and summarise available evidence about the effectiveness of static air mattress overlays to prevent pressure ulcers. The primary outcome was the incidence of pressure ulcers. Secondary outcomes included costs and patient comfort. This study was a systematic review. Six electronic databases were consulted: Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed (Medline), CINAHL (EBSCOhost interface), Science direct, and Web of Science. In addition, a hand search through reviews, conference proceedings, and the reference lists of the included studies was performed to identify additional studies. Potential studies were reviewed and assessed by 2 independent authors based on the title and abstract. Decisions regarding inclusion or exclusion of the studies were based on a consensus between the authors. Studies were included if the following criteria were met: reporting an original study; the outcome was the incidence of pressure ulcer categories I to IV when using a static air mattress overlay and/or in comparison with other pressure‐redistribution device(s); and studies published in English, French, and Dutch. No limitation was set on study setting, design, and date of publication. The methodological quality assessment was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program Tool. Results were reported in a descriptive way to reflect the exploratory nature of the review. The searches included 13 studies: randomised controlled trials (n = 11) and cohort studies (n = 2). The mean pressure ulcer incidence figures found in the different settings were, respectively, 7.8% pressure ulcers of categories II to IV in nursing homes, 9.06% pressure ulcers of categories I to IV in intensive care settings, and 12% pressure ulcers of categories I to IV in orthopaedic wards. Seven comparative studies reported a lower incidence in the groups of patients on a static air mattress overlay. Three studies reported a statistical (P < .1) lower incidence compared with a standard hospital mattress (10 cm thick, density 35 kg/m3), a foam mattress (15 cm thick), and a viscoelastic foam mattress (15 cm thick). No significant difference in incidence, purchase costs, and patient comfort was found compared with dynamic air mattresses. This review focused on the effectiveness of static air mattress overlays to prevent pressure ulcers. There are indications that these mattress overlays are more effective in preventing pressure ulcers compared with the use of a standard mattress or a pressure‐reducing foam mattress in nursing homes and intensive care settings. However, interpretation of the evidence should be performed with caution due to the wide variety of methodological and/or reporting quality levels of the included studies.
Accuracy of left atrial bipolar voltages obtained by ConfiDENSE multielectrode mapping in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Maille Baptiste , Das Moloy , Hussein Ahmed , Shaw Matthew , Chaturvedi Vivek , Morgan Maureen , Ronayne Christina , Snowdon Richard L. , Gupta Dhiraj
Published: March 2018

Introduction

The ConfiDENSE™ module (Carto3 v4) allows rapid annotation of endocardial electrograms acquired by multielectrode (ME) mapping. However, its accuracy in assessing atrial voltages is unknown.

Methods and results

Two ConfiDENSE™ left atrial voltage maps were created during continuous pacing in 20 patients undergoing catheter ablation for persistent AF using a ME lasso catheter and a contact force (CF) sensing ablation catheter. The automated tissue proximity indicator (TPI) filter was then applied to the ME map to yield a TPI map. Reference maps (RM) were created offline by a blinded observer by manually assessing all points against fidelity criteria. Bipolar voltages and proportion of low voltage points (< 0.5 mV) derived from the ME, CF, and TPI maps were compared with those derived from the RM.

Note that 853 ± 365 points, 252 ± 184 points, and 144 ± 73 were collected for ME, TPI, and CF maps, respectively, and 429 ± 153 points were included in the RM. Voltages with CF and TPI maps were similar to those with RM (1.57 ± 0.47 mV vs. 1.63 ± 0.31 mV, P = 0.57 and 1.50 ± 0.38 mV vs. 1.63 ± 0.31 mV, P = 0.07, respectively), whereas ME maps showed a significantly lower mean voltage (1.00 ± 0.22 mV, P < 0.001). As compared to RM maps (17 ± 8%), low voltage points were significantly overestimated by the ME maps (50 ± 9% (P < 0.001) and TPI maps (28 ± 13% (P < 0.001), but not by the CF maps (22 ± 14%, P = 0.17).

Conclusion

Application of the TPI filter to ConfiDENSE maps significantly increases the quality of the voltage data, conserving a reasonable point density, but still overestimates low voltage points as compared to CF‐sensing maps or maps reviewed manually.