bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEEPred: Automated Protein Function Prediction with Multi-task Feed-forward Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Sureyya Rifaioglu Ahmet , Doğan Tunca , Jesus Martin Maria , Cetin-Atalay Rengul , Atalay Volkan
Published: May 2019

Automated protein function prediction is critical for the annotation of uncharacterized protein sequences, where accurate prediction methods are still required. Recently, deep learning based methods have outperformed conventional algorithms in computer vision and natural language processing due to the prevention of overfitting and efficient training. Here, we propose DEEPred, a hierarchical stack of multi-task feed-forward deep neural networks, as a solution to Gene Ontology (GO) based protein function prediction. DEEPred was optimized through rigorous hyper-parameter tests, and benchmarked using three types of protein descriptors, training datasets with varying sizes and GO terms form different levels. Furthermore, in order to explore how training with larger but potentially noisy data would change the performance, electronically made GO annotations were also included in the training process. The overall predictive performance of DEEPred was assessed using CAFA2 and CAFA3 challenge datasets, in comparison with the state-of-the-art protein function prediction methods. Finally, we evaluated selected novel annotations produced by DEEPred with a literature-based case study considering the ‘biofilm formation process’ in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study reports that deep learning algorithms have significant potential in protein function prediction; particularly when the source data is large. The neural network architecture of DEEPred can also be applied to the prediction of the other types of ontological associations. The source code and all datasets used in this study are available at: https://github.com/cansyl/DEEPred.
Tailoring optical properties and stimulated emission in nanostructured polythiophene
Authors: Portone Alberto , Ganzer Lucia , Branchi Federico , Ramos Rodrigo , Caldas Marília J. , Pisignano Dario , Molinari Elisa , Cerullo Giulio , Persano Luana , Prezzi Deborah , Virgili Tersilla
Published: May 2019

Polythiophenes are the most widely utilized semiconducting polymers in organic electronics, but they are scarcely exploited in photonics due to their high photo-induced absorption caused by interchain polaron pairs, which prevents the establishment of a window of net optical gain. Here we study the photophysics of poly(3-hexylthiophene) configured with different degrees of supramolecular ordering, spin-coated thin films and templated nanowires, and find marked differences in their optical properties. Transient absorption measurements evidence a partially-polarized stimulated emission band in the nanowire samples, in contrast with the photo-induced absorption band observed in spin-coated thin films. In combination with theoretical modeling, our experimental results reveal the origin of the primary photoexcitations dominating the dynamics for different supramolecular ordering, with singlet excitons in the nanostructured samples superseding the presence of polaron pairs, which are present in the disordered films. Our approach demonstrates a viable strategy to direct optical properties through structural control, and the observation of optical gain opens the possibility to the use of polythiophene nanostructures as building blocks of organic optical amplifiers and active photonic devices.
Transient self-organisation of DNA coated colloids directed by enzymatic reactions
Authors: Dehne H. , Reitenbach A. , Bausch A. R.
Published: May 2019

Dynamic self-organisation far from equilibrium is a key concept towards building autonomously acting materials. Here, we report the coupling of an antagonistic enzymatic reaction of RNA polymerisation and degradation to the aggregation of micron sized DNA coated colloids into fractal structures. A transient colloidal aggregation process is controlled by competing reactions of RNA synthesis of linker strands by a RNA polymerase and their degradation by a ribonuclease. By limiting the energy supply (NTP) of the enzymatic reactions, colloidal clusters form and subsequently disintegrate without the need of external stimuli. Here, the autonomous colloidal aggregation and disintegration can be modulated in terms of lifetime and cluster size. By restricting the enzyme activity locally, a directed spatial propagation of a colloidal aggregation and disintegration front is realised.
Reduced False Positives and Improved Reporting of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification using Quenched Fluorescent Primers
Authors: Hardinge Patrick , Murray James A. H.
Published: May 2019

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is increasingly used in molecular diagnostics as an alternative to PCR based methods. There are numerous reported techniques to detect the LAMP amplification including turbidity, bioluminescence and intercalating fluorescent dyes. In this report we show that quenched fluorescent labels on various LAMP primers can be used to quantify and detect target DNA molecules down to single copy numbers. By selecting different fluorophores, this method can be simply multiplexed. Moreover this highly specific LAMP detection technique can reduce the incidence of false positives originating from mispriming events. Attribution of these events to particular primers will help inform and improve LAMP primer design.
Features of the cervicovaginal microenvironment drive cancer biomarker signatures in patients across cervical carcinogenesis
Authors: Łaniewski Paweł , Cui Haiyan , Roe Denise J. , Barnes Dominique , Goulder Alison , Monk Bradley J. , Greenspan David L. , Chase Dana M. , Herbst-Kralovetz Melissa M.
Published: May 2019

Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the vital factor driving cervical carcinogenesis; however, other features of the local cervicovaginal microenvironment (CVM) may play a critical role in development of precancerous cervical dysplasia and progression to invasive cervical carcinoma (ICC). Here we investigated relationships between locally secreted cancer biomarkers and features of the local CVM to better understand the complex interplay between host, virus and vaginal microbiota (VMB). We enrolled women with ICC, high- and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, as well as, HPV-positive and healthy HPV-negative controls. A broad range of cancer biomarkers was present in the local CVM and specifically elevated in ICC patients. The majority of cancer biomarkers were positively correlated to other biomarkers and linked to genital inflammation. Several cancer biomarkers were also negatively correlated to Lactobacillus abundance and positively correlated with abnormal vaginal pH. Finally, a hierarchical clustering analysis of cancer biomarkers and immune mediators revealed three patient clusters, which varied in levels of cancer biomarkers, genital inflammation, vaginal pH and VMB composition. Specific cancer biomarkers discriminated patients with features of the CVM, such as high genital inflammation, elevated vaginal pH and dysbiotic non-Lactobacillus-dominant VMB, that have been associated with HPV persistence, dysplasia and progression to ICC.
A de novo transcriptome assembly approach elucidates the dynamics of ovarian maturation in the swordfish (Xiphias gladius)
Authors: Gioacchini Giorgia , Marisaldi Luca , Basili Danilo , Candelma Michela , Pignalosa Paolo , Aiese Cigliano Riccardo , Sanseverino Walter , Hardiman Gary , Carnevali Oliana
Published: May 2019

The Mediterranean swordfish (Xiphias gladius) has been recently classified as overfished and in 2016, the International Commission for the Conservation of the Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) established a multi-annual management plan to recover this stock. To successfully achieve this goal, knowledge about swordfish biology is needed. To date, few studies on swordfish have been performed and none of them has provided useful insights into the reproductive biology at molecular level. Here we set to characterise the molecular dynamics underlying ovarian maturation by employing a de novo transcriptome assembly approach. Differential gene expression analysis in mature and immature ovaries identified a number of differentially expressed genes associated with biological processes driving ovarian maturation. Focusing on ovarian steroidogenesis and vitellogenin uptake, we depict the molecular dynamics characterizing these processes while a phylogenetic analysis let us identify a candidate vitellogenin receptor. This is the first swordfish transcriptome assembly and these findings provide in-depth understanding of molecular processes describing ovarian maturation. Moreover, the establishment of a publicly available database containing information on the swordfish transcriptome aims to boost research on this species with the long-term of developing more comprehensive and successful stock management plans.
QTL architecture of vine growth habit and gibberellin oxidase gene diversity in wild soybean (Glycine soja)
Authors: Wang Ruikai , Liu Li , Kong Jiejie , Xu Zhiyong , Akhter Bhat Javaid , Zhao Tuanjie
Published: May 2019

Vine growth habit (VGH) is a beneficial phenotype in many wild plants, and is considered an important domesticated-related trait in soybean. However, its genetic basis remains largely unclear. Hence, in the present study we used an integrated strategy combining linkage mapping and population genome diversity analyses to reveal the genetics of VGH in soybean. In this regard, two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations derived by crossing a common wild soybean genotype (PI342618B) with two cultivated lines viz., NN 86-4 and NN 493-1 were used to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for VGH. Here, we identified seven and five QTLs at flowering stage (R1) and maturity stage (R8), respectively, and among them qVGH-18-1, qVGH-18-2, qVGH-19-3, qVGH-19-4 were identified as major loci (R2 > 10% and detection time ≥2). However, qVGH-18-2 was considered as a main QTL for VGH being consistently identified in both RIL populations as well as all growth stages and cropping years. Out of all the annotated genes within qVGH-18-2, Glyma18g06870 was identified as the candidate gene and named as VGH1, which was a gibberellin oxidase (GAox) belongs to 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (2- ODD). Interestingly, there was one member of 2-ODD/GAox in qVGH-18-1 and qVGH-19-4 named as VGH2 and VGH3, respectively. Moreover, from sequencing data analysis VGH1 and three other GAox genes were found significantly divergent between vine and erect soybean with FST value larger than 0.25. Hence, GAox was assumed to play a major role in governing inheritance of VGH in soybean. Therefore, elucidating the genetic mechanism of GAox is very useful for exploring VGH and other stem traits, as well as genetic improvement of plant type in soybean.
An autonomous microreactor platform for the rapid identification of kinetic models
Authors: Waldron Conor , Pankajakshan Arun , Quaglio Marco , Cao Enhong , Galvanin Federico , Gavriilidis Asterios
Published: May 2019

Rapid estimation of kinetic parameters with high precision is facilitated by automation combined with online Model-Based Design of Experiments.
Impact of charge switching stimuli on supramolecular perylene monoimide assemblies
Authors: Dannenhoffer Adam , Sai Hiroaki , Huang Dongxu , Nagasing Benjamin , Harutyunyan Boris , Fairfield Daniel J. , Aytun Taner , Chin Stacey M. , Bedzyk Michael J. , Olvera de la Cruz Monica , Stupp Samuel I.
Published: May 2019

A switchable perylene monoimide which undergoes reversible morphological and electronic changes controlled by the ionization state of the phenolic oxygen.
Monitoring the growth of Ag–S clusters through crystallization of intermediate clusters
Authors: Nan Zi-Ang , Xiao Ying , Liu Xi-Yan , Wang Tan , Cheng Xiao-Ling , Yang Yang , Lei Zhen , Wang Quan-Ming
Published: May 2019

We report a series of Ag–S nanoscale clusters in an attempt to understand the growth process of Ag2S clusters.
Barium complexes with crown-ether-functionalised amidinate and iminoanilide ligands for the hydrophosphination of vinylarenes
Authors: Le Coz Erwann , Roueindeji Hanieh , Roisnel Thierry , Dorcet Vincent , Carpentier Jean-François , Sarazin Yann
Published: May 2019

Two barium-amide complexes bearing crown-ether-functionalised amidinate and iminoanilide ligands that act as competent precatalysts for the intermolecular hydrophosphination of vinylarenes are presented.
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seed attenuates memory impairment induced by scopolamine in mice via regulation of cholinergic dysfunction and oxidative stress
Authors: Kim Ji Hyun , He Mei Tong , Kim Min Jo , Yang Chang Yeol , Shin Yu Su , Yokozawa Takako , Park Chan Hum , Cho Eun Ju
Published: May 2019

Safflower seed extract containing serotonin and its derivatives improves scopolamine-induced memory impairment, it could be a promising herbal medicine for the treatment of dementia.
Feedback control for shaping density distributions of colloidal particles in microfluidic devices
Authors: Gao Yu , Lakerveld Richard
Published: May 2019

An automated feedback control strategy for directed self-assembly is developed to obtain a desired density distribution.
Iridium piano stool complexes with activity againstS. aureusand MRSA: it is past time to truly think outside of the box
Authors: DuChane Christine M. , Karpin George W. , Ehrich Marion , Falkinham Joseph O. , Merola Joseph S.
Published: May 2019

Iridium based antimicrobial agents have shown efficacy againstS. aureus, including MRSA, and appear to be safe in mice.
Modulating phase by metasurfaces with gated ultra-thin TiN films
Authors: Jiang Huan , Reddy Harsha , Shah Deesha , Kudyshev Zhaxylyk A. , Choudhury Sajid , Wang Di , Jiang Yongyuan , Kildishev Alexander V.
Published: May 2019

Deep control over the phase of light is critical to information processing, telecommunication, and spectroscopic imaging. We design an electrically tunable gold strip/TiN film hybrid metasurface with a deep phase modulation of 337°, employing the tunability of carrier density in a 1-nm titanium nitride film.
Altering the stability of nanoislands through core–shell supports
Authors: Sprodowski Carsten , Morgenstern Karina
Published: May 2019

We follow the decay of two-dimensional Ag nanoclusters, called islands, on Cu–Ag core–shell supports by variable low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy in the temperature range between 160 and 260 K.
Ultrafast carrier dynamics of conformally grown semi-polar (112̄2) GaN/InGaN multiple quantum well co-axial nanowires on m-axial GaN core nanowires
Authors: Johar Muhammad Ali , Song Hyun-Gyu , Waseem Aadil , Kang Jin-Ho , Ha Jun-Seok , Cho Yong-Hoon , Ryu Sang-Wan
Published: May 2019

The growth of semi-polar (112̄2) GaN/InGaN multiple-quantum-well (MQW) co-axial heterostructure shells around m-axial GaN core nanowires on a Si substrate using MOCVD is reported for the first time.
The role of an inert shell in improving energy utilization in lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Yu
Published: May 2019

Coating with an inert shell is considered an efficient approach for enhancing the emission and improving the luminescence quantum yield of lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles.
Synthesis and characterization of pentaerythritol derived glycoconjugates as supramolecular gelators
Authors: Chen Anji , Wang Dan , Bietsch Jonathan , Wang Guijun
Published: May 2019

Three series of glycoclusters were synthesized and studied and we found that covalently linking three or four monomeric glycosyl triazoles led to effective supramolecular gelation.
pH-Regulated anion transport activities of bis(iminourea) derivatives across the cell and vesicle membrane
Authors: Saha Abhishek , Akhtar Nasim , Kumar Vishnu , Kumar Suresh , Srivastava Hemant Kumar , Kumar Sachin , Manna Debasis
Published: May 2019

pH regulates the transmembrane transport of Cl− ions by bis(iminourea) derivatives.
A synthetic strategy toward isosorbide polycarbonate with a high molecular weight: the effect of intermolecular hydrogen bonding between isosorbide and metal chlorides
Authors: Zhang Ming , Lai Wenqin , Su Lili , Lin Yu , Wu Guozhang
Published: May 2019

Isosorbide polycarbonate (ISB-PC) was prepared by melt transesterification and polycondensation reaction by employing ISB and diphenyl carbonate (DPC) as monomers.
Poly-phenylenediamine-derived atomically dispersed Ni sites for the electroreduction of CO2 to CO
Authors: Zheng Yonglong , Han Jianyu , Takele Leta , Xie Feng , Zhang Yin , Sun Jiqing , Han Bing , Chen Jing , Gao Yan , Tang Zhiyong
Published: May 2019

A highly efficient atomically dispersed Ni catalyst for CO2 electroreduction was synthesized by a simple and low-cost method.
Synthesis and high formaldehyde sensing properties of quasi two-dimensional mesoporous ZnSnO3 nanomaterials
Authors: Wang Bingshan , Yu Jinbao , Li Xiaohong , Yin Jun , Chen Meng
Published: May 2019

Quasi two-dimensional mesoporous ZnSnO3 nanomaterials (QTMZNS) were synthesized and the QTMZNS-based sensor exhibited high sensitivity to formaldehyde vapors.
Luminescent zinc(ii) selone macrocyclic ring
Authors: Prabusankar Ganesan , Raju Gembali , Vaddamanu Moulali , Muthukumaran Nirmala , Sathyanarayana Arruri , Nakamura Shin-ya , Masaya Yamane , Hisano Kyohei , Tsutsumi Osamu , Biswas Chinmoy , Kumar Raavi Sai Santosh
Published: May 2019

The synthesis and photophysical properties of luminescent zinc(ii) selone 28 membered macrocyclic ring system is reported.
Reaction induced diffusio-phoresis of ordinary catalytic particles
Authors: Visan Aura , Lammertink Rob G. H.
Published: May 2019

Catalytic particles phoretically migrate due to the reactant concentration gradients that they form.
Automotive NOx abatement using zeolite-based technologies
Authors: Gounder Rajamani , Moini Ahmad
Published: May 2019

Guest Editors Raj Gounder and Ahmad Moini introduce this themed collection on the selective catalytic reduction of NOx.
Formation of trigons in a metal–organic framework: The role of metal–organic polyhedron subunits as meta-atoms
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Choi Jae Sun , Jeong Nak Cheon , Choe Wonyoung
Published: May 2019

Shape control of metal–organic materials on the meso- and macroscale has been an important theme due to emerging properties.
Controlling the preferential motion of chiral molecular walkers on a surface
Authors: Abbasi-Pérez David , Sang Hongqian , Pérez-García Lluïsa , Floris Andrea , Amabilino David B. , Raval Rasmita , Recio J. Manuel , Kantorovich Lev
Published: May 2019

Chiral molecular walkers, standing on their ‘feet’ on an anisotropic surface, perform preferential unidirectional Brownian motion under the influence of an external oscillating field according to their orientation, conformation and chirality.
Adiponectin and the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Guo Ying , Liu Lixin , Wang Jianjun
Published: May 2019

Background: Adiponectin has been suggested as a marker of many cardiovascular diseases. However, the association between serum adiponectin and incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in general population remains unclear. A meta-analysis was performed to systematically evaluate the potential influence of serum adiponectin at baseline on the incidence of AF during follow-up in general population.

Methods: Prospective cohort studies were identified via electronic search of PubMed and Embase databases. A randomized effect model was applied to combine the results. Predefined subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the influence of study characteristics on the association between baseline adiponectin and risk of new-onset AF.

Results: Six cohort studies with 18558 community-derived participants were included, and 3165 AF cases were developed with a mean follow-up duration of up to 22 years. Meta-analysis showed that higher baseline circulating adiponectin was significantly associated with higher risk of new-onset AF during follow-up (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–1.27, P<0.001, I2 = 52%). Subgroup analyses showed that the association between adiponectin and new-onset AF was significant in studies with mean follow-up duration over 10 years (five cohorts, HR = 1.22, P<0.001), but not in that with a follow-up duration < 10 years (one cohort, HR = 0.95, P=0.51; P for subgroup difference = 0.002).

Conclusions: Higher circulating adiponectin at baseline may be an independent risk factor for the development of new-onset AF during follow-up, particularly in cohort studies with longer follow-up durations.
Engineering blood vessels and vascularized tissues: technology trends and potential clinical applications
Authors: Chandra Prafulla , Atala Anthony
Published: May 2019

Vascular tissue engineering has the potential to make a significant impact on the treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions, including providing in vitro generated vascularized tissue and organ constructs for transplantation. Since the first report on the construction of a biological blood vessel, significant research and technological advances have led to the generation of clinically relevant large and small diameter tissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs). However, developing a biocompatible blood-contacting surface is still a major challenge. Researchers are using biomimicry to generate functional vascular grafts and vascular networks. A multi-disciplinary approach is being used that includes biomaterials, cells, pro-angiogenic factors and microfabrication technologies. Techniques to achieve spatiotemporal control of vascularization include use of topographical engineering and controlled-release of growth/pro-angiogenic factors. Use of decellularized natural scaffolds has gained popularity for engineering complex vascularized organs for potential clinical use. Pre-vascularization of constructs prior to implantation has also been shown to enhance its anastomosis after implantation. Host-implant anastomosis is a phenomenon that is still not fully understood. However, it will be a critical factor in determining the in vivo success of a TEVGs or bioengineered organ. Many clinical studies have been conducted using TEVGs, but vascularized tissue/organ constructs are still in the research & development stage. In addition to technical challenges, there are commercialization and regulatory challenges that need to be addressed. In this review we examine recent advances in the field of vascular tissue engineering, with a focus on technology trends, challenges and potential clinical applications.
Meeting the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing Standards in a Large Metropolitan Children's Hospital: Barriers and Next Steps
Authors: Awad Rebecca , Oropeza Johanna , Uhler Kristin M.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine how a large metropolitan children's hospital's practices align with the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) 1-3-6 guidelines (diagnose hearing loss by 3 months of age, fitted with hearing aids within 1 month of diagnosis, and enroll in early intervention by 6 months of age) and examine variables that have impacted meeting these guidelines. This hospital is not a birthing hospital. Therefore, the first recommendation (hearing screen by 1 month of age) was not evaluated.

Method

One hundred forty-one auditory evoked potential evaluations for infants under the age of 6 months were reviewed for this study. Data were only gathered for infants identified with a bilateral hearing loss (n= 34). The following was recorded: degree of hearing loss, number of diagnostic sessions over time, the percentage of infants who transitioned to hearing aid fittings, and the age at which JCIH benchmarks were accomplished.

Results

Sixty-two percent of infants were diagnosed with hearing loss by 3 months of age, 48% of infants were fitted with hearing aids by 4 months of age, and the average age of infants enrolled in early intervention was 4.58 months. Seventy percent of infants were fitted within 1 month of the diagnosis of hearing loss. The identified variables that led to the hearing aids being fitted greater than 1 month after the diagnosis are as follows: cancellations/missed appointments, middle ear involvement, and mild hearing loss.

Conclusions

Results of this internal audit revealed opportunities for growth in better meeting and exceeding JCIH recommendations of diagnosis by 3 months of age and hearing aid fitting within 1 month of diagnosis. Adjustments in the scheduling process and appointment options have been implemented in response to these results. Additional examination of why these recommendations are not being met and what can be done to achieve them is needed.
Video summarisation by deep visual and categorical diversity
Authors: Atencio Pedro , German Sánchez‐Torres , Branch John William , Delrieux Claudio
Published: May 2019

The authors propose a video‐summarisation method based on visual and categorical diversities using pre‐trained deep visual and categorical models. Their method extracts visual and categorical features from a pre‐trained deep convolutional network (DCN) and a pre‐trained word‐embedding matrix. Using visual and categorical information they obtain a video diversity estimation, which is used as an importance score to select segments from the input video that best describes it. Their method also allows performing queries during the search process, in this way personalising the resulting video summaries according to the particular intended purposes. The performance of the method is evaluated using different pre‐trained DCN models in order to select the architecture with the best throughput. They then compare it with other state‐of‐the‐art proposals in video summarisation using a data‐driven approach with the public dataset SumMe, which contains annotated videos with per‐fragment importance. The results show that their method outperforms other proposals in most of the examples. As an additional advantage, their method requires a simple and direct implementation that does not require a training stage.
Advanced control of OLTC‐enabled LV networks with PV systems and EVs
Authors: Franco John Fredy , Procopiou Andreas T. , Quirós‐Tortós Jairo , Ochoa Luis F.
Published: May 2019

The simultaneous uptake of residential photovoltaic (PV) systems and electric vehicles (EVs) can lead to contrasting voltage problems (i.e. voltage rise and drop) in low‐voltage (LV) networks throughout the day. While solutions that directly manage these technologies can be effective in mitigating their impacts, they affect or require interactions with customers. A more practical alternative for distribution network operators (DNOs) is, therefore, to manage voltages using only network assets. For this purpose, two advanced methods to control on‐load tap changer fitted transformers, owned and operated by DNOs, are proposed: a rule‐based control method that only requires monitoring from remote points and a three‐phase optimal power flow‐based control method that requires full observability and adopts a simple – yet effective – forecasting to cater for future uncertainties. The performance of the proposed methods is thoroughly assessed within a stochastic approach on a real UK LV network considering realistic 1 min resolution demand, PV, and EV profiles. Results show that both methods are effective in managing contrasting voltage problems caused by both PV systems and EVs. While the optimisation method leads to the lowest number of tap changes, the rule‐based method, given its limited observability requirement, could be considered a practical interim solution.
Disk origin of the Milky Way bulge: the necessity of the thick disk
Authors: Di Matteo P. , Fragkoudi F. , Khoperskov S. , Ciambur B. , Haywood M. , Combes F. , Gómez A.
Published: May 2019

In the Milky Way bulge, metal-rich stars form a strong bar and are more peanut-shaped than metal-poor stars. It has recently been claimed that this behavior is driven by the initial (i.e., before bar formation) in-plane radial velocity dispersion of these populations, rather than by their initial vertical random motions. This has led to the suggestion that a thick disk is not necessary to explain the characteristics of the Milky Way bulge. We discuss this issue again by analyzing two dissipationless N-body simulations of boxy or peanut-shaped bulges formed from composite stellar disks that consist of kinematically cold and hot stellar populations. These two models represent two extreme cases: one where all three components of the disk have a fixed vertical velocity dispersion and different in-plane radial dispersion, and another where they all have a fixed radial dispersion and different vertical random motions (thickness). This is intended to quantify the drivers of the main features that are observed in composite boxy or peanut-shaped bulges and their origin. We quantify the mapping into a boxy or peanut-shaped bulge of disk populations in these two cases, and we conclude that initial vertical random motions are as important as in-plane random motions in determining the relative contribution of cold- and hot-disk populations with height above the plane, the metallicity and age trends. Previous statements emphasizing the dominant role of in-plane motions in determining these trends are not confirmed. However, significant differences exist in the morphology and strength of the resulting boxy or peanut-shaped bulges. In particular, the model where disk populations initially have only different in-plane random motions, but similar thickness, results in a boxy or peanut-shaped bulge where all populations have a similar peanut shape, independent of their initial kinematics or metallicity. This is at odds with the trends observed in the Milky Way bulge. We discuss the reasons behind these differences, and also predict the signatures that these two extreme initial conditions would leave on the vertical age and metallicity gradients of disk stars outside the bulge region. As a consequence of this analysis, we conclude that given our current knowledge of the Milky Way bulge and of the properties of its main stellar components, a metal-poor, kinematically (radial and vertical) hot component, that is, a thick disk, is necessary in the Milky Way before bar formation. This supports the scenario that has been traced in previous works. Boxy or peanut-shaped bulges and their surrounding regions are fossil records of the conditions present at early times in disk galaxies, and by dissecting their stellar components by chemical compositions and/or age, it may be possible to reconstruct their early state.
An ultra diffuse galaxy in the NGC 5846 group from the VEGAS survey
Authors: Forbes Duncan A. , Gannon Jonah , Couch Warrick J. , Iodice Enrichetta , Spavone Marilena , Cantiello Michele , Napolitano Nicola , Schipani Pietro
Published: May 2019

Context. Many ultra diffuse galaxies (UDGs) have now been identified in clusters of galaxies. However, the number of nearby UDGs suitable for detailed follow-up remain rare.

Aims. Our aim is to begin to identify UDGs in the environments of nearby bright early-type galaxies from the VEGAS survey.

Methods. Here we use a deep g band image of the NGC 5846 group, taken as part of the VEGAS survey, to search for UDGs.

Results. We found one object with properties of a UDG if it associated with the NGC 5846 group, which seems likely. The galaxy, we name NGC 5846_UDG1, has an absolute magnitude of Mg = −14.2, corresponding to a stellar mass of ∼108M⊙. It also reveals a system of compact sources which are likely globular clusters. Based on the number of globular clusters detected we estimate a halo mass that is greater than 8 × 1010M⊙ for UDG1.
Housing decision: the choice between location, house and neighbourhood among malaysian generations
Authors: Ismail Hafiszah , Shaari Shazwan Mohamed
Published: May 2019

Literatures on property development evidence demographics and population as one of the main factors influence property development process. Demographic changes would affect the economic and the property market thus contributes to dramatic change that affects the generations. The differences of attitudes and values between generations resulted diversification of housing decisions and the choice made. The generations are the population categorised by the age cohort; namely The Baby Boomers, Generation X (Gen- X), Generation Y (Gen-Y) and Generation Z (Gen-Z). The aim of this study is to provide an in-depth overview on housing decisions of choices made between location, house and neighbourhood among Malaysian generations. This study employs mixed methods approaches with Selangor, Malaysia as case study. The data were analysed using the Pair-wise and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The analysis reveals the Malaysian generations’ housing choices as; (1) House; (2) Location and; (3) Neighbourhood. The findings show similarities and differences of housing decision by generations on the choices between location, house and neighbourhood. The findings is significant in providing better understanding to the actors of property development on the main housing choice attraction factors of the generations which useful for better housing provisions.
Schwangerschaft und Geburt bei Adipositas
Authors: Stubert Johannes
Published: May 2019

Eine Adipositas in der Schwangerschaft findet sich bei 10 bis 18 % aller Frauen
in Deutschland. Sie trägt maßgeblich zu einer erhöhten Morbidität bei und wirkt
sich sowohl auf das mütterliche als auch fetale Schwangerschaftsoutcome
ungünstig aus. Besonders bei hochgradiger Adipositas ist eine intensive
Überwachung der Schwangerschaft notwendig. Die Schwangerschaft begleitende
Ernährungs- und Trainingsinterventionen können zwar dazu beitragen, die
intragravide Gewichtszunahme zu reduzieren, wirken sich aber nur unwesentlich
auf geburtshilflich relevante Risiken wie Gestationsdiabetes, hypertensive
Schwangerschaftserkrankungen oder eine fetale Makrosomie aus. Umso bedeutsamer
ist die Gewichtsoptimierung im Vorfeld einer geplanten Schwangerschaft. Bei
Frauen mit Zustand nach bariatrischer Operation sind besondere Risikoaspekte zu
berücksichtigen.
Adipositas und andere Einflussgrößen auf die sonographische
Schätzgenauigkeit makrosomer Neugeborener
Authors: Dathan-Stumpf Anne , Geide Romy , Stepan Holger
Published: May 2019

Ziel Ziel der Studie war die Untersuchung von Einflussgrößen auf die
sonographische Schätzgenauigkeit makrosomer Neugeborener.

Studiendesign und Methoden In die Untersuchung wurden 224 schwangere
Frauen im Alter von 16–43 Jahren eingeschlossen und deren fetale
Gewichtsschätzungen (EFW) mit den Geburtsgewichten (BW) der Neugeborenen
verglichen. Die Daten wurden monozentrisch und retrospektiv am
Universitätsklinikum Leipzig für 2014 erhoben. Eingeschlossen wurden
Einlingsschwangerschaften mit einem tatsächlichen BW ≥ 4000 g.

Ergebnisse Die Prävalenz der Makrosomie betrug 10 % (mittleres
Geburtsgewicht 4270g). Mit 80,6 % wurden die makrosomen Feten sonographisch
primär unterschätzt. Für den mittleren Schätzfehler ∆ nach Merz und Hadlock
sowie die Schätzgenauigkeit nach Entbindungsmodus und klinische Qualifikation
des Untersuchers konnten keine Signifikanzen gezeigt werden. Für das maternale
Alter, die Gewichtszunahme in der Schwangerschaft, den maternalen BMI, das
Vorliegen einer diabetischen Stoffwechsellage sowie die Fruchtwassermenge vor
Entbindung konnten ebenfalls keine signifikanten Korrelationen zum Schätzfehler
∆ gezeigt werden.

Schlussfolgerung Makrosome Neugeborene werden antenatal eher unterschätzt,
wobei der mütterliche BMI den Schätzfehler nicht beeinflusst.
Bariatrische Chirurgie und Schwangerschaft
Authors: Tauscher Anne , Stepan Holger
Published: May 2019

Die Zunahme mütterlicher und kindlicher Morbidität durch Übergewicht, Adipositas
und übermäßige intragravide Gewichtszunahme ist unumstritten und ausreichend
untersucht. Bisherige Studien mit Gewichtsreduktion über
Lifestyle-Interventionen konnten nur unzureichend das klinische Outcome der
Schwangerschaft verbessern 3. Ob und
inwieweit mittels bariatrischer Chirurgie ein Effekt auf den
Schwangerschaftsausgang erreicht werden kann bzw. ein Risiko für eine
Schwangerschaft darstellt, soll anhand der größten zu diesem Thema vorliegenden
Fall-Kontroll-Studie erörtert werden 12.
Synthesis of 1-Palmitoyl-2-((E)-9- and (E)-10-nitrooleoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholines
Authors: Lehr Alexander , Frank Andrea , Münch Winfried , Dietz Ulrich , Nubbemeyer Udo
Published: May 2019

Extensive investigation of nitrated phospholipids in connection with various biologically important processes requires reliable access to suitable material. A selective chemical synthesis introducing a defined nitrofatty acid at the sn-2 position of a 2-lyso sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine was developed. Given that the nitroalkene moiety of both reactant nitrofatty acid derivative and the product esters is characterised by particular sensitivity to nucleophile addition and, depending on the intermediate, subsequent olefin isomerisation and retro-Henry-type reaction, a reliable two-step ester formation was introduced. The activation of the nitrofatty acid succeeded after reaction with trichlorobenzoyl chloride, and the mixed anhydride could be isolated via extractive work-up. Subsequent reaction with 1-palmitoyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine enabled the sn-2 esterification to be achieved with high yield by using a minimum of reagents, avoiding the formation of side products and facilitating final isolation and purification.
Btk Inhibitors as First Oral Atherothrombosis-Selective Antiplatelet Drugs?
Authors: Busygina Kristina , Denzinger Viola , Bernlochner Isabell , Weber Christian , Lorenz Reinhard , Siess Wolfgang
Published: May 2019

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) is essential for B cell differentiation and proliferation, but also platelets express Btk. Patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia due to hereditary Btk deficiency do not show bleeding, but a mild bleeding tendency is observed in high dose therapy of B-cell malignancies with ibrutinib and novel second-generation irreversible Btk inhibitors (acalabrutinib and ONO/GS-4059). This review discusses recent studies that may explain this apparent paradox and gives mechanistic insights that suggest a unique potential of low dose irreversible Btk inhibitors as atherothrombosis-focused antiplatelet drugs.
Effect of Implementing Quantitative Blood Loss Assessment at the Time of Delivery
Authors: Coviello Elizabeth , Iqbal Sara , Kawakita Tetsuya , Chornock Rebecca , Cheney Megan , Desale Sameer , Fries Melissa
Published: May 2019

Objective To evaluate the ability of estimated blood loss (EBL) and quantitative blood loss (qBL) to predict need for blood transfusion in women with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

Study Design This is a retrospective chart review that identified women with PPH (>1,000 mL for vaginal or cesarean delivery) between September 2014 and August 2015, reported by EBL (n = 92), and October 2015 and September 2016, reported by qBL (n = 374). The primary metric was the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for blood transfusion.

Results The rate of PPH by EBL and qBL was 2.8 and 10.8%, respectively (p < 0.01). The rate of transfusion for women meeting criteria for PPH by EBL and QBL were 2% (66/3,307) and 2.7% (93/3,453), respectively (p = 0.06). Postpartum transfusion was predicted by an EBL of 1,450 mL with AUC 0.826 and qBL 1,519 mL with AUC 0.764, for all modes of delivery. Postpartum vital signs and change in pre- and postdelivery hematocrit were poor predictors for transfusion.

Conclusion The rates of PPH increased with the implementation of qBL. Overall, qBL did not perform better than EBL in predicting the need for blood transfusion.
Is politics Aung San Suu Kyi’s vocation?
Authors: Myat Mon Mon
Published: May 2019

Western human rights activists saw Myanmar’s prominent leader Aung San Suu Kyi as an embodiment of themselves, for which she was awarded the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize for her non-violent activism. But in the context of the 2017 Rohingya crisis, her international image seemingly changed, from that of Western saint to a demon, because she did not respond to the crisis in the way the Western community expected. Her moral authority was sharply questioned in the international media for her silence on the flight of more than 700,000 refugees from Myanmar to Bangladesh. This paper describes how a conundrum for a crusader of non-violence activism like Aung San Suu Kyi occurred and how a Nobel laureate faced ethical paradoxes between moral conviction and responsibility. It is also an effective way to develop the classical sociologist Max Weber’s definition of a politician from his essay, “Politics as Vocation” to examine whether politics is Aung San Suu Kyi’s vocation.
Early prediction of the outcome of Kickstarter campaigns: is the success due to virality?
Authors: Kindler Alex , Golosovsky Michael , Solomon Sorin
Published: May 2019

The spread of information, opinions, preferences, and behavior across social media is a crucial feature of the current functioning of our economy, politics, and culture. One of the emerging channels for spreading social collective action and funding of novelty in all these domains is Crowdfunding on various platforms such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Sellaband, and may others. The exact spreading mechanism of this collective action is not well-understood. The general belief is that virality plays a crucial role. Namely, the common hypothesis is that the information or behavior propagates through individuals affecting one another, presumably, through the links connecting them in social networks. The aim of our study is to find out the actual spreading mechanism in one particular case: spread of financial support for individual Kickstarter campaigns. To our surprise, our studies show that “virality” plays here only a minor role. We used this result to construct a simple behavior-grounded stochastic predictor of the success of Kickstarter campaigns which is not based on the viral mechanism. The crucial feature of the model underlying the prediction algorithm is that the success of a campaign depends less on the backers influencing one another (“virality”) but rather on the campaign appealing to a particular class of high-pledge backers. This appeal is usually revealed at the very beginning of the campaign and it is an excellent success predictor. The case of Kickstarter is consistent with a recently proposed generic hypothesis that popularity in social media arises more from independent responses by individuals belonging to a large homophily class rather than from percolation, self-exciting processes, and other cooperative mechanisms resulting from mutual influence between individuals. Thus, the very concept of “virality”, which implies contagion between participating individuals, plays only a minor role in the success mechanism proposed hereby. A more appropriate term for the mechanism underlying the social success in our model could be “social appeal” or “social fitness”.
A bi-level fuzzy random model for multi-mode resource-constrained project scheduling problem of photovoltaic power plant
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Liu Ming , Song Xiaoling
Published: May 2019

As the largest energy consumption country, China now pays more and more attention to photovoltaic power generation because solar energy is the largest renewable and sustainable energy reserve in the world. In this case, the photovoltaic power generation plant project plays a crucial role in sustainable development, especially in the underdeveloped northwest region of China. This paper focuses on applying bi-level programing to the multimode resource-constrained project scheduling problem (MRCPSP) in photovoltaic power generation plant construction, which simultaneously considers the practical hierarchical organization structure and an uncertain decision-making environment. A bi-level fuzzy random multiple objective model is developed, wherein the government agency is in the upper decision level, while the contractor is in the lower decision level. Then, motivated by the particular mathematical nature of the proposed bi-level MRCPSP model, a hybrid intelligent algorithm is designed. Finally, a practical case from the Shenneng Futa Kashi-Tashi-Kuergan photovoltaic power generation plant project in a Chinese energy company is applied, and the results validate the practicability of the proposed model and solution algorithm for solving practical photovoltaic power plant project scheduling problems.
Verification of a 3D analytical model of multilayered piezoelectric systems using finite element analysis
Authors: McCartney L. N. , Crocker L. E. , Wright L.
Published: May 2019

An approximate 3D analytical model of multilayered systems is developed that can be used to identify promising dimensions and property selection during the initial design of components needed for microscaled and nanoscaled devices. This paper is focused on the deformation of nanoscaled crystallographic systems of perfectly bonded multilayer materials forming the piezoelectric components of piezoelectronic transistor devices. The assembly includes two perfectly conducting electrodes adjacent to piezoelectric layer(s). The assembly of layers is assumed to be epitaxial so that atoms of the crystal are associated with a lattice defining a local displacement vector and strain tensor. Because of epitaxy, layers have their own lattice spacing and account is taken additional strains and stresses arising due to lattice mismatch effects. The multilayered system can be subject to complex mechanical loading characterized by biaxial in-plane, uniform through-thickness loading, and orthogonal biaxial bending. Any isothermal temperature can be considered, and the application of a voltage across the electrodes. The model estimates the effective properties of the multilayer, enabling predictions of stress and strain distributions when the system is subject to complex loading. Model verification considers a free-standing multilayer system subject to electrical loading. This challenging problem constrains boundary conditions to avoid edge effects, while accounting for clamping of the multilayer. The results are presented comparing model predictions with results of finite element analysis. Excellent agreement verifies that the analytical model and associated software are working correctly, and will apply to diverse applications, such as actuators and sensors, in addition to piezoelectronic transistor devices.
Time-resolved photoluminescence from n-doped GaN/Al0.18Ga0.82N short-period superlattices probes carrier kinetics and long-term structural stability
Authors: Mahler Felix , Tomm Jens W. , Reimann Klaus , Woerner Michael , Hoffmann Veit , Netzel Carsten , Weyers Markus , Elsaesser Thomas
Published: May 2019

Heavily n-doped GaN/Al0.18Ga0.82N short-period superlattices with and without SiN protection layers are studied in spectrally and temporally resolved photoluminescence (PL) experiments. The room-temperature PL from a protected sample displays a nonexponential decay with an initial decay time of 150 ps for low excitation levels and an exponential decay with a time constant of ∼300 ps for higher excitation. The PL decays are governed by nonradiative carrier relaxation into deep defect states which are partially saturated at high excitation densities. PL measurements at low sample temperature reveal a marked influence of carrier cooling on the PL kinetics in a time range up to 50 ps and a significant radiative decay component. SiN coatings are shown to provide long-term stabilization of surface morphology while increasing nonradiative carrier relaxation rates.