bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Man in the driving seat”: A grounded theory study of the psychosocial experiences of Black African and Black Caribbean men treated for prostate cancer and their partners
Authors: Bamidele Olufikayo , McGarvey Helen , Lagan Briege M. , Parahoo Kader , Chinegwundoh MBE Frank , McCaughan Eilís
Published: June 2019

Objective

Evidence suggests that treatment side‐effects of prostate cancer (CaP) substantially affect the psychosocial well‐being of affected men and their partners. However, this phenomenon is poorly understood among high risk (1 in 4) Black African (BA)/Black Caribbean (BC) men and their partners, as they are currently under‐represented in global research on CaP survivorship. This study explored the psychosocial experiences of BA/BC men with CaP and their partners in the United Kingdom as they lived through the side effects of CaP treatment within their own sociocultural and marital contexts.

Methods

Using constructivist grounded theory methodology, interviews and focus groups were conducted with eligible men (n = 25), partners (n = 11), and health care professionals (HCPs) (n = 11) recruited in England. Data were iteratively analysed using constant comparison following the key stages of initial, focused, and theoretical coding until saturation was achieved.

Results

Data analysis culminated in the development of a substantive theory “man in the driving seat,” which describes the experiences of BA/BC men with CaP and their partners within their context. Culturally informed gender roles and identities influenced how men and partners responded and coped with the side effects of CaP treatment. There was a hierarchy of power within the BA/BC relationship, in which men were dominantly positioned as leaders, whilst partners mostly operated from a supportive but “accepting” position.

Conclusion

Inclusive and culturally sensitive individual and couple‐focused psychosocial support, which is devoid of stereotyping and recognises the experiences of both BA/BC men and their partners is recommended.
Patterns, relevance, and predictors of dyadic mental health over time in lung cancer
Authors: Lee Christopher S. , Lyons Karen S.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To identify distinct patterns of dyadic mental health in a sample of lung cancer dyads over 12 months and associations with other health characteristics and individual, dyadic, and familial predictors.

Methods

A sample of 113 patient‐care partner dyads living with nonsmall cell lung cancer were examined five times over 12 months. An integrative multilevel and mixture modeling approach was used to generate dyadic mental health summaries and identify common dyadic patterns of mental health over time, respectively.

Results

Three distinct patterns of dyadic mental health were observed: a congruent pattern (32.7%) characterized by almost identical mental health between members of the dyad, a disparate pattern (29.2%) characterized by better mental health of the patient compared with the care partner, and a parallel pattern (38.1%) characterized by care partner patterns of improvement and greater similarity in mental health over time. Membership of patterns was associated with physical health characteristics of both patient and care partner, levels of patient concealment regarding worries and concerns, and relationship quality reported by the care partner. Patterns did not differ by patient gender, care partner strain, or levels of social support.

Conclusions

Findings emphasize the importance of examining patterns of dyadic mental health to identify dyads most at risk so we may optimize the health of the dyad in tailored ways.
Social support as a moderator in the relationship between intrusive thoughts and anxiety among Spanish‐speaking Latinas with breast cancer
Authors: Escalera Cristian , Santoyo‐Olsson Jasmine , Stewart Anita L. , Ortiz Carmen , Nápoles Anna Maria
Published: June 2019

Objective

Intrusive thoughts, defined as unwanted and recurrent thoughts about a stressful experience, are associated with psychological distress in women with breast cancer. This study assessed moderating effects of various social support dimensions on associations between intrusive thoughts and psychological distress among Latina breast cancer survivors.

Methods

We used baseline data from a randomized controlled trial of a stress management intervention delivered to 151 Spanish‐speaking Latinas with nonmetastatic breast cancer within 1 year of diagnosis. Intrusive thoughts, four dimensions of social support (emotional/informational, tangible, affectionate, and positive social interaction), and symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed through in‐person interviews. Information on age, time since diagnosis, breast cancer variables, history of depression, and marital status served as covariates. Generalized linear models were used to investigate bivariate and multivariate associations and to explore moderation effects of the four dimensions of social support.

Results

In bivariate models, intrusive thoughts were associated positively with depression (β = .024, .001) and anxiety (β = .047, P < .001) symptoms. Adjusting for other factors, intrusive thoughts remained associated with depression symptoms (β = .022, .008), regardless of level of social support (for all support dimensions). For anxiety, there were significant interactions of tangible (β = −.013, .034) and affectionate (β = −.022, .005) support with intrusive thoughts. Intrusive thoughts were associated more strongly with anxiety symptoms among women reporting less tangible and affectionate support than those with higher levels of these types of support.

Conclusions

Tangible and affectionate support have protective effects on anxiety symptoms among Spanish‐speaking Latina breast cancer survivors experiencing intrusive thoughts, but not depression symptoms.
Efficacy of afidopyropen against soybean aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and toxicity to natural enemies
Authors: Koch Robert L , da Silva Queiroz Obiratanea , Aita Rafael Carlesso , Hodgson Erin W , Potter Bruce D , Nyoike Teresia , Ellers‐Kirk Christa D
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines (Hemiptera: Aphididae), remains the most significant soybean insect pest in the North Central Region of the USA. The sustainability of reliance on only a few insecticide groups for this pest is questionable. We evaluate afidopyropen, a novel pyropene insecticide (Group 9D), for efficacy against A. glycines in field and greenhouse experiments and toxicity to common natural enemies in laboratory experiments.

RESULTS

Across 4 site‐years of field experiments and a greenhouse experiment, afidopyropen reduced A. glycines populations similar to commonly used broad‐spectrum [i.e. lambda‐cyhalothrin (Group 3A) and chlorpyrifos (Group 1B)] insecticides and potential selective insecticides [i.e. sulfoxaflor (Group 4C) and flupyradifurone (Group 4D)]. In the greenhouse, however, A. glycines mortality was delayed slightly for afidopyropen compared to the other insecticides. In laboratory experiments with natural enemies of A. glycines, afidopyropen was not toxic to adult or third instar Hippodamia convergens (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) or adult Orius insidiosus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), and was only moderately toxic to Aphelinus certus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae).

CONCLUSION

Afidopyropen is effective against A. glycines and relatively non‐toxic to natural enemies, and appears to be an effective option for integrated pest management and insecticide resistance management programs for A. glycines. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Formation of Sn‐Induced Nanowires on Si(557)
Authors: Jäger Monika , Pfnür Herbert , Fanciulli Mauro , Weber Andrew P. , Dil Jan Hugo , Tegenkamp Christoph
Published: June 2019

In this study, the growth of Sn on Si(557) surfaces by means of scanning tunneling microscopy, low energy electron diffraction and angle resolved photoemission is analyzed. Depending on the Sn submonolayer coverage, various Sn‐nanowires are identified. For Sn‐coverages above 0.5 ML, ()‐ and ()‐reconstructions are found. In particular, these phases cover extended (111)‐areas, thus leading to an inhomogeneous refacetting of the Si(557) surface. The (223)‐facets between the mini‐(111) terraces reveal structures, which resemble a ×2 reconstruction along edges. The initial step structure of the Si(557) surface is maintained for Sn‐coverages below 0.5 ML, showing the α‐Sn phase on 3 nm wide (111)‐terraces. In contrast to the 2D Mott state of α‐Sn/Si(111), this confinement seems to quench the correlated electronic phase yielding metallic surface states at 40 K, in accordance with photoemission.
Monsoon depression amplification by moist barotropic instability in a vertically sheared environment
Authors: Diaz Michael , Boos William R.
Published: June 2019

This study makes the case that monsoon depressions over South Asia can form from a variant of moist barotropic instability. Using an idealized numerical framework in which the atmosphere is partitioned into a basic state and a perturbation, we simulate vortices resembling monsoon depressions that draw energy from the meridional shear of the monsoon trough and amplify when they interact with precipitating ascent. The influence of the basic state vertical shear on the vortex induces upward velocity, which couples precipitation with a Rossby‐wave‐like mode arising from dry barotropic growth, allowing the vortex to intensify. Sensitivity experiments reveal that both the sheared basic state and latent heating are necessary to achieve positive growth rates and that this process requires a sufficiently large initial perturbation. Trajectory analyses suggest that the combined flow of the vortex and the large‐scale monsoon transport diabatically generated potential vorticity from southwest of the vortex into the vortex center, thus enabling growth. In contrast with tropical cyclones, this mechanism does not require a feedback between surface wind speed and surface heat and moisture fluxes, though this feedback does ultimately result in a slightly stronger vortex.
Cost of ownership assessment for a da Vinci robot based on US real‐world data
Authors: Feldstein Josh , Schwander Bjoern , Roberts Mark , Coussons Herbert
Published: June 2019

Background

Despite growth of robotic surgery, published literature lacks assessment of the cost of ownership (CoO) of a da Vinci robot by surgical service line and the associated benefit such data provides.

Methods

Based on real‐world data (RWD) from 14 US hospitals and ≈6000 da Vinci robotic cases, CoO was assessed using all relevant fixed and variable cost components, calculated by surgical service line.

Results

At a representative hospital with an efficient robotic program (n = 424 cases), the weighted average fixed cost per case was $984. Weighted average variable cost per case was $8025 (range: $3325 for Cholecystectomy—multiport, to $16 986 for Rectal Resection). Assessing weighted average by case, main variable cost drivers were non‐da Vinci supplies (49.5%), staff costs (28.6%), and da Vinci supplies (21.9%).

Conclusions

Case mix, annual robotic case volumes, and cut‐to‐close/patient‐in‐room time by surgical service line represent core variables influencing robotic program CoO, which help drive profitable program management.
Local estrogen formation and its regulation in endometriosis
Authors: Mori Taisuke , Ito Fumitake , Koshiba Akemi , Kataoka Hisashi , Takaoka Osamu , Okimura Hiroyuki , Khan Khaleque N. , Kitawaki Jo
Published: June 2019

Background

It has been well established that endometriosis is an estrogen‐dependent disease. Although the exact pathogenesis of the disease is still unclear, it is known to be characterized by estrogen‐dependent growth and maintenance of the ectopic endometrium and increased local estrogen production.

Methods

The authors reviewed studies on local estrogen production and estrogen activities mediated by estrogen receptors in endometriotic tissues.

Main findings

Aberrant expression of several enzymes in local endometriotic lesions contributed to the production and metabolism of estrogens. Aromatase was one of the key therapeutic targets for the regulation of local estrogen formation. Our findings suggest that PGC‐1a, a transcriptional coactivator‐modulating steroid hormone, regulates aromatase expression and activity. Estrogen activities mediated by different types of estrogen receptors abnormally elevated in local tissues could also be involved in the development of endometriosis. The authors demonstrated that the isoflavone aglycone, a partial agonist of the estrogen receptor, suppressed the formation of endometriotic lesions.

Conclusions

Local estrogen production and estrogen activity mediated by estrogen receptors are important potential therapeutic targets for endometriosis.
Command‐filtered fixed‐time trajectory tracking control of surface vehicles based on a disturbance observer
Authors: Gao Zhenyu , Guo Ge
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we investigate trajectory tracking control of surface vehicles with model parameter uncertainties and external disturbances. The disturbances due to the wind, waves, and ocean currents are combined with the model parameter uncertainties as a compound disturbance. Then, a disturbance observer (DO) is introduced to estimate the compound disturbance, which can be achieved within a finite time independent of the initial estimation error. Based on the DO and, in the context of command filtered control, a novel fixed‐time backstepping control scheme is developed, by which the vehicle can track the desired trajectory with all the states globally stabilized in a given fixed time. The effectiveness and performance of the method are demonstrated by numerical simulations.
Synthesis of Hollow Nanospherical Cuprous Oxide Supported by Nitrogen‐Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide and Its Application to Enzyme‐Free Glucose Sensing
Authors: Chen Kang , Zhang Rong , Li Yuehua , Jiang Mengxiu , Wang Wenyang , Cui Zixiang
Published: June 2019

Nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide (N‐rGO) was obtained via high temperature heat treatment using ammonia as a nitrogen source. EDS and XPS tests revealed that the nitrogen atoms have been doped into the skeleton of graphene successfully. On this basis, hollow nanospherical cuprous oxide supported by N‐rGO (HNS‐Cu2O/N‐rGO) was synthesized by chemical precipitation as electrode materials for detection of glucose. TEM test showed that the hollow spherical cuprous oxide has been successfully supported on the surface of N‐rGO. In the case of electrochemical studies, the HNS‐Cu2O/N‐rGO modified glass carbon electrode presented a linear range from 4 μM to 2.37 mM for glucose detection with a sensitivity of 2488.8 μA⋅mM−1⋅cm−2, a detection limit of 2.28 μM (S/N=3) and fast amperometric response. Furthermore, the nanocomposite displayed good selectivity for glucose detection in the presence of interferences. The entire analysis demonstrates the applicability of HNS‐Cu2O/N‐rGO nanocomposite as one of the futuristic sensing material for glucose detection.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Novel Thiazoles with Reactive Functional Groups
Authors: Grybaitė Birutė , Vaickelionienė Rita , Stasevych Maryna , Komarovska‐Porokhnyavets Olena , Kantminienė Kristina , Novikov Volodymyr , Mickevičius Vytautas
Published: June 2019

A series of substituted thiazoles bearing different functional groups, such as carboxyethylamino, carboxyl, chloromethyl, (phenylamino)methyl, ethoxyoxoethyl, methoxyoxoethylidene, ethoxycarbonyl, (methoxy or hydrazinyl)oxopropyl, carbohydrazinyl, formyl, and ((phenyl, carbamothioyl or isonicotinoyl)hydrazono)methyl, incorporated into their structure were synthesized. The synthesized compounds were tested for their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycobacterium luteum bacteria strains, and Candida tenuis and Aspergillus niger fungi. Compounds exhibiting exclusive antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger (MIC 0.9, 1.9 μg/mL) and Candida tenuis (MIC 7.8 μg/mL) have been identified among the novel thiazole derivatives.
Citric Acid/MCM‐48 Catalyzed Multicomponent Reaction: An Efficient Method for the Novel Synthesis of Quinoline Derivatives
Authors: Akpotu Samson O. , Moodley Brenda , Vamsi Boddu , Ofomaja Augustine , Maddila Suresh , Jonnalagadda Sreekantha B
Published: June 2019

A facile, efficient and suitable green approach has been designated for the one‐pot synthesis of quinoline derivatives in the presence of citric acid doped MCM‐48 (CAMCM‐48) as a heterogeneous catalyst. The prepared material was characterized by using various techniques like P‐XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA, FTIR and structural properties was determined by BET analysis. The reaction progressed efficiently under ethanol solvent system at room temperature condition to afford the corresponding products. This protocol offers many advantages such as simple synthesis, easy work‐up, short reaction times (15 min), good stability, reusability and no chromatographic separation techniques plus excellent yields (91‐98%).
Facile Fabrication of Highly Efficient Photoelectrocatalysts MxOy@NH2‐MIL‐125(Ti) for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Fiaz Muhammad , Kashif Muhammad , Majeed Saadat , Ashiq Muhammad Naeem , Farid Muhammad Asim , Athar Muhammad
Published: June 2019

Highly efficient amine functionalized MxOy@NH2‐MIL‐125(Ti) (MxOy=MnO2, Fe2O3, Co3O4, NiO, CuO and ZnO) photoelectrocatalysts have been synthesized by using a simple and cost effective synthetic approach through in‐situ incorporation of pre‐synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles into NH2‐MIL‐125(Ti) MOF via hydrothermal method. All the synthesized samples have been characterized by Powder X‐ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectrometry, Elemental Mapping, UV‐Vis Spectroscopy and N2‐adsorption isotherm. It has been found that incorporation of nanoparticles into porous MOF decreased the band gap, reduced the electron‐hole pair recombination and enhanced the efficient absorption of visible light. Hydrogen evolution reaction is evaluated by Cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry studies at 100 mV/s and 1 mV/s, respectively. Amongst various synthesized samples, CuO@NH2‐MIL‐125(Ti) required lowest overpotential of 146 mV to achieve −5mAcm−2 current density as compared to 226 mV for bare NH2‐MIL‐125(Ti). Moreover, MxOy@NH2‐MIL‐125(Ti) samples showed lower onset potential for hydrogen evolution reaction as compared to bare NH2‐MIL‐125(Ti). Chronoamperometric measurements of all these samples showed their stability for 600 seconds at constant applied voltage of 1.5 V.
Multi‐Responsive Supramolecular Hydrogels Derived from Gemini Surfactants for Visual Recognition of Isomerization
Authors: Zhong Jinlian , Zhong Juping , Zhong Xiang , Chen Yali , Jiang Wenting , Chen Zhixing , Liu Huijin , Jia Xinjian , Luo Xuzhong
Published: June 2019

A new series of gemini surfactants containing azobenzene moieties with different alkyl chains (TMn, n denotes the number of carbon atom in alkyl chains) were successfully designed and synthesized. And then, their gelation abilities in water were evaluated in detail. It was found that stable supramolecular hydrogels could be formed at room temperature when n=8 (TM8), in which TM8 molecules self‐assembled into ordered bilayer aggregates via intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π‐π stacking interactions. Moreover, this kind of hydrogel exhibits excellent mechanical property and thermo‐reversibility. Interestingly, the TM8 molecule can be well‐recognized by α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) via host‐guest interactions. When α‐CD is added to the TM8‐H2O system, the corresponding hydrogel displays photo‐sensitive characteristics under irradiation of UV light (365 nm). As a conversion material, this multi‐responsive supramolecular hydrogel has great potentials in the smart switch field.
An Ultrathin, Nanogradient, and Substrate‐Independent WOx‐Based Film as a High Performance Flexible Solar Absorber
Authors: Wang Wei , Wen Huaixing , Shi Jing , Su Jinbu , Li Zhengtong , Wang Chengbing , Yan Xingbin
Published: June 2019

Advances in flexible and wearable energy‐related devices increase the need for highly efficient, low‐cost, ultrathin solar selective absorber coatings (SSACs). Herein, the fabrication of nanogradient WOx‐based SSACs with excellent properties, including a superior solar absorptance of 0.93, an outstanding thermal robustness of up to 300 °C, and substrate independence, is reported. More importantly, the thickness of WOx‐based SSACs is only approximately 100 nm, which is substantially thinner than all other reported SSACs. These features arise from the two intrinsically absorptive WOx layers on a thin nanoplasmonic W layer. The deposition process is based on self‐doped reactive sputtering via limited tungsten oxidation due to a small amount of oxygen. The WOx‐based SSACs on a flexible polyimide sheet demonstrate stable performance, strong adhesion, and bendable nature. The proposed self‐doped fabrication process provides a new way to design cost‐effective ultrathin SSACs to meet the demand for large‐scale flexible energy harvesting and supply applications.
Individuating Logics
Authors: Wigglesworth John ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: June 2019

This paper addresses a recent debate as to whether logical anti-exceptionalists should understand logical theories in syntactic or semantic terms. InWigglesworth (2017), I propose a purely semantic approach, while Woods (2018) has argued in favor of a purely syntactic approach. Here, I argue that neither of these approaches is satisfactory, as both treat arguably distinct logics as equivalent logical theories. I argue instead for an approach that combines syntactic and semantic components. The specific approach to a combined account of logical theories is based on the category-theoretic notion of an institution.
Enfranchising the future: Climate justice and the representation of future generations
Authors: Gonzalez‐Ricoy Inigo , Rey Felipe
Published: June 2019

Representing unborn generations to more suitably include future interests in today's climate policymaking has sparked much interest in recent years. In this review we survey the main proposed instruments to achieve this effect, some of which have been attempted in polities such as Israel, Philippines, Wales, Finland, and Chile. We first review recent normative work on the idea of representing future people in climate governance: The grounds on which it has been advocated, and the main difficulties that traditional forms of representation have encountered when applied to this particular case. We then survey existing institutional means to represent generations to come. We separate out representation in courts, in parliament, and by independent bodies, and review specific instruments including climate litigation, parliamentary commissions, future representatives, youth quotas, and independent offices for future generations. We examine the particular forms whereby each of these may suitably represent future people, including audience representation, surrogate representation, and indicative representation, and discuss the main challenges they encounter in so doing.

This article is categorized under:

Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Climate Change and Human Rights
Smart city big data analytics: An advanced review
Authors: Soomro Kamran , Bhutta Muhammad Nasir Mumtaz , Khan Zaheer , Tahir Muhammad A.
Published: June 2019

With the increasing role of ICT in enabling and supporting smart cities, the demand for big data analytics solutions is increasing. Various artificial intelligence, data mining, machine learning and statistical analysis‐based solutions have been successfully applied in thematic domains like climate science, energy management, transport, air quality management and weather pattern analysis. In this paper, we present a systematic review of the literature on smart city big data analytics. We have searched a number of different repositories using specific keywords and followed a structured data mining methodology for selecting material for the review. We have also performed a technological and thematic analysis of the shortlisted literature, identified various data mining/machine learning techniques and presented the results. Based on this analysis we also present a classification model that studies four aspects of research in this domain. These include data models, computing models, security and privacy aspects and major market drivers in the smart cities domain. Moreover, we present a gap analysis and identify future directions for research. For the thematic analysis we identified the themes smart city governance, economy, environment, transport and energy. We present the major challenges in these themes, the major research work done in the field of data analytics to address these challenges and future research directions.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Government and Public Sector

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Big Data Mining
Revisiting the production of ALPs at B-factories
Authors: Merlo L. , Pobbe F. , Rigolin S. , Sumensari O.
Published: June 2019

Abstract

In this paper, the production of Axion-Like Particles (ALPs) at B-factories via the process e
+
e
− → γa is revisited. To this purpose, the relevant cross-section is computed via an effective Lagrangian with simultaneous ALP couplings to b-quarks and photons. The interplay between resonant and non-resonant contributions is shown to be relevant for experiments operating at

$$ \sqrt{s}={m_{\varUpsilon}}_{(nS)} $$

s

=

m
ϒ

n
S

, with n = 1, 2, 3, while the non-resonant one dominates at ϒ(4S). These effects imply that the experimental searches performed at different quarkonia resonances are sensitive to complementary combinations of ALP couplings. To illustrate these results, constraints from existing BaBar and Belle data on ALPs decaying into invisible final states are derived, and the prospects for the Belle-II experiment are discussed.
Localization of effective actions in open superstring field theory: small Hilbert space
Authors: Maccaferri Carlo , Merlano Alberto
Published: June 2019

Abstract

We consider the algebraic effective couplings for open superstring massless modes in the framework of the A
∞ theory in the small Hilbert space. Focussing on quartic couplings, we reduce the effective action of the A
∞ theory to the Berkovits one where we have already shown that such couplings are fully computed from contributions at the boundary of moduli space, when the massless fields are appropriately charged under an

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 R-symmetry. Here we offer a proof of localization which is in the small Hilbert space. Our analysis shows that the flat directions of the quartic potential are controlled by ADHM-like constraints, which are directly related to the localization channels of the effective action. In particular we give evidence for the existence of exactly marginal deformations corresponding to blowing up moduli in the D(p + 4)/Dp system in the framework of string field theory.
In the quagmire of quibbles: a dialectical exploration
Authors: Krabbe Erik C. W. , van Laar Jan Albert
Published: June 2019

Criticism may degenerate into quibbling or nitpicking. How can discussants keep quibblers under control? In the paper we investigate cases in which a battle about words replaces a discussion of the matters that are actually at issue as well as cases in which a battle about minor objections replaces a discussion of the major issues. We survey some lines of discussion dealing with these situations in profiles of dialogue.
PVDF optimises UF membranes for reverse osmosis pretreatment
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: June 2019

A thermoplastic fluoropolymer developed by Solvay's Specialty Polymers global business unit is being used by a company in China to optimise membrane technology that can be used for reverse osmosis pretreatment, and in industrial and drinking water applications. This month's first technology focus briefly looks at how this material is being used.
Ultrafiltration membrane combines fine separation with high water permeability
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: June 2019

In ultrafiltration applications it is generally difficult to simultaneously achieve key characteristics of both fine separation and high water permeability. This problem arises because of the resistance of the ultrafiltration membrane's structure, which increases as the pore diameter decreases – and water permeability declines. This technology focus explains how Japan's Toray Industries Inc has solved this problem. Building on its existing technology, it has enhanced pore diameter control whilst maintaining sufficient permeability, creating a polyvinylidene fluoride hollow-fibre ultrafiltration membrane that combines both desired characteristics.
QUA plays vital role in satisfying textile and petrochemical plants' water requirements
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: June 2019

Earlier this year we included an article (Membrane Technology January 2019, page 10) that explained how QUA Group Llc's flat-sheet submerged ultrafiltration membranes are being used to treat feed-water with high organics for a process water application at a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Pune, India. The focus article that appears here looks at further technology developed by the company and the vital role it is playing in two applications. It explains how its hollow-fibre ultrafiltration membranes are being applied at a textile plant in central India, and highlights the role its electrodeionisation technology is playing in a zero liquid discharge plant in Egypt.
Intelligent Hybridization of Regression Technique with Genetic Algorithm for Navigation of Humanoids in Complex Environments
Authors: Kumar Priyadarshi Biplab , Parhi Dayal R.
Published: June 2019

In the current investigation, a novel navigational controller has been designed and implemented for humanoids in cluttered environments. Here, regression analysis is hybridized with genetic algorithm (GA) for designing the controller. The obstacle distances collected in the form of sensor outputs are initially fed to the regression controller; and based on the previous training pattern data, an intermediate advancing angle (AA) is obtained as the first output. The intermediate AA obtained from the regression controller along with other inputs is again fed to the GA controller, which generates the final AA as the desired final output to avoid the obstacles present in a complex environment and reach the destination successfully. The working of the controller is tested on a V-REP simulation platform. In the current work, navigation of both single as well as multiple humanoids has been attempted. To avoid inter-collision among multiple humanoids during their navigation in a common platform, a Petri-Net model has been proposed. The simulation results are validated through a real-time experimental platform developed under laboratory conditions. The results obtained from both the simulation and experimental platforms are compared against each other and are found to be in good agreement with acceptable percentage of errors. Finally, the proposed controller is also compared with other existing navigational controller and an improvement in performance has been observed.
Food insecurity in a pre-bariatric surgery sample: prevalence, demographics and food shopping behaviour
Authors: Price Julia A , Zickgraf Hana F , Rigby Andrea
Published: June 2019

Objective:

To identify the prevalence and demographic characteristics of food insecurity in a presurgical bariatric population. To date there has been no research on food insecurity in a presurgical bariatric population.

Design:

Participants completed the ten-item adult food security survey module created by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), with additional questions related to food shopping behaviours and perceived affordability of post-bariatric supplements. USDA scoring guidelines were used to classify participants as food secure, marginally food secure and food insecure.

Setting:

Academic medical centre bariatric surgery clinic in Central Pennsylvania, USA.

Participants:

Adult bariatric surgery candidates (n 174).

Results:

There was a prevalence of 17·8 % for food insecurity and 27·6 % for marginal food security. Food insecurity was associated with younger age, higher BMI, non-White race/ethnicity, having less than a college education, living in an urban area, receiving Medicaid/Medicare and participating in nutrition assistance programmes. Food-insecure participants endorsed food shopping behaviours that could interfere with postsurgical dietary adherence and perceived post-bariatric supplies as unaffordable or inaccessible.

Conclusions:

These results highlight the importance of screening bariatric surgical patients for food insecurity. Further study of this important problem within the bariatric population should address effects of food insecurity and related shopping behaviours on postsurgical outcomes and inform the development of programmes to better assist these high-risk patients.
The Languages of Petitioning in Early Colonial India
Authors: Jaffe James A.
Published: June 2019

With relatively few exceptions, personal petitions from individuals have received much less attention from historians than those from groups in the public political sphere. In one sense, personal petitions adopted many of the same rhetorical strategies as those delivered by a group. However, they also offer unique insights into the quotidian relationship between the people and their rulers. This article examines surviving personal petitions to various administrators at different levels of government in western India during the decades surrounding the East India Company’s conquests. The analysis of these petitions helps to refine our understanding of the place of the new judicial system in the social world of early-nineteenth-century India, especially by illuminating the discourse of justice that petitioners brought to the presentation of their cases to their new governors. The conclusion of this article seeks to place the rhetoric of personal petitioning within the larger context of mass political petitioning in India during the early nineteenth century.
A Microhistory of British Antislavery Petitioning
Authors: Huzzey Richard
Published: June 2019

This article refines our understanding of abolitionism as “the first modern social movement” through a microhistory of abolitionism in an eighteenth- and nineteenth-century British town. Examining requisitions, which collected signatures calling on a mayor to convene public meetings to launch parliamentary petitions or other associational activities, the article shows how antislavery mobilization in Plymouth grew amongst a multiplying variety of religious, political, cultural, and economic institutions. Through a prosopography of those initiating antislavery petitions, an analysis of the other requisitions they supported, and qualitative evidence from leading abolitionists’ personal papers, the article details the ways local leaders raised petitions for a national campaign. Civic and religious dynamism at this local level facilitated new forms of contentious mobilization on national and imperial issues. The article therefore directs causal attention to those socioeconomic changes that underpinned the associational cultures of abolitionism.
Hydrocarbon Removal in Power Plant Plumes Shows Nitrogen Oxide Dependence of Hydroxyl Radicals
Authors: de Gouw J. A. , Parrish D. D. , Brown S. S. , Edwards P. , Gilman J. B. , Graus M. , Hanisco T. F. , Kaiser J. , Keutsch F. N. , Kim S.‐W. , Lerner B. M. , Neuman J. A. , Nowak J. B. , Pollack I. B. , Roberts J. M. , Ryerson T. B. , Veres P. R. , Warneke C. , Wolfe G. M.
Published: June 2019

During an airborne study in the Southeast United States, measured mixing ratios of biogenic hydrocarbons were systematically lower in air masses containing enhanced nitrogen oxides from power plants, which we attribute to increased concentrations of hydroxyl (OH) radicals within the power plant plumes. Plume transects at successively further downwind distances provide a decreasing gradient of nitrogen oxides (NOx) concentrations, which together with the implied loss rates of isoprene, constrains the OH dependence on NOx. We find that OH concentrations were highest at nitrogen dioxide concentrations near 1–2 ppbv and decreased at higher and at lower concentrations. These findings agree with the dependence of OH on NOx concentrations expected from known chemical reactions but are not consistent with some studies reporting direct OH measurements higher than expected in regions of the atmosphere with low NOx (NO < 0.08 and NO2 < 0.46 ppbv) and high biogenic hydrocarbon emissions.
Docosahexaenoic acid inhibits both NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and JNK-mediated mature IL-1β secretion in 5-fluorouracil-treated MDSC: implication in cancer treatment
Authors: Dumont Adélie , de Rosny Charlotte , Kieu Trinh-Le-Vi , Perrey Sabrina , Berger Hélène , Fluckiger Aurélie , Muller Tania , Pais de Barros Jean-Paul , Pichon Laurent , Hichami Aziz , Thomas Charles , Rébé Cédric , Ghiringhelli François , Rialland Mickaël
Published: June 2019

Limitation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) anticancer efficacy is due to IL-1β secretion by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), according to a previous pre-clinical report. Release of mature IL-1β is a consequence of 5-FU-mediated NLRP3 activation and subsequent caspase-1 activity in MDSC. IL-1β sustains tumor growth recovery in 5-FU-treated mice. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) belongs to omega-3 fatty acid family and harbors both anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties, which could improve 5-FU chemotherapy. Here, we demonstrate that DHA inhibits 5-FU-induced IL-1β secretion and caspase-1 activity in a MDSC cell line (MSC-2). Accordingly, we showed that DHA-enriched diet reduces circulating IL-1β concentration and tumor recurrence in 5-FU-treated tumor-bearing mice. Treatment with 5-FU led to JNK activation through ROS production in MDSC. JNK inhibitor SP600125 as well as DHA-mediated JNK inactivation decreased IL-1β secretion. The repression of 5-FU-induced caspase-1 activity by DHA supplementation is partially due to β-arrestin-2-dependent inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activity but was independent of JNK pathway. Interestingly, we showed that DHA, through β-arrestin-2-mediated inhibition of JNK pathway, reduces V5-tagged mature IL-1β release induced by 5-FU, in MDSC stably overexpressing a V5-tagged mature IL-1β form. Finally, we found a negative correlation between DHA content in plasma and the induction of caspase-1 activity in HLA-DR− CD33+ CD15+ MDSC of patients treated with 5-FU-based chemotherapy, strongly suggesting that our data are clinical relevant. Together, these data provide new insights on the regulation of IL-1β secretion by DHA and on its potential benefit in 5-FU-based chemotherapy.
CTDP1 regulates breast cancer survival and DNA repair through BRCT-specific interactions with FANCI
Authors: Hu Wen-Feng , Krieger Kimiko L. , Lagundžin Dragana , Li Xueli , Cheung Ronald S. , Taniguchi Toshiyasu , Johnson Keith R. , Bessho Tadayoshi , Monteiro Alvaro N. A. , Woods Nicholas T.
Published: June 2019

BRCA1 C-terminal domains are found in a specialized group of 23 proteins that function in the DNA damage response to protect genomic integrity. C-terminal domain phosphatase 1 (CTDP1) is the only phosphatase with a BRCA1 C-terminal domain in the human proteome, yet direct participation in the DNA damage response has not been reported. Examination of the CTDP1 BRCA1 C-terminal domain-specific protein interaction network revealed 103 high confidence interactions enriched in DNA damage response proteins, including FANCA and FANCI that are central to the Fanconi anemia DNA repair pathway necessary for the resolution of DNA interstrand crosslink damage. CTDP1 expression promotes DNA damage-induced FANCA and FANCD2 foci formation and enhances homologous recombination repair efficiency. CTDP1 was found to regulate multiple aspects of FANCI activity, including chromatin localization, interaction with γ-H2AX, and SQ motif phosphorylations. Knockdown of CTDP1 increases MCF-10A sensitivity to DNA interstrand crosslinks and double-strand breaks, but not ultraviolet radiation. In addition, CTDP1 knockdown impairs in vitro and in vivo growth of breast cancer cell lines. These results elucidate the molecular functions of CTDP1 in Fanconi anemia interstrand crosslink repair and identify this protein as a potential target for breast cancer therapy.
A tectonically driven Ediacaran oxygenation event
Authors: Williams Joshua J. , Mills Benjamin J. W. , Lenton Timothy M.
Published: June 2019

The diversification of complex animal life during the Cambrian Period (541–485.4 Ma) is thought to have been contingent on an oxygenation event sometime during ~850 to 541 Ma in the Neoproterozoic Era. Whilst abundant geochemical evidence indicates repeated intervals of ocean oxygenation during this time, the timing and magnitude of any changes in atmospheric pO2 remain uncertain. Recent work indicates a large increase in the tectonic CO2 degassing rate between the Neoproterozoic and Paleozoic Eras. We use a biogeochemical model to show that this increase in the total carbon and sulphur throughput of the Earth system increased the rate of organic carbon and pyrite sulphur burial and hence atmospheric pO2. Modelled atmospheric pO2 increases by ~50% during the Ediacaran Period (635–541 Ma), reaching ~0.25 of the present atmospheric level (PAL), broadly consistent with the estimated pO2 > 0.1–0.25 PAL requirement of large, mobile and predatory animals during the Cambrian explosion.
A bionic stretchable nanogenerator for underwater sensing and energy harvesting
Authors: Zou Yang , Tan Puchuan , Shi Bojing , Ouyang Han , Jiang Dongjie , Liu Zhuo , Li Hu , Yu Min , Wang Chan , Qu Xuecheng , Zhao Luming , Fan Yubo , Wang Zhong Lin , Li Zhou
Published: June 2019

Soft wearable electronics for underwater applications are of interest, but depend on the development of a waterproof, long-term sustainable power source. In this work, we report a bionic stretchable nanogenerator for underwater energy harvesting that mimics the structure of ion channels on the cytomembrane of electrocyte in an electric eel. Combining the effects of triboelectrification caused by flowing liquid and principles of electrostatic induction, the bionic stretchable nanogenerator can harvest mechanical energy from human motion underwater and output an open-circuit voltage over 10 V. Underwater applications of a bionic stretchable nanogenerator have also been demonstrated, such as human body multi-position motion monitoring and an undersea rescue system. The advantages of excellent flexibility, stretchability, outstanding tensile fatigue resistance (over 50,000 times) and underwater performance make the bionic stretchable nanogenerator a promising sustainable power source for the soft wearable electronics used underwater.
Publisher Correction: 33 years of globally calibrated wave height and wind speed data based on altimeter observations
Authors: Ribal Agustinus , Young Ian R.
Published: June 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Improved Classification of Blood-Brain-Barrier Drugs Using Deep Learning
Authors: Miao Rui , Xia Liang-Yong , Chen Hao-Heng , Huang Hai-Hui , Liang Yong
Published: June 2019

Blood-Brain-Barrier (BBB) is a strict permeability barrier for maintaining the Central Nervous System (CNS) homeostasis. One of the most important conditions to judge a CNS drug is to figure out whether it has BBB permeability or not. In the past 20 years, the existing prediction approaches are usually based on the data of the physical characteristics and chemical structure of drugs. However, these methods are usually only applicable to small molecule compounds based on passive diffusion through BBB. To deal this problem, one of the most famous methods is multi-core SVM method, which is based on clinical phenotypes about Drug Side Effects and Drug Indications to predict drug penetration of BBB. This paper proposed a Deep Learning method to predict the Blood-Brain-Barrier permeability based on the clinical phenotypes data. The validation result on three datasets proved that Deep Learning method achieves better performance than the other existing methods. The average accuracy of our method reaches 0.97, AUC reaches 0.98, and the F1 score is 0.92. The results proved that Deep Learning methods can significantly improve the prediction accuracy of drug BBB permeability and it can help researchers to reduce clinical trials and find new CNS drugs.
Working memory capacity affects trade-off between quality and quantity only when stimulus exposure duration is sufficient: Evidence for the two-phase model
Authors: Ye Chaoxiong , Sun Hong-Jin , Xu Qianru , Liang Tengfei , Zhang Yin , Liu Qiang
Published: June 2019

The relation between visual working memory (VWM) capacity and attention has attracted much interest. In this study, we investigated the correlation between the participants’ VWM capacity and their ability to voluntarily trade off the precision and number of items remembered. The two-phase resource allocation model proposed by Ye et al. (2017) suggests that for a given set size, it takes a certain amount of consolidation time for an individual to control attention to adjust the VWM resources to trade off the precision and number. To verify whether trade-off ability varies across VWM capacity, we measured each individual’s VWM capacity and then conducted a colour recall task to examine their trade-off ability. By manipulating the task requirement, participants were instructed to memorise either more colours in a low-precision way or fewer colours in a high-precision way. We conducted two experiments by adjusting stimulus duration to be longer than predicted critical value (Experiment 1) and duration shorter than predicted critical value (Experiment 2). While the results of Experiment 1 showed a positive correlation between the VWM capacity and trade-off ability, the results of Experiment 2 showed a lack of such correlation. These results are consistent with the prediction from the two-phase model.
Unconventional Magnetization below 25 K in Nitrogen-doped Diamond provides hints for the existence of Superconductivity and Superparamagnetism
Authors: Barzola-Quiquia J. , Stiller M. , Esquinazi P. D. , Molle A. , Wunderlich R. , Pezzagna S. , Meijer J. , Kossack W. , Buga S.
Published: June 2019

The magnetization of nitrogen-doped single crystalline diamond bulk samples shows unconventional field and temperature hysteresis loops at T $${\boldsymbol{\lesssim }}$$
≲
 25 K. The results suggest the existence of superparamagnetic and superconducting regions in samples with nitrogen concentration <200 ppm. Both phases vanish at temperatures above 25 K where the samples show diamagnetic behavior similar to undoped diamond. The observation of superparamagnetism and superconductivity is attributed to the nitrogen doping and to the existence of defective regions. From particle-induced X-ray emission with ppm resolution we rule out that the main observations below 25 K are due to magnetic impurities. We investigated also the magnetic properties of ferromagnetic/high-temperature superconducting oxide bilayers. The magnetization results obtained from those bilayers show remarkable similarities to the ones in nitrogen-doped diamond.