bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case–control evaluation of 143 single nucleotide polymorphisms for breast cancer risk stratification with classical factors and mammographic density
Authors: Brentnall Adam R. , van Veen Elke M. , Harkness Elaine F. , Rafiq Sajjad , Byers Helen , Astley Susan M. , Sampson Sarah , Howell Anthony , Newman William G. , Cuzick Jack , Evans Dafydd Gareth R.
Published: June 2019

Panels of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) stratify risk for breast cancer in women from the general population, but studies are needed assess their use in a fully comprehensive model including classical risk factors, mammographic density and more than 100 SNPs associated with breast cancer. A case–control study was designed (1,668 controls, 405 cases) in women aged 47–73 years attending routine screening in Manchester UK, and enrolled in a wider study to assess methods for risk assessment. Risk from classical questionnaire risk factors was assessed using the Tyrer–Cuzick model; mean percentage visual mammographic density was scored by two independent readers. DNA extracted from saliva was genotyped at selected SNPs using the OncoArray. A predefined polygenic risk score based on 143 SNPs was calculated (SNP143). The odds ratio (OR, and 95% confidence interval, CI) per interquartile range (IQ‐OR) of SNP143 was estimated unadjusted and adjusted for Tyrer–Cuzick and breast density. Secondary analysis assessed risk by oestrogen receptor (ER) status. The primary polygenic risk score was well calibrated (O/E OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.86–1.34) and accuracy was retained after adjustment for Tyrer–Cuzick risk and mammographic density (IQ‐OR unadjusted 2.12, 95% CI% 1.75–2.42; adjusted 2.06, 95% CI 1.75–2.42). SNP143 was a risk factor for ER+ and ER− breast cancer (adjusted IQ‐OR, ER+ 2.11, 95% CI 1.78–2.51; ER− 1.81, 95% CI 1.16–2.84). In conclusion, polygenic risk scores based on a large number of SNPs improve risk stratification in combination with classical risk factors and mammographic density, and SNP143 was similarly predictive for ER‐positive and ER‐negative disease.
Two ways to inactivate the Ki‐67 protein—Fragmentation by nanoparticles, crosslinking with fluorescent dyes
Authors: Rahmanzadeh Ramtin , Rudnitzki Florian , Hüttmann Gereon
Published: June 2019

Light can manipulate molecular biological processes with high spatial and temporal precision and optical manipulation has become increasingly popular during the last years. In combination with absorbing dyes or gold nanoparticles light is a valuable tool for cell and protein inactivation with high precision. Here we show distinct differences in the underlying mechanisms whether gold nanoparticles or fluorescent dyes are used for the inactivation of the Ki‐67 protein. The proliferation‐associated protein Ki‐67 was addressed by the antibody MIB‐1. In vitro studies showed a fragmentation of the Ki‐67 protein after laser irradiation of 15 nm gold nanoparticle antibody conjugates with nanosecond pulsed laser, while continuous wave (cw) irradiation of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐ and Alexa 488‐labeled antibodies led to specific crosslinking of Ki‐67. The irradiation energy for the gold nanoparticles was above cavitation bubble formation threshold. We observed a fragmentation of the target protein and also of the gold particles. The understanding of the underlying inactivation mechanisms is important for the application and further development of these two techniques, which can harness nanotechnology to introduce molecular selectivity to biological systems.
Effect of N‐Acetyltransferase 2 Genotype on the Pharmacokinetics of Hydralazine During Pregnancy
Authors: Han Lyrialle W. , Ryu Rachel J. , Cusumano Michael , Easterling Thomas R. , Phillips Brian R. , Risler Linda J. , Shen Danny D. , Hebert Mary F.
Published: July 2019

Hydralazine, an antihypertensive agent used during pregnancy, undergoes N‐acetylation primarily via N‐acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) to form 3‐methyl‐1,2,4‐triazolo[3,4‐a]phthalazine (MTP). To characterize the steady‐state pharmacokinetics (PK) of hydralazine during pregnancy and evaluate the effects of NAT2 genotype on hydralazine and MTP PK during pregnancy, 12 pregnant subjects received oral hydralazine (5‐25 mg every 6 hours) in mid‐ (n = 5) and/or late pregnancy (n = 8). Serial blood samples were collected over 1 dosing interval, and steady‐state noncompartmental PK parameters were estimated. Subjects were classified as either (rapid acetylators, n = 6) or slow acetylators (SAs, n = 6) based on NAT2 genotype. During pregnancy, when compared with the SA group, the RA group had faster weight‐adjusted hydralazine apparent oral clearance (70.0 ± 13.6 vs 20.1 ± 6.9 L/h, P < .05), lower dose‐normalized area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC; 1.5 ± 0.8 vs 5.9 ± 3.7 ng·h/mL, P < .05), lower dose‐normalized peak concentrations (0.77 ± 0.51 vs 4.04 ± 3.18 ng/mL, P < .05), and larger weight‐adjusted apparent oral volume of distribution (302 ± 112 vs 116 ± 45 L/kg, P < .05). Furthermore, the MTP/hydralazine AUC ratio was ∼10‐fold higher in the RA group (78 ± 30 vs 8 ± 3, P < .05) than in the SA group. No gestational age or dose‐dependent effects were observed, possibly because of the small sample size. This study describes for the first time, the PK of oral hydralazine and its metabolite, MTP, during pregnancy, and confirmed that the PK of oral hydralazine is NAT2 genotype dependent during pregnancy.
Reinforcer quality matters: A test of the Mathematical Principles of Reinforcement with domestic hens (Gallus gallus domesticus)
Authors: Bruce Julie‐Anne M. , Jackson Surrey M. K. , Bizo Lewis A. , McEwan James A. S. , Foster T. Mary
Published: June 2019

This study evaluated the ability of Killeen's (1994) Mathematical Principles of Reinforcement to account for the effects of changes in reinforcer quality on hens' rates of responding on fixed‐ratio schedules. Hens were trained to peck a key on a fixed‐ratio schedule of reinforcement and then experienced an ascending series of ratio values in two separate conditions. In different conditions, the food reinforcer was either wheat or puffed wheat. Response rates initially increased with increases in ratio requirement before eventually decreasing at larger ratios. Quantitative fits of the model accounted for the data well. The fits revealed that different foods were systematically associated with changes in the specific activation parameter, a, and these were consistent with previous reports of preference for those food items.
Parenteral hydroxocobalamin dose intensification in five patients with different types of early onset intracellular cobalamin defects: Clinical and biochemical responses
Authors: Scalais Emmanuel , Osterheld Elise , Geron Christine , Pierron Charlotte , Chafai Ronit , Schlesser Vincent , Borde Patricia , Regal Luc , Laeremans Hilde , van Gassen Koen L. I. , van den Heuvel L. Bert , De Meirleir Linda
Published: July 2019

Intracellular cobalamin metabolism (ICM) defects can be present as autosomal recessive or X‐linked disorders. Parenteral hydroxocobalamin (P‐OHCbl) is the mainstay of therapy, but the optimal dose has not been determined. Despite early treatment, long‐term complications may develop. We have analyzed the biochemical and clinical responses in five patients with early onset of different types of ICM defects (cblC: patients 1‐3; cblA: patient 4; cblX: patient 5) following daily P‐OHCbl dose intensification (DI). In patient 4, P‐OHCbl was started at age 10 years and in patient 5 at age 5 years. OHCbl was formulated at either, 5, 25, or 50 mg/mL. P‐OHCbl was intravenously or subcutaneously (SQ) delivered, subsequently by placement of a SQ injection port except in patient 4. In all patients, homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels, demonstrated an excellent response to various P‐OHCbl doses. After age 36 months, patients 1‐3 had a close to normal neurological examination with lower range developmental quotient. In patient 3, moderate visual impairment was present. Patient 4, at age 10 years, had normal renal, visual and cognitive function. In cblX patient 5, epilepsy was better controlled. In conclusion, P‐OHCbl‐DI caused an excellent control of metabolites in all patients. In the three cblC patients, comparison with patients, usually harboring identical genotype and similar metabolic profile, was suggestive of a positive effect, in favor of clinical efficacy. With P‐OHCbl‐DI, CblA patient has been placed into a lower risk to develop renal and optic impairment. In cblX patient, lower P‐OHCbl doses were administrated to improve tolerability.
Normal embryonic development of the greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, with special reference to nose leaf formation
Authors: Usui Kaoru , Tokita Masayoshi
Published: July 2019

The order Chiroptera (bats) is the second largest group of mammals, composed of more than 1,300 species. Although powered flight and echolocation in bats have attracted many biologists, diversity in bat facial morphology has been almost neglected. Some bat species have a “nose leaf,” a leaf‐like epithelial appendage around their nostrils. The nose leaf appears to have been acquired at least three times independently in bat evolution, and its morphology is highly diverse among bats species. Internal tissue morphology of nose‐leaves has been investigated through histological analyses of late‐stage fetuses of some bat species possessing the nose leaf. However, the proximate factors that bring about chiropteran nose‐leaves have not been identified. As an initial step to address the question above, we describe the normal embryonic development of the greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, and examine development of the tissues associated with their nose leaf during embryogenesis through histological analyses. We found that the nose leaf of R. ferrumequinum is formed through two phases. First, the primordium of the nose leaf appears as two tissue bulges aligned top and bottom on the face at embryonic stages 15–16. Second, the sub‐regions of the nose leaf are differentiated through ingrowth as well as outgrowth of the epithelium at stage 17. In embryogenesis of Carollia perspicillata, a phyllostomid species with a nose leaf, the nose leaf primordium is formed as a small tissue bulge on the nostril at stage 17. This tissue bulge grows into a dorsally projected thin epithelial structure. Such differences in the nose leaf developmental process between chiropteran lineages may suggest that distinct developmental mechanisms have been employed in each lineage's nose leaf evolution.
Prognosis after lead extraction in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices infection: Comparison of lead‐related infective endocarditis with pocket infection in a Japanese single‐center experience
Authors: Nishii Nobuhiro , Morimoto Yoshimasa , Miyoshi Akihito , Tsukuda Saori , Miyamoto Masakazu , Kawada Satoshi , Nakagawa Koji , Watanabe Atsuyuki , Nakamura Kazufumi , Morita Hiroshi , Morimatsu Hiroshi , Kusano Nobuchika , Kasahara Shingo , Shoda Morio , Ito Hiroshi
Published: June 2019

Background

The increase in the use of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) has been associated with an increase in CIED‐related infections. Transvenous lead extraction is safe and effective for patients with CIED‐related infections; however, the mortality rate in these patients is high. The prognosis after transvenous lead extraction in Japanese patients, especially those with lead‐related infective endocarditis, has not been evaluated. Then, the purpose of this study is to clarify the prognosis after transvenous lead extraction in Japanese patients with CIED‐related infections at a single Japanese center.

Methods

A total of 107 patients who underwent transvenous lead extraction were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into a lead‐related infective endocarditis group (n = 32) and a pocket infection group (n = 75). Procedure success rate and prognosis after lead extraction were evaluated between the two groups.

Results

Procedure success rate was not significantly different between the groups. There were no deaths associated with the procedure or with infection. The survival rate was not significantly different at 1 year or at a median of 816 days (lead‐related infective endocarditis vs pocket infection; 93.7% vs 94.7%, P = 1.000; 78.1% vs 81.3%, P = 0.791) Time to reimplantation and duration of hospital stay and antibiotics therapy were significantly longer for patients with lead‐related infective endocarditis.

Conclusion

In this study, the prognosis for patients with lead‐related infective endocarditis after transvenous lead extraction was favorable. Thus, extraction should be strongly recommended, even if the general condition of the patient is poor.
ω‐3 Fatty‐Acid Enriched Parenteral Nutrition in Hospitalized Patients: Systematic Review With Meta‐Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Pradelli Lorenzo , Mayer Konstantin , Klek Stanislaw , Omar Alsaleh Abdul Jabbar , Clark Richard A. C. , Rosenthal Martin D. , Heller Axel R. , Muscaritoli Maurizio
Published: June 2019

This systematic review and meta‐analysis investigated ω‐3 fatty‐acid enriched parenteral nutrition (PN) vs standard (non‐ω‐3 fatty‐acid enriched) PN in adult hospitalized patients (PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018110179). We included 49 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with intervention and control groups given ω‐3 fatty acids and standard lipid emulsions, respectively, as part of PN covering ≥70% energy provision. The relative risk (RR) of infection (primary outcome; 24 RCTs) was 40% lower with ω‐3 fatty‐acid enriched PN than standard PN (RR 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49‐0.72; P < 0.00001). Patients given ω‐3 fatty‐acid enriched PN had reduced mean length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (10 RCTs; 1.95 days, 95% CI 0.42‐3.49; P = 0.01) and reduced length of hospital stay (26 RCTs; 2.14 days, 95% CI 1.36‐2.93; P < 0.00001). Risk of sepsis (9 RCTs) was reduced by 56% in those given ω‐3 fatty‐acid enriched PN (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.28‐0.70; P = 0.0004). Mortality rate (co‐primary outcome; 20 RCTs) showed a nonsignificant 16% reduction (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.65‐1.07; P = 0.15) for the ω‐3 fatty‐acid enriched group. In summary, ω‐3 fatty‐acid enriched PN is beneficial, reducing risk of infection and sepsis by 40% and 56%, respectively, and length of both ICU and hospital stay by about 2 days. Provision of ω‐3‐enriched lipid emulsions should be preferred over standard lipid emulsions in patients with an indication for PN.
Difficulties arising in reimbursement recommendations on new medicines due to inadequate reporting of population adjustment indirect comparison methods
Authors: Holmes Eileen M. , Leahy Joy , Walsh Cathal D. , White Arthur , Donnan Peter T. , Lamrock Felicity
Published: June 2019

Indirect treatment comparisons are useful to estimate relative treatment effects when head‐to‐head studies are not conducted. Statisticians at the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics Ireland (NCPE) and Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) assess the clinical and cost‐effectiveness of new medicines as part of multidisciplinary teams. We describe some shared observations on areas where reporting of population‐adjustment indirect comparison methods is causing uncertainty in our recommendations to decision‐making committees when assessing reimbursement of medicines.
Physicochemical characterization of ‘Cerrado’ cashew (Anacardium othonianum Rizzini) fruits and pseudofruits
Authors: Oliveira Valeria F , Silva Fabiano G , Resende Erika C , Pereira Paulo S , de L e Silva Fernando H , Egea Mariana B
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

The Cerrado occupies 23% of Brazil. A. othonianum is a native Cerrado species that presents differently colored pseudofruits. This report describes the morphometric properties, physicochemical characterization, and phenolic and flavonoid compound compositions of 30 accessions of A. othonianum.

RESULTS

The morphometric properties show that an average fruit had 21.97 mm length, 18.61 mm width, and 11.13 mm thickness, with 2.52 g mass. The pseudofruits had 28.84 mm apex width with 12.83 g of mass. The hue parameters of the pseudofruits were 18.67 ± 2.00 and 83.32 ± 1.97° (P < 0.05), reflecting their red to yellow color. The titratable acidity of the accessions was 0.91 ± 0.09 to 3.02 ± 0.02% (P < 0.05), soluble solid content was 9.60 ± 0.17 to 13.47 ± 0.38 °Brix (P < 0.05), and pH ranged from 2.83 ± 0.06 to 3.83 ± 0.06 (P < 0.05). Fourteen flavonoid compounds were identified. The most common compounds in the accessions were vitexin (93% of the accessions), hesperidin (57% of the accessions), epicatechin (34% of the accessions), and kaempferol‐3‐O‐glucoside (30% of the accessions). Cluster analysis generated four groups with the traits ΔE, °h, C, soluble solid content, titratable acidity, pH, total flavonoids, and their identified compounds.

CONCLUSIONS

Although all accessions are A. othonianum, there the chemical composition and the physical characteristics of these fruits vary. This is the first report in the literature using wild accessions. Greater disclosure of the species characteristic is interesting because it can increase income for the local population. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Design of a new balun bandpass filter with single‐band balance and dual‐band filtering characteristics
Authors: Gorur Ali Kursad , Ozturk Ozdemir Pinar , Karpuz Ceyhun , Gorur Adnan
Published: July 2019

In this article, a new type of balun bandpass filter with single‐band balance and dual‐band filtering function is presented. For this purpose, a novel compact dual‐mode open loop resonator with short‐circuited stubs and interdigital capacitors is proposed. Two identical resonators are coupled to two output ports in order to obtain 180° phase difference between the output ports. By means of the changes in the short‐circuited stubs and interdigital capacitors, control of the passbands at two output ports can be achieved. In addition, as the short‐circuited stubs are located at the same wave traveling paths, phase difference cannot be obtained in the first passband and only the second passband has balun function. The designed balun bandpass filter was fabricated and tested for the experimental verifications. Phase difference and magnitude imbalance have been measured within 180° ± 2° and 0.5 dB, respectively. The measured results exhibit a very good agreement with the predicted results.
Identifying characteristic features of community orientation among community health nurses in Fiji
Authors: Tanabe Sachiko , Yanagisawa Satoko , Waqa-Ledua Silina , Tukana Mereani
Published: July 2019

Aim

The present study aimed to identify detailed characteristics of community orientation among community health nurses in Fiji.

Design

Qualitative descriptive design using semi‐structured individual interviews.

Methods

Twenty participants including expert nurses, novice nurses, policymakers and representatives from communities were interviewed between July–August 2015 in Fiji. Data were analysed using descriptive qualitative methods.

Results

Three main themes described in detail characteristics of community orientation among community health nurses in Fiji: Trusting Relationships, Commitment and Activity Management. Trusting Relationships and Commitment were interrelated and served as foundations for community orientation that promoted and facilitated Activity Management. Reflection and a sense of self‐accomplishment in the CHN experiences during Activity Management further strengthened Commitment and Trusting Relationships. Community orientation leads to superior understanding of community health needs, effective use of resources and increased community participation in activities. Such activity management will contribute to promote health beyond the individual, extending to entire communities.
A pilot study on the Spanish version of the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale (PAIS‐SR) with carers of people with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Portillo Mari Carmen , Ambrosio Leire , Lanas Martín Raquel , Navarta Maria Victoria , Ursua Sesma MEugenia , Riverol Fernández Mario
Published: July 2019

Aim

To report the cross‐cultural adaptation and pilot study of the ongoing validation of the Spanish version of the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale with carers of people with Parkinson's disease.

Design

Cross‐cultural adaptation and pilot study with a cross‐sectional validation design of the Spanish version of the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale – Carers.

Methods

Twenty‐one carers of people with Parkinson's disease from a Primary Care practice in Spain were recruited and completed the PAIS‐Carers, the SF‐36 Health Survey, the Brief COPE Inventory and an assessment form. SPSS 23.0 was used to determine viability/acceptability and preliminary aspects of internal consistency of the instrument.

Results

Five of the seven domains presented floor effect (71.42%), and only one presented ceiling effect (14.28%). The internal consistency of the scale and domains showed acceptable values (over 0.7). The content validity of the Spanish version seemed satisfactory with positive comments in general from participants.
Alumina nanoflake‐coated graphene nanohybrid as a novel flame retardant filler for polypropylene
Authors: Yuan Bihe , Chen Gongqing , Zou Yanyan , Shang Sheng , Sun Yaru , Yu Bin , He Song , Chen Xianfeng
Published: June 2019

γ‐Al2O3 nanoflakes are decorated on the surface of graphene nanosheets by hydrothermal method. The chemical structures, composition, and morphology of the graphene nanohybrid are characterized. Alumina nanoflake‐coated graphene nanohybrid is incorporated into polypropylene (PP) matrix by master batch‐based melt mixing method. The effects of alumina‐graphene nanohybrid on the thermal stability and combustion behavior of PP are investigated. More char residue is left for PP composite containing alumina‐graphene nanohybrid. Peak heat release rate of pure PP is greatly decreased by this nanohybrid, corresponding to 30.6% reduction. Fire safety of PP is considerably enhanced. Flame retardant mechanisms are concluded based on the combustion results and char analysis. The barrier effect of graphene and catalytic charring actions of γ‐Al2O3 nanoflakes make the contribution to the enhanced flame retardant properties.
A critical review of analytical methods used for the chemical characterisation and quantification of phlorotannin compounds in brown seaweeds
Authors: Ford Lauren , Theodoridou Katerina , Sheldrake Gary N. , Walsh Pamela J.
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Phlorotannins, the phenolic compounds found in brown seaweeds, are a unique and diverse class of compounds showing a huge potential for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Objective

This review will give an account of the colorimetric assays used and a discussion of their quantitative and qualitative analytical shortcomings. It will also discuss other more complex and modern analytical chemistry methods that are currently being developed to study phlorotannins. The purpose of this review is to increase awareness of these bioactive compounds and promote further development of robust analytical methods for use in biology, food science, pharmacology and biomedical and cosmeceutical sciences.

Results

Whilst the biological activity and huge commercial potential of the phlorotannins has been widely reported throughout the literature, the chemical structures and reactivity of these compounds is still not well understood. The phlorotannin content of seaweed is usually characterised using colorimetric assays. However, although these methods give a reasonable overall estimation of the total phenolic content, they lack precision and specificity.

Conclusion

This review highlights the strengths and weaknesses of commonly used colorimetric assays. Novel techniques are highlighted using more selective chemistry to identify this class of compounds.
Effects of gamma sterilization on the physicomechanical and thermal properties of gelatin‐based novel hydrogels
Authors: Dey Kamol , Agnelli Silvia , Sartore Luciana
Published: July 2019

Hydrogels are attracting ample attention for tissue engineering application thanks to their water‐loving attribute and closely mimicry to the natural extracellular matrix. However, effectively and efficiently sterilization of hydrogels without compromising their end‐use beneficial attributes is a major challenge. The aim of this work is to study the resistance to gamma sterilization of newly developed gelatin‐based hybrid hydrogels for tissue engineering. This study reported the investigation of 25 kGy gamma sterilization, a typical sterilization procedure for healthcare products, on the physicomechanical and thermal properties of a three set of gelatin‐based novel hydrogels, namely, gelatin–polyethylene glycol (G/PEG), G–PEG–hydroxyethyl cellulose (G/PEG/HEC), and G–PEG–chitosan (G/PEG/CH). Fourier transform infrared and thermogravimetric analysis were done to evaluate the chemical change and variation of thermal behavior, respectively, imposed by the gamma exposure, and the results showed that gamma sterilization did not modify the chemical composition and thermal degradation behavior of the hydrogels. The water uptake, mechanical properties (both in tension and compression), and stress relaxation experiments revealed that parent G/PEG and interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) G/PEG/CH were nearly negligibly sensitive to the gamma sterilization. However, semi‐IPN G/PEG/HEC appeared to be slightly vulnerable to the gamma exposure: a decrease in modulus and strength but simultaneous increase in water uptake, percentage dissipation energy, and stress relaxation responses were observed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:2533–2540, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Realization of Universal Quantum Gates with Spin‐Qudits in Colloidal Quantum Dots
Authors: Moro Fabrizio , Fielding Alistair J. , Turyanska Lyudmila , Patanè Amalia
Published: July 2019

Hyperfine interactions in a single Mn‐ion confined in a quantum dot (QD) are exploited to create a qudit, that is, a multilevel quantum‐bit system, with well‐defined, addressable, and robust set of spin states for the realization of universal quantum gates. An arbitrary superposition of states between selected hyperfine energy level pairs is generated and probed by using electron double resonance detected nuclear magnetic resonance (EDNMR). This enables the observation of Rabi oscillations and the experimental realization of NOT and universal quantum gates that are robust against decoherence. Our protocol for cyclical preparation, manipulation, and read‐out of logic gates offers opportunities for the integration of qudits in scalable quantum circuit architectures beyond solid state electron spin qubits.
Privatization, demographic growth, and perceived sustainability: Lessons from the Israeli renewing kibbutzim
Authors: Reitan Ayelet , Rubin Ofir D. , Rubin Aviad , Kimhi Ayal
Published: June 2019

In 2005, the State of Israel established a new classification—renewing kibbutzim. This study examines the relationship between the extent of privatization and the various forms of demographic growth that were permissible under the new classification and their impact on the perceived sustainability of the kibbutz in these communal communities. We collected data at the kibbutz level via interviews with community managers and at the individual level through questionnaires among community members in 19 kibbutzim. We employed the “nearest neighbor” methodology to create pairs who were demographically eligible for a before and after comparison. Although our results about perceived sustainability suggest that kibbutzim across the board have overcome the struggle to survive and have been able to recover, unlike commonly assumed, changes they adopted in the direction of more privatization and diversified statuses are clearly correlated with smaller increases in levels of perceived sustainability. Our findings may offer lessons for wider sociological questions concerning processes of privatization and stratification.
Carbon Quantum Dot as Electron Transporting Layer in Organic Light Emitting Diode
Authors: Alam Md. Bayazeed , Yadav Kanchan , Shukla Devyani , Srivastava Ritu , Lahiri Jayeeta , Parmar Avanish. S.
Published: July 2019

Carbon quantum dots derived from banana leaves by a simple hydrothermal process has been used as an electron transport layer to fabricate Organic Light Emitting Diodes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Carbon QD utilized as an electron transport layer inOLED. Devices with multilayered structureITO/PEDOT: PSS/PFO/CQD/LiF/Al are fabricated on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrates. Current‐Voltage (I−V) curves reveal that the turn‐on voltages are reduced from 8 V to 6 V as compared with pristine PFO device.Results show CQD as an ETL has enhanced the performance and efficiency of the OLEDs.
pH/UV Responsive Polymeric Micelles Based on Coumarin to Tune Emulsification/Solidification Performance
Authors: Li Sisi , Wang Feng , Liu Hui
Published: July 2019

A kind of pH/UV sensitive terpolymer was prepared based on 2‐(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and 7‐(2‐(4‐vinylbenzyloxyl)‐ethoxy)‐4‐methyl‐coumarin. To well trace the self‐assembly process and reversible photo‐cross/de‐cross‐linking, the pH‐ and light‐responsive behaviors at various conditions were investigated by dynamic light scattering and UV‐Vis spectroscopic analysis, respectively. Besides, dual pH‐ and light‐responsive coumarin‐containing polymeric micelles could be used to manipulate the emulsion phases and trigger the solidification of emulsions, which was a big breakthrough in the development of particulate emulsifiers. The emulsifying performance could be predicted by the form of aqueous micellar solutions with a certain pH value before oil‐water homogenization. Different to the effect of pH value lonely, the conversion from emulsification into solidification could be achieved with the synergetic effect of pH value and UV irradiation. This work might cast new insights on tuning emulsification/solidification performance just by adjusting pH value and UV irradiation time without the need for additives.
Ruthenium Oxide Modified alpha‐Manganese Dioxide Nanotube as Efficient Bifunctional Cathode Catalysts for Lithium Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Zhang Xiuhui , Chen Chunguang , Chen Xiang , Wang Leidanyang , Huang Tao , Yu Aishui
Published: July 2019

The design and fabrication of cathode remain a major challenge for lithium oxygen (Li‐O2) batteries. Here, RuO2/α‐MnO2 nanotubes as efficient bifunctional cathode catalysts are prepared by two‐step hydrothermal reaction to improve the battery performance. Nitrogen adsorption desorption (BET) tests indicate that RuO2/α‐MnO2 nanotubes have mesoporous structure with specific surface area of 51.2 m2 g−1. Electrochemical tests show that the catalytic activity and the conductivity of α‐MnO2 nanotubes modified with RuO2 nanoparticles are improved. RuO2/α‐MnO2 nanotubes are used as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for cathode in Li‐O2 batteries, which show reduced overpotential, improved rate and cycling performance. At the current density of 0.05 mA cm−2, the overpotential of the batteries can go down by 0.38 V, and these batteries can be fully discharged/charged 26 cycles stably at a fixed capacity of 500 mAh g−1. The combination of RuO2 nanoparticles and α‐MnO2 nanotubes has excellent catalytic activity for ORR/OER, thus greatly improving the electrochemical performance of Li‐O2 batteries.
Band Structure Engineering of Schiff‐Base Microporous Organic Polymers for Enhanced Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Xiao Zhichang , Huang Xiaoxiong , Zhao Kun , Song Qi , Guo Ruiying , Zhang Xinghao , Zhou Shanke , Kong Debin , Wagner Manfred , Müllen Klaus , Zhi Linjie
Published: July 2019

Schiff‐base networks (SBNs), as typical examples of nitrogen‐doped microporous organic polymers (MOPs), exhibit promising application prospects owing to their stable properties and tunable chemical structures. However, their band structure engineering, which plays a key role in optical properties, remains elusive due to the complicated mechanisms behind energy level adjustment. In this work, a series of SBNs are fabricated by tailoring the ratio of p‐phthalaldehyde and o‐phthalaldehyde in the Schiff‐base chemistry reaction with melamine, resulting in a straightforward as well as continuous tuning of their band gaps ranging from 4.4 to 1.4 eV. Consequently, SBNs can be successfully used as photocatalysts with excellent visible‐light photocatalytic activity even under metal‐free conditions. Significantly, electronic structures of SBNs are systematically studied by electrochemical and spectroscopic characterizations, demonstrating that the enhanced performance is ascribed to proper band structure and improved charge separation ability. More importantly, in combination with theoretical calculations, the band structure regulation mechanism and band structure‐photocatalytic property relationship are deeply disclosed. The results obtained from this study will not only furnish SBN materials with excellent performance for solar energy conversion, but also open up elegant protocols for the molecular engineering of MOPs with desirable band structures.
Ultraflexible and Lightweight Bamboo‐Derived Transparent Electrodes for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhu Kaiping , Lu Zheng , Cong Shan , Cheng Guanjian , Ma Peipei , Lou Yanhui , Ding Jianning , Yuan Ningyi , Rümmeli Mark H. , Zou Guifu
Published: June 2019

Wearable devices are mainly based on plastic substrates, such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate, which causes environmental pollution after use due to the long decomposition periods. This work reports on the fabrication of a biodegradable and biocompatible transparent conductive electrode derived from bamboo for flexible perovskite solar cells. The conductive bioelectrode exhibits extremely flexible and light‐weight properties. After bending 3000 times at a 4 mm curvature radius or even undergoing a crumpling test, it still shows excellent electrical performance and negligible decay. The performance of the bamboo‐based bioelectrode perovskite solar cell exhibits a record power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.68%, showing the highest efficiency among all reported biomass‐based perovskite solar cells. It is remarkable that this flexible device has a highly bendable mechanical stability, maintaining over 70% of its original PCE during 1000 bending cycles at a 4 mm curvature radius. This work paves the way for perovskite solar cells toward comfortable and environmentally friendly wearable devices.
Cloud broker proposal based on multicriteria decision‐making and virtual infrastructure migration
Authors: Rodrigues Leonardo R. , Cardoso Euclides , Alves Omir C. , Redígolo Fernando F. , Pillon Maurício A. , Miers Charles C. , Koslovski Guilherme P.
Published: June 2019

The adoption of infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a reality for academic, industrial, and governmental institutions. Cloud tenants request dynamically provisioned virtual infrastructures (VIs) tailored to their application requirements, detailing not only the virtual compute/storage resources but also the network components, topology, and services. The creation of a large number of cloud providers came along with the widespread use of VIs. The selection of an appropriate provider is a challenging task due to the diversity of the IaaS market and formally is a multicriteria analysis (NP‐hard). Notwithstanding the provider selection complexity, the mobility of VI‐hosted applications is limited due to the optimization anchors introduced by providers. Although the existing IaaS cloud brokers can indicate a hosting provider, they lack on conceptual and technical skills to migrate a VI and all its internal components between providers. This work enhances the state‐of‐the‐art on IaaS cloud brokerage by proposing virtual infrastructure multicriteria allocation and migration–based broker (VIMAM), which performs a multicriteria analysis of providers and VI migration. VIMAM is driven by an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to select an IaaS provider, offering a set of predefined weighting schemas to represent distinct tenant perspectives. Moreover, to migrate a VI, VIMAM takes into account the virtual machines, containers, switches, and other topology elements. In addition to discussing the AHP ranking weights and frequency of providers selection, the experimental analysis details the implementation of an OpenStack and Docker–based prototype for VI migration.
Synthesis of Single‐Component Metal Oxides with Controllable Multi‐Shelled Structure and their Morphology‐Related Applications
Authors: Qin Ming , Lan Di , Liu Jiaolong , Liang Hongsheng , Zhang Limin , Xing Hui , Xu Tingting , Wu Hongjing
Published: June 2019

Multi‐shelled hollow spheres metal oxides, namely materials with more than three shells, have attracted increasing attention due to their unique structure. The preparation methods of typical metal oxides including NiO, Co3O4 and ZnO etc. have been summarized in this review. Simultaneously, the parameters that influence the ultimate morphologies, shell number as well as the compositions have also been discussed. The potential application fields in energy conversion and storage, electromagnetic wave absorption, photocatalysis that related to the unique structure are also highlighted. Finally, the future researches of multi‐shelled hollow spheres metal oxides are further discussed.
National Cancer Institute Alliance for nanotechnology in cancer—Catalyzing research and translation toward novel cancer diagnostics and therapeutics
Authors: Hartshorn Christopher M. , Russell Luisa M. , Grodzinski Piotr
Published: July 2019

Nanotechnology has been a burgeoning research field, which is finding compelling applications in several practical areas of everyday life. It has provided novel, paradigm shifting solutions to medical problems and particularly to cancer. In order to accelerate integration of nanotechnology into cancer research and oncology, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) established the NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer program in 2005. This effort brought together scientists representing physical sciences, chemistry, and engineering working at the nanoscale with biologists and clinicians working on cancer to form a uniquely multidisciplinary cancer nanotechnology research community. The last 14 years of the program have produced a remarkable body of scientific discovery and demonstrated its utility to the development of practical cancer interventions. This paper takes stock of how the Alliance program influenced melding of disparate research disciplines into the field of nanomedicine and cancer nanotechnology, has been highly productive in the scientific arena, and produced a mechanism of seamless transfer of novel technologies developed in academia to the clinical and commercial space.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Regulatory and Policy Issues in Nanomedicine

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Diagnostic Tools > in vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Intensive electron antineutrino source with well defined hard spectrum on the base of nuclear reactor and 8-lithium transfer. The promising experiment for sterile neutrinos search
Authors: Lyashuk V. I.
Published: July 2019

Abstract

The concept of combination

$$ {\overline{\nu}}_e $$

ν
¯

e

-source for future short-baseline experiments is discussed. The source ensures: 1) well defined hard antineutrino flux; 2) the rate of counts more than ∼ 103 per day in the detector volume ∼ m
3; 3) low level of

$$ \left({\overline{\nu}}_e,p\right) $$

ν
¯

e

p

-count-errors — ≲ 1%. The source is based on (n, γ)-activation of 7Li near the reactor active zone and transport of the fast β
−-decaying 8Li isotope toward a remote neutrino detector and back in the closed loop. We propose the low-errors-experiment for reliable search of sterile neutrinos with Δm
2 ∼ 1eV2. The results of simulation for (3+1) and (3+2) sterile neutrino models indicate the space regions for search of

$$ {\overline{\nu}}_e $$

ν
¯

e

-disappearance outside the interval of

$$ {\overline{\nu}}_e $$

ν
¯

e

-spectrum errors.
Perspectives on the Origin of Biological Homochirality on Earth
Authors: Tamura Koji
Published: June 2019

The origin of biological homochirality on Earth has been an important unresolved issue in the field of molecular evolution and many hypotheses have been proposed to explain this. The most prevailing view may be that of astrobiologists, in that a slight enantiomeric excess of l-amino acids in meteorites can account for the origin. However, the view ignores two important factors: amino acid racemization, and the evolution and continuity of biological systems on Earth. Therefore, on the basis of these two standpoints, the plausibility of the hypothesis that chiral-selective tRNA aminoacylation could have led to crucial homochiral protein biosynthesis should be emphasized. Recent molecular dynamic simulations have clearly elucidated the mechanisms of enantiomer-specific aminoacylation. These studies strengthen the possibility that the hypothesized chiral selection of amino acids in biological systems actually occurred at the molecular level. It is significant to raise the points because the topic so far has tended to be expressed unclearly and ambiguously and also handled as such owing to its very nature.
Arable and forest land user rent in a peri-urban district, Ghana
Authors: Appiah Divine Odame , Abalo Emmanuel Mawuli , Eshun Gabriel
Published: July 2019

Land-use policies meant to mitigate deforestation activities in Ghana will have to consider the heterogeneity of the drivers of arable and forest land degradation. This would help avoid the one-size fits all approach to solving this problem. The urgency for this realisation is premised on the recent increasing monetary incentive to convert arable and forest land to other land uses in peri-urban Ghana. This study hypothesised that there is no significant relationship between land rent and the conversion probability from arable and forest land to other land uses such as commercial, industrial and residential land uses in Bosomtwe, a peri-urban district in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Four-hundred and oneusufructor land-owning households and individual landowners participated through a three-stage sampling procedure. The results indicated a significant relationship between higher land rent and conversion probability from arable land to other land uses such as commercial, industrial and residential land uses. Specifically, receiving land rent above GH¢400 (OR = 1.979) predicted the outcome variable in all three models. Moreover, being a female (OR = 0.612), ageing: 56 and 65 (OR = 2.158) and 76 and above (OR = 11.781), traders/food vendors (OR = 0.423) and widows (OR = 2.050) had some odds of predicting the outcome variable. The study recommends a reformation of government land use conversion policies and decisions in collaboration with landowners, to include parameters which assess the effect and benefits of land conversion decisions on biodiversity before leasing out land rights.
Second-Order Probability Matching Priors for the Person Parameter in Unidimensional IRT Models
Authors: Liu Yang , Hannig Jan , Pal Majumder Abhishek
Published: July 2019

In applications of item response theory (IRT), it is often of interest to compute confidence intervals (CIs) for person parameters with prescribed frequentist coverage. The ubiquitous use of short tests in social science research and practices calls for a refinement of standard interval estimation procedures based on asymptotic normality, such as the Wald and Bayesian CIs, which only maintain desirable coverage when the test is sufficiently long. In the current paper, we propose a simple construction of second-order probability matching priors for the person parameter in unidimensional IRT models, which in turn yields CIs with accurate coverage even when the test is composed of a few items. The probability matching property is established based on an expansion of the posterior distribution function and a shrinkage argument. CIs based on the proposed prior can be efficiently computed for a variety of unidimensional IRT models. A real data example with a mixed-format test and a simulation study are presented to compare the proposed method against several existing asymptotic CIs.
Laser-induced vapour bubble as a means for crystal nucleation in supersaturated solutions—Formulation of a numerical framework
Authors: Hidman Niklas , Sardina Gaetano , Maggiolo Dario , Ström Henrik , Sasic Srdjan
Published: July 2019

We use in this work numerical simulations to investigate the evolution of a laser-induced vapour bubble with a special focus on the resolution of a thin layer of liquid around the bubble. The application of interest is laser-induced crystallization, where the bubble acts as a nucleation site for crystals. Experimental results indicate the extreme dynamics of these bubbles where the interface during the period of 200 us, from nucleation to collapse, reaches a maximum radius of roughly 700 µm and attains a velocity of well above 20 m/s. To fully resolve the dynamics of the bubble, the volume of fluid (VOF) numerical framework is used. Inertia, thermal effects, and phase-change phenomena are identified as the governing phenomena for the bubble dynamics. We develop and implement into our numerical framework an interface phase-change model that takes into account both evaporation and condensation. The performed simulations produce qualitatively promising results that are in fair agreement with both experiments and analytical solutions from the literature. The reasons behind the observed differences are discussed and suggestions are made for future improvements of the framework.
Temporal Certainty and Skippable In-Stream Commercials: Effects of Ad Length, Timer, and Skip-ad Button on Irritation and Skipping Behavior
Authors: Jeon Yongwoog Andrew , Son Hyunsang , Chung Arnold D. , Drumwright Minette E.
Published: July 2019

Does a timer—displayed during an in-stream commercial to show viewers how long they need to wait—help relieve the ad irritation that viewers experience when they have to wait for a video to play? Likewise, does the skip-ad button that allows viewers to skip an ad after several seconds help lessen their irritation with the commercial? This research theoretically and empirically examined whether reducing temporal uncertainty (i.e., using a timer to let viewers know the ad length) in skippable advertising actually helped relieve viewers’ ad irritation and reduce their likelihood of ad-skipping. Across two experimental studies, temporal certainty (e.g., the presence of the timer) during short commercials generally decreased ad irritation. In contrast, when a skip-ad button is displayed, temporal certainty during both short and long commercials increased ad irritation, which subsequently decreased advertising effectiveness. Also, the higher the ad irritation, the higher the ad-skipping rate. Theoretical and managerial implications of these results are discussed, and alternative solutions for reducing ad irritation are provided.
Introduction: Frederick Cooper and the Historiography of Africa
Authors: Mann Gregory , Lindsay Lisa A.
Published: June 2019

This short essay introduces a set of five papers that examine the place Frederick Cooper’s scholarship occupies in the historiography of Africa.