bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facile Synthesis of Copper Sulfide Nanosheet@Graphene Oxide for the Anode of Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jia Xinxin , Zhang Erjin , Yu Xinzhi , Lu Bingan
Published: September 2019

Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) are promising to expedite future energy storage progress because of the low price and high energy density of potassium. Copper sulfide (CuS), a plentiful, low‐priced, and nontoxic transition metal sulfide, is going to be a promising anode material with high capacity and excellent rate performance for energy storage. Herein, thioacetamide is chosen as the sulfur source to prepare CuS nanosheets uniformly anchored on graphene oxide (CuS@GO) using a simple one‐step method. The prepared CuS@GO increases the active sites and GO effectively alleviates the polymerization of CuS during the cycling. When CuS@GO is utilized as an anode material for PIBs, it exhibits a preeminent specific capacity of 410 mAh g−1 (at a current density of 100 mA g−1) and outstanding rate capability (even achieving a higher capacity of 196.5 mAh g−1 at a current density of 1000 mA g−1). In this study, the phase evolution of CuS during the potassium‐ion insertion and extraction process is further explored by in situ X‐ray diffraction studies, which is significant to clearly understand the energy storage mechanism of CuS. A novel perspective in potassium storage mechanism for transition metal sulfides is provided.
All‐Solution‐Processed Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes under Ambient Air
Authors: Kim Taejun , Kim Jin-Hoon , Park Jin-Woo
Published: September 2019

Herein, all‐solution‐processed and ambient air‐stable perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) based on organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite nanocrystals are fabricated. Uniform surface coverage of methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) perovskite nanocrystals fabricated under ambient air conditions is achieved by blowing nitrogen (N2) gas onto the surface of the perovskite–polymer‐mixed precursor solution as it is being spin‐coated and thus controlling the crystallization rate of the nanocrystals. To obtain uniform morphology, the experimental conditions are optimized, namely, the spin rate and N2 gas blowing start time. Finally, a spin rate of 5000 rpm (revolutions per minute) and N2 gas blowing for 10 s at 10 s after the start of spinning are found to be the optimal conditions. PeLEDs fabricated using the optimized N2 blowing conditions provide a high maximum luminance (L) of approximately 11 610 cd m−2 and a current efficiency of approximately 4.42 cd A−1 at an L of 2328 cd m−2 accompanied by excellent operational stability. The PeLEDs are not only fabricated on rigid glass substrates but also on polymeric and elastomeric substrates, which demonstrates their potential application as flexible and wearable devices.
A longitudinal study of factors predicting students’ intentions to leave upper secondary school in Norway
Authors: Haugan Jan Arvid , Frostad Per , Mjaavatn Per-Egil
Published: September 2019

This article illuminates factors predicting students’ intention to leave upper secondary school. The research is anchored in an ecological theoretical perspective that considers dropout as a multifaceted phenomenon that culminates in the decision to leave school. Based on this, we have used a longitudinal research design to investigate to what extent factors related to students’ experiences predict their intention to leave school early. The sample in this study comprises 1695 students from upper secondary schools in the county of Trøndelag in Norway. We ran descriptive analyses, correlations and hierarchical regression to analyse our data. In the stepwise causal modelling, the independent variables were placed in the same order as the hypotheses were formulated. This enabled us to test each of the independent variables to explain how much variance there was in the dependent variable (intention to leave) beyond those entered in the previous steps. The results show that the students’ grades from elementary school, parental and teacher support and school engagement in upper secondary school are important explanatory factors leading to dropout. Loneliness at secondary school and students’ ability to cope with stressful life events seem to be the two most important predictive factors in relation to the students’ thoughts about leaving.
Ultrasound Image Based Human Gallbladder 3D Modelling along with Volume and Stress Level Assessment
Authors: Li Wen-Guang
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Three-dimensional (3D) gallbladder (GB) geometrical models are essential to GB motor function evaluation and GB wall biomechanical property identification by employing finite element analysis (FEA) in GB disease diagnosis with ultrasound systems. Methods for establishing such 3D geometrical models based on static two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound images scanned along the long-axis/sagittal and short-axis/transverse cross-sections in routine GB disease diagnosis at the beginning of emptying phase have not been documented in the literature so far.

Methods

Based on two custom MATLAB codes composed, two images were segmented manually to secure two sets of the scattered points for the long- and short-axis GB cross-section edges; and the points were best fitted with a piecewise cubic spline function, and the short-axis cross-section edges were lofted along the long-axis to yield a 3D geometrical model, then GB volume of the model was figured out. The model was read into SolidWorks for real surface generation and involved in ABAQUS for FEA.

Results

3D geometrical models of seven typical GB samples were established. Their GB volumes are with 15.5% and − 4.4% mean errors in comparison with those estimated with the ellipsoid model and sum-of-cylinders method but can be correlated to the latter very well. The maximum first principal in-plane stress in the 3D models is higher than in the ellipsoid model by a factor of 1.76.

Conclusions

A numerical method was put forward here to create 3D GB geometrical models and can be applied to GB disease diagnosis and GB shape analysis with principal component method potentially in the future.
The Challenge with Clinical Radiology Electives: Student and Faculty Perspectives Identify Areas for Improvement
Authors: Darras Kathryn E. , Spouge Rebecca , Kang Heejun , Scurfield Kathryn J. , Harper Leonie , Yee Adrian , Chang Silvia D. , Forster Bruce B. , Nicolaou Savvas
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To determine medical students' and radiologists’ attitude toward radiology electives at a distributed medical school and identify specific areas for improvement.

Methods

During a single academic year, both students and faculty preceptors were surveyed anonymously following a senior radiology elective. The survey was based on an established theoretical framework for studying the educational environment which takes into account domains: (1) goal orientation, (2) organization/regulation, and (3) relationships. Mann-Whitney tests were performed to determine if there was any difference between the overall satisfaction of students and preceptors, responses from the different elective sites and students’ ratings of the domains. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. Thematic analysis was performed on the narrative comments to identify specific challenges.

Results

The response rate was 82.0% for students (95/116) and 19.5% (31/159) for radiologists. There was no difference in responses based on elective site. Overall, the elective was viewed positively by both groups however students rated their experience as significantly better than their preceptors ( P = .0012). Students viewed the relationships domain more positively than both the other two (goal orientation, P = .0001; organization/regulation, P = .0038). Thematic analysis identified that the student challenges were lack of autonomy, structured teaching, and preceptor continuity and the preceptor challenges were ambiguous learning objectives/expectations and insufficient resources.

Conclusions

The radiology elective challenges identified in this study provide educators with specific areas to target when updating radiology electives. A better elective experience may improve students' radiology knowledge and attitude towards the specialty as well as radiologists’ interest in teaching.
Consumer, Producer, Creator: The mixtape as creative form
Authors: Glennon Mike
Published: September 2019

The medium and genre of the mixtape, a form dependent upon borrowed, repurposed and re-contextualised sonic material, has recently re-emerged as a vital component of contemporary commercial and creative music culture. This article suggests that analysis of the mixtape’s history and ethos can provide useful insight into ongoing tensions between cultures of active and passive listening, questions of ownership with regard to recorded sound and between the roles of producer and consumer within contemporary audio culture. It also proposes, via reference to relevant contemporary works, that the mixtape may now be considered a vital hybrid creative form, part composition/part compilation, with which composers, producers and sonic artists may actively engage. It historically and culturally contextualises this form, placing it within a lineage of military, political, creative and commercial conflict, which, among recorded sound technologies, is unique to tape and shows that the mixtape may be seen as an expression or utilisation of these factors. Consistent commercial and industrial efforts to suppress tape’s subversive qualities are outlined as are creative methodologies which have been adopted to resist such efforts. Contemporary music industry strategies to channel and commodify the aura and ethos of the mixtape as forerunner of the curated playlists vital to its current business model are detailed and contemporary cassette culture is considered as an alternative inheritor of the mixtape’s legacy and as alternative model for future musical creation and distribution. Finally, a set of characteristics which distinguish the mixtape as a creative form are identified and their potential application and implications are discussed.
Do adjuvants reduce the antagonism of quizalofop-p-ethyl when mixed with bispyribac-Na?
Authors: Webster L. Connor , Webster Eric P. , Blouin David C. , McKnight Benjamin M.
Published: September 2019

Acetyl co-enzyme A carboxylase (ACCase)-resistant rice allows quizlaofop-p-ethyl to be applied as a POST control of troublesome grass weeds. A field study was conducted in 2017 and 2018 at the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station near Crowley, LA, to evaluate the influence of a crop oil concentrate (COC), a silicon-based surfactant plus a nitrogen source (SNS), or a high-concentrate COC (HCOC) in overcoming the grass weed control antagonism of quizalofop-p-ethyl when mixed with bispyribac-Na. Quizalofop-p-ethyl was applied at 120 g ai ha−1, bispyribac-Na was applied at 34 g ai ha−1, and all adjuvants were applied at 1% vol/vol. Antagonistic interactions were observed at 14 d after treatment (DAT) when quizalofop-p-ethyl was mixed with bispyribac-Na with no adjuvant for control of barnyardgrass, the non–ACCase-tolerant rice cultivars ‘CL-111’ and ‘CLXL-745’, and red rice. At 14 DAT, antagonism of quizalofop-p-ethyl for control of barnyardgrass was observed when mixed with bispyribac-Na plus COC, SNS, or HCOC, with an observed control of 43%, 63%, and 86%, respectively, compared with an expected control of 95% for quizalofop-p-ethyl alone. However, the antagonism of quizalofop-p-ethyl when mixed with bispyribac-Na plus HCOC for barnyardgrass control at 14 DAT was overcome by 28 DAT, with an observed control of 91%, compared with an expected control of 97%. Synergistic or neutral interactions were observed at 14 and 28 DAT when COC, SNS, or HCOC was added to a mixture of quizalofop-p-ethyl plus bispyribac-Na for CL-111, CLXL-745, and red rice control. According to the results of this study, HCOC is the most effective adjuvant for quizalofop-p-ethyl and bispyribac-Na mixtures for control of weedy rice and barnyardgrass.
Leaky at the Core
Authors: Kelvey Jon
Published: September 2019

New evidence from deep mantle plumes suggests that Earth’s liquid outer core might be leaking tungsten isotopes into the lower mantle.
Non-canonical transcriptional regulation of heme oxygenase in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Bottino-Rojas Vanessa , Pereira Luiza O. R. , Silva Gabriela , Talyuli Octavio A. C. , Dunkov Boris C. , Oliveira Pedro L. , Paiva-Silva Gabriela O.
Published: September 2019

Heme oxygenase (HO) is a ubiquitous enzyme responsible for heme breakdown, which yields carbon monoxide (CO), biliverdin (BV) and ferrous ion. Here we show that the Aedes aegypti heme oxygenase gene (AeHO – AAEL008136) is expressed in different developmental stages and tissues. AeHO expression increases after a blood meal in the midgut, and its maximal transcription levels overlaps with the maximal rate of the further modified A. aegypti biglutaminyl-biliverdin (AeBV) pigment production. HO is a classical component of stress response in eukaryotic cells, being activated under oxidative stress or increased heme levels. Indeed, the final product of HO activity in the mosquito midgut, AeBV, exerts a protective antioxidant activity. AeHO, however, does not seem to be under a classical redox-sensitive transcriptional regulation, being unresponsive to heme itself, and even down regulated when insects face a pro-oxidant insult. In contrast, AeHO gene expression responds to nutrient sensing mechanisms, through the target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway. This unusual transcriptional control of AeHO, together with the antioxidant properties of AeBV, suggests that heme degradation by HO, in addition to its important role in protection of Aedes aegypti against heme exposure, also acts as a digestive feature, being an essential adaptation to blood feeding.
Prognostic Modeling and Prevention of Diabetes Using Machine Learning Technique
Authors: Perveen Sajida , Shahbaz Muhammad , Keshavjee Karim , Guergachi Aziz
Published: September 2019

Stratifying individuals at risk for developing diabetes could enable targeted delivery of interventional programs to those at highest risk, while avoiding the effort and costs of prevention and treatment in those at low risk. The objective of this study was to explore the potential role of a Hidden Markov Model (HMM), a machine learning technique, in validating the performance of the Framingham Diabetes Risk Scoring Model (FDRSM), a well-respected prognostic model. Can HMM predict 8-year risk of developing diabetes in an individual effectively? To our knowledge, no study has attempted use of HMM to validate the performance of FDRSM. We used Electronic Medical Record (EMR) data, of 172,168 primary care patients to derive the 8-year risk of developing diabetes in an individual using HMM. The Area Under Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AROC) in our study sample of 911 individuals for whom all risk factors and follow up data were available is 86.9% compared to AROCs of 78.6% and 85% reported in a previously conducted validation study of FDRSM in the same Canadian population and the Framingham study respectively. These results demonstrate that the discrimination capability of our proposed HMM is superior to the validation study conducted using the FDRSM in a Canadian population and in the Framingham population. We conclude that HMM is capable of identifying patients at increased risk of developing diabetes within the next 8-years.
Integrative models explain the relationships between species richness and productivity in plant communities
Authors: Wang Zhenhong , Chiarucci Alessandro , Arratia Juan F.
Published: September 2019

The relationship between plant productivity and species richness is one of the most debated and important issues in ecology. Ecologists have found numerous forms of this relationship and its underlying processes. However, theories and proposed drivers have been insufficient to completely explain the observed variation in the forms of this relationship. Here, we developed and validated integration models capable of combining twenty positive or negative processes affecting the relationship. The integration models generated the classic humped, asymptotic, positive, negative and irregular forms and other intermediate forms of the relationship between plant richness and productivity. These forms were linked to one another and varied according to which was considered the dependent variable. The total strengths of the different positive and negative processes are the determinants of the forms of the relationship. Positive processes, such as resource availability and species pool effects, can offset the negative effects of disturbance and competition and change the relationship. This combination method clarifies the reasons for the diverse forms of the relationship and deepens our understanding of the interactions among processes.
Slow and fast single photons from a quantum dot interacting with the excited state hyperfine structure of the Cesium D1-line
Authors: Kroh Tim , Wolters Janik , Ahlrichs Andreas , Schell Andreas W. , Thoma Alexander , Reitzenstein Stephan , Wildmann Johannes S. , Zallo Eugenio , Trotta Rinaldo , Rastelli Armando , Schmidt Oliver G. , Benson Oliver
Published: September 2019

Hybrid interfaces between distinct quantum systems play a major role in the implementation of quantum networks. Quantum states have to be stored in memories to synchronize the photon arrival times for entanglement swapping by projective measurements in quantum repeaters or for entanglement purification. Here, we analyze the distortion of a single-photon wave packet propagating through a dispersive and absorptive medium with high spectral resolution. Single photons are generated from a single In(Ga)As quantum dot with its excitonic transition precisely set relative to the Cesium D1 transition. The delay of spectral components of the single-photon wave packet with almost Fourier-limited width is investigated in detail with a 200 MHz narrow-band monolithic Fabry-Pérot resonator. Reflecting the excited state hyperfine structure of Cesium, “slow light” and “fast light” behavior is observed. As a step towards room-temperature alkali vapor memories, quantum dot photons are delayed for 5 ns by strong dispersion between the two 1.17 GHz hyperfine-split excited state transitions. Based on optical pumping on the hyperfine-split ground states, we propose a simple, all-optically controllable delay for synchronization of heralded narrow-band photons in a quantum network.
Male mice, caged in the International Space Station for 35 days, sire healthy offspring
Authors: Matsumura Takafumi , Noda Taichi , Muratani Masafumi , Okada Risa , Yamane Mutsumi , Isotani Ayako , Kudo Takashi , Takahashi Satoru , Ikawa Masahito
Published: September 2019

The effect on the reproductive system and fertility of living in a space environment remains unclear. Here, we caged 12 male mice under artificial gravity (≈1 gravity) (AG) or microgravity (MG) in the International Space Station (ISS) for 35 days, and characterized the male reproductive organs (testes, epididymides, and accessory glands) after their return to earth. Mice caged on earth during the 35 days served as a “ground” control (GC). Only a decrease in accessory gland weight was detected in AG and MG males; however, none of the reproductive organs showed any overt microscopic defects or changes in gene expression as determined by RNA-seq. The cauda epididymal spermatozoa from AG and MG mice could fertilize oocytesin vitroat comparable levels as GC males. When the fertilized eggs were transferred into pseudo-pregnant females, there was no significant difference in pups delivered (pups/transferred eggs) among GC, AG, and MG spermatozoa. In addition, the growth rates and fecundity of the obtained pups were comparable among all groups. We conclude that short-term stays in outer space do not cause overt defects in the physiological function of male reproductive organs, sperm function, and offspring viability.
Chern insulator with a nearly flat band in the metal-organic-framework-based Kagome lattice
Authors: Baidya Santu , Kang Seungjin , Kim Choong H. , Yu Jaejun
Published: September 2019

Based on first-principles density-functional theory (DFT) calculations, we report that the transition-metal bis-dithiolene, M3C12S12 (M = Mn and Fe), complexes can be a two-dimensional (2D) ferromagnetic insulator with nontrivial Chern number. Among various synthetic pathways leading to metal bis-dithiolenes, the simplest choice of ligand, Benzene-hexathiol, connecting metal cations to form a Kagome lattice is studied following the experimental report of time-reversal symmetric isostructural compound Ni3C12S12. We show sulfur and carbon-based ligands play the key role in making the complexes topologically nontrivial. An unusual topological quantum phase transition induced by the on-site Coulomb interaction brings a nearly flat band with a nonzero Chern number as the highest occupied band. With this analysis we explain the electronic structure of the class M3C12S12 and predict the existence of nearly flat band with nonzero Chern number and it can be a fractional Chern insulator candidate with carrier doping.
Targeted metabolomic analysis of nitric oxide/L-arginine pathway metabolites in dementia: association with pathology, severity, and structural brain changes
Authors: Fleszar Mariusz G. , Wiśniewski Jerzy , Zboch Marzena , Diakowska Dorota , Gamian Andrzej , Krzystek-Korpacka Małgorzata
Published: September 2019

L-Arginine/NO pathway is altered in Alzheimer disease (AD). Its clinical relevance and pathway status in vascular dementia (VaD) are unknown. Using targeted metabolomics (a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) we assessed L-arginine, L-citrulline, dimethylamine (DMA), asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in AD (n = 48), mixed-type dementia (MD; n = 34), VaD (n = 40) and non-demented individuals (n = 140) and determined their clinical relevance (the association with dementia pathology, cognitive impairment, and structural brain damage). L-Arginine, ADMA, L-arginine/ADMA, and L-citrulline levels were decreased in dementia and L-arginine, L-citrulline, age and sex were its independent predictors correctly classifying 91% of cases. L-Arginine and L-arginine/ADMA were differentiating between VaD and AD with moderate accuracy. L-Arginine, L-arginine/ADMA, SDMA, and DMA reflected structural brain changes. DMA and L-citrulline were elevated in patients with strategic infarcts and SDMA, L-arginine/ADMA, and DMA were independent predictors of Hachinski ischemic score. ADMA and SDMA accumulation reflected severity of cognitive impairment. In summary, L-Arginine/NO pathway is altered in neurodegenerative and vascular dementia in association with neurodegenerative and vascular markers of brain damage and severity of cognitive impairment.
Bankruptcy is an inevitable fate of repeated investments with leverage
Authors: Nii Momoka , Okabe Takuya , Ito Hiromu , Morita Satoru , Yasuda Yosuke , Yoshimura Jin
Published: September 2019

Due to the globalization and computerization of financial and economic activities, numerous repetitive leveraged investments have become possible in stock markets and currency exchanges. In reality, repeated leveraged investments up to 100 times/day are possible via online access. With computer-aided programs, this repetition number may easily increase 1000 times/day. The possibility of bankruptcy in repeated leveraged investments has never been considered in actual practices because the probability of bankruptcy in a single investment trial is almost negligible. Here, we show that the extremely numerous repetitions have a considerable chance of bankruptcy overall, even if the probability of bankruptcy for a single investment is extremely close to zero. The exact relationship between the repetitions and the probability of bankruptcy is approximated well by n(0.63) = m, where 10n is the number of repetitions, 10−m is the bankruptcy probability of a single investment, and n(0.63) is the 63% chance of bankruptcy. Thus, extremely rare events can always lead to bankruptcy in continuously repeated investment, even if the possibility of such an event is almost null. We suggest that the avoidance measure of bankruptcy is necessary in numerous repeated investments even if a single trial is almost certain to win.
No evidence for viral small RNA production and antiviral function of Argonaute 2 in human cells
Authors: Schuster Susan , Overheul Gijs J. , Bauer Lisa , van Kuppeveld Frank J. M. , van Rij Ronald P.
Published: September 2019

RNA interference (RNAi) has strong antiviral activity in a range of animal phyla, but the extent to which RNAi controls virus infection in chordates, and specifically mammals remains incompletely understood. Here we analyze the antiviral activity of RNAi against a number of positive-sense RNA viruses using Argonaute-2 deficient human cells. In line with absence of virus-derived siRNAs, Sindbis virus, yellow fever virus, and encephalomyocarditis virus replicated with similar kinetics in wildtype cells and Argonaute-2 deficient cells. Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) carrying mutations in the viral 3A protein, previously proposed to be a virus-encoded suppressor of RNAi in another picornavirus, human enterovirus 71, had a strong replication defect in wildtype cells. However, this defect was not rescued in Argonaute-2 deficient cells, arguing against a role of CVB3 3A as an RNAi suppressor. In agreement, neither infection with wildtype nor 3A mutant CVB3 resulted in small RNA production with the hallmarks of canonical vsiRNAs. Together, our results argue against strong antiviral activity of RNAi under these experimental conditions, but do not exclude that antiviral RNAi may be functional under other cellular, experimental, or physiological conditions in mammals.
Usp26 mutation in mice leads to defective spermatogenesis depending on genetic background
Authors: Sakai Kohei , Ito Chizuru , Wakabayashi Mizuki , Kanzaki Satoko , Ito Toshiaki , Takada Shuji , Toshimori Kiyotaka , Sekita Yoichi , Kimura Tohru
Published: September 2019

Spermatogenesis is a reproductive system process that produces sperm. Ubiquitin specific peptidase 26 (USP26) is an X chromosome-linked deubiquitinase that is specifically expressed in the testes. It has long been controversial whether USP26 variants are associated with human male infertility. Thus, in the present study, we introduced a mutation into the Usp26 gene in mice and found that Usp26 mutant males backcrossed to a DBA/2 background, but not a C57BL/6 background, were sterile or subfertile and had atrophic testes. These findings indicate that the effects of the Usp26 mutation on male reproductive capacity were influenced by genetic background. Sperm in the cauda epididymis of Usp26 mutant mice backcrossed to a DBA/2 background were decreased in number and showed a malformed head morphology compared to those of wild-type mice. Additionally, histological examinations of the testes revealed that the number of round and elongated spermatids were dramatically reduced in Usp26 mutant mice. The mutant mice exhibited unsynapsed chromosomes in pachynema and defective chiasma formation in diplonema, which presumably resulted in apoptosis of metaphase spermatocytes and subsequent decrease of spermatids. Taken together, these results indicate that the deficiencies in fertility and spermatogenesis caused by mutation of Usp26 were dependent on genetic background.
Characterization of artificially re-pigmented ARPE-19 retinal pigment epithelial cell model
Authors: Hellinen Laura , Hagström Marja , Knuutila Heidi , Ruponen Marika , Urtti Arto , Reinisalo Mika
Published: September 2019

Melanin pigment has a significant role in ocular pharmacokinetics, because many drugs bind at high extent to melanin in the retinal pigment epithelial cells. Most retinal pigment epithelial cell lines lack pigmentation and, therefore, we re-pigmented human ARPE-19 cells to generate a pigmented cell model. Melanosomes from porcine retinal pigment epithelium were isolated and co-incubated with ARPE-19 cells that spontaneously phagocytosed the melanosomes. Internalized melanosomes were functionally integrated to the cellular system as evidenced by correct translocation of cellular Rab27a protein to the melanosomal membranes. The pigmentation was retained during cell cultivation and the level of pigmentation can be controlled by altering the amount of administered melanosomes. We used these cells to study melanosomal uptake of six drugs. The uptake was negligible with low melanin-binders (methotrexate, diclofenac) whereas most of the high melanin-binders (propranolol, chloroquine) were extensively taken up by the melanosomes. This cell line can be used to model pigmentation of the retinal pigment epithelium, while maintaining the beneficial cell line characteristics, such as fast generation of cultures, low cost, long-term maintenance and good reproducibility. The model enables studies at normal and decreased levels of pigmentation to model different retinal conditions.
An intron-derived motif strongly increases gene expression from transcribed sequences through a splicing independent mechanism in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Gallegos Jenna E. , Rose Alan B.
Published: September 2019

Certain introns significantly increase mRNA accumulation by a poorly understood mechanism. These introns have no effect when located upstream, or more than ~1 Kb downstream, of the start of transcription. We tested the ability of a formerly non-stimulating intron containing 11 copies of the sequence TTNGATYTG, which is over-represented in promoter-proximal introns in Arabidopsis thaliana, to affect expression from various positions. The activity profile of this intron at different locations was similar to that of a natural intron from the UBQ10 gene, suggesting that the motif increases mRNA accumulation by the same mechanism. A series of introns with different numbers of this motif revealed that the effect on expression is linearly dependent on motif copy number up to at least 20, with each copy adding another 1.5-fold increase in mRNA accumulation. Furthermore, 6 copies of the motif stimulated mRNA accumulation to a similar degree from within an intron or when introduced into the 5′-UTR and coding sequences of an intronless construct, demonstrating that splicing is not required for this sequence to boost expression. The ability of this motif to substantially elevate expression from several hundred nucleotides downstream of the transcription start site reveals a novel type of eukaryotic gene regulation.
A centimeter scale self-standing two-dimensional ultra-thin mesoporous platinum nanosheet
Authors: Li Yunqi , Liu Yuwei , Li Jing , Xiong Danping , Chen Xiran , Liu Mingtao , Zhong Zheng , Malgras Victor , Bando Yoshio , Yamauchi Yusuke , Xu Jun
Published: September 2019

A kind of mesoporous 2D Pt nanosheets with unique structural features exhibits a high electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Formation of vesicles-in-a-vesicle with asymmetric lipid components using a pulsed-jet flow method
Authors: Kamiya Koki , Osaki Toshihisa , Takeuchi Shoji
Published: September 2019

We develop a cell-sized asymmetric lipid vesicle system containing small-sized asymmetric lipid vesicles using microfluidic technology.
Ir(iii)-catalyzed thioether directed arene C–H alkenylation
Authors: Li Chen , Chen Xian , Bao Rui-Peng , Li Dong-Li , Zhang Kun , Wang Dong-Hui
Published: September 2019

In this study, we demonstrate an Ir(iii)-catalyzed thioether directed alkenylation of arene C–H bonds under mild reaction conditions.
Self-organized growth of flower-like SnS2 and forest-like ZnS nanoarrays on nickel foam for synergistic superiority in electrochemical ammonia synthesis
Authors: Chen Xingxing , Liu Yi-Tao , Ma Chunlan , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: September 2019

Flower-like SnS2 and forest-like ZnS nanoarrays are directly formed on a Ni foam through self-organized growth, which exhibit optimized NRR performance due to their synergistic superiority as advanced hybrid catalysts.
An advanced cathode material for high-power Li-ion storage full cells with a long lifespan
Authors: Huang Haijian , Pan Long , Chen Xi , Tervoort Elena , Sologubenko Alla , Niederberger Markus
Published: September 2019

Combination of materials with fast Li-ion storage in both positive and negative electrodes results in a high-rate lithium ion battery full cell with a long life-span.
System efficiency of PVT-collector driven heat pumps
Authors: Hengel Franz , Heschl Christian , Inschlag Franz , Klanatsky Peter
Published: September 2019

Standard heat pump (HP) systems with horizontal ground heat exchangers (HGHE) are commonly designed based on arbitrary knowledge gained over time and the use of the rule of thumb. Where an undersizing of the HGHE occurs, the HP efficiencies are lowered. Undersizing could result as a consequence of underestimating the soils thermal conductivity. Therefore, this paper considers the combined photovoltaic and solar thermal (PVT) collectors as an extension to standard HP heating systems with a HGHE in single-family houses with the possibility of improving the COP of the HP at a later stage and effortlessly. With the implemented hydronic scheme, the PVT-collector is also used to regenerate the soil around the ground to increase the temperature level of the heat source resulting in improved performance. However, the efficiency potential of the PV-Cells due to active cooling of the modules is analyzed. The results show an increase of the seasonal performance factor (SPF) of 4.1 % and higher electric energy output of 4.4% due to active cooling of the PV-Cells while energy consumption of the regeneration pump is covered.
A method of cooling capacity enhancement of ceiling panel
Authors: Wojtkowiak Janusz , Amanowicz Łukasz
Published: September 2019

The cooling energy demand in the buildings is quite large nowadays and it will increase rapidly in the near future. Therefore, capacity of existing cooling devices must be increased. In this paper surface corrugation as a method of capacity enhancement of ceiling panels is theoretically investigated. A subject of the analysis is the effect of corrugation length L and corrugation angle β on the panel’s cooling capacity. It is shown that in the typical conditions the cooling power of the panel with modified surface can achieve even 153 W/m2 and it is about up to 2.5 times higher than the power of a reference panel with flat surface.
The Antares And Km3Net Neutrino Telescopes: Status And Outlook For Acoustic Studies
Authors: Van Elewyck Véronique
Published: September 2019

The ANTARES detector has been operating continuously since 2007 in the Mediterranean Sea, demonstrating the feasibility of an undersea neutrino telescope. Its superior angular resolution in the reconstruction of neutrino events of all flavors results in unprecedented sensitivity for neutrino source searches in the southern sky at TeV energies, so that valuable constraints can be set on the origin of the cosmic neutrino flux discovered by theIceCube detector. The next generation KM3NeT neutrino telescope is now under construction, featuring two detectors with the same technology but different granularity: ARCA designed to search for high energy (TeV-PeV) cosmic neutrinos and ORCA designed to study atmospheric neutrino oscillations at the GeV scale, focusing on the determination of the neutrino mass hierarchy. Both detectors use acoustic devices for positioning calibration, and provide testbeds for acoustic neutrino detection.
ARIANNA: Current developments and understanding the ice for neutrino detection
Authors: Nelles Anna
Published: September 2019

The ARIANNA experiment aims to detect the radio signals of cosmogenic neutrinos. It is running in its pilot phase on the Ross Ice-shelf, and one station has been installed at South Pole. The ARIANNA concept is based on installing high-gain log periodic dipole antennas close to the surface monitoring the underlying ice for the radi signals following a neutrino interaction. Especially, but not only in this configuration, it is essential to understand the trajectories that the signals take through the ice. We will report on various experimental evidence concerning the signal propagation in ice. We will discuss the implications for neutrino detection, results of neutrino searches and give the first introduction to a new modular simulation framework.
Soundness and Completeness of Inference Rules for New Vague Functional Dependencies
Authors: Gušic´ Dženan
Published: September 2019

In this paper we introduce a new deﬁnition of vague functional dependency based on application of appropriately chosen similarity measures. The deﬁnition is adjusted in order to be applicable to both, the imprecise and precise vague functional dependencies. Ultimately, the set of inference rules for new vague functional dependencies is given, and is proven to be sound and complete.
Soundness of Inference Rules for New Vague Multivalued Dependencies
Authors: Gušic´ Dženan
Published: September 2019

In the present paper we give a new deﬁnition of vague multivalued dependencies in database relations. The deﬁnition is based on application of arbitrary similarity measure on vague values, which is known to be reﬂexive, symmetric, and max-min transitive. The deﬁnition is adapted in order to include the imprecise and precise vague multivalued dependencies. The inference rules for new vague multivalued dependencies are listed, and are shown to be sound.
Analysis of the operation process of a training aircraft-Cessna 150
Authors: Woch Marta , Tomaszewska Justyna , Kamin´ski Grzegorz , Kos´ciak Kinga , Zienkiewicz Tomasz , Michalski Mariusz , Zieja Mariusz
Published: September 2019

The method of the stochastic Markov process used for the analysis of operation of a training aircraft-Cessna 150 was presented in the article. In this article, the time changing probability of readiness was determined on the basis of knowledge of the current aircraft operation. Markov stochastic processes have been used as a model to determine aircraft-Cessna 150 readiness for specific tasks. In order to determine the readiness, the probability of being in one of the investigated states is determined. The analysed states included: standby, pre-flight service, flight, interstate service, after-flight service and hangar service.
Using Big Data Analytics to Develop Marketing Intelligence Systems for Commercial Banks in Egypt
Authors: Mohamed Asaad El Banna Sara , Makram Labib Nevine
Published: September 2019

Nowadays, Big Data (BD) Analytics is receiving great attention in banking industry, considering the worthy data that have been stored for several decades, to reach the main targets of marketing by increasing the bank’s efficiency of studying their clients, knowing their feedback, in addition to promoting active and passive security systems. This study focuses on utilizing BD analytics to develop marketing intelligence systems. It aims to explore the big data as a valuable resource for Egyptian commercial banks, to improve the customer experience, customer segmentation and profiling, selling products based on profiling, and describing customer behavior. In order to develop the proposed system, data were collected from several banks of transaction performed in 2016, including a report on customer satisfaction, a procedure of analyzing customer satisfaction data, consisting of about 39,000 records of transactions for customers and a collection of about 4,000 records of transaction data for cardholders. These data were analyzed using Apache Hadoop to perform many tasks such as profiling the bank's clients to groups, customer segmentation based on client’s history, interest and habits, predicting customer behavior based on profiling, designing a new marketing strategy, and presenting the right offers to the bank's clients as individuals or as groups. It was concluded that BD analytics were very beneficial for achieving Marketing Intelligence in Banks.
Utilization of ceramic materials in the process of electromagnetic wave conversion to heat usable for space heating of residential facilities
Authors: Koštial Pavel , Koštialová Jančíková Zora , Vlček Jozef , Špačková Hana , Klaus Pavel
Published: September 2019

The work is dedicated to converting microwave radiation to heat. The article analyses different ways of heating residential and utility areas. Attention is paid mainly to infrared heating. Ceramic materials suitable for converting microwave radiation to heat from refractory ceramic composites are disclosed. The cooling curves of these materials after microwave heating are characterized in detail. The paper also presents a description of a microwave reactor with a fireclay brick together with the parameters of the living room heating.
Algorithm of conversion of meteorological model parameters
Authors: Šaur David , Beltrán-Prieto Juan Carlos
Published: September 2019

This article is focused on the forecasting severe storms with the Algorithm of Storm Prediction as a new forecasting tool for the prediction of the convective precipitation, severe storm phenomena and the risk of flash floods. The first chapter contains information about two applications on which basis are computed forecast ouptuts of this algorithm. Further, this chapter is also objected on more detailed descripition of the second application known as the Algorithm of conversion of meteorological model parameters . Predictive outputs generated by this algorithm are verified on 63 storm events, which is occurred in the territory of the Zlín Region in 2015-2017. The results chapter solves the comparison of the success rate of the manually and computed-processed outputs calculated in the Algorithm of Storm Prediction. Primarily, these outputs will be used for increasing efectivity of preventive measures against flash floods not only by the Fire Rescue Service, but also by flood authorities and crisis management bodies.
The possibilities of a crisis modeling in the cyberspace of the system security
Authors: Dvořák Jiří , Konečný Jiří , Tomaštík Marek
Published: September 2019

The paper briefly presents some possibilities of the modern use of cyberspace tools for the theory of artificial intelligence related to the definition of the model and the corresponding possibilities leading to systemic modeling of crises in the modern information and knowledge world and in the area of system security. The modeling process is mainly focused on the specific concept of the virtual model and on the network represented by information and communication systems (ICT) and on the corresponding perspective modeling of the system-based environment used to simulate cyber-attacks and the corresponding levels of cyber-defence. It forms the actual content of the newly conceived modeling with the process of model adaptation in the modern learning environment of artificial intelligence. The paper is based on a scientific task dealing with the possibilities of modeling and adaptation of cybersecurity in a new projected cybersecurity laboratory with the environment of artificial intelligence application in this virtual environment of modern security.
Determination of exothermic batch reactor specific model parameters
Authors: Macků Lubomír
Published: September 2019

An alternative method of determining exothermic reactor model parameters which include first order reaction rate constant is described in this paper. The method is based on known in reactor temperature development and is suitable for processes with changing quality of input substances. This method allows us to evaluate the reaction substances composition change and is also capable of the reaction rate constant (parameters of the Arrhenius equation) determination. Method can be used in exothermic batch or semi- batch reactors running processes based on the first order reaction. An example of such process is given here and the problem is shown on its mathematical model with the help of simulations.
Diagnose current university education from a teacher’s perspective
Authors: Wang Whe-Min , Chang Horng-Jinh
Published: September 2019

In the beginning of 21 century, there is dramatically change in education, whatever students’ age, all enthusiastic in cell-phone and game playing, as my experience teaching in the university of OIT, how can I draw students’ attention in the class is difficult. This article is from the perspective of a teacher to understand the current teaching problems. Including the two courses I taught, economic and management, I used the comparison of average score and standard deviation, which have a slowly upward. I also compare students’ learning questionnaires which I conducted in 2014-2017, it reflects students’ learning dilemmas, these deserves our in-depth study. Why students skip classes? Why their learning effectiveness decreasing, also the problems emerges and this point to school teachers, I inspect teachers’ performance in the paper to assure if there is room for teachers’ improvement.
Réponse des communautés amphibies et terrestres à une augmentation du débit réservé avec modulation saisonnière
Authors: Pont B. , Prat-Mairet Y. , Labroche A.
Published: September 2019

Le vieux Rhône au niveau de l’aménagement hydroélectrique de Péage-de-Roussillon fait l’objet d’un important programme de réhabilitation depuis 2013. Une étape clé de cette réhabilitation a été la révision du régime réservé (débit d’étiage) au 1er janvier 2014. Initialement fixé à 2 % du module interannuel, celui-ci subit maintenant une modulation saisonnière entre 5 % et 12 % du module. En complément des suivis sur le compartiment aquatique (programme Rhoneco), un programme de suivi spécifique aux communautés amphibies et terrestres a été mis en place par le gestionnaire des espaces naturels protégés de ce site. Ce suivi mobilise trois indicateurs de la boîte à outils RhoMéO pour le suivi des zones humides : i) la dynamique hydrologique de la nappe (piézométrie), ii) l’indice floristique d’engorgement et iii) l’intégrité des peuplements d’odonates. L’état initial se base sur les données collectées de 2009 à 2013. Quatre ans après la mise en place de ce nouveau régime, des changements significatifs ont été mis en évidence, la modulation saisonnière jouant un rôle déterminant dans cette évolution. La dynamique d’adaptation des communautés à ce nouveau régime réservé n’est toutefois pas encore arrivée à son terme.
Aktivierende Pflege für Menschen mit Demenz
Authors: Seiler Bianca , Morgenstern Ulrike
Published: September 2019

Aktivierende Pflege ist wichtig, um die Alltagskompetenzen und die Lebensqualität
von älteren Menschen mit Demenz so lange wie möglich zu erhalten. Wir stellen
Ihnen 3 Konzepte vor: die Reminiszenztherapie, das Brain-Gym®-Konzept
und die Ergotherapie.
Lager-brewing yeasts in the era of modern genetics
Authors: Gorter de Vries Arthur R , Pronk Jack T , Daran Jean-Marc G
Published: September 2019

The yeast Saccharomyces pastorianus is responsible for the annual worldwide production of almost 200 billion liters of lager-type beer. S. pastorianus is a hybrid of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces eubayanus that has been studied for well over a century. Scientific interest in S. pastorianus intensified upon the discovery, in 2011, of its S. eubayanus ancestor. Moreover, advances in whole-genome sequencing and genome editing now enable deeper exploration of the complex hybrid and aneuploid genome architectures of S. pastorianus strains. These developments not only provide novel insights into the emergence and domestication of S. pastorianus but also generate new opportunities for its industrial application. This review paper combines historical, technical and socioeconomic perspectives to analyze the evolutionary origin and genetics of S. pastorianus. In addition, it provides an overview of available methods for industrial strain improvement and an outlook on future industrial application of lager-brewing yeasts. Particular attention is given to the ongoing debate on whether current S. pastorianus originates from a single or multiple hybridization events and to the potential role of genome editing in developing industrial brewing yeast strains.