bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Comparative Effect of Student Team-Achievement Division and Cooperative Integrated Reading and Composition on EFL Learners’ Speaking Complexity
Authors: Ghasemi Zeinab , Baradaran Abdollah
Published: April 2018

The effectiveness of complexity acquisition to enhance intermediate learners’ speaking complexity, is particularly the focus of the present study. The participants of the present study, were 60 female EFL learners, who were selected from a larger population of 90 EFL learners based on their performane on a sample piloted PET test in Zabansara Language Institution. The total of 60 participants were divided into two experimental groups of 30. The experimental group of STAD (Student Team-Achievement Division), and the experimental group of CIRC (Cooperative Integrated Reading and Composition), which were both regarded as cooperative methods. The 10-session treatment, included focusing on complexities using STAD cooperative method instruction in one experimental group, and CIRC in the other. A post-test was administered to both groups at the end of the treatment,after applying the mentioned cooperative methods. The statistical analyses were conducted, and the gained results of the study indicated that CIRC had a significant influence on learners’ complexity learning. It concluded the importance of applying appropriate complexities in EFL context to developing speech naturalness.
The Interpretation of Marlowe’s Hero and Leander Poem in Correlation with Elizabethan Era
Authors: Seri Malini LuhNyoman , ChalisahJawas Effa
Published: April 2018

This research aims to discover the relation between the historical background in the Elizabethan Era and the poem by Christopher Marlowe entitled Hero and Leander which is written during this Era (published in 1598) and the characters’ gender orientation which are also influenced by the Era. This research uses descriptive-qualitative method since the data is collected by reading then it is identified and analyzed by the writers about the characters’ gender orientation of Marlowe’s Hero and Leander poem. In analyzing the data, for the maindata, the writers usetheprimary data source. As it is a poem that isobserved, the writer uses Hero and Leander poem by Christopher Marlowe, from Renaissance Edition text transcribed by Bear, January 2001, from the 1598 edition (STC number 17413). In order to present the data that has been collected and analyzed, the writer uses thedescriptive technique. It finds that the romantic theme is greatly influenced by the Elizabethan Era and the Roman mythological elements described in the poem. Ambiguous gender orientation also could be discovered in this narrative poem.
Psychological Subject in News Headlines of University Websites in Indonesia: An Applied Linguistics Perspective
Authors: Pamungkas Kasno , Mita Amalia Rosaria , Lesmana Ronny , Kadarisman Ade , Rustandi Dedi
Published: April 2018

Many researches on linguistics either traditional or functional linguistics have been conducted in both pure linguistics and applied one. Included into the applied one, this research aims to describe Psychological Subject (PS) in the news headlines of university websites in Indonesia beside the meta description that influences the reader to click the website. The method used in this research is descriptive analysis by using data from the news headlines of 5 (five) university websites in Indonesia. The results of this research show that the elements of PS in the news headlines are the name or identity of universities, the elements of university, the activities conducted in the universities, and the other parties which conduct activities in or together with the universities. These PSs become significant since they are important factors of headlines of the news which increase the accesability of the university websites. In order to improve the accessability of the university websites, the appropriate PS should be selected to fill the headlines of the news.
Social Alienation and Displacement in Faulkner’s “Barn Burning”, Henry’s “The Social Triangle” and Mansfield’s “The Doll’s House”
Authors: Zeidanin Hussein H. , Matarneh Mohammed
Published: April 2018

The present study questions the role of the state in reproducing class relations and interpellating lower class people. The state employs repressive and ideological apparatuses to maintain the ruling class hegemony. The apparatuses the study examines in the context of the selected stories include school, family, court and materiality.  Teachers and parents in Mansfield's "The Doll's House", justices in Faulkner's "Barn Burning" and materiality in Henry's "The Social Triangle" are the state agents of repression which lower class characters in the stories could not protest or rebel against. Their assimilation of the upper class culture, the narrators assert, gets them nowhere but to eventually become alienated. This accounts for their failure to attain social mobility.
The Role of Metadiscourse Markers in Comprehending Texts of Reading Comprehension Books Published in Iran and Oxford University Press
Authors: Ebrahimi Seyed Jamal
Published: April 2018

Coherence is considered as the distinctive feature for a text which is achieved by fulfilling two components including texture as the more important one. Structural and non-structural are the two aspects of texture. The earlier deals with inter-sentence or intra-sentence structures including metadiscourse markers. These markers were investigated in this research. A corpus of reading comprehension texts has been compiled from books Published in Iran for university students and compared with similar books printed in Oxford University press. Following investigating each of the lessons in the corpus and contrasting the results, it was found that the texts in Oxford University press used 50 percent more interactive resources and twice more interactional resources. This led to conclude that the texts in Oxford University Press books seem to be more reader-friendly than those in books Published in Iran. Based on the results of this research, Iranian EAP (English for Academic purposes) books developers are recommended to include more interactive metadiscourse markers and much more interactionals to provide students-friendlier books.Coherence is considered as the distinctive feature for a text which is achieved by fulfilling two components including texture as the more important one. Structural and non-structural are the two aspects of texture. The earlier deals with inter-sentence or intra-sentence structures including metadiscourse markers. These markers were investigated in this research. A corpus of reading comprehension texts has been compiled from books Published in Iran for university students and compared with similar books printed in Oxford University press. Following investigating each of the lessons in the corpus and contrasting the results, it was found that the texts in Oxford University press used 50 percent more interactive resources and twice more interactional resources. This led to conclude that the texts in Oxford University Press books seem to be more reader-friendly than those in books Published in Iran. Based on the results of this research, Iranian EAP (English for Academic purposes) books developers are recommended to include more interactive metadiscourse markers and much more interactionals to provide students-friendlier books.
Pedagogy in Speaking: Challenges Addressed by Teacher-Student in the ESL Context
Authors: Ahmed Md. Kawser
Published: April 2018

Teaching speaking is perhaps one of the major challenges for teachers teaching in English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom environment. Like writing, speaking is not linear and easy approach to ensure the best utilization among learners.  Since speaking is a real life event and face to face conversation, it needs more sophisticated care, practice oriented session for the students and effective means to implement it in the ESL situation. Even language experts often grope to outline effective and mediocre way to help learners have a good understanding in speaking.  This paper attempts to delineate the focal points where teachers and students face problems in teaching and learning speaking. It immensely chalks out with methodological study, qualitative data analysis and the underlining factors ESL teachers face enormously in the pedagogy of speaking for second language learners. My paper will outline the pedagogical tenets of speaking in the realistic non-native set ups and diagnose the impediments faced by learners when they are supposed to speak and by teachers when they teach speaking for their students.
Determinants of Unmet Mental Healthcare Needs of Single Adults Who Are Homeless or Vulnerably Housed
Authors: Duhoux Arnaud , Aubry Tim , Ecker John , Cherner Rebecca , Agha Ayda , To Matthew J. , Hwang Stephen W. , Palepu Anita
Published: April 2018

Persons who are homeless experience higher levels of mental illness, unmet mental healthcare needs, and physical healthcare needs than the general population. This study aimed (1) to determine the reasons contributing to having unmet mental healthcare needs (UMHCN) and (2) to examine the determinants of UMHCN among a representative sample of adults who are homeless or vulnerably housed in three Canadian cities (N=1190). Almost a quarter (23.3%) of the sample reported UMHCN in the past year. The reported reasons for having UMHCN pertained especially to the availability (31.5%), accommodation (22.1%), and acceptability (21.3%) of services. Age, city, and need-for-care variables were associated with UMHCN in multivariate analysis. Implications of the findings for policy and program planning are discussed.

Les personnes sans-abri présentent des niveaux plus élevés de maladie mentale, de besoins de soins de santé et de besoins non comblés de soins de santé mentale que la population générale. Cette étude visait (1) à déterminer les raisons des besoins non comblés des soins de santé mentale (BNCSM) et (2) à examiner les déterminants des BNCSM auprès d›un échantillon représentatif d›adultes sans-abri ou logés de façon précaire dans trois villes canadiennes (N = 1190). Près d›un quart (23,3%) de l›échantillon a rapporté des BNCSM lors de l›année passée. Les raisons principales des BNCSM portaient sur la disponibilité (31,5%), l’accommodement (22,1%), et l›acceptabilité (21,3%) des services. L’âge, la ville et les besoins de soins étaient les variables associées aux BNCSM en analyse multivariée. Les implications des résultats pour la planification des services et le développement des politiques sont discutées.
Improved dose homogeneity using electronic compensation technique for total body irradiation
Authors: Tyson Tara E. , Podgorsak Matthew B. , Singh Anurag K. , Wang Iris Z.
Published: April 2018

In total body irradiation (TBI) utilizing large parallel‐opposed fields, the manual placement of lead compensators has conventionally been used to compensate for the varying thickness throughout the body. The goal of this study is to pursue utilizing the modern electronic compensation (E‐comp) technique to more accurately deliver dose to TBI patients. Bilateral parallel‐opposed TBI treatment plans were created using E‐comp for 15 patients for whom CT data had been previously acquired. A desirable fluence pattern was manually painted within each field to yield a uniform dose distribution. The conventional compensation technique was simulated within the treatment planning system (TPS) using a field‐in‐field (FIF) method. This allows for a meaningful evaluation of the E‐comp technique in comparison to the conventional method. Dose–volume histograms (DVH) were computed for all treatment plans. The mean total body dose using E‐comp deviates from the prescribed dose (4 Gy) by an average of 2.4%. The mean total body dose using the conventional compensation deviates from the prescribed dose by an average of 4.5%. In all cases, the mean body dose calculated using E‐comp technique deviates less than 10% from that of conventional compensation. The average reduction in maximum dose using E‐comp compared to that of the conventional method was 30.3% ± 6.6% (standard deviation). In all cases, the s‐index for the E‐comp technique was lower (10.5% ± 0.7%) than that of the conventional method (15.8% ± 4.4%), indicating a more homogenous dose distribution. In conclusion, a large reduction in maximum body dose can be seen using the proposed E‐comp technique while still producing a mean body dose that accurately complies with the prescription dose. Dose homogeneity was quantified using s‐index which demonstrated a reduction in hotspots with E‐comp technique. Electronic compensation technique is capable of more accurately delivering a total body dose compared to conventional methods.
Cognitive and functional connectivity alterations in Friedreich's ataxia
Authors: Cocozza Sirio , Costabile Teresa , Tedeschi Enrico , Abate Filomena , Russo Camilla , Liguori Agnese , Del Vecchio Walter , Paciello Francesca , Quarantelli Mario , Filla Alessandro , Brunetti Arturo , Saccà Francesco
Published: April 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to perform the first resting‐state functional MRI (RS‐fMRI) analysis in Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) patients to assess possible brain functional connectivity (FC) differences in these patients, and test their correlations with neuropsychological performances.

Methods

In total, 24 FRDA patients (M/F: 15/9, mean age 31.3 ± 15.0) and 24 healthy controls (HC; M/F: 15/9, mean age 30.7 ± 15.5) were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. All patients underwent a thorough neuropsychological battery, investigating different cognitive domains. RS‐fMRI data were analyzed using a seed‐based approach, probing the FC of cortical areas potentially referable to specific executive and cognitive functions compromised in FRDA.

Results

Compared to HC, FRDA patients showed overall worse neuropsychological scores in several domains, including global cognitive assessment, spatial memory, visuoperception and visuospatial functions, and executive functions. Analysis of RS‐fMRI data showed a higher FC in FRDA patients compared to HC between paracingulate gyri and the medial frontal gryrus, between the superior frontal gyrus and bilateral angular gyri, and between the middle temporal gyrus and the cingulate gyrus, with a reduced FC between the medial frontal gryrus and the cerebellum.

Interpretation

We found a reduction in FC between frontal areas and the contralateral cerebellar cortex in FRDA, in line with the known alteration in cerebello‐cortical pathway in this condition. On the other hand, a higher FC between different cortical areas was shown, possibly reflecting a compensatory phenomenon. These results, in conjunction with clinical findings, may shed new light on the pattern of supratentorial and infratentorial involvement, and on dynamics of brain plasticity in this disease.
Atomic Scale Modulation of Self‐Rectifying Resistive Switching by Interfacial Defects
Authors: Wu Xing , Yu Kaihao , Cha Dongkyu , Bosman Michel , Raghavan Nagarajan , Zhang Xixiang , Li Kun , Liu Qi , Sun Litao , Pey Kinleong
Published: April 2018

Higher memory density and faster computational performance of resistive switching cells require reliable array‐accessible architecture. However, selecting a designated cell within a crossbar array without interference from sneak path currents through neighboring cells is a general problem. Here, a highly doped n++ Si as the bottom electrode with Ni‐electrode/HfOx/SiO2 asymmetric self‐rectifying resistive switching device is fabricated. The interfacial defects in the HfOx/SiO2 junction and n++ Si substrate result in the reproducible rectifying behavior. In situ transmission electron microscopy is used to quantitatively study the properties of the morphology, chemistry, and dynamic nucleation–dissolution evolution of the chains of defects at the atomic scale. The spatial and temporal correlation between the concentration of oxygen vacancies and Ni‐rich conductive filament modifies the resistive switching effect. This study has important implications at the array‐level performance of high density resistive switching memories.
Highly Sensitive Field‐Effect Ammonia/Amine Sensors with Low Driving Voltage Based on Low Bandgap Polymers
Authors: Wang Zhijie , Liu Zitong , Chen Liangliang , Yang Yang , Ma Jing , Zhang Xisha , Guo Yunlong , Zhang Guanxin , Zhang Deqing
Published: April 2018

Ammonia/amine gas sensors have received increasing attention in recent years, due to their applications in monitoring of meat and seafood spoilage and air pollution as well as diagnosis of chronic diseases. Herein, a new conjugated polymer PTTEH is developed, which is composed of thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene units, with very low bandgap. The low bandgap and the existence of radical state endow the polymer thin film with good electrical conductivity. As a result, PTTEH is successfully utilized for construction of a field‐effect transistor (FET) sensor for ammonia and amines at low driving voltages, which are advantageous for practical applications. Moreover, this FET sensor shows good selectivity and high sensitivity (down to 10 ppb) toward ammonia and amines. Accordingly, the real‐time monitoring of meat spoilage is achieved with this FET sensor. These studies will open a new venue to fabricate sensitive, portable, and small size sensors for real‐time monitoring of chemical vapors.
Solution‐Processable Conjugated Polymers as Anode Interfacial Layer Materials for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Bowei , Hou Jianhui
Published: April 2018

In recent years, solution‐processed conjugated polymers have been extensively used as anode interfacial layer (AIL) materials in organic solar cells (OSCs) due to their excellent film‐forming property and low‐temperature processing advantages. In this review, the authors focus on the recent advances in conjugated polymers as AIL materials in OSCs. Several of the main classes of solution‐processable conjugated polymers, including poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):(styrenesulfonate), polyaniline, polythiophene, conjugated polyelectrolytes, sulfonated poly(diphenylamine), and crosslinked polymers as AIL materials are discussed in depth, and the mechanisms of these AIL materials in enhancing OSC performances are also elucidated. The structure–property relationships of various conjugated polymer AIL materials are analyzed, and some important design rules for such materials toward high efficiencies and stable OSCs are presented. In addition, some chemical and physical approaches to optimize the photoelectronic and physic properties of conjugated polymer AIL materials, which improve their performance in modifying OSCs, are also highlighted. Considering the significance of tandem OSCs, the relevant applications of conjugated polymer AIL materials in constructing interconnection layers for tandem OSCs are also mentioned. Finally, a brief summary is presented and some perspectives to help researchers understand the current challenges and opportunities in this area are proposed.
Metallic Twin Boundaries Boost the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on the Basal Plane of Molybdenum Selenotellurides
Authors: Kosmala Tomasz , Coy Diaz Horacio , Komsa Hannu‐Pekka , Ma Yujing , Krasheninnikov Arkady V. , Batzill Matthias , Agnoli Stefano
Published: April 2018

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a fundamental process that impacts several important clean energy technologies. Great efforts have been taken to identify alternative materials that could replace Pt for this reaction or that may present additional functional properties such as optical activity and advanced electronic properties. Herein, a comparative study of the HER activity for ultrathin films of MoTe2, MoSe2, and their solid solutions on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite is reported. Combining advanced characterization techniques and density functional theory calculations with electrochemical measurements, it is shown that the chemical activity of the scarcely reactive 2H phases can be boosted by the presence of metallic twin boundaries. These defects, which are thermodynamically stable and naturally present in Mo‐enriched MoTe2 and MoSe2, endow the basal plane of the 2H phase with a high chemical activity, which is comparable to the metastable 1T polymorph.
Highly Tunable Heterojunctions from Multimetallic Sulfide Nanoparticles and Silver Nanowires
Authors: Liu Dongliang , Liu Yong , Huang Peng , Zhu Cheng , Kang Zhenhui , Shu Jie , Chen Muzi , Zhu Xing , Guo Jun , Zhuge Lanjian , Bu Xianhui , Feng Pingyun , Wu Tao
Published: April 2018

A facile and general strategy is presented to create well‐defined heterojunctions with ultra‐small multimetallic sulfide nanoparticles (MMSNPs) uniformly coated on sliver nanowires. A unique aspect of this method is the atomic‐level pre‐integration of multimetallic components by exploiting recently developed supertetrahedral metal sulfide nanoclusters. The use of such nanoclusters also enables the convenient formation of the ultrathin interfacial Ag2S layer via etching. The heterojunctions (denoted as MMSNPs/Ag2S/Ag‐NWs) benefit from adjustable multimetallic components and display tunable visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic performance owing to the synergistic effect of multimetallic components from MMSNPs and the high carrier mobility of Ag‐NWs. The synthetic strategy opens new routes to designing and fabricating various heterojunctions with multimetallic components, which could further expand their applications in catalysis, electronics, and photonics.
Free‐Standing Air Cathodes Based on 3D Hierarchically Porous Carbon Membranes: Kinetic Overpotential of Continuous Macropores in Li‐O2 Batteries
Authors: Xu Shu‐Mao , Liang Xiao , Ren Zhi‐Chu , Wang Kai‐Xue , Chen Jie‐Sheng
Published: April 2018

Free‐standing macroporous air electrodes with enhanced interfacial contact, rapid mass transport, and tailored deposition space for large amounts of Li2O2 are essential for improving the rate performance of Li‐O2 batteries. An ordered mesoporous carbon membrane with continuous macroporous channels was prepared by inversely topological transformation from ZnO nanorod array. Utilized as a free‐standing air cathode for Li‐O2 battery, the hierarchically porous carbon membrane shows superior rate performance. However, the increased cross‐sectional area of the continuous macropores on the cathode surface leads to a kinetic overpotential with large voltage hysteresis and linear voltage variation against Butler–Volmer behavior. The kinetics were investigated based on the rate‐determining step of second electron transfer accompanied by migration of Li+ in solid or quasi‐solid intermediates. These discoveries shed light on the design of the air cathode for Li‐O2 batteries with high‐rate performance.
Frustrierte Helizität: Zusammenführung divergierender Enden einer stabilen aromatischen Amid‐Helix zu einem fluxionalen Makrocyclus
Authors: Urushibara Ko , Ferrand Yann , Liu Zhiwei , Masu Hyuma , Pophristic Vojislava , Tanatani Aya , Huc Ivan
Published: April 2018

Die Makrocyclisierung eines stabilen zweiwindigen helikalen aromatischen Pentamids – eine Struktur mit zwei divergierenden Enden, die nicht anfällig für einen Ringschluss sind – wurde durch die transiente Einführung von Helizitätsstörern in Form von säurelabilen tertiären Dimethoxybenzylamiden möglich gemacht. Nach dem Entfernen der Helizitätsstörern zeigen NMR‐Spektroskopie, Kristallstrukturanalyse und theoretische Studien, dass die Makrocyclen eine gespannte Struktur besitzen, die sie dazu veranlasst, einen möglichst hohen Grad an Helizität anzustreben, obwohl es sich immer noch um eine cyclische Struktur handelt. Zwei mögliche Punkte für eine solche Störung in ihrer Helizität sind insbesondere cis‐amidische Bindungen. Auf fluxionale Art und Weise können sich diese Störungen in der Helix entlang des Makrocyclus in definierten Bahnen ausbreiten, und somit zehn degenerierte Konformationen erzeugen.
Optically Matched Semiconductor Quantum Dots Improve Photophosphorylation Performed by Chloroplasts
Authors: Xu Youqian , Fei Jinbo , Li Guangle , Yuan Tingting , Xu Xia , Wang Chenlei , Li Junbai
Published: April 2018

A natural–artificial hybrid system was constructed to enhance photophosphorylation. The system comprises chloroplasts modified with optically matched quantum dots (chloroplast–QD) with a large Stokes shift. The QDs possess a unique optical property and transform ultraviolet light into available and highly effective red light for use by chloroplasts. This favorable feature enables photosystem II contained within the hybrid system to split more water and produce more protons than chloroplasts would otherwise do on their own. Consequently, a larger proton gradient is generated and photophosphorylation is improved. At optimal efficiency activity increased by up to 2.3 times compared to pristine chloroplasts. Importantly, the degree of overlap between emission of the QDs and absorption of chloroplasts exerts a strong influence on the photophosphorylation efficiency. The chloroplast–QD hybrid presents an efficient solar energy conversion route, which involves a rational combination of a natural system and an artificial light‐harvesting nanomaterial.
Graphene‐like Molecules with Four Zigzag Edges
Authors: Gu Yanwei , Wu Xiaojin , Gopalakrishna Tullimilli Y. , Phan Hoa , Wu Jishan
Published: April 2018

An efficient synthetic method toward graphene‐like molecules (GLMs), having four zigzag edges, is described. They were obtained as stable materials and their structures were confirmed by X‐ray crystallographic analysis. They exhibit topology‐ and size‐dependent electronic properties and global aromaticity, which are all different from GLMs having either all‐armchair edges, or three zigzag edges, or two armchair/two zigzag edges. They can be reversibly oxidized and reduced into stable charged species, which show fragmental aromatic character to minimize anti‐aromaticity. Our studies give some new insights into the electronic structures and properties of a new type of rarely studied GLMs.
Tunable Multicolor Phosphorescence of Crystalline Polymeric Complex Salts with Metallophilic Backbones
Authors: Liu Qi , Xie Mo , Chang Xiaoyong , Cao Shuang , Zou Chao , Fu Wen‐Fu , Che Chi‐Ming , Chen Yong , Lu Wei
Published: April 2018

A total of 35 [Au(NHC)2][MX2] (NHC=N‐heterocyclic carbene; M=Au or Cu; X=halide, cyanide or arylacetylide) complex salts were synthesized by co‐precipitation of [Au(NHC)2]+ cations and [MX2]− anions. These salts contain crystallographically determined polymeric Au⋅⋅⋅Au or Au⋅⋅⋅Cu interactions and are highly phosphorescent with quantum yields up to unity and emission color tunable in the entire visible regions. The nature of the emissive excited states is generally assigned to ligand (anion)‐to‐ligand (cation) charge‐transfer transitions assisted by d10⋅⋅⋅d10 metallophilicity. The emission properties can be further tuned by controlled triple‐component co‐crystallization or by epitaxial growth. Correct recipes for white light‐emitting phosphors with quantum yields higher than 70 % have been achieved by screening the combinatorial pool.
Frustrated Helicity: Joining the Diverging Ends of a Stable Aromatic Amide Helix to Form a Fluxional Macrocycle
Authors: Urushibara Ko , Ferrand Yann , Liu Zhiwei , Masu Hyuma , Pophristic Vojislava , Tanatani Aya , Huc Ivan
Published: April 2018

Macrocyclization of a stable two‐turn helical aromatic pentamide, that is, an object with diverging ends that are not prone to cyclization, was made possible by the transient introduction of disruptors of helicity in the form of acid‐labile dimethoxybenzyl tertiary amide substituents. After removal of the helicity disruptors, NMR, X‐ray crystallography, and computational studies show that the macrocycle possesses a strained structure that tries to gain as high a helical content as possible despite being cyclic. Two points of disruption of helicity remain, in particular a cis amide bond. This point of disruption of helicity can propagate along the cycle in a fluxional manner according to defined trajectories to produce ten degenerate conformations.
Iron‐Catalyzed Reaction of γ‐Tocopherol with Methyl Linoleate Hydroperoxides in Solutions
Authors: Yamauchi Ryo , Kinoshita Tomomi , Iwamoto Satoshi
Published: April 2018

γ‐Tocopherol is one of the main constituents in vegetable oils and acts as an antioxidant by trapping lipid‐peroxyl radicals. This study reports reaction products of γ‐tocopherol with lipid‐peroxyl radicals formed by iron‐catalyzed decomposition of methyl linoleate hydroperoxides (MeLOOH) in toluene and methanol solutions. The products in toluene solution were tocored, methyl (8a‐dioxy‐γ‐tocopherone)‐epoxyoctadecenoates (γT‐OO‐epoxyMeL), methyl (8a‐dioxy‐γ‐tocopherone)‐octadecadienoates (γT‐OO‐MeL), γ‐tocopherol biphenyl dimer (γTBD), γ‐tocopherol diphenylether dimer (γTED), and adducts of γ‐tocopherol dimers with the MeLOOH‐derived peroxyl radicals (γTED‐OO‐epoxyMeL, γTBD‐OO‐MeL, and γTED‐OO‐MeL). The iron‐catalyzed reaction in toluene proceeded slowly, whereas the reaction in methanol was relatively fast. The reaction products in methanol were γT‐OO‐epoxyMeL and γTED‐OO‐epoxyMeL together with tocored, γTBD, and γTED. The results indicate that the iron‐catalyzed decomposition of MeLOOH in toluene produces both epoxyperoxyl and peroxyl radicals and that the decomposition in methanol yields only the epoxyperoxyl radicals. These peroxyl radicals could react with the 8a‐carbon‐centered radical of γ‐tocopherol or its dimers.
Effect of Moisture and Heat Treatment of Corn Germ on Oil Quality
Authors: Zheng Liyou , Ji Congli , Jin Jun , Xie Dan , Liu Ruijie , Wang Xingguo , Jin Qingzhe , Huang Jianhua
Published: April 2018

The changes in the quality of crude corn oil caused by moisture and two different thermal pretreatments (oven heating and steam heating) of wet‐milled corn germ were evaluated and compared with those of untreated oil. Increasing the moisture content of the corn germ from 8 to 25% before oil extraction increased the acid value (AV) (3.02–4.01 mg KOH g−1), peroxide value (PV) (0.52–1.05 meq kg−1), and the red value (7.3–8.7) and decreased the content of total tocopherols by 37% and that of γ‐tocopherols by 31%. Oven heating tended to decrease the AV and PV while steam heating significantly increased the total and individual tocopherol contents (P < 0.05). The different moisture contents and thermal pretreatments of corn germ caused no significant differences in the fatty acid composition and the contents of total and individual phytosterols of the crude oils. The γ‐tocopherol contents were found to be highly correlated with the red values (the corresponding R2 reached 0.9977 and 0.9089 for moisture and heat pretreatments, respectively).
Super‐quenched Molecular Probe Based on Aggregation‐Induced Emission and Photoinduced Electron Transfer Mechanisms for Formaldehyde Detection in Human Serum
Authors: Yang Haitao , Wang Fujia , Zheng Jilin , Lin Hao , Liu Bin , Tang Yi‐Da , Zhang Chong‐Jing
Published: April 2018

Energy transfer between fluorescent dyes and quenchers is widely used in the design of light‐up probes. Although dual quenchers are more effective in offering lower background signals and higher turn‐on ratios than one quencher, such probes are less explored in practice as they require both quenchers to be within the proximity of the fluorescent core. In this contribution, we utilized intramolecular motion and photoinduced electron transfer (PET) as quenching mechanisms to build super‐quenched light‐up probes based on fluorogens with aggregation‐induced emission. The optimized light‐up probe possesses negligible background and is able to detect not only free formaldehyde (FA) but also polymeric FA, with an unprecedented turn‐on ratio of >4900. We envision that this novel dual quenching strategy will help to develop various light‐up probes for analyte sensing.
Synchronization and Tracking of Multi‐Spacecraft Formation Attitude Control Using Adaptive Sliding Mode
Authors: Zhang Chengxi , Wang Jihe , Zhang Dexin , Shao Xiaowei
Published: April 2018

This paper presents the finite‐time attitude synchronization and tracking control method of undirected multi‐spacecraft formation with external disturbances. First, a modified adaptive nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode surface (ANFTSMS) is designed by introducing a user‐defined function, both of which avoid the singularity problem and continuous sliding surface, and, therefore, can freely adjust relative weighting between angular velocity error and attitude error adaptively, such that the controller can provide sufficient maneuvers and precision. This provides designers with a new technique to adjust and improve formation control performance. Second, by applying the ANFTSMS associated with adaptation, two proposed decentralized ANFTSM‐controllers provide finite‐time convergence, robustness to disturbance, and chattering free for continuous design. Finally, simulation results validate the proposed algorithms.
Age is more than just a number! The role of age and maturity in the processes leading to early school leaving in Flanders (Belgium)
Authors: Van Praag Lore , Van Caudenberg Rut , Orozco Mariana
Published: April 2018

In many educational systems, age is used as a criterion to organise education. Children's age is used to group students together and indicate entry into particular programmes. The use of age for organisational purposes in education stems from the idea that age provides an indication of the development of children, which is associated with teaching and learning. However, more far‐reaching consequences of age‐related educational practices are insufficiently recognised in policy and academic research. Qualitative methods are used to study students and school personnel in diverse types of educational institutions in Flanders (Belgium) to assess how age and age‐related issues matter for the students’ educational trajectories and educational decision‐making processes leading to early school leaving. Data analyses reveal that school staff members consider age and perceived maturity during evaluation procedures. Students also consider age during educational decision‐making processes: when getting older or being too old for the grade, students increasingly weigh the costs and benefits associated with getting an educational qualification and being enrolled in school and alternative opportunities. Students’ expectations related to age shape their school experiences and feelings of belonging. The findings of this study demonstrate how these educational practices add to the reproduction of inequalities through education. These results could inform debates concerning the evaluation procedures in secondary education, compulsory education and the reduction of early school leaving in Europe.
A sensitive LC–MS/MS‐based bioanalytical method for quantification of salviaflaside and rosmarinic acid in rat plasma and its application in a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Yang Yimin , Ying Sha , Li Te , Zhen Juan , Chen Dongmei , Wang Jianmeng
Published: April 2018

A selective and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous determination of salviaflaside and rosmarinic acid in rat plasma. Sample preparation was carried out through liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate using curculigoside as internal standard (IS). The analytes were determined by selected reaction monitoring operated in the positive ESI mode. Chromatographic separation was performed on an Agilent Eclipse Plus C18 column (100 × 4.6 mm, 1.8 μm) with a mobile phase consisting of methanol–water–formic acid (50:50:0.1, v/v/v) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The run time was 1.9 min per sample and the injection volume was 5 μL. The method had an LLOQ of 1.6 ng/mL for salviaflaside and 0.94 ng/mL for rosmarinic acid in plasma. The linear calibration curves were fitted over the range of 1.6–320 ng/mL for salviaflaside and 0.94–188 ng/mL for rosmarinic acid in plasma with correlation coefficients (r2) >0.99. Intra‐ and inter‐day precisions (relative standard deviation) were < 13.5%, and accuracies (relative error) were between −8.6% and 14.5% for all quality control samples. The method was validated and applied to the pharmacokinetics of salviaflaside and rosmarinic acid in plasma after oral administration of Prunella vulgaris extract to rats.
The asymmetry of neural symptoms in Wilson's disease patients detecting by diffusion tensor imaging, resting‐state functional MRI, and susceptibility‐weighted imaging
Authors: Zhou Xiang‐xue , Li Xun‐hua , Chen Ding‐bang , Wu Chao , Feng Li , Chu Jian‐ping , Yang Zhi‐yun , Li Xin‐bei , Qin Haolin , Li Gui‐dian , Huang Hai‐wei , Liang Ying‐ying , Liang Xiu‐ling
Published: April 2018

Objective

To investigate the cause of the motor asymmetry in Wilson's disease (WD) patients using functional MRI.

Methods

Fifty patients with WD and 20 age‐matched healthy controls were enrolled. Neurological symptoms were scored using the modified Young Scale. All study subjects underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI), and resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI) of the brain. Six regions of interest (ROI) were chosen. Fiber volumes between ROIs on DTI, corrected phase (CP) values on SWI, amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF), and regional homogeneity (REHO) values on rs‐fMRI were determined. Asymmetry index (right or left value/left or right value) was evaluated.

Results

Asymmetry of rigidity, tremor, choreic movement, and gait abnormality (asymmetry index = 1.33, 1.39, 1.36, 1.40), fiber tracts between the GP and substantia nigra (SN), GP and PU, SN and thalamus (TH), SN and cerebellum, head of the caudate nucleus (CA) and SN, PU and CA, CA and TH, TH and cerebellum (asymmetry index = 1.233, 1.260, 1.269, 1.437, 1.503, 1.138, 1.145, 1.279), CP values in the TH, SN (asymmetry index = 1.327, 1.166), ALFF values, and REHO values of the TH (asymmetry index = 1.192, 1.233) were found. Positive correlation between asymmetry index of rigidity and fiber volumes between the GP and SN, SN and TH (r = .221, .133, p = .043, .036), and tremor and fiber volumes between the CA and TH (r = .045, p = .040) was found.

Conclusions

The neurological symptoms of patients with WD were asymmetry. The asymmetry of fiber projections may be the main cause of motor asymmetry in patients with WD.
Assessment of sleep quality using cardiopulmonary coupling analysis in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Chen Lindi , Liu Chunyan , Ye Zhinan , Wang Binda , He Songbin
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To assess the sleep quality of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and evaluate the effect of cardiopulmonary coupling (CPC) analysis on sleep quality and its correlation with subjective complaints in patients with PD.

Methods

Our study included 42 patients with PD and 30 healthy controls. CPC analysis and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to evaluate the sleep quality of subjects.

Results

High‐frequency coupling (HFC) and sleep efficiency were significantly lower in the PD than in the control group, whereas very low‐frequency coupling (VLFC) and sleep latency were significantly higher in the PD than in the control group. PSQI scores were significantly higher in the PD than in the control group (all p < .05). The PSQI score showed a negative correlation with the HFC ratio in the PD group (r = −.478, p = .001). Factors related to the occurrence of PD with poor sleep quality were the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) score and nocturia.

Conclusions

The sleep quality of patients with PD was generally decreased. CPC analysis can reflect the subjective sleep quality of patients with PD and serve as an effective sleep monitoring tool.
Risk factors for breast cancer in a cohort of mammographic screening program: a nested case–control study within the FRiCaM study
Authors: Bravi Francesca , Decarli Adriano , Russo Antonio Giampiero
Published: April 2018

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis and the leading cause of cancer death among women in the world, and differences across populations indicate a role of hormonal, reproductive and lifestyle factors. This study is based on a cohort of 78,050 women invited to undergo a mammogram by Local Health Authority of Milan, between 2003 and 2007. We carried out a nested case–control study including all the 3303 incident breast cancer cases diagnosed up to 2015, and 9909 controls matched by age and year of enrollment. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression models. The ORs were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.78–0.98) for an age at menarche ≥14 years and 1.39 (95% CI: 1.07–1.81) for an age of 30 years or older at first pregnancy. Body mass index (BMI) was positively associated with breast cancer risk in women older than 50 years (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.54–2.31, for BMI≥30 vs. <20), while the association tended to be inverse in younger women. A high mammographic density increased breast cancer risk (OR = 2.61, 95% CI: 2.02–3.38 for density >75% vs. adipose tissue). The ORs were 1.67 (95% CI: 1.47–1.89) and 2.04 (95% CI: 1.38–3.00) for one first‐degree relative and two or more relatives affected by breast cancer, respectively. Our study confirms the role of major recognized risk factors for breast cancer in our population and provides the basis for a stratification of the participants in the mammographic screening according to different levels of risk.
Incidence and survival of hematological cancers among adults ages ≥75 years
Authors: Krok‐Schoen Jessica L. , Fisher James L. , Stephens Julie A. , Mims Alice , Ayyappan Sabarish , Woyach Jennifer A. , Rosko Ashley E.
Published: April 2018

Evaluating population‐based data of hematologic malignancies (HMs) in older adults provides prognostic information for this growing demographic. Incidence rates and one‐ and five‐year relative survival rates were examined for specific HMs among adults ages ≥75 years using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program. Hematologic malignancy cases (Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), multiple myeloma (MM), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)) were reported to one of 18 SEER registries. Recent average annual (2010–2014) incidence rates and incidence trends from 1973 to 2014 were examined for cases ages ≥75 years. One‐ and five‐year relative cancer survival rates were examined for adults ages ≥75 years diagnosed 2007–2013, with follow‐up into 2014. From 1973 to 2014, incidence rates increased for NHL, MM, and AML, decreased for HL, and remained relatively stable for ALL, CLL, and CML among adults ages ≥75 years. The highest one‐ and five‐year relative survival rates were observed among adults with CLL ages 75–84 years (1 year: 91.8% (95% CI = 91.8–90.8)) and 5 years: 76.5% (95% CI = 74.2–78.6)). The lowest one‐ and five‐year survival rates were observed among adults with AML ages 75–84 (1 year: 18.2% (95% CI = 74.2–78.6) and 5 years: 2.7% (95% CI = 2.0–3.6)). Survival for older adults ages ≥75 years with HMs is poor, particularly for acute leukemia. Understanding the heterogeneity in HM outcomes among older patients may help clinicians better address the hematological cancer burden and mortality in the aging population.
Boost success by proactively maintaining positive relationships on and off campus
Authors: Stringer Jeremy , Hogan Bill
Published: April 2018

Successful athletics administrators must maintain positive relationships with a wide variety of individuals and groups, on and off campus. This can be a difficult undertaking, primarily because of the personalities involved.
Overexpression of ZAKβ in human osteosarcoma cells enhances ZAKα expression, resulting in a synergistic apoptotic effect
Authors: Fu Chien‐Yao , Tseng Yan‐Shen , Chen Ming‐Cheng , Hsu Hsi‐Hsien , Yang Jaw‐Ji , Tu Chuan‐Chou , Lin Yueh‐Min , Viswanadha Vijaya Padma , Ding Ke , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: April 2018

ZAK is a novel mixed lineage kinase‐like protein that contains a leucine‐zipper and a sterile‐alpha motif as a protein‐protein interaction domain, and it is located in the cytoplasm. There are 2 alternatively spliced forms of ZAK: ZAKα and ZAKβ. Previous studies showed that ZAKα is involved in various cell processes, including cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cardiac hypertrophy, but the molecular mechanism of ZAKβ is not yet known. In a recent study in our laboratory, we found that ZAKβ can ameliorate the apoptotic effect induced by ZAKα in H9c2 cells. We further hypothesized that ZAKβ could also improve the apoptotic effect induced by ZAKα in human osteosarcoma cells. The results of this study show that ZAKβ can induce apoptosis and decrease cell viability similar to the effects of ZAKα. Interestingly, our ZAKα‐specific inhibitor assay shows that the expression of ZAKβ is highly dependent on ZAKα expression. However, ZAKβ expression effectively induces ZAKα expression and results in synergistic enhancement of apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, co‐immunoprecipitation results revealed that ZAKα can directly interact with ZAKβ, and this interaction may contribute to the enhanced apoptotic effects.

Significance of the study

ZAK is a mixed lineage kinase involved in cell differentiation, proliferation, and hypertrophic growth. ZAKα isoform of ZAK is associated with tumorigenesis, but the function of ZAKβ is not yet known. In H9c2 cells, ZAKβ was found to ameliorate the apoptotic effect induced by ZAKα. However, in osteosarcoma cells, ZAKβ elevates the apoptotic effect induced by ZAKα. In this study, we show that similar to ZAKα, the ZAKβ induces apoptosis and decreases cell viability. Interestingly, the expression of ZAKβ is dependent on ZAKα expression, and ZAKβ further enhances ZAKα expression and results in synergistic enhancement of apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells.
Pacemaker‐mediated tachycardia with narrow QRS complexes
Authors: Yoo Hyun Sok , Albino Ernesto , Fernandez Pablo , Etcheverry Daniel , Tepper Rita , Garro Hugo , Pastori Julio , Acunzo Rafael
Published: April 2018

Key Clinical Message

Inverted connection of the atrial and ventricular leads is an unusual circumstance during the implantation of a dual‐chamber pacemaker. Yet, PMT may present in the absence of complex mechanisms. The detection and termination algorithms used by the device proved to be efficient for the adequate diagnosis and treatment.
Successful pregnancies after neonatal aortic thrombosis, childhood arterial repair, and a deficient pelvic vasculature
Authors: Troëng Thomas , Bergqvist Agneta , Bergqvist David
Published: April 2018

Key Clinical Message

Neonatal aortic bifurcation thrombosis can cause occlusion of iliac arteries causing abnormal pelvic vasculature and claudication in childhood. A bifurcation graft normalizes the perfusion of the legs but not of the pelvis. In a girl, this does not preclude successful pregnancies in adult life. It has not been reported before.
No risk reduction for Plasmodium vivax malaria in sickle cell disease
Authors: Moiz Bushra , Majeed Ayesha
Published: April 2018

Key Clinical Message

Hemoglobin S is known to protect against uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. However, there is paucity of the literature regarding interaction of HbS and other malaria species. Usually, P. vivax malaria is a relapsing condition, and without radical cure with primaquine, recurrence may be observed even with hemoglobin S.
Acrodermatitis dysmetabolica as a sign of methylmalonic aciduria decompensation
Authors: Rosa Joana , Fraga Ana Beatriz , de Carvalho Rita , Maia Ana Lúcia , Rodrigues Ana Luísa , Gomes Maria Fernanda
Published: April 2018

Key Clinical Message

Methylmalonic aciduria children must follow an adequate diet with low protein intake and should be regularly monitored to prevent complications. Although skin lesions like acrodermatitis enteropathica are rare in this disease, their appearance should be correlated with possible low plasma isoleucine level and it can be a sign of decompensation.