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Background: Pigment Red 53 is a dangerous synthetic dye that is often added to cosmetics, even though its use in cosmetic products has been prohibited because of possible impacts on health. Faster and more sensitive detection of Pigment Red 53 is needed for onsite analysis to protect the community from illegal cosmetics that contain the dye. Indicator color charts are a kind of analytical method that can be used to detect Pigment Red 53 in cosmetic products, including lipstick, rouge, and eyeshadow. Such charts are practical, fast, and can be used for onsite analysis. Methods: In this study, an indicator for Pigment Red 53 detection was obtained through a reagent reaction that caused a specific color change. An indicator color chart was then produced by setting out in paper form the series of colors which resulted from the reaction of specific chemical reagents and Pigment Red 53 solutions at concentrations of 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 ppm. Results: The testing results showed that the indicator color chart may be used as an initial screening method for the detection of Pigment Red 53 in cosmetic products with a detectable minimum concentration of 10 ppm. Out of nine samples, only one (Eyeshadow 3) tested positive for Pigment Red 53. Further analysis was carried out on the indicator color chart and the results showed good agreement with TLC and UV–Vis spectrophotometry methods. Conclusion: The results reported in this paper demonstrate that the indicator color chart is a good prospective method for onsite analysis to detect Pigment Red 53 in cosmetic samples, with a lower detection limit compared to polymer‐based indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) project aims to optimize the use of DOE resources to address the grand challenge of actionable predictions of Earth system variability and change. This requires sustained advancement to (1) integrate model development with leading‐edge computational advances toward ultra‐high‐resolution modeling; (2) represent the coupled human‐Earth system to address energy sector vulnerability to variability and change; and (3) address uncertainty in model simulations and projections. Scientific development of the E3SM modeling system is driven by the simulation requirements in three overarching science areas centering on understanding the Earth's water cycle, biogeochemistry, and cryosphere systems and their future changes. This paper serves as an introduction to the E3SM special collection, which includes 50 papers published in several AGU journals. It provides an overview of the E3SM project, including its goals and science drivers. It also provides a brief history of the development of E3SM version 1 and highlights some key findings from papers included in the special collection. Plain Language Summary: Earth system models are important tools for predicting future changes in the Earth system. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) project aims to improve predictions of Earth system variability and change. The latter has a particular focus on predicting changes in the water cycle that influences precipitation and storms, biogeochemistry that influences greenhouse gases and future warming, and cryosphere systems that influence sea‐level rise that threatens coastal communities. This paper serves as an introduction to the E3SM special collection, which includes 50 papers published in several AGU journals. It provides an overview of the E3SM project, including its goals and science drivers. It also provides a brief history of the development of E3SM version 1 and highlights some key findings from papers included in the special collection. Key Points: The Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) project aims to improve actionable predictions of Earth system variability and changeWater cycle, biogeochemistry, and cryosphere systems are the three key science drivers of model development and numerical experimentsThis paper provides an overview of the E3SM project and introduces the E3SM special collection of papers published in AGU journals [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The network traffic prediction of a smart substation is key in strengthening its system security protection. To improve the performance of its traffic prediction, in this paper, we propose an improved gravitational search algorithm (IGSA), then introduce the IGSA into a wavelet neural network (WNN), iteratively optimize the initial connection weighting, scalability factor, and shift factor, and establish a smart substation network traffic prediction model based on the IGSA‐WNN. A comparative analysis of the experimental results shows that the performance of the IGSA‐WNN‐based prediction model further improves the convergence velocity and prediction accuracy, and that the proposed model solves the deficiency issues of the original WNN, such as slow convergence velocity and ease of falling into a locally optimal solution; thus, it is a better smart substation network traffic prediction model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there have been significant advances in the technology used to collect data on the movement and activity patterns of humans and animals. GPS units, which form the primary source of location data, have become cheaper, more accurate, lighter and less power‐hungry, and their accuracy has been further improved with the addition of inertial measurement units. The consequence is a glut of geospatial time series data, recorded at rates that range from one position fix every several hours (to maximize system lifetime) to ten fixes per second (in high dynamic situations). Since data of this quality and volume have only recently become available, the analytical methods to extract behavioral information from raw position data are at an early stage of development. An instance of this lies in the analysis of animal movement patterns. When investigating solitary animals, the timing and location of instances of avoidance and association are important behavioral markers. In this paper, a novel analytical method to detect avoidance and association between individuals is proposed; unlike existing methods, assumptions about the shape of the territories or the nature of individual movement are not needed. Simulations demonstrate that false positives (type I error) are rare (1%–3%), which means that the test rarely suggests that there is an association if there is none. In this paper, we introduce a novel statistical method that can be used to establish whether individuals or groups are more or less often in close proximity of each other than expected by chance. Moreover, it does so in a way that is independent of the size and shape of the individuals' ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reconsiders the role of systems thinking in science and addresses an issue raised by Peter Checkland some 25 years ago, that of the relationship between systems thinking, analysis and the scientific method. The paper argues that the scientific method is most usefully interpreted as a dialectic between analysis and synthesis supported by the triadic logic of C.S. Peirce, and that the role of systems thinking is to frame this dialectic. Three generic forms of the system concept are identified—closed systems, input-output systems and open systems. Consequently, systems thinking is shown to play a central role in mainstream science. The paper concludes that a system is best defined as a cognitive construct for making sense of complexity and the organization of knowledge and that contemporary system thinking is best identified as the ethical, scientific pursuit of knowledge using the socio-ecological (open) systems frame. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the development of a method for simultaneously measuring zeolite, silicate, and phosphate in laundry detergent products by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. A sample is decomposed under alkaline oxidative conditions to decompose zeolite, silicate, phosphate, and organic substances. Then hydrochloric acid is added to the decomposed solution to dissolve aluminum hydroxide precipitate before analysis. This sample preparation procedure was investigated by using a total organic carbon analyzer and was confirmed to be applicable to simultaneous measurements of zeolite, silicate, and phosphate. Relative standard deviation for the analysis is less than 2.1%, recovery is more than 99.0%, and the calibration curve gives a correlation coefficient of R=1.000. The detection limit of this method for aluminum and silicon is 0.1%, and for phosphorus, 0.2% by weight in the product. This method is applicable to various laundry detergent products that contain zeolite, silicate, or phosphate and is five times faster than the three wet chemical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper was to evaluate methods of producing purified Catfish bone fractions from Catfish frames and heads and determine the composition of the purified bone fraction. Fresh samples of Catfish frames and heads were obtained from a large commercial Catfish processor. Triplicate samples were processed for all treatments. Two methods were developed to remove nonbone tissue from the frames: (a) use of a proteolytic enzyme to digest the nonbone tissues and (b) after boiling the frames, removal of the nonbone tissues with high‐pressure water. The ash, protein, and lipid contents of unprocessed dried frames were 17%, 33%, and 41%, respectively. After the enzymatic or high‐pressure water treatment processes, the frame bone compositions for the two processes were 62% and 54% ash, 35% and 33% protein, and 9% and 2% lipid, respectively. Bone from both processing treatments had a calcium content of 21%–25%, phosphorus content of 10%–11%, and contents of magnesium, manganese, zinc, and nickel were increased. Hydroxyproline content increased from 4% of the amino acids in the untreated bone to 7%–8% for the processed treatments. Tissues were removed from Catfish heads by digestion with a proteolytic enzyme and collection of the bone with a sieve. After the longest digestion period, dried head bone was 51% ash, 38% protein, and 7% lipid. The amino acid profiles showed high levels of hydroxyproline and lower levels of many essential amino acids. With increased enzymatic hydrolysis time, percent calcium and phosphorus increased. Results from this study will be used in the development of new value‐added food and feed ingredients from Catfish bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a result of work of the AES/ILAE Translational Task Force of the International League Against Epilepsy. The aim is to provide acceptable standards and interpretation of results of electrophysiological depth recordings in vivo in control rodents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

De Araujo et al. (Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1111/2041‐210X.13516) described the development and application of a wire foot snare trap for the capture of jaguars Panthera onca and cougars Puma concolor. Snares are a commonly used and effective means of studying large carnivores. However, the article presented insufficient information to replicate the work and inadequate consideration and description of animal welfare considerations, thereby risking the perpetuation of poor standards of reporting.Appropriate animal welfare assessments are essential in studies that collect data from animals, especially those that use invasive techniques, and are key in assisting researchers to choose the most appropriate capture method. It is critical that authors detail all possible associated harms and benefits to support thorough review, including equipment composition, intervention processes, general body assessments, injuries (i.e. cause, type, severity) and post‐release behaviour. We offer a detailed discussion of these shortcomings.We also discuss broader but highly relevant issues, including the capture of non‐target animals and the omission of key methodological details. The level of detail provided by authors should allow the method to be properly assessed and replicated, including those that improve trap selectivity and minimize or eliminate the capture of non‐target animals.Finally, we discuss the central role that journals must play in ensuring that published research conforms to ethical, animal welfare and reporting standards. Scientific studies are subject to ever‐increasing scrutiny by peers and the public, making it more important than ever that standards are upheld and reviewed.We conclude that the proposal of a new or refined method must be supported by substantial contextual discussion, a robust rationale and analyses and comprehensive documentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The present study was conducted to develop a situation analysis model for Iran's hospitals' emergency departments (EDs). Methods: The current research was a descriptive cross‐sectional applied study in three stages. The studies were reviewed in various library resources and valid sites in the first stage. In the second stage, the analysis model of the ED in Iran was presented. In the third stage, the model was validated based on the Delphi technique, and the final model was presented. Results: The final situation analysis model of ED in Iran was approved in four main aspects, including goals, internal factors, external factors, and organizations and institutions participating in the situation analysis, and its implementation schedule was approved by 90% of experts. Conclusion: Considering the importance of situation analysis in developing a strategic plan and improving the quality of health services in the ED of hospitals, implementing a coherent situation analysis model that includes all aspects leading to improving the ED quality and analyzing the internal and external factors is vital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

new analytical procedure for the determination of alcohol ethoxylates (AE) in environmental samples such as influents, effluents and sludge from waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) was developed. Although some work had been previously published on the detection of AE in water samples, this is the first paper that deals with AE in sludge. Alcohol ethoxylates were removed from water samples by sorption on polymeric discs followed by extraction with methanol. The methanol extracts were cleaned up with two alumina solid-phase extractions (SPE) at different conditions of solvent polarity, one before and the other after derivatization with naphthoyl chloride. A final polishing step was carried out on a Florisil SPE column. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization was used to quantify AE as naphthoyl derivatives. The detection limits for AE ethoxymers range from 0.07 to 0.005 μg/L in water samples. The method was applied to an Italian WWTP in order to follow the fate of AE during treatment, AE concentrations of 839 μg/L, 0.46 μg/L and 10.6 mg/kg were respectively found in the inlet, outlet and sludge samples. AE removals of each ethoxymer in the plant were in the range 99.6-100% and no difference was observed between high or low-mole ethoxymers and between AE with odd or even carbon chain lengths. An overall 99.7% removal was also determined on the mass balance of AE in the inlet, the outlet, and sludge of the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characterization of alcohol ethoxylates (AE) to determine ethylene oxide (EO) adduct distribution has been studied in our laboratory for many years by using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). This paper describes the LC-MS approach being used to analyze both nonderivatized and derivatized AE. We conclude that the best way to determine EO adduct distribution is by first converting the AE to alcohol ethoxy sulfates (AES) and then by using LC-MS with electrospray ionization in the negative ion mode. A convenient laboratory technique for converting small-scale samples of AE to AES has been discovered and is reported herein. Several examples of EO adduct distribution determined by this method are presented for both linear and isomeric AE samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past several decades, a medical physics service group covering 35 clinical sites has provided routine monthly output and energy quality assurance for over 75 linear accelerators. Based on the geographical spread of these clinics and the large number of physicists involved in data acquisition, a systematic calibration procedure was established to ensure uniformity. A consistent measurement geometry and data collection technique is used across all machines for every calendar month, using a standardized set of acrylic slabs. Charge readings in acrylic phantoms are linked to AAPM's TG‐51 formalism via a parameter denoted kacrylic, used to convert raw charge readings to machine output values. Statistical analyses of energy ratios and kacrylic values are presented. Employing the kacrylic concept with a uniform measurement geometry of similar acrylic blocks was found to be a reproducible and simple way of referencing a calibration completed in water under reference conditions and comparing to other machines, with the ability to alert physicists of outliers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the fourth stage of larval development the American lobster (Homarus americanus) leaves the plankton and becomes benthic. Before final settlement lobsters sample different substrates which may be accepted or rejected. Upon rejection the lobster returns to the planktonbefore sampling another substrate. In this paper we present a model of the substrate selection behavior of settling lobsters using dynamic optimization techniques. The model examines the role of substrate quality and availability, postlarval testing of substrates, and mortality associated with testing substrates, upon the decision to accept or reject the substrates sampled and predicts the eventual importance of each substrate in the recruitment of lobsters to reproductive age.Finally we apply the model using recent data on long-term survival of lobsters in the field. The model predicts that the high quality substrate (cobble) accounts for most of the adult lobster population, inspite of the much greater abundance of other, more marginal, substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in the tropics play an integral role in the water cycle, are associated with local hazardous weather conditions, and have significant remote impacts on the midlatitude jet stream. Although it is known that MCSs occur in relatively moist environments, it is unclear how far in advance favorable ingredients (lift, instability, and moisture) in the mesoscale environment precede MCS formation. In this study, an automated MCS tracking algorithm and global reanalyses are used to examine the pre‐MCS environment for 3295 MCSs that occurred in the tropics in a 3‐month period. Results showed that increased water vapor and mesoscale ascent implied by low‐level convergence and upper‐level divergence preceded MCS formation by up to 24 h. Regional variations in pre‐MCS environment conditions were apparent and are discussed. Future work will study to what extent these moisture and wind anomalies can be used to predict MCS formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between deprivation and accidental dwelling fire injuries was examined in Merseyside which has a high proportion of deprived areas. For the years 2006 to 2016, over half of the accidental dwelling fire injuries in Merseyside occurred in deprived areas, and almost three quarters of alcohol and drug related accidental dwelling fire injuries occurred in such areas. In particular, we examine the relationship between the established accidental dwelling fire injury risk factors of old age, disability and alcohol and drug consumption and the level of deprivation. There were strong correlations between deprivation and the overall number of fire injuries, and between deprivation and fire injuries relating to alcohol/drug consumption, disability/mobility related fire injuries, and fire injuries sustained by those aged 65+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large eddy simulations are performed for a severe windshear case of terrain‐induced airflow disturbances at the Hong Kong International Airport. The objectives of the study include: (i) to investigate the performance of large eddy simulation in capturing the turbulence intensity to be encountered by the aircraft; and (ii) to find out the impact of the choice of turbulence parameterization scheme on the simulation results. The structure functions of the headwind profiles are calculated, and the simulated velocity and the LIDAR data are found to have similar behavior. The cube root of eddy dissipation rate is also calculated, which is taken to be the metric of turbulence intensity in aviation application. All EDR calculated has similar behavior. They have good correlation, but the best‐fit‐straight‐line of the scatter plot is found to have a slope far away from unity. The reason for this needs to be studied further. Finally, a simulation with the use of Smagorinsky scheme is performed. It is found to have better performance in capturing pilot windshear reports in terms of the relative operating characteristic curve. The use of Smagorinsky scheme alone may be an alternative in the choice of turbulence parameterization scheme in the alerting of windshear using large eddy dissipation, but the computational cost is too expensive. It is important to note that the present results are based on one case only and more cases would need to be studied in order to establish the robustness of the conclusions. More experiments would also need to be conducted, for example, in which nest(s) to use the Smagorinsky scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and rapid sample preparation technique is described for the potentiometric determination of chloride in bar soaps. Usual preparation of soap for potentiometric chloride analysis involves time-consuming dissolution of the sample in water or heating to affect dissolution, followed by a cooling step. Also, when performing potentiometric titrations for chloride under the usual acid conditions, aqueous solutions of soap bars (unlike combination soap/detergent bars) will form insoluble semisolid fatty acids that can occlude some chloride and make clean-up difficult. This paper describes a simple dissolution of bar soap sample in dilute HSO/methanol at ambient temperature that simultaneously acidifies the sample solution and produces noninterfering methyl esters from the soap fatty acids; water is then added, and the chloride is determined potentiometrically with standardized AgNO. This procedure has been shown to work well with automatic titrators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With so many other social, economic and environmental factors at work establishing linear, causative relationships between anthropogenic climate change and population dynamics it has been difficult to pinpoint the specific human consequences of climate change on respective populations. Qualitative information was examined based on interviewees’ testimonies and personal experience, as well as a descriptive analysis of population records, climate-change related impacts, and consequences of uneven development in the Republic of Kiribati and Tuvalu, two low-lying atoll nations in the Pacific region taken as examples to illustrate the issues involved. Strong evidence was found that recent influxes in population movements to urban central islands from rural outer islands experienced in these countries can be attributed to a combination of the adverse impacts of climate change and socioeconomic factors inherit in small island developing states. Moreover, internal migrants cannot be accommodated in their states of origin, putting pressure on local infrastructure and services. This, combined with a recent population boom, has led to a decline in human development indicators and a general livelihood decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood cell analysis is a major pillar of biomedical research and healthcare. These analyses are performed in central laboratories. Rapid shipment from collection site to the central laboratories is currently needed because cells and biomarkers degrade rapidly. The dried blood spot from a fingerstick allows the preservation of cellular molecules for months but entire cells are never recovered. Here leucocyte elution is optimized from dried blood spots. Flow cytometry and mRNA expression profiling are used to analyze the recovered cells. 50–70% of the leucocytes that are dried on a polyester solid support via elution after shaking the support with buffer are recovered. While red blood cells lyse upon drying, it is found that the majority of leucocytes are preserved. Leucocytes have an altered structure that is improved by adding fixative in the elution buffer. Leucocytes are permeabilized, allowing an easy staining of all cellular compartments. Common immunophenotyping and mRNAs are preserved. The ability of a new biomarker (CD169) to discriminate between patients with and without Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome induced by Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infections is also preserved. Leucocytes from blood can be dried, shipped, and/or stored for at least 1 month, then recovered for a wide variety of analyses, potentially facilitating biomedical applications worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A photometric method is proposed that allows the determination of phenolase activity in olive fruits, olive pastes, and virgin olive oil. The method can also be used to quantify partially purified phenolase from olives, and is based on the coupling between 4-methyl- o-benzoquinone, the reaction product of phenolase toward its substrate 4-methylcatechol, and the aromatic amine 4-amino- N,N-diethylaniline. The deep-blue adduct arising from this reaction has been characterized by means of nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometric techniques and identified as 4-(4′-diethylaminophenylimino)-2-hydroxy-5-methyl-cyclohexa-2,5-dienone. This compound shows an absorption band, centered (in dichloromethane) at 617 nm, with an ε of 11,080 M−1cm−1. The main advantage of the proposed method resides in the high absorption coefficient of the adduct and its ultraviolet/visible absorption pattern, with a λmax in a spectral region void of significant interferences by the pigments that ultimately will probably be present in the extracts to be tested by this proposed method. The method has proven to be sensitive, specific, and reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The information of how the high climatic variability in the south‐west Buenos Aires Province (SWBS) region, Argentina, impacts on existing cow–calf operations is needed. This research uses a combination of quantitative (modelling) and qualitative (workshops) methodologies. The objective was to assess, under interannual climate variability, the productive and economic performance and greenhouse gas emissions and the marginal value of additional feed of four cow–calf systems arranged as a potential farm innovation path in the SWBS, Argentina. Modelling results showed that along this technological path where forage crops are decreased, perennial pastures are increased and anticipated weaning is included, productive and economic outcomes increased and the emission intensity decreased. How extra feeds may be used to cope with seasonal and interannual feeding was also identified. Moreover, barriers to adopt the suggested farm innovation path were identified by farmers, consultants and extensionists and strategies and their implication discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the detailed behavioral analysis of the reduced equation DC droop controller being adapted to the primitive high gain converter designed for DC loads. The article discusses the operation in its open and closed loop modes, voltage, and current control modes as part of the simulation study. The converter mode of operation is continuous in all. Graphical portrayals of statistical results describe the effectiveness of the controller against a standard proportional integral (PI) controller in time and frequency domain. The results substantiate that the DC droop control is superior in terms of efficiency, line regulation, dynamism, and current sharing and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eliassen‐Palm flux is one of the main diagnostics tools for wave propagation and wave‐mean flow interaction in atmospheric dynamics and in particular stratosphere‐troposphere coupling. Even though the theory has been derived in the 1960s, there is still no consensus about how to display the flux vectors in a plot. This is particularly true where both the troposphere and stratosphere are of importance. Some of the traditional methods are to scale the arrows by either pressure, the exponential of height, the square root of pressure, or even by an arbitrary factor. But the arguments for any of those methods are subjective, and they result in both different amplitudes and direction. Here, we propose an objective way of scaling EP flux vectors, in either linear or logarithmic pressure or height coordinates, which allows for a physically sound representation throughout the entire atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For determining trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) in soy products, the American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS) Method Ba 12‐75 has been used. It measures differences in absorbance at 410 nm of bovine trypsin activity toward a synthetic substrate (Nα‐benzoyl‐DL‐arginine‐p‐nitroanilide) in the absence and presence of an inhibitor. Recently, a significantly improved method was developed (JAOCS, 2019, 96:635–645), featuring 5 mL of total assay volume, enzyme‐last sequence, and single inhibitor level in duplicate. It is proposed as the AOCS Method Ba 12a‐2020. As a part of the AOCS method approval process, a collaborative study involving 12 international laboratories was conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The study involved measuring TIA in 10 selected test samples plus a blind duplicate. They included soybeans, pulses, cereals, and their processed products (flours, concentrates, and isolates). After rigorous statistical treatment of the data, only three outliers were removed from the data of two samples. Repeatability relative standard deviations (RSDr) for the 11 samples ranged from 0.99% to 5.52%. Reproducibility RSD (RSDR) ranged from 7.07% to 22.92%, with seven samples having RSDR around 10% or less. The remaining four samples had very low TIA, and their RSDR values ranged from 13.34% to 22.92%. The study has demonstrated reliable performance of the proposed AOCS method. Several collaborators carried out additional experiments addressing some aspects of the method, leading to further refinements. The proposed method is undergoing evaluation by the AOCS Uniform Methods Committee for adoption as an Official Method for measuring TIA in various legume and grain products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triacylglycerol (TAG) isomers have been reported to have differing physical and nutritional properties. The analysis of TAG isomers is therefore important for understanding the physical properties of lipids as well as their digestion and absorption. However, methods for the quantitative analysis of TAG regioisomers and enantiomers in vegetable oils and biological samples are still under development. Recently, methods using recycle high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and silver ion column‐HPLC have been reported. However the recycle HPLC method requires more than 1 hour, in general, for each sample that is analyzed. Furthermore, existing methods are unable to quantify regioisomers and enantiomers simultaneously. Thus, we aimed to develop a practical method to simultaneously quantify regioisomers and enantiomers of TAG. Three isomers of sn‐POO, OPO, and OOP were separated by supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (SFC/MS/MS) using a CHIRALPAK® IG‐U column with acetonitrile and methanol as mobile phase. The separation was completed in 40 min, which is a shorter run time than the conventional techniques published to date. Linear calibration curves with standards were obtained and used to quantify sn‐OPO, sn‐POO, and sn‐OOP in extra virgin olive oil, refined olive oil, palm oil, palm olein, and interesterified palm olein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is endemic in Nepal and causes substantial economic losses in the livestock industry. The goal of this study was to perform an epidemiological analysis of FMD outbreaks reported to the Veterinary Epidemiology Center, Tripureshwor, Nepal during 2010–2015, in order to strengthen the National FMD Control Program. These current data were considered in the context of historical data on FMD virus (FMDV) serotypes detected in the country between 1965 and 2015. During 2010–2015, a total of 1333 livestock holdings reported FMD outbreaks in Nepal. On average, 71.2 animals were affected in each outbreak, with a case fatality rate of 3.6%. FMD was reported throughout the country, and the proportion of affected holdings was not significantly among eco‐zones, regions, or species. The Hill eco‐zone had the highest number of holdings affected (782), followed by Mountain (304), and Terai (247). When analysed by the developmental region, the Western (381) and Central (368) Developmental Regions had the highest numbers of holdings affected. Cattle were the most frequently affected species (39%), followed by buffalo (33%), and goats (19%). FMD occurred throughout the year, with peaks in winter (December/January) and in the pre‐monsoon period (April/May). Between 1965 and 2015 FMDV serotype O had the highest prevalence (81%), followed by Asia‐1 (11%), A (6%), and C (2%). Serotype C was not detected after 1996, and only serotype O was reported after 2011. These descriptive analyses provide critical landmarks to establish baselines, and document early progress of the ongoing Progressive Control Pathway of FMD (PCP‐FMD) which could be useful in Nepal and other South Asian nations. FMD was reported throughout the country, and the distribution of affected holdings was not significantly different from the distribution of all holdings by eco‐zone, region, or species. The Hill eco‐zone had the highest number of holdings affected (782), followed by Mountain (304), and Terai (247). When analysed by developmental region, the Western (381) and Central (368) Developmental Regions had the highest numbers of holdings affected. Cattle were the most frequently affected species (39%), followed by buffalo (33%), goats (19%), pigs (5%), sheep (4%) and yak (0.2%). Analysis of accumulated data on FMDV serotypes detected in Nepal from 1965 to 2015 indicated that serotype O had the highest prevalence (81%), followed by serotype Asia‐1 (11%), A (6%), and C (2%). There was no detection of serotype C after 1996, and serotype O was the only serotype reported after 2011. However, as FMDV serotype data was only available from a limited subset of FMD‐affected holdings, these findings should be interpreted with caution. The output of these analyses could be useful will be used to guide FMD control programmes in Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of third molars requires a significant assessment and decision process both for the patient and the clinician. The clinician must always identify the indication for third molar surgery, assess the risks of the proposed procedure, and then modify their plan to account for the patient's current and future health, their social and financial setting, and the patient's tolerance of risk. In doing this, the clinician can tailor a solution to meet the individual patient's needs. This decision to remove a third molar is made in the fluid setting of the patient's quality of life and requires regular review. This article gives the clinician the tools, the matrix, and the confidence to guide patients through this process, and outlines some of the pitfalls and common points of bias within the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many analytical methods for glycerol involve chemical techniques or instrumentation that may be unavailable to small biodiesel processors or have potential interactions with other components in the glycerol phase. This work presents an analytical method based on periodate oxidation of glycerol to formaldehyde, which is then quantified using a modification of the Nash test required to remove excess periodate. The method provides a linear calibration over the range of diluted glycerol concentrations from 0.02 to 0.25 mM and is limited at high concentrations by the formation of precipitate during the Nash test. There are no observed interferences from the formic acid coproduct of the glycerol oxidation or from potential contaminants in the crude glycerol, which includes methanol and sodium. Several disaccharides and starch, both as individual solutes or in glycerol solutions, gave no response under the conditions of the described method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lifespan measurements, also called survival records, are a key phenotype in research on aging. If external hazards are excluded, aging alone determines the mortality in a population of model organisms. Understanding the biology of aging is highly desirable because of the benefits for the wide range of aging-related diseases. However, it is also extremely challenging because of the underlying complexity. Here, we describe Surv Curv, a new database and online resource focused on model organisms collating survival data for storage and analysis. All data in Surv Curv are manually curated and annotated. The database, available at www.ebi.ac.uk/thornton-srv/databases/SurvCurv/, offers various functions including plotting, Cox proportional hazards analysis, mathematical mortality models and statistical tests. It facilitates reanalysis and allows users to analyse their own data and compare it with the largest repository of model-organism data from published experiments, thus unlocking the potential of survival data and demographics in model organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulatory agencies approve automatic samplers containing peristaltic pumps as a sample collection method for stormwater characterization and for treatment-device evaluation. Autosampler performance, as discussed in the limited available literature, can vary across the entire particle size range typically found in stormwater from different source areas and outfalls-reasonably consistent performance for particle sizes <250 μm, but much less consistency for particles >250 μm. Therefore, a series of experiments was undertaken to quantify the upper range of consistent particle capture that may occur with sampling stormwater suspended sediment and particulate-bound pollutants. These experiments, based on triplicate sampling at each experimental condition, found that peristaltic pump autosamplers commonly used in stormwater monitoring could lot repeatedly and effectively capture particles >250 μm from a simulated stormwater whose particles have a specific gravity of 2.65. It was expected that the effective size for autosamplers would be correspondingly larger for particles having smaller specific gravities. The height of the sampler had no influence on particle recovery up to a height of 2.5 m, with slightly decreasing recoveries of large particles occurring at greater heights, as a result of reduced sampler intake velocity. Therefore, to characterize the solids across the entire size range and specific gravities that may occur in stormwater runoff, autosamplers should be deployed in conjunction with bedload and floatables sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dechlorinating agents and pH adjustment are often used to preserve wastewater samples for cyanide analysis. The effects of four approved preservation protocols on the results of the total cyanide analysis of effluents from four water reclamation plants were examined. The results differed widely, and a clear pattern emerged. Immediate analysis without pH adjustment generally gave total cyanide concentrations below the reporting limit of 5 µg/L, irrespective of the dechlorinating agents used. When the pH was adjusted to ≥12, a slight increase in the measured total cyanide concentration was observed when thiosulfate was used to dechlorinate the samples, and a significant increase (> 10 µg/L) was observed when arsenite was used as the dechlorinating agent. These results provide evidence that approved preservation protocols may give rise to cyanide formation in chlorinated wastewater effluent matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses various reports published within the issue, including P. Aaby's article on the non-specific effects of vaccines.

The article examines hope in social theorists' critiques of capitalism and argues that hope lies in the reorientation of knowledge. It pursues this approach by exploring a securities trader's effort to reorient his knowledge in the context of Japan's financial globalization and neoliberal reforms. The trader's efforts are juxtaposed with those of other theorists who reorient their critical knowledge through explicit attention to hope. The article also explores commonality and difference across different expressions of hope.

Controlling the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) sulfonation process is a critical part of the LAS manufacturing process; this process can be monitored by assaying for LAS content, unsulfonated linear alkylbenzene (LAB), and LAB sulfones. Traditionally, assaying the LAB and LAB sulfone contents has been time consuming and not straightforward. A simple and rapid procedure is described for the isolation and simultaneous capillary gas chromatographic (GC) quantification of LAB and LAB sulfones in LAS. The procedure involves extraction of the unsulfonated LAB and the LAB sulfones into n-heptane; sodium linear alkylbenzenesulfonate or linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid (reacted to form sodium linear alkylbenzenesulfonate) remains in the aqueous extraction solvent layer. High-temperature capillary GC using a specialty metal capillary column enables both LAB and high molecular weight LAB sulfones to be quantified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Narrative analysis produces strategies to inform the conduct, interpretation and presentation of interview talk, and encourages and enables researchers to take account of research participants’ own evaluations. We suggest this to be a useful method for geographers because it focuses on how people talk about and evaluate places, experiences and situations, as well as what they say. With an example from health geography, we show how it allows for interactive texts, thus providing a tool for geographers doing qualitative research to connect intimate details of experience to broader social and spatial relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice bran with FFA levels above 0.1% cannot be used as a food ingredient due to oxidative off-flavor formation. However, extracting high FFA oil from bran by in situ methanolic esterification of rice bran oil to produce methyl ester biodiesel produces greater yields relative to low-FFA rice bran oil. Therefore, high-FFA bran could be exploited for biodiesel production. This study describes an FTIR spectroscopic method to measure rice bran FFA rapidly. Commercial rice bran was incubated at 37°C and 70% humidity for a 13-d incubation period. Diffuse reflectance IR Fourier transform spectra of the bran were obtained and the percentage of FFA was determined by extraction and acid/base titration throughout this period. Partial least squares (PLS) regression and a calibration/validation analysis were done using the IR spectral regions 4000 100 cm-1 and 1731-1631 cm-1. The diffuse reflectance IR Fourier transform spectra indicated an increasing FFA carbonyl response at the expense of the ester peak during incubation, and the regression coefficients obtained by PLS analysis also demonstrated that these functional groups and the carboxyl ion were important in predicting FFA levels. FFA rice bran changes also could be observed qualitatively by visual examination of the spectra. Calibration models obtained using the spectral regions 4000-400 cm-1 and 1731-1631 cm-1 produced correlation coefficients R and root mean square error (RMSE) of cross-validation of R = 0.99, RMSE = 1.78, and R = 0.92, RMSE = 4.67, respectively. Validation model statistics using the 4000-400 cm-1 and 1731-1631 cm-1 ranges were R = 0.96, RMSE = 3.64, and R = 0.88, RMSE = 5.80, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feasibility of using NIR reflectance spectroscopy to estimate the FA composition of sesame seed ( Sesamum indicum L.) samples from the National Institute of Crop Science of Japan and from Myanmar was examined. Multiple linear-regression analyses of NIR sepctral data and chemical data for whole seeds were carried out to develop calibration equations for predicting the proportion of each of the four major FA in sesame seeds from the total FA composition. The SE of prediction (SEP) was 0.616% for palmitic acid, 0.348% for stearic acid, 1.051% for oleic acid, and 0.826% for linoleic acid. This NIR method provides a simple, rapid, and nondestructive means of estimating the FA composition of sesame seeds for breeding selection, regardless of the color of the sesame seed coats. However, the proportions of palmitic and stearic acids could not be reliably measured because their SEP were almost as great as the SD of their concentrations in the set of prediction samples. The relationship between NIR spectral patterns and the FA composition of sesame seeds also was examined. The correlation coefficient calculated for the standardized second-derivative NIR spectral readings at 1708 nm and the percentages of linoleic acid was −0.830. A rough estimate of the proportion of linoleic acid in the total FA composition of sesame seeds could be obtained even with single sesame seeds, except for those with a black coat, based on NIR spectral pattern analysis using the wavelength assignments of linoleic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine preferences for HIV test methods using conjoint analysis, a method used to measure economic preferences (utilities).Data Sources: Self-administered surveys at four publicly funded HIV testing locations in San Francisco, California, between November 1999 and February 2000 (n = 365, 96 percent response rate).Study Design: We defined six important attributes of HIV tests and their levels (location, price, ease of collection, timeliness/accuracy, privacy/anonymity, and counseling). A fractional factorial design was used to develop scenarios that consisted of combinations of attribute levels. Respondents were asked 11 questions about whether they would choose "Test A or B" based on these scenarios.Data Analysis: We used random effects probit models to estimate utilities for testing attributes. Since price was included as an attribute, we were able to estimate willingness to pay, which provides a standardized measure for use in economic evaluations. We used extensive analyses to examine the reliability and validity of the results, including analyses of: (1) preference consistency, (2) willingness to trade among attributes, and (3) consistency with theoretical predictions.Principal Findings: Respondents most preferred tests that were accurate/timely and private/anonymous, whereas they had relatively lower preferences for in-person counseling. Respondents were willing to pay an additional $35 for immediate, highly accurate results; however, they had a strong disutility for receiving immediate but less accurate results. By using conjoint analysis to analyze new combinations of attributes, we found that respondents would most prefer instant, highly accurate home tests, even though they are not currently available in the U.S. Respondents were willing to pay $39 for a highly accurate, instant home test.Conclusions: The method of conjoint analysis enabled us to estimate utilities for specific attributes of HIV tests as well as the overall utility obtained from various HIV tests, including tests that are under consideration but not yet available. Conjoint analysis offers an approach that can be useful for measuring and understanding the value of other health care goods, services, and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To predict the true cost of developing and maintaining an electronic immunization registry, and to set the framework for developing future cost-effective and cost-benefit analysis.Data Sources/study Setting: Primary data collected at three immunization registries located in California, accounting for 90 percent of all immunization records in registries in the state during the study period.Study Design: A parametric cost analysis compared registry development and maintenance expenditures to registry performance requirements.Data Collection/extraction Methods: Data were collected at each registry through interviews, reviews of expenditure records, technical accomplishments development schedules, and immunization coverage rates.Principal Findings: The cost of building immunization registries is predictable and independent of the hardware/software combination employed. The effort requires four man-years of technical effort or approximately $250,000 in 1998 dollars. Costs for maintaining a registry were approximately $5,100 per end user per three-year period.Conclusions: There is a predictable cost structure for both developing and maintaining immunization registries. The cost structure can be used as a framework for examining the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefits of registries. The greatest factor effecting improvement in coverage rates was ongoing, user-based administrative investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a comprehensive review of the literature devoted to the analysis of surfactants. The period covered is 1995 through 1998. We address patents, reviews, books, journal articles, and any conference proceedings abstracted by Chemical Abstract Services. We consider classical, instrumental, and state-of-the-art analytical applications, including those not in common practice but in a developmental stage. We also include analytical techniques that make use of surfactants for improved performance, although such treatment is not comprehensive. Literature from foreign language sources is covered as completely as practical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a comprehensive review of the literature devoted to the analysis of surfactants. The period covered is 1995 through 1998. We address patents, reviews, books, journal articles, and any conference proceedings abstracted by Chemical Abstract Services. We consider classical, instrumental, and state-of-the-art analytical applications, including those not in common practice but in a developmental stage. We also include analytical techniques that make use of surfactants for improved performance, although such treatment is not comprehensive. Literature from foreign language sources is covered as completely as practical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yellow-flowered monkshood Aconitum lycoctonum has variable degrees of inbreeding among populations, despite being primarily bee-pollinated. Here we examined the pollination ecology of A. lycoctonum . We investigated pollinator community and frequency in four populations at two altitudes over two years. We found that flowers were more often visited at low elevation than at high elevation. However, because flowers lived longer at high elevation than at low elevation, and plants at high elevation had more flowers than at low elevation, the overall chance of a plant being visited may be greater at high elevation. Breeding system experiments showed that at least some populations of A. lycoctonum were self-compatible and also were not completely protandrous. Thus selfing, especially by geitonogamous pollen, will be common if pollinators often visit several flowers within a plant, as we found to be true for the main pollinator (bumblebees) of A. lycoctonum . Although the stereotypical behavior of bees is to move upwards, 17% of the within-plant movements of the main pollinator (Bombus gerstaeckeri ) were downwards, i.e. from a male-phased to a female-phased flower because the flowers open from the bottom to the top of the plant. Other pollinators of A. lycoctonum moved less often within plants. We conclude that in addition to differences in self-compatibility, differences in pollinator abundance and behavior could have led to variation in the realized mating system in different A. lycoctonum populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oats are a significant world crop. While nutritional interest in food oats has concentrated on oats as a source of dietary fiber, the lipid component has both nutritional and technological potential. Thus, the lipid fraction of the oat grain determines in large measure its energy content and has a significant impact on nutritional quality. The oat lipids mediate the pasting properties of oat starch and hence influence functionality. Lipids are also implicated in the flavor/off-flavor attributes of oats. These aspects of oat lipids are reviewed together with analytical methods for assessing the lipid content of oats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improved method was developed to analyze the major furanoid esters in soybean oil. The method is based on urea fractionation of the methyl esters, silver ion chromatography, and gas chromatography of the furanoid concentrate. Activation of the soybean lipoxygenase decreased the amount of furanoid ester recovered from the oil, but the degumming of crude soybean oil and the choice of solvent used to extract soybean lipids caused no change in furanoid ester content. Fifty-six soybean varieties, representing a wide range in maturity group and geographical origin, were grown in Puerto Rico and used to determine the range of furanoid ester contents. Furanoid ester II ranged from 0.033–0.29 mg/g, and ester III ranged from 0.058–0.27 mg/g. The two major furanoid esters were positively correlated with each other and with maturity group. Growth environment as well as variety caused significant differences in furanoid content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for estimating free gossypol (FG) has been developed that decreases sample-determination time from over 2 h to about 25 min per sample. With auto pipetters and bottle-to dispensers, six sample determinations can be completed in approximately 50 min. The method consisted of adding water and acetone separately to a fixed sample weight, mixing, filtering, diluting with 65% acetone, and reading absorbance on a spectrophotometer. Absorbance was plotted against the official American Oil Chemists' Society's FG method for samples that contained FG between 0.02 and 0.9%. Quadratic least squares regression for 31 samples had a correlation coefficient of r =0.986 and a standard error of estimated FG of 0.032%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A normal-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography technique has been elaborated for the separation of quaternary ammonium surfactants. The separation was achieved on a bonded polyphenol silica gel column with gradient elution and evaporative light-scattering (ELS) detection. The proposed method has been applied to the quantitative determination of low levels of monoalkyltrimethylammonium and trialkylmethylammonium chlorides in dialkyldimethylammonium chloride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and rapid procedure is described for the isolation, silylation and wide-bore capillary gas chromatographic quantitation of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in personal care products. The sample is dissolved in acidified dimethylformamide to simultaneously acidify/extract the lauroyl sarcosine; an aliquot is then derivatized with bis trimethylsilyltrifluoroacetamide and quantitated by widebore capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two selective analytical methods are presented for the determination of betaine and free amine contents, respectively, in commercial alkyl dimethyl betaines. Both methods are based on titrations with potentiometric end point detection. The accuracy and precision are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compare ensemble mean daily precipitation and near‐surface temperatures from regional climate model simulations over seven Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment domains for the winter and summer seasons. We use Taylor diagrams to show the domain‐wide pattern similarity between the model ensemble and the observational data sets. We use the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) and the University of Delaware gridded observations and ERA‐Interim reanalysis data as an additional observationally based estimate of historical climatology. Taylor diagrams determine the relative skill of the seven sets of simulations and quantify these results in terms of center pattern root‐mean square error and correlation coefficient. Results suggest that there is good agreement between the models and the CRU, in terms of their respective seasonal cycles, as shown in Taylor diagrams and bias plots. There is also good agreement between both gridded observation sets. In addition, downscaled ERA‐Interim precipitation is closer to observations than raw ERA‐Interim precipitation. Domains located in the low latitudes and those having high topography appear to have larger biases, especially precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]