Micro-scale pollution mechanism of dust diffusion in a blasting driving face based on CFD-DEM coupled model

Abstract

In order to investigate the diffuse pollution mechanisms of high-concentration dusts in the blasting driving face, the airflow-dust coupled model was constructed based on CFD-DEM coupled model; the diffusion rules of the dusts with different diameters at microscopic scale were analyzed in combination with the field measured results. The simulation results demonstrate that single-exhaust ventilation exhibited more favorable dust suppression performance than single-forced ventilation. Under single-exhaust ventilation condition, the motion trajectories of the dusts with the diameter smaller than 20 μm were close to the airflow streamline and these dusts were mainly distributed near the footway walls; by contrast, under single-forced ventilation condition, the motion trajectories of the dust particles with a diameter range of 20~40 μm were close to the airflow streamlines, and a large number of dusts with the diameter smaller than 20 μm accumulated in the regions 5 m and 17~25 m away from the head-on section. Moreover, under the single-exhaust ventilation, the relationship between dust diameter D and negative-pressured-induced dust emission ratio P can be expressed as P = − 25.03ln(D) + 110.39, and the dust emission ratio was up to 74.36% for 7-μm dusts, and the path-dependent settling behaviors of the dusts mainly occurred around the head-on section; under single-forced ventilation condition, the z value of the dusts with the diameter over 20 μm decreased and the dusts with a diameter smaller than 7 μm are particularly harmful to human health, but their settling ratios were below 22.36%.

Graphical abstract

The airflow-dust CFD-DEM coupling model was established. The numerical simulation results were verified. The migration laws of airflow field were obtained in a blasting driving face. The diffusion laws of dusts were obtained after blasting.

Innovative sludge pretreatment technology for impurity separation using micromesh

Abstract

In order to reduce the impacts on sludge treatment facilities caused by impurities such as fibers, hairs, plastic debris, and coarse sand, an innovative primary sludge pretreatment technology, sludge impurity separator (SIS), was proposed in this study. Non-woven micromesh with pore size of 0.40 mm was used to remove the impurities from primary sludge. Results of lab-scale tests showed that impurity concentration, aeration intensity, and channel gap were the key operation parameters, of which the optimized values were below 25 g/L, 0.8 m³/(m² min), and 2.5 cm, respectively. In the full-scale SIS with treatment capacity of 300 m³/day, over 88% of impurities could be removed from influent and the cleaning cycle of micromesh was more than 16 days. Economic analysis revealed that the average energy consumption was 1.06 kWh/m³ treated sludge and operation cost was 0.6 yuan/m³ treated sludge.

Removal of cobalt and lead ions from wastewater samples using an insoluble nanosponge biopolymer composite: adsorption isotherm, kinetic, thermodynamic, and regeneration studies

Abstract

In this study, an insoluble nanosponge biopolymer composite was synthesized, using a combined process of amidation reaction, cross-linking polymerization, and sol-gel method to obtain a phosphorylated multiwalled carbon nanotube-cyclodextrin/silver-doped titania (pMWCNT-βCD/TiO₂-Ag). This work mainly emphasized on the removal of lead (Pb²⁺) and cobalt (Co²⁺) metal ions from synthetic and real wastewater samples using the synthesized pMWCNT-βCD/TiO₂-Ag as a biosorbent. The new material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, zeta potential, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Adsorption studies for the model pollutants were performed in batch mode. The effect of the solution pH, adsorbent dosage and the presence of competiting ions were investigated. The isotherm, kinetic, thermodynamic, and regeneration studies were also undertaken. The ability of the new material to effectively remove Pb²⁺ and Co²⁺ from synthetic wastewater and mine effluent samples was tested. The maximum removal capacities achieved for the removal of Pb²⁺ and Co²⁺ from mine effluent sample were 35.86 and 7.812 mg/g, respectively.

Plastic surgeons’ opinions and practices regarding compatibility of MRI and breast tissue expanders

As more women undergo breast reconstruction with tissue expanders, the situation where a patient with ferromagnetic port-containing breast tissue expanders (FPCBTE) develops a need for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has also become more frequent. Such indications include the new symptoms suggestive of neurologic or osseous metastases, trauma, and perforator mapping if the patient transitions to autologous reconstruction.

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap: Impact of drain free donor abdominal site on long term patient outcomes and duration of inpatient stay

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is widely regarded as the Gold Standard in autologous breast reconstruction. Although drain-free abdominoplasty is performed in many centres, there is a paucity of evidence comparing outcomes when applied to DIEP breast reconstruction.

Managing aesthetic referrals in NHS Scotland: Outcomes from 1,122 patients in the East of Scotland

The Adult Exceptional Aesthetic Referral Protocol (AEARP) encompasses a series of aesthetic procedures which, as they do not treat an underlying disease process, are not routinely available within the National Health Service. Provision of these services can only be provided on an exceptional basis.In this prospective study, we evaluated the referral process and outcomes of 1,122 patients referred under the AEARP over a 3.5-year period. Referrals were screened by a vetting panel comprising of a plastic surgeon, clinical nurse specialist, and clinical psychologist.

Long-term Results of Bacterial Septic Arthritis of the Wrist

Septic arthritis of the wrist is a serious condition, yet little is known about its long-term outcome. A retrospective analysis of 22 patients treated for bacterial septic arthritis of the wrist was conducted with subsequent follow-up of 18 patients with a median period of 44 months to assess functional results via DASH-Score and clinical examination.Arthrotomy was used to treat all patients; in 19 patients, multiple operations were needed to cure the infection. Follow-up revealed a mean DASH-score of 34 (SD 22) and a significant correlation with needed surgical radicality and number of needed operations.

Response to letter commenting on Upgrading the BREAST-Q questionnaire

We read with interest the reply from Klassen and colleagues1 to our publication2 and we fully agree about the lack of methodological validity related to our suggestion of a BREAST-Q expansion. In fact, our aim was meant to focus the attention on the need for an update of the already existing autologous BREAST-Q, according to the evolution in breast reconstruction and flap choice. This was the reason why we wanted to highlight and in parallel put the accent on this topic.

Adding Scales to BREAST-Q Must Follow the Same Rigor as Original Scales

Dear Editor,

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma: which hot nodes should be harvested and is blue dye really necessary?,,✯✯✯

The '10% rule' has become widely accepted by surgeons performing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for melanoma. The purpose of this study was to compare the '10% rule' with alternative node harvesting criteria. In particular, we were interested to see whether the use of blue dye had any impact on the sensitivity of the test and whether it is necessary to remove all hot nodes.

A Survey Analysis on the Management of Moderately Dysplastic Nevi Among Academic Dermatologists Across the United States

The Potential of Narrow Band UVB to Induce Sustained Durable Complete Remission off-Therapy in Stage I Mycosis Fungoides

Narrow Band UVB (NB UVB) produces high rates of complete response (CR) for patients with stage I mycosis fungoides (MF). Data on long-term remission off therapy are lacking. NB UVB induced >5 years disease and therapy free survival in ∼ 60% of CR patients. NB UVB can be considered a disease modifying and potentially curative therapy for patients with stage I MF..

Financial burden of emergency department visits for atopic dermatitis in the United States

Patients with atopic dermatitis have multiple risk factors for utilizing the emergency department.; The prevalence and cost of emergency department visits for atopic dermatitis was high and increased between 2006 and 2012.; Interventions are needed to decrease ED visits for AD.

Atopic dermatitis is associated with osteoporosis and osteopenia in older adults

Acid and alkaline solubilization (pH shift) process: a better approach for the utilization of fish processing waste and by-products

Abstract

Several technologies and methods have been developed over the years to address the environmental pollution and nutritional losses associated with the dumping of fish processing waste and low-cost fish and by-products. Despite the continuous efforts put in this field, none of the developed technologies was successful in addressing the issues due to various technical problems. To solve the problems associated with the fish processing waste and low-value fish and by-products, a process called pH shift/acid and alkaline solubilization process was developed. In this process, proteins are first solubilized using acid and alkali followed by precipitating them at their isoelectric pH to recover functional and stable protein isolates from underutilized fish species and by-products. Many studies were conducted using pH shift process to recover proteins from fish and fish by-products and found to be most successful in recovering proteins with increased yields than conventional surimi (three cycle washing) process and with good functional properties. In this paper, problems associated with conventional processing, advantages and principle of pH shift processing, effect of pH shift process on the quality and storage stability of recovered isolates, applications protein isolates, etc. are discussed in detail for better understanding.

Response to letter commenting on Upgrading the BREAST-Q questionnaire

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): Chiara Stocco, Andrea Figus, Sergio Razzano

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma: which hot nodes should be harvested and is blue dye really necessary?,,✯✯✯

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): JM Ranson, NM Pantelides, D Gharpuray Pandit, JKG Laitung
OBJECTIVESThe '10% rule' has become widely accepted by surgeons performing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for melanoma. The purpose of this study was to compare the '10% rule' with alternative node harvesting criteria. In particular, we were interested to see whether the use of blue dye had any impact on the sensitivity of the test and whether it is necessary to remove all hot nodes.METHODSWe reviewed 537 SLNBs performed for primary melanoma from 2009-2015. SLNB was offered to all patients with 1- 4mm Breslow thickness melanoma and sentinel nodes were harvested according to the '10% rule'.RESULTS116 patients (22%) had at least one positive sentinel node and there were 45 positive nodal basins from which more than one sentinel node had been harvested. Excluding blue dye and sampling only hot nodes would have enabled a 5% reduction in nodes harvested, without any compromise in the sensitivity of the test. However, applying harvesting criteria whereby not all hot nodes are taken was associated with a loss of sensitivity, with positive sentinel nodes being missed and patients understaged.CONCLUSIONSOur data does not support the continued use of blue dye in SLNB for melanoma, as it does not improve the sensitivity of the test. This series adds to growing evidence to suggest that the '10% rule' with the inclusion of blue nodes should be reconsidered and that radiocolloid tracer alone is sufficient for sentinel node localisation.

Plastic surgeons’ opinions and practices regarding compatibility of MRI and breast tissue expanders

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): Brielle Weinstein, Peter W. Henderson, Jessica J. Means, Andrew L. Weinstein, Martin R. Prince, Christine H. Rohde

Long-term Results of Bacterial Septic Arthritis of the Wrist

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): Mehran Dadras, Christian Böhm, Christoph Wallner, Johannes Maximilian Wagner, Björn Behr, Marcus Lehnhardt, Adrien Daigeler
Septic arthritis of the wrist is a serious condition, yet little is known about its long-term outcome. A retrospective analysis of 22 patients treated for bacterial septic arthritis of the wrist was conducted with subsequent follow-up of 18 patients with a median period of 44 months to assess functional results via DASH-Score and clinical examination.Arthrotomy was used to treat all patients; in 19 patients, multiple operations were needed to cure the infection. Follow-up revealed a mean DASH-score of 34 (SD 22) and a significant correlation with needed surgical radicality and number of needed operations. The range of motion of the wrist and grip strength of the affected side was 49% (SD 20%) and 70% (SD 28%) of the contralateral side, respectively. In conclusion, septic arthritis of the wrist leads to long-term functional restrictions with a strong correlation with the stage of the disease. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment are paramount.

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap: Impact of drain free donor abdominal site on long term patient outcomes and duration of inpatient stay

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): Mr Amitabh Thacoor, Mr Muholan Kanapathy, Miss Jana Torres-Grau, Mr Jagdeep Chana
BackgroundThe deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is widely regarded as the Gold Standard in autologous breast reconstruction. Although drain-free abdominoplasty is performed in many centres, there is a paucity of evidence comparing outcomes when applied to DIEP breast reconstruction.MethodA retrospective review of patients who underwent DIEP breast reconstruction without abdominal drain insertion at Royal Free Hospital between Jan 2012-Nov 2016 was undertaken. Results were compared to previously published data from our centre on patients undergoing DIEP breast reconstruction with abdominal drains between Jan 2011-Jul 2012.ResultsThirty-five patients underwent abdominal drain-free reconstruction(GroupA). Of 74 patients who previously underwent reconstruction with abdominal drains, 33 patients underwent drain removal by postoperative day (POD)3 regardless of output (GroupB) and 41 underwent drain removal after POD3 following instructions on drainage volume/24h (GroupC). There was no significant difference in the length of stay between patients in Group A and B (3.6 vs 3.9 days; p=0.204). Length of stay in Group C was significantly higher than Group A and B (p=0.001, p=0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in total (11.43% vs 12.12% vs 17.07%, p=0.780) or specific complications: Seroma: 2.86% vs 0% vs 4.88% (p= 0.774); Wound dehiscence: 8.57% vs 9.09% vs 4.88% (p=0.728); Haematoma: 0% vs 3.00% vs 7.32% (p=0.316) between Groups A, B and C respectively.ConclusionOur data suggests that drain-free abdominal closure in DIEP reconstruction can be safely achieved without increased postoperative complications. These conclusions support existing evidence on the use of a drain-free approach in cosmetic abdominoplasty.

Managing aesthetic referrals in NHS Scotland: Outcomes from 1,122 patients in the East of Scotland

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): Abdulla Ibrahim, Mahmoud K. Nassar, Daniel J. Jordan, Manish Sinha, Fiona J. Hogg
The Adult Exceptional Aesthetic Referral Protocol (AEARP) encompasses a series of aesthetic procedures which, as they do not treat an underlying disease process, are not routinely available within the National Health Service. Provision of these services can only be provided on an exceptional basis.In this prospective study, we evaluated the referral process and outcomes of 1,122 patients referred under the AEARP over a 3.5-year period. Referrals were screened by a vetting panel comprising of a plastic surgeon, clinical nurse specialist, and clinical psychologist. Following initial vetting, supported patients underwent psychological assessment. Patients supported by psychology were assessed in clinic, and if deemed clinically suitable, were offered surgery.Overall, 20% (225/1,122) of referrals were supported for surgery. Following primary vetting, 57% (640/1,122) of referrals were supported, 40% (197/492) of referrals to clinical psychology were supported, and 65% (225/345) of the remaining cases referred for consultation were supported for surgery. Unsupported referrals included those not fulfilling the referral guidelines or those with contraindications.The AEARP is simple and effective to implement, and has been instrumental in streamlining the referral-to-outcome process in a centralised, transparent, and fair manner. It reduces a potential high number of clinic appointments where patients do not meet the aesthetic criteria and/or fail to attend – thereby helping to streamline other surgical pathways by improving clinic efficiency. Moreover, it aids referring clinicians and patient education around aesthetic issues including a holistic approach. Wide adoption of such standards may reduce waiting times, facilitate cost savings, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

Adding Scales to BREAST-Q Must Follow the Same Rigor as Original Scales

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): Anne F. Klassen, Manraj N. Kaur, Andrea L. Pusic

Probabilistic risk-based pollution prevention model for a foundry: a case study of casting

Abstract

Hazardous air pollutants from industrial activities have long been associated with serious health effects. Traditional health risk assessment uses point estimates of inhalation concentrations based on standard Gaussian diffusion models with steady-state emission rate assumptions. This traditional approach was criticized because it does not account for variability and thus leading to a potential overestimate of the health risk from the batch processes. To overcome this deficiency, a probabilistic risk assessment model is proposed. The foundry industry with processes typically associated with several hazardous air pollutants is identified and iron casting is chosen as a case study to compare risk estimates. Existing data, representing historical proprietary information of the case study, were used to deliver representative risk values and help identify potential replacements or interventions in the manufacturing process. A probability distribution function of emitted concentrations was simulated to model the batch process emissions from mold and core resin binders, a major source of pollution. The same method was applied to exposure factors to feed into the risk model resulting in a probabilistic risk evaluation. Several alternative resin binders in commercial use were examined to offer a risk-based substitute to the resin binder in use. The risk results provided an opportunity to consider newer and environmentally friendlier options. A comparison of the results from this approach and those from the point estimate analysis reveals a gross over estimation of risks. The point estimate risk values were about eight time larger than the mean value and about twice the 95th percentile values of the probabilistic risk approach. The wide range of variability among resin binders associated risk results, close to two orders of magnitude in some cases, presented opportunities to select from a variety of binders with lesser emissions and lower risk. Optimal selection will depend on several pollutants emitted from this process to help address cumulative impacts of multiple pollutants. Investigations are underway for a multi-pollutant strategy including trade-offs, and other quality controls vital to the decision-making.

The double face of the same disease

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, EarlyView.

Cocaine‐induced pyoderma gangrenosum‐like lesions

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, EarlyView.

Angiokeratoma corporis diffusum with normal enzyme activity: three new Italian cases

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, EarlyView.

Multiple acquired pigmented lesions in a patient affected by melanoma

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, EarlyView.

Formulation of oil-in-water emulsions for pesticide applications: impact of surfactant type and concentration on physical stability

Abstract

Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions can be utilized as effective pesticide delivery systems in the agricultural industry. In this study, the effects of hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB), concentration, and location of surfactants on the formation and physical stability of O/W emulsions suitable for pesticide applications was investigated using dynamic light scattering and vertical laser profiling. A non-polar pesticide (lambda-cyhalothrin) was used as a model. The pesticide emulsion with the highest stability was obtained using a commercial non-ionic surfactant (polyoxyethylene castor oil ether, EL-20) with a required HLB value of 10.5. Emulsion stability increased as the surfactant concentration was increased from 2 to 6%, which was attributed to the formation of smaller oil droplets during emulsification. Emulsions prepared with the surfactant initially in the oil phase were more stable than those prepared with it initially in the aqueous phase. The optimum formulation of the pesticide emulsion was determined as follows: 5% lambda-cyhalothrin (active ingredient) and 6% EL-20 (surfactant) dissolved in 5% S-200 (aromatic hydrocarbon, as oil phase), then deionized water up to 100%, which met the quality indicators set by the FAO standards. The present study is expected to provide useful information to improve the stability of pesticide emulsions for commercial applications.

New Formulation, New Drug? The Importance of Assessing the Safety of New Supportive Care Formulations in Oncology

PARPi related toxicities: do we need more appropriate instruments to evaluate it?

Advances in the systemic treatment of melanoma brain metastases

Abstract

Of the solid tumor types that metastasize to the brain, melanoma has the highest propensity to form brain metastases. In addition, much remains unknown regarding the pathophysiology involved in melanoma cell extravasation through the blood-brain barrier, which enables interactions with the microenvironment, and melanoma cell transcriptomic responses to brain-specific cues. However, recent developments in targeted therapy and immunotherapy have generated considerable optimism regarding the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Although robust efficacy data exist on systemic therapy treatment of extracranial melanoma, data in the setting of melanoma brain metastases (MBM) are limited, primarily because patients with MBM are typically excluded from clinical trials. However, several clinical trials focusing on patients with MBM are now complete, and more are underway. Clinical evaluation of serine/threonine-protein kinase B-Raf (BRAF) inhibition in combination with MEK inhibition for MBM produced intracranial response rates of close to 60%, suggesting that inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway has the potential to further improve MBM outcomes. For immunotherapy, there is now increasing evidence that checkpoint inhibitors may also be effective in MBM with a high rate of durable intracranial responses observed with combination therapy. Furthermore, radiotherapy—particularly MBM treatment with mainstay stereotactic radiosurgery—appears to be safe and effective when combined with systemic therapy. Finally, evolving magnetic resonance imaging capabilities have inspired new approaches to the measurement of tumor burden and treatment responses. This review evaluates current published evidence describing MBM as a multifaceted disease and presents an overview of currently available and investigational treatments for patients with MBM.

Artificial intelligence for melanoma diagnosis: How can we deliver on the promise?

The hard road to patient-centered care: 3 or 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with stage III colon cancer?

Six cycles of R-CHOP-21 are not inferior to eight cycles for treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma - A Nordic Lymphoma Group population-based study

The reducing clade IIb polyketide synthase PKS14 acts as a virulence determinant of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana

Abstract

pks14, a reducing clade IIb polyketide synthase gene, is preserved throughout the evolution of entomopathogenic fungi. We examined the functions of pks14 in Beauveria bassiana using targeted gene disruption. pks14 disruption was verified by Southern blot and PCR analyses. The radial growth, cell dry weight and conidial germination of Δpks14 were comparable to that of the wild type. Our sequence and gene expression analyses of the pks14 biosynthetic cluster demonstrated: (i) cotranscription and constitutive expression of nearly all genes of the aforementioned cluster including C₂H₂ zinc finger transcription regulator gene, but not pks14 and cytochrome P450 gene; (ii) expression of pks14 gene in insect-containing culture condition only; whereby (iii) a KAR9-like gene in direct proximity with pks14 is the only gene showing co-regulation. The Δpks14-infected Spodoptera exigua larvae survived significantly longer than those infected by the wild type, indicating a marked reduction in virulence of Δpks14 against the insect. LT₅₀ of Δpks14 was increased by 1.55 days. Hyphal body formation was decreased in the hemolymph of insects infected by Δpks14 as compared to those inoculated by the wild type. Our results suggest that PKS14-catalyzed polyketide enhances virulence and pathogenicity of B. bassiana on insects.

A simple approach to estimate daily loads of total, refractory, and labile organic carbon from their seasonal loads in a watershed

Abstract

Loads of naturally occurring total organic carbons (TOC), refractory organic carbon (ROC), and labile organic carbon (LOC) in streams control the availability of nutrients and the solubility and toxicity of contaminants and affect biological activities through absorption of light and complex metals with production of carcinogenic compounds. Although computer models have become increasingly popular in understanding and management of TOC, ROC, and LOC loads in streams, the usefulness of these models hinges on the availability of daily data for model calibration and validation. Unfortunately, these daily data are usually insufficient and/or unavailable for most watersheds due to a variety of reasons, such as budget and time constraints. A simple approach was developed here to calculate daily loads of TOC, ROC, and LOC in streams based on their seasonal loads. We concluded that the predictions from our approach adequately match field measurements based on statistical comparisons between model calculations and field measurements. Our approach demonstrates that an increase in stream discharge results in increased stream TOC, ROC, and LOC concentrations and loads, although high peak discharge did not necessarily result in high peaks of TOC, ROC, and LOC concentrations and loads. The approach developed herein is a useful tool to convert seasonal loads of TOC, ROC, and LOC into daily loads in the absence of measured daily load data.

Awareness of and phobias about topical corticosteroids in parents of infants with eczema in Hangzhou, China

Pediatric Dermatology, EarlyView.

Why Separation Logic Works

Abstract

One might poetically muse that computers have the essence both of logic and machines. Through the case of the history of Separation Logic, we explore how this assertion is more than idle poetry. Separation Logic works because it merges the software engineer's conceptual model of a program's manipulation of computer memory with the logical model that interprets what sentences in the logic are true, and because it has a proof theory which aids in the crucial problem of scaling the reasoning task. Scalability is a central problem, and some would even say the central problem, in appli- cations of logic in computer science. Separation Logic is an interesting case because of its widespread success in verification tools. For these two senses of model—the engineering/conceptual and the logical—to merge in a genuine sense, each must maintain their norms of use from their home disciplines. When this occurs, both the logic and engineering benefit greatly. Seeking this intersection of two different senses of model provides a strategy for how computer scientists and logicians may be successful. Furthermore, the history of Separation Logic for analysing programs provides a novel case for philosophers of science of how software engineers and computer scientists develop models and the components of such models. We provide three contributions: an exploration of the extent of models merging that is necessary for success in computer science; an introduction to the technical details of Separation Logic, which can be used for reasoning about other exhaustible resources; and an introduction to (a subset of) the problems, process, and results of computer scientists for those outside the field.

Weak speech reports

Abstract

Indirect speech reports can be true even if they attribute to the speaker the saying of something weaker than what she in fact expressed, yet not all weakenings of what the speaker expressed yield true reports. For example, if Anna utters 'Bob and Carla passed the exam', we can accurately report her as having said that Carla passed the exam, but we can not accurately report her as having said that either it rains or it does not, or that either Carla passed the exam or pandas are cute. This paper offers an analysis of speech reports that distinguishes weakenings of what the speaker expressed that yield true reports from weakenings that do not. According to this analysis, speech reports are not only sensitive to the informational content of what the speaker expressed, but also to the possibilities a speaker raises in making an utterance. As I argue, this analysis has significant advantages over its most promising competitors, including views based on work by Barwise and Perry (J Philos 78(11): 668–691, 1981), views appealing to recent work on the notion of content parthood by Fine (J Philos Log 45(2):199–226, 2016) and Yablo (Aboutness. Princeton University Press, Princeton, 2014), and Richard's (Mind Lang 13(4): 605–616, 1998) proposal appealing to structured propositions.

Ascorbic acid inhibits cadmium-induced disruption of the blood-testis barrier by regulating oxidative stress-mediated p38 MAPK pathways

Abstract

Ascorbic acid (AA), one of the best-known reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers, exhibits numerous functions such as antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. Increasing evidence demonstrates that oxidative stress plays an important role in testicular toxicity. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of AA against cadmium (Cd)-induced blood-testis barrier (BTB) disruption. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups: the Cd-treated group received a single dose (s.c.) of 2 mg/kg BW cadmium chloride; the AA antagonism group received an injection of AA at a dose of 400 mg/kg BW (200 mg 24 h prior to Cd treatment and 200 mg 24 h following Cd treatment); and the control groups received an equal volume of saline or an equal dose of AA. As expected, ROS expression was upregulated in the Cd-treated rats, accompanied by an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA). Interestingly, AA suppressed Cd-induced oxidative stress by decreasing the levels of ROS and MDA and increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). In addition, AA also reduced BTB disruption by inhibiting TGF-β3 activation and p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Significant decreases in occludin and claudin-11 expression were observed in the Cd-treated rats, whereas AA administration attenuated this effect. Moreover, testicular histopathology and transmission electron microscopy further demonstrated the protective effects of AA against Cd-induced BTB damage. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that AA protects BTB destruction via the inhibition of oxidative stress and the TGF-β3/p38 MAPK signalling pathway in the testis of Cd-exposed rats.

Analysis of mercury adsorption at the gibbsite-water interface using the CD-MUSIC model

Abstract

Mercury (Hg), one of the most toxic substances in nature, has long been released during the anthropogenic activity. A correct description of the adsorptive behavior of mercury is important to gain a better insight into its fate and transport in natural mineral surfaces, which will be a prerequisite for the development of surface complexation model for the adsorption processes. In the present study, simulation experiments on macroscopic Hg(II) sorption by gibbsite (α-Al(OH)₃), a representative aluminum (hydr)oxide mineral, were performed using the charge distribution and multi-site complexation (CD-MUSIC) approach with 1-pK triple plane model (TPM). For this purpose, several data sets which had already been reported in the literature were employed to analyze the effect of pH, ionic strength, and co-exisiting ions (NO₃⁻ and Cl⁻) on the Hg(II) adsorption onto gibbsite. Sequential optimization approach was used to determine the acidity and asymmetric binding constants for electrolyte ions and the affinity constants of the surface species through the model simulation using FITEQLC (a modified code of FITEQL 4.0). The model successfully incorporated the presence of inorganic ligands at the dominant edge (100) face of gibbsite with consistent surface species, which was evidenced by molecular scale analysis. The model was verified with an independent set of Hg(II) adsorption data incorporating carbonate binding species in an open gibbsite-water system.

Energy consumption habits and human health nexus in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This study explores the impact of fossil fuels consumption, solid fuels consumption for cooking purposes, economic growth, and carbon emissions on human health, with a key emphasis on the occurrence of tuberculosis and the high mortality rate in Sub-Saharan Africa. For its practical insights, the study develops a system Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) for a panel of 34 middle- and lower-middle-income countries from 1995 to 2015. The study adopts a flexible methodology to tackle endogeneity in the variables. The robust results report that the use of solid fuels (charcoal, peat, wood, wood pellets, crop residues) for cooking purposes and the consumption of fossil fuels (oil, coal, gas) are significantly increasing the occurrence of tuberculosis. In addition, the results highlight that the consumption of both solid fuels and fossil fuels has adverse affects on life expectancy by increasing the mortality rate in Sub-Saharan African countries. Results report that renewable energy sources like sun, wind, and water (all with potential to prevent households from direct exposure to particulate matters and harmful gases) as well as a rise in economic growth serve as helping factors to control the occurrence of tuberculosis and to decrease the mortality rate. Moreover, the use of renewable energy sources is serving to lessen emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxides, and particulate matters, which can ultimately decrease the mortality rate and extend the life expectancy in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Drosophila melanogaster has the enzymatic machinery to make the melanic component of neuromelanin

Pigment Cell &Melanoma Research, EarlyView.

Immuntherapie des Melanoms

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund

Die Prognose für Patienten mit fernmetastasiertem Melanom war bis zur Zulassung des Anti-CTLA-4-Antikörpers Ipilimumab 2011 mit einem medianen Gesamtüberleben von 6 bis 10 Monaten infaust. Die Zulassung der Immuncheckpointinhibitoren, die für Patienten mit metastasiertem Melanom ein Langzeitüberleben erwirken können, stellt einen Durchbruch dar.

Ziel, Material und Methoden

Die aktuellen zugelassenen Systemtherapien des Melanoms unter Berücksichtigung der Studiendaten, die auf der Jahrestagung 2017 der American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) sowie der European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) vorgestellt wurden, werden in dieser Übersichtsarbeit zusammengefasst.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Verglichen mit Ipilimumab konnten die beiden zugelassenen Anti-PD-1-Antikörper Pembrolizumab und Nivolumab eine höhere Wirksamkeit bei niedrigerer Toxizität erzielen. Die 2016 zugelassene Immunkombinationstherapie mit Nivolumab und Ipilimumab erzielte eine Ansprechrate von 58 % und eine Dreijahresüberlebensrate von 58 %. Schwere Grad-3/4-Nebenwirkungen traten bei 55 % der Patienten auf. Die frühzeitige Diagnose immunvermittelter Nebenwirkungen unter Immuncheckpointinhibitor-Therapie und ihre adäquate Behandlung ggf. unter Einsatz von systemischen Glukokortikosteroiden und weiteren Immunsuppressiva ist unabdingbare Voraussetzung für den Therapieerfolg. Die Immunkombinationstherapie mit Nivolumab und Ipilimumab erzielte bei Patienten mit metastasiertem Melanom und Hirnmetastasen intrakranielle Ansprechraten von 42–55 %, wobei die Toxizität im Vergleich zu Patienten ohne Hirnmetastasen nicht erhöht war. Aufgrund des erfolgreichen Einsatzes von Immuncheckpointinhibitoren für die Therapie des metastasierten Melanoms werden aktuell mehrere Studien durchgeführt, die insbesondere Anti-PD-1-Antikörper im adjuvanten Setting evaluieren. In aktuellen und zukünftigen Studien werden zunehmend innovative Immunkombinationstherapien, z. B. Anti-PD-1-Antikörper in Kombination mit IDO-Inhibitoren (IDO Indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase) untersucht. Bisher vorliegende Daten sprechen für eine hohe Wirksamkeit und eine niedrige Toxizität.