bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Egeria, testimonie dello scambio epistolare tra donne nell’antichità cristiana
Authors: Bartolotta Salvatore , Tormo-Ortiz Mercedes
Published: January 2020

Egeria was a traveler of antiquity, mulier fortis, traveler of race. Her trip took her to the end of the world, with a double motive: historical and spiritual. She left his homeland, in the Spanish Gallaecia, to his community, the uenerabiles sorores, with the Bible as a guide on his way. For three years, at the end of the fourth century, it will travel through the Holy Land and the Near East with one sole objective: the study of the Bible. The trip of Egeria is narrated in a manuscript called Peregrinatio Egeriae, found by Gamurrini in 1884 in the Italian city of Arezzo, which is actually a letter announcing a new literary style: travel literature.

Egeria fu una viaggiatrice dell’antichità, una mulier fortis, una viaggiatrice di razza. Il suo viaggio la portò ai confini del mondo con una duplice motivazione, una storica e una spirituale. Lasció la sua patria, la Gallaecia hispana, la sua comunità, le uenerabiles sorores, portando con sé, durante il suo cammino, come guida, la Bibbia. Per tre anni, alle fine del IV secolo, percorse la Terra Santa e il Medioriente con un solo obiettivo: lo studio della Bibbia. Il viaggio di Egeria è narrato in un manoscritto chiamato Peregrinatio Egeriae, scoperto da Gamurrini nel 1884 nella città italiana di Arezzo, ma, in realtà, si tratta di una lettera che annuncia un nuovo genere letterario: la letteratura di viaggio.
Acoustic characteristics of voice in examinees with moderately-severe hearing loss
Authors: Ćalasan Slađana , Jovanović-Simić Nadica , Babac Snežana
Published: January 2020

Introduction.Voice is the result of vocal cord vibrations and resonance effects of the vocal tract, therefore, the instrumental monitoring of the vibrations themselves is one of the essential aspects of objective instrumental assessment of voice. Inadequate height and volume, as well as increased nasality, represent the basic characteristics of voice in hearing-impaired persons. The aim of the study was to perform a detailed analysis of the acoustic structure of vowel /a/ in the hearing-impaired persons and in those with normal hearing and voice. Methods. The sample comprised 40 participants, aged 17 to 20 years (18.50 ±1.13), both sexes (50% males), divided into two groups. The first group consisted of 20 participants with moderately-severe hearing loss (56-70 dB), while the second group included 20 normal-hearing participants. Members of both groups were equal to each other in sex and age (± 3 months). The research was conducted in secondary schools, the Faculty of Medicine in Foča, as well as in Special School with a Student's Dormitory "Bubanj" in Niš during May 2018. Results. A statistically significant difference between hearing-impaired and normal-hearing speakers was found in 11 out of 14 tested acoustic parameters of vowel /a/: Standard Deviation of Fundamental Frequency (STD), Absolute Jitter (Jitta), Percentage of Jitter (Jitt), Relative Average Perturbation (RAP), Fundamental Frequency Variation (vFo), Shimmer (Shdb), Percentage of Shimmer (Shim), Amplitude Perturbation Quotient (APQ), Noise-to-Harmonic Ratio (NHR), Soft Phonation Index (SPI) and Frequency Tremor Intensity Index (FTRI) whereby the hearing-impaired participants showed higher values of the above-mentioned parameters. Conclusion: The obtained results show pathological changes in the voice of hearing-impaired persons, as well as the need for voice rehabilitation.
Impact of education on quality of life of laryngectomized patients before and after vocal rehabilitation
Authors: Bunijevac Mila , Petrović-Lazić Mirjana
Published: January 2020

Introduction. Larynx carcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract that causes the change in normal anatomical relationships in the neck, which leads to communication and social interaction disorders. The aim of the paper is to examine the impact of education on the quality of life of laryngectomized patients. Methods.The study included 50 laryngectomized patients, aged 51 to 83 years. The subjective voice assessment was carried out using the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and the University of Michigan Head & Neck Quality of Life Instrument (HNQOL). The patients filled in the questionnaires before and after vocal rehabilitation. Results. The comparison of average scores of all examined laryngectomized patients before and after vocal rehabilitiation showed a statistically significant difference in the total score on VHI scale (107.20 ± 8.46 vs. 21.32 ± 13.29; p < 0.001), HNQO scale (52.50 ± 17.71 vs. 93.57 ± 6.36; p < 0.001), as well as on all subscales. Prior to vocal rehabilitation, there was no statistically significant difference between the scores on these two scales in patients with different level of education. After vocal rehabilitation, there was a statistically significant difference between the patients with secondary education and the ones with tertiary education in the scores on all VHI subscales, and total VHI score (23.60 ± 13.54 vs. 18.83 ± 11.59; p = 0.012), as well as in the scores for individual domains and the total score of HNQOL instrument (88.90 ± 6.58 vs. 99.80 ± 4.25; p = 0.048). Conclusion. Vocal rehabilitation after total laryngectomy had a positive effect on patients' quality of life, and patients with higher education showed a tendency towards better quality of life compared to the ones with lower education.
Numerical areal density of CD34 and CD117 immunoreactive hematopoietic cells in human fetal and embryonic liver
Authors: Vladičić-Mašić Jelena , Nikolić Ivan , Todorović Vera , Jović Marko , Petrović Vladimir , Mašić Srđan , Dukić Nikolina , Zečević Snežana
Published: January 2020

Introduction. Hematopoiesis is the process of developing blood cells and the formed elements of blood. This dynamic process occurs postnatally in the bone marrow, while the prenatal hematopoiesis is scattered over multiple localizations. It begins in the yolk sac, in the intra-embryonic islands of hematopoiesis, and continues in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, as well as, according to new research, in the placenta. The liver, as the largest hematopoietic organ of intrauterine development, is the source of hematopoietic stem cells. The aim of the study was to identify and quantify hematopoietic cells in human fetal and embryonic liver showing the immunoreactivity of CD34 and CD117 molecules. Methods. 5 human embryonic livers and 25 human fetal livers, 7 to 38 weeks of gestational age, were used in the study. Liver samples were routinely processed to paraffin molds. Tissue sections, 5 µm thick, were stained with hematoxylin and eosin as immunohistochemical detection of CD34 and CD117 antigens. Quantification was performed morphometrically determining numerical areal density. The Chi-square test was used in the statistical analysis. Results. The numerical areal density of CD34 immunoreactive hematopoietic cells in the liver during the embryonic development was 0.35%: 0.30% in the first trimester (including both the embryonic and fetal period), 0.46% in the second trimester and 0.10% in the third trimester. The numerical areal densities of CD117 immunoreactive hematopoietic cells in the liver during the embryonic period were 0.28%: 0.50% in the first trimester (including both the embryonic and fetal periods), 0.11% in the second trimester and 0.09% in the third trimester. Conclusion. Fetal and embryonic liver represents a significant source of CD34 and CD117 immunoreactive hematopoietic cells.
Can roe deer hunting be selective? A case study from the Pyrenees
Authors: García-Ferrer David , Herrero Juan , Jimeno-Brabo Pilar , Arnal Mari Cruz , García-Serrano Alicia , Fernández de Luco Daniel
Published: January 2020

Trophy Hunting (TH) is thought to be the reason for the reduction in length and thickness of trophies as well as body size in several Bovidae species. In deer populations, changes have occurred in allele frequencies and in number of antler tips, possibly the result of the removal of males that showed the best trophies. To evaluate whether TH selection occurred in a roe deer population, we compared the antlers and body biometrics of bucks harvested (n=278, 2006-2014) through stalking with a ranger within Game Reserves in the Aragonese Pyrenees (Spain) and those of non-hunted bucks found dead in the same and surrounding areas (n=28, 2004-2014); the latter were necropsied. For the analyses, hunters were assigned to one of three categories: local, regional, or national, depending on the origin and access to the hunting permissions. The study assessed the selection perception and hunt difficulty among rangers (n=18) and hunters (n=209). Statistical analyses used non-parametric Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The results indicated that (i), in all biometrics except brow tines, hunted bucks were larger than the non-hunted ones, (ii) hunter typologies did not differ, and (iii) rangers and hunters did not differ in their perceptions of selection and difficulty. Our results suggest that, the roe deer hunt through stalking in the Game Reserves selected the best trophies, and the rangers were essential in that process. Furthermore, if the main objective of roe deer TH is to harvest the animals with larger antlers, this selection could have a long-term negative impact.
Språkpraksisar i randsona
Authors: Eiksund Hjalmar
Published: January 2020

Artikkelen analyserer munnlege og skriftlege språkpraksisar hos ein norsk femtenåring i lys av aktuelle teoriar knytt til kodeveksling, språk­skifte og transspråking. Primærmaterialet er skuletekstar på nynorsk og bokmål, samla inn i samarbeid med Normprosjektet (2012–2016) i perioden informanten var elev frå sjette til tiande trinn. I tillegg er det gjennomført eit sosiolingvistisk forskingsintervju og henta inn private tekstmeldingar. Informanten vekslar mellom dialektnær og standardnær skriving i tekstmeldingane. Ho har tidlegare vore bidialektal, men held seg no til ein dialekt. Ho hadde nynorsk som opplæringsmål på barnetrinnet, men skifta til bokmål ved inngangen til ungdomsskulen. Artikkelen drøftar om dei ulike språkpraksisane kan sjåast som symptom på språkskifte, eller som teikn på transspråkleg skrive­kompetanse. I konklusjonen blir det argumentert for at kjennskap til og veksling mellom ulike skriftspråklege varietetar bør sjåast i eit ressurs­perspektiv, og ikkje som tap av, eller mangel på, språkleg identitet.
Adsorption behavior of CO2 molecule on AlN and silicene—application to gas capture devices
Authors: Jia Katherine , Luo Xuan
Published: January 2020

Carbon dioxide contributes significantly to both global warming and climate change, processes that inflict major environmental damage, which is why it is of much interest to find a material that can adsorb carbon dioxide before it enters the atmosphere. In our study, we use first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory to investigate the adsorption of carbon dioxide on two-dimensional materials due to their unique chemical and physical properties. The two-dimensional materials we used include aluminum nitride, defected aluminum nitride, and silicene. We observed a negative adsorption energy of carbon dioxide on all three materials, signifying a spontaneous adsorption. Our charge analysis reveals a charge transfer from the materials to the molecule in addition to a significant overlap between the projected density of states spectra of the interacting atoms, all indicating the formation of chemical bonds between the material and adsorbed molecule. Our findings thus suggest that all the materials we used could be an effective adsorbent for carbon dioxide; however, the defected aluminum nitride sheet formed stronger bonds with carbon dioxide compared to the pure sheet. The application of our research could help decrease the world’s carbon footprint by creating devices to capture carbon dioxide before it enters the atmosphere.
Investigating Los Angeles’ urban roadway network from a biologically-formed perspective
Authors: Deen Sophia , Kuzmenko Tatiana , Asghari Hossein , Willette Demian A.
Published: January 2020

The evolution of networks is constrained by spatial properties of the environment; a characterization that is true in both biological and built networks. Hence built networks such as urban streets can be compared to biological networks to reveal differences in efficiency and complexity. This study assessed foraging networks created by the slime-mold Physarium polycephalum on proportional 3D-printed topographic maps of metropolitan city of Los Angeles, California. Rapidly-generated isomorphic solutions were found to be consistently and statistically shorter than existing roadways in system length. Slime mold also allocated resources to supporting key nodes, analogous to how heavy traffic flows through major intersections. Further, chemical deterrents inhibited exploration of slime mold in selected areas and allows for testing of network redundancy and system resilience, such as after an earthquake or wildfire.
The mitochondrial genome ofApion squamigerum(Coleoptera, Curculionoidea, Brentidae) and the phylogenetic implications
Authors: Song Nan , Li Xinxin , Yin Xinming , Li Xinghao , Yin Shengjun , Yang Mingsheng
Published: January 2020

In this article, we present the nearly complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the weevil beetleApion squamigerum(Curculionoidea, Brentidae), assembled using data from Illumina next generation sequencing (NGS). This mitogenome was found to be very large, with the total length of 18,562 bp. TwotrnMgenes were identified. A large non-coding intergenic spacer spanning 1,949 bp occurred betweentrnIand trnM2. Combined with 111 existing weevil mitogenomes, we conducted phylogenetic reconstructions based on various datasets under maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Firstly, phylogenetic analyses robustly supported a sister group ofA. squamigerumandRhopalapion longirostre, namely, that two species of Apioninae (Brentidae) formed a clade. Within the entire Curculionoidea, the Nemonychidae diverged firstly, following the families Anthribidae and Attelabidae. In addition, a large clade comprising the sister families Brentidae and Curculionidae was strongly supported in all trees.
Avaliadores, autores e informações editoriais
Authors: Santos Glauber Eduardo de Oliveira
Published: January 2020

Avaliadores atuantes em 2019, autores e informações editoriais.
Activity-guided purification reveals quercetin as the most efficient cholinesterase inhibitor in wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) and apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) fruit extract
Authors: Kamila Borowiec Dominik Szwajgier, , Zapp Josef
Published: January 2020

Cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitors are commonly approved for the Alzheimer’s disease therapy which should restore the original levels of acetylcholine in the brain. In this work, a suitable purification procedure of ChE inhibitors from wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) and apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) fruit is presented. Activity-guided purification was based on ultrafiltration (0.2 µm → 5 kDa → 3 kDa) of water extract from fruit followed by preparative chromatography (Sephadex LH-20 and HPLC-C18) and analytical HPLC-C18. At every stage of purification, anti-ChE activity was measured in each fraction using Ellman’s colorimetric method. The most active ChE inhibitor purified from both fruits was quercetin and the chemical structure was confirmed by infrared (IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopies. The fast purification procedure can be used for isolating phenolic ChE inhibitors from other fruits from the Rosaceae family.
Maize yield, biomass and grain quality traits responses to delayed sowing date and genotypes in rain-fed condition
Authors: Fentuan Yang, Xiaoli Jiang Qingjun Cao, Gang Li, , Enping Zhang Lamine Diallo, , Kong Fanli
Published: January 2020

Delayed sowing (DS) is a critical factor influencing grain yield and quality under climate change. This study was conducted to determine maize grain yield and quality traits responses to DS and varied genotypes in rain-fed condition, northeast of China. Two typical hybrids ZD958 (higher starch type) and LM33 (higher protein type) and three sowing dates: 30 April (DS0) as normal, 10 May (DS10) and 20 May (DS20) were compared. Results demonstrated maize grain yield, biomass, kernel number per square, thousand kernel weight (TKW), grain nutrition yield, N concentration and grain test weight were significantly reduced by DS. Compared to high protein type LM33, high starch type ZD958 had a higher yield potential and lower yield reduction with delayed sowing. Grain yield loss under DS could be mainly attributed to reduction of the BMP and biomass, thereby leading to the reduction of TKW and kernels number per unit. DS didn’t affected grain nutritional content (starch, protein and oil), while significantly reduced grain nutrition yield of starch, oil and protein with delayed sowing. This study suggests that, early sowing should be recommended to the framers and varieties adjustments maybe a possible approach to reduce and compensate for the loss of yield caused by delayed sowing in rain-fed condition under climate change in NCP.
Effect of foliar application of 24-epibrassinolide and salicylic acid on common bean plants grown under drought stress
Authors: Lopes L.S. , Costa Nobre Danúbia Aparecida , Macedo Willian Rodrigues
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential use of two bioregulators, 24-epibrassinolide (BR) and salicylic acid (SA), as attenuators of drought stress on common bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). This was done by subjecting the plants to three different soil moisture levels, and then analyzing: gas exchange by the leaves, enzymes of antioxidant metabolism (superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase), total soluble protein content, photosynthetic pigments, relative leaf water content, and biometric parameters. Neither SA nor BR had significant effects on the parameters of gas exchange and photosynthetic pigments, but they helped to regulate the levels of hydrogen peroxide in the plants, by adjusting both ascorbate peroxidase activity and catalase activity. Therefore, SA and BR are considered to be useful treatments for increasing tolerance to water stress in common bean plants, because their use caused improvements in the plants’ protective mechanisms against drought stress, without any detrimental side effects.
Relation between physicochemical characteristics and sensory profiles of cooked pumpkin varieties
Authors: R.V. Santana, D.S. Lima A.B. de Almeida, T.M. de Lima, J.G. de Oliveira Filho, , Moreira E.A. , Egea M.B.
Published: January 2020

Since pumpkin is a widely consumed vegetable in the human diet, this study aimed to evaluate the relation between physicochemical characteristics and sensory profiles of pumpkin varieties. Samples were coded as follows:  PS is the scented pumpkin (PS01, PS02, PS03), MP is the moranga pumpkin (MP01), HP is the hybrid pumpkin (HP02, HP03, HP12), and CP is the commercial hybrid Tetsukabuto pumpkin. Pumpkin varieties were evaluated as to total titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, carotenoid content, cooking time, color, hardness, descriptive sensory analysis, preference, and purchase intention (affective sensory analysis). Consumers’ profiles were evaluated by an online questionnaire. The highest values of total soluble solids and scores for sweet taste in the sensory evaluation were shown by PS02 and CP. The former exhibited the highest carotenoid content (172.88 mg 100g-1) while the hybridization process resulted in pumpkins (HP02, HP03 and HP12) with the lowest total carotenoid content (50.94-51.90 mg 100g-1). All pumpkin varieties were mostly yellow (positive b* value). The consumers’ profile shows their preference for small fruits (mass between 1.0 and 1.5 kg) that are peeled and whose pulp is orange. Association between the descriptive test and the preference one showed that orange pumpkins were prefered by the sensory panel. The sensory profile and physicochemical characteristics are important tools to the production of hybrids and breeding of genetic pumpkin varieties. This is a field of research that has grown lately and may result in higher productivity and quality of this vegetable.
Anatomical aspects of the ginger flower Etlingera elatior (Jack.) RM Smith, acclimatization with the usage of different nutritive solutions
Authors: Júnior Pavão Jessé Marques da Silva , De Castro Evaristo Mauro , Cabral Sant’Anna Selenobaldo Alexinaldo , Pontes Bomfim Thomé Rodrigues de , Souza, T.J.M. Rocha A.F. dos Santos, J.G. da Costa, M.A.
Published: January 2020

The Ginger flower, Etlingera elatior (Jack.) RM Smith (also known as torch ginger, ginger flower, red ginger lily, torch lily, wild ginger), belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, stands out with one of the main ornamental tropical species. The objectives of the present study were to establish an acclimatization methodology for in vitro cultivated cane seedlings, and to compare the internal structure of leaves of seedlings submitted to different nutrient solutions. The seedlings from the in vitro culture were transplanted into trays with inert substrate (expanded vermiculite + 10% sand), where they remained in a growth room with controlled temperature of 25 ± 2 °C and photon irradiance of 67 μm m-2 s-1. Moisture control was carried out by using a transparent plastic bag, which was removed after 15 days and shortly thereafter, the experiments were started with the use of nutritive solutions MS (Murashige & Skoog), BJ (Bolle-Jones) and HO (Hoagland & Arnon) at 35% of their ionic strength. For the anatomical study, transverse and paradermal sections were realized in the foliar laminae of seedlings in vitro, in period of acclimatization and in plants already established. The in vitro seedlings showed survival at 100% when transferred to the ex vitro condition. In the cross sections and leaf parser, anatomical differences between the seedlings of the different environments were observed. The abaxial and adaxial epidermis presented significant differences in the environments in which the seedlings developed, showing themselves to be thicker as the acclimatization period increased. The thickness averages of the palisade parenchyma did not differ statistically in the acclimatization periods and in the different nutrient solutions tested. On the other hand, those ones of the spongy parenchyma´s presented significant differences in relation to the nutrient solutions tested, evidencing in all evaluations the MS solution, which contributed the most to the development of the internal structures of the leaf (spongy parenchyma and central vascular cylinder). The highest stomatal density was observed in seedlings developed in vitro (250 stomata per mm2) when compared to those ones already acclimatized or even to that one of field, 200 and 190 stomata per mm2 respectively. The stomata of the Ginger flower leaves developed in vitro presented with polar and equatorial diameters greater than the stomata of leaves already acclimatized and as well as of field.
Toward a Stretchable Organic Light‐Emitting Diode on 3D Microstructured Elastomeric Substrate and Transparent Hybrid Anode
Authors: Trung Tran Quang , Kim Chanho , Lee Han‐Byeol , Cho Sung Min , Lee Nae‐Eung
Published: January 2020

Stretchable organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are attractive for applications in wearable displays, conformal optical biomedical devices, and healthcare monitoring. Although many stretchable OLEDs have been demonstrated, their fabrication process still faces some limitations, including fabrication complexity, high cost and low yield, as well as difficulty controlling and obtaining materials for all constituent layers. Herein, a simple approach toward a stretchable OLED is proposed by directly depositing all constituent layers in the device on a 3D microstructured elastomeric substrate (3D‐MSES) with stress‐adaptable characteristics. A hybrid electrode of ultrathin metal and conductive polymer is developed as an anode. This electrode also serves as a planarization layer to reduce the surface defects and roughness of 3D‐MSES. The optical, electrical, and mechanical performance of the OLED on 3D‐MSES containing the hybrid anode is higher than those of OLED on 3D‐MSES containing an ultrathin metallic anode and an OLED on a planar substrate containing a hybrid anode. This approach is promising toward low cost stretchable OLEDs for lighting and healthcare applications based on a simple fabrication process.
Highly Efficient Silicon Photonic Microheater Based on Black Arsenic–Phosphorus
Authors: Liu Yingjie , Wang Huide , Wang Shuai , Wang Yujie , Wang Yunzheng , Guo Zhinan , Xiao Shumin , Yao Yong , Song Qinghai , Zhang Han , Xu Ke
Published: January 2020

While black phosphorus has shown excellent optoelectronic properties in many aspects, the environmental instability ultimately places limits on its practical applications. Black arsenic–phosphorus (b‐AsP), an alloy of black phosphorus with arsenic atoms, has emerged as a new 2D material with better stability. Recently, the heterostructure via integration of 2D material with nanophotonic waveguides is opening an avenue for many on‐chip applications of phosphorene. However, the thermo‐optic (TO) properties, which are widely used for waveguide heaters, are not studied on b‐AsP yet. Herein, the TO effects of a b‐AsP/silicon van der Waals heterostructure are first investigated and its application as a transparent waveguide heater is demonstrated. A high efficiency of 0.74 nm mW−1 is achieved with a nonresonant and broadband heater based on 20 nm thick b‐AsP, which eliminates the need for enhancement by cavity‐assisted light–matter interaction, and thus allows for compact footprint, broadband operation, and low latency.
PCL microsphere/PEG‐based composite hydrogels for sustained release of methadone hydrochloride
Authors: Karamzadeh Yasin , Ansari Asl Afshin , Rahmani Sohrab
Published: January 2020

Hydrogels have increasingly received considerable attention for local opioids delivery in order to sustained wound pain relief. However, burst release of drugs is a critical problem of hydrogels. To this aim, a local drug delivery system consisting of polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres containing methadone hydrochloride/polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐based hydrogels were developed to prolong drug release with potential utilization in pain treatment. Four different drug delivery systems, including methadone hydrochloride/PEG‐(N3)4‐based hydrogel, methadone hydrochloride/PEG‐(N3)2‐based hydrogel, methadone hydrochloride/PCL/PEG‐(N3)4, and methadone hydrochloride/PCL/PEG‐(N3)2 composite hydrogels, were fabricated to investigate drug release profiles of these systems. The results showed that drug released can be controlled by both the double‐barrier matrix (hydrogel/microsphere), and the crosslinking density of hydrogels. Therefore, methadone hydrochloride/PCL/PEG‐(N3)2 composite hydrogel with high crosslinking density has great potential application in sustained release systems for wound pain relief. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48967.
Influence of the chemical structure of additives poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)‐based on the pour point of crude oils
Authors: Oliveira Lize M. S. L. , Nunes Rita C. P. , Pessoa Larissa M. B. , Reis Leidiane G. , Spinelli Luciana S. , Lucas Elizabete Fernandes
Published: January 2020

One of the methods to prevent wax precipitation, during petroleum production, transport, and refining, is the use of polymer additives that can reduce the oil pour point. However, no single additive work for all types of crude oil and this relation is not yet well known. In this study, a family of polymers based on poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate), containing hydroxyl groups and long pendant hydrocarbon chains (from C6 to C18), were synthesized and characterized by H1 nuclear magnetic resonance and solubility test. Four crude oil samples containing different amounts and size distribution of the wax were used. The additive's action is favored by higher contents of iso + cycloalkanes and lower contents of n‐paraffins with larger chain sizes. The presence of the CH3COO group in the copolymers promoted the lowering of the pour point, supported by a low OH concentration and the presence of a long pendant hydrocarbon chain: the best results were obtained with C10 and C12 chain lengths. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48969.
RETRACTED: Long noncoding RNA TUG1 facilitates cell ovarian cancer progression through targeting MiR‐29b‐3p/MDM2 axis
Authors: Yang Xiaoqiu , Xin Nana , Qu Hai‐Jun , Wei Lina , Han Zhiwu
Published: January 2020

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most aggressive female cancers in the world. OC trends to be diagnosed at an advanced stage with abdominal metastasis. Our study explored the biological function and underlying mechanism of lncRNA on OC cell proliferation and migration. The expression of turine up‐regulated gene 1 (TUG1) in human OC tissues and cell lines was measured by qRT‐PCR. OC cell proliferation, viability, migration, and invasion were measured by MTT assays, colony formation assays, and transwell assays in vitro. Furthermore, the nude mice xenograft model was established to determine the effects of TUG1 in vivo. The relationship between TUG1 and miR‐29b‐3p, as well as miR‐29b‐3p and MDM2 were identified using the luciferase reporter assays. We showed that the expression of TUG1 and MDM2 were significantly increased, but the expression of miR‐29b‐3p was remarkably decreased in OC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of TUG1 strongly inhibited the ability of cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro. The relationship between TUG1 and miR‐29b‐3p, or miR‐29b‐3p and MDM2 were predicted by StarBase and miRanda online software. Besides, miR‐29b‐3p reversed the positive effect of TUG1 on the OC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through inhibiting MDM2 expression and increasing p53 phosphorylation level. Moreover, knockdown of TUG1 suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Taken all together, this study shows that TUG1 plays a crucial oncogenic role and facilitates cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in OC through regulating miR‐29b‐3p/MDM2 axis.
Active fault tolerant control based on eigenstructure assignment applied to a 3‐DOF helicopter
Authors: Brizuela‐Mendoza Jorge A. , Sorcia‐Vázquez Felipe D. J. , Rumbo‐Morales Jesse Y. , Lozoya‐Ponce Ricardo E. , Rodríguez‐Cerda Julio C.
Published: January 2020

In this paper an active fault tolerant control (AFTC) has been designed and applied to a 3‐DOF helicopter mathematical model. The main contribution corresponds to an AFTC design based on eigenstructure assignment aiming at reconfiguring the controller gain after actuator fault occurrences, modelled as additive faults. The reconfigured controller gain is computed ensuring the best approximation acquired for the nominal fault‐free closed‐loop system on its eigenstructure, giving rise to a faulty closed‐loop system with the same closed‐loop eigenvalues. Simulation results on the on‐line controller gain reconfiguration are shown considering simultaneous time‐varying faults and those with negative and positive slopes.
Racial Disparities in a Sample of Inpatient Youth with ASD
Authors: Nichols Helen M. , Dababnah Sarah , Troen Brittany , Vezzoli Jessica , Mahajan Rajneesh , Mazefsky Carla A.
Published: January 2020

Although more than one in 10 youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is admitted to a psychiatric facility before they reach adulthood, the inpatient population is underrepresented in research. Furthermore, Black youth are more likely to be psychiatrically hospitalized, compared to their White counterparts. Yet, prior research has been inconsistent in potential racial differences in ASD symptoms and severity. This study examined differences in the symptom presentation of psychiatrically hospitalized Black and White youth with ASD. Researchers collected data as part of a larger study of youth admitted to one of six US specialized inpatient psychiatric units between 2013 and 2017. We used bivariate and multivariate models to analyze the data. The study included 654 youth diagnosed with ASD, with an average age of 13 years. While bivariate analyses found that Black youth had lower written language and daily living skills and more impaired social affect and inappropriate speech, multivariate regression models suggested that overall ability level and age may be driving these differences. Specifically, the only variables that significantly predicted adaptive functioning (written language, daily living) and behavioral profiles (social affect, inappropriate speech) were verbal ability, IQ, and age. Race was not a significant predictor in any of the models. Cultural diversity and competency are vital to the identification and treatment of ASD clinical care. Thus, understanding the role race may play in early detection and accurate diagnosis is important to improving ASD identification, diagnosis, and treatment. Autism Res 2020, 13: 532–538. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

This study examined differences in autism symptoms between Black and White youth in psychiatric hospitals. We found that while it initially appeared that Black and White youth differed in written language and daily living skills, these racial differences were not significant once we accounted for differences in IQ, age, and verbal ability. Our findings suggest that providers should pay greater attention to other potential reasons for racial disparities in autism services.
Polyacrylic acid based plasma fractionation for the production of albumin and IgG: Compatibility with existing commercial downstream processes
Authors: McCann Karl B. , Van Alstine James , Martinez Jose , Shanagar Jamil , Bertolini Joseph
Published: January 2020

Commercial fractionation of human plasma into immunoglobulin‐ and albumin‐rich fractions is often initiated with sequential cold ethanol‐based precipitation methods, which have changed little over the past 70 years. The required low temperature (−4 to −8°C) and high concentrations of ethanol 8–40%) necessitate large‐scale fixed processing lines, and major capital investment and operating costs. The resulting fractions are then further purified by ethanol based precipitation or chromatographic procedures to obtain the purified final product. Aqueous polyacrylic acid (PAA) based precipitation, which readily interfaces with existing downstream processing, could offer advantages with respect to cost, safety, environmental impact, and flexibility. Sequential precipitation with 7%, 12%, and 20% (w/v) solutions of PAA 8000 in the presence of a kosmotropic salt (sodium citrate) gave fibrinogen‐, immunoglobulin‐, and albumin‐rich fractions with 80–90% yield and 64%, 55%, and 82% purity, respectively. Further purification of the IgG‐rich precipitate by caprylic acid precipitation and anion exchange chromatography, achieved a target purity of >99%. This was also achieved for the downstream processing of the albumin‐rich precipitate using a two‐step ion exchange chromatographic procedure. This work shows that PAA precipitation can be used in place of cold ethanol precipitation to generate crude IgG and albumin fractions which can be purified to final products of acceptable purity.
Engineering hydroxyproline‐O‐glycosylated biopolymers to reconstruct the plant cell wall for improved biomass processability
Authors: Fang Hong , Wright Tristen , Jinn Jia‐Rong , Guo Wenzheng , Zhang Ningning , Wang Xiaoting , Wang Ya‐Jane , Xu Jianfeng
Published: January 2020

Reconstructing the chemical and structural characteristics of the plant cell wall represents a promising solution to overcoming lignocellulosic biomass recalcitrance to biochemical deconstruction. This study aims to leverage hydroxyproline (Hyp)‐O‐glycosylation, a process unique to plant cell wall glycoproteins, as an innovative technology for de novo design and engineering in planta of Hyp‐O‐glycosylated biopolymers (HypGP) that facilitate plant cell wall reconstruction. HypGP consisting of 18 tandem repeats of “Ser–Hyp–Hyp–Hyp–Hyp” motif or (SP4)18 was designed and engineered into tobacco plants as a fusion peptide with either a reporter protein enhanced green fluorescence protein or the catalytic domain of a thermophilic E1 endoglucanase (E1cd) from Acidothermus cellulolyticus. The engineered (SP4)18 module was extensively Hyp‐O‐glycosylated with arabino‐oligosaccharides, which facilitated the deposition of the fused protein/enzyme in the cell wall matrix and improved the accumulation of the protein/enzyme in planta by 1.5–11‐fold. The enzyme activity of the recombinant E1cd was not affected by the fused (SP4)18 module, showing an optimal temperature of 80°C and optimal pH between 5 and 8. The plant biomass engineered with the (SP4)18‐tagged protein/enzyme increased the biomass saccharification efficiency by up to 3.5‐fold without having adverse impact on the plant growth.
Consider impact of institution's tracking apps on privacy, best interests of students
Authors: Rooksby Jacob H.
Published: January 2020

We live in the era of big data. From industries as far‐reaching as the airlines, Hollywood, national retailers, and casinos, business decision‐makers have recognized the power and reach of data‐driven analytics about routine consumer behavior. These digital tools — enabled by apps, cookies, loyalty programs, and other tracking devices — have the ability not only to capture the range of human activity, but also to shape it.
Know how to respond to changes in insurance industry
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: January 2020

Significant changes occurring in the insurance industry will impact higher education in the short and long term. In fact, you can expect more requests for information related to potential claims against colleges and universities, especially Title IX, new notice practices, and new exclusions and other restrictions in coverage — and even reduced capacity, according to Peter F. Lake, J.D., Director of the Center for Excellence in Higher Education Law and Policy at the Stetson University College of Law, where he also teaches insurance law. These changes come as colleges and universities must deal with mounting litigation and regulatory pressures, making insurance more of a necessity than ever before, he noted.
Did court dismiss prof's retaliation claim under the Rehabilitation Act?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: January 2020

The plaintiff was a Montgomery College professor who became unable to walk long distances in 2002.
Microrobots in Brewery: Dual Magnetic/Light‐Powered Hybrid Microrobots for Preventing Microbial Contamination in Beer
Authors: Villa Katherine , Vyskočil Jan , Ying Yulong , Zelenka Jaroslav , Pumera Martin
Published: January 2020

Yeasts play a key role in the production of alcoholic beverages by fermentation processes. However, because of their continuous growth, they commonly cause spoilage of the final product. Herein, we introduce dual magnetic/light‐responsive self‐propelled microrobots that can actively move in a beer sample and capture yeast cells. The presence of magnetic nanoparticles on the surface of the microrobots enables their magnetic actuation under fuel‐free conditions. In addition, their photoactivity under visible‐light irradiation leads to an overall enhancement of their swimming and yeast removal capabilities. It was found that after the application of the microrobots into a real unfiltered beer sample, these micromachines were able to remove almost 100 % of residual yeasts. In addition, these microrobots could also be added at the initial step of the fermentation process without altering the final beer properties, such as alcohol level, color, and pH. This work demonstrates the potential of using externally actuated microrobots as an innovative and low‐cost solution for avoiding yeast spoilage in complex liquid environments, such as alcoholic beverages. Therefore, these autonomous self‐propelled microrobots open new avenues for future applications in the food industry.
Pharmacometrics and Machine Learning Partner to Advance Clinical Data Analysis
Authors: Koch Gilbert , Pfister Marc , Daunhawer Imant , Wilbaux Melanie , Wellmann Sven , Vogt Julia E.
Published: January 2020

Clinical pharmacology is a multidisciplinary data sciences field that utilizes mathematical and statistical methods to generate maximal knowledge from data. Pharmacometrics (PMX) is a well‐recognized tool to characterize disease progression, pharmacokinetics, and risk factors. Because the amount of data produced keeps growing with increasing pace, the computational effort necessary for PMX models is also increasing. Additionally, computationally efficient methods, such as machine learning (ML) are becoming increasingly important in medicine. However, ML is currently not an integrated part of PMX, for various reasons. The goals of this article are to (i) provide an introduction to ML classification methods, (ii) provide examples for a ML classification analysis to identify covariates based on specific research questions, (iii) examine a clinically relevant example to investigate possible relationships of ML and PMX, and (iv) present a summary of ML and PMX tasks to develop clinical decision support tools.
Trends and clinicopathological characteristics of oral squamous cell carcinomas reported at a tertiary cancer hospital in Nepal during 1999 to 2009
Authors: Gajurel Rashmi , Gautam Dej Kumar , Pun Chin Bahadur , Dhakal Hari Prasad , Petrovski Beáta Éva , Costea Daniela Elena , Sapkota Dipak
Published: January 2020

Objective

Reliable data describing the trends and clinicopathological characteristics of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in the Nepalese population are very limited. The current study aimed to examine the demographics, trend, and clinicopathological characteristics of OSCC reported to the main referral/tertiary cancer hospital, the B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital (BPKMCH) in Nepal for a period of 11 years (1999–2009).

Material and methods

This is a cross‐sectional study. Data were retrieved retrospectively from hospital register maintained in the Department of Ear, Nose, Throat at BPKMCH, categorized into demographic and clinicopathological variables and SPSS (V25) was used for the analysis.

Results

In a period of 11 years, 3,452 cases of head and neck cancer were registered at the Department of Ear, Nose, Throat, BPKMCH. Out of 1,111 oral cancer cases, 1,081 (97.3%) were OSCC. A trend for increasing number of OSCCs presenting to BPKMCH was observed during that period. OSCC was found to be more common among males (73.0%), Brahmin/Chhetri ethnic groups (33.0%), in age group of 51–60 years (31.9%), and in Terai region (62.0%). Tongue (42.8%) was the most common site, followed by buccal mucosa (27.2%). Nevertheless, when stratified with respect to the geographical location and ethnicity, buccal mucosa was the most common site for OSCC in Terai region (63.9%, p = .002) and in Madhesi ethnic group (34.2%, p < .001). Majority of OSCC cases were diagnosed at advanced stage (49.7%, Stage IV) and received a combination therapy (42.0%).

Conclusions

Hospital‐based records can provide valuable information on disease characteristics in countries like Nepal. This study revealed that the clinicopathological characteristics of OSCC in Nepal follow the global trend. Nevertheless, relationship between specific intraoral sites for OSCC with geographic location and ethnic groups is an interesting observation and requires further population‐based studies to clarify these findings.
Line × tester analysis of maize grain yield under acid and non‐acid soil conditions
Authors: Mutimaamba Charles , MacRobert John , Cairns Jill E. , Magorokosho Cosmos , Ndhlela Thokozile , Mukungurutse Collis , Minnaar‐Ontong Adré , Labuschagne Maryke
Published: January 2020

Soil acidity has received less attention than other biophysical stresses such as drought and low N, despite accounting for a considerable reduction in maize (Zea mays L.) productivity in many parts of southern Africa. The line × tester mating design was used to determine the general combining ability (GCA) for grain yield of 14 maize inbred lines and the specific combining ability (SCA) of their corresponding crosses. Thirty‐three single‐cross hybrids were evaluated under acid and optimum soils across 11 environments over three seasons. Across environments, mean grain yield reduction ranged from 11 to 37% due to low pH. Additive gene action was more important than nonadditive gene action for grain yield under both soil conditions. Tester GCA effects were larger for grain yield than GCA effects of lines and SCA effects of crosses for both soil conditions. Tester GCA effects were less sensitive to environmental fluctuations than line GCA effects and SCA effects of crosses. Cross combinations with desirable SCA effects for grain yield were associated with high per se grain yield, which suggests that SCA was a good predictor of grain yield in this study. These crosses consisted of good × good and good × poor general combiners, which indicates that GCA was a good predictor of grain yield. Therefore, priority should be given for yield selection in progenies and hybridization of specific crosses with desirable SCA when breeding acid‐soil‐tolerant maize.
A new mean‐field plasma edge transport model based on turbulent kinetic energy and enstrophy
Authors: Coosemans Reinart , Dekeyser Wouter , Baelmans Martine
Published: January 2020

The predictive capabilities of mean‐field plasma edge transport codes are significantly reduced by the empirically determined radial diffusion coefficients commonly used to account for the turbulent transport. This paper aims to assess a two‐equation model including both turbulent kinetic energy and turbulent enstrophy for an improved description of the mean‐field turbulent transport. A turbulent enstrophy equation is analytically derived for isothermal, electrostatic, two‐dimensional, interchange‐dominated ExB turbulence in the scrape‐off layer. Evaluation of this equation shows that interchange is the dominant source, while the sheath loss and viscous terms provide the main sinks of turbulent enstrophy. Transport effects turn out to be of minor importance. A model for the combined turbulent kinetic energy and enstrophy equations and the particle transport is constructed starting from a one‐equation model for the turbulent kinetic energy. The resulting two‐equation model is shown to retain the dominant dynamics of the latter while improving its scalings.
Stay mission‐ and vision‐aligned by listening to faculty, sharing their successes
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2020

Gail Baker, Ph.D., didn't plan to work in academic leadership. “I fell into academia after having a short career in public relations in Chicago,” Baker said. That stint in public relations led eventually to a role as the first Vice President of Public Relations for the University of Florida before she became the Provost for the University of San Diego.