bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renegotiating the Role of the Histadrut
Authors: Preminger Jonathan
Published: March 2019

Chapter 5 explores the Histadrut’s continued hegemony, its friendly ties with the political establishment and large employers, and the special status it is granted by the labor courts. The chapter analyzes the dispute between the Histadrut and Koach Laovdim in which the High Court ruled in the Histadrut’s favor, preferring labor relations stability over worker voice and influence. Workers are frustrated with the Histadrut’s autocratic leadership, but also aware of the benefits of its power, and many choose to remain within it. Nonetheless, there are signs of change: demands for increased union democracy, as well as the shock of being rejected by the social protest movement, have goaded the Histadrut into taking a more active part in unionizing and seeking high-level agreements. However, the chapter also discusses the possible contradiction between the partnership and organizing approaches to union revitalization which may undermine the Histadrut’s attempts to regain its political power.
The Ideological Struggle
Authors: Preminger Jonathan
Published: March 2019

Continuing the investigation into the labor-capital balance of power, Chapter 8 addresses the second of the three planes of struggle, that of ideological struggle. The chapter explores the delegitimation of organized labor in the press and how worker activists perceive this, as well as hostility towards organized labor from the political elites. This delegitimation is analyzed in the context of changing judicial narratives and the “constitutional revolution”, particularly the liberalization of labor law and the prominence of the “balance of rights” concept, including the increasing importance of third parties to labor disputes. These changes, reflected in the National Labor Court’s landmark Pelephone ruling, have undermined the salience of workers’ rights and collective rights, and strengthened employers’ rights. They have also realigned the front, pitting organized labor against “the public” as opposed to workers against their employer.
Between National Community and Class Solidarity
Authors: Preminger Jonathan
Published: March 2019

Chapter 13 expands on the idea of incongruence between political community and labor force by presenting a historical overview of the relationship between Israel and the Palestinians in the field of labor and worker representation. Beginning with Mandatory Palestine, through the establishment of Israel in 1948, the territorial conquest of 1967, the Oslo Accords, and the ongoing occupation, the chapter underscores the Histadrut’s “nationalist” role and charts the incremental incorporation of Palestinian citizens and non-citizens as laborers, but with limited access to political institutions, including the Histadrut and Labor Party. It closes by overviewing Israel’s textile industry as epitomizing the development of the economy according to the requirements of the Jewish state and its relations with the Palestinians. This constitutes the basis for the assertion, explored in the subsequent chapter, that since 1948 Israel has increasingly struggled with the conflicting imperatives of economic incorporation and political exclusion of Palestinians.
The Sources of US Nonproliferation Policy, 1945–1968
Authors: Miller Nicholas L.
Published: March 2019

This chapter traces the historical evolution of US nonproliferation policy from 1945 to 1968. It demonstrates that US policy prior to 1964 is best characterized as selective, as both the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations were permissive toward proliferation by certain allies, including through the Multilateral Force in NATO. After China conducted its first nuclear test in 1964, the Johnson administration adopted a more universal nonproliferation policy, abandoning the Multilateral Force and finalizing the Nonproliferation Treaty. These changes were driven by increased expectations of nuclear domino effects, more government focus on nonproliferation, and advocacy by nonproliferation advocates in Congress and the bureaucracy.
The Taiwanese Nuclear Program (1967–1977)
Authors: Miller Nicholas L.
Published: March 2019

This chapter analyzes US nonproliferation policy toward Taiwan, which began pursuing nuclear weapons in the wake of China’s 1964 nuclear test. Having started its nuclear program prior to the development of a US nonproliferation sanctions policy, Taiwan underestimated the risk of sanctions. It subsequently halted its nuclear weapons program due to its high dependence on the United States when faced with a credible threat of sanctions in the late 1970s, which included US threats to cut off military aid, economic aid, peaceful nuclear cooperation, and broader political support.
The Pakistani Nuclear Program (1972–1987)
Authors: Miller Nicholas L.
Published: March 2019

This chapter examines US nonproliferation efforts vis-à-vis Pakistan in the 1970s and 1980s. Although Pakistan started its nuclear weapons program prior to the development of a US sanctions policy, and thus underestimated the odds of facing sanctions, it nevertheless went on to acquire nuclear weapons. The United States was unable to halt the Pakistani program for two reasons. First, when it initially threatened and imposed sanctions on Pakistan in the late 1970s, Pakistan was not highly dependent on the United States and therefore had little to lose. Second, once Pakistan became dependent on the United States in the 1980s due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and increased need for aid, the United States undermined the credibility of its nonproliferation policy by waiving sanctions and only credibly threatening to cut off aid in response to a nuclear test.
The Iranian Nuclear Program (1974–2015)
Authors: Miller Nicholas L.
Published: March 2019

This chapter analyzes US efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons from the 1970s until the conclusion of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2015. Iran initially began exploring nuclear weapons when it was an American client in the 1970s, prior to the development of a US sanctions policy. Once the United States strengthened its nonproliferation policy, a credible threat of sanctions helped convince Iran to scale back its nuclear plans. After the Iranian Revolution led to a complete break in relations with the United States, Iran again began seeking nuclear weapons, undeterred by the threat of sanctions due to its low dependence on the United States. After two decades of unilateral US pressure failed to alter Iran’s plans, stringent multilateral sanctions led Iran to agree to strict limits on its nuclear program.
Conclusion
Authors: Miller Nicholas L.
Published: March 2019

This chapter reviews the argument and evidence presented in the body of book, which provides substantial support for the proposed theories on the sources and effectiveness of US nonproliferation policy. It identifies areas for future research, such as the nonproliferation policies of other countries, the mechanisms through which nuclear domino effects occur, and the role of preventive strikes in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. It also discusses the implications of the book’s finding for theory and policy, for example the need for the United States to maintain a credible sanctions policy, continue its international engagement, and work to develop more reliable policies for instituting multilateral sanctions.
Exotic urban trees conserve similar natural enemy communities to native congeners but have fewer pests
Authors: Frank Steven D. , Backe Kristi M. , McDaniel Casey , Green Matthew , Widney Sarah , Dunn Robert R.
Published: March 2019

Urban trees serve a critical conservation function by supporting arthropod and vertebrate communities but are often subject to arthropod pest infestations. Native trees are thought to support richer arthropod communities than exotic trees but may also be more susceptible to herbivorous pests. Exotic trees may be less susceptible to herbivores but provide less conservation value as a consequence. We tested the hypotheses that native species inAcerandQuercuswould have more herbivorous pests than exotic congeners and different communities of arthropod natural enemies. The density of scale insects, common urban tree pests, was greatest on a nativeAcerand a nativeQuercusthan exotic congeners in both years of our research (2012 and 2016) and sometimes reached damaging levels. However, differences in predator and parasitoid abundance, diversity, and communities were not consistent between native and exotic species in either genus and were generally similar. For example, in 2012 neither predator nor parasitoid abundance differed among native and exoticAcercongeners but in 2016 a native species,A. saccharum, had the least of both groups. A native,Q. phellos, had significantly more predators and parasitoids in 2012 than its native and exotic congeners but no differences in 2016. Parasitoid communities were significantly different amongAcerspecies andQuercusspecies due in each case to greater abundance of a single family on one native tree species. These native and exotic tree species could help conserve arthropod natural enemies and achieve pest management goals.
In vitro Degradation and Reduction of Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Marine Bacteria Isolated from Contaminated Marine Environments of Niger Delta
Authors: Uba Bright Obidinma , Chukwura Edna Ifeoma , Okoye Ebele Linda , Ubani Onyedikachi , Chude Charles Onuora , Akabueze Ugochukwu Christopher
Published: March 2019

Aims: To determine the in vitro degradation and reduction of aromatic hydrocarbons by marine bacteria isolated from contaminated marine environments of Niger Delta.

Study Design: Nine treatments and nine controls designs were set up in triplicates containing 100 mL of sterile modified mineral basal medium in 500 mL conical flasks supplemented with 1 mg /L of xylene, anthracene and pyrene each; nine marine hydrocarbon degraders and incubated at 24 ºC for 24 days study. The nine treatments and control set ups designated as ANT1, XYL2, PYR3, ANT4, PYR5, ANT6, XYL7, XYL8, PYR9 and CTRL (Without hydrocarbons) were used to determine the aromatic hydrocarbons degradability and reduction by the marine bacteria.  

Place and Duration of Study: The studied sites were Abonema Wharf Water Front in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Nembe Water-Side in Port Harcourt Local Government Area and Onne Light Flow Terminal Seaport located in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria between September, 2014 and March, 2017.

Methodology: A laboratory scale study was carried on six composite samples of the sediment and water samples from the three studied areas using enrichment, screening, phenotypical, degradation and TLC techniques.

Results: The results showed that the three studied areas harbour numerous promising aromatic degrading bacterial strains belonging to the genera: Providencia, Alcaligenes, Brevundimonas, Myroides, Serratia, and Bacillus. The bacterial strains especially Serratia marcescens XYL7 significantly (P = .05) had 99.50 ± 0.05 % and 60.00 ± 0.02 % degradations in weights of xylene and pyrene, respectively while Alcaligenes faecalis PYR5 significantly (P =.05) degraded 97.40 ± 0.01 % in weight of anthracene. TLC result revealed evidences of large spots size reductions or losses of test samples compare to control samples with minor spot sizes.

Conclusion: Thus, the outstanding degradative abilities of these strains could be exploited in bioremediation campaigns in Nigeria.
Colour Profile, Pasting and Sensory Properties of Processed Sweet Potato Flour
Authors: Ajayi O. I. , Kosoko S. B. , Awogbemi B. J. , Okedina T. A. , Onyemali C. P. , Ehiwuogu-Onyibe J. , Lawal A. K. , Elemo G. N.
Published: March 2019

In this study, sweet potato was purchased and processed using different methods to obtain 4 different sweet potato flour samples. Sample A was unfermented sweet potato flour, sample B was fermented spontaneously, while sample C and D were produced by fermentation using indigenous starter cultures of lactic acid bacteria and yeast for 48 h and 72 h respectively. Colour profile, Pasting and Sensory evaluation was conducted. The whiteness (L* value) obtained in this study is within the range of value (87.29-89.52), Also, the redness value (a*) and yellowness value (b*) of the sweet potato flour samples also showed a significant difference (p<0.05). Sample a had a higher value when compared with samples B,C and D. Pasting properties such as peak viscosity, trough viscosity, breakdown viscosity, setback, pasting temperature were determined. It was noticed that fermentation process and increase in fermentation time significantly (p<0.05) decrease the peak viscosity in this research work and all samples had a higher cooled paste viscosity than their corresponding hot paste viscosity. Nevertheless, sensory evaluation was carried out using thet 9-point hedonic scale, samples A,B,C,D are significantly different (P < 0.05).
Staple Crops Biofortification Linking Agriculture, Food and Nutrition towards Eliminating Hidden Hunger
Authors: Zikankuba Vumilia Lwoga , Mteremko Denis , James Armachius
Published: March 2019

Agriculture is the mainstay of most of people globally. Despite the fact that agriculture has been a traditionally food and nutrition source, people go to bed without food and suffer from malnutrition even within the same households. Similarly, hunger and hidden hunger remains a worldwide widespread challenge. In response, researchers have tried to enhance micronutrients through staple food crops biofortification. The promotion of biofortified crops and unintended narrowed food choices might have been the underlying factor for the coexisting forms of malnutrition: undernutrition, obesity and increased incidence of non-communicable diseases; a malnutrition double burden problem. Therefore, this paper provides views to rethinking critically in order to take steps towards integrating nutrition education in modern agriculture crop biofortification programs more effectively.
ΔNp63 in squamous cell carcinoma: defining the oncogenic routes affecting epigenetic landscape and tumour microenvironment
Authors: Gatti Veronica , Fierro Claudia , Annicchiarico‐Petruzzelli Margherita , Melino Gerry , Peschiaroli Angelo
Published: March 2019

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a treatment‐refractory tumour which arises from the epithelium of diverse anatomical sites such as oesophagus, head and neck, lung and skin. Accumulating evidence has revealed a number of genomic, clinical and molecular features commonly observed in SCC of distinct origins. Some of these genetic events culminate in fostering the activity of ΔNp63, a potent oncogene which exerts its pro‐tumourigenic effects by regulating specific transcriptional programmes to sustain malignant cell proliferation and survival. In this review, we will describe the genetic and epigenetic determinants underlying ΔNp63 oncogenic activities in SCC, and discuss some relevant transcriptional effectors of ΔNp63, emphasizing their impact in modulating the crosstalk between tumour cells and tumour microenvironment (TME).
High Thermoelectric Performance Achieved in GeTe–Bi2Te3 Pseudo‐Binary via Van der Waals Gap‐Induced Hierarchical Ferroelectric Domain Structure
Authors: Wu Di , Xie Lin , Xu Xiao , He Jiaqing
Published: March 2019

GeTe is an interesting material presenting both spontaneous polarization (ferroelectrics) and outstanding electrical conductivity (ideal for thermoelectrics). Pristine GeTe exhibits classic 71° and 109° submicron ferroelectric domains, and near unity thermoelectric figure of merit ZT at 773 K. In this work, it is demonstrated that Bi2Te3 alloying in GeTe lattice can introduce vast Ge vacancies which can further evolve into nanoscale van der Waals gaps upon proper heat treatment, and that these vacancy gaps can induce 180° nanoscale ferroelectric domain boundaries. These microstructures eventually become a hierarchical ferroelectric domain structure, with size varying from submicron to nanoscale and polarization from 71°, 109° to 180°. The establishment of hierarchical ferroelectric domain structure, together with the nanoscale Ge vacancy van der Waals gaps, has profound effects on the electrical and thermal transport properties, resulting in a striking peak thermoelectric ZT ≈ 2.4 at 773 K. These findings might provide an alternative conception for thermoelectric optimization via microstructure modulation.
Soft Conducting Elastomer for Peripheral Nerve Interface
Authors: Zheng Xin , Woeppel Kevin M. , Griffith Azante Y. , Chang Emily , Looker Michael J. , Fisher Lee E. , Clapsaddle Brady J. , Cui Xinyan Tracy
Published: March 2019

State‐of‐the‐art intraneural electrodes made from silicon or polyimide substrates have shown promise in selectively modulating efferent and afferent activity in the peripheral nervous system. However, when chronically implanted, these devices trigger a multiphase foreign body response ending in device encapsulation. The presence of encapsulation increases the distance between the electrode and the excitable tissue, which not only reduces the recordable signal amplitude but also requires increased current to activate nearby axons. Herein, this study reports a novel conducting polymer based intraneural electrode which has Young's moduli similar to that of nerve tissue. The study first describes material optimization of the soft wire conductive matrix and evaluates their mechanical and electrochemical properties. Second, the study demonstrates 3T3 cell survival when cultured with media eluted from the soft wires. Third, the study presents acute in vivo functionality for stimulation of peripheral nerves to evoke force and compound muscle action potential in a rat model. Furthermore, comprehensive histological analyses show that soft wires elicit significantly less scar tissue encapsulation, less changes to axon size, density and morphology, and reduced macrophage activation compared to polyimide implants in the sciatic nerves at 1 month postimplantation.
The First 2D Homochiral Lead Iodide Perovskite Ferroelectrics: [R‐ and S‐1‐(4‐Chlorophenyl)ethylammonium]2PbI4
Authors: Yang Chen‐Kai , Chen Wang‐Nan , Ding Yan‐Ting , Wang Jing , Rao Yin , Liao Wei‐Qiang , Tang Yuan‐Yuan , Li Peng‐Fei , Wang Zhong‐Xia , Xiong Ren‐Gen
Published: March 2019

2D organic–inorganic lead iodide perovskites have recently received tremendous attention as promising light absorbers for solar cells, due to their excellent optoelectronic properties, structural tunability, and environmental stability. However, although great efforts have been made, no 2D lead iodide perovskites have been discovered as ferroelectrics, in which the ferroelectricity may improve the photovoltaic performance. Here, by incorporating homochiral cations, 2D lead iodide perovskite ferroelectrics [R‐1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)ethylammonium]2PbI4 and [S‐1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)ethylammonium]2PbI4 are successfully obtained. The vibrational circular dichroism spectra and crystal structural analysis reveal their homochirality. They both crystalize in a polar space group P1 at room temperature, and undergo a 422F1 type ferroelectric phase transition with transition temperature as high as 483 and 473.2 K, respectively, showing a multiaxial ferroelectric nature. They also possess semiconductor characteristics with a direct bandgap of 2.34 eV. Nevertheless, their racemic analogue adopts a centrosymmetric space group P21/c at room temperature, exhibiting no high‐temperature phase transition. The homochirality in 2D lead iodide perovskites facilitates crystallization in polar space groups. This finding indicates an effective way to design high‐performance 2D lead iodide perovskite ferroelectrics with great application prospects.
Hierarchically Porous Carbon Plates Derived from Wood as Bifunctional ORR/OER Electrodes
Authors: Peng Xinwen , Zhang Lei , Chen Zhongxin , Zhong Linxin , Zhao Dengke , Chi Xiao , Zhao Xiaoxu , Li Ligui , Lu Xihong , Leng Kai , Liu Cuibo , Liu Wei , Tang Wei , Loh Kian Ping
Published: March 2019

Porous carbon electrodes have emerged as important cathode materials for metal–air battery systems. However, most approaches for fabricating porous carbon electrodes from biomass are highly energy inefficient as they require the breaking down of the biomass and its subsequent reconstitution into powder‐like carbon. Here, enzymes are explored to effectively hydrolyze the partial cellulose in bulk raw wood to form a large number of nanopores, which helps to maximally expose the inner parts of the raw wood to sufficiently dope nitrogen onto the carbon skeletons during the subsequent pyrolysis process. The resulting carbons exhibit excellent catalytic activity with respect to the oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions. As‐fabricated cellulose‐digested, carbonized wood plates are mechanically strong, have high conductivity, and contain a crosslinked network and natural ion‐transport channels and can be employed directly as metal‐free electrodes without carbon paper, polymer binders, or carbon black. When used as metal‐free cathodes in zinc–air batteries, they result in a specific capacity of 801 mA h g−1 and an energy density of 955 W h kg−1 with the long‐term stability of the batteries being as high as 110 h. This work paves the way for the ready conversion of abundant biomass into high‐value engineering products for energy‐related applications.
A Tungsten Nitride‐Based O2 Self‐Sufficient Nanoplatform for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy against Hypoxic Tumors
Authors: Wang Shi‐Bo , Zhang Cheng , Liu Xin‐Hua , Chen Zhao‐Xia , Peng Si‐Yuan , Zhong Zhen‐Lin , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: March 2019

The hypoxic microenvironment of tumors is a natural barrier to photodynamic therapy (PDT) and closely related to the tumor metastasis. Here, chlorine e6 (Ce6) decorated tungsten nitride nanoparticles (WN NPs) with a folic acid (FA) modification are fabricated to produce FA‐WN‐Ce6 (FWC) NPs for enhanced photodynamic therapy against hypoxic tumors. FWC NPs can efficiently accumulate in tumor sites via FA‐mediated specific tumor targeting. With 630 nm laser irradiation, the WN in FWC can act as a photocatalyst for water splitting to provide oxygen (O2), which significantly improves the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation ability of Ce6 in hypoxia and achieves an enhanced PDT effect both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the O2 produced by FWC NPs can also weaken the hypoxia level in tumor tissue, and thus reduces the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. Additionally, no apparent systemic toxicity is observed after the treatment of FWC NPs. Overall, these results indicate the great potential of FWC NPs as safe and effective nanoplatform for both enhanced tumor PDT and against metastasis.
High‐Performance Graphene‐Based Cementitious Composites
Authors: Krystek Małgorzata , Pakulski Dawid , Patroniak Violetta , Górski Marcin , Szojda Leszek , Ciesielski Artur , Samorì Paolo
Published: March 2019

This study reports on the development of a cementitious composite incorporating electrochemically exfoliated graphene (EEG). This hybrid functional material features significantly enhanced microstructure and mechanical properties, as well as unaffected workability; thus, it outperforms previously reported cementitious composites containing graphene derivatives. The manufacturing of the composite relies on a simple and efficient method that enables the uniform dispersion of EEG within cement matrix in the absence of surfactants. Different from graphene oxide, EEG is found to not agglomerate in cement alkaline environment, thereby not affecting the fluidity of cementitious composites. The addition of 0.05 wt% graphene content to ordinary Portland cement results in an increase up to 79%, 8%, and 9% for the tensile strength, compressive strength, and Young's modulus, respectively. Remarkably, it is found that the addition of EEG promotes the hydration reaction of both alite and belite, thus leading to the formation of a large fraction of 3CaO·2SiO2·3H2O (C‐S‐H) phase. These findings represent a major step forward toward the practical application of nanomaterials in civil engineering.
Silk‐Enabled Conformal Multifunctional Bioelectronics for Investigation of Spatiotemporal Epileptiform Activities and Multimodal Neural Encoding/Decoding
Authors: Shi Zhifeng , Zheng Faming , Zhou Zhitao , Li Meng , Fan Zhen , Ye Huanpeng , Zhang Shan , Xiao Ting , Chen Liang , Tao Tiger H. , Sun Yun‐Lu , Mao Ying
Published: March 2019

Flexible electronics can serve as powerful tools for biomedical diagnosis and therapies of neurological disorders, particularly for application cases with brain–machine interfaces (BMIs). Existing conformal soft bioelectrodes are applicable for basic electrocorticogram (ECoG) collecting/monitoring. Nevertheless, as an emerging and promising approach, further multidisciplinary efforts are still demanded for in‐depth exploitations with these conformal soft electronics toward their practical neurophysiological applications in both scientific research and real‐world clinical operation. Here, clinically‐friendly silk‐supported/delivered soft bioelectronics are developed, and multiple functions and features valuable for customizable intracranial applications (e.g., biocompatible and spontaneously conformal coupling with cortical surface, spatiotemporal ECoG detecting/monitoring, electro‐neurophysiological neural stimulating/decoding, controllable loading/delivery of therapeutic molecules, and parallel optical readouts of operating states) are integrated.
Rational Design of Hierarchical “Ceramic‐in‐Polymer” and “Polymer‐in‐Ceramic” Electrolytes for Dendrite‐Free Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Huo Hanyu , Chen Yue , Luo Jing , Yang Xiaofei , Guo Xiangxin , Sun Xueliang
Published: March 2019

Solid polymer electrolytes as one of the promising solid‐state electrolytes have received extensive attention due to their excellent flexibility. However, the issues of lithium (Li) dendrite growth still hinder their practical applications in solid‐state batteries (SSBs). Herein, composite electrolytes from “ceramic‐in‐polymer” (CIP) to “polymer‐in‐ceramic” (PIC) with different sizes of garnet particles are investigated for their effectiveness in dendrite suppression. While the CIP electrolyte with 20 vol% 200 nm Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) particles (CIP‐200 nm) exhibits the highest ionic conductivity of 1.6 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 30 °C and excellent flexibility, the PIC electrolyte with 80 vol% 5 µm LLZTO (PIC‐5 µm) shows the highest tensile strength of 12.7 MPa. A sandwich‐type composite electrolyte (SCE) with hierarchical garnet particles (a PIC‐5 µm interlayer sandwiched between two CIP‐200 nm thin layers) is constructed to simultaneously achieve dendrite suppression and excellent interfacial contact with Li metal. The SCE enables highly stable Li plating/stripping cycling for over 400 h at 0.2 mA cm−2 at 30 °C. The LiFePO4/SCE/Li cells also demonstrate excellent cycle performance at room temperature. Fabricating sandwich‐type composite electrolytes with hierarchical filler designs can be an effective strategy to achieve dendrite‐free SSBs with high performance and high safety at room temperature.
Evolution of RADIALIS and DIVARICATA gene lineages in flowering plants with an expanded sampling in non‐core eudicots
Authors: Madrigal Yesenia , Alzate Juan Fernando , González Favio , Pabón‐Mora Natalia
Published: March 2019

Premise of the Study

Bilateral symmetry in core eudicot flowers is established by the differential expression of CYCLOIDEA (CYC), DICHOTOMA (DICH), and RADIALIS (RAD), which are restricted to the dorsal portion of the flower, and DIVARICATA (DIV), restricted to the ventral and lateral petals. Little is known regarding the evolution of these gene lineages in non‐core eudicots, and there are no reports on gene expression that can be used to assess whether the network predates the diversification of core eudicots.

Methods

Homologs of the RAD and DIV lineages were isolated from available genomes and transcriptomes, including those of three selected non‐core eudicot species, the magnoliid Aristolochia fimbriata and the monocots Cattleya trianae and Hypoxis decumbens. Phylogenetic analyses for each gene lineage were performed. RT‐PCR was used to evaluate the expression and putative contribution to floral symmetry in dissected floral organs of the selected species.

Key Results

RAD‐like genes have undergone at least two duplication events before eudicot diversification, three before monocots and at least four in Orchidaceae. DIV‐like genes also duplicated twice before eudicot diversification and underwent independent duplications specific to Orchidaceae. RAD‐like and DIV‐like genes have differential dorsiventral expression only in C. trianae, which contrasts with the homogeneous expression in the perianth of A. fimbriata.

Conclusions

Our results point to a common genetic regulatory network for floral symmetry in monocots and core eudicots, while alternative genetic mechanisms are likely driving the bilateral perianth symmetry in the early‐diverging angiosperm Aristolochia.
N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor dysfunction by unmutated human antibodies against the NR1 subunit
Authors: Wenke Nina Kerstin , Kreye Jakob , Andrzejak Ewa , van Casteren Adriana , Leubner Jonas , Murgueitio Manuela S. , Reincke S. Momsen , Secker Christopher , Schmidl Lars , Geis Christian , Ackermann Frauke , Nikolaus Marc , Garner Craig C. , Wardemann Hedda , Wolber Gerhard , Prüss Harald
Published: March 2019

Anti–N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is the most common autoimmune encephalitis related to autoantibody‐mediated synaptic dysfunction. Cerebrospinal fluid–derived human monoclonal NR1 autoantibodies showed low numbers of somatic hypermutations or were unmutated. These unexpected germline‐configured antibodies showed weaker binding to the NMDAR than matured antibodies from the same patient. In primary hippocampal neurons, germline NR1 autoantibodies strongly and specifically reduced total and synaptic NMDAR currents in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The findings suggest that functional NMDAR antibodies are part of the human naïve B cell repertoire. Given their effects on synaptic function, they might contribute to a broad spectrum of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Ann Neurol 2019;85:771–776
A Highly Accurate Refractive Index Sensor with Two Operation Modes Based on Photonic Crystal Ring Resonator
Authors: Vakili Mahsa , Noori Mina
Published: March 2019

A 2D hole‐type hexagonal lattice photonic crystal is utilized, herein, to detect the refractive index change of the material infiltrated into the designed circular sensing area which also resembles a ring resonator. The accuracy of the detection process is enhanced considering the simultaneous shift of the resonance wavelengths and the intensity modulation which occur in two separate spectral regions. The presented structure has the ability to detect liquids, material concentrations in fluids and gases having refractive indices in the range of n = 1–2 with sensitivity and quality factor of 61 nm/RIU and 3000, respectively, for resonance‐wavelength‐shift‐based operation. The detection range of n = 1–1.4 with the sensitivity of S = 0.69 NI/RIU is achieved for the intensity‐based measurement and the results show good linearity in the operating range.
Family Dispute Resolution: Use, Timing, and Outcomes
Authors: Qu Lixia
Published: March 2019

The mandatory requirement for separating or separated parents to mediate disputes over children before filing an application for the courts represents one of the key changes introduced in the 2006 Australian family law reforms. The process is known legally as Family Dispute Resolution (FDR). Based on the reports of three cohorts of parents who had separated in different periods after these reforms were implemented, this paper examines: (1) the socio‐demographic characteristics and circumstances of parents who used FDR; (2) the extent to which parents who attended FDR at different periods after separation differ in characteristics and circumstances; (3) FDR outcomes and the extent to which these outcomes vary according to parents’ circumstances and their timing of FDR use. The analysis shows that use of FDR was quite common among separated parents. Parents who went to FDR were typically able to reach an agreement and this positive outcome appeared to have increased over time, which may reflect improving and refining practice. The data show that the quality of inter‐parental relationship and circumstances surrounding separation such as family violence and other issues are closely linked with FDR use and its outcomes. They also reveal that parents who used FDR typically did so in the early stage of separation with its use much less common after separation for three or four years. Typically, in these cases, s60I certificates, which are normally required before the courts can intervene, were issued.
Evaluating the efficiency of the GO‐Fe3O4/TiO2 mesoporous photocatalyst for degradation of chlorpyrifos pesticide under visible light irradiation
Authors: Zangiabadi Mostafa , Shamspur Tayebeh , Saljooqi Asma , Mostafavi Ali
Published: March 2019

In this work, the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized graphene oxide (GO)‐Fe3O4/TiO2 mesoporous photocatalysts was evaluated using chlorpyrifos (CP) as a contaminant. The nano‐photocatalyst was characterized by X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and specific surface area by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method. Using visible light, the GO‐Fe3O4/TiO2 mesoporous photocatalyst was investigated on the degradation of CP pesticide. The GO‐Fe3O4/TiO2 photocatalyst displayed a good photocatalytic activity, which was achieving 97% of CP degradation after 60 min. Finally, experiments were performed to evaluate GO‐Fe3O4/TiO2 mesoporous nanocatalyst activity on repeated applications; after several uses, its photocatalytic activity was retained, which indicated stability.
Efficient conversion of fructose to 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural by functionalized γ‐Al2O3 beads
Authors: Lin Fang , Wang Kang , Gao Lan , Guo Xin
Published: March 2019

Millimeter size γ‐Al2O3 beads were prepared by alginate assisted sol–gel method and grafting organic groups with propyl sulfonic acid and alkyl groups as functionalized γ‐Al2O3 bead catalysts for fructose dehydration to 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF). Experiment results showed that the porous structure of γ‐Al2O3 beads was favorable to the loading and dispersion of active components, and had an obvious effect on the properties of the catalyst. The lower calcination temperature of γ‐Al2O3 beads increased the specific surface area, the hydrophobicity and the activity of catalysts. Competition between the reaction of alkyl groups and ‐SH groups with surface hydroxyl during the preparation process of the catalyst influenced greatly the acid site densities, hydrophobic properties and activity of the catalyst. With an increase in the alkyl group chain, the hydrophobicity of catalysts increased obviously and the activity of the catalyst was enhanced. The most hydrophobic catalyst C16‐SO3H‐γ‐Al2O3–650°C exhibited the highest yield of 5‐HMF (84%) under the following reaction conditions: reaction medium of dimethylsulfoxide/H2O (V/V, 4:1), catalyst amount of 30 mg, temperature of 110°C and reaction time of 4 hr.
Surface modification PVA hydrogel with zwitterionic via PET‐RAFT to improve the antifouling property
Authors: Zhou Jinsheng , Ye Lin , Lin Yanming , Wang Ling , Zhou Li , Hu Huiyuan , Zhang Qilong , Yang Hui , Luo Zhongkuan
Published: March 2019

To improve the antifouling property, polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel was successfully grafted with [2‐(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] dimethyl‐(3‐sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide (MEDSAH) via photoinduced electron transfer–reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (PET‐RAFT) polymerization under a 10 W blue (450–460 nm) light‐emitting diodes. It is surprising that the reaction could be performed in the presence of oxygen, which meant that the reaction has a great prospect of industrialization. The highest grafting percentage (GP) was 55.77% by adding triethylamine and changed the MEDSAH usage in the absence of oxygen. Thermal gravimetric analysis exhibited that grafted MEDSAH affects the thermal property of PVA hydrogel. Also, there was no influence on the ultraviolet–visible transmittance, and the PVA‐g‐pMEDSAH hydrogel became hydrophilicity after grafting. Moreover,in vitrocytotoxicity of both PVA and PVA‐g‐pMEDSAH hydrogel was noncytotoxic according to ISO 10993‐2009. The antifouling property of PVA‐g‐pMEDSAH hydrogel was increased about 53.05%. Thus, the PVA‐g‐pMEDSAH hydrogel can be an ideal optical biomaterial candidate. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47653.
Epoxy nanocomposites with reduced coefficient of thermal expansion
Authors: Hirata Tatsuya , Li Peng , Lei Fan , Hawkins Spencer , Mullins Michael J. , Sue Hung‐Jue
Published: March 2019

Control of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of polymeric materials is critical in many applications, particularly the electronics industry where CTE mismatches have caused failures. In theory, adding exfoliated nanoplatelets with high aspect ratios would offer an effective solution for reducing CTE, but reported results have not been compelling due to poor dispersion. In this study, α‐zirconium phosphate (ZrP) nanoplatelets, along with organic surfactants, were added to epoxy thermosets. The CTE reduction and glass‐transition temperature (Tg) were measured while the molecular weight of the surfactant was varied. High‐molecular‐weight surfactants are effective for ZrP exfoliation and dispersion, but they can also lead to a reduction in Tg and hinder the drop in CTE. A combination of two low‐molecular‐weight tetrabutylammonium hydroxide and 2‐methoxyethylamine surfactants for exfoliation of ZrP were found to give a CTE reduction of 40% with just 3.5 vol % of ZrP added. This CTE reduction correlates well with theory. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47703.
Integrating herbarium specimen observations into global phenology data systems
Authors: Brenskelle Laura , Stucky Brian J. , Deck John , Walls Ramona , Guralnick Rob P.
Published: March 2019

Premise of the Study

The Plant Phenology Ontology (PPO) was originally developed to integrate phenology observations of whole plants across different global observation networks. Here we describe a new release of the PPO and associated data pipelines that supports integration of phenology observations from herbarium specimens, which provide historical and modern phenology data.

Methods and Results

Critical changes to the PPO include key terms that describe how measurements from parts of plants, which are captured in most imaged herbarium specimens, relate to whole plants. We provide proof of concept for ingesting annotations from imaged herbarium sheets of Prunus serotina, the common black cherry. We then provide an example analysis of changes in flowering timing over the past 125 years, demonstrating the value of integrating herbarium and observational phenology data sets.

Conclusions

These conceptual and technical advances will support the addition of phenology data from herbaria, but also could be expanded upon to facilitate the inclusion of data from photograph‐based citizen science platforms. With the incorporation of herbarium phenology data, new historical baseline data will strengthen the capability to monitor, model, and forecast plant phenology changes.
The processes of maker learning and information behavior in a technology‐rich high school class
Authors: Koh Kyungwon , Snead John T. , Lu Kun
Published: March 2019

This mixed‐method study investigated the processes of making and information behavior as integrated in self‐directed learning in a high school maker class. Twenty students engaged in making projects of their choice with low‐ and high‐technologies for 15 weeks. Data collection included visual process mapping activities, surveys, and Dervin's Sense‐Making Methodology‐informed interviews. Findings included inspirations, actions, emotions, challenges, helps, and learning that occurred during the making processes. Information played an integral role as students engaged in creative production and learning. Students identified information as helps, challenges, how they learn, and learning outcomes. The study proposes a new, evolving process model of making that illustrates production‐centered information behavior and learning. The model's spiral form emphasizes the non‐linear and cyclical nature of the making process. Squiggly lines represent how the making process is gap‐filled and uncertain. The study contributes to the scholarly and professional fields of information science, library and information studies, maker, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) learning.
Confidence intervals for the difference in the success rates of two treatments in the analysis of correlated binary responses
Authors: Saha Krishna K. , Wang Suojin
Published: March 2019

In clinical studies, we often compare the success rates of two treatment groups where post‐treatment responses of subjects within clusters are usually correlated. To estimate the difference between the success rates, interval estimation procedures that do not account for this intraclass correlation are likely inappropriate. To address this issue, we propose three interval procedures by direct extensions of recently proposed methods for independent binary data based on the concepts of design effect and effective sample size used in sample surveys. Each of them is then evaluated with four competing variance estimates. We also extend three existing methods recommended for complex survey data using different weighting schemes required for those three existing methods. An extensive simulation study is conducted for the purposes of evaluating and comparing the performance of the proposed methods in terms of coverage and expected width. The interval estimation procedures are illustrated using three examples in clinical and social science studies. Our analytic arguments and numerical studies suggest that the methods proposed in this work may be useful in clustered data analyses.
Persistent janus kinase‐signaling in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients on ibrutinib: Results of a phase I trial
Authors: Spaner David E. , McCaw Lindsay , Wang Guizhei , Tsui Hubert , Shi Yonghong
Published: March 2019

Methods to deepen clinical responses to ibrutinib are needed to improve outcomes for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of combining a janus kinase (JAK)‐inhibitor with ibrutinib because JAK‐mediated cytokine‐signals support CLL cells and may not be inhibited by ibrutinib. The JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib was prescribed to 12 CLL patients with abnormal serum beta‐2 microglobulin levels after 6 months or persistent lymphadenopathy or splenomegaly after 12 months on ibrutinib using a 3 + 3 phase 1 trial design (NCT02912754). Ibrutinib was continued at 420 mg daily and ruxolitinib was added at 5, 10, 15, or 20 mg BID for 3 weeks out of five for seven cycles. The break was mandated to avoid anemia and thrombocytopenia observed with ruxolitinib as a single agent in CLL. The combination was well‐tolerated without dose‐limiting toxicities. Cyclic changes in platelets, lymphocytes, and associated chemokines and thrombopoietic factors were observed and partial response criteria were met in 2 of 12 patients. The results suggest that JAK‐signaling helps CLL cells persist in the presence of ibrutinib and ruxolitinib with ibrutinib is well‐tolerated and may be a useful regiment to use in combination therapies for CLL.
Functional polymorphisms in circadian positive feedback loop genes predict postsurgical prognosis of gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Yibing , Wang Dandan , Song Yucen , Zhang Xiaofei , Jiao Zhihui , Dong Juqin , Lü Lin , Zou Zhengzhi , Du Wei , Qu Falin
Published: March 2019

Background

Circadian positive feedback loop (CPFL) genes (CLOCK, BAML1, and NPAS2) have been implicated in cancer initiation and progression. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CPFL genes on prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) patients.

Methods

Nine functional SNPs from the three CPFL genes were genotyped in a cohort of 704 GC patients undergoing resection. Multivariate Cox regression model and Kaplan‐Meier curve were used for prognosis analysis.

Results

Among the nine SNPs, rs11133399 in CLOCK, rs1044432 and rs2279284 in BAML1 were significantly associated with GC overall survival and recurrence‐free survival. The unfavorable genotypes of these SNPs showed a cumulative effect on GC prognosis. Multivariate assessment model indicated that these SNPs, in conjunction with clinical variables, enhanced the power to predict GC prognosis. In addition, survival tree analysis revealed the genotype of rs11133399 as a primary risk factor contributing to the prognosis of GC patients. Functional assays showed that the G allele in rs11133399 significantly enhanced luciferase reporter activity than A allele. Immunohistochemical analysis further demonstrated that the genotype of rs11133399 was significantly associated with the expression level of CLOCK in GC tissues, suggesting that this SNP might affect the prognosis of GC through its influence on the expression of CLOCK gene.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that SNPs in CPFL genes might contribute to the clinical outcome of GC through their impact on gene expression. Further studies are needed to elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms.
Disparities in colorectal cancer screening in New York City: An analysis of the 2014 NYC Community Health Survey
Authors: Rastogi Neelesh , Xia Yuhe , Inadomi John M. , Kwon Simona C. , Trinh‐Shevrin Chau , Liang Peter S.
Published: March 2019

Background & Aims

Disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geography are well documented. We sought to further characterize the relationship between sociodemographic factors and up‐to‐date colonoscopy use in a diverse urban center using the 2014 New York City Community Health Survey (NYCCHS).

Methods

We examined overall colonoscopy uptake by race/ethnicity—with a particular interest in Asian and Hispanic subgroups—and used weighting to represent the entire 2014 NYC adult population. We also evaluated the association between 10 sociodemographic variables (age, sex, race/ethnicity, birthplace, home language, time living in the US, education, employment, income, and borough of residence) and colonoscopy use using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

Up‐to‐date colonoscopy uptake was 69% overall with reported differences by racial/ethnic group, ranging from 44%‐45% for Mexicans and Asian Indians to 75% for Dominicans. In the multivariable regression model, colonoscopy use was associated with age greater than 65 years, Chinese language spoken at home, and not being in the labor force. Lower colonoscopy use was associated with living in the US for less than 5 years, Asian Indian language spoken at home, lower income, and residing outside of Manhattan.

Conclusions

Among New Yorkers older than age 50, up‐to‐date colonoscopy use varied significantly by race/ethnicity, especially in Asian and Hispanic subgroups. Recent immigrants, low‐income groups, and those living outside of Manhattan were significantly less likely to receive CRC screening. Targeted interventions to promote CRC screening in these underserved groups may improve overall screening uptake.
Did university violate student‐athlete's due process rights by removing her from team?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: March 2019

In January 2018, the plaintiff was on the Florida Gulf Coast University basketball team.