bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motivation und Fokus der Digitalisierung
Authors: Harwell Ambrosius
Published: November 2019

Der folgende Beitrag beleuchtet die Hintergründe und Motivationen für die Digitalisierung der Bauindustrie. Zunächst wird beschrieben, warum sich ein Bauunternehmen digitalisiert und was Digitalisierung aus Sicht des Autors bedeutet. Es folgt die Erläuterung, wie sich Bauunternehmen digitalisieren und worauf hierbei der Fokus liegt. Beispielhaft werden die Entwicklungen und Aufgaben der Abteilung BIM 5D der Strabag SE aufgezeigt. Zentrale Punkte sind hier die Planung und das Bauen mit der Building‐Information‐Modelling(BIM)‐Methode und die Herausforderungen der Digitalisierung bei der Implementierung in Produktion und Betrieb.
Progressive hypoxia‐on‐a‐chip: An in vitro oxygen gradient model for capturing the effects of hypoxia on primary hepatocytes in health and disease
Authors: Kang Young Bok (Abraham) , Eo Jinsu , Bulutoglu Beyza , Yarmush Martin L. , Usta O. Berk
Published: November 2019

Oxygen is vital to the function of all tissues including the liver and lack of oxygen, that is, hypoxia can result in both acute and chronic injuries to the liver in vivo and ex vivo. Furthermore, a permanent oxygen gradient is naturally present along the liver sinusoid, which plays a role in the metabolic zonation and the pathophysiology of liver diseases. Accordingly, here, we introduce an in vitro microfluidic platform capable of actively creating a series of oxygen concentrations on a single continuous microtissue, ranging from normoxia to severe hypoxia. This range approximately captures both the physiologically relevant oxygen gradient generated from the portal vein to the central vein in the liver, and the severe hypoxia occurring in ischemia and liver diseases. Primary rat hepatocytes cultured in this microfluidic platform were exposed to an oxygen gradient of 0.3–6.9%. The establishment of an ascending hypoxia gradient in hepatocytes was confirmed in response to the decreasing oxygen supply. The hepatocyte viability in this platform decreased to approximately 80% along the hypoxia gradient. Simultaneously, a progressive increase in accumulation of reactive oxygen species and expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α was observed with increasing hypoxia. These results demonstrate the induction of distinct metabolic and genetic responses in hepatocytes upon exposure to an oxygen (/hypoxia) gradient. This progressive hypoxia‐on‐a‐chip platform can be used to study the role of oxygen and hypoxia‐associated molecules in modeling healthy and injured liver tissues. Its use can be further expanded to the study of other hypoxic tissues such as tumors as well as the investigation of drug toxicity and efficacy under oxygen‐limited conditions.
Targeted delivery of functionalized PLGA nanoparticles to macrophages by complexation with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Kiefer Ruth , Jurisic Marijas , Dahlem Charlotte , Koch Marcus , Schmitt Manfred J. , Kiemer Alexandra K. , Schneider Marc , Breinig Frank
Published: November 2019

Nanoparticles (NPs) are able to deliver a variety of substances into eukaryotic cells. However, their usage is often hampered by a lack of specificity, leading to the undesired uptake of NPs by virtually all cell types. In contrast to this, yeast is known to be specifically taken up into immune cells after entering the body. Therefore, we investigated the interaction of biodegradable surface‐modified poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) particles with yeast cells to overcome the unspecificity of the particulate carriers. Cells of different Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains were characterized regarding their interaction with PLGA‐NPs under isotonic and hypotonic conditions. The particles were shown to efficiently interact with yeast cells leading to stable NP/yeast‐complexes allowing to associate or even internalize compounds. Notably, applying those complexes to a coculture model of HeLa cells and macrophages, the macrophages were specifically targeted. This novel nano‐in‐micro carrier system suggests itself as a promising tool for the delivery of biologically active agents into phagocytic cells combining specificity and efficiency.
Designing a blueprint for next‐generation stem cell bioprocessing development
Authors: Kim Mee‐Hae , Kino‐oka Masahiro
Published: November 2019

The creation of a blueprint for stem cell bioprocess development that it is easily readable and shareable among those involved in the construction of the bioprocess is a necessary step toward full‐fledged bioprocess integration. The blueprint provides the culturing tools and methodologies, designed to highlight knowledge gaps within biological sciences and bioengineering. This review highlights a blueprint for stem cell bioprocessing development using a landscape architecture approach that can aid the development of culture technologies and tools that satisfy the demands for stem cell‐derived products for use in clinical and industrial applications. This work is intended to provide insights to cell biologists, geneticists, bioengineers, and clinicians seeking knowledge outside of their field of expertise and fosters a leap from a reductionist approach to one, that is, globally integrated in stem cell bioprocessing.
Intercontinental collaborative experience with abdominal, retroperitoneal and pelvic schwannomas
Authors:   Transatlantic Australasian Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Working Group, Monteiro De Barros J , Hodson J , Glasbey J , Massey R , Rintoul-Hoad O , Chetan M , Desai A , Almond L M , Gourevitch D , Ford S J , Strauss D , Smith H , Hayes A , Cardona K , Lopez-Aguiar A , Johnson A , Swallow C , Burtenshaw S , Nessim C , Weng R , Purgin B , Gronchi A , Fiore M , Callegaro D , Raut C P , Fairweather M , Bagaria S , Novak M , Gyorki D , Reid F , Mullinax J , Gonzalez R J , Van Coevorden F , Van Houdt W , Haas R L M , Van Boven H , Heeres B
Published: November 2019

Background

Schwannomas are rare tumours that pose a significant management challenge in the abdomen, retroperitoneum and pelvis. No data are available to inform management strategy.

Methods

A collaborative international cohort study, across specialist sarcoma units, was conducted to include adults presenting between 2000 and 2017 with histopathologically confirmed schwannomas within the abdomen, retroperitoneum or pelvis.

Results

Of 485 patients across 12 centres, 38 (7·8 per cent) were discharged without follow-up, 199 (41·0 per cent) underwent early resection and 248 (51·1 per cent) had radiological monitoring. Of these 248 patients, 96 (38·7 per cent) eventually had surgery, giving an overall resection rate of 60·8 per cent (295 of 485). At baseline, median tumour volume was 90·1 (i.q.r. 26·5–262·0) cm3. The estimated growth rate was 10·5 (95 per cent c.i. 9·4 to 11·6) per cent per year, and was consistent in the short term (within 2 years of diagnosis) and long term (beyond 2 years) (ρ = 0·405, P = 0·021). A decision to operate was more common in symptomatic patients (P < 0·001) and for rapidly growing tumours (growth rate more than 20 per cent per year) (P = 0·025). R0/R1 resection was achieved in 91·6 per cent of patients (263 of 287). Kaplan–Meier long-term recurrence rates after R0/R1 resection were 2·3 and 6·7 per cent at 3 and 5 years respectively.

Conclusion

Specific recommendations include: indications for early surgery, prediction of growth from radiological monitoring, promotion of selective submacroscopic resection and cessation of postoperative imaging surveillance.
Randomized clinical trial of the effect of intraoperative humidified carbon dioxide insufflation in open laparotomy for colorectal resection
Authors: Cheong J. Y. , Chami B. , Fong G. M. , Wang X. S. , Keshava A. , Young C. J. , Witting P.
Published: November 2019

Background

Animal studies have shown that peritoneal injury can be minimized by insufflating the abdominal cavity with warm humidified carbon dioxide gas.

Methods

A single-blind RCT was performed at a tertiary colorectal unit. Inclusion criteria were patient aged 18 years and over undergoing open elective surgery. The intervention group received warmed (37°C), humidified (98 per cent relative humidity) carbon dioxide (WHCO2 group). Multiple markers of peritoneal inflammation and oxidative damage were used to compare groups, including cytokines and chemokines, apoptosis, the 3-chlorotyrosine/native tyrosine ratio, and light microscopy on peritoneal biopsies at the start (T0) and end (Tend) of the operation. Postoperative clinical outcomes were compared between the groups.

Results

Of 40 patients enrolled, 20 in the WHCO2 group and 19 in the control group were available for analysis. A significant log(Tend/T0) difference between control and WHCO2 groups was documented for interleukin (IL) 2 (5·3 versus 2·8 respectively; P = 0·028) and IL-4 (3·5 versus 2·0; P = 0·041), whereas apoptosis assays documented no significant change in caspase activity, and similar apoptosis rates were documented along the peritoneal edge in both groups. The 3-chlorotyrosine/tyrosine ratio had increased at Tend by 1·1-fold in the WHCO2 group and by 3·1-fold in the control group. Under light microscopy, peritoneum was visible in 11 of 19 samples from the control group and in 19 of 20 samples from the WHCO2 group (P = 0·006). The only difference in clinical outcomes between intervention and control groups was the number of days to passage of flatus (2·5 versus 5·0 days respectively; P = 0·008).

Conclusion

The use of warmed, humidified carbon dioxide appears to reduce some markers related to peritoneal oxidative damage during laparotomy. No difference was observed in clinical outcomes, but the study was underpowered for analysis of surgical results. Registration number: NCT02975947 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/).
The extended theory of planned behavior in Turkish customers' intentions to visit green hotels
Authors: Yarimoglu Emel , Gunay Tugrul
Published: November 2019

Over the last decade, many studies have started to focus on understanding customers' green purchase intentions since the increasing importance of environmental issues in the hotel industry. This study examined customers' intentions to visit green hotels by using the theory of planned behavior. Two constructs, environmentally friendly activities and overall image, were incorporated into the theory, and the extended theory of planned behavior model was tested. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of the extended theory of planned behavior constructs (attitudes towards green hotels, subjective norms, perceived control, environmentally friendly activities, and overall image) on visit intentions and also to predict the effects of visit intentions on willingness to pay, satisfaction, and loyalty. Within this aim, the research model was formed to show the antecedents and consequences of intentions to visit green hotels. Data were collected by face‐to‐face survey technique, and 400 usable questionnaires were held from the customers in Izmir City, Turkey. In the findings, four of five constructs in the antecedents of intentions, except perceived control, were found as significant, and all three consequences of intentions were found as significant. The results of the study supported the usage of the extended theory of planned behavior in the context of green hotels. Theoretical contributions and discussions were explained lastly.
Sensitization of HT29 colorectal cancer cells to vemurafenib in three‐dimensional collagen cultures
Authors: Kikuchi Keiji , Hoshino Daisuke
Published: November 2019

The extracellular matrix to which cancer cells adhere affects cellular sensitivity to anticancer drugs. We sought to examine the changes in sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells carrying the BRAF V600E mutation to vemurafenib cultured in three‐dimensional (3D) collagen‐I gels, while also identifying the signaling pathways involved in these changes. HT29 colorectal cancer cells were cultured in conventional tissue culture (TC) plastic plates or in collagen‐I gels. The HT29 cells demonstrated approximately 10‐fold higher sensitivity to vemurafenib in 3D‐collagen‐I gels compared with those cultured on conventional TC plastic plates. Furthermore, in cells cultured on TC plastic, vemurafenib was found to augment tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), while 3D‐cultured cells expressed lower levels of FAK and vemurafenib did not affect its tyrosine phosphorylation, suggesting that FAK contributes to vemurafenib resistance. However, pharmacological inhibition of FAK did not sensitize the cells to vemurafenib. Also, the level of tyrosine‐phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/ERBB2 family proteins was found to be lower in cells cultured in 3D‐collagen gel compared with those in cells cultured on TC plastic. Afatinib, an inhibitor of the EGFR/ERBB family of kinases, sensitized the cells to higher concentrations of vemurafenib, implying their participation in vemurafenib resistance. Adhesion to collagen‐I gel but not to the collagen‐I‐coated plastic surface sensitized the cells, suggesting that the rigidity of the media rather than adherence to collagen‐I may be important for cellular sensitivity to vemurafenib.
Development of multifocal extra‐abdominal desmoid fibromatosis after surgical resection
Authors: Bauer Brendon M. , Williams Nadine L. , Zuckerman Lee M.
Published: November 2019

Multifocal fibromatosis is a rare entity. We report on two cases where multifocal disease developed after surgical resection. Chronic inflammation and repetitive trauma may be considered a risk factor for developing multifocal disease.
Operation and Control of a Full‐Scale Biogas Plant Treating Wastewater from the Cleaning of Car Tanks
Authors: Pfeiffer Wolfgang , Nguyen Van Than , Neumann Jan , Awe Dirk , Tränckner Jens
Published: November 2019

A 1200‐m3 full‐scale biogas plant treating highly polluted wastewater (WW) from the cleaning of tank cars transporting food and fodder is working stably and efficiently despite the WW is constantly varying in strength and composition, is easily acidifying, and low in alkalinity. Na2CO3 has to be added to maintain the digester alkalinity and the digester pH at defined values due to softened water used for car tank cleaning. Monitoring volatile organic acid concentration and controlling the alkalinity in the digester are essential for maintaining the digestion process stability. Biogas production is adapted to the demand by a modulated feeding regime. The drastic modulation of feeding is possible due to the moderate organic loading of the plant along with the high average hydraulic retention time.
Exploring consumer attitudes to online collaborative consumption: A typology of collaborative consumer profiles
Authors: Hallem Yousra , Ben Arfi Wissal , Teulon Frédéric
Published: November 2019

Online collaborative consumption enhances peer networks, members of which communicate, collaborate, and even deliver services to one another via digital sharing platforms. Despite the tremendous increase in collaborative consumption, due in large part to the development of the Internet, the reality of the economic and social movements that underpin this trend is much less visible. Of course, not all consumers seek collaborative consumption or interact through online platforms. Using a qualitative approach, this paper aims to investigate motivational factors and barriers against collaborative consumption and to establish a typology of collaborative consumer profiles, identifying the most suitable type of online sharing platforms for each profile. The findings reveal the following collaborative consumer profiles: committed, pragmatists, intermittent, and skeptical, each demonstrating different preferences for the different type of online sharing platform.
A multicenter prospective cohort study to investigate the effectiveness and safety of apixaban in Japanese elderly atrial fibrillation patients (J‐ELD AF Registry)
Authors: Okumura Ken , Yamashita Takeshi , Suzuki Shinya , Akao Masaharu ,   on behalf of J‐ELD AF Investigators
Published: November 2019

Background

A global, randomized clinical trial indicated the efficacy and safety of apixaban in stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, data in the elderly NVAF patients ≥75 years, especially those on reduced dose, are limited.

Hypothesis

To confirm the current dose reduction criteria of apixaban in elderly NVAF patients.

Method

With a large‐scale, multicenter prospective observational study, one‐year outcomes after administration of on‐label doses of apixaban were analyzed in Japanese NVAF patients aged ≥75 years. Endpoints were stroke or systemic embolism, bleeding requiring hospitalization, total death, and cardiovascular death.

Results

A total of 3031 patients (average age, 81.7 years; female, 48.2%) taking standard (5 mg bid) or reduced dose (2.5 mg bid) of apixaban were enrolled from 110 facilities. Standard and reduced apixaban doses were administered in 1284 (42.4%) and 1747 (57.6%) patients, respectively. Event rates (/100 person‐years) in standard and reduced dose groups were 1.67 and 1.56, respectively, for stroke or systemic embolism, 1.42 and 2.25 for bleeding requiring hospitalization, 1.41 and 4.46 for total death, and 0.41 and 1.36 for cardiovascular death. Reduced apixaban dose was not significantly associated with stroke or systemic embolism and bleeding requiring hospitalization, but was independently associated with total and cardiovascular death.

Conclusions

Incidences of stroke or systemic embolism and bleeding requiring hospitalization were similar between standard and reduced apixaban doses in the elderly NVAF patients. The incidences of total and cardiovascular death were significantly higher in the reduced dose group due to the coexisting higher risks in this group.
Tuneable Emission of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Based Nanostructures that Self‐Assemble in the Presence of Europium(III) Ions: Reversible trans‐to‐cis Isomerization
Authors: Cinà Valerio , Carbonell Esther , Fusaro Luca , García Hermenegildo , Gruttadauria Michelangelo , Giacalone Francesco , Aprile Carmela
Published: November 2019

Hybrid nanostructures with switchable and reversible “blue‐red‐green” emission were efficiently synthesized. These nanostructures comprise polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) that behave as a nanocage that can be functionalized with terpyridine‐based organic ligands, which can be easily complexed with europium (III) ions. The complexes were characterized by UV‐Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy and their stoichiometry was also confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. In the presence of the Eu(III) ions, the octafunctionalized nanocages self‐assemble to form 3D architectures that display an intense red‐emission, especially in the solid state. The presence of an alkenyl group bridging the inorganic core to the organic moiety was employed to tune the emission properties by trans‐cis isomerization of the double bond. In the case of the octafunctionalized nanocages (O‐POSS), this isomerization was monitored in the presence of Eu(III) cations and was accompanied by an evident colour change from blue (trans‐O‐POSS) to red (Eu@trans‐O‐POSS) and finally to green (cis‐O‐POSS) as consequence of the release of the metal cations. This behaviour, together with the easy dispersion of the dry powder and the possibility of coating as a film in presence of small amounts of solvent, makes the emissive solid promising for applications in materials science.
Investigating Electrode Flooding in a Flowing Electrolyte, Gas‐Fed Carbon Dioxide Electrolyzer
Authors: Leonard McLain E. , Clarke Lauren E. , Forner‐Cuenca Antoni , Brown Steven M. , Brushett Fikile R.
Published: November 2019

Managing the gas–liquid interface within gas‐diffusion electrodes (GDEs) is key to maintaining high product selectivities in carbon dioxide electroreduction. By screening silver‐catalyzed GDEs over a range of applied current densities, an inverse correlation was observed between carbon monoxide selectivity and the electrochemical double‐layer capacitance, a proxy for wetted electrode area. Plotting current‐dependent performance as a function of cumulative charge led to data collapse onto a single sigmoidal curve indicating that the passage of faradaic current accelerates flooding. It was hypothesized that high cathode alkalinity, driven by both initial electrolyte conditions and cathode half‐reactions, promotes carbonate formation and precipitation which, in turn, facilitates electrolyte permeation. This mechanism was reinforced by the observations that post‐test GDEs retain less hydrophobicity than pristine materials and that water‐rinsing and drying electrodes temporarily recovers peak selectivity. This knowledge offers an opportunity to design electrodes with greater carbonation tolerance to improve device longevity.
Enhancing Zn‐Ion Storage Capability of Hydrated Vanadium Pentoxide by the Strategic Introduction of La3+
Authors: He Jinjun , Liu Xiaoqing , Zhang Haozhe , Yang Zujin , Shi Xin , Liu Qiyu , Lu Xihong
Published: November 2019

Hydrated vanadium pentoxide (VO) cathodes with two‐dimensional bilayer structures hold great potential for advanced aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs) construction, but their further application is impeded by the poor cycling stability. Herein, to address this issue and enhance the Zn ion storage capability, La3+ with a big radius was selected to finely tune their nanostructure. The strategic introduction of La3+ to VO led to the formation of LaVO4, which showed larger interplanar spacing, better electrical conductivity, and superior Zn‐ion diffusion efficiency. These unique characteristics were beneficial in the (de)intercalation and the prevention of electrode degradation/collapse, thereby significantly strengthening the corresponding electrochemical performance. As a consequence, the cathode possessed a high specific capacity of 472.5 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.38 A g−1 and displayed good rate performance, accompanied by enduring cycling stability (no decay after 2000 cycles). Besides, when equipped as an aqueous ZIB, it delivered an outstanding peak energy density of 341.9 Wh kg−1 and a peak power density of 3.22 kW kg−1, surpassing most VO‐based energy‐storage devices.
Low‐Temperature Charging and Aging Mechanisms of Si/C Composite Anodes in Li‐Ion Batteries: An Operando Neutron Scattering Study
Authors: Richter Karsten , Waldmann Thomas , Paul Neelima , Jobst Nicola , Scurtu Rares‐George , Hofmann Michael , Gilles Ralph , Wohlfahrt‐Mehrens Margret
Published: November 2019

The addition of Si compounds to graphite anodes has become an attractive way of increasing the practical specific energies in Li‐ion cells. Previous studies involving Si/C anodes lacked direct insight into the processes occurring in full cells during low‐temperature operation. In this study, a powerful combination of operando neutron diffraction, electrochemical tests, and post‐mortem analysis is used for the investigation of Li‐ion cells. 18650‐type cylindrical cells in two different aging states are investigated by operando neutron diffraction. The experiments reveal deep insights and important trends in low‐temperature charging mechanisms involving intercalation, alloying, Li metal deposition, and relaxation processes as a function of charging C‐rates and temperatures. Additionally, the main aging mechanism caused by long‐term cycling and interesting synergistic effects of Si and graphite are elucidated.
The clock is ticking: the impact of ageing on T cell metabolism
Authors: Quinn Kylie M , Palchaudhuri Riya , Palmer Clovis S , La Gruta Nicole L
Published: November 2019

It is now clear that access to specific metabolic programmes controls the survival and function of various immune cell populations, including T cells. Efficient naïve and memory T cell homoeostasis requires the use of specific metabolic pathways and differentiation requires rapid and dramatic metabolic remodelling. While we are beginning to appreciate the crucial role of metabolic programming during normal T cell physiology, many of the potential impacts of ageing on metabolic homoeostasis and remodelling in T cells remain unexplored. This review will outline our current understanding of T cell metabolism and explore age‐related metabolic changes that are postulated or have been demonstrated to impact T cell function.
Live and Let Dye: Visualizing the Cellular Compartments of the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Linzke Marleen , Yan Sun Liu Rei , Tárnok Attila , Ulrich Henning , Groves Matthew R. , Wrenger Carsten
Published: November 2019

Malaria remains one of the deadliest diseases worldwide and it is caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium spp. Parasite visualization is an important tool for the correct detection of malarial cases but also to understand its biology. Advances in visualization techniques promote new insights into the complex life cycle and biology of Plasmodium parasites. Live cell imaging by fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry are the foundation of the visualization technique for malaria research. In this review, we present an overview of possibilities in live cell imaging of the malaria parasite. We discuss some of the state‐of‐the‐art techniques to visualize organelles and processes of the parasite and discuss limitation and advantages of each technique. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
A genetic algorithm‐based flow update scheduler for software‐defined networks
Authors: Abbasi Mohammad Reza , Guleria Ajay , Devi Mandalika Syamala
Published: November 2019

Software‐defined networking (SDN) facilitates network programmability through a central controller. It dynamically modifies the network configuration to adapt to the changes in the network. In SDN, the controller updates the network configuration through flow updates, ie, installing the flow rules in network devices. However, during the network update, improper scheduling of flow updates can lead to a number of problems including overflowing of the switch flow table memory and the link bandwidth. Another challenge is minimizing the network update completion time during large‐network updates triggered by events such as traffic engineering path updates. The existing centralized approaches do not search the solution space for flow update schedules with optimal completion time. We proposed a hybrid genetic algorithm‐based flow update scheduling method (the GA‐Flow Scheduler). By searching the solution space, the GA‐Flow Scheduler attempts to minimize the completion time of the network update without overflowing the flow table memory of the switches and the link bandwidth. It can be used in combination with other existing flow scheduling methods to improve the network performance and reduce the flow update completion time. In this paper, the GA‐Flow Scheduler is combined with a stand‐alone method called the three‐step method. Through large‐scale experiments, we show that the proposed hybrid approach could reduce the network update time and packet loss. It is concluded that the proposed GA‐Flow Scheduler provides improved performance over the stand‐alone three‐step method. Also, it handles the above‐mentioned network update problems in SDN.
A provably secure biometrics and ECC‐based authentication and key agreement scheme for WSNs
Authors: Kumari Saru , Renuka Km.
Published: November 2019

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) underpin many applications of the Internet of Things (IoT), ranging from smart cities to unmanned surveillance and others. Efficient user authentication in WSNs, particularly in settings with diverse IoT device configurations and specifications (eg, resource‐constrained IoT devices) and difficult physical conditions (eg, physical disaster area and adversarial environment such as battlefields), remains challenging, both in research and in practice. Here, we put forth a user anonymous authentication scheme, relying on both biometrics and elliptic curve cryptography, to establish desired security features like forward and backward secrecy. We then make use of the Random‐or‐Real (RoR) model to prove the security of our scheme. We have implemented the proposed scheme in an environment compatible with WSNs. We show after conducting the comparison of the proposed scheme with some recent and related existent schemes that it satisfies various essential and desirable security attributes of a WSN environment. We conclude that the proposed scheme is suitable for the WSN scenario demanding high security.
FGF2/EGF contributes to brain neuroepithelial precursor proliferation and neurogenesis in rat embryos: the involvement of embryonic cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Lamus F. , Martín C. , Carnicero E. , Moro J.A. , Fernández J.M.F. , Mano A. , Gato Á. , Alonso M.I.
Published: November 2019

Background

At the earliest stages of brain development, the neuroepithelium works as an interdependent functional entity together with cerebrospinal fluid, which plays a key regulatory role in neuroepithelial cell survival, replication and neurogenesis; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown in mammals.

Results

We show the presence of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF), in 13.5‐day rat embryo cerebrospinal fluid (eCSF). Immunohistochemical detection of FGF2 expression localized this factor inside neuroepithelial precursors close to the neuroepithelial‐CSF interface, suggesting that FGF2 from eCSF could originate in the neuroepithelium by apical secretion. The colocalization of FGFR1 and FGF2 in some neuroepithelial cells close to the ventricular surface suggests they are target cells for eCSF FGF2. Brain neuroepithelium EGF expression was negative. By using a neuroepithelial organotypic culture, we demonstrate that FGF2 and EGF from eCSF plays a specific role in triggering the self‐renewal and are involved in neurogenetic induction of mesencephalic neuroepithelial precursor cells during rat development.

Conclusions

We propose eCSF as an intercommunication medium for neuroepithelial precursor behavior control during early rat brain development, and the neuroepithelial regulation of FGF2 and EGF presence in eCSF, as a regulative mechanism controlling precursor proliferation and neurogenesis.
Seminal fluid‐mediated fitness effects in the simultaneously hermaphroditic flatwormMacrostomum lignano
Authors: Weber Michael , Giannakara Athina , Ramm Steven A.
Published: November 2019

As a class, seminal fluid proteins are expected to exert strong effects on mating partners due to the selection pressures of sperm competition and sexual conflict. But because of the complexity of this secretion, linking specific proteins to downstream effects on own fitness—via manipulating the reproductive behavior, physiology, and ultimately the sperm utilization of mating partners—is not straightforward. Here, we adopted a systematic gene knockdown approach to screen for seminal fluid‐mediated fitness effects in the simultaneously hermaphroditic flatwormMacrostomum lignano. We focused on 18 transcripts inM. lignanoseminal fluid, testing how their RNA interference‐induced knockdown impacted on three aspects of donor (male) reproductive success: (a) fertility (offspring production of the partner); (b) defensive sperm competitive ability,P1; and (c) offensive sperm competitive ability,P2. In general, the knockdown of most individual transcripts appeared to have only a minor impact on male reproductive success, though we found evidence that the knockdown of up to five different transcripts impacted on fertility; the knockdown of two other transcripts resulted in reducedP2; and knockdown of a further transcript actually increasedP2. We thus identify a number of candidate seminal fluid transcripts that appear to modulate offspring production and sperm competitiveness inM. lignano. That only a minority of transcripts exhibit such a pattern likely reflects both the difficulty of accurately estimating sperm competitiveness and the functional redundancy of seminal fluid.
Effects of filtration methods and water volume on the quantification of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) eDNA concentrations via droplet digital PCR
Authors: Capo Eric , Spong Göran , Königsson Helena , Byström Pär
Published: November 2019

The quantification of the abundance of aquatic organisms via the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) molecules present in water is potentially a useful tool for efficient and noninvasive population monitoring. However, questions remain about the reliability of molecular methods. Among the factors that can hamper the reliability of the eDNA quantification, we investigated the influence of five filtration methods (filter pore size, filter type) and filtered water volume (1 and 2 L) on the total eDNA and the fish eDNA concentrations of two species, brown trout (Salmo trutta) and Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) from tanks with known number of individuals and biomass. We applied a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) approach to DNA extracted from water samples collected from two cultivation tanks (each of them containing one of the targeted species). Results showed that the quantification of fish eDNA concentrations of both species varies with filtration methods. More specifically, the 0.45‐µm Sterivex enclosed filters were identified to recover the highest eDNA concentrations. Difficulties to filter 2 L water samples were present for small pore size filters (≤0.45 µm) and likely caused by filter clogging. To overcome issues related to filter clogging, common in studies aiming to quantify fish eDNA molecules from water samples, we recommend a procedure involving filtration of multiple 1 L water samples with 0.45‐µm enclosed filters, to recover both high quality and high concentrations of eDNA from targeted species, and subsequent processing of independent DNA extracts with the ddPCR method.
BiOCl/BiOBr Heterojunction with Rich Oxygen Vacancies Induced by Ultraviolet and Its Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Liu Guoguan , Xu Haiming , Li Dongya , Zou Zhongwei , Li Qiang , Xia Dongsheng
Published: November 2019

Novel BiOCl/BiOBr heterojunction with rich oxygen vacancies (OVs) was successfully synthesized via ultrasound and photoinduced method. The XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, DRS, ESR, SPV, PL, contact angle and electrochemical technique were implemented to characterize the as‐synthesized samples. The experiment results demonstrated that BOCBuv can degrade carbamazepine (2.5 mg/L) by nearly 60 % during 180 min under visible light irradiation, which is 2, 3, 7 times higher than that of BOCB, BOC and BOB, respectively. Furthermore, the presence of OVs and heterojunction structure not only enhance the light absorption but also improve the spatial separation and migration of photogenerated carriers, and thus BOCBuv exhibits polish photocatalytic performance. This research provides a new approach and insight for developing novel efficiency photocatalysts by tailoring surface defects and heterojunction structure.
Rhenium(V) Complexes with Selenolato‐ and Tellurolato‐Substituted Schiff Bases – Released PPh3as a Facile Reductant
Authors: Roca Jungfer Maximilian , Hagenbach Adelheid , Schulz Lang Ernesto , Abram Ulrich
Published: November 2019

The salicylidene Schiff bases of bis(2‐aminophenyl)diselenide and ‐ditelluride react with [ReOCl3(PPh3)2] or the arylimidorhenium(V) compounds [Re(NPhR)Cl3(PPh3)2] (R = H, F, CF3) with formation of rhenium(V) complexes with tridentate {O,N,Se/Te} chalcogenolato ligands. The ligands adopt afacialcoordination mode with the oxygen donorstransto the multiply bonded O2–or NPhR2–ligands. The reduction of the dichalcogenides and the formation of the chalcogenolato ligands occursin situby released PPh3ligands. The absence of additional reducing agents provides good yields of products with rhenium in the high formal oxidation state “+5”. A mechanism for the dichalcogenide reduction is proposed on the basis of the experimental results. In accordance with the proposed mechanism, best yields are obtained with a strict exclusion of oxygen, but in the presence of water.
Mechanistic Study on Catalytic Disproportionation of Hydrazine by a Protic Pincer‐Type Iron Complex through Proton‐Coupled Electron Transfer
Authors: Tanaka Hiromasa , Hitaoka Seiji , Umehara Kazuki , Yoshizawa Kazunari , Kuwata Shigeki
Published: November 2019

Density functional theory calculations have been performed for the proposal of a plausible reaction pathway for disproportionation of hydrazine catalyzed by an iron complex bearing a multiproton‐responsive pincer‐type bis(pyrazole) ligand. The pyrazole arms in this ligand are capable of serving as both Brønsted acid and base. At the first stage of the catalytic cycle, a hydrazine molecule bound to the iron center is converted into two molecules of ammonia by two successive protonation steps from the pyrazole NH groups. The deprotonated pyrazolate arms later abstract two protons from another hydrazine molecule to afford an iron–diazene complex, which is a possible intermediate leading to formation of dinitrogen and ammonia. This bidirectional proton transfer (pyrazole arm ↔ hydrazine) is coupled with electron shuttling along a different pathway (iron center ↔ hydrazine). Overall energy profiles of the proposed mechanism calculated in different spin states elucidate the importance of the spin‐state flexibility of this iron complex.
Design and implementation of an affordable laboratory‐scale bioreactor for the production of microbial natural products
Authors: Theodore Christine M. , Loveridge Steven T. , Crews Mitchell S. , Lorig‐Roach Nicholas , Crews Phillip
Published: November 2019

Large‐scale bacteria culturing can present many challenges for small academic laboratories. To address these challenges a cost effective, laboratory scale bioreactor was designed and implemented. The constructed bioreactor addresses common problems that small or teaching‐focused laboratories face when attempting scale up cultures. The design utilizes materials commonly found in standard chemistry laboratories that are easily assembled with minor modifications. The system was validated through the replication of natural product production in shake flasks and the bioreactor. Additionally, measurements were done to ensure the designed bioreactor had comparable kLa values to common shake flask conditions. We anticipate that this design will be of use to other small academic natural product groups as well as teaching laboratories as it offers an economical way to undertake large scale culturing of microorganisms.
Reconstruction of Grenfell Tower fire. Part 3—Numerical simulation of the Grenfell Tower disaster: Contribution to the understanding of the fire propagation and behaviour during the vertical fire spread
Authors: Guillaume Eric , Dréan Virginie , Girardin Bertrand , Benameur Faiz , Koohkan Maxime , Fateh Talal
Published: November 2019

The dramatic event of the Grenfell Tower (June 2017), involving a combustible façade system, has raised concerns regarding the fire risk that these systems address. Indeed, as façades are complex systems, it is not straightforward to assess which part of the system is involved in the global fire behaviour. Understanding such façade fires is thus very complex as it depends on a combination of various products and system characteristics, including window frames or air gap or cavity barriers. Fire development inside the initial apartment was investigated using an appropriate CFD model with different scenarios for the fire source and ventilation conditions in a previous study. Fire propagation through the window to the external façade and to higher apartments was modelled and validated against visual observations. This paper describes CFD modelling of the complete Grenfell tower facade, and investigates vertical fire spread behaviour over the full height façade from the initial apartment. Contributions from the combustion of all the apartments' furniture, depending on window failure, and architectural details of the refurbished façade are considered in the numerical model. The modelling results are validated by comparison with photographic and video observations of the real fire.
Tracking the transition from subduction‐related to post‐collisional magmatism in the north Arabian–Nubian Shield: A case study from the Homrit Waggat area of the Eastern Desert of Egypt
Authors: Azer Mokhles K. , Abdelfadil Khaled M. , Asimow Paul D. , Khalil Ahmed E.
Published: November 2019

Field and geochemical observations of the granitoids of the Homrit Waggat area in the central Eastern Desert of Egypt reveal two magmatic phases. The early phase of weakly deformed subduction‐related calc‐alkaline rocks includes tonalite and granodiorite. We name the later phase the Homrit Waggat Pluton (HWP); it includes undeformed syenogranite, alkali feldspar granite, and minor albitized granite. The tonalite and granodiorite have distinct negative Nb–Ta anomalies and lower alkalis, REE, Nb, Zr, and Hf than the HWP. The early magmatic pulse is a subduction‐related suite, likely generated by underplating of mantle‐derived magmas that triggered partial melting of mafic lower crust; mixing of these melts led to intermediate magma that further fractionated to tonalite and granodiorite. The HWP granites of the late magmatic pulse are transitional from a subduction‐related to an anorogenic within‐plate environment, plausibly generated by post‐collisional lithosphere delamination. Although the parent magma of the HWP was I‐type, extensive fractional crystallization produced residual liquids with A2‐type character. Albitized granites are found only along the outer margin of the HWP, and contacts with the alkali feldspar granite are gradational, suggesting fluid interactions at a late stage of crystallization. The original textures of the albitized granites are preserved, but their bulk composition was modified by the production of Na‐rich minerals and the removal of K, REE, and some trace elements by fluids.
Long‐term dementia risk prediction by the LIBRA score: A 30‐year follow‐up of the CAIDE study
Authors: Deckers Kay , Barbera Mariagnese , Köhler Sebastian , Ngandu Tiia , van Boxtel Martin , Rusanen Minna , Laatikainen Tiina , Verhey Frans , Soininen Hilkka , Kivipelto Miia , Solomon Alina
Published: November 2019

Objective

As no causal treatment for dementia is available yet, the focus of dementia research is slowly shifting towards prevention strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the predictive accuracy of the “LIfestyle for BRAin Health” (LIBRA) score, a weighted compound score of 12 modifiable risk and protective factors, for dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in midlife and late‐life, and in individuals with high or low genetic risk based on presence of the apolipoprotein (APOE) ε4 allele.

Methods

The LIBRA score was calculated for participants from the Finnish Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia (CAIDE) population‐based study examined in midlife (n = 1024) and twice in late‐life (n = 604) up to 30 years later. Diagnoses of MCI and dementia were made according to established criteria. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between LIBRA and risk of dementia and MCI in models adjusted for sex and education (age as timescale).

Results

Higher midlife LIBRA scores were related to higher risk of dementia (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13‐1.43) and MCI (unadjusted model: HR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.22) up to 30 years later. Higher late‐life LIBRA scores were related to higher risk of MCI (HR = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.00‐1.25), but not dementia (HR = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.84‐1.24). Higher late‐life LIBRA scores were related to higher dementia risk among apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 non‐carriers.

Conclusions

Findings emphasize the importance of modifiable risk and protective factors for dementia prevention.
Integrating machining learning and multimodal neuroimaging to detect schizophrenia at the level of the individual
Authors: Lei Du , Pinaya Walter H. L. , Young Jonathan , van Amelsvoort Therese , Marcelis Machteld , Donohoe Gary , Mothersill David O. , Corvin Aiden , Vieira Sandra , Huang Xiaoqi , Lui Su , Scarpazza Cristina , Arango Celso , Bullmore Ed , Gong Qiyong , McGuire Philip , Mechelli Andrea
Published: November 2019

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder associated with both structural and functional brain abnormalities. In the past few years, there has been growing interest in the application of machine learning techniques to neuroimaging data for the diagnostic and prognostic assessment of this disorder. However, the vast majority of studies published so far have used either structural or functional neuroimaging data, without accounting for the multimodal nature of the disorder. Structural MRI and resting‐state functional MRI data were acquired from a total of 295 patients with schizophrenia and 452 healthy controls at five research centers. We extracted features from the data including gray matter volume, white matter volume, amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation, regional homogeneity and two connectome‐wide based metrics: structural covariance matrices and functional connectivity matrices. A support vector machine classifier was trained on each dataset separately to distinguish the subjects at individual level using each of the single feature as well as their combination, and 10‐fold cross‐validation was used to assess the performance of the model. Functional data allow higher accuracy of classification than structural data (mean 82.75% vs. 75.84%). Within each modality, the combination of images and matrices improves performance, resulting in mean accuracies of 81.63% for structural data and 87.59% for functional data. The use of all combined structural and functional measures allows the highest accuracy of classification (90.83%). We conclude that combining multimodal measures within a single model is a promising direction for developing biologically informed diagnostic tools in schizophrenia.
Heterogeneous oxygenation of wetland soils with increasing inundation: Redox potential, water depth, and preferential flow paths
Authors: Lahiri Chayan , Davidson Gregg R.
Published: November 2019

Saturated wetland soils are typically depleted in oxygen due to rapid consumption by biological processes. Fine‐grained sediments limit the vertical flux of oxygenated surface water. In forested wetlands potential exists for advective transport along preferential flow pathways created by decomposing roots or tree remains, resulting in isolated zones of oxygenated pore water. This potential is enhanced in wetlands that are perched above the regional water table, where increases in surface‐water depth create significant downward hydraulic gradients. Along the Mississippi River floodplain, many wetlands are now perched as a result of groundwater mining. This study was conducted at Sky Lake, MS, through a growing season, with high temporal‐resolution monitoring of redox potential as a proxy for the delivery of oxygenated surface water at 30 and 60 cm depths at six locations. Results showed reducing conditions at all locations under moderate inundation, but redox potential rose significantly at a subset of locations when surface‐water exceeded one meter in depth. Rising redox potential is argued to represent localised advective transport of oxygen in excess of the rate of biological consumption. Wetland plants growing in perennially saturated soils may benefit from periodic increases in water depth and subsequent increase in the flux of oxygen along preferential flow paths.