bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agropedogenesis: Humankind as the 6th soil-forming factor and attractors of agrogenic soil degradation
Authors: Kuzyakov Yakov , Zamanian Kazem
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Agricultural land covers 5100 million ha (ca. 50 % of potentially suitable land area) and agriculture has immense effects on soil formation and degradation. Although, the concepts or theories of agropedogenesis have already been advanced; but still need further consideration to better understand the dynamics of soil development under agricultural practices. We introduce a theory of anthropedogenesis – soil development under the main factor "humankind" – the 6th factor of soil formation, and deepen it to encompass agropedogenesis as the most important direction of anthropedogenesis. The developed theory of agropedogenesis consists of (1) broadening the classical concept of Factors – Processes – Properties with the addition of Functions along with their feedbacks to the Processes, (2) a new concept of attractors of soil degradation, (3) selection and analysis of master soil properties, (4) analysis of phase diagrams of master soil properties to identify thresholds and stages of soil degradation, and finally (5) a definition of multi-dimensional attractor space of agropedogenesis. We show that the factor "humankind" dominates over the effects of the five natural soil-forming factors and that agropedogenesis is therefore much faster than natural soil formation. The direction of agropedogenesis is mainly opposite to that of natural soil development and is thus mainly associated with soil degradation. In contrast to natural pedogenesis leading to divergence of soil properties, agropedogenesis leads to their convergence because of the efforts to optimize conditions for crop production. Agricultural practices lead soil development toward a quasi-steady state with a predefined range of measured properties – attractors (an attractor is a minimal or maximal value of a soil property, toward which the property will develop via long-term intensive agricultural use from any natural state). Based on phase diagrams and expert knowledge, we define a set of "master properties" (bulk density and macroaggregates, soil organic matter content and pH, microbial biomass and basal respiration). These master properties are especially sensitive to land use and determine the other properties during agropedogenesis. Phase diagrams of master soil properties help identify thresholds and stages of soil degradation. Combining individual attractors to a multi-dimensional attractor space enables predicting the trajectory and the final state of agrogenic soil development and to develop measures to combat soil degradation.
Tempo-spatial variation of the late Mesozoic volcanism in Southeast
China testing the western Paleo-Pacific Plate subduction models
Authors: Li Xianghui , Li Xianghui , Wang Jingyu , Zhang Chaokai , Wang Yin , Liu Ling
Published: May 2019

Abstract. The westward subduction of Paleo-Pacific plate (PPP) played a governing role in tectonic evolution of East Asia. Although various PPP subduction models have been proposed, the subduction age and dynamical process of the PPP remain controversial. In this study, we investigate the geochronology of extrusive rocks and tempo-spatial variations of the late Mesozoic volcanism in Southeast China. We reported zircon U-Pb ages of new 48 extrusive rock samples in the Shi-Hang tectonic zone. Together with the published data, ages of ~ 300 rock samples from ~ 40 lithostratigraphic units were compiled, potentially documenting a relatively complete history and spatial distribution of the late Mesozoic volcanism in Southeast China. The results show that the extrusive rocks spanned ~ 95 Myr (177–82 Ma), but dominantly ~ 70 Myr (160–90 Ma), with two main age populations of 145–125 Ma and 105–95 Ma. We propose that these ages represent the intervals of the Yanshanian volcanism in Southeast China and the western subduction of the PPP, within which two intensive volcanic eruptional pulses happened. Spatially, the age geographic pattern of extrusive rocks is both the oldest and youngest age clusters occurring in the CZ and the younger intensive group in the SHTB, indicating that the late Mesozoic volcanism migrated northwestly from the coast to the inland prior to ~ 145 Ma and subsequently retreated southeastly back to the coast. This migration pattern is interpreted to result from a northwestward subduction followed by a southeastward rollback or retreat of the PPP.
Los padrones moriscos de la gobernación calatrava de Almodóvar a finales del siglo XVI
Authors: Moreno Díaz del Campo Francisco J.
Published: May 2019

Después de la guerra de las Alpujarras, el control de los moriscos expulsados de Granada fue una de las principales preocupaciones de la Monarquía Hispánica. Entre 1571 y 1610, las autoridades de Castilla se prestaron a ejercer esa labor de manera férrea. Uno de los resultados más visibles de esa política fue la elaboración de registros en los que los granadinos eran identificados con todo lujo de detalles (nombre, edad, estado civil, profesión...). El artículo analiza dos de esos padrones, elaborados a finales del siglo XVI en las villas de Almodóvar del Campo y Almadén, situadas en la Mancha occidental.
Reciprocidad e incertidumbre: la experiencia del prisionero de guerra durante la Guerra de Sucesión Española (1700-1715)
Authors: Díaz Paredes Aitor
Published: May 2019

En el prisionero de guerra se personifica la derrota, y se retrata al vencedor. Su figura resulta de especial interés en la Guerra de Sucesión Española. En ella encontramos un conflicto global, y, al mismo tiempo, en el frente español, una guerra internacional y civil. En consecuencia, el cautivo en el escenario peninsular posee muy diferentes rostros: del soldado inglés al miguelete valenciano, pasando por el desertor irlandés o el oficial portugués de alta graduación. Todos ellos eran prisioneros de guerra, pero su condición y suerte eran dispares. Tan sólo un principio, el de la reciprocidad, parecía regular su situación, y una fuerza, la de la arbitrariedad del captor, distorsionar su sino.
Analysis of Intonation Patterns of Selected Nigerian Bilingual Educated Speakers of English
Authors: Asadu Emmanuela U. , Okoro Faith A. , Kadiri Goodluck C.
Published: May 2019

The intelligibility of everyday speech is built on the mastery and the use of appropriate intonation patterns. This makes intonation the music of everyday speech of which its appropriate use has been the final hurdle that the majority of the speakers of English as a Second Language have not crossed. This paper investigated the intonation patterns of the randomly selected 45 bilingual educated speakers of English, from diverse educational backgrounds representing the three senatorial zones in Ebonyi State. A paragraph from Roach (2010) was given to the participants to read. It was recorded and converted to WAVE audio with the use of audio converter. The utterances of interest to the research were extracted with the use of Sony Sound Forge and segmented on a text grid window on Praat. Pierrehumbert’s Auto-segmental Metrical approach to intonation served as the theoretical framework and the transcription was done using ToBI. The study revealed a low level of proficiency in the use and assignment of accurate patterns of intonation in the speeches of the participants. Aside the widely known and commonly used intonation patterns of fall, rise, rise-fall and fall-rise, it was observed that there was the presence of the use of low pitch accent, low boundary tone in the speeches of the participants. Significant inclination towards the use of the falling tone was observed. However, bilingual make-up or educational qualification does not determine appropriate use of intonation patterns. In a bid to, therefore, account for effective communication among educated bilingual speakers of English, more time should be given to the development of this skill using meaningful utterances in context rather than the use of words or sentences in isolation.
Assessment of Clinical Outcome of Patients With Primary Myelofibrosis Treated ‎With Ruxolitinib in the Real-World Practice
Authors: Alwan Alaa Fadhil , Taher Yaseen Muhialdeen , Fawzi Hayder Adnan
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a disease that characterized by bone ‎marrow fibrosis which ‎may ‎result sometime in cytopenias and extramedullary ‎hematopoiesis causing massive ‎splenomegaly. Ruxolitinib (Rux) therapy that targeted ‎Janus Kinase-2 receptor and approved ‎for treatment of primary myelofibrosis. ‎

OBJECTIVE: evaluate the clinical ‎outcome of patients with ‎primary myelofibrosis ‎receiving Ruxolitinib treatment as ‎a compassionate use program ‎and compare this treatment with the best ‎available treatment (BAT).‎

METHODS: ‎This is a retrospective case series conducted at the national ‎center of hematology /‎‎Mustansiriyah University. The enrollment of patients started ‎in May 2014 and ended in May ‎‎2017. There were ‎‎22 patients diagnosed with PMF (7 on ‎the Ruxolitinib arm and 15 on best ‎available treatment arm). The ‎treatment response ‎was evaluated according to consensus criteria ‎of IWG-MRT 2013 in primary ‎‎myelofibrosis.

RESULTS: In this study 3 out of 7 patients on Ruxolitinib arm showed reduction in spleen size and reduction in anemia. In addition to ‎that 4 patients ‎showed clinical response specifically in spleen ‎size (with 65% reduction from baseline during the first three months of treatment).

CONCLUSION: Rux is effective and safe to treating ‎primary myelofibrosis with ‎symptomatic splenomegaly.
Anti-glycation activity of curcumin
Authors: Galiniak Sabina , Biesiadecki Marek , Czubat Bożena , Bartusik-Aebisher Dorota
Published: May 2019

Curcumin, a compound belonging to the group of polyphenols with a characteristic yellow-orange color, is the most active ingredient of the long-leaved Curcuma longa L. and the ingredient of seasoning mixes, including curry spices. Due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, it has a wide range of therapeutic effects and has been studied for many years. Curcumin has enormous potential in preventing many diseases due to the widely described benefits of its use, it is non-toxic and additionally. Therapy with curcumin is low cost. Currently, many studies focus on the anti-glycation activity of curcumin, which could be used as an active inhibitor of glycation, i.e. a non-enzymatic process of combining a keto or aldehyde group of sugar with a free amino group of a protein. Finally, heterogeneous end products of advanced glycation are formed in the multistage and complicated glycation reaction. Formation of glycation products is intensified with age, as well as in various disease states, including diabetes or neurodegenerative diseases. Many literature data describe the role of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. It is known that polyphenol has beneficial effects on hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and regeneration of secretory cells of pancreatic islets. It seems that addition of curcumin, the main ingredient of curry spice, to food could help people prevent the development of lifestyle diseases, including diabetes and its complications. The article presents the current state of knowledge on the curcumin anti-glycation properties in vitro as well as in vivo.
The impact of gluten ingestion on pathogenesis of neurological disorders
Authors: Grzegrzółka Piotr , Jarzyna Robert
Published: May 2019

For many years the spectrum of gluten-related disorders had been limited only to celiac disease and its typical gastrointestinal symptoms. In the last few years, not only new disorders like non-celiac gluten sensitivity have been described, but also pathogeneses of celiac disease and wheat allergy have been better understood. It is also known that impaired gluten tolerance in many cases leads to appearance of extraintestinal symptoms that may affect any organ or system of the human body including the nervous system that may be the cause of some neurological disorders such as ataxia, neuropathy, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or schizophrenia. In this paper we present the spectrum of neurological disorders, whose pathogeneses may depend on gluten ingestion and some proposed mechanisms elucidating those pathogeneses.
Stress-induced changes in the activity of parvocellular neurosecretory cells in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus
Authors: Kusek Magdalena , Ciurej Izabela , Tokarski Krzysztof
Published: May 2019

This paper summarizes a series of studies aimed at characterizing the effects of stress-related changes in synaptic inputs to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). This structure generates an integrated physiological stress response by activating the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-synthesizing parvocellular neuroendocrine neurons of the PVN play a key role in this process. They receive extensive excitatory and inhibitory innervation conveying information about interoceptive and exteroceptive stressful stimuli from a variety of sources within the brain. These synaptic inputs modulate the activity of PVN neurons, which regulates the amount of CRH released into the portal circulation of the anterior pituitary. It has been demonstrated that with either single or repeated stress sessions, the efficacy of excitatory and inhibitory synapses on parvocellular neuroendocrine neurons changes considerably, which may be related to repeated stress-induced sensitization of the HPA axis. The nature of these changes depends on the type of stress and its duration. Changes in synaptic inputs and the excitability of parvocellular neuroendocrine neurons are thought to be responsible for dysfunctions of the HPA axis observed in affective disorders. Assessing how this controlling function of PVN neurons is modulated in response to stress is crucial to our understanding of the pathophysiology of affective disorders.
MEMÓRIA E TRADIÇÃO: jornais centenários em busca de sobrevivência em tempos de convergência midiática
Authors: Brito Hérica Lene
Published: May 2019

Este artigo busca discutir o contexto de crise do meio de comunicação jornal impresso – considerando-o como “lugar de memória” (NORA, 1993) – a partir das estratégias de sobrevivência de seis periódicos com mais de 100 anos de circulação no país, fundados no final do séc. XIX. Esta abordagem faz parte da pesquisa Jornais centenários do Brasil: como e por que sobrevivem em tempos de convergência midiática?. A metodologia foi levantamento bibliográfico, pesquisa nos sites dos jornais e entrevistas com seus dirigentes (diretores, editores ou chefes de redação). A abordagem teórica envolve os conceitos de memória, história, tradição, jornalismo e convergência cultural e midiática.
A MATERIALIDADE DAS NOVAS TECNOLOGIAS NO CONTEXTO DA RECEPÇÃO TRANSMIDIÁTICA
Authors: Libardi Guilherme
Published: May 2019

Este artigo tem como objetivo propor uma articulação entre a teoria da materialidade e os estudos de recepção considerando o contexto de transmidiação que se desenvolve no cenário social e tecnológico atual. Parte-se da premissa de que as múltiplas formas de produção e consumo convergentes complexificam as análises de recepção. Portanto, a partir de uma pesquisa bibliográfica apoiada em autores(as) que tratam da materialidade (GUMBRECHT, 2010; KITTLER, 1999; 2013) e da recepção transmidiática (LOPES, 2011; EVANS, 2011), compreendo que dialogar a teoria da materialidade da mídia com os estudos de recepção torna-se relevante a fim de explorarmos os limites e as subversões do uso dos meios por parte dos receptores, bem como compreender como estas práticas modulam os sentidos produzidos.
The assembly and circulation of science:
Authors: Kiernan Julia E.
Published: May 2019

This article positions narrative as a needed, but often lacking, communicative resource for science technologyengineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals. While STEM curricula is quite effective at teaching studentsdiscipline-specific knowledge and preparing future generations of scientists to communicate within collegial discoursecommunities, there has been little attention paid to the importance of communicating effectively with publicaudiences—despite the fact that the public is a major stakeholder in scientific innovation. This article takes up this gapin current STEM curricula in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of best practices in communicatingscience, as well as the ways that these practices can be incorporated into academic programs. In achieving this goal, thisarticle draws upon current pedagogical and curricular models in communication studies in its examination of the waysstudents at a leading American undergraduate STEM institution are taught to engage with public audiences. Of specificimportance are the benefits of narrative in building bridges between academic and public stakeholders, particularly theability of narrative to increase comprehension, interest, and engagement when communicating science to non-expertaudiences.
Undervisning og undervisningspraksis i yrkesfaglærerutdanning
Authors: Schaug Rosaline Mary , Herudsløkken Karin
Published: May 2019

Denne artikkelen retter søkelyset mot praktisk-pedagogisk utdanning for yrkesfags (PPU-y) relevans for og i pedagogisk praksis, sett fra studentenes og praksislærernes synsvinkel.

Det er begrenset kunnskap om hva praksisfeltet ser som relevant i studentens første undervisningspraksis. Formålet med denne artikkelen er derfor å bidra til mer kunnskap om dette feltet. Følgende forskningsspørsmålene ble stilt:

Hvilke aspekter av sin utdanning oppfatter yrkesfaglærer-studenter som relevante for og i undervisningspraksis?

Hvordan samsvarer studentenes forståelse av relevans med praksislærernes syn?

Data ble innsamlet ved hjelp av et kvantitativt/kvalitativt spørreskjema, semistrukturerte intervjuer og fokusgruppeintervjuer, og representerer både PPU-y-studenters og praksislæreres synspunkter.

Våre funn viser at studenters oppfatning av hva som er relevant å erfare i pedagogisk praksis, er noe forskjellig fra hva praksislærerne sier. Resultatene viser også forskjeller i erfaringer med yrkesdidaktikk. Resultatene indikerer videre at både praksislærere og studenter opplever utfordringer med veiledning, og praksislærerne ønsker og trenger mer støtte. Basert på våre funn vil vi si at det er et presserende behov for å etablere en mer formell dialog mellom universitetet og praksisfeltet, både på et personlig nivå så vel som på et organisatorisk nivå, med hensyn til innhold i PPU-y utdanning, retningslinjer for pedagogisk praksis, samt rolle og status for praksislærer.
Physico-chemical and Nutritional Evaluation of Cookies with Different Levels of Rosehip and Hibiscus Powder Substitution
Authors: Antarkar Surbhi , Sharma Anurag , Bhargava Anushka , Gupta Honey , Tomar Ritu , Srivastava Sakshi
Published: May 2019

Aim: Food with high nutritional value is in great demand for proper functioning of body systems and potential health benefits. As a result, value-added foods or functional foods with higher level of dietary fiber and antioxidant have developed, especially in bakery products such as cookies. This study was aimed to develop and evaluate proximate composition, phenolic compounds, vitamin C content and sensory acceptance of cookies.

Study Design: The formulations were prepared (20% rosehip powder and 15% hibiscus powder in formulation CF1, 15% rosehip powder and 20% hibiscus powder in formulation CF2, 15% rosehip powder and 15 % hibiscus powder in formulation CF 3) in a standard cookie recipe.

Place and Duration of Study: Department Of Food Technology, ITM University Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, (India), between June 2018 to February 2019.

Methodology: The proximate analysis,phytochemical analysis and sensory analysis of cookies was done using standard AACC International procedures.

Results: Cookies prepared from formulation second (15% rose hips and 25% hibiscus powder) was more acceptable than other formulations on the basis of sensory evaluation.

Conclusion: The analysis revealed that the increment in substitution in flour has increased the health benefits of cookies when compared to control cookies. The substitution with Rose hips and Hibiscus powder has a significant share in enhancing the TPC content, Total antioxidant capacity and other bioactive compounds in cookies. For sensory quality the CF2 formulation (the overall acceptability) has found greatest in all formulations. Substitution with Rose hips and Hibiscus could bring much potential health benefits to the consumer by adding nutritional (crude fat, crude protein and crude fiber) as well as organoleptic properties.
Determinants of China’s Rice Export after WTO Accession: A Gravity Model Analysis
Authors: Lien Le Thi Bich , Feng Luo Xiao , Fei Xue Long
Published: May 2019

This paper applied the commodity-specific gravity approach to investigate the influenced factors to China’s rice export to its major trading partners after World Trade Organization (WTO) accession over 2001- 2014 period. The gravity model was augmented with factors from both exporter’s and importer’s sides. The empirical results revealed that, excepting distance, the remained variables including Gross Domestic Product, population, income, exchange rate, production and price had statistical significance and correlated with the total export as hypothesized. Among these variables, price and production reported as the best predictors, explaining 81.30% and 80.54% variation in China’s total export, respectively. Moreover, the determinants of China’s rice export highly depended on the components of exporter side than that of importer sides. This study results provide the statistical and practical significance for trade policy formulation to promote China’s rice exports in world markets.
Empirical Analysis on the Impact of Poverty Alleviation by Rural E-commerce on Farmers' Income
Authors: Qin Zhen , Ni Yan , Zhu Fenxiao , Han Junhui
Published: May 2019

According to the data of 200 valid questionnaires collected in 11 poor villages of 7 townships, 5 counties in Zhumadian region, this paper use the Difference-in-differences(DID) model to calculate the change difference of the per capita net income, per capita agricultural operating net income, and per capita non-agricultural net income between the farmers who have participated or so. After that, this paper used the fixed effect model to analyze the effect of other control variables on the farmers’ income. The research results are as follows: The rural E-commerce poverty alleviation policy has a significant positive impact on per capita net income, per capita net agricultural operating income, and per capita non-agricultural net income of farmers, and the income structure of the farmers’ family can be changed in the short term through poverty alleviation.
Chemical Composition of Caesalpinioideae Seeds
Authors: Chakradhari Suryakant , Patel Khageshwar Singh , Towett Erick K. , Martín-Gil Jesús , Martín-Ramos Pablo
Published: May 2019

Aims: Caesalpinioideae species have great medicinal and food values. In this work, six Caesalpinioideae species that grow abundantly in central India were selected for chemical investigation: Delonix regia, Entada gigas, Leucaena leucocephala, Mimosa pudica, Parkia javanica and Senna siamea. The objective of the present work is to describe the phytochemical and mineral composition and the bioaccumulation potentialities of the seeds from aforementioned species.

Methodology: Spectrophotometric, enzymatic and X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometric techniques were used for the quantification of polyphenols, starch and mineral contents, respectively.

Results: The sum of the total concentrations of 17 macro- and micronutrients (P, S, Cl, K, Rb, Mg, Ca, Sr, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo and Pb), oil, protein and total starch in the six seeds were in the 20253-78489 mg/kg, 3.1-30.1%, 52.9-91.5% and 5.4–41.0% range, respectively. The highest concentrations of Fe, oil and phenolics were observed in M. pudica seeds. Both thermal and spectral characteristics allowed to differentiate M. pudica and P. javanica seeds (with the highest caloric contents) from the seeds from the other species.

Conclusion: The selected Caesalpinioideae seeds are potential sources of the nutrients (i.e., P, S, K, Mg, Ca and Fe) and polyphenols, which are needed for biological metabolism and human health. The presence of heavy metals was well below safety limits, enabling their medicinal uses.
Features of Genetic Polymorphism in Population with Diabetic Nephropathia: Literature Review
Authors: Jabborov O. O.
Published: May 2019

The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus has led to a growing number of chronic complications including diabetic nephropathy (DN). In high prevalence of diabetes mellitus, DN is associated with high morbidity and mortality primarily due to cardiovascular diseases. Genetic factors play a significant role in the pathogenesis of DN and genetically susceptible individuals that can develop after being exposed to environmental parameters. DN is assumed to be a complex, polygenic disease. Genetic predisposition to diabetes is familial, and often with concomitant obesity. A number of detected polymorphisms in genes is a predisposing risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. Two main categories have been used to identify the genes associated with DN: (1) analysis of candidate genes, and (2) more recently genome-wide scan. A significant effort has been made to identify these main genes, whereas results are still inconsistent with different genes associated to a small effect in specific populations. A variety of genetic markers characteristic of different population groups confirms the special significance of the ethnic component for identifying hereditary risks, which determines the relevance and need for a detailed, comprehensive study of the genetic basis of type 2 diabetes.
Knowledge and Utilization of Traditional Medicine for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Residents of Pakuri (St. Cuthbert’s Mission) in Guyana
Authors: Boston Cecil , Rosales Judith , Singh Jaipaul , Kurup Rajini
Published: May 2019

Aim: This study was designed to determine the knowledge and utilization of traditional medicine for Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) among residents of Pakuri (St. Cuthbert’s Mission) in Guyana. Since treatment for T2DM is expensive with multiple side effects, it has become necessary to explore the use of plant-base medicine.

Methodology: The study utilized a descriptive cross sectional design. Systematic random sampling procedures were done to identify study population. Prior informed consent from the village council, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and individual participants were sought before the commencement of the study. The study was conducted over a four- week period.

Results: Three hundred and eighteen (318) participants were recruited for the study. The mean (±SD) knowledge score was 85.1 ± 16.8 with 50.9% of the study participants having good knowledge in traditional medicine for diabetes. T2DM affected 40.3% of the study participants; of this population and more than half of the participants used traditional medicine to control their symptoms. Significant association was seen with age, gender, education and marital status among participants using traditional medicine for diabetes.

Conclusion: It is concluded that the use of traditional medicine is becoming increasingly popular and as such, efforts need to be made to revive and coordinate the use of medicinal plants/herbs by the Ministry of Public Health and Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affair including the native flora of the local ecosystems. In addition, conclusive evidence on the contribution of the traditional medicine on the final outcome of management of T2DM could not be reach since the study was not controlled.
Demographics and Referral Pattern of Patients with Glaucoma at a Tertiary Eye Hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Awoyesuku Elizabeth A. , Chukwuka Ireju O.
Published: May 2019

Aims:  To assess the demographic characteristics and referral pattern of patients with glaucoma presenting at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Study Design: A hospital-based cross- sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The Ophthalmology department, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital between November 2018 and January 2019.

Methodology: Ninety-four (94) consenting consecutive Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients above 18 years attending the glaucoma clinic of the Ophthalmology department of the hospital were recruited. All patients had a comprehensive eye examination and were diagnosed as POAG patients and were receiving treatment. Patients with secondary glaucoma were excluded from the study. A questionnaire was used to retrieve information on sources of referral, and distance travelled to assess care.

Data analysis employed the Epi Info Version 7.1.4. Significant differences in the comparison of means were determined by independent t-test while the difference in proportions was determined using Chi square statistics. Statistical significance was set at p=.05

Results: A total of 94 glaucoma patients on treatment at our facility were involved in the study. Mean age was 48.49±11.46years. Age range was 25-78years with M: F ratio =1.6:1. 36.2% had secondary education. Majority of referrals (36.3%) were by fellow patients, and most patients (42.6%) travelled less than an hour to access care. 68.1% had prior awareness of glaucoma before visit to clinic. Majority of patients had advanced glaucoma (45.7%) at presentation.

Conclusion: A large proportion of POAG patients presenting in our facility had advanced glaucoma and most referrals were from patients already accessing care and media. Advocacy to improve awareness and prompt referral of affected patients will help to reduce the problems associated with glaucoma in our environment
High Responsivity and Response Speed Single‐Layer Mixed‐Cation Lead Mixed‐Halide Perovskite Photodetectors Based on Nanogap Electrodes Manufactured on Large‐Area Rigid and Flexible Substrates
Authors: Georgiadou Dimitra G. , Lin Yen‐Hung , Lim Jongchul , Ratnasingham Sinclair , McLachlan Martyn A. , Snaith Henry J. , Anthopoulos Thomas D.
Published: May 2019

Mixed‐cation lead mixed‐halide perovskites are employed as the photoactive material in single‐layer solution‐processed photodetectors fabricated with coplanar asymmetric nanogap Al–Au and indium tin oxide–Al electrodes. The nanogap electrodes, bearing an interelectrode distance of ≈10 nm, are patterned via adhesion lithography, a simple, low‐cost, and high‐throughput technique. Different electrode shapes and sizes are demonstrated on glass and flexible plastic substrates, effectively engineering the device architecture, and, along with perovskite film and material optimization, paving the way toward devices with tunable operational characteristics. The optimized coplanar nanogap junction perovskite photodetectors show responsivities up to 33 A W−1, specific detectivity on the order of 1011 Jones, and response times below 260 ns, while retaining a low dark current (0.3 nA) under −2 V reverse bias. These values outperform the vast majority of perovskite photodetectors reported so far, while avoiding the complicated fabrication steps involved in conventional multilayer device structures. This work highlights the promising potential of the proposed asymmetric nanogap electrode architecture for application in the field of flexible optoelectronics.
Inertial Microfluidics with Integrated Vortex Generators Using Liquid Metal Droplets as Fugitive Ink
Authors: Nguyen Ngan , Thurgood Peter , Arash Aram , Pirogova Elena , Baratchi Sara , Khoshmanesh Khashayar
Published: May 2019

This work demonstrates a simple method for fabricating nearly spherical dome structures on top of lithographically defined microfluidic channels using gallium‐based liquid metal droplets as fugitive ink. The droplets remain stable during the pouring and curing of polydimethylsiloxane and can be easily removed by applying a basic solution. This facilitates the formation of domes with diameters of a few hundred micrometers patterned on the desired locations of the channel. The expansion of the channel at the interface of the dome leads to formation of a large vortex inside the dome. Experiments using high‐speed imaging along with numerical simulations show the utility of the vortex‐induced flow rotation for orbiting of human monocytes and polystyrene microbeads inside the dome. The lateral displacement of liquids caused by the vortex is further utilized for creating controllable multiband flow/color profiles within a T‐mixer. The method enables the fabrication of customized, complex, and 3D microfluidic systems utilizing planar microfabricated structures.
Optical Pacing of Human‐Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell‐Derived Cardiomyocytes Mediated by a Conjugated Polymer Interface
Authors: Lodola Francesco , Vurro Vito , Crasto Silvia , Di Pasquale Elisa , Lanzani Guglielmo
Published: May 2019

The use of light for triggering skeletal and cardiac muscles allows lower invasiveness higher selectivity and unprecedented possibility to target individual cells or even subcellular compartments in a temporally and spatially precise manner. Because cells are in general transparent, this requires the development of suitable interfaces that bestow light sensitivity to living matter. In the present work, successfully demonstrated is the use of conjugated polymer films as transducer to optically enhance the contraction rate of a human and patient‐specific cardiac in vitro cell model. By different experimental approaches, the coupling mechanism to the photothermal effect is assigned. This work extends the range of application of the polymer‐mediated cell photostimulation phenomenon to cardiac muscle cells, opening up possible applications in cardiac therapy and for implementation of in vitro studies.
Metal‐Complex/Semiconductor Hybrid Photocatalysts and Photoelectrodes for CO2 Reduction Driven by Visible Light
Authors: Maeda Kazuhiko
Published: May 2019

CO2 reduction to carbon feedstocks using heterogeneous photocatalysts is an attractive means of addressing both climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels. Of particular importance is the development of a photosystem capable of functioning in response to visible light, which accounts for the majority of the solar spectrum, representing a kind of artificial photosynthesis. Hybrid systems comprising a metal complex and a semiconductor are promising because of the excellent electrochemical (and/or photocatalytic) activity of metal complexes during CO2 reduction and the ability of semiconductors to efficiently oxidize water to molecular O2. Here, the development of hybrid photocatalysts and photoelectrodes for CO2 reduction in combination with water oxidation is described.
Flexible and Fatigue‐Resistant Ternary Electrical Memory Based on Alternative Copolysiloxane with Carbazole Donors and Imidazole‐Modified Naphthalimide Acceptors
Authors: Fu Lin , Zhang Yi , Ren Zhongjie , Li Huihui , Sun Xiaoli , Yan Shouke
Published: May 2019

Alternative copolysiloxane P(INDISi‐alt‐CzSi) containing the pendants of carbazole donors and imidazole‐modified naphthalimide acceptors is successfully prepared. Then, a flexible electrical resistive memory device based on P(INDISi‐alt‐CzSi) is fabricated with sandwich architecture Al/P(INDISi‐alt‐CzSi)/ITO/PET. The fabricated memory device displays typical nonvolatile ternary write‐once‐read‐many times memory characteristics. Moreover, the prepared flexible memories display high ON/OFF ratio of ≈105, rapid response of ≈120 ns, multistate storage, and high stability. Furthermore, the flexible memory device can still maintain good ternary memory characteristics after bending for 500 cycles or aging for 48 h at 90 °C, indicating good fatigue‐resistant performance. Both the good flexibility and high fatigue‐resistant performance of the flexible memories further promise the long‐term applications.
Biofilm Bridges Forming Structural Networks on Patterned Lubricant‐Infused Surfaces
Authors: Lei Wenxi , Bruchmann Julia , Rüping Jan Lars , Levkin Pavel A. , Schwartz Thomas
Published: May 2019

Despite many decades of research, biofilm architecture and spreading mechanisms are still not clear because of the heterogenous 3D structure within biofilms. Here, patterned “slippery” lubricant‐infused porous surfaces are utilized to study biofilm structure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Staphylococcus aureus. It is found that bacteria are able to spread over bacteria‐repellent lubricant‐infused regions by using a mechanism, termed “biofilm bridges”. Here, it is demonstrated that bacteria use bridges to form interconnected networks between distant biofilm colonies. Detailed structure of bridges shows a spatial distribution of bacteria with an accumulation of respiratory active bacteria and biomass in the bridges. The core–shell structure of bridges formed by two‐species mixed population is illustrated. It is demonstrated that eDNA and nutrients have a strong effect on biofilm bridges formation. Thus, it is believed that biofilm bridging is important to reveal the structure and communication within biofilms.
Realizing a High‐Performance Na‐Storage Cathode by Tailoring Ultrasmall Na2FePO4F Nanoparticles with Facilitated Reaction Kinetics
Authors: Wang Fanfan , Zhang Ning , Zhao Xudong , Wang Lixuan , Zhang Jian , Wang Tianshi , Liu Fanfan , Liu Yongchang , Fan Li‐Zhen
Published: May 2019

In this paper, the synthesis of ultrasmall Na2FePO4F nanoparticles (≈3.8 nm) delicately embedded in porous N‐doped carbon nanofibers (denoted as Na2FePO4F@C) by electrospinning is reported. The as‐prepared Na2FePO4F@C fiber film tightly adherent on aluminum foil features great flexibility and is directly used as binder‐free cathode for sodium‐ion batteries, exhibiting admirable electrochemical performance with high reversible capacity (117.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C), outstanding rate capability (46.4 mAh g−1 at 20 C), and unprecedentedly high cyclic stability (85% capacity retention after 2000 cycles). The reaction kinetics and mechanism are explored by a combination study of cyclic voltammetry, ex situ structure/valence analyses, and first‐principles computations, revealing the highly reversible phase transformation of Na2FeIIPO4F ↔ NaFeIIIPO4F, the facilitated Na+ diffusion dynamics with low energy barriers, and the desirable pseudocapacitive behavior for fast charge storage. Pouch‐type Na‐ion full batteries are also assembled employing the Na2FePO4F@C nanofibers cathode and the carbon nanofibers anode, demonstrating a promising energy density of 135.8 Wh kg−1 and a high capacity retention of 84.5% over 200 cycles. The distinctive network architecture of ultrafine active materials encapsulated into interlinked carbon nanofibers offers an ideal platform for enhancing the electrochemical reactivity, electronic/ionic transmittability, and structural stability of Na‐storage electrodes.
Arnold‐Chiari type 1 malformation in Potocki–Lupski syndrome
Authors: Varon Alberto , Whitt Zachary , Kalika Paige M. , Potocki Lorraine , Barbouth Deborah S. , Walz Katherina
Published: May 2019

Potocki–Lupski syndrome (PTLS) is a genetic disorder that results from an interstitial duplication within chromosome 17p11.2. Children with PTLS typically present with infantile hypotonia, failure to thrive, and global developmental delay with or without major organ system involvement. Systematic clinical studies regarding growth, cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive profiles have been published; however, systematic evaluation of central nervous system structure by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain has not been reported. Herein, we describe three patients with PTLS who were found—in the course of routine clinical care—to have a type 1 Arnold‐Chiari malformation (CM‐1). This finding raises the question of whether the incidence of CM‐1 is increased in PTLS, and hence, if an MRI of the brain should be considered in the evaluation of all patients with this chromosomal duplication syndrome.
The development and ecology of the Japanese macaque gut microbiome from weaning to early adolescence in association with diet
Authors: Prince Amanda L. , Pace Ryan M. , Dean Tyler , Takahashi Diana , Kievit Paul , Friedman Jacob E. , Aagaard Kjersti M.
Published: May 2019

Previously we have shown that the Japanese macaque gut microbiome differs not by obesity per se, but rather in association with high‐fat diet (HFD) feeding. This held true for both pregnant dams, as well as their 1‐year‐old offspring, even when weaned onto a control diet. Here we aimed to examine the stability of the gut microbiome over time and in response to maternal and postweaning HFD feeding from 6 months of age, and at 1 and 3 years of age. In both cross‐sectional and longitudinal specimens, we performed analysis of the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene on anus swabs collected from pregnant dams and their juveniles at age 6 months to 3 years (n = 55). Extracted microbial DNA was subjected to 16S‐amplicon‐based metagenomic sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform. We initially identified 272 unique bacterial genera, and multidimensional scaling revealed samples to cluster by age and diet exposures. Dirichlet multinomial mixture modeling of microbiota abundances enabled identification of two predominant enterotypes to which samples sorted, characterized primarily by Treponema abundance, or lack thereof. Approximating the time of initial weaning (6 months), the Japanese macaque offspring microbiome underwent a significant state type transition which stabilized from 1 to 3 years of age. However, we also found the low abundance Treponema enterotype to be strongly associated with HFD exposure, be it during gestation/lactation or in the postweaning interval. Examination of taxonomic co‐occurrences revealed samples within the low Treponema cluster were relatively permissive (allowing for increased interactions between microbiota) whereas samples within the high Treponema cluster were relatively exclusionary (suggesting decreased interactions amongst microbiota). Taken together, these findings suggest that Treponemes are keystone species in the developing gut microbiome of the gut, and susceptible to HFD feeding in their relative abundance.
Quasistatic Oscillations in Subwavelength Particles: Can One Observe Energy Eigenstates?
Authors: Kamenetskii Eugene O.
Published: May 2019

In increasing the capabilities of the optical and microwave techniques further into the subwavelength regime, quasistatic resonant structures have attracted considerable interest. Electromagnetic responses of electrostatic (ES) plasmon resonances in optics and magnetostatic (MS) magnon resonances in microwaves give rise to a strong enhancement of local fields near the surfaces of subwavelength particles. In the near‐field regions of subwavelength particles, one can measure only either the electric or magnetic field with accuracy. Such uncertainty in definition of the electric or magnetic field components raises the question of energy eigenstates of quasistatic oscillations. The energy eigenstate problem can be properly formulated when potential functions, used in the quasistatic resonance problems, are introduced as scalar wave functions. In this case, one should observe quasistatic wave retardation effects still staying in frames of the quasistatic description of oscillations in a subwavelength particle. In this paper, the problem of energy quantization of ES resonances in subwavelength optical metallic structures with plasmon oscillations and MS resonances in subwavelength microwave ferrite particles with magnon oscillations is analyzed. It is shown that in the case of MS potential scalar wave function, one can observe quasistatic retardation effects and obtain a proper formulation of the energy eigenstate problem.
Dual‐Responsive Photocatalytic Polymer Nanogels
Authors: Ferguson Calum T. J. , Huber Niklas , Landfester Katharina , Zhang Kai A. I.
Published: May 2019

Selective activation of photocatalysts under constant light conditions has recently been targeted to produce multi‐responsive systems. However, controlled activation, with easy recovery of the photocatalysts, induced by external stimuli remains a major challenge. Mimicking the responsiveness of biological systems to multiple triggers can offer a promising solution. Herein, we report dual‐responsive polymer photocatalysts in the form of nanogels consisting of a cross‐linked poly‐N‐isopropylacrylamide nanogel, copolymerised with a photocatalytically active monomer. The dual‐responsive polymer nanogels undergo a stark decrease in diameter with increasing temperature, which shields the photocatalytic sites, decreasing the activity. Temperature‐dependent photocatalytic formation of NAD+ in water demonstrates the ability to switch photocatalysis on and off. Moreover, the photocatalysed syntheses of several fine chemicals were carried out to demonstrate the utility of the designed material.
Ionic metallo‐Schiff base polymers of VO2+, Zn2+ and Cu2+: Synthesis, characterization and solid‐state conductivity
Authors: Ghavami Zohreh S. , Grivani Gholamhossein
Published: May 2019

The viologen‐type dialdehyde of [N,N′‐bis(methylsalicylaldehyde)‐4,4′‐bipyridinium] dichloride (DA) was synthesized by reacting 5‐chloromethylsalicylaldehyde and 4,4′‐bipyridine. Then a new polymeric Schiff base ligand (PSBL) was synthesized by the condensation reaction of ethylenediamine and DA in methanol under reflux conditions. Afterwards, new ionic metallo‐Schiff base polymers (IMSPs) were synthesized by reacting PSBL with VO(acac)2, ZnCl2 and CuCl2 via coordination chelation. DA, PSBL and IMSPs were characterized using various analytical methods and spectral techniques. The solid‐state electrical conductivities of PSBL and IMSPs were studied. The electrical conductivity of these polymers at 300 K ranged from 1.30 × 10−5 to 4.52 × 10−10 Ω−1 m−1, which means they are potential organic and metallo‐organic semiconductors.
Well‐Defined N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Palladium Complexes as Efficient Catalysts for Domino Sonogashira Coupling/Cyclization Reaction and C‐H bond Arylation of Benzothiazole
Authors: Yadav Seema , Singh Ajeet , Mishra Isha , Ray Sriparna , Mobin Shaikh M. , Dash Chandrakanta
Published: May 2019

Well‐defined and air‐stable PEPPSI (Pyridine Enhanced Precatalyst Preparation Stabilization and Initiation) themed palladium bis‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes have been developed for the domino Sonogashira coupling/cyclization reaction of 2‐iodophenol with a variety of terminal alkynes and C‐H bond arylation of benzothiazole with aryl iodides. The PEPPSI themed palladium complexes, 2a and 2b were synthesized in good yields from the reaction of corresponding imidazolium salts with PdCl2 and K2CO3 in pyridine. The new air‐stable palladium‐NHC complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography, elemental analysis, and mass spectroscopy studies. The PEPPSI themed palladium(II) bis‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes 2a and 2b exhibited excellent catalytic activities for domino Sonogashira coupling/cyclization reaction of 2‐iodophenol with terminal alkynes yielding benzofuran derivatives. In addition, the palladium complexes, 2a and 2b successfully catalyzed the direct C‐H bond arylation of benzothiazole with aryl iodides as coupling partners in presence of CuI as co‐catalyst.
Synthesis and structures of copper complexes bearing unsymmetric derivatives of (R,R)‐1,2‐diaminocyclohexane: An efficient catalyst for asymmetric Henry reaction
Authors: Cho Juhyun , Chun Min Kyung , Nayab Saira , Jeong Jong Hwa
Published: May 2019

A series of Cu (II) complexes bearing asymmetric derivatives of (R,R)‐1,2‐diaminocyclohexane were synthesised and characterised. The X‐ray structures of the complexes showed distorted square planar geometry. The catalytic activities of in situ‐generated copper acetate complexes in the presence of 10 mol% of N,N‐diisopropylethylamine were evaluated in the asymmetric Henry reaction. The current catalysts showed high enantioselectivity (up to 99%) for (S)‐1‐nitro‐4‐phenylbutan‐2‐ol from the reaction of 3‐phenylpropanal and nitromethane.