bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activated Bentonite: Low Cost Adsorbent to Reduce Phosphor in Waste Palm Oil
Authors: Naswir Muhammad , Arita Susila , Hartati Widi , Septiarini Lusi , Desfaournatalia Desfaournatalia , Wibowo Yudha Gusti
Published: July 2019

The Palm Oil Factory produces wastewater containing high enough Phosphor (P). High levels of Phosphor can cause pollution load for the environment, so it needs to be lowered. The decrease of this content can be done by adsorption process using bentonite as adsorbent. The purpose of this research is to determine the absorption of activated bentonite to the absorption of Phosphor contained in waste water. Phosphor measurements were performed using the UV-vis Spectrophotometric Instrument. Bentonite was activated using HCl 1.6 M. Characterization of bentonite using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Divertive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results showed that bentonite was able to adsorb Phosphor contained in the waste water of Palm Oil Factory, with adsorption capacity> 90%. Activated Bentonite has greater power capability than natural bentonite.
Impact of Behavioral Factors in Making Investment Decisions and Performance: Study on Investors of National Stock Exchange
Authors: Keswani Sarika , Dhingra Vippa , Wadhwa Bharti
Published: July 2019

Market anomalies and irrational behavior caused investors changes in the stock market, and this has led to an investigation into the impact of various behavioral biases and factors affecting decision-making for individual investors. The purpose of this study was to find out the effect of the four factors, heuristic, prospect, market, herding on decisions of investors at NSE. Data are collected from the questionnaire on the basis of a likert scale. To determine the reliability of the questionnaire, the Cronbach alpha factor, which was 0.728, was used. EFA and multiple regression tests have been applied. Cronbach-alpha was used to check the interal consistency of the element. Cronbach alpha emphasized to each factor: Heuristic, Prospect, Market, Herding, Investment performance and Investors decisions that consistency at an acceptable level. The result of the analysis is that the four variables have greatly influenced the investment decision and return on investment. All behavioral variables have a significant impact on the decision-making process of investors, which led to the acceptance of all assumptions regarding the level of influence of behavioral factors in decision making for individual investors.
Association between Fruit Characteristics and Postharvest Stability of Different Pumpkin (Cucurbita) Species
Authors: Nansikombi Nulu , Muyonga John Herbert , Byaruhanga Yusuf Byenkya
Published: July 2019

This study aimed at understanding peel and flesh characteristics of Cucurbita maxima Duchesne subsp maxima, Cucurbita pepo L var. fastigata and Cucurbita moschata Decne pumpkin varieties and how the fruit characteristics relate to its postharvest stability. Mature fruits were stored at ambient conditions (28oC and 78% Relative humidity) for eight months. Cell microscopic structure, intercellular space size, sugars, starch, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, degree of esterification of pectin, polygalacturonase activity, and cumulative moisture lost were determined monthly. Sucrose, starch, cellulose and hemicellulose content and degree of esterification of pectin of different varieties decreased with storage. Glucose and fructose content increased to a maximum and then reduced. Polygalacturonase activity and lignin generally increased with storage time. Size of intercellular spaces, and cumulative moisture lost from both flesh and peel increased with storage. Sucrose breakdown was key during 0 to 3 months, while moisture loss was important at 4 months of storage. Polygalacturonase activity became paramount from 7th month of storage. Postharvest stability of pumpkins is determined by an interplay of factors. The deterministic factor changes with time. Pumpkin varieties with more lignified peel had lower rates of sucrose breakdown and moisture loss and tended to be more stable postharvest. Varieties with low level of hemicellulose had their cell walls degrade early, while deterioration of pumpkins with highly esterified pectin and closely packed cells was delayed.
ESTIMATION OF VOLUME USING THE NUCLEATOR AND LATTICE POINTS
Authors: Gomez-Perez Domingo , Gonzalez-Villa Javier , Pausinger Florian
Published: July 2019

The nucleator is a method to estimate the volume of a particle, i.e. a compact subset of ℝ3, which is widely used in Stereology. It is based on geometric sampling and known to be unbiased. However, the prediction of the variance of this estimator is non-trivial and depends on the underlying sampling scheme.We propose well established tools from quasi-Monte Carlo integration to address this problem. In particular, we show how the theory of reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces can be used for variance prediction and how the variance of estimators based on the nucleator idea can be reduced using lattice (or lattice-like) points. We illustrate and test our results on various examples.
SIMILARITY BETWEEN RANDOM SETS CONSISTING OF MANY COMPONENTS
Authors: Gotovac Vesna
Published: July 2019

Random sets play an essential role in modelling several phenomena in biology, medicine and material science. However, sometimes it is hard to describe them using a specific model. Therefore it can also be difficult to classify them or to compare their realisations. This contribution proposes a similarity measure between two random sets whose realisations consist of many components based on just one realisation of each of them. The similarity measure is obtained in a non-parametric way taking into account the shapes and the positions of the components. The procedure is justified by a simulation study and consequently applied to real biomedical data of histological images of mammary tissue.
ARCHETYPAL ANALYSIS: AN ALTERNATIVE TO CLUSTERING FOR UNSUPERVISED TEXTURE SEGMENTATION
Authors: Cabero Ismael , Epifanio Irene
Published: July 2019

Texture segmentation is one of the main tasks in image applications, specifically in remote sensing, where the objective is to segment high-resolution images of natural landscapes into different cover types. Often the focus is on the selection of discriminant textural features, and although these are really fundamental, there is another part of the process that is also influential, partitioning different homogeneous textures into groups. A methodology based on archetype analysis (AA) of the local textural measurements is proposed. AA seeks the purest textures in the image and it can find the borders between pure textures, as those regions composed of mixtures of several archetypes. The proposed procedure has been tested on a remote sensing image application with local granulometries, providing promising results.
The development of postural control
in 6–17 old years healthy children. Part I
Postural control evaluation in modified
Clinical Test for The Sensory Interaction
on Balance in 6–17 old year children (mctsib)
Authors: Orendorz-Frączkowska Krystyna , Kubacka Marzena
Published: July 2019

Introduction: Proper development of postural control in children is connected with the maturation of the central nervous system, development of sensory organisation with appropriate use of proprioceptive, visual, vestibular information as well as reactions and postural strategy which allow the maintenance of balance in changeable environmental conditions. Developmental disturbances in this particular area is reflected in postural disfunctions and the assessment of these disfunctions and disturbances needs referring to normative values of the healthy population of children. Aim: Examination of postural control development in children aged 6–17 years. Material: 127 healthy children were tested (65 girls and 62 boys) aged 6–17 years. Method: Laryngological investigation, medical history interview, audiometry and tympanometry were conducted in all children. In the evaluation of postural control (mCTSIB-modified Clinical Test For The Sensory Interaction On Balance) a computer posturography system was used (Balance Master Neurocom). R esults: Further development of postural control was found in healthy children up to the age of 13 years of age. The development was not linear but showed transient characteristics with a faster development stage between the age of 6–7 and 8–9. Better postural control in girls, particularly the youngest, in comparison with boys was noticed. C onclusions: 1. The values of norm postural control in posturographic test mCTSIB in children aged 6–17 was established. In this test postural control development was completed in children before 13 year and it was not linear. 2. Due to gender differences it seems appropriate to use separate norms in order to evaluate the development of postural control in boys and girls.
A Beginner’s Guide to the New Population Genomics of Homo sapiens
Authors: Winther Rasmus Grønfeldt ,   The Harvard Review of Philosophy
Published: July 2019

It is important to understand the science underlying philosophical debates. In particular, careful reflection is needed on the scientific study of the origins of Homo sapiens, the division of current human populations into ethnicities, populations, or races, and the potential impact of genomics on personalized medicine. Genomic approaches to the origins and divisions of our species are among the most multi-dimensional areas of contemporary science, combining mathematical modeling, computer science, medicine, bioethics, and philosophy of biology. The best evidence suggests that we are a young species, with a cradle in Africa. While prejudice, misunderstanding, and violence grow in many corners of the world, our best genomic science suggests a deep biological connection among all peoples.
El lenguaje jurídico con perspectiva de género. Algunas reflexiones para la reforma constitucional
Authors: Marrades Ana , Sevilla Julia , Calero María Luisa , Salazar Benítez Octavio
Published: July 2019

El lenguaje evidencia la cultura y describe la realidad, pero además el lenguaje sirve para conservar los valores existentes, para preservar, mantener y perpetuar los valores masculinos, los que imperan en la sociedad, que son patriarcales porque la sociedad lo es. Así el lenguaje ha servido para coadyuvar a la construcción de esa cultura patriarcal. Si el lenguaje tiene poder para crear, tiene poder para transformar, por tanto el lenguaje puede servir para construir otro tipo de relaciones y de cultura basadas en la igualdad y por tanto otra sociedad más justa. La construcción de una sociedad más justa depende en parte de la utilización de otro tipo de lenguaje, el lenguaje con perspectiva de género y la superación del lenguaje sexista y androcéntrico en la Constitución española. Una nueva redacción constitucional es posible teniendo en cuenta los criterios de esta nueva perspectiva.
Los conceptos jurídicos indeterminados en el lenguaje constitucional
Authors: Martínez Estay José Ignacio
Published: July 2019

En este trabajo se analiza el rol que ocupan los conceptos indeterminados o abiertos en el Derecho Constitucional. Para tal efecto se revisan las  constituciones de Estados Unidos, Alemania, España y Chile, y se hace una somera revisión de lo que la literatura jurídica ha dicho sobre la incorporación de esta clase de cláusulas en esos sistemas constitucionales. Asimismo, se plantean y analizan las consecuencias y riesgos que implican el uso de estos conceptos, y se revisa el problema adicional que surge a partir de la transformación de conceptos ciertos y determinados, en conceptos controvertidos.
El constitucionalismo viviente: método interpretativo, presupuestos semánticos y dificultades
Authors: Laise Luciano D.
Published: July 2019

Las metodologías evolutivas o «vivientes» se utilizan con frecuencia en las prácticas interpretativas de los tribunales constitucionales e internacionales. Sin embargo, tanto las defensas como las críticas de tales metodologías rara vez caracterizan o sistematizan sus directivas interpretativas. El objetivo de este trabajo apunta, en primer lugar, a revertir tales insuficiencias mediante una reconstrucción de los pasos metodológicos que plantean los defensores del constitucionalismo viviente. Luego, se procederá a identificar los presupuestos semánticos de las metodologías evolutivas. Los resultados de esta investigación pretenden argumentar que tales presupuestos se caracterizan por una teoría del significado radical o eminentemente convencional; esto es, la extensión de los derechos fundamentales se apoyaría más en consensos sociales que en los bienes constitucionales que tales derechos protegen. Esta dificultad presenta especial relevancia porque conllevaría la imposibilidad de distinguir entre la arbitrariedad y la discrecionalidad judicial.
Derivation and Validation of a Risk Assessment Model for Immunomodulatory Drug–Associated Thrombosis Among Patients With Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Li Ang , Wu Qian , Luo Suhong , Warnick Greg S. , Zakai Neil A. , Libby Edward N. , Gage Brian F. , Garcia David A. , Lyman Gary H. , Sanfilippo Kristen M.
Published: July 2019

Background: Although venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant complication for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) receiving immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), no validated clinical model predicts VTE in this population. This study aimed to derive and validate a new risk assessment model (RAM) for IMiD-associated VTE. Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed MM receiving IMiDs were selected from the SEER-Medicare database (n=2,397) to derive a RAM and then data from the Veterans Health Administration database (n=1,251) were used to externally validate the model. A multivariable cause-specific Cox regression model was used for model development. Results: The final RAM, named the “SAVED” score, included 5 clinical variables: prior surgery, Asian race, VTE history, age ≥80 years, and dexamethasone dose. The model stratified approximately 30% of patients in both the derivation and the validation cohorts as high-risk. Hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.85 (P<.01) and 1.98 (P<.01) for high- versus low-risk groups in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. In contrast, the method of stratification recommended in the current NCCN Guidelines for Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolic Disease had HRs of 1.21 (P=.17) and 1.41 (P=.07) for the corresponding risk groups in the 2 datasets. Conclusions: The SAVED score outperformed the current NCCN Guidelines in risk-stratification of patients with MM receiving IMiD therapy. This clinical model can help inform providers and patients of VTE risk before IMiD initiation and provides a simplified clinical backbone for further prognostic biomarker development in this population.
Do Outcomes in Elective Colon and Rectal Cancer Surgery Differ by Weekday? An Observational Study Using Data From the Dutch ColoRectal Audit
Authors: Huijts Daniëlle D. , Guicherit Onno R. , Dekker Jan Willem T. , van Groningen Julia T. , van Bodegom-Vos Leti , Bastiaannet Esther , Govaert Johannes A. , Wouters Michel W. , Marang-van de Mheen Perla J.
Published: July 2019

Background: Previous studies showing higher mortality after elective surgery performed on a Friday were based on administrative data, known for insufficient case-mix adjustment. The goal of this study was to investigate the risk of adverse events for patients with colon and rectal cancer by day of elective surgery using clinical data from the Dutch ColoRectal Audit. Patients and Methods: Prospectively collected data from the 2012–2015 Dutch ColoRectal Audit (n=36,616) were used to examine differences in mortality, severe complications, and failure to rescue by day of elective surgery (Monday through Friday). Monday was used as a reference, analyses were stratified for colon and rectal cancer, and case-mix adjustments were made for previously identified variables. Results: For both colon and rectal cancer, crude mortality, severe complications, and failure-to-rescue rates varied by day of elective surgery. After case-mix adjustment, lower severe complication risk was found for rectal cancer surgery performed on a Friday (odds ratio, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.72–0.97) versus Monday. No significant differences were found for colon cancer surgery performed on different weekdays. Conclusions: No weekday effect was found for elective colon and rectal cancer surgery in the Netherlands. Lower severe complication risk for elective rectal cancer surgery performed on a Friday may be caused by patient selection.
Qualidade do serviço prestado aos clientes da MGS: um estudo de caso com aplicação do SERVPERF
Authors: Veloso Washington Gonçalo Rodrigues , Junior Paulo Fernandes Sanches
Published: July 2019

O setor de serviços recebe cada vez mais destaque na economia global, com participação nos produtos internos brutos acima da produção de bens em grandes países industrializados, como EUA e Reino Unido. Os serviços relacionados à manutenção das instalações, em especial, representam sempre um grande dispêndio de recursos para as organizações, já que são atividades de natureza indispensáveis para o desenvolvimento de qualquer organização. Nesse segmento, enquadra-se a MGS, empresa pública do Estado de Minas Gerais, a qual a medição da qualidade dos serviços prestados aos clientes através do instrumento SERVPERF é o objetivo desse artigo. Aferir a qualidade de serviços é um grande desafio para as empresas, certamente mais difícil do que realizar a mesma aferição na produção de bens. Diante dos resultados, foi possível verificar que os serviços da MGS apresentam um nível de qualidade aceitável sendo possível inferir que, se não há satisfação plena, os clientes também não estão insatisfeitos com a qualidade dos serviços. Além disso, destaca-se que a confiabilidade do questionário aplicado foi atestada, considerando os resultados alcançados pelo alfa de Cronbach. A medição e acompanhamento da qualidade são passos fundamentais para a busca de melhoria contínua, e consequentemente o alcance da satisfação por parte dos clientes e devem ser tomados como desafios por qualquer organização que busque o sucesso.
Potencial antifúngico e antibacteriano de extratos vegetais da região de Divinópolis/MG
Authors: Gonçalves Thaís Paula Rodrigues , Parreira Adriano Guimaraes , Lima William Gustavo de , Coimbra Mairon César
Published: July 2019

Extratos vegetais dos diferentes Biomas brasileiros têm sido utilizados como fármacos naturais no tratamento de variadas doenças. Atualmente, nos deparamos com um problema mundial de saúde pública: a resistência microbiana à fármacos tradicionalmente empregados. A maioria das plantas superiores possuem compostos com ação antimicrobiana que as protegem de microrganismos invasores. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial antimicrobiano de extratos vegetais de espécies coletadas na região de Divinópolis/MG. Obteve-se extratos hidroetanólicos de partes aéreas dos espécimes avaliados. Foram testados extratos de Bidens subalternans, Anadhenantera columbrina, Annona mucosa, Eugenia dysenteryca, Inga vera, Tecoma stans e Crotalaria stipularia. Para os bioensaios foram empregados os testes Disco-Difusão em ágar e CIM/CBM. Utilizaram-se os microorganismos de referência Escherichia coli ATCC 29214, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC43816, Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC 13048, Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC19606, Candida albicans ATCC18804 e Candida glabrata ATCC2001. Extratos de B.subalternans apresentaram efeito bactericida frente a E.coli e bacteriostático frente a A.baumanii e E.aerogenes. A. mucosa apresentou efeito bacteriostático frente a E.coli e E. dysenteryca e efeito bacterida frente a S.aureus. T.stans apresentou efeito bactericida frente a E.coli e bacteriostático em A.baumanii e E.aerogenes. Os extratos não apresentaram efeito antifúngico frente a C.albicans e C.glabrata. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo confirmam o grande potencial para o desenvolvimento de novos antimicrobianos baseados em extratos obtidos de partes aéreas de espécies vegetais da região de Divinópolis/MG.
Melatonin combination with perindopril alleviated doxorubicin cardiac toxicity in L-NAME hypertensive rats: comparative study with perindopril
Authors: Abdul Salam Takwa Mohammed , Hasanin Amany Helmy , El-Bakly Wesam , Raafat Mona Hussein , Omar Nesreen , Badawy Ahmed El Sayed
Published: July 2019

Introduction: Doxorubicin is a highly effective anticancer agent with serious cardiotoxic effects. Hypertension is considered as a major risk factor for doxorubicin cardiotoxicity. It should be noted that about one-third of cancer patients have hypertension, and melatonin can have cardio-protective effects. The present study aimed to further investigate the possible beneficial effects of melatonin co-administration to perindopril against doxorubicin cardiotoxicity in hypertensive rats. Method: Rats were randomly assigned to naïve group and L-NAME group, which was further subdivided into untreated, doxorubicin, doxorubicin/perindopril, doxorubicin/melatonin and doxorubicin/perindopril/melatonin subgroups. Cardiac functions, CK-MB, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and cardiac percentage area of collagen fibers were evaluated. Results: Combining melatonin with perindopril to doxorubicin produced significant decreases in left ventricular end diastolic pressure, malondialdehyde, TNF-α, and TGF-β. It resulted in significant increases in left ventricular dP/dtmax and SOD, in addition to apparent improvement in cardiac histopathology with a significant decrease in percentage area of collagen deposition compared to perindopril alone. Conclusion: Co-administration of melatonin to perindopril in hypertensive rats who received doxorubicin alleviated doxorubicin cardiac toxicity more than using perindopril alone. These effects could be explained by the reported antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-fibrotic effects of melatonin.
Capturing variation in floral shape; a virtual3D based morphospace for Pelargonium
Authors: van de Kerke Sara J. , van Engelenhoven Tiemen , van Es Anne , Schat Laura , van Son Lisa , Vink Sverre , Hemerik Lia , van Velzen Robin , Schranz M. Eric , Bakker Freek T.
Published: July 2019

Background. Variation in floral shapes has long fascinated biologists and its modelling enables testing of evolutionary hypotheses. Recent comparative studies that explore floral shape have largely ignored 3D floral shape. We propose quantifying floral shape by using geometric morphometrics on a 3D model based on 2D photographical data and demonstrate its performance in capturing shape variation.

Methods. This approach offers unique benefits to complement established imaging techniques i) by enabling adequate coverage of the potential morphospace of large and diverse flowering-plant clades; (ii) by circumventing asynchronicity in anthesis of different floral parts; and (iii) by incorporating variation in copy number of floral organs within structures. We demonstrate our approach by analysing 90 florally-diverse species of the Southern African genus Pelargonium (Geraniaceae). We quantify Pelargonium floral shapes using 117 landmarks and show similarities in reconstructed morphospaces for spur, corolla (2D datasets), and a combined 3D dataset.

Results. Our results indicate that Pelargonium species differ in floral shape, which can also vary extensively within a species. PCA results of the reconstructed 3D floral models are highly congruent with the separate 2D morphospaces, indicating it is an accurate, virtual, representation of floral shape. Through our approach, we find that adding the third dimension to the data is crucial to accurately interpret the manner of, as well as levels of, shape variation in flowers.
Clinical and Sociodemographic Characteristics of Ingrown Nails in Children
Authors: Arica Ibrahim Etem , Bostanci Seher , Koçyigit Pelin , Arica Deniz Aksu
Published: July 2019

Background:

Ingrown nail is a condition frequently seen in children and adolescents, the pain from which can affect their daily living activities and school performances. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of ingrown nails in children.

Methods:

The clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients aged 0 to 18 years presenting with ingrown nail were evaluated retrospectively from clinic records.

Results:

Sixty-two patients aged 3 to 18 years (mean age, 15 years; male to female ratio, 1.06) were enrolled. A total of 175 ingrown nails were evaluated (all of them were in the halluces, 54.3% of them were on the lateral margin). A positive family history of ingrown nail was present in 15.7%. High prevalences of incorrect nail cutting (72.1%), trauma (36.1%), poorly fitting shoes (29%), hyperhidrosis (12.9%), obesity (9.7%), and accompanying nail disorders (9.7%) were determined among the patients.

Conclusions:

This study revealed the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of ingrown nails in children. These data will be useful in preventing the occurrence of ingrown nail by revealing and then eliminating predisposing factors.
Dynamic change of electrostatic field in TMEM16F permeation pathway shifts its ion selectivity
Authors: Ye Wenlei , Han Tina W , He Mu , Jan Yuh Nung , Jan Lily Yeh
Published: July 2019

TMEM16F is activated by elevated intracellular Ca2+, and functions as a small-conductance ion channel and as a phospholipid scramblase. In contrast to its paralogs, the TMEM16A/B calcium-activated chloride channels, mouse TMEM16F has been reported as a cation-, anion-, or non-selective ion channel, without a definite conclusion. Starting with the Q559K mutant that shows no current rundown and less outward rectification in excised patch, we found that the channel shifted its ion selectivity in response to the change of intracellular Ca2+ concentration, with an increased permeability ratio of Cl- to Na+ (PCl-/PNa+) at a higher Ca2+ level. The gradual shift of relative ion permeability did not correlate with the channel activation state. Instead, it was indicative of an alteration of electrostatic field in the permeation pathway. The dynamic change of ion selectivity suggests a charge-screening mechanism for TMEM16F ion conduction, and it provides hints to further studies of TMEM16F physiological functions.
Characterization of carbonate fraction of the Atlantic bluefin tuna fin spine bone matrix for stable isotope analysis
Authors: Luque Patricia L. , Sanchez-Ilárduya María Belén , Sarmiento Alfredo , Murua Hilario , Arrizabalaga Haritz
Published: July 2019

The mineral component of fish otoliths (ear bones), which is aragonitic calcium carbonate (CaCO3), makes this structure the preferred sample choice for measuring biological carbon and oxygen-stable isotopes in order to address fundamental questions in fish ecology and fisheries science. The main drawback is that the removal of otoliths requires sacrificing the specimen, which is particularly impractical for endangered and commercially valuable species such as Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) (ABFT). This study explores the suitability of using the first dorsal fin spine bone of ABFT as a non-lethal alternative to otolith analysis or as a complementary hard structure. The fin spines of freshly caught ABFT were collected to identify carbonate ions within the mineral matrix (i.e., hydroxyapatite) and to determine the nature of the carbonate substitution within the crystal lattice, knowledge which is crucial for correct measurement and ecological interpretation of oxygen and carbon stable isotopes of carbonates. Fin spine sections were analyzed via X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Raman Spectroscopy, and Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR). The XPS survey analysis showed signals of Ca, O, and P (three compositional elements that comprise hydroxyapatite). The Raman and FTIR techniques showed evidence of carbonate ions within the hydroxyapatite matrix, with the IR spectra being the most powerful for identifying the type B carbonate substitution as shown by the carbonate band in the v2 CO32− domain at ∼872 cm−1. The results of this study confirmed the presence of carbonate ions within the mineral matrix of the fin spine bone of ABFT, showing the feasibility of using this calcified structure for analysis of stable isotopes. Overall, our findings will facilitate new approaches to safeguarding commercially valuable and endangered/protected fish species and will open new research avenues to improve fisheries management and species conservation strategies.
(Kink; Kink; Kink; Kink) and (Pulse; Pulse; Pulse; Pulse) Solutions of a Set of Four Equations Modeled in a Nonlinear Hybrid Electrical Line with Crosslink Capacitor
Authors: Guy Tiague Takongmo , Bogning Jean Roger
Published: July 2019

The physics system that helps us in the study of this paper is a nonlinear hybrid electrical line with crosslink capacitor. Meaning it is composed of two different nonlinear hybrid parts Linked by capacitors with identical constant capacitance. We apply Kirchhoff laws to the circuit of the line to obtain new set of four nonlinear partial differential equations which describe the simultaneous dynamics of four solitary waves. Furthermore, we apply efficient mathematical methods based on the identification of coefficients of basic hyperbolic functions to construct exact solutions of those set of four nonlinear partial differential equations. The obtained results have enabled us to discover that, one of the two nonlinear hybrid electrical line with crosslink capacitor that we have modeled accepts the simultaneous propagation of a set of four solitary waves of type (Pulse; Pulse; Pulse; Pulse), while the other accepts the simultaneous propagation of a set of four solitary waves of type (Kink; Kink; Kink; Kink) when certain conditions we have established are respected. We ameliorate the quality of the signals by changing the sinusoidal waves that are supposed to propagate in the hybrid electrical lines with crosslink capacitor to solitary waves which are propagating in the new nonlinear hybrid electrical lines; we therefore, facilitate the choice of the type of line relative to the type of signal that we want to transmit.
Autoimmune encephalomyelitis in NOD mice is not initially a progressive multiple sclerosis model
Authors: Baker David , Nutma Erik , O'Shea Helen , Cooke Anne , Orian Jacqueline M. , Amor Sandra
Published: July 2019

Objective

Despite progress in treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), effective inhibition of nonrelapsing progressive MS is an urgent, unmet, clinical need. Animal models of MS, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), provide valuable tools to examine the mechanisms contributing to disease and may be important for developing rational therapeutic approaches for treatment of progressive MS. It has been suggested that myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptide residues 35‐55 (MOG35‐55)‐induced EAE in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice resembles secondary progressive MS. The objective was to determine whether the published data merits such claims.

Methods

Induction and monitoring of EAE in NOD mice and literature review.

Results

It is evident that the NOD mouse model lacks validity as a progressive MS model as the individual course seems to be an asynchronous, relapsing‐remitting neurodegenerative disease, characterized by increasingly poor recovery from relapse. The seemingly progressive course seen in group means of clinical score is an artifact of data handling and interpretation.

Interpretation

Although MOG35‐55‐induced EAE in NOD mice may provide some clues about approaches to block neurodegeneration associated with the inflammatory penumbra as lesions form, it should not be used to justify trials in people with nonactive, progressive MS. This adds further support to the view that drug studies in animals should universally adopt transparent raw data deposition as part of the publication process, such that claims can adequately be interrogated. This transparency is important if animal‐based science is to remain a credible part of translational research in MS.
Design of Optimal Organic Materials System for Ceramic Suspension‐Based Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Chung Kyeongwoon , Nenov Nenko S. , Park Sujin , Park Sulbin , Bae Chang-Jun
Published: July 2019

Ceramic suspension is a basic ingredient for various ceramic processing, and designing a ceramic suspension system is important to secure material processability in various applications. Especially when engineering ceramics, a highly loaded ceramic suspension is essential to fabricate dense ceramic bodies for proper mechanical properties. However, as solid loading increases, the viscosity of ceramic suspension keeps increasing and shows a shear‐thickening behavior under a shear condition, which makes suspension formulation a challenging issue of interest. Herein, a strategy to design highly loaded ceramic suspension with optimal organic materials system is given based on the systematic correlation between solubility parameter of organic materials system and rheological processability of highly loaded ceramic suspensions. Especially with silicon nitride suspension that generally suffers from inferior rheological processability, a trend between solubility parameter of organic dispersing media and rheological behavior of suspensions is defined as a material selection guideline. Based on this selection strategy, a photocurable monomer is selected as an optimal dispersing media and directly applied to prepare highly loaded silicon nitride suspension (≈51 vol%) showing low viscosity and a shear‐thinning behavior. The designed ceramic suspension is successfully applied to a photocuring‐based additive manufacturing process, the digital light processing, for fabrication of various 3D silicon nitride shapes.
Laser‐Induced Keyhole Defect Dynamics during Metal Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Kiss Andrew M. , Fong Anthony Y. , Calta Nicholas P. , Thampy Vivek , Martin Aiden A. , Depond Philip J. , Wang Jenny , Matthews Manyalibo J. , Ott Ryan T. , Tassone Christopher J. , Stone Kevin H. , Kramer Matthew J. , van Buuren Anthony , Toney Michael F. , Nelson Weker Johanna
Published: July 2019

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) metal additive manufacturing provides distinct advantages for aerospace and biomedical applications. However, widespread industrial adoption is limited by a lack of confidence in part properties driven by an incomplete understanding of how unique process parameters relate to defect formation and ultimately mechanical properties. To address that gap, high‐speed X‐ray imaging is used to probe subsurface melt pool dynamics and void‐formation mechanisms inaccessible to other monitoring approaches. This technique directly observes the depth and dynamic behavior of the vapor depression, also known as the keyhole depression, which is formed by recoil pressure from laser‐driven metal vaporization. Also, vapor bubble formation and motion due to melt pool currents is observed, including instances of bubbles splitting before solidification into clusters of smaller voids while the material rapidly cools. Other phenomena include bubbles being formed from and then recaptured by the vapor depression, leaving no voids in the final part. Such events complicate attempts to identify defect formation using surface‐sensitive process‐monitoring tools. Finally, once the void defects form, they cannot be repaired by simple laser scans, without introducing new defects, thus emphasizing the importance of understanding processing parameters to develop robust defect‐mitigation strategies based on experimentally validated models.
Effect of Volume Fraction of Gradient Nanograined Layer on Low‐Cycle Fatigue Behavior of Cu
Authors: Jing Li-Jun , Pan Qing-Song , Lu Lei
Published: July 2019

Low‐cycle fatigue properties and cyclic behaviors of two pure Cu samples skinned with different volume fractions of gradient nanograined (GNG) layer are investigated under total strain‐amplitude‐controlled fatigue tests. Increasing the volume fraction of high‐strength GNG layer can greatly elevate the cyclic stress amplitude of GNG/coarse grain (CG) Cu, compared with that of CG Cu fatigued at the same strain amplitude. Distinctly, it does not clearly influence the low‐cycle fatigue life of GNG/CG samples with different GNG volume fractions, i.e., both exhibit comparable fatigue lives, even longer than their CG counterpart. Such enhanced low‐cycle fatigue life is mainly due to the progressive homogenization of the gradient surface nanostructure, which effectively suppresses the surface roughening and fatigue cracking of the GNG/CG samples during cyclic straining.
Novel Tunnel‐Contact‐Controlled IGZO Thin‐Film Transistors with High Tolerance to Geometrical Variability
Authors: Sporea Radu A. , Niang Kham M. , Flewitt Andrew J. , Silva S. Ravi P.
Published: July 2019

Thin insulating layers are used to modulate a depletion region at the source of a thin‐film transistor. Bottom contact, staggered‐electrode indium gallium zinc oxide transistors with a 3 nm Al2O3 layer between the semiconductor and Ni source/drain contacts, show behaviors typical of source‐gated transistors (SGTs): low saturation voltage (VD_SAT ≈ 3 V), change in VD_SAT with a gate voltage of only 0.12 V V−1, and flat saturated output characteristics (small dependence of drain current on drain voltage). The transistors show high tolerance to geometry: the saturated current changes only 0.15× for 2–50 µm channels and 2× for 9‐45 µm source‐gate overlaps. A higher than expected (5×) increase in drain current for a 30 K change in temperature, similar to Schottky‐contact SGTs, underlines a more complex device operation than previously theorized. Optimization for increasing intrinsic gain and reducing temperature effects is discussed. These devices complete the portfolio of contact‐controlled transistors, comprising devices with Schottky contacts, bulk barrier, or heterojunctions, and now, tunneling insulating layers. The findings should also apply to nanowire transistors, leading to new low‐power, robust design approaches as large‐scale fabrication techniques with sub‐nanometer control mature.
Catalytic Mechanism Study on the 1,2‐ and 1,4‐Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketimines and β‐Enamino Esters Catalyzed by Axially Chiral Biscarboline‐Based Alcohols
Authors: Dong Mengxian , Wang Jie , Wu Shijie , Zhao Yang , Ma Yangyang , Xing Yongfei , Cao Fei , Li Longfei , Li Zhenqiu , Zhu Huajie
Published: July 2019

Axial N‐O alcohols, which have two large carboline moieties connected to the axis were synthesized and used in catalytic enantioselective 1,2‐ and 1,4‐transfer hydrogenations of total 26 ketimines and β‐enamino esters. Excellent levels of enantioselectivity ranging from 91% to 99% were achieved by using catalyst (aS)‐(S)‐3,3′‐bis((S)‐2‐(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidine‐1‐carbonyl)‐9,9′‐dimethyl‐9H,9′H‐[1,1′‐bipyrido[3,4‐b]indole] 2‐oxide. Interestingly, a mixture of (aS)‐(S)‐3,3′‐bis((S)‐2‐(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidine‐1‐carbonyl)‐9,9′‐dimethyl‐9H,9′H‐[1,1′‐bipyrido[3,4‐b]indole] 2‐oxide and (aR)‐(S)‐3,3′‐bis((S)‐2‐(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidine‐1‐carbonyl)‐9,9′‐dimethyl‐9H,9′H‐[1,1′‐bipyrido[3,4‐b]indole] 2‐oxide was also able to provide high enantioselectivities up to 95% that is the same as that using pure (aS)‐(S)‐3,3′‐bis((S)‐2‐(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidine‐1‐carbonyl)‐9,9′‐dimethyl‐9H,9′H‐[1,1′‐bipyrido[3,4‐b]indole] 2‐oxide. A plausible catalytic mechanism was suggested and total four kinds of transition states (TS) including almost 60 TS structures were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) with different basis sets such as 6‐311G(2d,p). The predicted activation energy data are consistent with the experimental results.

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Cobalt(III)‐Catalyzed and Dimethyl Sulfoxide‐Involved Cross‐Coupling of Ketones and Amides for Direct Synthesis of β‐Amino Ketones
Authors: Xu Xuefeng , Zhou Zhi , Wang Zhipin , Ma Xinna , Chen Xin , Zhang Xu , Yu Xiyong , Yi Wei
Published: July 2019

A straightforward synthesis of β‐amino ketones has been realized by employing ketones and amides as the substrates via cobalt(III)‐catalyzed and dimethyl sulfoxide‐involved cross‐coupling reaction. Experimental investigations revealed that the β‐methylsulfide ketone species might be involved as the active intermediate. Diverse ketones (e. g. acetophenone and its derivatives, heteroaryl methyl ketones and dibenzoylmethane) and amides (e. g. aromatic, aliphaticand cyclicamides) with various substitution patterns were found to be applicable to this transformation, demonstrating a broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance.

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Fundamentals and Applications of Chalcogenide Phase‐Change Material Photonics
Authors: Cao Tun , Cen Mengjia
Published: July 2019

Recently, chalcogenide phase‐change materials (PCMs) photonics have become an emerging research field because the optical properties of the PCMs undergo a dramatic change during the amorphous–crystalline phase transition. The chalcogenide PCMs can be efficiently switched by electrical or short optical pulses, offering versatility in photonic applications and extraordinary capability to engineer light. The authors introduce the fundamentals of chalcogenide PCM‐tuned photonics. The progress in the field is reviewed. Particularly, recent developments of metal–chalcogenide–metal (MCM) trilayered plasmonic nanostructures are presented. The authors then discuss the methodology of designing reconfigurable MCM‐based photonic devices, their advantages, and their existing challenges. Finally, requirements and prospects to successfully implement chalcogenide PCMs in growing areas of photonics are discussed.
Small‐Scale Robots in Fluidic Media
Authors: Kosa Gabor , Hunziker Patrick
Published: July 2019

One of the most promising uses of miniature robots (MRs) in the biomedical field is performing local in situ diagnosis and therapy. Researchers have proposed numerous swimming methods utilizing various actuation principles. Herein, the different propulsion methods of MRs are evaluated by analyzing their scalability. Comparing various actuators, how their performance changes with size reduction is evaluated. The swimming of natural flagellar swimmers such as spermatozoa and nematodes is analyzed. It is found that although the fluidic regime and the geometry of these organisms change considerably, there are nondimensional features that remain almost constant; most importantly, the variation of the swimming velocity is much smaller than the variation of the Reynolds number in natural swimmers. Then, several methods of propulsion and actuation principles are compared, and it is found that among the swimming methods examined, the downscaling of a piezoelectrically driven vibrating elastic beam is the most favorable. Similar to natural swimmers, the swimming velocity of a piezoelectric active swimming tail does not depend on the geometry given that its power requirements can be met. This comparative approach tool aids in the development of future actuation methods for MRs and other active microsystems.
Synthesis of Pyridine Derivatives from Acetophenone and Ammonium Acetate by Releasing CH4
Authors: Zhang Xueguo , Wang Peigen , Yuan Xinglong , Qin Mingda , Chen Baohua
Published: July 2019

An efficient copper‐catalyzed cyclization of acetophenone and ammonium acetate with release of methane has been developed for the synthesis of polysubstituted pyridines. A series of 2,4,6‐triphenyl‐pyridines has been produced in good yields. This synthetic method is sustainable, simple, and environment‐friendly.
Activatable Small‐Molecule Photoacoustic Probes that Cross the Blood–Brain Barrier for Visualization of Copper(II) in Mice with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Wang Shichao , Sheng Zonghai , Yang Zhenguo , Hu Dehong , Long Xiaojing , Feng Gang , Liu Yubin , Yuan Zhen , Zhang Jingjing , Zheng Hairong , Zhang Xuanjun
Published: July 2019

Copper enrichment in the brain is highly related to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, but in vivo tracing of Cu2+ in the brain by imaging techniques is still a great challenge. In this work, we developed a series of activatable photoacoustic (PA) probes with low molecular weights (less than 438 Da), RPS1–RPS4, which can specifically chelate with Cu2+ to form radicals with turn‐on PA signals in the near‐infrared (NIR) region. Introducing the electron‐donating group N,N‐dimethylaniline into the probe was found to significantly enhance the radical stability and PA intensity. The best probe in the series, RPS1, showed a fast response (within seconds) to Cu2+ with high selectivity and a low PA detection limit of 90.9 nm. Owing to the low molecular weight and amphiphilic structure, RPS1 could effectively cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and thus allowed us, for the first time, to visualize Cu2+ in vivo via PA imaging in the brains of AD mice.
New Designs for Phototherapeutic Transition Metal Complexes
Authors: Imberti Cinzia , Zhang Pingyu , Huang Huaiyi , Sadler Peter J.
Published: July 2019

In this Minireview, we highlight recent advances in the design of transition metal complexes for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT), and discuss the challenges and opportunities for the translation of such agents into clinical use. New designs for light‐activated transition metal complexes offer photoactivatable prodrugs with novel targeted mechanisms of action. Light irradiation can provide spatial and temporal control of drug activation, increasing selectivity and reducing side‐effects. The photophysical and photochemical properties of transition metal complexes can be controlled by the appropriate choice of the metal, its oxidation state, the number and types of ligands, and the coordination geometry.
Molekulare Halbleiter‐Tenside mit Fullerenol‐Kopfgruppe und Farbstoffketten für die photokatalytische Umwandlung von Kohlenstoffdioxid
Authors: Kunkel Marius , Sutter Sebastian , Polarz Sebastian
Published: July 2019

Das natürliche Blatt ist ein Paradebeispiel für ein System, das kontinuierlich Wertschöpfung betreibt, indem es z. B. CO2 in Zucker umwandelt. Wichtigster Bestandteil sind die gekoppelten Photosysteme II und I, die in der Zellmembran eingebettet sind. Können ihre Schlüsselfunktionen auf ein Tensid übertragen werden? Wir stellen moderne Tenside vor, die sich zu zweischichtigen Vesikeln anordnen (ähnlich der Zellmembran), fähig sind, Photonen verschiedener Wellenlängen zu absorbieren und angeregte Ladungsträger auszutauschen (ähnlich zu Photosystem II und I), sowie CO2 umzuwandeln (analog zum Blatt). Die Tenside bestehen aus fünf Farbstoffeinheiten als hydrophobe Gruppe, allesamt auf einer Seite des polyhydroxylierten Fullerenols, das als Kopfgruppe dient (Janus‐artig). Wir berichten über tensidische, optische, elektronische und katalytische Eigenschaften, sowie davon, wie von den Farbstoffen absorbierte Photonen zur Fullerenol‐Kopfgruppe transportiert werden, wo sie z. B. mit CO2 reagieren und dieses zu Ameisensäure reduzieren können.
Fluorographdiyne: A Metal‐Free Catalyst for Applications in Water Reduction and Oxidation
Authors: Xing Chengyu , Xue Yurui , Huang Bolong , Yu Huidi , Hui Lan , Fang Yan , Liu Yuxin , Zhao Yingjie , Li Zhibo , Li Yuliang
Published: July 2019

A highly efficient bifunctional metal‐free catalyst was prepared by growth of three‐dimensional porous fluorographdiyne networks on carbon cloth (p‐FGDY/CC). Our experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations show the 3D p‐FGDY/CC network is highly active and it is a high potential metal‐free catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), as well as overall water splitting (OWS) under both acidic and alkaline conditions. The experimental and theoretical results show very good consistency; for example, in the HER process, p‐FGDY/CC exhibits small overpotentials of 82 and 92 mV to achieve 10 mA cm−2under alkaline and acidic conditions, respectively. This ensures an even higher selectivity for the adsorption/desorption of various O/H intermediate species. The essential key promotion accomplishes a bifunctional H2O redox performance application under pH‐universal electrochemical conditions.