bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relief and internal structure of the subaqueous sand dunes in the Vistula River mouth
Authors: Wróblewski Radosław , Dworniczak Janusz , Rudowski Stanisław , Lisimenka Aliaksandr , Ofierska Weronika
Published: November 2018

This paper presents the results of bathymetric and seismoacoustic measurements carried out in the canal of the Vistula River mouth (pol. Przekop Wisły). The surveys were conducted with the use of a multibeam echosounder and a parametric sub-bottom profiler. It made it possible to obtain a high resolution bottom morphology measurement, and to identify and characterize an internal structure of subaqueous bedforms. Presence of multiple series of small to large dunes, with their length ranging from 5 up to 55 m and height from 0.1 up to 1.5 m, was established. They were composed mainly of poorly graded medium-grained sands. The nature of the sediment graining was relatively uniform. Significant diversity in terms of the formation sizes was observed, and itwas only loosely dependent on their depth and location within individual relief units. Collateral medium and small formations were found everywhere among the large formations. The bedforms consisted of well-developed steep cross-coset stratification structure. It has been ascertained that the cross-coset thickness of this formation was greater (or equal) than its height. The scope of this work is to identify the relief and structure of subaqueous dunes for the purpose of the assessment of flow properties and bottom conditions in both recent and palaeoenvironments. The obtained results are crucial for determining the state of the Przekop Wisły canal, indicating potential limitations to unconstrained flow of spate water and ice drifting as well as navigation conditions.
WPŁYW DZIAŁALNOŚCI GÓRNICZEJ NA ZMIANY RZEŹBY TERENU POWIATU BIERUŃSKO-LĘDZIŃSKIEGO
Authors: Gawor Łukasz , Marcisz Marek
Published: November 2018

Celem badań przeprowadzonych w niniejszej pracy była inwentaryzacja, kartowanie oraz waloryzacja zwałowisk odpadów po górnictwie węgla kamiennego, pochodzących z kopalń funkcjonujących na obszarze powiatu bieruńsko-lędzińskiego, pod kątem ich wpływu na zmiany rzeźby terenu. Sporządzono charakterystykę istniejących zwałowisk odpadów po górnictwie węgla kamiennego, przedstawiono zagrożenia dla środowiska związane z deponowaniem odpadów, a także oceniono ich stan zagospodarowania oraz określono potencjalne możliwości odzysku węgla ze zwałowisk. Waloryzacja opisanych zwałowisk pogórniczych została wykonana z wykorzystaniem autorskiej metodologii, uwzględniającej zagadnienia rekultywacji, zagospodarowania, dostępności oraz zagrożeń środowiskowych. Opisano również wpływ badanych form antropogenicznych na rzeźbę terenu powiatu bieruńsko-lędzińskiego.
WPŁYW SKŁADOWISKA ODPADÓW GÓRNICZYCH „SMOLNICA” W TRACHACH NA JAKOŚĆ WÓD POWIERZCHNIOWYCH I PODZIEMNYCH
Authors: Czajkowska Aleksandra , Gawor Łukasz , Cieślok Piotr
Published: November 2018

Nieprawidłowa lokalizacja i eksploatacja składowisk odpadów może oddziaływać negatywnie na środowisko, w tym na jakość wód powierzchniowych i podziemnych. Stopień uciążliwości składowiska jest uzależniony od składu chemicznego i mineralnego zdeponowanych odpadów, ale także od budowy składowiska, technologii składowania oraz warunków hydrogeologicznych i lokalizacyjnych. W artykule analizowano wpływ składowiska odpadów górniczych Smolnica na zasoby wodne w jego otoczeniu. Jakość wód powierzchniowych i podziemnych, a także odcieków oceniono na podstawie badań monitoringowych obejmujących okres od 2004 do 2015 roku: wody powierzchniowe i odcieki oraz w latach 2009-2015: wody podziemne.
ZAŁOŻENIA DO PROJEKTU SCALENIA GRUNTÓW JAKO INSTRUMENT KSZTAŁTOWANIA ROLNICZYCH ZASOBÓW WODNYCH
Authors: Pijanowski Jacek M. , Posiak Barbara
Published: November 2018

Ważnym elementem założeń do projektu scalenia gruntów są studia obejmujące sferę gospodarowania rolniczymi zasobami wodnymi, tj. występującymi w rolniczej przestrzeni produkcyjnej naturalnymi lub sztucznymi zbiornikami i ciekami wodnymi. Dotyczy to zwłaszcza urządzeń melioracyjnych oraz budowli przeciwpowodziowych wpływających pozytywnie na retencję danej mikrozlewni – bardzo ważnych w obliczu narastających w naszym kraju zagrożeń związanych z podtopieniami i powodziami, ale także z suszą. Artykuł ma na celu dyskusję znaczenia założeń do projektu scalenia gruntów, jako instrumentu kształtowania rolniczych zasobów wodnych. Istotną kanwą artykułu były wyniki modelowych prac badawczowdrożeniowych, polegających na zastosowaniu w prawnych uwarunkowaniach Polski metodyki tworzenia założeń do projektu scalenia gruntów Kraju Związkowego Turyngia, zrealizowanych przez Urząd Marszałkowski Województwa Małopolskiego przy udziale Uniwersytetu Rolniczego w Krakowie.
Determination of Iron in Spinach Using Linear Sweep Voltammetry at Iodine-Coated Platinum Rotating Disk Electrode
Authors: Amayreh Mohammad , Hourani Mohammed Khair
Published: November 2018

Background: In contrast to the hyper-reactive platinum electrode, iodine-coated platinum electrode shows remarkable inertness toward adsorption and surface processes. For this reason, iodine-coated platinum electrode lends itself to interesting voltammetric applications. Hydrodynamic voltammetric analysis, one of the voltammetric techniques family, has many advantages over stationary voltammetric techniques inter aliathe steady state current and the higher sensitivity. Objective: The present work is aimed at utilization of iodine-coated platinum rotating disk electrode for analysis of iron in spinach.Methods: The developed method is based on a voltammetric sweep at an iodine-coated rotating-disk platinum electrode. The optimized experimental parameters included a potential scan from –0.20 to 0.85 V versus Ag/AgCl/[Cl-] = 1.0 M, 50 mV/s scan rate, and a rotation rate of 1000 rpm. Results: Oxidation of iron at the iodine-coated platinum rotating disk electrode was manifested by a wave at E1/2 = +0.72 V. The limiting current was found to exhibit an excellent linearity with the concentration of iron (R2 = 0.996). The detection limit was 0.0 7 ppm. A comparative analytical study on determination of iron content in spinach samples was conducted by the voltammetric method and ICP-OES method. Application of the paired t-test to the results indicated that the null hypothesis is valid at P = 0.05. Conclusions: A sensitive and selective validated method was developed for determination of iron content in spinach. Highlights: A simple, fast, and reliable voltammetric methodwas developed for iron analysis in spinach. The main feature of the developed method is removing the effect of cationic interferences.
Siphonophoridae from Brazilian Amazonia Part 1 – The genus Columbianum Verhoeff, 1941 (Diplopoda, Siphonophorida)
Authors: Read Helen J. , Enghoff Henrik
Published: November 2018

A large sample of Siphonophoridae from Brazil was studied; two morphological groups could be distinguished. Here species considered to be from the genus Columbianum Verhoeff, 1941 are examined in detail. The genus is known from Central and South America (Guatemala, Panama, Honduras, Guiana, Colombia, Peru and Brazil) and is characterised by a clear demarcation between head and rostrum in combination with long antennae, clearly surpassing the tip of the rostrum. A list of previously described species considered to belong to the genus is given; three new species are described: C. major sp. nov. has a large body size and a small head, C. nahvalr sp. nov. has a particularly pronounced domed head and a more castellated appearance to the body, C. adisi sp. nov. has a small body size and a very characteristic hind margin to the pleurites. Variation in the state of preservation of specimens hinders a diagnosis, but the examination of the accessory claw and details of the metazonital limbus and pleurite edges are helpful. Unusually for Diplopoda, the male gonopods are not very useful for identification. Ecological comments are given for each new species, one of which, C. adisi sp. nov., is from the seasonally flooded forest and appears to avoid inundation by climbing trees.
Aspectos Artísticos Da Azulejaria Portuguesa Por Meio Do Design Têxtil E De Superfície Na Moda
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo, Souza Matheus Miguel de , Held Maria Silvia Barros de
Published: November 2018

Este estudo tem como principal objetivo analisar os aspectos artísticos da azulejaria portuguesa como uma das principais fontes de inspiração no desenvolvimento e planejamento de coleções de moda contemporâneas. Especificamente, aborda a arte da azulejaria como sendo um dos mais importantes meios de desenvolvimento do Design Cerâmico e analisa brevemente seu histórico e origens. Analisa também o Design Têxtil, em particular o setor de Estamparia, como área de atuação e desenvolvimento do Design de Superfície, evidenciando a azulejaria, por intermédio do Design Cerâmico, como fonte de inspiração em diversos processos criativos no que diz respeito à produção de novos produtos atrelados ao mercado de Têxtil e Moda na contemporaneidade.
Today Your Style, Tomorrow The World: Punk, Moda e Imaginário Visual
Authors:   Universidade do Porto, Guerra Paula , Figueredo Henrique Grimaldi
Published: November 2018

Neste artigo procuraremos analisar o movimento punk enquanto potenciador de inovação na moda e no imaginário visual contemporâneo. As interpenetrações entre estes mundos vão ser abordadas através das trajetórias de Vivienne Westwood, Malcolm McLaren e Jamie Reid. Para explicar estes cruzamentos, levaremos a cabo uma abordagem em três níveis: primeiro, analisaremos o surgimento do punk em Inglaterra, em meados da década de 1970, bem como o contexto socioeconómico que permitiu este surgimento; em seguida, abordaremos a conexão entre a moda e o punk, como esta se processou e se influenciaram mutuamente; por fim, estudaremos qual foi o impacto duradouro desta ligação moda/punk através do foco no design gráfico. A perspetiva, é perceber a criação e perpetuação de um imaginário visual do punk até ao presente considerando o seu legado e provavelmente, até a sua memória.
Foot pressure distribution in white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum) during walking
Authors: Panagiotopoulou Olga , Pataky Todd C , Hutchinson John R
Published: November 2018

White rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum) are odd-toed ungulates that belong to the group Perissodactyla and are second only to elephants in terms of large body mass amongst extant tetrapods, making them fascinating studies for how large land animals support and move themselves. Rhinoceroses often are kept in captivity for protection from ivory poachers and for educational/touristic purposes, yet a detrimental side effect of captivity can be foot disease (i.e. enthesopathies and osteoarthritis around the phalanges). Foot diseases in large mammals are multifactorial, but locomotor biomechanics (e.g. pressures routinely experienced by the feet) surely can be a contributing factor. However, due to a lack of in vivo experimental data on rhinoceros foot pressures, our knowledge of locomotor performance and its links to foot disease is limited. The overall aim of this study was to characterize peak pressures and centre of pressure trajectories in white rhinoceroses during walking. We asked two major questions. First, are peak locomotor pressures the lowest around the fat pad and its lobes (as in the case of elephants)? Second, are peak locomotor pressures concentrated around the areas with the highest reported incidence of pathologies? Our results show a reduction of pressures around the fat pad and its lobes, which is potentially due to the material properties of the fat pad or the fact that our rhinoceros subjects avoided “heel” contact at impact. We also found an even and gradual concentration of foot pressures across all digits, which may be a by-product of the more horizontal foot roll-off during the stance phase. While our exploratory, descriptive sample precluded hypothesis testing, our study provides important new data on rhinoceros locomotion for future studies to build on, and thus impetus for improved implementation in the care of captive/managed rhinoceroses.
Influence of seawater salinity on the survival, growth, development, and neonate production of Scapholeberis mucronata (O. F. Müler) (Crustacea: Cladocera)
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhao Wen , Huo Yuanzi , Yin Xuwang , Wei Jie , Wang Shan
Published: November 2018

In order to determine the influence of of salinity on the survival, growth, development, and neonate production of the cladoceran Scapholeberis mucronata (O. F. Müler), long-term experiments were carried out at four salinity gradients (1, 2, 3, and 4) and a control (freshwater) using Chlorella pyrenoidesa as feed. The acute effect of salinity on this species indicated that salinity gradients 4 and 4.5 were its upper tolerance limits for reproduction and survival. The survival and growth rates of individuals reared in salinity gradients 1 and 2 were higher than those reared in other salinity gradients. The mean size of the female adults decreased from 820 to 743 μm when the salinity increased from salinity gradients 1 to 4. For individuals reared in salinity gradients 1 and 2, the rm of population was 1.021 and 0.903, respectively; the rate of egg production was 1.281 and 1.390, respectively; the cumulative egg production was 83.2 and 106.0 and mean life span was 16.05 and 17.30, respectively. These values of life-history parameters were higher than those of individuals reared in salinity gradient 3. No eggs were produced by females reared in gradient 4 during the entire experiment. Furthermore, individuals reared at gradients 1 and 2 had faster embryonic development. The above results imply that S. mucronata prefer an environment with lower salinity (1-2). Resting egg formation and sexual reproduction did not occur in any of the tested salinity gradients.
Identification and characterization of miRNA169 family members in banana (Musa acuminata L.) that respond to fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense infection in banana cultivars
Authors: Song Shun , Xu Yi , Huang Dongmei , Ashraf Muhammad Aleem , Li Jingyang , Hu Wei , Jin Zhiqiang , Zeng Changying , Tang Fenling , Xu Biyu , Zeng Huicai , Li Yujia , Xie Jianghui
Published: November 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in plant resistance to pathogen infections. However, little is known about the role of miRNAs in banana Fusarium wilt, which is the most economically devastating disease in banana production. In the present study, we identified and characterized a total of 18 miR169 family members in banana (Musa acuminata L.) based on small RNA sequencing. The banana miR169 family clustered into 2 groups based on miRNA evolutionary analysis. Multiple sequence alignment indicated a high degree of sequence conservation in miRNA169 family members across 28 plant species. Computational target prediction algorithms were used to identify 25 targets of miR169 family members in banana. These targets were enriched in various metabolic pathways that include the following molecules: glycine, serine, threonine, pentose, glycerolipids, nucleotide sugars, starch, and sucrose. Through miRNA transcriptomic analysis, we found that ma-miR169a and ma-miR169b displayed high expression levels, whereas the other 16 ma-miR169 members exhibited low expression in the HG and BX banana cultivars. Further experiments indicate that there were negative relationships between ma-miR169a, ma-miR169b and their targets basing on their expression levels to Foc4(Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4) infection in resistant cultivars. but they were low expressed in susceptive cultivars. These results suggested that the expression levels of ma-miR169a and ma-miR169b were consistent with the resistance degree of the banana cultivars to Foc4. The analysis presented here constitutes a starting point to understand ma-miR169-mediated Fusarium wilt resistance at the transcriptional level in banana and predicts possible candidate targets for the genetic improvement of banana resistance to Foc4.
Hibernation, puberty and chronic kidney disease in troglodytes from Spain half a million years ago
Authors: Bartsiokas Antonis , Arsuaga Juan Luis
Published: November 2018

Both animal hibernation (heterothermy) and human renal osteodystrophy are characterized by high levels of serum parathyroid hormone. To test the hypothesis of hibernation in an extinct human species, we examined the hominin skeletal collection from Sima de los Huesos, Cave Mayor, Atapuerca, Spain, for evidence of hyperparathyroidism. We studied the morphology of the fossilized bones by using macrophotography, microscopy, histology and CT scanning. We found trabecular tunneling and osteitis fibrosa, subperiosteal resorption,‘rotten fence post’ signs,brown tumours, subperiosteal new bone, chondrocalcinosis, rachitic osteoplaques and empty gaps between them, craniotabes, and beading in ribs mostly in the adolescent population of these hominins. Since many of the above lesions are pathognomonic, these extinct hominins suffered annually from renal rickets, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and renal osteodystrophy associated with Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). We suggest these diseases were caused by non-tolerated hibernation in dark cavernous hibernacula. This is evidenced by the rachitic osteoplaques and the gaps between them mainly in the adolescent individuals along with the evidence of healing mainly in the adults. The sublayers in the rachitic osteoplaques point to bouts of arousal from hibernation. The strong projection of the external lip of the femoral trochlea, the rachitic osteoplaques with the empty gaps between them,the “rotten fence post sign”, and the evidence of annual healing caused by non-tolerated hibernation in adolescent individuals, also point to the presence of annually intermittent puberty in this population. The hypothesis of hibernation is consistent with the genetic evidence and the fact that the SH hominins lived during a glacial period. The present work will provide a new insight into the physiological mechanism of early human metabolism which could help in determining the life histories and physiologies of extinct human species.
Activating Open Science Communities in Göttingen: From Policies to Real Meet-Ups
Authors: Schmidt Birgit
Published: November 2018

Watch the VIDEO.Over the last two decades several research institutions have created policies which target Open Access to publications and research data, and are now moving on to Open Science from a wider perspective. These policies formulate an ambition with references to reality. This reality might look good on paper however, the challenge is to make this vision work at the individual and research group level.One way to bring these visions forward is to activate and grow a network of institutional Open Science practitioners and enthusiasts – by involving researchers, librarians, research managers/administrators and others, and creating opportunities for exchange and collaboration. In particular early career researchers will have very concrete ideas on what works for them, what is missing and what their challenges are when stepping into Open Science practices. The University of Göttingen is committed to make research results accessible and reusable for academia and the wider society. Its revised OA policy dates from 2016 (the first version dates from 2005) and the research data policy from 2014 [1].These policies serve as a reference point for desired practices as well as existing and emerging service areas. However, often these policies may not play an explicit role in researchers’ day-to-day practices – some elements may already be part of “normal science” while others have not been fully implemented yet.The presentation will focus on the practical vision and establishment of the Göttingen Open Science Meet-ups [2], as well as experiences and lessons learned from nearly two years of operation (at the time of the Munin conference). The initiative was launched in Autumn 2016 by a group of librarians. We will elaborate on how we reach out to and work with early career researchers, and what types of meetings are requested, e.g. informal technology-focused meetings (Hacky Hour Göttingen [3]). Moreover, we will provide some insight into how the sessions facilitate learning together and from each other (both in terms of topics as well as mind sets). From the library perspective there are also opportunities to link Open Science learning to service areas, in particular where new demands emerge, and to make existing services better known.Last, but not least, the Open Science network facilitated by these meet-ups provides opportunities to better link institutional policies with researchers’ practices – in particular, through discussions on opportunities and how to overcome obstacles as well as how to increase benefits and incentives. To this end, although the meet-ups mainly aim at strengthening a bottom-up approach, they also provide opportunities to inspire next steps for Open Science from a leadership perspective and to lift emerging good practices to a higher level.
Principle of Singularity
Authors: Döös Marianne , Wilhelmson Lena , Madestam Jenny , Örnberg Åsa
Published: November 2018

This paper provides insight into the legislative process behind the current Education Act of Sweden. The aim is to shed light on how and why it came to prohibit joint leadership for principals. Joint leadership is a sub-form of shared leadership between managers characterised by complete formal authority, hierarchic equality and merged work tasks. The sharing of a principal’s position is, in previous research, identified as potentially favourable for principals and schools as it decreases principals’ often heavy workload. Five retrospective interviews were done with people involved in the legislative process. The analysis points out both distrust in the governing line and uninformed notions of leadership among legislators as explanations behind the prohibition. In the legislative work, joint leadership was at most a marginal issue. Thus the legal prohibition was an unintended side-effect, yet completely in line with traditional and uninformed notions of leadership. The principle of singularity ruled and joint leadership was extinguished for principals without considering whether this favoured or harmed the overarching aims of the Education Act: increased peda-gogical responsibility and leadership with a focus on the students’ learning, results and democratic upbring-ing.
Educational Leadership at Municipality Level
Authors: Sigurðardóttir Sigríður Margrét , Sigurðardóttir Anna Kristín , Hansen Börkur
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this study is to explore the roles and responsibilities that national education legislation in Iceland imposes on municipalities in terms of leadership. A qualitative content analysis was applied to explore the relevant national legislation—that is, education acts, regulations, and curriculum guides—and identify themes by looking for specific words that are characteristic in leadership practices. The findings reveal that policy ends concerning educational leadership of municipalities are somewhat tacit in current national legislation. Yet, the roles and responsibilities that the state delegates to municipalities comprise leadership functions that are distributed in nature and, to a large extent, harmonize with desired leadership practices as emphasized in the literature. Legislation emphasizes comprehensive education, but also in-cludes signs of technocratic homogenization. In the discussion of our findings, we argue that the educational system is quite dependent on the political emphasis at each given time, making it difficult for both munic-ipalities and the state to facilitate a cohesive leadership emphasis. We suggest that closer attention to the local level, and a recognition of it as an important unit and agency for educational development, is of sig-nificant importance. These observations will be followed by a further investigation into the actual practice of leadership at the local level.
Leading and Organising Education for Citizenship of the World
Authors: Moos Lejf , Nihlfors Elisabet , Paulsen Jan Merok
Published: November 2018

This special issue discusses governance, leadership and education in the light of Nordic ideas about general education and citizenship of the world. Particular focus is placed on the battle between two very different discourses in contemporary educational policy and practice: an outcomes/standard-based discourse, and a general education-based discourse of citizenship of the world.Our point of departure is that we need to analyse the close relations between the core and purpose of schooling (the democratic Bildung of students) and the leadership of schools and relations to the outer world. On the one hand, society produces a discourse based on outcomes, with a focus on the marketplace, governance, bureaucracies, account-ability and technocratic homogenisation. On the other hand, society focuses on culture in the arts, language, history, relations and communication, producing a discourse based on democratic Bildung and citizenship of the world.
De novo annotation of the transcriptome of the Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)
Authors: Frias-Soler Roberto Carlos , Villarín Pildaín Lilian , Hotz-Wagenblatt Agnes , Kolibius Jonas , Bairlein Franz , Wink Michael
Published: November 2018

We have sequenced a partial transcriptome of the Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe), a species with one of the longest migrations on Earth. The transcriptome was constructed de novo using RNA-Seq sequence data from the pooled mRNA of six different tissues: brain, muscle, intestine, liver, adipose tissue and skin. The samples came from nine captive-bred wheatears collected at three different stages of the endogenous autumn migratory period: (1) lean birds prior the onset of migration, (2) during the fattening stage and (3) individuals at their migratory body mass plateau, when they have almost doubled their lean body mass. The sample structure used to build up the transcriptome of the Northern Wheatears concerning tissue composition and time guarantees the future survey of the regulatory genes involved in the development of the migratory phenotype. Through the pre-migratory period, birds accomplish outstanding physical and behavioural changes that involve all organ systems. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms through which birds synchronize and control hyperphagia, fattening, restlessness increase, immunity boosting and tuning the muscles for such endurance flight are still largely unknown. The use of RNA-Seq has emerged as a powerful tool to analyse complex traits on a broad scale, and we believe it can help to characterize the migratory phenotype of wheatears at an unprecedented level. The primary challenge to conduct quantitative transcriptomic studies in non-model species is the availability of a reference transcriptome, which we have constructed and described in this paper. The cDNA was sequenced by pyrosequencing using the Genome Sequencer Roche GS FLX System; with single paired-end reads of about 400 bp. We estimate the total number of genes at 15,640, of which  67% could be annotated using Turkey and Zebra Finch genomes, or protein sequence information from SwissProt and NCBI databases. With our study, we have made a first step towards understanding the migratory phenotype regarding gene expression of a species that has become a model to study birds long-distance migrations.
Rational Design of Porous Nanofiber Adsorbent by Blow‐Spinning with Ultrahigh Uranium Recovery Capacity from Seawater
Authors: Yuan Yihui , Zhao Shilei , Wen Jun , Wang Dong , Guo Xiwei , Xu Liangliang , Wang Xiaolin , Wang Ning
Published: November 2018

Highly efficient recovery of uranium from seawater is of great concern because of the growing demand for nuclear energy. The use of amidoxime‐based polymeric fiber adsorbents is considered to be a promising approach because of their relatively high specificity and affinity to uranyl. The surface area, hydrophility, and surface charge of the adsorbent are reported to be critical factors that influence uranium recovery efficiency. Here, a porous amidoxime‐based nanofiber adsorbent (SMON–PAO) that exhibits the highest uranium recovery capacity among the existing fiber adsorbents both in 8 ppm uranium spiked seawater (1089.36 ± 64.31 mg‐U per g‐Ads) and in natural seawater (9.59 ± 0.64 mg‐U per g‐Ads) is prepared by blow spinning. These nanofibers are obtained by compositing polyacrylamidoxime with montmorillonite and exhibit the increased surface area and more exposed functional amidoxime moieties for uranyl adsorption. The residual montmorillonite enhances the hydrophility and reduces the negative surface charge, thereby increasing the contact of the adsorbent with seawater and reducing the charge repulsion between negative amidoxime group and negative uranyl species ([UO2(CO3)3]4−). The finding of this study indicates that rational design of uranium recovery adsorbents by comprehensive utilizing the key factors that influence uranium recovery performance is a promising approach for developing economically feasible uranium recovery materials.
Creep life assessment craze damage evolution of polyethylene methacrylate
Authors: Gao Zongzhan , Liu Wei , Li QingHai , Yue ZhuFeng
Published: November 2018

Tests have been conducted to investigate the influence of temperature, stress, and crazing for polyethylene methacrylate (PMMA) creep life. Creep life decreases with stress in a logarithmic relation, and rupture strains increase with decreasing stress. To assess the creep life of PMMA, the Larson–Miller parameter is first introduced to correlate stress and temperature with rupture time. The important role of crazing in polymer material damage, especially, the craze density and craze growth rate in the stable creep stage, is demonstrated. The craze initiation time is related to the tensile strength and to the stress and temperature at the elastic limit, and the craze initiation time can be predicted by an empirical model subsequently presented in this paper. Based on the connection between craze growth and creep rupture time, thereafter, a modified Monkman–Grant model is presented to predict creep life. The curve of craze density over creep time has the same two distinct stages as the curve of strain over time. In the final sections, a critical assessment of creep damage is also presented to provide a convenient method to predict residual life using only craze density.
Slippery Surface Based on Photoelectric Responsive Nanoporous Composites with Optimal Wettability Region for Droplets' Multifunctional Manipulation
Authors: Han Keyu , Heng Liping , Zhang Yuqi , Liu Yao , Jiang Lei
Published: November 2018

The development of responsive slippery surfaces is important because of the high demand for such materials in the fields of liquid manipulation on biochips, microfluidics, microreactions, and liquid‐harvesting devices. Although great progress has been achieved, the effect of substrate wettability on slippery surfaces stability is overlooked by scientists. In addition, current responsive slippery surfaces generally function utilizing single external stimuli just for imprecisely controlling liquid motion, while advanced intelligences are always expected to be integrated into one smart interface material for widespread multifunctional applications. Therefore, designing slippery surfaces that collaboratively respond to complex external stimuli and possess sophisticated composite function for expanding applications from controlling droplets motion to patterned writing is urgently needed but remains a challenge. Here, a photoelectric cooperative‐responsive slippery surface based on ZnO nanoporous composites is demonstrated. First, the effect of composite surface wettability on slippery surface stability is systematically researched and the optimum wettability region for fabricating stable slippery surfaces is determined. Furthermore, controllable droplet motion and patterned writing are realized on the same slippery surfaces under photoelectric cooperative stimuli, and the related response mechanism is also deeply studied. This kind of material has potential applications in biochips, microfluidics, in situ patterning, and water‐harvesting systems.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for adult patients with isolated NPM1 mutated acute myeloid leukemia in first remission
Authors: Poiré Xavier , Labopin Myriam , Polge Emmanuelle , Blaise Didier , Chevallier Patrice , Maertens Johan , Deconinck Eric , Forcade Edouard , Rambaldi Alessandro , Baerlocher Gabriela M. , Zuckerman Tsila , Volin Liisa , Schouten Harry C. , Ifrah Norbert , Mohty Mohamad , Esteve Jordi , Nagler Arnon
Published: November 2018

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first remission (CR1) with isolated NPM1 mutation (iNPM1m) is considered a good prognosis genotype, although up to one‐third relapse. To evaluate the best transplant strategy, we retrospectively compared autologous stem cell transplantation (auto‐SCT), related (MSD), and fully matched unrelated (MUD) allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT). We identified 256 adult patients including 125 auto‐SCT, 72 MSD, and 59 MUD. The 2‐year leukemia‐free survival (LFS) was 62% in auto‐SCT, 69% in MUD, and 81% in MSD (P = .02 for MSD vs others). The 2‐year overall survival (OS) was not different among auto‐SCT, MUD, and MSD, reaching 83% (P = .88). The 2‐year non‐relapse mortality (NRM) was 2.5% in auto‐SCT and 7.5% in allo‐SCT (P = .04). The 2‐year cumulative incidence of relapse (RI) was higher after auto‐SCT (30%) than after MUD (22%) and MSD (12%, P = .01). In multivariate analysis, MSD versus auto‐SCT but not MUD versus auto‐SCT was associated with lower RI (P < .01 and P = .13, respectively) and better LFS (P = .01 and P = .31, respectively). Age correlated with higher NRM (P < .01). Allo‐SCT using MSD appears as a reasonable transplant option for young patients with iNPM1m AML in CR1. Auto‐SCT was followed by worse RI and LFS, but similar OS to both allo‐SCT modalities.
Double Ring‐Expanding Carbonylation Using an In Situ Generated Aluminum Phthalocyanine Cobalt Carbonyl Complex
Authors: Jiang Jianwei , Rajendiran Senkuttuvan , Yoon Sungho
Published: November 2018

The ring‐expanding carbonylation of epoxides provides an efficient one‐step procedure for synthesizing β‐lactones and succinic anhydride derivatives. Although porphyrin‐based catalysts generally show excellent catalytic activities in the ring‐expanding carbonylation of epoxides, the application of porphyrin catalysts is limited owing to the low yield and high cost of preparing porphyrins. This study aims to propose a new and highly efficient catalytic system for the carbonylation of propylene oxide (PO) using an in situ generated active catalyst from cost‐effective and readily available aluminum phthalocyanine chloride (AlPcCl) and dicobalt octacarbonyl (Co2(CO)8). The catalyst showed not only excellent catalytic activities of single carbonylation but also double carbonylation resulting in anhydride by judicious choice of reaction parameters, such as reaction temperature and the ratio of PO to catalyst. This is the first report on the use of an in situ generated catalyst for the one‐pot double carbonylation of epoxide to anhydride.
Chiral Sulfide Catalysis for Desymmetrizing Enantioselective Chlorination
Authors: Cao Qingxiang , Luo Jie , Zhao Xiaodan
Published: November 2018

An unprecendented chiral sulfide catalyzed desymmetrizing enantioselective chlorination is disclosed. Various aryl‐tethered diolefins and diaryl‐tethered olefins afforded teralins and tricyclic hexahydrophenalene derivatives, respectively, bearing multiple stereogenic centers in high yields with excellent enantio‐ and diastereoselectivities. In contrast, the tertiary amine catalyst (DHQD)2PHAL led to a diastereomeric product. The products could be transformed into a variety of compounds, such as spiro‐N‐heterocycles.
Synthesis of Gossypium hirsutum‐derived silver nanoparticles and their antibacterial efficacy against plant pathogens
Authors: Vanti Gulamnabi L. , Nargund Vijendra B. , N Basavesha K. , Vanarchi Rajinikanth , Kurjogi Mahantesh , Mulla Sikandar I. , Tubaki Suresh , Patil Rajashekar R.
Published: November 2018

Malvaceae and Brassicaceae family crops are economically important; however, their production has been markedly decreased in recent years due to various plant pests. Hence, the search for novel classes of efficient biological approaches continues due to unavailability of precise pesticides. The present study was designed to synthesize, characterize and evaluate the efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) obtained using stem extract of Gossypium hirsutum (cotton plant) against plant pathogens Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. malvacearum and Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. Biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV–visible spectrophotometry, Dynamic Light Scattering, Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The synthesized AgNPs were spherical in shape with size ranging from 20 to 100 nm. The characterized AgNPs were investigated for their efficacy against bacterial plant pathogens using the paper disc method. In vitro studies with two concentrations of AgNPs (50 and 100 μg mL−1) showed zone of inhibition 11.0 ± 1.0 and 12.3 ± 0.5 mm for X. axonopodis pv. malvacearum and 9.7 ± 0.6 and 15.33 ± 1.0 mm for X. campestris pv. campestris. Furthermore, the AgNPs exhibited strong antioxidant activity, and a phytotoxicity study on Vigna unguiculata (cowpea plant) showed no toxicity. Overall, the findings suggest that G. hirsutum stem extract could be efficiently used in the synthesis of AgNPs and showed antimicrobial activity against plant pathogens. Hence, the synthesized nanoparticles could be used to combat plant pathogens in the agriculture sector.
Influence of imide functionalized organo‐modified Mg‐Al layered double hydroxide on the thermal and mechanical properties of new aliphatic‐aromatic poly (amide‐imide)
Authors: Hajibeygi Mohsen , Shafiei‐Navid Saeid , Shabanian Meisam
Published: November 2018

A new dicarboxylic acid modified Mg‐Al LDH (DLDH) containing imide groups was prepared and its effects on the thermal and mechanical properties of the new synthesized aliphatic‐aromatic poly (amide‐imide) (PAI) were investigated via preparation of PAI/nanocomposite films by solution casting method. The results of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed a uniform dispersion for LDH layers into the PAI matrix. For comparison, the effects of polyacrylic acid‐co‐poly‐2‐acrylamido‐ 2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid (PAMPS‐co‐PAA) modified Mg‐Al LDH (ALDH) on the PAI properties were also studied. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results exhibited that the temperature at 5 mass% loss (T5) increased from 277 °C to 310 °C for nanocomposite containing 2 mass% of DLDH, while T5 for nanocomposite containing 2 mass% of ALDH increased to 320 °C, along with the more enhancement of char residue compared to the neat PAI. According to the tensile test results, with 5 mass% DLDH loading in the PAI matrix, the tensile strength increased from 51.6 to 70.8 MPa along with an increase in Young's modulus. Also the Young's modulus of PAI nanocomposite containing 5 mass% ALDH reduced from 1.95 to 0.81 GPa.
Synthesis, characterization and catalytic performance of core‐shell structure magnetic Fe3O4/P(GMA‐EGDMA)‐NH2/HPG‐COOH‐Pd catalyst
Authors: Ma Mingliang , Yang Yuying , Liao Dili , Lyu Ping , Zhang Jinwei , Liang Jianli , Zhang Lizhi
Published: November 2018

A strategy has been developed for the synthesis, characterization and catalysis of magnetic Fe3O4/P(GMA‐EGDMA)‐NH2/HPG‐COOH‐Pd core‐shell structure supported catalyst. The P(GMA‐EGDMA) polymer layer was coated on the surface of hollow magnetic Fe3O4 microspheres through the effect of KH570. The core‐shell magnetic Fe3O4/P(GMA‐EGDMA) modified by ‐NH2 could be grafted with HPG. Then, the hyperbranched glycidyl (HPG) with terminal ‐OH were modified by ‐COOH and adsorbed Pd nanoparticles. The hyperbranched polymer layer not only protected the Fe3O4 magnetic core from acid–base substrate corrosion, but also provided a number of functional groups as binding sites for Pd nanoparticles. The prepared catalyst was characterized by UV–vis, TEM, SEM, FTIR, TGA, ICP‐OES, BET, XRD, DLS and VSM. The catalytic tests showed that the magnetic Fe3O4/P(GMA‐EGDMA)‐NH2/HPG‐COOH‐Pd catalyst had excellent catalytic performance and retained 86% catalytic efficiency after 8 consecutive cycles.
Water channel activity of putative aquaporin‐6 present in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Sreedharan Sandhya , Sankaranarayanan Kavitha
Published: November 2018

Aquaporins (AQPs) are integral membrane channels that facilitate the bidirectional transport of water and sometimes other small solutes across biological membranes. AQPs are important in mediating environmental adaptations in mosquitoes and are considered as a novel target for the development of effective insecticides against mosquitoes. Here, we expressed Aedes aegypti AQP6 (
AaAQP6) in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells and analyzed the water permeability by a conventional swelling assay, that is, a real‐time change in cell size corresponding to the cell swelling induced by hyposmotic solution. The swelling assay revealed that
AaAQP6 is a mercury‐sensitive water channel. Gene expression studies showed that
AaAQP6 is highly expressed in the pupae than other developmental stages. Heterologous expression of
AaAQP6 in HEK cell was mainly observed intracellularly suggesting
AaAQP6 possibly could be a subcellular water channel and may play an osmoregulatory function in the pupae of
A. aegypti.
Magnetic field modelling and analysis of uncertainty in archaeological geophysics
Authors: Schettino Antonio , Ghezzi Annalisa , Pierantoni Pietro Paolo
Published: November 2018

One of the major problems in the forward modelling of magnetic anomalies is the assessment of a minimum level of acceptable accuracy in the fit between observed and theoretical anomalies. We present a new approach to the analysis and interpretation of archaeological magnetic anomalies, based on classical algorithms of forward modelling and a new technique of error assessment. This approach allows us to determine geometry, physical properties, and location of buried archaeological features, as well as the occurrence of fires or other historical events that may have affected the observed magnetic signal. Our method starts from the acquisition of total field data, usually in a regular grid arrangement, and proceeds through their reduction to archaeological magnetic anomalies. This reduction is performed subtracting from the observed total field data a polynomial representation of the regional field, on the basis of a rigorous criterion that tries to separate archaeological anomalies from geological (crustal) contributions. At the next step, a map of the maximum allowed misfit is built, which depends from the estimated uncertainty at each point of the magnetic anomaly field. This map specifies the maximum allowed deviation of theoretical anomalies from the observed values. The last step is the analysis of these anomalies through a new forward modelling tool, with the objective to reconstruct the three‐dimensional arrangement of buried features and possibly obtain some information about the history.
A new derivatization method for the determination of valproic acid in serum using tetramethylammonium hydroxide as a catalyst
Authors: Mao Guifu , Zhao Kun , Sun Shusen , Lu Yanxia , Li Xingang
Published: November 2018

Valproic acid (VPA) pharmacokinetics is highly variable and monitoring of blood levels is necessary to determine its appropriate dosage. This study aimed to establish and validate a novel derivatization method for the determination of VPA. The method was based on the catalytic effect of tetramethylammonium hydroxide using 2,4′‐dibromoacetophenone as a derivatization reagent. After derivatization, samples were injected into the HPLC system for analysis. The method showed a good linearity in the range of 1.0–200.7 μg mL−1, and the limit of quantification was 1 μg mL−1. All values of the accuracy and relative standard deviations were acceptable for the analyses of biological samples. The recoveries were in the range from 91.6 to 97.4% for VPA with RSD <3.9%. A novel and high conversion‐rate derivatization method has been developed and validated for the determination of VPA in human serum. It can be applied to the analysis of VPA in clinic serum samples.
Influence of Linker Length on Ligase‐Catalyzed Oligonucleotide Polymerization
Authors: Guo Chun , Mahdavi‐Amiri Yasaman , Hili Ryan
Published: November 2018

Ligase‐catalyzed oligonucleotide polymerization (LOOPER) that enables the sequence‐defined generation of DNA with up to 16 different modifications has recently been developed. This approach was used to develop new classes of diversely modified DNA aptamers for molecular recognition through in vitro evolution. The modifications in LOOPER are appended by use of a long hexane‐1,6‐diamine linker, which could negatively impact binding thermodynamics. Here we explore the incorporation of modifications with the aid of shorter linkers and the use of commercially available phosphoramidites and assess their efficiency and fidelity of incorporation. We observed that shorter linkers are less tolerated during LOOPER, with very short linkers providing high levels of error and sequence bias. An ethane‐1,2‐diamine linker was found to be optimal in terms of yield, efficiency, and bias; however, codon adjustment was necessary. This shorter‐linker anticodon set for LOOPER should prove valuable in exploring the impact of diverse chemical modifications on the molecular function of DNA.
Complex robotic compared to manual coronary interventions: 6‐ and 12‐month outcomes
Authors: Walters Daniel , Reeves Ryan R. , Patel Mitul , Naghi Jesse , Ang Lawrence , Mahmud Ehtisham
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To assess the long‐term safety and efficacy of robotic percutaneous coronary revascularization for use in complex coronary lesions.

Background

Robotically assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is safe and feasible in simple coronary lesions and has excellent short‐term procedural and clinical outcomes for complex lesions; however, long‐term safety and efficacy outcomes are unknown.

Methods

A total of 103 consecutive patients underwent a total of 108 robotic (R)‐PCI procedures (age 68.1; 78.3% male) over 18 months, and 210 patients underwent a total of 226 manual (M)‐PCI procedures (age 67.5; 78.1% male) during the same period. Patients were subsequently followed and both 6‐month and 12‐month major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), comprised of any death, stroke, myocardial infarction, or target vessel revascularization, are reported and compared.

Results

There was no difference between the two groups with regard to overall MACE at 6 months (R‐PCI 5.8% vs. M‐PCI 3.3%, P = 0.51) or at 12 months (R‐PCI 7.8% vs. M‐PCI 8.1%, P = 0.92). There was no difference between the individual components of the primary combined endpoint at either time point. No access site complications occurred in either cohort that met BARC III or higher criteria.

Conclusions

At the 6‐ and 12‐month time points following R‐PCI, no difference in clinical outcomes or safety measures was observed as compared to M‐PCI.