bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconnection of Wireless Sensor Network Partitions on Multi-Agent Platform
Authors: Devi E. Anna , Manickam J. Martin Leo
Published: November 2018

In wireless sensor networks, repairing partitions is of high priority. Various methods have been proposed for detecting partitions in the networks. One approach for reconnecting a partitioned network is to repair partitions using mobile nodes. For reconnecting the partitions approaches like transmission range adjustment and message ferry methods have been proposed but these are based on the degree of connectivity with neighbors. In the proposed method, we consider a partition detection system where the base station knows the position of the sensor nodes and the base station communicates with the nodes at regular intervals. The failure of the base station to communicate with a group of sensor nodes located together is the proof that some partitions have occurred. There could be two or more partitions occurring at a time and so multiple mobile nodes are to be employed. The aim of the algorithm is to coordinate among the mobile nodes and the partitioned network and to reconnect the partition. Here the safety of nodes, security of the network and scalability are considered.
A Modified Kruskal's Algorithm to Improve Genetic Search for Open Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Dutta Joydeep , Barma Partha Sarathi , Kar Samarjit , De Tanmay
Published: November 2018

This article has proposed a modified Kruskal's method to increase the efficiency of a genetic algorithm to determine the path of least distance starting from a central point to solve the open vehicle routing problem. In a vehicle routing problem, vehicles start from a central point and several customers placed in different locations to serve their demands and return to the central point. In the case of the open vehicle routing problem, the vehicles do not go back to the central point after serving the customers. The challenge is to reduce the number of vehicles used and the distance travelled simultaneously. The proposed method applies genetic algorithms to find the set of customers those are covered by a particular vehicle and the authors have applied the proposed modified Kruskal's method for local routing optimization. The results of the new method are analyzed in comparison with some of the evolutionary methods.
The Dark Web
Authors: Mancini Stephen , Tomei Lawrence A.
Published: November 2018

The Dark Web is its own clandestine network of thousands of websites that most of us do not even know exist, much less how to access. The Dark Web uses its own tools to keep users anonymous and their activities hidden. The Dark Web is so well concealed that the full extent of its use remains largely the topic of hushed conversations. From black market drug sales to child pornography, the Dark Web operates at two extremes of the Internet, from venues for anonymous whistleblowing on one end to unguarded censorship on the other. This article provides a primer for those interested in learning more about the “known unknowns” of the Dark Web. Readers will find an excellent opening manuscript for the newly launched International Journal of Cyber Research and Education as it sets the stage for future research in cyber security and law enforcement. The paper will examine three foundational questions for the reader: What constitutes the ‘deep/dark/underground' web and keeps it obscure and remote from the community of legitimate users? How can websites that occupy the same virtual space range exist in two parallel dimensions from discoverable to undiscoverable? And finally, how do the actors on the Dark Web mature from novice to advanced? Is it the same process followed by users of the known web? In the corpus of this article, the authors will briefly examine how online markets exist simultaneously on the Internet, serving clients in both known online environments as well as the more secretive, anonymous online world. They will examine how nefarious actors migrate from the “good” web to become novice and then advanced users of the “evil” environments. To the neophyte user, the process introduced herein may appear relatively straightforward. In truth, the notion that any but the most staunchly dedicated practitioner can become a vetted participant in the ‘dark web' is inconceivable. Even so, with the sheer volume of actors operating in numerous underground forums and marketplaces, the impact remains significant and growing geometrically. Government and industry from all over the globe are hindered in their ability to track and identify the truly advanced actors operating in these more secretive environments. We shall soon see why this is the case.
Blockchain and Bitcoin
Authors: Covington Hayden , Choi Young B.
Published: November 2018

Bitcoin and blockchain are two new and innovative technologies that may be confusing. This purpose of this paper is to differentiate these two new technologies and explain their functionalities. The concept of Bitcoin “mining” will be addressed, as well as the impact it has had on the hardware market. Finally, the benefits and concerns of implementing blockchain and Bitcoin will be provided. Despite the concerns, both blockchain and Bitcoin provide a plethora of possible new technological advanced, both in the terms of digital currencies as well as other avenues.
The Cyber Awareness of Online Video Game Players
Authors: Seok Soonhwa , DaCosta Boaventura
Published: November 2018

The cyber awareness of online video game players (n = 183) was investigated by examining their online safety practices and the degree to which they were exposed to threats. With findings revealing that gamers engaged in poor online practices, despite expressing concern for their safety, this investigation supports the view that gamers are unaware of the possible consequences of their online actions, and/or continue to show resistance to cybersecurity practices perceived to hinder gameplay. While the findings should be regarded as preliminary, game developers and publishers, policymakers, and researchers may find them valuable in obtaining a clearer understanding of gamers' cyber awareness and online practices. Coupled with ongoing research, these findings may also prove valuable for the identification of strategies that may be used to curb risky online behavior.
The Role of Customer Commercial Knowledge Management in Improving the Performance of Employees of Insurance Firms in Iran
Authors: Nouri Bagher Asgarnezhad , Oleykie Fahimeh , Soltani Milad
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this article is to determine the effect of customer commercial knowledge management on the performance of employees of insurance firms. The population comprises the employees of all insurance companies of Ardabil province in Iran. Due to the small size of the population, no sampling was carried out and the population was examined through a census procedure. Data collection was carried out using Newman and Conrad's knowledge management questionnaire and Patterson's job performance questionnaire. A data analysis was conducted with Pearson correlation and regression analysis using SPSS software. The results showed that customer commercial knowledge management can predict staff performance; hence, it is one of the effective factors in improving staff performance.
Impacts of COSER Strength on Service Loyalty
Authors: Ben Ayed Manel
Published: November 2018

This paper investigates the effects of customer-one service employee relationship (COSER) strength on personal loyalty and organizational loyalty within the Tunisian automobile repair service context. The study is based on automotive repair dealers in Tunisia and draws on quantitative data. A causal model was tested via structural equations modeling. Data were collected from a randomly sample of 332 customers. The results confirm that the COSER strength has a considerable impact on service loyalty. However, and contrary to the literature, it is an indirect effect through personal loyalty. The results have major implications for marketing practices of service firms that generate customer loyalty through personal loyalty to benefit from its impact while avoiding its risks.
Security Protocol with IDS Framework Using Mobile Agent in Robotic MANET
Authors: Rath Mamata , Pattanayak Binod Kumar
Published: November 2018

Nanotechnologies guarantee new potential outcomes for maintaining accessibility issues in versatile robots in an automated based Mobile Adhoc Networks (MANETs). In multi-robot frameworks, with a devastation situation, military applications, hunt and save operations and normal hardships, this issue is much more basic. Auspicious correspondence and sending control messages in a MANET which is reasonable for these intense circumstances starts with one robot then onto the next is a critical factor in every one of these operations. This makes it is a security issue in MANETs because of the auto-reconfiguration nature of the system which does not depend on any settled infrastructure-based foundation. There is dynamic change in its topology because of rapidly moving versatile nodes. This article features few security issues emerging because of network matter among robots and proposes a lively MANET-based automated convention called PD-ROBO with a committed Intrusion Detection System (IDS) structure that utilizations portable operator method to stay away from replay assault in mechanical based MANET.
Women's Role in Economic Development a Significant Impact in the EU Countries?
Authors: Aydin Halil İbrahim , Benghoul Maroua , Balacescu Aniela
Published: November 2018

In the last four decades, the female participation in the economic scene has registered a significant increase in all EU countries. However, on the one hand, men labour participation is higher than women's and on the other hand, there are gaps regarding pay and earnings by gender because women tend to work fewer hours and work in lower-paying sectors than men. The goal of this article is to point out the role of women in fostering the framework in the economy, with a special emphasis on the female labour force and entrepreneurship to support this scope and to provide evidence that the women have a positive impact on economic development. The article argues that the women contribute significantly in the economy development. The research sample consists of the European Union countries and the research was carried out for the period 1968-2017. The empirical part of the study is based on vector autoregressive model analysis.
Apply the QFD Method (‘Home Quality') for Home' Bank
Authors: Mihai Petruţa , Vlăduţ Oana , Mihai Maria-Valia
Published: November 2018

This article presents the quality function deployment (QFD) method, also called the “Quality House.” This method transforms customer requirements into identifiable and measurable compliance specifications for service design. The Quality House provides a framework for translating customer satisfaction into identifiable and measurable compliance specifications for service design. Customer expectations were initially formulated in relation to the five dimensions of service quality: trust, solicitude, safety, tangibility, and empathy. To exemplify the QFD method, choose the online bank banking service (ING), called Home' Bank. The purpose of the article is to implement methods of measuring the quality of the banking services in order to maximize the level of cost-effectiveness of the organization.
Enlivening the Effect of Tourists' Knowledge and Involvement on Malaysian Heritage Food (MHF) Towards Food Tourism Image in Malaysia
Authors: Omar Siti Radhiah , Karim Shahrim Ab , Isa Siti Suriawati , Omar Siti Nazirah
Published: November 2018

This current article aims to empirically test the relationship between international tourist knowledge and Malaysian Heritage Food (MHF) cultural involvement on Malaysia's Food Tourism Image and secondly, to analyze the mediating effect of knowledge for both relationships. A quantitative survey of 719 international tourists with previous MHF consumption experience was conducted and analyzed via a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach. Results demonstrated that the following variables have significant associations with Food Tourism Image while knowledge mediated the subsequent links positively with partial mediation. Regardless of the theoretical and managerial implications and research findings, supplementary investigations are warranted to enhance the growth of food cultural tourism.
Dual practice and inequities in access to healthcare: A qualitative study from Kandy
Authors: Kumar Ramya
Published: November 2018

Sri Lanka's public and private health sectors are intimately connected by doctors who divide their work time between public and private. Such dual practice has allowed the government to maintain a strong public sector physician workforce at relatively low levels of health spending, but its implications for access are understudied. This paper examines the nuts and bolts of doctors' dual practice from the perspective of users. While showcasing inequities in access, the findings call for intervention by the relevant regulatory bodies and medical associations to uphold the ethical and professional standards of medical practice in Sri Lanka.
Hate Speech and French Mediaeval Literature
Authors: Pintarič Miha
Published: November 2018

Hate speech is spoken or written word which expresses a hostile attitude of a dominating majority towards any kind of minority. The author analyses a few examples of hate speech in literary history and concludes that such a phenomenon is typical of The Song of Roland, whether uttered in a direct way or spoken between the lines. One will expect hate speech in epic and heroic poetry, less in the Troubadour poetry. Yet we come across this awkward characteristic even in their love poetry. To be quite clear, in the poetry of Bernart de Ventadorn. The last part of the article is about the courtly romance. The author concludes that hate speech can only be controlled by love, not any, but the love that makes one a better person, and which the Troubadours called fin’amors.
Uma questão de sal do cotidiano: literatura, boemia e trabalho Anthístenes Pinto
Authors: Amaral Vinicius Alves do
Published: November 2018

O romance Os Agachados, de Antísthenes Pinto, aborda a boemia amazonense de um ponto de vista aparentemente óbvio. Contudo, para um pesquisador atento ele pode ajudar a compreender as tensões existentes entre a intelectualidade e os mundos do trabalho na Manaus da década de 1980. Utilizando-se da contribuição de Pierre Bourdieu sobre habitus e campo intelectual e de Edward Palmer Thompson sobre a economia moral da multidão, pretendo analisar as principais transformações da capital amazonense por meio dessa obra.
Trabalho, territorialização e conflito pelo uso dos recursos naturais no Rio Madeira /AM (1861 - 1932)
Authors: Leal Davi Avelino
Published: November 2018

O texto objetiva problematizar o momento em que as populações amazônicas passam por uma das experiências mais dramáticas da sua história. Trata-se da incorporação da região à lógica da economia mercantil em meados do século XIX, a partir da exploração da força de trabalho de povos indígenas e de comunidades ribeirinhas, mobilizados para a extração de produtos da floresta, em especial a goma elástica. Esse (novo) processo de territorialização é marcado por estratégias de imobilização da força de trabalho estabelecidas principalmente pelo controle dos recursos naturais encontrados na região.
Entre estrangeiros e nacionais: agentes públicos e o ideal de trabalhador na propaganda e legislação nos primeiros anos da República no Pará
Authors: Dos Santos Francisnaldo Sousa , Nunes Francivaldo Alves
Published: November 2018

O objetivo deste artigo é evidenciar, das mais variadas formas e fontes documentais, como os relatórios dos presidentes da província, as mensagens dos governadores e a legislação cunhada entre o final do século XIX e o início do século XX, a preferência dos agentes públicos pelo trabalhador estrangeiro em detrimento do colono nacional para o desenvolvimento da produção agrícola do Pará nos anos iniciais da República. Além de uma legislação que privilegiava o imigrante, era realizada uma intensa propaganda na Europa com o objetivo de seduzir esse trabalhador. A proposta é apontar que os discursos oficiais exaltavam as qualidades dos estrangeiros, apontando-os como alternativa para alavancar a agricultura no interior dos espaços agrícolas responsáveis pelo abastecimento da capital do Pará.
Inconsistency in spatial distributions and temporal trends derived
from nine operational global aerosol optical depth products
Authors: Wei Jing , Peng Yiran , Mahmood Rashed , Sun Lin , Guo Jianping
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Satellite-derived aerosol products provide long-term and large-scale observations for analysing aerosol distributions and variations, climate-scale aerosol simulations, and aerosol-climate interactions. Therefore, a better understanding of the consistencies and differences among multiple aerosol products is of great importance. The objective of this study is to evaluate nine operational global aerosol optical depth (AOD) products, including the European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative (ESA-CCI) Advanced Along-Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR), Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), Multi-angle Imaging Spectro Radiometer (MISR), Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) over the land and oceans during the period from 1997 to 2017. Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) Version 3 Level 2.0 (cloud screened and quality assured) measurements at 243 sites around the world are selected for validation purposes. Our results illustrate that noticeable inconsistencies exist in spatial coverages, variations, and temporal trends among different aerosol products. Large annual mean AOD differences greater than 0.15 are mainly found in North Africa, Central Africa, the Middle East, and East Asia, as well as in the coastal areas of western North America and Asia. In general, the AATSR Swansea University (SU) product appears to have the best accuracy, the SeaWiFS product obviously underestimates aerosol loadings over the land and ocean, and the MODIS products seriously overestimate aerosol loadings over the land and ocean. For temporal trends, more than 77% and 72% of land and ocean sites, respectively, show the same trends direction as the ground observations. However, numerical differences are non-negligible in North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia and in most open oceans. MODIS products are generally more accurate in describing the temporal trends over the land and ocean. The aerosol loadings trend changed from positive to negative over the past two decades (2000−2017) in some continental areas. These results suggest that multiple AOD products show significant numerical inconsistencies in describing spatial distributions and temporal trends, which should be carefully considered when users choose aerosol products for their studies.
Marine ice sheet instability and ice shelf buttressing of the Minch Ice Stream, northwest Scotland
Authors: Gandy Niall , Gregoire Lauren J. , Ely Jeremy C. , Clark Christopher D. , Hodgson David M. , Lee Victoria , Bradwell Tom , Ivanovic Ruza F.
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Uncertainties
in future sea level projections are dominated by our limited understanding of
the dynamical processes that control instabilities of marine ice sheets. The
last deglaciation of the British–Irish Ice Sheet offers a valuable example
to examine these processes. The Minch Ice Stream, which drained a large
proportion of ice from the northwest sector of the British–Irish Ice Sheet
during the last deglaciation, is constrained with abundant empirical data
which can be used to inform, validate, and analyse numerical ice sheet
simulations. We use BISICLES, a higher-order ice sheet model, to examine the
dynamical processes that controlled the retreat of the Minch Ice Stream. We
perform simplified experiments of the retreat of this ice stream under an
idealised climate forcing to isolate the effect of marine ice sheet
processes, simulating retreat from the continental shelf under constant
“warm” surface mass balance and sub-ice-shelf melt. The model simulates a
slowdown of retreat as the ice stream becomes laterally confined at the mouth
of the Minch strait between mainland Scotland and the Isle of Lewis,
resulting in a marine setting similar to many large tidewater glaciers in
Greenland and Antarctica. At this stage of the simulation, the presence of an
ice shelf becomes a more important control on grounded ice volume, providing
buttressing to upstream ice. Subsequently, the presence of a reverse slope
inside the Minch strait produces an acceleration in retreat, leading to a
“collapsed” state, even when the climate returns to the initial “cold”
conditions. Our simulations demonstrate the importance of the marine ice
sheet instability and ice shelf buttressing during the deglaciation of parts
of the British–Irish Ice Sheet. We conclude that geological data could be
applied to further constrain these processes in ice sheet models used for
projecting the future of contemporary ice sheets.
Influence of density on growth and survival of freshwater prawn Macrobrachium americanum (Bate, 1868) (Caridea: Palaemonidae) cultured in a cage-pond system
Authors: Ponce-Palafox Jesus , López-Uriostegui Fermin , Lango-Reynoso Fabiola , Castañeda-Chávez María , Galaviz-Villa Itzel , Montoya-Mendoza Jesus , Esparza-Leal Héctor
Published: November 2018

The domestication and culture of freshwater shrimp native of tropical and subtropical American Pacific zone requires the study and development of technologies in open systems where their response to types of farming, feeding and management strategies generate practical information for the production of this species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of stocking density on growth and survival in M. americanum juvenile-adult, cage-cultured and to determine the optimal density for grow-out production. The caridean shrimp Macrobrachium americanum was cultured for 152 days in a 16 cage-culture (3 m3 each) at densities of 1, 3, 6 and 9 org / m3, respectively, with stocking sizes from 12.1 ± 1.7 to 13.5 ± 2.3 g. The prawns were fed twice daily with Camaronina 35%. Water quality parameters were within standard range for caridean shrimp culture. There was a significant effect of density on final weight, growth rate, specific growth rate, K condition and survival, and an inversely proportional relationship with the feed conversion ratio. The growth was affected by density, resulting to a maximum increase of 6 org / m3 in the asymmetry of the prawn and also increasing the number of small organisms by 9 org / m3. However, it is necessary to study such aspects as the rate and frequency of feeding, the initial size-grade and the implementation of shelter, among others.
Prevalence of older adults with low muscle mass living in a residential continuing care retirement community in Florida
Authors: Hunt Dennis , Gropper Sareen S. , Miller Kelly A. , Tymczyszyn Barbara , Chapa Deborah
Published: November 2018

Muscle mass, strength, and function have been shown to decline with aging, and if of sufficient magnitude can result in sarcopenia. This study’s objective was to determine the prevalence of low muscle mass in a group of adults living in a “premier” Florida residential continuing care retirement community. The sample consisted of 80 older adults, ranging from young old (65-74 years) to the oldest old (85+ years) with the oldest participant being 94 years. Skeletal muscle mass was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis. Skeletal muscle index values were calculated and compared with established cut-off values to classify each individual’s muscle mass as normal or low (sarcopenic). The prevalence of sarcopenia among the males was 66% and among females was 73%. When examined by age, 56% of those in their 70s, 73% of those in their 80s, and 79% of adults in their 90s had low muscle mass indicative of sarcopenia. This study found a higher prevalence for sarcopenia in females and males, especially among the oldest groups, than previously reported in a nationally representative sample of adults. This study’s findings also suggest the need for further studies examining whether the prevalence of low muscle mass among adults in either classification varies with socioeconomic status and ethnicity. Continuing care retirement communities may provide excellent environments for the screening, diagnosis, and implementation of exercise and nutritional programs for residents to help prevent or attenuate sarcopenia’s deleterious effects. Nurse practitioners must incorporate screening for sarcopenia in their wellness package for their patients. Screening, nutritional education and support and exercise prescriptions are vital to prevent associated decline from sarcopenia.
Zkoušky čtenářských dovedností: Normativní česká data pro studenty 9. tříd ZŠ a 1. ročníků SŠ
Authors: Sokolová Hana , Cígler Hynek
Published: November 2018

V předkládané studii jsou uvedena normativní česká data pro zkoušky čtenářských dovedností pro žáky 9. tříd základních škol a 1. ročníků středních škol.  Dále byly identifikovány faktory, které mohou mít vliv na výkony žáků ve čtenářských zkouškách – jedná se o věk žáků, kdy se rychlost hlasitého i tichého čtení překvapivě mírně zpomaluje, u žáků 1. ročníků má pak na čtenářské výkony vliv typ navštěvované střední školy. Při srovnání výkonů žáků 9. tříd a 1. ročníků středních škol nebyly nalezeny téměř žádné rozdíly. Zabývali jsme se také schopnosti nástrojů odlišit děti s vývojovou poruchou učení, která se na našich datech projevila. Zkoumána byla souvislost potichu čteného textu s porozuměním čtenému. Ověřovány byly také psychometrické charakteristiky jednotlivých zkoušek. Pro praktické využití odbornými pracovníky je v příloze článku uveden metodický list pro práci s normami. Tato data pomohou pracovníkům pedagogicko-psychologických poraden lépe zhodnotit kvalitu čtenářských dovedností žáků.
Kelpie: generating full-length ‘amplicons’ from whole-metagenome datasets
Authors: Greenfield Paul , Tran-Dinh Nai , Midgley David
Published: November 2018

Introduction. Whole-metagenome sequencing can be a rich source of information about the structure and function of entire metagenomic communities, but getting accurate and reliable results from these datasets can be challenging. Analysis of these datasets is founded on the mapping of sequencing reads onto known genomic regions from known organisms, but short reads will often map equally well to multiple regions, and to multiple reference organisms. Assembling metagenomic datasets prior to mapping can generate much longer and more precisely mappable sequences but the presence of closely related organisms and highly conserved regions makes metagenomic assembly challenging, and some regions of particular interest can assemble poorly. One solution to these problems is to use specialised tools, such as Kelpie, that can accurately extract and assemble full-length sequences for defined genomic regions from whole-metagenome datasets.

Methods. Kelpie is a kMer-based tool that generates full-length amplicon-like sequences from whole-metagenome datasets. It takes a pair of primer sequences and a set of metagenomic reads, and uses a combination of kMer filtering, error correction and assembly techniques to construct sets of full-length inter-primer sequences.

Results. The effectiveness of Kelpie is demonstrated here through the extraction and assembly of full-length ribosomal marker gene regions, as this allows comparisons with conventional amplicon sequencing and published metagenomic benchmarks. The results show that the Kelpie-generated sequences and community profiles closely match those produced by amplicon sequencing, down to low abundance levels, and running Kelpie on the synthetic CAMI metagenomic benchmarking datasets shows similar high levels of both precision and recall.

Conclusions. Kelpie can be thought of as being somewhat like an in-silico PCR tool, taking a primer pair and producing the resulting ‘amplicons’ from a whole-metagenome dataset. Marker regions from the 16S rRNA gene were used here as an example because this allowed the overall accuracy of Kelpie to be evaluated through comparisons with other datasets, approaches and benchmarks. Kelpie is not limited to this application though, and can be used to extract and assemble any genomic region present in a whole metagenome dataset, as long as it is bound by a pairs of highly conserved primer sequences.
Targets and genomic constraints of ectopic Dnmt3b expression
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Charlton Jocelyn , Karnik Rahul , Beerman Isabel , Smith Zachary D , Gu Hongcang , Boyle Patrick , Mi Xiaoli , Clement Kendell , Pop Ramona , Gnirke Andreas , Rossi Derrick J , Meissner Alexander
Published: November 2018

DNA methylation plays an essential role in mammalian genomes and expression of the responsible enzymes is tightly controlled. Deregulation of the de novo DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B is frequently observed across cancer types, yet little is known about its ectopic genomic targets. Here, we used an inducible transgenic mouse model to delineate rules for abnormal DNMT3B targeting, as well as the constraints of its activity across different cell types. Our results explain the preferential susceptibility of certain CpG islands to aberrant methylation and point to transcriptional state and the associated chromatin landscape as the strongest predictors. Although DNA methylation and H3K27me3 are usually non-overlapping at CpG islands, H3K27me3 can transiently co-occur with DNMT3B-induced DNA methylation. Our genome-wide data combined with ultra-deep locus-specific bisulfite sequencing suggest a distributive activity of ectopically expressed Dnmt3b that leads to discordant CpG island hypermethylation and provides new insights for interpreting the cancer methylome.
ASH1-catalyzed H3K36 methylation drives gene repression and marks H3K27me2/3-competent chromatin
Authors: Bicocca Vincent T , Ormsby Tereza , Adhvaryu Keyur K , Honda Shinji , Selker Eric U
Published: November 2018

Methylation of histone H3 at lysine 36 (H3K36me), a widely-distributed chromatin mark, largely results from association of the lysine methyltransferase (KMT) SET-2 with RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), but most eukaryotes also have additional H3K36me KMTs that act independently of RNAPII. These include the orthologs of ASH1, which are conserved in animals, plants, and fungi but whose function and control are poorly understood. We found that Neurospora crassa has just two H3K36 KMTs, ASH1 and SET-2, and were able to explore the function and distribution of each enzyme independently. While H3K36me deposited by SET-2 marks active genes, inactive genes are modified by ASH1 and its activity is critical for their repression. ASH1-marked chromatin can be further modified by methylation of H3K27, and ASH1 catalytic activity modulates the accumulation of H3K27me2/3 both positively and negatively. These findings provide new insight into ASH1 function, H3K27me2/3 establishment, and repression in facultative heterochromatin.
Intersubjectivity in Psychoanalysis: A Model for Theory and Practice
Authors: Bell Christopher R.
Published: November 2018

Lewis Kirshner’s recent study Intersubjectivity in Psychoanalysis: A Model for Theory and Practice presents a highly readable and long-needed synoptic account of the diverse meanings and conceptualizations of intersubjectivity informing current psychoanalytic practice. Kirshner notes that the term ‘intersubjectivity’ was not commonly invoked in psychoanalytic theorizing before 1980, yet from the 1980’s onwards its use has increased dramatically. The concept of intersubjectivity within psychoanalysis is most closely associated with the interpersonal turn that has roots in Sandor Ferenzci’s early critique of the analyst playing a neutral or objective role in interpreting the unconscious meaning of symptoms and Harry Stack Sullivan’s critique of Freud’s concept of anxiety as predominantly a signal anxiety to the ego indicating the imminent emergence of hitherto repressed ideas into conscious awareness.
Morpho-histological development of the somatic embryos of Typha domingensis
Authors: Hernández-Piedra Guadalupe , Ruiz-Carrera Violeta , Sánchez Alberto J. , Hernández-Franyutti Arlette , Azpeitia-Morales Alfonso
Published: November 2018

Background

Sustainable methods of propagation of Typha domingensis through somatic embryogenesis can help mitigate its current condition of ecological marginalization and overexploitation. This study examined whether differentiation up to coleoptilar embryos could be obtained in an embryogenic line proliferated with light and high auxin concentration.

Methods

Murashige and Skoog medium at half ionic strength and containing 3% sucrose and 0.1% ascorbic acid was used for the three embryogenic phases. Induction started with aseptic 9-day-old germinated seeds cultured in 0.5 mg L−1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic (2,4-D). Proliferation of the embryogenic callus was evaluated at 2,4-D concentrations ranging from 0 to 2 mg L−1 in cultures maintained in the dark. The dominant embryogenic products obtained in each treatment were used as embryogenic lines in the third phase. Thus, maturation of the somatic embryos (SEs) was analyzed using four embryogenic lines and under light vs. dark conditions. Embryogenic differentiation was also monitored histologically.

Results

Proliferation of the nine morphogenetic products was greater in the presence of 2,4-D, regardless of the concentration, than in the absence of auxin. Among the products, a yellow callus was invariably associated with the presence of an oblong SE and suspended cells in the 2,4-D treatments, and a brown callus with scutellar somatic embryos (scSEs) in the treatment without 2,4-D. During the maturation phase, especially the embryogenic line but also the light condition resulted in significant differences, with the highest averages of the nine morphogenetic products obtained under light conditions and the maximum concentration of auxin (YC3 embryogenic line). Only this line achieved scSE growth, under both light and dark conditions. Structurally complete coleoptilar somatic embryos (colSEs) could be anatomically confirmed only during the maturation phase.

Discussion

In the embryogenic line cultured with the highest auxin concentration, light exposure favored the transdifferentiation from embryogenic callus to scSE or colSE, although growth was asynchronous with respect to the three embryogenic phases. The differentiation and cellular organization of the embryos were compatible with all stages of embryogenic development in other monocotyledons. The growth of colSEs under light conditions in the YC3 embryogenic line and the structurally complete anatomic description of colSEs demonstrated that differentiation up to coleoptilar embryos could be obtained. The diversity of embryogenic products obtained in the YC3 embryogenic line opens up the opportunity to synchronize histological descriptions with the molecules associated with the somatic embryogenesis of Typha spp.
Children's recall and source monitoring of a repeated event using a timeline as an interview aid
Authors: Zhang Huan Huan , Roberts Kim P. , Teoh Yee‐San
Published: November 2018

Investigators sometimes use timelines (visual depictions of time) to help children identify temporal information from experienced events or details from a particular instance of a repeated event. However, little is actually known about the efficacy of this visual aid on children's memories. Six‐ to 9‐year‐olds participated in four occurrences of a repeated event and were later interviewed with or without the use of a timeline. Children in the timeline condition were less accurate and made more source‐monitoring errors than those in the control condition. For items that appeared consistently throughout the events, a suggestibility effect was more evident for older children who used the timeline than those who did not. Overall, there was no clear evidence in support of the visual aid. Despite its popularity, our findings suggest that timelines should be further examined to establish whether, and under what circumstances, they might be used in investigative contexts.
Symmetry Modulation and Enhanced Multiferroic Characteristics in Bi1‐xNdxFeO3 Ceramics
Authors: Chen Jing , Xu Bin , Liu Xiao Qiang , Gao Ting Ting , Bellaiche Laurent , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: November 2018

BiFeO3 is recognized as the most important room temperature single phase multiferroic material. However, the weak magnetoelectric (ME) coupling remains as a key issue, which obstructs its applications. Since the magnetoelectric coupling in BiFeO3 is essentially hindered by the cycloidal spin structure, here efforts to improve the magnetoelectric coupling by destroying the cycloidal state and switching to the weak ferromagnetic state through symmetry modulation are reported. The structure is tuned from polar R3c to polar Pna21, and finally to nonpolar Pbnm by forming Bi1‐xNdxFeO3 solid solutions, where two morphotropic phase boundaries (MPBs) are detected. Greatly enhanced ferroelectric polarization is obtained together with the desired weak ferromagnetic characteristics in Bi1‐xNdxFeO3 ceramics at the compositions near MPBs. The change of magnetic state from antiferromagnetic (cycloidal state) to ferromagnetic (canted antiferromagnetic) is confirmed by the observation of magnetic domains using magnetic force microscopy. More interestingly, combining experiments and first‐principles‐based simulations, an electric field‐induced structural and magnetic transition from Pna21 back to R3c is demonstrated, providing a great opportunity for electric field‐controlled magnetism, and this transition is shown to be reversible with additional thermal treatment.
A Biodegradable Stent with Surface Functionalization of Combined‐Therapy Drugs for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Xie Xusheng , Zheng Xiaobin , Han Zhifen , Chen Yufeng , Zheng Zhaozhu , Zheng Bin , He Xiaowen , Wang Yongfeng , Kaplan David L. , Li Yi , Li Gang , Wang Xiaoqin , Lan Ping
Published: November 2018

In‐stent restenosis caused by tumor ingrowth is a major problem for patients undergoing stent placement because conventional stents often lack sustainable antitumor capabilities. The aim of this work is to develop a silk fibroin (SF)‐based nanofibrous membrane that is loaded with combined‐therapy drugs by using electrospinning technologies, which is further coated on a polydioxanone (PDO) stent and used for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). In order to improve treatment effectiveness, a combination of therapeutic drugs, i.e., curcumin (CUR) and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), is dissolved into SF solution and then eletrospun onto the surface of the PDO stent. The morphology, secondary structure, and in vitro drug release profiles of the membranes are characterized. The antitumor efficacy is assessed in vitro and in vivo using a human CRC cell line and normal cells, and tumor‐bearing nude mice. In vitro and in vivo studies on the nanofibrous memembrane‐coating demonstrate improved antitumor effects for the CUR/5‐FU dual drug system which can be attributed to cell cycle arrest in the S phase in association with induced apoptosis in tumor cells by blocking signal transducer and activator of transcription3 (Stat3) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF‐kB) signaling pathways, suggesting potential in the treatment of CRC in the future.
Mitigating Chromatic Dispersion with Hybrid Optical Metasurfaces
Authors: Sawant Rajath , Bhumkar Purva , Zhu Alexander Y. , Ni Peinan , Capasso Federico , Genevet Patrice
Published: November 2018

Metasurfaces control various properties of light via scattering across a large number of subwavelength‐spaced nanostructures. Although metasurfaces appear to be ideal photonic platforms for realizing and designing miniaturized devices, their chromatic aberrations have hindered the large‐scale deployment of this technology in numerous applications. Wavelength‐dependent diffraction and resonant scattering effects usually limit their working operation wavelengths. In refractive optics, chromatic dispersion is a significant problem and is generally treated by cascading multiple lenses into achromatic doublets, triplets, and so on. Recently, broadband achromatic metalenses in the visible have been proposed to circumvent chromatic aberration but their throughput efficiency is still limited. Here, the dispersion of refractive components is corrected by leveraging the inherent dispersion of metasurfaces. Hybrid refractive‐metasurface devices, with nondispersive refraction in the visible, are experimentally demonstrated. The dispersion of this hybrid component, characterized by using a Fourier plane imaging microscopy setup, is essentially achromatic over about 150 nm in the visible. Broadband focusing with composite plano‐convex metasurface lenses is also proposed. These devices could find applications in numerous consumer optics, augmented reality components, and all applications including imaging for which monochromatic performance is not sufficient.
Effect of elderly status on postoperative complications in patients with sinonasal cancer
Authors: Bashjawish Bassel , Patel Shreya , Kılıç Suat , Svider Peter F. , Hsueh Wayne D. , Liu James K. , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: November 2018

Background

Elderly patients with multiple comorbidities may be at higher risk of postoperative complications. With an increasingly aging population, more data assessing for predisposing factors are needed in this at‐risk group. In this study, we analyzed the effect of elderly status on relative comorbidities and complications of sinonasal cancer (SNC) patients receiving surgery.

Methods

A retrospective database analysis was performed using cases from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2003 to 2012. Patients with a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses, who received surgery for sinonasal malignancy, including neck dissections, were selected. Demographics of interest included age, sex, race, type of admission, mean length of stay, and median hospital charges. Elderly and nonelderly patients were compared for differences in rates of acute medical complications, acute surgical complications, and relevant procedures during hospitalization.

Results

Of the 920 cases identified in the NIS, 382 (41.5%) were elderly (≥65 years). Cases of SNC were more frequently seen in males than females (p < 0.001). Elderly patients had significantly higher comorbidity rates compared with nonelderly patients, which included congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease, and chronic renal failure (p < 0.001 for all). Elderly patients more frequently had postoperative cardiac complications (6.0% vs 0.5%, p < 0.001), but this finding was not statistically significant on multivariate analysis when controlling for race, sex, and comorbidities.

Conclusion

Elderly status is not an independent factor for postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for sinonasal malignancy.
Achiral Trisubstituted Thioureas as Secondary Ligands to CuI Catalysts: Direct Catalytic Asymmetric Addition of α‐Fluoronitriles to Imines
Authors: Balaji Pandur Venkatesan , Brewitz Lennart , Kumagai Naoya , Shibasaki Masakatsu
Published: November 2018

Thioureas have emerged as effective hydrogen‐bonding catalysts over the last two decades, and they are broadly utilized in asymmetric catalysis. We report that achiral trisubstituted thioureas function as beneficial secondary ligands to CuI catalysts, thereby enabling highly diastereo‐ and enantioselective addition of α‐fluoronitriles to imines. The structure of the thiourea significantly affects the reaction outcome, and kinetic experiments indicate that the thioureas enhance the stereocontrol by binding to the CuI complex. The reaction products can be readily transformed into valuable β‐amino acid derivatives bearing a fluorinated tetrasubstituted stereogenic center.
Characterization and property investigation of novel eco‐friendly agar/carrageenan/TiO2nanocomposite films
Authors: Hou X. , Xue Z. , Liu J. , Yan M. , Xia Y. , Ma Z.
Published: November 2018

Agar/kappa carrageenan (AG/CA) nanocomposite films are prepared using thermal casting method in the presence of various concentrations of nano‐TiO2(0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 g/100 g). As nano‐TiO2content rises from 0 to 1 g/100 g, tensile strength (TS) increases from 30.8 to 60.6 MPa. However, TS decreases gradually as nano‐TiO2content further raises. TS of films containing 1 g/100 g nano‐TiO2increases by 96.8% when compared to those prepared without nano‐TiO2. The reason may be related to the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonding and coordinate bonds between nano‐TiO2and matrix molecules. Elongation at break decreases gradually as nano‐TiO2concentration increases. The addition of nano‐TiO2improves barrier properties of films against ultraviolet light, while it decreases their transparency. Swelling and water solubility of the films containing 1 g/100 g nano‐TiO2decrease, further demonstrating that interaction forces are formed between nano‐TiO2and matrix molecules. The addition of nano‐TiO2significantly declines water vapor permeability. Overall, films containing 1 g/100 g nano‐TiO2show the best mechanical, optical, and water resistance properties. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47113.
Electrical properties of polycarbonate/expanded graphite nanocomposites
Authors: Gupta A. , Goyal R. K.
Published: November 2018

In present study, polymer matrix nanocomposites based on polycarbonate as matrix and expanded graphite (EG) as reinforcement were fabricated using a simple solution method followed by hot pressing. Scanning electron microscopy revealed almost uniform dispersion and three dimensional networks of EG particles in the matrix. The dc and ac electrical conductivities of the nanocomposites increased with increasing EG content in the matrix. The electrical percolation threshold was observed between 1 and 2 wt % EG. The improvement in the conductivity of 10 wt % nanocomposite was found more than 13 orders of magnitude higher than that of pure matrix. The dielectric constant (at 1 MHz) of the nanocomposite containing 10 wt % EG was increased to about 137. The significant increase in electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and dissipation factor for the nanocomposites might be good for the applications in antistatic/electromagnetic interference shielding applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47274.
Evaluating the presence of interspecific hybrids of the sorubims Pseudoplatystoma corruscans and Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum in the middle and inferior Paraná and Uruguay rivers using genetic markers
Authors: Marquez Alejandro , Tourinho Julia L. , Errico Eugenia , Pereira Alfredo N.
Published: November 2018

The presence of hybrids in the wild represents a threat to the integrity of species. In nature, sympatric species with the capacity to hybridize have mechanisms to prevent introgression, but hybrids originating from aquaculture may pose a threat to natural populations by inevitable escapes from captivity and their interaction with pure individuals in the wild. Given the increased vigour of these hybrids, they may compete better than native individuals.

The species of the genus Pseudoplatystoma, commonly named sorubims, are some of the most emblematic species of the La Plata River basin, and are an important part of fisheries and aquaculture in the region.

In this work, nuclear and mitochondrial genetic markers were used to evaluate the presence of hybrids in the lower La Plata River basin. Although hybrids of Pseudoplatystoma corruscans and Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum were previously detected in the upper Paraná and Paraguay rivers in Brazil, the presence of hybrids is here extended to the middle section of the Paraná River in Argentina. Hybrids were not found in the lower Paraná River or in the lower and middle sectors of the Uruguay River.

This result has implications for conservation, as it shows the impact of the aquaculture of sorubims in the Paraná River, although apparently they have not yet affected the lower and middle Uruguay River.