bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Growth and Yield of Vertically Trained Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] under Different Levels of Spacing, Training and Pruning under Rain Shelter
Authors: Murthy Naveda , Nisha S K , Sarada S , Raj Sheeja K , Shruthy O N
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the effects of spacing, training and pruning on the growth and yield of watermelon hybrid ‘Saraswati’ trained vertically under rain shelter. The treatments were factorial combinations of three planting densities (1.50 m × 0.60 m, 1.50 m × 0.45 m and 1.50 m × 0.30 m), two training levels (nipping to one vine, nipping to two vines) and two pruning heights (pruned at 2m and unpruned) arranged in randomized block design with two replications and control with horizontal training of vines in open condition. Spacing, training and pruning levels had varying influence on growth and yield parameters of vertically trained watermelon. Wider spacing of 1.5 m x 0.6 m recorded the highest vine length, highest fruit weight and yield per plant (6.82 kg). Earliness in days to flowering as well as node number was observed in widely spaced plants trained to single vine. Plants trained to two vines exhibited the highest number of fruits per plant, yield per plant and yield per plot. Unpruned plants trained to two vines at closer spacing of 1.50 m × 0.30 m recorded the highest number of fruits per plant and yield per plot (90.10 kg).
Floral Infestation of Tuberose with Aphelenchoides and Its Management
Authors: Kadam Veronica , H. Jeevan , Hrangkhawl Bablu , N. Euphema , Roy Kushal , Mukhopadhyay A.K. , Thangjam Rojeet
Published: November 2024

In the field experiment conducted on cv. Calcutta Double, the symptoms of floral malady and efficacy of treatment modules on foliar nematode population, percent infestation and resulting yields of the crop has been observed.  The symptoms appear on the leaves and progress until flowering. Typical symptoms observed were browning of leaves and flowers. In serious condition, the plant becomes stunted along with prickles on the stalks and flowers. The flowers become brittle. The results of the present study showed that the percent infestation was directly proportional to the nematode population. The percent infestation and the population were higher in untreated plot (M7) as compared to all treated plots. The treatment module (M4) involving overnight drenching of bulb in water followed by dipping in monocrotophos 36SL @750ppm for 4 hrs + Spraying of monocrotophos 36SL @360g a.i./ha alternated with cartap hydrochloride 50SP @375g a.i./ha at 15 days interval after onset of foliar nematode infestation in the 1st year and succeeding year crop was the most economical (ICBR 1: 8) and effective means of managing Aphelenchoides besseyi population. It also yielded higher number of marketable flower stalks viz. 4, 43,908.19 per hectare.
Prevalence of Extended-Spectrum- Beta-Lactamase-Producing Bacterial Species Isolated from Handbags of Women in Abeokuta, Nigeria
Authors: Lawal Olabisi Promise , Ayomide Ilesanmi Taiwo , Kwame Asare Bernard , Christopher Adegbesan Abiodun , Ogochukwu Dike Jennifer , Arinze Okoye, Chrispin , Temitope Adefemi Oluwasegun , Obasi Daniel Ebubechi , Bemigho Adewoyin Peter , Andrew Igunma Aimuanmwosa , Obi Cynthia Ndidiamaka , Zainab Olaide , Eseohe Enaburekhan Gift
Published: November 2024

Background: Numerous studies have identified the presence of harmful microorganisms on inanimate objects. A woman’s handbag, commonly used as a personal and portable accessory, often harbors various microbes, including bacteria.  This study aims to assess the prevalence, antibiogram, and distribution of Extended-Spectrum-Beta-Lactamase-producing isolates found in women’s handbags. Additionally, it will examine the sensitivity and resistance patterns of these isolates to selected common antibiotics in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 300 samples collected from various women’s handbags. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on all isolates using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, while the presence of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) was determined using the double disc synergy test on isolates that showed resistance to standard antibiotics.
Results:  Out of the 300 samples collected, 59% showed no bacterial growth, while 41% yielded bacteria growth. Among the ESBL-producing bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae demonstrated the highest prevalence (56.3%), followed by Escherichia coli (37.1%) and Acinetobacter spp (30%). In contrast, Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the lowest ESBL production at 16.7%. Ceftazidime was the most effective antimicrobial agent against ESBL-producing bacteria (19%), followed by Cefotaxime (13%) whereas Augmentin was the least effective (6%). Overall, Azithromycin was the most active antibiotic across all isolates (77.8%), while Ceftriaxone was the least effective (33.3%).  All Bacillus spp. isolates were found to be sensitive to the first-line antibiotics.
Conclusion: Women’s handbags are potential carriers of various multidrug-resistant bacteria, and can act as vectors for transmitting pathogenic bacteria to their users. It is essential to raise awareness and educate women about this potential route of disease transmission to help curb the spread of multi-drug-resistant organisms.
Estado da Índia portuguesa e seus horizontes de inserção social
Authors: Fagundes de Carvalho Eric
Published: November 2024

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar os espaços de atuação e a inserção social empreendidos por moços fidalgos da Casa Real, entre as décadas de 1640 e 1660, nas possessões asiáticas do império ultramarino português. O grupo de moços fidalgos contemplados por esta pesquisa se refere aos fidalgos nomeados no recorte temporal supracitado, com serviços prestados no Estado da Índia portuguesa, de acordo com o Inventário do Livro de Matrículas da Casa Real. Procuramos perceber sob quais estratégias sociais esse grupo tentou mobilizar à manutenção dos mais variados postos políticos e militares na Ásia portuguesa em um momento de profunda instabilidade política, resultando na perda de diversas praças, principal-mente para neerlandeses e Estados locais. O trabalho argumenta que tais estratégias incluíram práticas sociais não tão distantes do Antigo Regime ibérico, especial-mente as que diziam respeito ao parentesco fictício e ao matrimônio.
Brasiliana
Authors: Assunção Matthias Röhrig , Da Conceição Pereira Juliana
Published: November 2024

O grupo Brasiliana estreou em janeiro de 1950, no Rio de Janeiro, e teve um papel fundamental, mas pouco reconhecido, na transposição da música e do balé negros, ou afro-brasileiros, para o palco e no desenvolvimento do “balé brasileiro” e do “espetáculo folclórico”. O artigo examina a criação do grupo como Teatro Folclórico Brasileiro, destacando o papel de seus principais protagonistas, Haroldo Costa e Miécio Askanasy. Em contraste com o teatro de revista, que se utilizava do riso e da ironia para expor as questões sociais e políticas do cotidiano, a Brasiliana se propôs a encenar manifestações da cultura popular “autênticas”, sem o sarcasmo da produção revisteira. Em oposição ao balé do teatro “erudito”, colocava protagonistas negros no palco e almejava alcançar um público mais amplo. Seus espetáculos dialogavam tanto com o teatro de vanguarda quanto com o movimento folclorista e outros modernismos negros no Atlântico. No entanto, a opção por longas turnês internacionais provocou cisões e afastou o grupo de seus objetivos iniciais.
Zimbos e Libongos
Authors: Puntoni Pedro
Published: November 2024

Desde o século XVI, quando os portugueses estabelecem o controle do tráfico de escravizados na costa ocidental da África a partir do porto de São Paulo de Luanda, o uso das moedas locais, como o zimbo, caracterizaram a zona monetária dessa dimensão do Império Colonial português. Os portugueses apropriaram-se de práticas monetárias preexistentes e procuraram manter as trocas com base nessa moeda-mercadoria que tinha por base essas pequenas conchas encontradas sobretudo no litoral próximo à Luanda. Depois do curto domínio holandês, e a partir da restauração de 1648, a substituição da moeda local pelos panos libongos não conseguiu se sustentar por muito tempo, uma vez que essa nova moeda fiduciária perdia o seu valor e era objeto de grande contestação pelos moradores e interesses locais. Em 1694, os libongos seriam, então, substituídos por moedas de cobre.
construir-se de sujeitos negros
Authors: Roque Ribeiro Jonatas
Published: November 2024

A partir do estudo de aspectos da biografia de José Eutrópio (1886-1929), o artigo analisa diferentes questões sobre o cotidiano das gentes negras no contexto das emancipações e do pós-abolição no Brasil, como, por exemplo, a constituição de arranjos familiares, acesso e permanência na escola, desafios da sobrevivência em meio às violências da discriminação racial, dimensão política da construção de formas de identificação racial, projetos de vida informados por sonhos, esperanças e medos. A história de José Eutrópio narra, à sua maneira, os itinerários de muitos outros sujeitos negros, isto é, na sua biografia, aspectos individuais eram também coletivos e, por isso, elucidativos das estratégias, ações e interdições construídas e enfrentadas por esses indivíduos nessa conjuntura.
pobreza em Cabo Verde é feminina" (?)
Authors: Lobo Andréa , Venancio Vinícius
Published: November 2024

O artigo aborda as relações entre Estado, organizações da sociedade civil e famílias de classes populares a partir do contexto cabo-verdiano. Observa-se, nessas relações, um conjunto de perspectivas morais que ambicionam moldar comportamentos associados a noções de família, gênero e parentesco a partir de determinadas visões de mundo que, embora particulares, se pretendem hegemônicas. Nesse sentido, suas ações têm público e objetivos bem definidos: indivíduos das classes populares, sobretudo mulheres, cujas famílias e suas dinâmicas são classificadas como um “problema a ser resolvido” a partir de uma categoria que está no centro das preocupações dos atores e documentos aqui analisados: as famílias monoparentais femininas – famílias chefiadas por mulheres e nas quais o homem seria o elemento ausente, não exercendo o papel de marido e pai. Com base em dados etnográficos, propomos um deslocamento de uma visão externa e que se pauta por noções de desvio – ao estabelecer relação causal entre famílias pobres e “chefia feminina” ou monoparentalidade – para a perspectiva de que nesses contextos as dinâmicas familiares têm a força do feminino.
Liberdade, onde estás?
Authors: da Silva Rosemere Ferreira
Published: November 2024

Resenha de:
NASCIMENTO, Abdias. Submundo: Cadernos de um penitenciário. Rio de Janeiro: Zahar, 1ªEdição, 2023, 320 p.
Teoria Crítica para entender o racismo
Authors: Pereira Rocha Elaine
Published: November 2024

Resenha de:
RAY, Victor. Critical Race Theory. Why it matters and why you should care. New York: Random House, 2023. 180 p.
W. E. B. Du Bois
Authors: Gato Matheus
Published: November 2024

Introdução da seção Biblioteca de Clássicos composta por 4 traduções de textos de W. E. B. Du Bois:
A Forma do Medo (1926) 
Colônias e responsabilidade moral 
O Décimo Talentoso: Discurso Memorial 
A paz é perigosa
Colônias e responsabilidade moral
Authors: Du Bois W. E. B. , Oliveira (tradução) Maurício da Costa
Published: November 2024

Tradução de:
W. E. B. Du Bois, "Colonies and moral responsibility", in The Journal of Negro Education , Summer, 1946, Vol. 15, No. 3, The Problem of Education in Dependent Territories (Summer, 1946), pp. 311-318.
décimo talentoso
Authors: Du Bois W. E. B. , Ferreira (tradução) Laíssa , Lima (tradução) Marília da Silva
Published: November 2024

Tradução de:
W. E. B. Du Bois, "The Talented Tenth Memorial Address", The Boulé Journal, v.15, n.1 (October 1948), pp. 3-13.
A Influência Das Políticas Educacionais Na Supervisão Escolar: Desafios E Perspectivas Para A Qualidade Da Educação Na Rede Pública
Authors: Braz Adakciel Tiago Martins , Cathcart Karla Demonti Passos , Pereira Priscila Ricardo , Muniz Maria Simone , Soares Lidiane Sacramento , Ribeiro Steve Biko Menezes Hora Alves
Published: November 2024

As políticas educacionais no Brasil desempenham um papel central na estruturação do sistema de ensino, influenciando diretamente a organização e o funcionamento das escolas públicas. Essas políticas estabelecem diretrizes que visam melhorar a qualidade do ensino e promover a equidade educacional. No entanto, sua implementação enfrenta desafios significativos, especialmente no que diz respeito à supervisão escolar, prática fundamental para garantir a efetividade das políticas educacionais e o bom desempenho pedagógico nas instituições de ensino. A supervisão escolar, enquanto prática de gestão pedagógica, é diretamente afetada pelas políticas educacionais e tem um papel crucial no acompanhamento e orientação dos professores, assegurando que as diretrizes sejam corretamente aplicadas no contexto escolar. Este artigo busca explorar a relação entre as políticas educacionais e a supervisão escolar, com foco nos principais desafios enfrentados pelos supervisores na rede pública de ensino. A partir de uma revisão de literatura e da análise de estudos de caso, são discutidas as dificuldades enfrentadas pelos supervisores, como a falta de recursos, a sobrecarga de trabalho e a formação inadequada. Esses fatores comprometem a eficácia da supervisão e, consequentemente, a qualidade da educação oferecida nas escolas públicas. Além disso, o artigo aborda a necessidade de adaptação das políticas educacionais às realidades locais, visto que muitas diretrizes são elaboradas sem considerar as especificidades regionais, o que gera uma implementação desigual nas diferentes regiões do país. Entre as soluções apontadas, destaca-se a importância da formação continuada para os supervisores escolares, capacitando-os para lidar com as mudanças nas políticas educacionais e com as novas demandas pedagógicas. O artigo também sugere que as políticas educacionais devem ser mais flexíveis, permitindo ajustes que considerem as particularidades de cada escola e comunidade. A valorização do papel do supervisor escolar, além de maior integração entre os formuladores de políticas e os profissionais da educação, são passos fundamentais para a melhoria da supervisão escolar e, por extensão, da qualidade da educação na rede pública. Em síntese, o artigo conclui que a supervisão escolar tem um papel essencial na aplicação das políticas educacionais, mas enfrenta desafios que precisam ser superados para garantir uma educação de qualidade. A formação adequada dos supervisores e a adaptação das políticas às realidades locais são fatores críticos para o sucesso dessa supervisão.
Joining the dots – protein‐RNA interactions mediating local mRNA translation in neurons
Authors: Gallagher Christopher , Ramos Andres
Published: June 2018

Establishing and maintaining the complex network of connections required for neuronal communication requires the transport and in situ translation of large groups of mRNAs to create local proteomes. In this Review, we discuss the regulation of local mRNA translation in neurons and the RNA‐binding proteins that recognise RNA zipcode elements and connect the mRNAs to the cellular transport networks, as well as regulate their translation control. However, mRNA recognition by the regulatory proteins is mediated by the combinatorial action of multiple RNA‐binding domains. This increases the specificity and affinity of the interaction, while allowing the protein to recognise a diverse set of targets and mediate a range of mechanisms for translational regulation. The structural and molecular understanding of the interactions can be used together with novel microscopy and transcriptome‐wide data to build a mechanistic framework for the regulation of local mRNA translation.
Structural characterisation of the HT3 motif of the polyhistidine triad protein D from Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Luo Zhenyao , Pederick Victoria G. , Paton James C. , McDevitt Christopher A. , Kobe Bostjan
Published: June 2018

The bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is a major human pathogen that requires Zn2+ for its survival and virulence in the host environment. Polyhistidine triad protein D (PhtD) has a known role in pneumococcal Zn2+ homeostasis. However, the mechanistic basis of PhtD function remains unclear, partly due to a lack of structural information. Here, we determined the crystal structure of the fragment PhtD269‐339, containing the third Zn2+‐binding histidine triad (HT) motif of the protein. Analysis of the structure suggests that Zn2+ binding occurs at the surface of the protein and that all five HT motifs in the protein bind Zn2+ and share similar structures. These new structural insights aid in our understanding of how the Pht proteins facilitate pneumococcal Zn2+ acquisition.
Incidence and Risk of Glucocorticoid‐Associated Adverse Effects in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Wilson Jessica C. , Sarsour Khaled , Gale Sara , Pethö‐Schramm Attila , Jick Susan S. , Meier Christoph R.
Published: June 2018

Objective

Using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink, we examined the incidence of glucocorticoid (GC)‐related serious adverse events (SAEs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and non‐RA patients and quantified the risk of SAEs in patients with RA.

Methods

We matched incident patients with RA to an age‐ and sex‐matched, non‐RA comparison group of equal size. In a cohort analysis, we estimated incidence rates (IRs) and IR ratios (IRRs) for GC‐related AEs (i.e., diabetes mellitus [DM], osteoporosis, fractures, glaucoma, hypertension, gastrointestinal [GI] perforation or bleeding, thrombotic stroke or myocardial infarction [MI], or death), stratified by GC use. We conducted a series of nested case–control analyses among patients with RA, evaluating the effects of increasing cumulative and average daily GC dose. Cases of each outcome were matched to controls for age, sex, and general practice. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for each outcome.

Results

Patients with RA had a higher incidence for all investigated SAEs except glaucoma, compared to non‐RA patients. IRRs were greater in those patients prescribed a GC than in those without. In patients with RA, GCs were associated with an elevated risk of DM (adjusted OR 1.33 [95% CI 1.14–1.56]), osteoporosis (adjusted OR 1.41 [95% CI 1.25–1.59]), thrombotic stroke or MI (adjusted OR 1.28 [95% CI 1.07–1.52]), serious infection (adjusted OR 1.28 [95% CI 1.11–1.48]), and death (adjusted OR 1.33 [95% CI 1.19–1.48]). There was a trend of increasing risk with increasing cumulative and average daily GC dose for all outcomes other than glaucoma, hypertension, and GI perforations or bleeding (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with RA had an increased incidence of GC‐related AEs. Increasing cumulative and average daily GC doses were found to be associated with an increasing risk of developing an AE.
Dendrite‐Free Sodium‐Metal Anodes for High‐Energy Sodium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Sun Bing , Li Peng , Zhang Jinqiang , Wang Dan , Munroe Paul , Wang Chengyin , Notten Peter H. L. , Wang Guoxiu
Published: June 2018

Sodium (Na) metal is one of the most promising electrode materials for next‐generation low‐cost rechargeable batteries. However, the challenges caused by dendrite growth on Na metal anodes restrict practical applications of rechargeable Na metal batteries. Herein, a nitrogen and sulfur co‐doped carbon nanotube (NSCNT) paper is used as the interlayer to control Na nucleation behavior and suppress the Na dendrite growth. The N‐ and S‐containing functional groups on the carbon nanotubes induce the NSCNTs to be highly “sodiophilic,” which can guide the initial Na nucleation and direct Na to distribute uniformly on the NSCNT paper. As a result, the Na‐metal‐based anode (Na/NSCNT anode) exhibits a dendrite‐free morphology during repeated Na plating and striping and excellent cycling stability. As a proof of concept, it is also demonstrated that the electrochemical performance of sodium–oxygen (Na–O2) batteries using the Na/NSCNT anodes show significantly improved cycling performances compared with Na–O2 batteries with bare Na metal anodes. This work opens a new avenue for the development of next‐generation high‐energy‐density sodium‐metal batteries.
Color‐Sensitive Ultrafast Optical Modulation and Switching of Terahertz Plasmonic Devices
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Srivastava Yogesh Kumar , Manjappa Manukumara , Singh Ranjan
Published: June 2018

2D micro‐nanostructured metal films with hole arrays show promising features such as the extraordinary transmission of light. Such systems are interesting in the field of subwavelength photonics and nonlinear optics due to their high field confinement in addition to their inherent spectral scalability and frequency selective response. Several active schemes to control the extraordinary transmission are recently demonstrated. However, these dynamic devices do not reveal any obvious color‐dependent modulation of the resonant transmission behavior. Here, color‐sensitive ultrafast modulation of extraordinary resonant transmission of terahertz (THz) waves through 2D metallic hole arrays is demonstrated. Pumping the silicon beneath the metallic array with light of different colors and identical fluences exhibit significantly different ultrafast switching dynamics and modulation. The color‐dependent sensitivity and control of THz waves at an ultrafast timescale provide an extra degree of freedom that opens up new opportunities for future applications in active subwavelength optics, optoelectronics, and all‐optical switching of THz photonic devices.
High Efficiency Fluorescent Electroluminescence with Extremely Low Efficiency Roll‐Off Generated by a Donor–Bianthracene–Acceptor Structure: Utilizing Perpendicular Twisted Intramolecular Charge Transfer Excited State
Authors: Yu Yue , Ma Lin , Yang Xiaolong , Zhou Huixin , Qin Hanlin , Song Jiangluqi , Zhou Guijiang , Wang Dongdong , Wu Zhaoxin
Published: June 2018

Although phosphorescent and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters can break through the spin statistics rules and achieve nearly 100% radiative exciton production (ηr), the swift efficiency roll‐off as luminance increases due to the accumulation of lowest triplet excited states with relatively long lifetime is the fatal bottleneck for their lighting application. How to achieve high ηr and low efficiency roll‐off simultaneously is still a challenge. To address this issue, two metal‐free organic molecules are reported with a highly twisted donor–bianthracene–acceptor structure involving high‐lying twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) intermediate excited states, by which electroluminescent (EL) devices with both high ηr and extremely low efficiency roll‐off could be realized. Significant low efficiency roll‐off is achieved with about 99.1% of the maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) maintained even at a high current density of 100 mA cm−2, corresponding to luminance of 23615 cd m−2, along with maximum EQE of 7.13% (ηr of 64.82%) in a doped green EL device with 9‐(4‐{10′‐[4‐(4,6‐diphenyl‐[1,3,5]triazin‐2‐yl)‐phenyl]‐[9,9′]bianthracenyl‐10‐yl}‐phenyl)‐9H‐carbazole as a host. The state‐of‐the‐art low efficiency roll‐off and enhanced ηr would be attributed to spin mixing of high‐lying TICT singlet and triplet intermediate excited states, proving the great potential of such a host design strategy for their practical lighting application.
Perovskite Quantum Dots Embedded Composite Films Enhancing UV Response of Silicon Photodetectors for Broadband and Solar‐Blind Light Detection
Authors: Zhang Mengjiao , Wang Lingxue , Meng Linghai , Wu Xian‐Gang , Tan Qinwen , Chen Yuanjin , Liang Wanyu , Jiang Feng , Cai Yi , Zhong Haizheng
Published: June 2018

In this work, the integration of in situ fabricated perovskite quantum dots embedded composite films (PQDCFs) as downshifting materials is first reported for enhancing the ultraviolet (UV) response of silicon (Si) photodetectors toward broadband and solar‐blind light detection. External quantum efficiency measurements show that the UV response of PQDCF coated Si photodiodes greatly improves from near 0% to at most of 50.6% ± 0.5% @ 290 nm. As compared to the calculated maximum value of 87%, the light coupling efficiency of the integrated device is determined to be 80%@395 nm, suggesting an efficient downshifting process. Furthermore, PQDCF is also successfully adapted for electron multiplying charge coupled device (EMCCD) based image sensor. The PQDCF coated EMCCD shows linear response with high‐resolution imaging under illumination at 360, 620, and 960 nm, implying the ability of broadband light detection in the UV, visible (VIS), and near infrared (NIR) region. Furthermore, a solar‐blind UV detection is demonstrated by integrating a solar‐blind UV filter with PQDCF coated EMCCD. In all, the use of PQDCF as luminescent downshifting materials provides an effective and low‐cost way to improve the UV response of Si photodetectors.
Efficient Optical Gain from Near‐Infrared Polymer Lasers Based on Poly[N‐9′‐heptadecanyl‐2,7‐carbazole‐alt‐5,5‐(4′,7′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐2′,1′,3′‐benzothiadiazole)]
Authors: Xu Yan , Hai Gang , Xu Haowen , Zhang Haoran , Zuo Zongyan , Zhang Qi , Xia Ruidong , Sun Chen , Castro‐Smirnov Jose , Sousaraei Ahmad , Casado Santiago , Osorio Manuel R. , Granados Daniel , Rodriguez Isabel , Cabanillas‐Gonzalez Juan
Published: June 2018

State‐of‐the‐art near‐infrared lasers based on poly[N‐9′‐heptadecanyl‐2,7‐carbazole‐alt‐5,5‐(4′,7′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐2′,1′,3′‐benzothiadiazole)] (PCDTBT) and poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐alt‐benzothiadiazole) (F8BT) blends are reported. Polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs) based on PCDTBT/F8BT blends with 30 wt% PCDTBT content exhibit a maximum radiance of 64.3 W sr−1 m−2 and external quantum efficiency of 2.11% with Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates (x = 0.69, y = 0.30). Using an optimal blend ratio of 15 wt% PCDTBT in F8BT, a maximum gain value of 28.2 cm−1 at 710 nm is achieved, a remarkable value given that PCDTBT is a low emissive polymer extensively employed as donor polymer in organic photovoltaics. The lowest amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and laser thresholds exhibited by the blends are 590 nJ pulse−1 (21 µJ cm−2) and 63.1 nJ pulse−1 (201 µJ cm−2). Transient absorption spectroscopy confirms efficient Förster resonant energy transfer from F8BT to PCDTBT which, together with the large miscibility of PCDTBT in F8BT, enables PCDTBT emission enhancement and optical gain. Furthermore, a ternary blend system composed of F8BT, PCDTBT, and poly(3‐hexylthiophene) is demonstrated, in which the ASE wavelength can be tuned in a 60 nm range from 650 to 710 nm at a very low threshold level via control of the blend content ratio.
Multicolor Ultralow‐Threshold Random Laser Assisted by Vertical‐Graphene Network
Authors: Roy Pradip Kumar , Haider Golam , Lin Hung‐I , Liao Yu‐Ming , Lu Cheng‐Hsin , Chen Kuei‐Hsien , Chen Li‐Chyong , Shih Wei‐Heng , Liang Chi‐Te , Chen Yang‐Fang
Published: June 2018

Application of lasers is omnipresent in modern‐day technology. However, preparation of a lasing device usually requires sophisticated design of the materials and is costly, which may limit the suitable choice of materials and the lasing wavelengths. Random lasers, on the other hand, can circumvent the aforementioned shortcomings with simpler fabrication process, lower processing cost, material flexibility for any lasing wavelengths with lower lasing threshold, providing a roadmap for the design of super‐bright lighting, displays, Li‐Fi, etc. In this work, ultralow‐threshold random laser action from semiconductor nanoparticles assisted by a highly porous vertical‐graphene‐nanowalls (GNWs) network is demonstrated. The GNWs embedded by the nanomaterials produce a suitable cavity for trapping the optical photons with semiconductor nanomaterials acting as the gain medium. The observed laser action shows ultralow values of threshold energy density ≈10 nJ cm−2 due to the strong photon trapping within the GNWs. The threshold pump fluence can be further lowered to ≈1 nJ cm−2 by coating Ag/SiO2 upon the GNWs due to the combined effect of photon trapping and strong plasmonic enhancement. In view of the growing demand of functional materials and novel technologies, this work provides an important step toward realization of high‐performance optoelectronic devices.
Thermodynamic calculations of biochemical reaction systems at specified pH, pMg, and change in binding of hydrogen and magnesium ions
Authors: Rajendran Tamil Elakkiya , Muthukumarasamy Thenmozhi
Published: June 2018

Each metabolite in biochemical reaction may be available as an equilibrated mixture of different charged ions, and it is termed as “metabolite species.” At equilibrium, each metabolite is represented as pseudoisomer group of metabolite species. At constant pH condition, the number of hydrogen and magnesium ions in a particular biochemical reactant is constant. The conventional thermodynamic property does not signify the biochemical systems precisely. Therefore, transformed thermodynamic Gibbs free energy change of reactions must be used for biochemical systems. Gibbs free energy of formation (
) of pseudoisomers of different biochemical reactants in glycolysis is calculated based on pKa. Transformed Gibbs energy change of all biochemical reactions involved in glycolysis is calculated by incorporating pH, pMg, ionic strength, and change in binding of H+ and Mg2+ ions. The transformed Gibbs free energy change of all biochemical reactions in glycolysis (ΔrG′0) is calculated and compared with standard Gibbs free energy change of reaction (ΔrG0). The results indicated that there is difference in values of (ΔrG′0) and (ΔrG0). Hence, it is shown that the thermodynamic property G is not sufficient to provide a criterion for the spontaneity of biochemical reaction. At equilibrium, G′ must be minimized rather than G at constant pH and pMg.
Dunkelfärbung der Betonfahrbahndecke im AKR‐Kontext
Authors: Weise Frank , Kind Thomas , Stelzner Ludwig , Wieland Marko
Published: June 2018

Die AKR‐Schadensevolution von Betonfahrbahndecken ist in der Anfangsphase durch eine Dunkelfärbung der Oberfläche im Fugenbereich gekennzeichnet. Es wird vermutet, dass eine erhöhte Durchfeuchtung der Betonrandzone ursächlich für diese Erscheinung ist. Vor diesem Hintergrund wurde exemplarisch eine Fahrbahnplatte eines repräsentativen Bundesautobahnabschnitts systematisch mit verschiedenartiger zerstörungsfreier Prüftechnik vor Ort untersucht. Die Ergebnisse der zunächst erfolgten großflächigen Durchmusterung mit Radar zeigen, dass in den Bereichen mit einer Dunkelfärbung der Betonfahrbahndecke erhöhte Laufzeiten der Radarimpulse zwischen der Oberfläche und der Rückseite der Betonfahrbahndecke auftreten, was auf eine erhöhte integrale Durchfeuchtung der Betonfahrbahndecke schließen lässt. Vertiefend durchgeführte NMR‐Feuchtemessungen in der Betonrandzone zeigen eine gute Korrelation zwischen erhöhtem Feuchtegehalt und der dunkel gefärbten Fahrbahnoberfläche. Die Ergebnisse beider zerstörungsfreien Prüfmethoden lassen den Schluss zu, dass die Betonfahrbahndecke in der Nähe des Fugenkreuzes eine höhere Durchfeuchtung als im Bereich der Querscheinfuge aufweist. Die geringste Durchfeuchtung besitzt die Betonfahrbahndecke in der Plattenmitte. Die mit den zerstörungsfreien Prüfverfahren ermittelten Befunde stimmen prinzipiell gut mit den punktuell mittels Darr‐Wäge‐Verfahren an Bohrmehlproben gewonnenen Ergebnissen überein.
Prodromal headache in anti‐NMDAR encephalitis: An epiphenomenon of NMDAR autoimmunity
Authors: Tominaga Naomi , Kanazawa Naomi , Kaneko Atsushi , Kaneko Juntaro , Kitamura Eiji , Nakagawa Hiroto , Nishiyama Kazutoshi , Iizuka Takahiro
Published: June 2018

Objective

To investigate the nature of prodromal headache in anti‐NMDA receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis.

Methods

Retrospective review of the clinical information of 39 patients with anti‐NMDAR encephalitis admitted between January 1999 and September 2017. Five patients with an atypical presentation were excluded. Thus, in 34 patients (median 27 years [range, 12–47 years]; 28 [82%] female), the clinical features were compared between patients who initially reported headache and those who did not report.

Results

Twenty‐two patients (65%) reported headache either transiently (n = 5) or continuously (n = 17). Encephalitic symptoms (psychobehavioral memory alterations, seizure, dyskinesias, or altered level of consciousness) developed in 20 patients with median 5.5 days (range, 1‐29 days) after headache onset. In one patient, NMDAR antibodies were detected in CSF 3 days after headache onset. Patients with headache had more frequently fever (14/22 [64%] vs. 2/12 [17%] p = 0.013) and higher CSF pleocytosis (median white blood cells 79/μl [range, 6‐311/μl] vs. 30/μl [range, 2‐69/μl], p = 0.035) than those without headache, but there was no difference in gender, age at onset, seizure, migraine, CSF oligoclonal band detection, elevated IgG index, tumor association, or brain MRI abnormalities between them.

Conclusions

Headache often developed with fever and pleocytosis, but it was rapidly replaced by psychiatric symptoms. Based on current knowledge on the antibody‐mediated mechanisms that cause a decrease of synaptic NMDAR through crosslinking and internalization leading to a state mimicking “dissociative anesthesia,” we speculated that prodromal headache is not likely caused by direct effect of the autoantibodies but rather meningeal inflammation (noninfectious aseptic meningitis) that occurs in parallel to intrathecal antibody synthesis as an epiphenomenon of NMDAR autoimmunity. Psychobehavioral alterations following headache is an important clue to the diagnosis.
Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition‐converted tumor cells can induce T‐cell apoptosis through upregulation of programmed death ligand 1 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Thar Min Aung Kyi , Okayama Hirokazu , Saito Motonobu , Ashizawa Mai , Aoto Keita , Nakajima Takahiro , Saito Katsuharu , Hayase Suguru , Sakamoto Wataru , Tada Takeshi , Hanayama Hiroyuki , Saze Zenichirou , Momma Tomoyuki , Ohki Shinji , Sato Yusuke , Motoyama Satoru , Mimura Kosaku , Kono Koji
Published: June 2018

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an aggressive tumor, and it is urgently needed to develop novel therapeutic strategies including immunotherapy. In this study, we investigated the upregulation of the programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) due to epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in ESCC using an in vitro treatment system with the EMT inducer, glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)‐3 inhibitor, and we also analyzed the correlation of EMT and PD‐L1 expression in the clinical tumor samples of both tissue microarray (TMA) samples (n = 177) and whole tissue samples (n = 21). As a result, the inhibition of GSK‐3β induces EMT phenotype with upregulated vimentin and downregulated E‐cadherin as well as increased Snail and Zinc finger E box‐binding homeobox (ZEB)‐1 gene expression. Simultaneously, we showed that EMT‐converted ESCC indicated the upregulation of PD‐L1 at both protein (total and surface) and mRNA levels. Of importance, we showed that EMT‐converted tumor cells have a capability to induce T‐cell apoptosis to a greater extent in comparison to original epithelial type tumor cells. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical stains of ESCC showed that PD‐L1 expression on tumor cells was positively correlated with EMT status in TMA samples (P = .0004) and whole tissue samples (P = .0029). In conclusion, our in vitro and in vivo study clearly demonstrated that PD‐L1 expression was upregulated in mesenchymal type tumors of ESCC. These findings provide a strong rationale for the clinical use of anti‐PD‐1/anti‐PD‐L1 monoclonal antibodies for advanced ESCC patients.
Prediction of overall survival for metastatic pancreatic cancer: Development and validation of a prognostic nomogram with data from open clinical trial and real‐world study
Authors: Hang Junjie , Wu Lixia , Zhu Lina , Sun Zhiqiang , Wang Ge , Pan Jingjing , Zheng Suhua , Xu Kequn , Du Jiadi , Jiang Hua
Published: June 2018

It is necessary to develop prognostic tools of metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC) for optimizing therapeutic strategies. Thus, we tried to develop and validate a prognostic nomogram of MPC. Data from 3 clinical trials (NCT00844649, NCT01124786, and NCT00574275) and 133 Chinese MPC patients were used for analysis. The former 2 trials were taken as the training cohort while NCT00574275 was used as the validation cohort. In addition, 133 MPC patients treated in China were taken as the testing cohort. Cox regression model was used to investigate prognostic factors in the training cohort. With these factors, we established a nomogram and verified it by Harrell's concordance index (C‐index) and calibration plots. Furthermore, the nomogram was externally validated in the validation cohort and testing cohort. In the training cohort (n = 445), performance status, liver metastasis, Carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) log‐value, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), and albumin were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). A nomogram was established with these factors to predict OS and survival probabilities. The nomogram showed an acceptable discrimination ability (C‐index: .683) and good calibration, and was further externally validated in the validation cohort (n = 273, C‐index: .699) and testing cohort (n = 133, C‐index: .653).The nomogram total points (NTP) had the potential to stratify patients into 3‐risk groups with median OS of 11.7, 7.0 and 3.7 months (P < .001), respectively. In conclusion, the prognostic nomogram with NTP can predict OS for patients with MPC with considerable accuracy.
Circular RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: Functions and implications
Authors: Fu Liyun , Jiang Zhenluo , Li Tianwen , Hu Yaoren , Guo Junming
Published: June 2018

At present, as hotspot members of the noncoding RNA network, circular RNAs (circRNAs) with distinct properties and diverse pathophysiological functions are being increasingly delineated. CircRNAs play roles at the epigenetic, transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulatory levels. Major studies have focused on their functions as efficient microRNA sponges. The validated number of endogenous circRNAs involved in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to increase. Altered circRNA expression is associated with HCC occurrence, invasion, and metastasis. Moreover, the aberrant expression of circRNAs is also significantly related to HCC tumor stage, size, differentiation and metastasis. Because they are exceptionally stable, highly conserved and have tissue‐specific expression patterns, some circRNAs, including hsa_circ_0004018, hsa_circ_0003570, and hsa_circ_0005075, may be potential markers for the diagnosis of HCC. We herein summarize the current knowledge of HCC‐associated circRNAs and present their implications for carcinogenesis and their potential value as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Finally, we discuss the future directions of studies on HCC‐associated circRNAs.
Development and validation of a prognostic nomogram for ambulatory patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Paiva Carlos Eduardo , Paiva Bianca Sakamoto Ribeiro , de Paula Pântano Naitielle , Preto Daniel D’Almeida , de Oliveira Cleyton Zanardo , Yennurajalingam Sriram , Hui David , Bruera Eduardo
Published: June 2018

Predicting survival of advanced cancer patients (ACPs) is a difficult task. We aimed at developing and testing a new prognostic tool in ACPs when they were first referred to palliative care (PC). A total of 497 patients were analyzed in this study (development sample, n = 221; validation sample, n = 276). From 35 initial putative prognostic variables, 14 of them were selected for multivariable Cox regression analyses; the most accurate final model was identified by backward variable elimination. Parameters were built into a nomogram to estimate the probability of patient survival at 30, 90, and 180 days. Calibration and discrimination properties of the Barretos Prognostic Nomogram (BPN) were evaluated in the validation phase of the study. The BPN was composed of 5 parameters: sex, presence of distant metastasis, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), white blood cell (WBC) count, and serum albumin concentration. The C‐index was 0.71. The values of the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were 0.84, 0.74, and 0.74 at 30, 90, and 180 days, respectively. There were good calibration results according to the Hosmer‐Lemeshow test. The median survival times were 313, 129, and 37 days for the BPN scores <25th percentile (<125), 25th to 75th percentile (125‐175), and >75th percentile (>175), respectively (P < .001). The BPN is a new prognostic tool with adequate calibration and discrimination properties. It is now available to assist oncologists and palliative care physicians in estimating the survival of adult patients with advanced solid tumors.
CD31‐labeled circulating endothelial cells as predictor in anlotinib‐treated non‐small‐cell lung cancer: Analysis on ALTER‐0303 study
Authors: Liu Zhujun , Wang Jing , Meng Zhaoting , Wang Xinyue , Zhang Cuicui , Qin Tingting , Chen Jinliang , Jiang Xiangli , Wang Liuchun , Lin Li , Zhang Xiaoling , Chen Peng , Huang Chun , Jiang Richeng , Li Kai
Published: June 2018

Our previous studies revealed that the level of activated circulating endothelial cells (aCECs) was correlated with the progression‐free survival (PFS) in antiangiogenesis therapy. Anlotinib displayed affirmatory efficacies in several clinical trials of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To find a marker predicting the efficacy of anlotinib treatment, we investigated the correlations of aCECs with PFS and overall survival (OS) in patients with NSCLC treated with anlotinib and the impact of anlotinib on human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). The blood samples of 78 patients with NSCLC were collected. aCECs were identified by flow cytometry as CD45−/CD146+/CD31+ cells and CD45−/CD146+/CD105+ cells. The mean value of baseline aCECs counts was defined as the cutoff value, according to which patients were divided into high and low baseline groups. Statistical correlation between high baseline CD31‐labeled aCECs counts and number of metastatic lesions (>3) (χ2 = 4.905, P = .027) was analyzed. The 49 patients treated with anlotinib were stratified according to the ratio of minimal aCECs counts at any time points to baseline (aCECs min/baseline) as <1 or ≥1. Interestingly, the patients with aCECs (CD31) min/baseline <1 displayed longer PFS [HR = 0.439, 95%CI (0.211‐0.912), P = .023]. The biological effect of anlotinib on HUVECs was investigated using MTT assays. Western blot analysis was conducted to evaluate the expression levels of CD31 and CD105 under anlotinib treatment and the underlying mechanisms. In vitro experiment data demonstrated that CD31 exhibited more sensitive changes than CD105 under anlotinib treatment through PI3K‐AKT pathway. Thus, our finding provides new insights into the mechanism by which the CD31‐labeled aCECs are a more sensitive marker for predicting the efficiency of anlotinib treatment.
Highlights on molecular targets for radiosensitization of breast cancer cells: Current research status and prospects
Authors: Zhou Zhi‐Rui , Yang Zhao‐Zhi , Yu Xiao‐Li , Guo Xiao‐Mao
Published: June 2018

In the past, searching for effective radiotherapy sensitization molecular targets and improving the radiation sensitivity of malignant tumors was the hot topic for the oncologists, but with little achievements. We will summarize the research results about breast cancer irradiation sensitization molecular targets over the past two decades; we mainly focus on the following aspects: DNA damage repair and radiation sensitization, cell cycle regulation and radiation sensitization, cell autophagy regulation and radiation sensitization, and radiation sensitivity prediction and breast cancer radiotherapy scheme making. And based on this summary, we will put forward some of our viewpoints.
Resolution of late‐onset gastro‐colic fistula after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy by conservative management: a case report
Authors: El Sayegh Julien‐Sami , Nicolas Gregory , Yammine Kabalan , Tayar Claude
Published: June 2018

Key Clinical Message

Nutritional support and Antibiotics treatment can be used as conservative treatment for the resolution of gastro‐colic fistula after sleeve gastrectomy in stable patients specially to prevent cumbersome redo surgeries that have higher risks of complications particularly in patients with minimal financial means.
Primary myelofibrosis evolving to an aplastic appearing marrow
Authors: Schaefer Jordan K. , Choi Sarah M. , Luker Gary D. , Chenevert Thomas L. , Ross Brian D. , Talpaz Moshe
Published: June 2018

Key Clinical Message

Our case highlights a series of bone marrow biopsies from a patient with primary myelofibrosis. Over time, this patient developed an unusual fatty appearance to his marrow, confirmed on multiple biopsies. This finding was supported by a quantitative fat MRI sequence that also shows a fatty appearance to the marrow.
The Structure and Properties of Magnesium‐Phosphorus Compounds Under Pressure
Authors: Liu Yunxian , Wang Chao , Lv Pin , Sun Hairui , Duan Defang
Published: June 2018

Inspired by the emergence of compounds with novel structures and unique properties (i.e., superconductivity and hardness) under high pressure, we systematically explored a binary Mg−P system under pressure, combining first‐principles calculations with structure prediction. Several stoichiometries (Mg3P, Mg2P, MgP, MgP2, and MgP3) were predicted to be stable under pressure. Especially, the P−P bonding patterns are different in the P‐rich compounds and the Mg‐rich compounds: in the former, the P−P bonding patterns form P2, P3, quadrilateral units, P−P⋅⋅⋅P chains or disordered “graphene‐like” sublattice, while in the latter, the P−P bonding patterns eventually evolve isolated P ions. The analysis of integrated‐crystal orbital Hamilton populations reveals that the P−P interactions are mainly responsible for the structural stability. The P‐rich compounds with stoichiometries of MgP, MgP2 and MgP3 exhibit superconductive behaviors, and these phases show Tc in the range of 4.3–20 K. Our study provides useful information for understanding the Mg‐P binary compounds at high pressure.
Urea derivative catalyzed enantioselective aldol reaction of isatins with ketones
Authors: Wang Li Ming , Zhao Mei Jun , Chen Zhe , Mu Hong Wen , Jin Ying
Published: June 2018

Urea derivative has been used to catalyze the asymmetric aldol reaction of isatins with ketones. The resulting 3‐alkyl‐3‐hydroxy‐indolin‐2‐ones products were obtained in good yields (70%‐94%) with high enantioselectivities (up to 87%ee).
Numerical analysis of electromagnetic interactions by a cell during the mitosis phases
Authors: Mangini Fabio , Muzi Marco , Frezza Fabrizio
Published: June 2018

In this work, a numerical study of the interaction of an electromagnetic field with a biological cell in the different phases of mitosis is presented. In particular, the validity of the single‐shell model during mitosis from a geometrical viewpoint has been considered. We consider the Jurkat cell for our analysis and model the content of the cell, composed by the nucleus and different organelles immersed in cytoplasm and delimited by the cell membrane, as a single material with appropriate electromagnetic properties derived by making use of effective medium approximation methods, i.e., we used a quasistatic approach to deal with the cell. To validate the model, a comparison between the original and 2 approximated geometry models is made and the results are in very good accordance. Subsequently, an analysis of the scattered field indicates that the most sensitive component to the mitosis phase is the one parallel to the segment joining the centers of the cells.