bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Algorithm method for solving the split general system of variational inequalities problem and fixed point problem of nonexpansive mapping with application
Authors: Siriyan Keerati , Kangtunyakarn Atid
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this research is to introduce the split general system of variational inequalities problem, by using the concept of the general system of variational inequalities problem in Ceng et al. Then, we establish and prove a strong convergence theorem for finding a common element of the set of solutions of this problem and the set of fixed points of a nonexpansive mapping for the first time in this research. By using our main theorem, strong convergence theorems of the split feasibility problem, the split variational inequality problem, and the minimization problem are obtained, respectively. In order to show the potential of our main result, we give three numerical examples of these classical problems introduced by previous studies, with the numerical example of our main theorem to compare the rate of convergence.
Oral Immunotherapy with a Phosphorylated Hypoallergenic Allergen Ameliorates Allergic Responses More Effectively Than Intact Allergen in a Murine Model of Buckwheat Allergy
Authors: Katayama Shigeru , Yamaguchi Daiki , Suzuki Yuta , Athamneh Ahmad M. Al , Mitani Takakazu , Satoh Rie , Teshima Reiko , Mine Yoshinori , Nakamura Soichiro
Published: August 2018

Scope

Buckwheat is a common food allergen frequently consumed in Asian countries, with Fag e 1 and Fag e 2 being the major buckwheat allergens. The purpose of this study is to prepare an oral immunotherapy agent by attenuating these allergens via phosphorylation. The immunomodulatory effects of phosphorylated Fag e 2 (P‐Fag e 2) in a mouse model of buckwheat allergy are evaluated.

Methods and results

Phosphorylated Fag e 1 (P‐Fag e 1) and P‐Fag e 2 are prepared by dry‐heating in the presence of pyrophosphate. Subsequent dot‐blot analysis using serum from food‐allergic patient indicates that both proteins exhibit reduced allergenicity upon phosphorylation. Mice subjected to oral administration of P‐Fag e 2 for 6 weeks exhibit decreased specific serum IgE and increased specific IgA after Fag e 2 sensitization compared to the sham‐treated mice. Moreover, the Peyer's patches (PP) of phosphorylated antigen‐fed mice show decreased IL‐4 production and induction of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. Increased production of IL‐6 is observed in the CD11c+ cells isolated from the PPs of P‐Fag e 2‐fed mice.

Conclusion

These results indicate that attenuated allergens can suppress Th2‐induced allergic responses via induction of Tfh cells, which are regulated by IL‐6 secreted from dendritic cells.
Medication taking in people with hip and knee osteoarthritis: An analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Smith Toby O. , Kemp Andrew , Twigg Michael J.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent condition seen across primary care services. Although evidence‐based guidelines have encouraged the prescription of medications, including analgesics, for this population, there remains uncertainty as to which types of individuals actually take prescribed or over‐the‐counter medications. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether there is a difference in characteristics between people who take medicines for OA compared with those who do not.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) cohort was undertaken. Individuals who reported hip and/or knee OA pain were included. Data on medication taking were self‐reported and collected as part of the ELSA data collection programme. Logistic regression analyses were undertaken to determine the relationship between potential predictors (demographic, pathology‐specific, psychological, social and functional) and whether individuals took medications for their OA symptoms.

Results

A total of 654 participants reported OA: 543 medicine takers and 111 nontakers. Individuals who had access to a car (odds ratio [OR]: 56.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.35 to 941.36), those with a greater duration of hip pain (OR: 5.79; 95% CI: 1.40 to 24.0) and those who achieved 10 chair raises at greater speed (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.14) were more likely to take OA medicines.

Conclusions

The study identified predictors for medication taking in individuals with hip and/or knee OA. Strategies are now warranted to provide better support to these individuals, to improve health and well‐being for this long‐term, disabling condition.
Care2Cure: A randomized controlled trial protocol for evaluating nurse case management to improve the hepatitis C care continuum within HIV primary care
Authors: Starbird Laura E. , Han Hae‐Ra , Sulkowski Mark S. , Budhathoki Chakra , Reynolds Nancy R. , Farley Jason E.
Published: August 2018

Co‐infection with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) results in a threefold increase in relative risk of progression to end stage liver disease and cirrhosis compared to HCV alone. Although curative treatments exist, less than one quarter of people with HCV are linked to care, and even fewer have received treatment. The Care2Cure study is a single‐blinded, randomized controlled trial to improve the HCV care continuum among people co‐infected with HIV. This ongoing study was designed to test whether a nurse case management intervention can (i) improve linkage to HCV care and (ii) decrease time to HCV treatment initiation among 70 adults co‐infected with HIV who are not engaged in HCV care. The intervention is informed by the Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Services Use and consists of nurse‐initiated referral, strengths‐based education, patient navigation, appointment reminders, and care coordination for drug–drug interactions in the setting of HIV primary care. Validated instruments are used to measure participant characteristics including HCV knowledge, substance use, and depression. The primary outcome is linkage to HCV care (yes/no) within 60 days. In this protocol paper, we describe the first clinical trial to examine the effects of a nurse case management intervention to improve the HCV care continuum among people co‐infected with HIV/HCV in the era of all‐oral HCV treatment. We describe our work in progress, challenges encountered, and strategies to engage this hard‐to‐reach population.
SouthAfrica's integration efforts within theSouthernAfricanDevelopmentCommunity:Regional supremacy or coalition?
Authors: Mlambo Daniel N. , Ogunnubi Olusola
Published: August 2018

Regional integration has manifested itself to be an integral part of Africa's postcolonial economic growth blueprints. It was viewed as a mechanism for African states to enhance their development and work collectively, improve their cooperation, and enhance peace and security. Nevertheless, regional integration initiatives are often seen to succeed when spearheaded by regional hegemons. By narrowing this to southern Africa, from 1994 after the first‐ever democratic elections and after also becoming a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South Africa was regarded as a state capable of spearheading regional integration. This was a result of its relatively robust economy and military power in comparison with other SADC states. As a result, it was poised to utilize these vast resources to the benefit of the SADC. However, over the last two and a half decades, its regional stance has often come under a lot of scrutinizing due to its ambiguous foreign policy doctrine, particularly in southern Africa. Basically, its post‐1994 foreign policy projections towards the region have often not been implemented as attested and have often lacked clear articulation. Nevertheless, this paper argues that South Africa has made positive strides in the SADC's regional integration endeavors post its democratic transition. Its vast regional investments and diplomatic and military interventions have played a crucial role in the development and security reforms in the region. Although it is portrayed as a regional hegemon, it has nevertheless used its regional standpoint to the benefit of the region and further contributed to regional integration post the apartheid era.
Outcome of Wilms tumor patients with bone metastasis enrolled on National Wilms Tumor Studies 1‐5: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Iaboni Douglas S. M. , Chi Yueh‐Yun , Kim Yeonil , Dome Jeffrey S. , Fernandez Conrad V.
Published: August 2018

Background

Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common renal tumor in children. We describe the outcomes for patients with WT that metastasized to bone (WTBM) to assist in decision making for these uncommon patients.

Procedure

We retrospectively reviewed the research records of patients identified with WTBM from the National Wilms Tumor Study (NWTS 1–5) database. We then related overall survival (OS) to histology, chemotherapy, radiation therapy to bone, location of metastasis, and when bone metastasis presented.

Results

Thirty‐eight of 8609 patients enrolled on NWTS 1‐5 (0.44%) developed bone metastasis. Bone metastasis most commonly first occurred at progression or relapse (29/38, 76%). Five of thirty‐eight survived (13%) with the 5‐year OS following presentation of bone metastasis of 14.3% (95% CI: 2.7–25.8%). The primary cause of death was tumor (29/33, 88%). Of those who died, the median survival time was 10.9 months (range 0.49–61.4). Four of nine (44%) patients presenting at diagnosis and 3% (1/29) of patients presenting in progression or relapse survived (P = 0.0075). Nineteen percent (5/26) of patients with favorable histology and 0% (0/12) with anaplastic histology survived (P = 0.16). Of the five survivors, median follow‐up was 14 years (range 6.7–23.8). Radiation to metastatic bone sites was recorded in three of five survivors. No consistent chemotherapeutic approach appeared to be associated with disease outcome.

Conclusion

Bone metastasis is rare in patients with WT, occurring more commonly in progression or relapse than at initial diagnosis. Patients with WTBM have poor prognosis. We could not identify a consistent chemotherapeutic strategy associated with survival.
Total content of kaurene diterpenes in Annona vepretorum stems via 1H qNMR: A method for speeding the identification of bioactive extracts
Authors: de Souza Araújo Camila , de Oliveira Ana Paula , da Conceição Santos Alan Diego , Guimarães Amanda Leite , dos Santos Silva Naiane Darklei , Queiroz Mário Adriano Ávila , da Cruz Araújo Edigênia Cavalcante , da Silva Almeida Jackson Roberto Guedes
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Kaurene diterpenes (KDs) constitute a chemical class often found in the genus Annona with interesting biological activities. To date, chromatographic tools have been mostly used to determine KDs. Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) has distinguished itself in quantitative estimation of natural products and is an interesting choice to assess total KD contents.

Objective

To establish a 1H qNMR method for determining the total KD contents in extracts and fractions obtained from Annona vepretorum stems.

Methodology

Stems were extracted with hexane and methanol, resulting in the hexane extract (HEX‐E) and the methanol extract (MeOH‐E). The former was partitioned with the acid–base method to obtain the total alkaloid fraction (TA‐F) and the neutral dichloromethane fraction (NDM‐F). 1H qNMR measurements were performed on 400 MHz with samples solubilized in deuterated dimethyl sulfoxide. Quantification was carried out using the signals at 4.71 and 4.78 ppm related to hydrogens of the exocyclic double bond of the basic skeleton of KDs and gallic acid as the standard reference. The selectivity, intra‐ and inter‐day precision, reproducibility, limit of detection, limit of quantification, and robustness of the methodology were evaluated.

Results

Using the newly developed method, the total KD contents (in μg/mg) were 653.80 ± 12.15 (HEX‐E), 458.90 ± 25.94 (NDM‐F), 375.60 ± 27.52 (TA‐F), and 315.10 ± 19.20 (MeOH‐E). For determining the most promising bioactive sample, the KD contents and the sample discriminations obtained by principal component analysis were correlated to the antibacterial activity. Such approach pointed out HEX‐E as a potential source of KDs.

Conclusion

The developed method offers a fast and simple way of determining total KD contents.
A Sequential Debonding Fracture Model for Hydrogen‐Bonded Hydrogels
Authors: Xin Hai , Oveissi Farshad , Naficy Sina , Spinks Geoffrey M.
Published: August 2018

Hydrogen bonds are known to play an important role in prescribing the mechanical performance of certain hydrogels such as polyether‐based polyurethanes. The quantitative contribution of hydrogen bonds to the toughness of polymer networks, however, has not been elucidated to date. Here, a new physical model is developed to predict the threshold fracture energies of hydrogels physically crosslinked via hydrogen bonds. The model is based on consecutive and sequential dissociation of hydrogen‐bonded crosslinks during crack propagation. It is proposed that the scission of hydrogen bonds during crack propagation allows polymer strands in the deformation zone to partially relax and release stored elastic energy. The summation of these partial chain relaxations leads to amplified threshold fracture energies which are 10–45 times larger than those predicted by the classical Lake–Thomas theory. Experiments were performed on a hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel where urea additions were used to control the density of hydrogen bonds. The measured fracture energies were in good agreement with the calculated values. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1287–1293
Nanocomposite smart hydrogels with improved responsiveness and mechanical properties: A mini review
Authors: Liu Zhuang , Faraj Yousef , Ju Xiao‐Jie , Wang Wei , Xie Rui , Chu Liang‐Yin
Published: August 2018

Responsive hydrogels have the ability to change their volume, transparency, or other properties in response to external chemical and/or physical stimuli. The responsiveness properties including responsive rate and degree, as well as mechanical properties such as Young's modulus, toughness, breaking strength, and breaking strain are crucial parameters of the smart hydrogels that determine the scope of hydrogel applications such as soft actuators, artificial muscles, and tissue engineering scaffolds. In this paper, the development of the nanocomposite smart hydrogels, which can achieve both improved responsiveness and mechanical properties, is reviewed. First, the fabrication approaches for building the nanocomposite networks by doping organic or inorganic nanomaterials via crosslinking or blending strategies are introduced. Then, the mechanisms used to improve both responsiveness and mechanical properties of nanocomposite responsive hydrogels are discussed. Finally, the perspectives as well as current challenges of such nanocomposite responsive hydrogels are addressed. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1306–1313
Quantitative chest computerized tomography and FEV1equally identify pulmonary exacerbation risk in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Sanders Don B. , Li Zhanhai , Parker‐McGill Katelyn , Farrell Philip , Brody Alan S.
Published: August 2018

Background

Chest computerized tomography (CT) scores are associated with the frequency of future pulmonary exacerbations in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, cut‐off values to identify children with mild lung disease with different risks for frequent future pulmonary exacerbations have not been identified.

Methods

Chest CT scans were assessed using the Brody score for participants of the Pulmozyme Early Intervention Trial (PEIT) and Wisconsin Randomized Clinical Trial of CF Newborn Screening (WI RCT). We determined the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for Brody scores and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) to compare with the frequency of pulmonary exacerbations up to 10 years later.

Results

There were 60 participants in the PEIT with mean (SD) age 10.6 (1.7) years at the time of the CT and 81 participants in the WI RCT with mean age 11.5 (3.0) years. The Brody score cut‐off that best identified children at‐risk for ≥0.3 annual pulmonary exacerbations was 3.6 in the PEIT and 2.1 in the WI RCT. There were no statistical differences between ROC curves for the Brody CT score and FEV1% predicted in either study (P ≥ 0.4).

Conclusions

CT score cut‐off values that identify children with CF with mild lung disease at different risks for frequent pulmonary exacerbations over an extended follow up period are similar in separate cohorts. Brody scores and FEV1% predicted have similar abilities to identify these children, suggesting that FEV1% predicted alone may be adequate for predicting future frequency of pulmonary exacerbations.
On the Evaluation of the Average Crystalline Size and Surface Area of Platinum Catalyst Nanoparticles
Authors: Leontyev Igor N. , Kuriganova Alexandra B. , Allix Mathieu , Rakhmatullin Aydar , Timoshenko Pavel E. , Maslova Olga A. , Mikheykin Alexey S. , Smirnova Nina V.
Published: August 2018

In the present work, the effect of grain size distribution on the diffraction profile shape is inspected via analysis of the mutual ratio of Lorentz and Gauss components in pseudo‐Voigt function which is used for simulating X‐ray profiles of nanoparticles. As established from the plotted dependences, the error in the average Pt nanoparticles size determination reaches 56% and the discrepancy between calculated Pt nanoparticle surface areas attains 60%. Furthermore, the determination error becomes greater with increasing the Lorentz contribution to pseudo‐Voigt function, or, in fact, with enlarging particle size distribution. The empirically found electrochemical surface area of Pt/C electrocatalyst is compared with that evaluated from XRD data using the Scherrer formula and particle size distribution data analysis.
Dative bonds versus electron solvation in tri‐coordinated beryllium complexes: Be(CX)3 [X = O, S, Se, Te, Po] and Be(PH3)3 versus Be(NH3)3
Authors: Ariyarathna Isuru R. , Miliordos Evangelos
Published: August 2018

Abstact

The formation mechanism and bonding scheme for the titled molecules is proposed based on high‐level theoretical calculations. All species are formed via three dative bonds from the ligands to Be. For Be(CX)3 [X = O, S, Se, Te, Po] species and Be(PH3)3 the two electrons of beryllium are promoted from 2s to 2p facilitating these bonds. At the same time, electronic density is donated toward the ligands via the π‐frame. In contrast, ammonia partly solvates the valence 2s electrons of Be, which are delocalized in the periphery of the molecule. Based on the proton affinity of all of these complexes and their derivatives, we found that they are strong Lewis bases. For example, Be(PMe3)3 is stronger than ammonia and its ethyl substituted analogue and could serve as the basis of more efficient frustrated Lewis pairs.
Coupled cluster theory with the polarizable continuum model of solvation
Authors: Caricato Marco
Published: August 2018

The environment may significantly affect molecular properties. Thus, it is desirable to account explicitly for these effects on the wave function and its derivatives, especially when the latter are evaluated with accurate methods, such as those belonging to coupled cluster (CC) theory. In this tutorial review, we discuss how to combine CC methods with the polarizable continuum model of solvation (PCM). We describe useful approximations that include the solvent response to the correlation and excited state equations while maintaining the computational cost comparable to in vacuo calculations. Although applied to PCM, the theoretical framework presented in this review is general and can be used with any polarizable embedding model. Representative applications of the CC‐PCM method to ground and excited state properties of solvated molecules are presented, and comparisons with experiment, and between the full and approximate schemes are discussed.
High‐sensitivity sulfur isotopic measurements for Antarctic ice core analyses
Authors: Takahashi Kazuya , Nakai Yoichi , Motizuki Yuko , Ino Toshiyuki , Ito Shigeru , Ohkubo Satoru B. , Minami Takeshi , Takaku Yuichi , Yamaguchi Yoshitaka , Tanaka Miho , Motoyama Hideaki
Published: August 2018

Rationale

Sulfur is widely distributed in nature, and sulfur isotopic measurements have been applied to elucidate the origin and transport of sulfuric compounds in the lithosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere. Analyses of samples containing small amounts of sulfur, such as the Antarctic ice core samples analyzed herein, require a high‐sensitivity analytical method.

Methods

We developed a high‐sensitivity sulfur isotopic ratio (δ34S value) analytical system equipped with an elemental analyzer, a cryo‐flow device, and an isotope ratio mass spectrometer, and established a measurement and calibration procedure.

Results

Using this system, we precisely measured the δ34S values of samples containing 5–40 nmol sulfate. Test runs were performed on samples from the Antarctic shallow ice core DF01, and the data obtained were consistent with those obtained by previous studies that reported δ34S values for Antarctic snow and ice samples of more than 200 g (containing more than 150 nmol sulfate). Among the analyzed samples, one showed a peak sulfate concentration in its depth profile that is considered to have resulted from a large volcanic eruption. The δ34S value obtained at that depth in the sample was distinct from values at other depths and consistent with reported values for volcanic sulfates.

Conclusions

The analytical system developed herein is a powerful tool for trace sulfur isotopic analyses. The results obtained from the DF01 ice core samples are the first step towards elucidating high‐time‐resolution (less than 1 year) paleo‐environmental changes by sulfur isotopic analyses.
MRI‐guided frameless biopsy robotic system with the inclusion of unfocused ultrasound transducer for brain cancer ablation
Authors: Giannakou Marinos , Yiallouras Christos , Menikou Georgios , Ioannides Cleanthis , Damianou Christakis
Published: August 2018

Background

A magnetic resonance image (MRI) guided robotic system dedicated for brain biopsy was developed. The robotic system carries a biopsy needle and a small rectangular unfocused, single element, planar ultrasonic transducer which can be potentially utilized to ablate small and localized brain cancer.

Materials and Methods

The robotic device includes six computer‐controlled axes. An agar‐based phantom was developed which included an olive that mimics brain target. A rectangular ultrasonic transducer operated at 4 MHz was used.

Results

The functionality of the robotic system was assessed by means of ultrasound imaging, MRI imaging, and MR thermometry, demonstrating effective targeting. The heating capabilities of the ultrasonic transducer were also evaluated.

Conclusions

A functional MRI‐guided robotic system was produced which can perform frameless brain biopsy. In the future, if a tumour is proven malignant, the needle can be pulled‐out and a small ultrasonic transducer can be inserted to ablate the tumour.
Rotavirus: Genetics, pathogenesis and vaccine advances
Authors: Sadiq Asma , Bostan Nazish , Yinda Kwe Claude , Naseem Saadia , Sattar Sadia
Published: August 2018

Since its discovery 40 years ago, rotavirus (RV) is considered to be a major cause of infant and childhood morbidity and mortality particularly in developing countries. Nearly every child in the world under 5 years of age is at the risk of RV infection. It is estimated that 90% of RV‐associated mortalities occur in developing countries of Africa and Asia. Two live oral vaccines, RotaTeq (RV5, Merck) and Rotarix (RV1, GlaxoSmithKline) have been successfully deployed to scale down the disease burden in Europe and America, but they are less effective in Africa and Asia. In April 2009, the World Health Organization recommended the inclusion of RV vaccination in national immunization programs of all countries with great emphasis in developing countries. To date, 86 countries have included RV vaccines into their national immunization programs including 41 Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization eligible countries. The predominant RV genotypes circulating all over the world are G1P[8], G2P[4], G3P[8], G4P[8], and G9P[8], while G12[P6] and G12[P8] are emerging genotypes. On account of the segmented genome, RV shows an enormous genetic diversity that leads to the evolution of new genotypes that can influence the efficacy of current vaccines. The current need is for a global RV surveillance program to monitor the prevalence and antigenic variability of new genotypes to formulate future vaccine development planning. In this review, we will summarize the previous and recent insights into RV structure, classification, and epidemiology and current status of RV vaccination around the globe and will also cover the status of RV research and vaccine policy in Pakistan.
Adaptive trajectory tracking control for VTOL‐UAVs with unknown inertia, gyro‐bias, and actuator LOE
Authors: Benrezki Rabie Riadh , Tayebi Abdelhamid , Tadjine Mohamed
Published: August 2018

This paper proposes an adaptive controller for the trajectory tracking problem of vertical take‐off and landing unmanned aerial vehicles with unknown inertia and gyro‐bias, in the presence of external disturbances and actuator loss of effectiveness. To achieve our control objective, first, an a priori bounded virtual control law, providing an a priori bounded thrust and desired attitude, is designed for the translational dynamics. Thereafter, the torque input is designed for the rotational dynamics to track the desired orientation derived in the first stage. The stability of the overall hierarchical closed‐loop system and the global convergence of the tracking errors to zero are rigorously established. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Sliding mode adaptive control for a class of nonlinear time‐varying systems
Authors: Meza‐Aguilar Marco , Loukianov Alexander G. , Rivera Jorge
Published: August 2018

In this work, the problem of designing a control scheme capable of controlling dynamical systems with unknown time‐varying parameters and disturbances is proposed. In contrast with other works, based on two techniques, ie, adaptive backstepping and sliding modes, an improved method that guarantees the output asymptotic tracking of a smooth reference signal, the stability of the closed‐loop system, and the identification errors' boundedness is developed. By means of sliding mode observers, the adaptation errors' required information is extracted and injected to adaptive laws. The behavior of the proposed control scheme is analyzed by the Lyapunov method. The performance of the proposed system is verified with an academic example.
Using United States Geological Survey stream gages to predict flow and temperature conditions to maintain freshwater mussel habitat
Authors: Cole Jeffrey C. , Townsend Philip A. , Eshleman Keith N. , St. John White Barbara , Galbraith Heather S. , Lellis William A.
Published: August 2018

Habitat conditions necessary to support freshwater mussels can be difficult to characterize and predict, particularly for rare or endangered species such as the federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon. In this study, we evaluate flow and temperature conditions in three areas of the mainstem Delaware River known to consistently support A. heterodon, and we develop predictive models using the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stream gages and thermal stations in order to identify conditions under which habitat alteration could threaten the species. Flow and temperature prediction models based on nearby existing USGS gage and thermal stations were predictive for all three sites. Both discharge prediction and water depth profile models indicate one location (Site 3) was the most vulnerable to low‐flow conditions as it requires the highest discharge rate (26.3 cms) at the USGS Callicoon gage to maintain both the full wetted perimeter (Pfull) and minimal wetted perimeter (Pmin) and prevent occlusion of areas that contain A. heterodon. Flow management targets aimed at protecting Site 3 should also protect Sites 1 and 2. Although analyses indicated significant benthic habitat available in all three sites even under low discharge rates, specific mussel locations could be vulnerable to dewatering and thermal stress if only Pmin values were maintained. Results indicate the magnitude of site temperature deviations from thermal stations varied by site and river temperature. In general, our results suggest that existing temperature and stream gage infrastructure may be used predictively to evaluate the effects of different flow targets on mainstem Delaware River A. heterodon habitat.
Photoelectron emission characteristics of iron surfaces scratched in different environments: Dependence on photon energy irradiation methods
Authors: Momose Yoshihiro , Sakurai Takao , Nakayama Keiji
Published: August 2018

The characteristics of photoelectron emission (PE) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy of iron surfaces scratched in different environments were investigated. The scratching environments were air, water, and organic liquids. The PE quantum yields (emitted electrons/photon), YFD and Ys, were obtained in 2 ways of irradiation of the surface with photon energies: during the light wavelength scan in the range of 300 to 200 nm at 25°C, 200°C, and 339°C and during temperature increase and subsequent decrease scans in the range of 25°C to 339°C under 210‐nm‐light irradiation, respectively. The equation YFD = αA (Ep − ϕ)2/2kB2, where αA is called the electron photoemission probability, A is identical to the Richardson constant, Ep is the incident photon energy, and ϕ is the photothreshold, was applied to the wavelength scan data to obtain αA and ϕ. Additionally, the emission intensity at 210‐nm wavelength (I210) and the total number of emitted electrons (NT) were obtained during the wavelength scan. Arrhenius activation energies obtained for αA, I210, and NT were ΔEαA = 0.113 to 0.074 eV, ΔE210 = 0.085 to 0.054 eV, and ΔENT = 0.088 to 0.053 eV, respectively. The ΔE210 and ΔENT increased with ΔEαA. The dependence of ΔE210, ΔENT, and ΔEαA on the environments was completely different from that of ΔEaUp1 values for the Ys during the temperature increase scan (Up1 scan), which were previously reported to be in the 0.212‐ to 0.035‐eV range. The PE characteristics were explained from the dependence on the O1s component ratio of ZO = O2−/(OH− + O2−) and the acid‐base interaction between the surface Fe −OH groups and the molecules of the liquid environments.
Complete detoxification reaction by NO reduction with CO over nano‐sized copper‐substituted Cr2O3
Authors: Kerkar Rahul D. , Fal Desai Mithil S. , Salker Arun V.
Published: August 2018

Simultaneous detoxification of nitric oxide and carbon monoxide was investigated over fibrous pristine and copper‐substituted Cr2O3 catalysts. Catalysts were synthesized using glycine combustion method. The prepared catalysts were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectra, SEM‐energy‐dispersive X‐ray, transmission electron microscopy, XPS, H2‐temperature programmed reduction, and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller surface area measurement. Low concentration of Cu in Cr2O3 was found to improve the catalytic activity significantly. Cu substitution in Cr2O3 produced significant improvement in the catalytic activity for redox reactions studied. Stability and reproducibility of the catalysts were also investigated, which was found to show good stability and reproducibility of the catalyst.
Nanomechanics of Extracellular Vesicles Reveals Vesiculation Pathways
Authors: Sorkin Raya , Huisjes Rick , Bošković Filip , Vorselen Daan , Pignatelli Silvia , Ofir‐Birin Yifat , Freitas Leal Joames K. , Schiller Jürgen , Mullick Debakshi , Roos Wouter H. , Bosman Giel , Regev‐Rudzki Neta , Schiffelers Raymond M. , Wuite Gijs J. L.
Published: August 2018

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as important mediators of cell–cell communication as well as potential disease biomarkers and drug delivery vehicles. However, the mechanical properties of these vesicles are largely unknown, and processes leading to microvesicle‐shedding from the plasma membrane are not well understood. Here an in depth atomic force microscopy force spectroscopy study of the mechanical properties of natural EVs is presented. It is found that several natural vesicles of different origin have a different composition of lipids and proteins, but similar mechanical properties. However, vesicles generated by red blood cells (RBC) at different temperatures/incubation times are different mechanically. Quantifying the lipid content of EVs reveals that their stiffness decreases with the increase in their protein/lipid ratio. Further, by maintaining RBC at “extreme” nonphysiological conditions, the cells are pushed to utilize different vesicle generation pathways. It is found that RBCs can generate protein‐rich soft vesicles, possibly driven by protein aggregation, and low membrane–protein content stiff vesicles, likely driven by cytoskeleton‐induced buckling. Since similar cortical cytoskeleton to that of the RBC exists on the membranes of most mammalian cells, our findings help advancing the understanding of the fundamental process of vesicle generation.
Nanoconfined Nickel@Carbon Core–Shell Cocatalyst Promoting Highly Efficient Visible‐Light Photocatalytic H2 Production
Authors: Zhang Ke , Ran Jingrun , Zhu Bicheng , Ju Huanxin , Yu Jiaguo , Song Li , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: August 2018

The realization of large‐scale solar hydrogen (H2) production relies on the development of high‐performance and low‐cost photocatalysts driven by sunlight. Recently, cocatalysts have demonstrated immense potential in enhancing the activity and stability of photocatalysts. Hence, the rational design of highly active and inexpensive cocatalysts is of great significance. Here, a facile method is reported to synthesize Ni@C core–shell nanoparticles as a highly active cocatalyst. After merging Ni@C cocatalyst with CdS nanorod (NR), a tremendously enhanced visible‐light photocatalytic H2‐production performance of 76.1 mmol g−1 h−1 is achieved, accompanied with an outstanding quantum efficiency of 31.2% at 420 nm. The state‐of‐art characterizations (e.g., synchrotron‐based X‐ray absorption near edge structure) and theoretical calculations strongly support the presence of pronounced nanoconfinement effect in Ni@C core–shell nanoparticles, which leads to controlled Ni core size, intimate interfacial contact and rapid charge transfer, optimized electronic structure, and protection against chemical corrosion. Hence, the combination of nanoconfined Ni@C with CdS nanorod leads to significantly improved photocatalytic activity and stability. This work not only for the first time demonstrates the great potential of using highly active and inexpensive Ni@C core–shell structure to replace expensive Pt in photocatalysis but also opens new avenues for synthesizing cocatalyst/photocatalyst hybridized systems with excellent performance by introducing nanoconfinement effect.
Large‐Stroke Electrochemical Carbon Nanotube/Graphene Hybrid Yarn Muscles
Authors: Qiao Jian , Di Jiangtao , Zhou Susheng , Jin Kaiyun , Zeng Sha , Li Na , Fang Shaoli , Song Yanhui , Li Min , Baughman Ray H. , Li Qingwen
Published: August 2018

Artificial muscles are reported in which reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is trapped in the helical corridors of a carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn. When electrochemically driven in aqueous electrolytes, these coiled CNT/rGO yarn muscles can contract by 8.1%, which is over six times that of the previous results for CNT yarn muscles driven in an inorganic electrolyte (1.3%). They can contract to provide a final stress of over 14 MPa, which is about 40 times that of natural muscles. The hybrid yarn muscle shows a unique catch state, in which 95% of the contraction is retained for 1000 s following charging and subsequent disconnection from the power supply. Hence, they are unlike thermal muscles and natural muscles, which need to consume energy to maintain contraction. Additionally, these muscles can be reversibly cycled while lifting heavy loads.
Recent Advances in Materials and Design of Electrochemically Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Chen Xuncai , Zhou Zheng , Karahan Huseyin Enis , Shao Qian , Wei Li , Chen Yuan
Published: August 2018

The century‐old zinc–air (Zn–air) battery concept has been revived in the last decade due to its high theoretical energy density, environmental‐friendliness, affordability, and safety. Particularly, electrically rechargeable Zn–air battery technologies are of great importance for bulk applications like electric vehicles, grid management, and portable electronic devices. Nevertheless, Zn–air batteries are still not competitive enough to realize widespread practical adoption because of issues in efficiency, durability, and cycle life. Here, following an introduction to the fundamentals and performance testing techniques, the latest research progress related to electrically rechargeable Zn–air batteries is compiled, particularly new key findings in the last five years (2013–2018). The strategies concerning the development of Zn and air electrodes are in focus. The design of other battery components, namely electrolytes and separators are also discussed. Poor performance of O2 electrocatalysts and the lack of the long‐term stability of Zn electrodes and electrolytes remain major challenges. Finally, recommendations regarding the testing routines and materials design are provided. It is hoped that this up‐to‐date account will help to shape the future research activities toward the development of practical electrically rechargeable Zn–air batteries with extended lifetime and superior performance.
Synthesis of Large‐Area InSe Monolayers by Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Chang Han‐Ching , Tu Chien‐Liang , Lin Kuang‐I , Pu Jiang , Takenobu Taishi , Hsiao Chien‐Nan , Chen Chang‐Hsiao
Published: August 2018

Recently, 2D materials of indium selenide (InSe) layers have attracted much attention from the scientific community due to their high mobility transport and fascinating physical properties. To date, reports on the synthesis of high‐quality and scalable InSe atomic films are limited. Here, a synthesis of InSe atomic layers by vapor phase selenization of In2O3 in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system, resulting in large‐area monolayer flakes or thin films, is reported. The atomic films are continuous and uniform over a large area of 1 × 1 cm2, comprising of primarily InSe monolayers. Spectroscopic and microscopic measurements reveal the highly crystalline nature of the synthesized InSe monolayers. The ion‐gel‐gated field‐effect transistors based on CVD InSe monolayers exhibit n‐type channel behaviors, where the field effect electron mobility values can be up to ≈30 cm2 V−1 s−1 along with an on/off current ratio, of >104 at room temperature. In addition, the graphene can serve as a protection layer to prevent the oxidation between InSe and the ambient environment. Meanwhile, the synthesized InSe films can be transferred to arbitrary substrates, enabling the possibility of reassembly of various 2D materials into vertically stacked heterostructures, prompting research efforts to probe its characteristics and applications.
Complexity as a Big Idea for Secondary Education: Evaluating a Complex Systems Curriculum
Authors: Heinrich Sara , Kupers Roland
Published: August 2018

Over the past three decades, the study of complex systems has firmly established itself in the research and curricula of many universities around the world. This applies to both the natural and social sciences, and notably across disciplines. Complexity has a profound impact on the epistemology of science, and its place in education deserves reflection. The aim of our research was to explore how complexity might be introduced at a high school level and which knock‐on effects such an introduction would have. Our initial findings suggest that complexity science can be made accessible for high‐school students and that the resultant awareness can increase students' ability to engage in multi‐disciplinary learning. An understanding of complexity arguably plays a crucial part in preparing students for their university education and for their role as stakeholders in deeply interconnected 21st century challenges. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Steps to an Ecology of Psychotherapy: The Legacy of Gregory Bateson
Authors: Tramonti Francesco
Published: August 2018

The article addresses the relevance of the work of Gregory Bateson for psychotherapy today. Despite being quite eclipsed by other mental health paradigms, the author's ecological epistemology still seems to be topical for a proper framing of complex features such as psychological well‐being. Indeed, many approaches to psychotherapy, not only systemic‐relational approaches, affirm the crucial importance of context and the centrality of relationships in defining psychosocial functioning and making psychotherapies actually effective. This article recalls the most relevant contributions of Gregory Bateson for the understanding of communication and the functioning of the mind, from the original formulation of the double bind theory to the parallels between thought and biological processes. In this light, Bateson's view of mind and learning still appears to be a valuable framework for thinking about some of the more relevant aspects of psychotherapy, not least the issue of research and the social context in which psychotherapy itself takes place. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Melt Superheat and Alloy Size on the Mixing Phenomena in Argon‐Stirred Steel Ladles
Authors: Duan Haojian , Zhang Lifeng , Thomas Brian G.
Published: August 2018

In the current study, the melting and mixing behavior of the alloy in argon‐stirred steel ladles is simulated based on the turbulent fluid flow. The formation of the solidified steel shells around cold ferroalloy particles is considered and the discrete phase model is adopted to predict the motion of ferroalloy particles. Ferroalloy particles are heated by the surrounding liquid during their travel trajectories and the mixing of dissolved alloy solute is described by the species transport model as the steel shell disappears. User defined functions are used to record the melting time and the trajectory length of each ferroalloy particle, as well as to check the mixing criteria in every cell and predict the local mixing time in the entire computational domain. Mixing time maps which visualize the mixing efficiency are obtained as a novel representation to describe the local mixing time in the entire ladle. The effects of the superheat of the melt and the diameter of alloy particles are investigated. The results show that the higher superheat of the melt and the smaller size of alloy particle facilitate the melting and mixing of the alloy in argon‐stirred steel ladles.
Determination of highly volatile compounds in fresh onion (Allium cepa L.) by room‐temperature enrichment headspace‐trap coupled to cryotrapping GC–MS
Authors: Liu Mengpan , Su Yue , Guo Yinlong
Published: August 2018

Conventional headspace‐based analysis is not suitable for identifying volatile compounds in fresh onion (Allium cepa L.) because large amounts of water vapor could affect the determination of target compounds. A headspace‐trap was introduced to remove water vapor and keep the analytes in the trap tube. Additionally, the headspace‐trap method based on room‐temperature enrichment could prevent enzyme‐sensitive samples from denaturing to maintain the original flavor compositions of the samples. Moreover, the highly volatile compounds were poorly separated after headspace extraction. By using a cryotrapping device, these compounds were well separated. Therefore, a room‐temperature enrichment headspace‐trap cryotrapping gas chromatography with mass spectrometric method was established for the determination of volatile compounds in fresh onion. With this method, a total of 73 volatile compounds were identified by mass spectral search and retention index. Among them, 29 highly volatile compounds were successfully separated before the retention time of 5 min, and these compounds contributed significantly to the smell of onion. The volatile compounds were dominated by dipropyl disulfide (35.42%), 1,2‐dithiolane (15.82%), 1‐propanethiol (11.74%) and propanal (11.23%). The results indicated that the proposed method was an effective tool for analyzing volatile compounds in high‐water‐content fresh onion samples.
Concise Review: Cheating Death for a Better Transplant
Authors: Afreen Sehar , Weiss Julia Miriam , Strahm Brigitte , Erlacher Miriam
Published: August 2018

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is routinely performed for the treatment of various malignant and non-malignant hematological diseases. Successful transplantation depends on the number and fitness of donor stem and progenitor cells, whose quality is substantially influenced by the sampling procedure, sample handling, and cryopreservation. BCL-2 proteins are central to the survival and maintenance of stem and progenitor cells under both, physiological and stress conditions. Transplantation-associated apoptosis of donor cells is mediated by the pro-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins BIM and BMF and prevented by overexpression of their antagonists, BCL-2 and BCL-XL. We have previously reported that deletion of BIM or BMF stabilizes donor stem cell numbers during transplantation and improves cellular fitness and transplantation outcomes, albeit posing a risk for lymphoma and autoimmunity in recipient mice. Short-term apoptosis inhibition in donor cells appears equally effective in improving the outcome of transplantation, but in contrast does not cause pathology. In this review, we discuss the role of BCL-2 proteins in the context of factors that negatively impact donor stem and progenitor cell fitness and viability. Finally, we suggest approaches to improve graft quality and transplantation procedures with an emphasis on the inhibition of BCL-2 regulated apoptosis.
CD200 Expression Marks a Population of Quiescent Limbal Epithelial Stem Cells with Holoclone Forming Ability
Authors: Bojic Sanja , Hallam Dean , Alcada Nuno , Ghareeb Ali , Queen Rachel , Pervinder Sagoo , Buck Harley , Amitai Lange Aya , Figueiredo Gustavo , Rooney Paul , Stojkovic Miodrag , Shortt Alex , Figueiredo Francisco C. , Lako Majlinda
Published: August 2018

One of the main challenges in limbal stem cell (LSC) biology and transplantation is the lack of definitive cell surface markers which can be used to identify and enrich viable LSCs. In this study, expression of 361 cell surface proteins was assessed in ex vivo expanded limbal epithelial cells. One marker, CD200 was selected for further characterization based on expression in a small subset of limbal epithelial cells (2.25% ± 0.69%) and reduced expression through consecutive passaging and calcium induced differentiation. CD200 was localized to a small population of cells at the basal layer of the human and mouse limbal epithelium. CD200+cells were slow cycling and contained the majority of side population (SP) and all the holoclone forming progenitors. CD200+ cells displayed higher expression of LSCs markers including PAX6, WNT7A, CDH3, CK14, CK15, and ABCB5 and lower expression of Ki67 when compared to CD200−. Downregulation of CD200 abrogated the ability of limbal epithelial cells to form holoclones, suggesting an important function for CD200 in the maintenance and/or self-renewal of LSCs. A second marker, CD109, which was expressed in 56.29% ± 13.96% of limbal epithelial cells, was also found to co-localize with ΔNp63 in both human and mouse cornea, albeit more abundantly than CD200. CD109 expression decreased slowly through calcium induced cell differentiation and CD109+ cells were characterized by higher expression of Ki67, when compared to CD109− subpopulation. Together our data suggest that CD200 expression marks a quiescent population of LSCs with holoclone forming potential, while CD109 expression is associated with a proliferative progenitor phenotype.