bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Projective spaces over
Authors: Thas Koen
Published: November 2018

In this essay, we study various notions of projective space (and other schemes) over , with denoting the field with one element. Our leading motivation is the “Hidden Points Principle,” which shows a huge deviation between the set of rational points as closed points defined over and the set of rational points defined as morphisms . We also introduce, in the same vein as Kurokawa [Proc. Jpn. Acad. Ser. A Math. Sci. 81 (2005), pp. 180–184], schemes of ‐type and consider their zeta functions.
A method to construct 1‐rotational factorizations of complete graphs and solutions to the oberwolfach problem
Authors: McGinnis Daniel , Poimenidou Eirini
Published: November 2018

The concept of a 1‐rotational factorization of a complete graph under a finite groupwas studied in detail by Buratti and Rinaldi. They found that ifadmits a 1‐rotational 2‐factorization, then the involutions ofare pairwise conjugate. We extend their result by showing that if a finite groupadmits a 1‐rotational‐factorization witheven andodd, thenhas at mostconjugacy classes containing involutions. Also, we show that ifhas exactlyconjugacy classes containing involutions, then the product of a central involution with an involution in one conjugacy class yields an involution in a different conjugacy class. We then demonstrate a method of constructing a 1‐rotational‐factorization undergiven a 1‐rotational 2‐factorization under a finite group. This construction, given a 1‐rotational solution to the Oberwolfach problem, allows us to find a solution towhen the’s are even (), andwhenis an odd prime, with no restrictions on the’s.
Analytical validation of an in‐house method for adenosine deaminase determination
Authors: Silva Dalsasso Joaquim Lisiê , Granzotto Natalli , Dos Santos Laís Fernanda , Fontana Roman Camila , Martinello Flávia
Published: November 2018

Background

The adenosine deaminase (ADA) enzyme is a marker of inflammatory processes whose activity can be measured through a colorimetric method developed as an in‐house assay. This validation can reduce costs and expand the alternatives for laboratory diagnosis.

Methods

The ADA analysis was achieved through a modified form of Giusti and Galanti's (1984) method. The following parameters were characterized: calibration curve, linearity, analytical sensitivity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, method working range, precision (within‐assay and between‐assay), bias, total analytical error, and sample stability. The results were statistically evaluated and compared with quality specifications based on biological variations and the performance of commercial tests.

Results

The analytical sensitivity and limit of detection (0.013 and 3.0 U/L, respectively) were lower than those of commercial tests. The method's working range was 3.2‐100.0 U/L. According to the quality specification, the method showed optimum performance with a bias <3.5%. However, repeatability (2.2% and 1.7% for normal‐ and high‐activity samples, respectively) and reproducibility achieved worse results when compared to commercial tests. The method demonstrated an inappropriate between‐assay precision for low enzymatic activity (10.4%) and the minimum and desirable performance for medium (8.8%) and high (5.0%) activities, respectively. It also presented at least a minimum performance (<25%) for the total analytical error of the three analyzed samples. The pleural fluid samples were found to be stable at −20°C for six days.

Conclusion

The findings show that the in‐house method displays an acceptable performance and is capable of generating results comparable to existing commercial tests.
The role of microRNAs involved in PI3‐kinase signaling pathway in colorectal cancer
Authors: Noorolyai Saeed , Mokhtarzadeh Ahad , Baghbani Elham , Asadi Milad , Baghbanzadeh Kojabad Amir , Mogaddam Mahsa Maleki , Baradaran Behzad
Published: November 2018

In recent decades, cancer has been one of the most important concerns of the human community, which affects human life from many different ways, such as breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, and other cancers. Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the world that has recently been introduced as the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. microRNAs have a very crucial role in tumorgenesis and prevention of cancer, which plays a significant role with influencing various factors through different signaling pathways. Phosphoinositide 3 (PI3)‐kinase/AKT is one of the most important signaling pathways involved in the control and growth of tumor in colorectal cancer, through important proteins of this pathway, such as PTEN and AKT, that they can perform specific influence on this process. Our effort in this study is to collect microRNAs that act as tumor suppressors and oncomirs in this cancer through PI3‐kinase/AKT signaling pathway.
Ranolazine prevents pressure overload‐induced cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure by restoring aberrant Na+ and Ca2+ handling
Authors: Nie Jiali , Duan Quanlu , He Mengying , Li Xianqing , Wang Bei , Zhou Chi , Wu Lujin , Wen Zheng , Chen Chen , Wang Dao Wu , Alsina Katherina M. , Wehrens Xander H.T. , Wang Dao Wen , Ni Li
Published: November 2018

Background

Cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure are characterized by increased late sodium current and abnormal Ca2+ handling. Ranolazine, a selective inhibitor of the late sodium current, can reduce sodium accumulation and Ca
2+ overload. In this study, we investigated the effects of ranolazine on pressure overload‐induced cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure in mice.

Methods and Results

Inhibition of late sodium current with the selective inhibitor ranolazine suppressed cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis and improved heart function assessed by echocardiography, hemodynamics, and histological analysis in mice exposed to chronic pressure overload induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Ca2+ imaging of ventricular myocytes from TAC mice revealed both abnormal SR Ca
2+ release and increased SR Ca
2+ leak. Ranolazine restored aberrant SR Ca
2+ handling induced by pressure overload. Ranolazine also suppressed Na
+ overload induced in the failing heart, and restored Na
+‐induced Ca
2+ overload in an sodium‐calcium exchanger (NCX)‐dependent manner. Ranolazine suppressed the Ca
2+‐dependent calmodulin (CaM)/CaMKII/myocyte enhancer factor‐2 (MEF2) and CaM/CaMKII/calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T‐cells (NFAT) hypertrophy signaling pathways triggered by pressure overload. Pressure overload also prolonged endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress leading to ER‐initiated apoptosis, while inhibition of late sodium current or NCX relieved ER stress and ER‐initiated cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that inhibition of late sodium current with ranolazine improves pressure overload‐induced cardiac hypertrophy and systolic and diastolic function by restoring Na+ and Ca
2+ handling, inhibiting the downstream hypertrophic pathways and ER stress. Inhibition of late sodium current may provide a new treatment strategy for cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
Design, Synthesis, and Antimycobacterial Activities of Diethylene Glycol Tethered Moxifloxacin–Isatin Hybrids
Authors: Xu Zhi , Zhao Shi‐Jia , Deng Jia‐Lun , Wang Qin , Lv Zao‐Sheng
Published: November 2018

A new class of diethylene glycol tethered moxifloxacin–isatin hybrids 5a–l was designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their in vitro antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) H37Rv and multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) strains. Our results showed that all hybrids with higher lipophilicity than the parent moxifloxacin exhibited promising activity against the tested strains with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in a range of 0.2–16 μg/mL. In particular, hybrid 5h (MIC: 0.20 and 0.5 μg/mL), which was found to be most active against MTB H37Rv and MDR‐TB, was twofold more potent than isoniazid (MIC: 0.39 μg/mL) against MTB H37Rv and ≥64‐fold more active than isoniazid and rifampicin (MIC: >128 and 32 μg/mL, respectively) against MDR‐TB.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of N‐Substituted Maleimide Derivatives as Exogenous Antioxidant Agents
Authors: Rammohan Aluru , Mallikarjuna Reddy Guda , Raul Garcia Jarem , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Sravya Gundala , Bakthavatchala Reddy Nemallapudi , Yuvaraja Gutha
Published: November 2018

A series of N‐substituted maleimide derivatives have been developed via acetic acid‐mediated microwave reaction pathway, which was identified as the incomparable method for this maleimide compounds. All the synthesized compounds were tested for antioxidant activity by DPPH and H2O2 methods. Compounds 5h and 5m were displayed with higher antioxidant activity in two methods. The structure–activity relationship demonstrated that the compounds having electron releasing substitutions 5h and 5m generally show beneficial activity than electron capture substitution cores. Thus, compounds 5h and 5m may be useful as an exogenous antioxidant.
Conversion of cassava leaf to bioavailable, high‐protein yeast cell biomass
Authors: Boundy‐Mills Kyria , Karuna Nardrapee , Garay L Antonio , Lopez Julian M , Yee Calvin , Hitomi Alex , Nishi Audry K , Enriquez Lauren L , Roberts Christopher , Block David E , Jeoh Tina
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Cassava leaves are an abundant global agricultural residue because the roots are a major source of dietary carbohydrates. Although cassava leaves are high in protein, the protein is not bioavailable. This work aimed to convert cassava leaves to a bioavailable protein‐rich animal feed ingredient using high‐protein yeasts.

RESULTS

The structural proteins (ca 200 g kg−1 d.b.) from sundried cassava leaves were solubilized by mild alkali pretreatment, and the resulting cassava leaf hydrolysate (CLH) was used to screen for growth of 46 high‐protein yeasts from 30 species. Promising candidates from the initial screen cultivated at a 10 mL scale demonstrated increases in relative abundance of essential amino acids over that of CLH. In particular, lysine, growth‐limiting for some livestock, was increased up to 226% over the CLH content. One yeast, Pichia kudriavzevii UCDFST 11‐602, was grown in 3 L of CLH in a bioreactor to examine the scale‐up potential of the yeast protein production. While glucose was completely consumed, yeast growth exited log phase before depleting either carbon or nitrogen, suggesting other growth‐limiting factors at the larger scale.

CONCLUSIONS

High‐value animal feed with enriched essential amino acid profiles can be produced by yeasts grown on agricultural residues. Yeasts convert structural protein solubilized from cassava leaves to essential amino acid‐enriched, digestible protein. The low carbohydrate content of the leaves (ca 200 g kg−1 d.b.), however, necessitated glucose supplementation for yeast growth. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Carboxymethylated polyethylenimine modified magnetic nanoparticles specifically for purification of His‐tagged protein
Authors: Chang Mengmeng , Qin Qian , Wang Bohong , Xia Tian , lv Wangjie , Sun Xiaoshan , Shi Xianzhe , Xu Guowang
Published: November 2018

Employing immobilized metal‐ion affinity chromatography and magnetic separation could ideally provide a useful analytical strategy for purifying His‐tagged protein. In the current study, a facile route was designed to prepare CMPEI‐Ni2+@SiO2@Fe3O4 (CMPEI=carboxymethylated
polyethyleneimine) magnetic nanoparticles composed of a strong magnetic core of Fe3O4 and a Ni2+‐immobilized carboxymethylated polyethyleneimine coated outside shell, which was formed by electrostatic interactions between polyanionic electrolyte of carboxymethylated polyethyleneimine and positively charged surface of 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propylamin modified SiO2@Fe3O4. The resulting CMPEI‐Ni2+@SiO2@Fe3O4 composite nanoparticles displayed well‐uniform structure and high magnetic responsiveness. Hexa His‐tagged peptides and purified His‐tagged recombinant retinoid X receptor alpha were chosen as the model samples to evaluate the adsorption, capacity, and reusability of the composite nanoparticles. The results demonstrated the CMPEI‐Ni2+@SiO2@Fe3O4 nanoparticles possessed rapid adsorption, large capacity, and good recyclability. The obtained nanoparticles were further used to purify His‐tagged protein in practical environment. It was found that the nanoparticles could selectively capture His‐tagged recombinant retinoid X receptor protein from complex cell lysate. Owing to its easy synthesis, large binding capacity, and good reusability, the prepared CMPEI‐Ni2+@SiO2@Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles have great potential for application in biotechnological fields.
Statistical dependence for detecting whale‐watching effects on humpback whales
Authors: Garcia‐Cegarra Ana M. , Villagra Damian , Gallardo Diego I. , Pacheco Aldo S.
Published: November 2018

Whale‐watching is one of the fastest growing ecotourism industries and involves the observation of endangered wild cetacean species. However, this growth has raised concerns because of the negative effects this activity may have on the behavior and survival of focal species. Hence, detecting the effects of this activity requires sensitive analytical methods allowing the implementation of regulations to protect cetacean welfare. We compared the performance of different hypothesis tests from classical and Bayesian approaches to detect whale‐watching effects on humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) behavior. From a cliff located 31 m above sea level in northern Peru, we measured breathing frequency, surface time, long dive duration, directness index (i.e., path linearity), and swimming speed of humpback whales before, during, and after encounters with whale‐watching boats. During 167 hours of observation, we tracked 180 humpback whale groups; 43% of groups had calves and 57% did not. Inference by null‐hypothesis testing indicated significant changes only in directness index after boat encounters in groups with a calf. Other methods of inference detected moderate behavior responses as increments in the number of adult breaths, swimming speed, and dive intervals for adults and calves. Whale‐watching regulations must be implemented in Peru to regulate number of boats, distance to whales, approximate speed, and time observing humpback whales. Whale‐watching of humpback whales with calves should be avoided. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Printed dual‐frequency quasi‐Yagi antenna with a monopole driver
Authors: Atuchin Victor V. , Gorbachev A. P. , Sulaimanov R. T. , Tarasenko N. V. , Khrustalev V. A.
Published: November 2018

The printed dual‐frequency quasi‐Yagi antenna with a monopole driver and one‐side implementation is proposed for central frequencies f01 = 1.765 GHz and f02 = 1.9 GHz. The antenna contains 2 directors and one reflector which are used as low‐ and high‐frequency passive elements simultaneously.
Printed eight‐band compact antenna with lumped inductance for wireless USB dongle
Authors: Zhang Weijun , Weng Zibin , Wang Lei
Published: November 2018

In this article, a compact design of a printed antenna for the wireless USB dongle over the mobile‐telecoms spectrum is presented. This antenna, which has a small dimension of 21 × 11 mm2, is directly printed on the FR4 substrate, consisting of 2 rectangular patches, 2 parasitic branches and a lumped inductor. In this design, the lumped inductor is used to create a resonant mode at around 770 MHz for LTE700/GSM850/900 bands. The 2 patches and 2 parasitic branches introduce two resonance frequencies that cover 1700‐2700 MHz communication bands. The measured results show a radiation efficiency of >58% and a gain above 1.9 dBi, signifying a good accordance with the simulated ones. Therefore, the proposed antenna is expected to be a good candidate in wireless USB dongle communication applications.
Nonstationary model of oblique x‐ray incidence in amorphous selenium detectors: II. Transfer functions
Authors: Acciavatti Raymond J. , Maidment Andrew D. A.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

One limitation of experimental techniques for quantifying resolution and noise in detectors is that the measurement is made in a region‐of‐interest (ROI). With theoretical modeling, these properties can be measured at a point, allowing for quantification of spatial anisotropy. This paper calculates nonstationary transfer functions for amorphous selenium (a‐Se) detectors in breast imaging. We use this model to demonstrate the performance advantage of a “next‐generation” tomosynthesis (NGT) system, which is capable of x‐ray source motion with more degrees of freedom than a clinical tomosynthesis system.

Methods

Using Swank's formulation, the optical transfer function (OTF) and presampled noise power spectra (NPS) are determined based on the point spread function derived in Part 1. The modulation transfer function (MTF) is found from the normalized modulus of the OTF. To take into account the presence of digitization, the presampled NPS is convolved with a two‐dimensional comb function, for which the period along each direction is the reciprocal of the detector element size. The detective quantum efficiency (DQE) is then determined from combined knowledge of the OTF and NPS.

Results

First, the model is used to demonstrate the loss of image quality due to oblique x‐ray incidence. The MTF is calculated along various polar angles, corresponding to different orientations of the input frequency. The MTF is independent of the incidence angle if the polar angle is perpendicular to the ray incidence direction. However, along other polar angles, oblique incidence results in MTF degradation at high frequencies. The MTF degradation is most substantial along the ray incidence direction. Unlike the MTF, the normalized NPS (NNPS) is independent of the incidence angle. To measure the relative signal‐to‐noise, the DQE is also calculated. Oblique incidence yields high‐frequency DQE degradation, which is more pronounced than the MTF degradation. This arises because the DQE is proportionate with the square of the MTF. Ultimately, this model is used to evaluate how the image quality varies over the detector area. For various projection images, we calculate the variation in the incidence angle over this area. With the NGT system, the source can be positioned in such a way that this variation is minimized, and hence the DQE exhibits less anisotropy. To achieve this improvement in the image quality, the source needs to have a component of motion in the posteroanterior (PA) direction, which is perpendicular to the conventional direction of source motion in tomosynthesis.

Conclusions

In a‐Se detectors, the DQE at high frequencies is degraded due to oblique incidence. The DQE degradation is more pronounced than the MTF degradation. This model is used to quantify the spatial variation in DQE over the detector area. The use of PA source motion is a strategy for minimizing this variation and thus improving the image quality.
Evaluation of foam conditioning effect on groundwater inflow at tunnel cutting face
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Xue , Shen Shui‐Long , Zhou Annan , Xu Ye‐Shuang
Published: November 2018

This paper presents an analytical evaluation on the influence of foam conditioning on groundwater inflow at shield tunnel cutting face by the force‐equilibrium principle. Three key variables are highlighted, namely, the maximum foam infiltration distance, the critical infiltration distance, and the hydraulic conductivity of foam‐conditioned soil or rock fissure. To capture the variation of water level induced by foam injection, a dynamic water‐level equation is considered in the force‐equilibrium principle. The proposed analytical equations are employed to analyze a water inflow case during shield tunneling in a weathered mylonite fault. The results indicate that the hydraulic conductivity of foam‐conditioned mylonite and the infiltration distance decrease with an increase of shear stress of foam fluid. A three‐dimensional finite element model is employed to validate the analytical solutions. The comparison between the observed and calculated results confirms that the proposed method can predict groundwater inflow in foam‐conditioned soils.
Reproducibility of brain MRS in older healthy adults at 7T
Authors: Wijtenburg S. Andrea , Rowland Laura M. , Oeltzschner Georg , Barker Peter B. , Workman Clifford I. , Smith Gwenn S.
Published: November 2018

To date, the majority of MRS reproducibility studies have been conducted in healthy younger adults, with only a few conducted in older adults at 3 T. With the growing interest in applying MRS methods to study the longitudinal course and effects of treatments in neurodegenerative disease, it is important to establish reproducibility in age‐matched controls, especially in older individuals. In this study, spectroscopic data were acquired using a stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) localization technique in two regions (anterior and posterior cingulate cortices—ACC, PCC, respectively) in 10 healthy, cognitively normal older adults (64 ± 8.1 years). Reproducibility was assessed via mean coefficients of variation (CVs) and relative differences (RDs) calculated across two visits performed 2–3 months apart. Metabolites with high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) such as NAA, tCho, and Glu had mean CVs of 10% or less and mean RDs of 15% or less across both regions. Metabolites with lower SNR such as GABA and Gln had slightly higher mean CVs of 22% or less and mean RDs of 27% or less across both regions. These results demonstrate the feasibility of acquiring MRS data at 7 T in older subjects, and establish that the spectroscopic data are reproducible in both the ACC and PCC in older, healthy subjects to the same extent as in previous studies in young subjects.
Prevalence of sarcopenia in inpatients 70 years and older using different diagnostic criteria
Authors: Reijnierse Esmee M. , Buljan Angela , Tuttle Camilla S. L. , van Ancum Jeanine , Verlaan Sjors , Meskers Carel G. M. , Maier Andrea B.
Published: November 2018

Aim

To compare prevalence rates of sarcopenia applying multiple diagnostic criteria in hospitalized older patients.

Design

Observational, longitudinal EMPOWER study.

Methods

A total of 378 hospitalized inpatients aged 70 years and older were recruited. Muscle mass and strength were measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis and handheld dynamometer respectively. Nine commonly used diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia were applied. Analyses were stratified for sex.

Results

Mean age was 79.7 years (SD 6.43) and 50.8% were males. Depending on the applied criterion, prevalence of sarcopenia ranged between 12.0–75.9% in males and 3.1–75.3% in females. Males had a higher prevalence of sarcopenia compared with females in all but one of the applied diagnostic criteria. In males, highest prevalence of sarcopenia was found using muscle mass as diagnostic criterion while in females this was observed when using muscle strength. Five male and one female hospitalized older patients were sarcopenic according to all applied diagnostic criteria.
A fully discrete spectral method for fractional Cattaneo equation based on Caputo–Fabrizo derivative
Authors: Li Haonan , Lü Shujuan , Xu Tao
Published: November 2018

Recently Caputo and Fabrizio introduced a new derivative with fractional order without singular kernel. The derivative can be used to describe the material heterogeneities and the fluctuations of different scales. In this article, we derived a new discretization of Caputo–Fabrizio derivative of order α (1 < α < 2) and applied it into the Cattaneo equation. A fully discrete scheme based on finite difference method in time and Legendre spectral approximation in space is proposed. The stability and convergence of the fully discrete scheme are rigorously established. The convergence rate of the fully discrete scheme in H1 norm is O(τ2 + N1−m), where τ, N and m are the time‐step size, polynomial degree and regularity in the space variable of the exact solution, respectively. Furthermore, the accuracy and applicability of the scheme are confirmed by numerical examples to support the theoretical results.
Exploitation dressed in a suit, shining shoes, and carrying a suitcase full of dollars: What does China want in Africa?
Authors: Mlambo Victor
Published: November 2018

China has provided billions of dollars in loans to African countries with no strings attached compared with Western financial aid. Although the argument that China is exploiting Africa for its resources has often clouded Beijing's continued support for Africa, many African leaders have welcomed China's economic assistance and have begun to see China as a more reliable partner compared with the West. By strictly examining relevant literature on Sino–African relations, this study comprehensively explores the dynamics, implications, and benefits of Chinese investments in Africa. Whether China is indeed exploiting Africa, which will continue to be debated, it is clear that Chinese investments have contributed significantly to the development of Africa and will continue to do so as the West has been replaced by Beijing as Africa's biggest trading partner. African countries are therefore likely to continue strengthening their relationship with China further jeopardising the interests of West in the continent.
Azide telechelics chain extended by click reaction: Synthesis, characterization, and cross‐linking
Authors: K Sunitha , G Unnikrishnan , CP Reghunadhan Nair
Published: November 2018

Azide telechelics of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), polypropylene oxide (PPO), and polyethylene oxide (PEO) were synthesized from the corresponding epoxy telechelics and characterized. These oligomeric azides were chain extended by reaction with bispropargyl ether of bisphenol A (BPEBA) through a copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. PDMS manifested a faster reaction in contrast to PPO or PEO. The chain‐extended polymers underwent cross‐linking above 170°C through thermal cleavage of residual (terminal) azide groups. This was manifested in their rheograms and was further substantiated by FTIR and NMR spectroscopic analyses. Dynamic mechanical analyses of the cross‐linked polymers exhibited characteristic transitions of hard and soft segments, implying microphase separation in the system. Microscopic evaluation of the thermally cross‐linked sample revealed a porous morphology with microsized to nanosized pores.
The recording of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in BIFAP primary care database: A validation study
Authors: Martín‐Merino Elisa , Llorente‐García Ana , Montero‐Corominas Dolores , Huerta Consuelo
Published: November 2018

Purpose

In Spain, a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was firstly marketed in 2006 and mainly administered in primary care (PC) practices for girls/women or schools. As for all vaccines, a valid data source is required for research on observational effectiveness or safety. The objective of this study is to identify and validate HPV vaccinations recorded among women in The Primary Care Database For Pharmacoepidemiological Research (BIFAP) from 2007.

Methods

BIFAP includes a Vaccination File filled by PC practitionners and pediatricians. Information on women with HPV vaccinations recorded at any age was identified and validated according to whether (1) doses adhered to the following standard intervals: 27 to 269 days between first and second doses, >55 days between second and third doses, and <366 between first and third doses, and (2) additional information recorded in clinical records confirmed (through recording the brand, batch, expiring date, administration site, or vaccination comment) or refuted the vaccination and date. The latter was retrieved through manual review of anonymous records randomly selected.

Results

One hundred seventeen thousand seventy‐three women with HPV vaccination records were identified (mean age 14.7 years); 82.5% had three jabs, 87.3% in recommended intervals. A sample of 978 patients' records, including 2245 jabs, was reviewed. Of the 363 jabs with additional information, 91% confirmed the vaccination. Confirmatory data was more frequent when doses strictly adhered to recommendations (96.8%‐100%) than not (60.0%‐85.7%).

Conclusions

In BIFAP, a cohort of women vaccinated against HPV, mostly with three doses in recommended intervals, was identified. Although additional information about the vaccination was scarce, when present, it highly confirmed it, making BIFAP a potential data source for HPV vaccine research.
Life cycle assessment of PV‐battery systems for a cloakroom and club building in Zurich
Authors: Stolz Philippe , Frischknecht Rolf , Kessler Thomas , Züger Yvonne
Published: November 2018

The Office for Building Engineering of the City of Zurich plans the construction of a cloakroom and club building. The building and the floodlights of the surrounding soccer fields use electricity mainly in the evening. That is why the installation of a photovoltaic (PV) system in combination with a battery storage system is evaluated in the pre‐project phase. The environmental footprint of the PV system with multi‐crystalline silicon modules and of current, future, and second‐life lithium‐ion batteries is quantified within the life cycle assessment of the building. The self‐consumption share of PV electricity increases from 31% to 62% if a 60 kWp PV system is complemented by a 100 kWh battery storage. The complementary grid electricity mix strongly influences the environmental impacts of electricity consumed by the cloakroom and club building. The installation of a PV system and a battery storage leads to a 10% to 17% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with the full coverage of the electricity demand by the average Swiss supply mix. The addition of a current battery system does not yield any further reduction compared with the “PV only” option. With the renewable electricity mix of the City of Zurich, the installation of a PV system and a battery storage leads to higher environmental impacts of the electricity consumed by the cloakroom and club building, irrespective of the type of battery used. A future increase in energy density, production optimisations, and second‐life batteries bear a significant potential to reduce the environmental impacts of battery storage systems.
Damage and Dilatometry for Solid Propellants with Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Miller Timothy C.
Published: November 2018

The mechanical failure properties of composite solid propellants are determined largely by the strength of the particle matrix interfaces. Under applied loading, separation of the particulate matter from the surrounding matrix takes place, a phenomenon called dewetting. Vacuole formation and growth result in volume changes in the bulk material, so that, during tensile testing, in situ measurement of volume change correlates with this type of microstructural damage. Dewetting and dilatation have long been an important consideration, but characterization has been difficult. Fluid based dilatometry has been the dominant measurement technique but has some inadequacies. In this work, an alternative approach is shown that needs no contact with the specimen, that requires no gas or liquid, and that can accommodate various specimen geometries. Damage was induced in two common solid propellant types using either formulation considerations or strain induced damage. The volume changes during tensile testing were measured using this optical dilatometry method and show the ability of the approach to detect damage in solid propellants. Various parameters derived from the dilatation curves are compared. Verification of the approach with results from a conventional dilatometer are also included.
Potential distribution of an invasive pest, Euplatypus parallelus, in China as predicted by Maxent
Authors: Tang Jihong , Li Jinhua , Lu Hui , Lu Fuping , Lu Baoqian
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Euplatypus parallelus is a highly polyphagous invasive pest native to Central and South America. In recent years it has invaded many countries in Africa and Asia and resulted in considerable economic loss. In China it has been reported to have invaded Taiwan, and been also recorded in Hainan Province. Until now there has been no invasion into the mainland. In order to better manage this invasive pest, here we predicted the suitable area of E. parallelus in China by the Maxent model.

RESULTS

The Maxent model predicted the potential distribution of E. parallelus with a test AUC value of 0.962 and a training AUC value of 0.978. Temperature seasonality (Bio_04), annual temperature range (Bio_07), annual precipitation (Bio_12) and mean temperature of the coldest quarter (Bio_11) were the strongest predictors of E. parallelus distribution with 32.1%, 19.8%, 15% and 10.4% contributions, respectively. The potential suitable area for E. parallelus was mainly distributed in the southeastern coast, the southwestern border, and Taiwan and Hainan provinces in China, and the highly suitable areas were located in the northern coast of Hainan Province and the southwestern coast of Taiwan Province. This pest prefers a stable, warm and rainy climate, which indicates that tropics and subtropics would be its ideal area.

CONCLUSION

Euplatypus parallelus has invaded Hainan and Taiwan in China. Measures should be taken to prevent it from spreading on these two islands. Moreover, strict quarantine, biological study and control measures are necessary to block its spread, invasion and damage, especially in these climate‐suitable areas. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The chemical composition and events related to the cytotoxic effects of propolis on osteosarcoma cells: A comparative assessment of Colombian samples
Authors: Mora Dolly Patricia Pardo , Santiago Karina Basso , Conti Bruno José , de Oliveira Cardoso Eliza , Conte Fernanda Lopes , Oliveira Lucas Pires Garcia , de Assis Golim Marjorie , Uribe Jaime Fabian Cruz , Gutiérrez Rafael María , Buitrago Mauricio Rey , Popova Milena , Trusheva Boryana , Bankova Vassya , García Orlando Torres , Sforcin José Maurício
Published: November 2018

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is a type of bone cancer showing an aggressive biological behavior with metastatic progression. Because propolis potential for the development of new antitumoral drugs has been indicated, we evaluated the chemical composition of Colombian propolis samples and the mechanisms involved in their cytotoxic effects on OSA cells. The chemical composition was analyzed by GC–MS and the DPPH free radical scavenging activity was measured. Cluster and principal components analysis were used to establish an association with their inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50). Cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay; apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry; mitochondrial membrane permeability and reactive oxygen species were evaluated by rhodamine 123 and DCFH‐DA. Transwell assay was used to evaluate the invasiveness of propolis‐treated cells. Samples were grouped: Cluster 1 contained diterpenes and benzophenones and showed the highest antiradical activity; Cluster 2 was characterized by triterpenes, fatty acid, and diterpenes. Usm contained diterpenes and triterpenes different of the other samples and Sil contained triterpenes and flavonoids. Apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane alteration, and suppression of cell invasion were the main mechanisms involved in the inhibition of OSA cells in vitro, suggesting the potential of Colombian propolis to discover new antitumor drugs.
The role of riparian vegetation in the evaluation of ecosystem health: The case of semiarid conditions in Northern Mexico
Authors: Castro‐López Daniel , Guerra‐Cobián Víctor , Prat Narcís
Published: November 2018

The Pesquería River (north‐eastern Mexico) has long been subjected to considerable anthropogenic pressures. For this reason, it has been identified by the Mexican National Commission for the Knowledge and Usage of Biodiversity as a priority resource to be evaluated and restored. In order to establish the means required for the restoration of the river, the condition of its riparian ecosystem must be evaluated. To evaluate the quality of the riparian forest, we adapted the Qualitat del Bosc de Ribera index methodology for Mediterranean rivers for the semiarid rivers of north‐eastern Mexico (QBR‐RNMX). The QBR‐RNMX index included modifications to the four sections that comprise the original index, and their values range between 0 and 100. Using the five levels of riparian quality defined in the index, in the area surrounding the Pesquería River, we found poor or very poor conditions at 66% of the sampling sites, average‐good conditions at 27% of the sites, and only one sampling site with excellent conditions. These results show that the riparian forest has been impacted significantly by urbanization, agriculture, and the presence of many invasive species. We recommend the application of the QBR‐RNMX annually in order to evaluate the riparian forest's quality and to assess its ecological status. This may be used for the establishment of restoration plans in high‐impact zones and contingency plans to eliminate invasive species along the Pesquería River.
Rapid mixing of hypergraph independent sets
Authors: Hermon Jonathan , Sly Allan , Zhang Yumeng
Published: November 2018

We prove that the mixing time of the Glauber dynamics for sampling independent sets on n‐vertex k‐uniform hypergraphs is when the maximum degree Δ satisfies Δ ≤ c2k/2, improving on the previous bound Bordewich and co‐workers of Δ ≤ k − 2. This result brings the algorithmic bound to within a constant factor of the hardness bound of Bezakova and co‐workers which showed that it is NP‐hard to approximately count independent sets on hypergraphs when Δ ≥ 5·2k/2.
Bulk synthesis of linear carbon chains confined inside single‐wall carbon nanotubes by vacuum discharge
Authors: Toma Satoshi , Asaka Koji , Irita Masaru , Saito Yahachi
Published: November 2018

Carbyne, an infinite carbon chain, has attracted much interest and induced significant controversy for many decades. Recently, the presence of linear carbon chains (LCCs), which were confined stably inside double‐wall carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), has been reported. In this study, we present a novel method to produce LCCs in a film of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Our transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy revealed the formation of a bulk amount of LCCs after electric discharge of CNT films, which were used as field emission cathodes. The LCCs were confined inside single‐wall CNTs as well as DWCNTs. Furthermore, two or three LCCs in parallel with each other are encapsulated when the inner diameter of CNT is larger than approximately 1.1 nm.
Mechanical characterization of polymethyl methacrylate composites reinforced with surface‐coated carbon fibers
Authors: Yijun Huang
Published: November 2018

Using trihydroxy polyether polyol (PPG), diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) as soft segment and hard segment, carbon fiber (CF) as reinforcement, and self‐crosslinking CF/polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composite was prepared by prepolymer method. In this study, starch and octanoyl chloride were esterified to obtain esterified starch (SE). The fiber is then melt blended with PMMA matrix to prepare PMMA composite. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and SEM were used to analyze and characterize the composites produced. The results show that the composite material was prepared by separately modifying the fiber with NaOH and SE, respectively. The mechanical properties of the composite materials prepared by the modified fiber are improved, and the fiber and the PMMA matrix showed better compatibility. The mechanism of comodified fiber enhanced the mechanical properties of its composites.
Nano SnO2 in Flexible Carbon Spaces Protected by Rigid TiO2 for Efficient Reversible Lithium Storage
Authors: Zhou Yulin , Lei Jianfei , Jin Xiujuan , Ni Jing , Zhang Shaofeng , Du Kai , Wang Zhaowu
Published: November 2018

We report a spatially‐confined strategy to improve the cycling stability of tin‐based anode materials, in which carbon acted as passenger particle is implanted in suit into the secondary structure of porous tin dioxide (SnO2), forming a spatial fault structure together with the SnO2 particles. Herein, the carbon (C) surrounding is endowed with the dual roles, which can not only prevent SnO2 and tin (Sn) nanoparticles aggregating for a better cycling stability, but also can improve the electron transport at the particle interface for high rate performance of the battery. Also, rigid titanium dioxide (TiO2) cavities are constructed for positive mechanical protections and releasing the mechanical stress to further improve the stability of the battery. Electrochemical tests reveal that such spatially‐confined architectures can enhance the cycling stability and improve the rate properties of tin‐based anode batteries remarkably. The discharge specific capacity of the spatial confined samples can be maintained 520 mAh g‐1 after 100 cycles at 0.2C and 320 mAh g‐1 at a high current rate of 1C.
Antibiotic resistant zoonotic bacteria in Irrawaddy squirrel (Callosciurus pygerythrus)
Authors: Jalal Mohammad Shah , Islam Md Zohorul , Dutta Avijit , Dhar Pangkaj Kumar , Das Avijit , Hasan Mohammad Mahbub , Barua Himel , Biswas Paritosh Kumar , Ahad Abdul
Published: November 2018

Irrawaddy squirrel (Callosciurus pygerythrus) may play an important role in the transmission of zoonotic bacteria, but little is known about the carriage of zoonotic bacteria in this common frugivorous rodent in Bangladesh. We aimed to investigate the presence of common zoonotic bacterial pathogens in Irrawaddy squirrel in the southeast part of Bangladesh. A total of 27 rectal and 27 oro‐nasal swabs were collected from 27 healthy wild Irrawaddy squirrels. Four common zoonotic bacteria were isolated following routine laboratory procedures, and were identified based on colony morphology, and biochemical and staining properties. The pathogenic potential of the identified bacteria was confirmed by detection of virulence genes by PCR. All isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test against seven antibiotics from six generic groups which are commonly used in human and veterinary medicine in Bangladesh. The prevalence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Yersinia spp. and Staphylococcus spp. was 44.4% (95% CI, 32.0–57.6), 13% (95% CI, 6.1–24.7), 44.4% (95% CI, 32.0–57.6), and 72.2% (95% CI, 59.0–82.5), respectively. We identified potential zoonotic virulence genes in all of these four bacterial species. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed the presence of several multidrug resistant bacterial strains in squirrels. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in Bangladesh of the detection of antibiotic resistant zoonotic bacteria in Irrawaddy squirrels. The findings underpin the role of Irrawaddy squirrel as a source of pathogenic antibiotic resistant bacteria, consequently, fruit rejected because of squirrel consumption and squirrel‐bites deserve more concern than previously.
Effect of epoxy resin on thermal, dynamic, and mechanical properties of rigid poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Miri Fatemeh Sadat , Ehsani Morteza , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Dadgari Omid
Published: November 2018

This work is concerned with the effect of an epoxy resin on the properties of rigid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). The epoxy resin concentrations of 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 phr were used to prepare PVC/epoxy polymer blends and the viscoelastic behavior of the blends was investigated by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and rheometry test. The results revealed that the low molecular weight epoxy resin did not greatly affect the viscoelastic properties of PVC. From the morphological point of view, the smallest droplet size of epoxy dispersed in the polymer blends was found in the sample with 1 phr epoxy resin, and the largest one was for the sample with 6 phr epoxy. The thermal properties of PVC/epoxy blends were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis, as well. According to our research, the initial decomposition temperature of PVC was increased about 6°C by the incorporation of epoxy resin. The results of tensile test showed that the addition of epoxy resin decreased the elongation‐at‐break of PVC about 50% in the samples without calcium carbonate and about 25% in the samples containing calcium carbonate. Moreover, the failure mode of PVC was changed from a ductile fracture mode to a brittle fracture mode with the addition of epoxy resin. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:E72–E79, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
“Dangerous to Themselves and Others, and of Public Scandal”: The Internment Procedure
Authors: Romano Gabriella
Published: November 2018

Through G.’s admission and medical files, this chapter illustrates internment laws and procedures, highlighting how Fascism pushed pre-existing legislation to its extreme consequences. In reconstructing internment’s bureaucratic and legal practices, the chapter emphasises how the law could be bent to accommodate the regime’s need to isolate those perceived as “different” and how psychiatry acquiesced in offering to “correct” individuals considered “non-conforming”, “amoral”, “immoral”, “deviant”, rebellious and, among them, homosexuals, in exchange for an increase of power and status.
Spontaneous breaking of SO(3) to finite family symmetries with supersymmetry — an A4 model
Authors: King Stephen F. , Zhou Ye-Ling
Published: November 2018

Abstract

We discuss the breaking of SO(3) down to finite family symmetries such as A
4, S
4 and A
5 using supersymmetric potentials for the first time. We analyse in detail the case of supersymmetric A
4 and its finite subgroups Z
3 and Z
2. We then propose a supersymmetric A
4 model of leptons along these lines, originating from SO(3) × U(1), which leads to a phenomenologically acceptable pattern of lepton mixing and masses once subleading corrections are taken into account. We also discuss the phenomenological consequences of having a gauged SO(3), leading to massive gauge bosons, and show that all domain wall problems are resolved in this model.
Cosmological perturbations in generalised dark Lagrangians
Authors: Edholm James , Pearson Jonathan
Published: November 2018

Abstract

We describe a new method to parameterise dark energy theories including massive gravity, elastic dark energy and tensor-metric theories. We first examine the existing framework which describes any second order Lagrangian which depends on the variation of the metric and find new constraints on the parameters. We extend the method to Lorentz violating theories which depend on the variation of the time and spatial parts of the metric separately. We show how this can describe massive gravity and elastic dark energy, while ruling out the whole class of theories where the Lagrangian depends only on the variation of the time part of the metric.

We further generalise our method to tensor-metric theories, both with and without splitting the metric into time and spatial parts. Our method extends existing physics by providing a mechanism to easily evaluate large classes of dark energy theories.