bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Afsluitdijk as a Complex System
Authors: Vogt Berber
Published: May 2019

The Netherlands government authorized the Afsluitdijk (enclosure dam) in 1918 and the structure was completed in 1932. The objective was to provide better protection of the hinterland against flooding and to reclaim new land from the sea. The damming of the Zuiderzee by the Afsluitdijk created a freshwater reservoir and enabled a traffic connection between the provinces of North Holland and Friesland. Environmental protection and sustainability factors increased in importance the over years as a result of climate change. One critical objective is guaranteeing the safety of the hinterland (keeping our feet dry). In order to achieve this objective, the Afsluitdijk as a system needs to have the right capabilities and the corresponding functions to be able to protect the hinterland. In order to bring the various stakeholders on board, we use a model known as strategic environmental management (SEM, Dutch: SOM) that involves stakeholders at the outset of a project and we perform a stakeholder/environmental analysis to gather information about the various needs. The Rijkswaterstaat (the Directorate‐General for Public Works and Water Management) then carries out a prioritization process to determine the needs to be included in the on‐site development of the system.
Parthenolide regulates oxidative stress‐induced mitophagy and suppresses apoptosis through p53 signaling pathway in C2C12 myoblasts
Authors: Ren Yinghui , Li Yan , Lv Jienv , Guo Xiangdong , Zhang Jieyou , Zhou Dongmei , Zhang Zimu , Xue Zhenyi , Yang Guangze , Xi Qing , Liu Hongkun , Liu Zehan , Zhang Lijuan , Zhang Qi , Yao Zhi , Zhang Rongxin , Da Yurong
Published: May 2019

Muscle redox disturbances and oxidative stress have emerged as a common pathogenetic mechanism and potential therapeutic intervention in some muscle diseases. Parthenolide (PTL), a sesquiterpene lactone found in large amounts in the leaves of feverfew, possesses anti‐inflammatory, anti‐migraine, and anticancer properties. Although PTL was reported to alleviate cancer cachexia and improve skeletal muscle characteristics in a cancer cachexia model, its actions on oxidative stress‐induced damage in C2C12 myoblasts have not been reported and the regulatory mechanisms have not yet been defined. In our study, PTL attenuated H2O2‐induced growth inhibition and morphological changes. Furthermore, PTL exhibited scavenging activity against reactive oxygen species and protected C2C12 cells from apoptosis in response to H2O2. Meanwhile, PTL suppressed collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby contributing to normalizing H2O2‐induced autophagy flux and mitophagy, correlating with inhibiting degradation of mitochondrial marker protein TIM23, the increase in LC3‐II expression and the reduction of mitochondria DNA. Besides its protective effect on mitochondria, PTL also prevented H2O2‐induced lysosomes damage in C2C12 cells. In addition, the phosphorylation of p53, cathepsin B, and Bax/Bcl‐2 protein levels, and the translocation of Bax from the cytosol to mitochondria induced by H2O2 in C2C12 cells was significantly reduced by PTL. In conclusion, PTL modulates oxidative stress‐induced mitophagy and protects C2C12 myoblasts against apoptosis, suggesting a potential protective effect against oxidative stress‐associated skeletal muscle diseases.
Halogen bonding with the halogenabenzene bird structure, halobenzene, and halocyclopentadiene
Authors: Cates Emma L. , van Mourik Tanja
Published: May 2019

The ability of the “bird‐like” halogenabenzene molecule, referred to as X‐bird (XCl to At), to form halogen‐bonded complexes with the nucleophiles H2O and NH3 was investigated using double‐hybrid density functional theory and the aug‐cc‐pVTZ/aug‐cc‐pVTZ‐PP basis set. The structures and interaction energies were compared with 5‐halocyclopenta‐1,3‐diene (halocyclopentadiene; an isomer of halogenabenzene) and halobenzene, also complexed with H2O and NH3. The unusual structure of the X‐bird, with the halogen bonded to two carbon atoms, results in two distinct σ‐holes, roughly at the extension of the C‐X bonds. Based on the behavior of the interaction energy (which increases for heavier halogens) and van der Waals (vdW) ratio (which decreases for heavier halogens), it is concluded that the X‐bird forms proper halogen bonds with H2O and NH3. The interaction energies are larger than those of the halogen‐bonded complexes involving halobenzene and halocyclopentadiene, presumably due to the presence of a secondary interaction. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A study of novel macrocyclic copper complex/graphene‐based composite materials for counter electrodes of dye‐sensitized solar cells
Authors: Yu Yuan‐Hsiang , Wang Wun‐Shiuan , Hu Yu‐Chung , Tsai Chih‐Hung , Shih Chun‐Jyun , Huang Wei‐Chih , Peng Shie‐Ming , Lee Gene‐Hsiang
Published: May 2019

In this study, a newly synthesized macrocyclic copper complex, [Cu(C10H20N8)(C4H8N4)](BF4)2, was used for a reaction with graphene oxide. Macrocyclic copper complex/graphene‐based composite materials were prepared and applied to the counter electrodes (CEs) of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). As the level of the macrocyclic copper complex increased, the catalytic sites on the surface of the CE increased. The results showed that the device efficiency of the composite GO/Cu (1:10) CE was 7.61%, which was better than that of the Platinum (Pt) CE (7.04%). The device efficiency of the DSSC was enhanced effectively because the electrocatalytic activity of the CE was enhanced, and the interface impedance of the device was reduced. Therefore, the macrocyclic copper complex/graphene‐based composite materials may have the potential to replace traditional Pt to increase efficiency and reduce the fabrication cost of DSSCs.
Evaluation of factors associated with complications in amoebic liver abscess in a predominantly toddy‐drinking population: A retrospective study of 198 cases
Authors: Jha Ashish K , Jha Praveen , Chaudhary Madhur , Purkayastha Shubham , Jha Sanjeev K , Ranjan Ravish , Priyadarshi Rajeev N , Kumar Ramesh
Published: May 2019

Background and Aim

Although the mortality rate has declined in recent years, amoebic liver abscesses (ALAs) still carry a substantial risk of morbidity. Studies regarding the indicators of severity, complication, or prognosis of ALA are limited in number and heterogeneous in methodology and results.

Methods

Clinicodemographic profile, therapeutic modalities, and outcomes of indoor ALA patients admitted between January 2016 and October 2017 were analyzed. An analysis of possible prognostic factors associated with complications and interventional therapy in patients with ALA was performed retrospectively.

Results

Data of 198 patients with ALA (mean age: 45 ± 12.1; M:F ratio: 193:5) were analyzed. The volume of abscess (503.1 ± 391.2: 300.2 ± 305.8 mL), elevated liver enzymes, and duration of hospital stay (11.98 ± 5.75): 10.23 ± 4.1 days) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in alcoholic, compared to nonalcoholic, individuals. On univariate analysis, older age, duration of alcohol consumption, smoking, leukocytosis, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyponatremia, and a larger volume of abscess were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) associated with complications. On multivariate analysis, older age, duration of alcohol consumption, smoking, leukocytosis, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hyponatremia were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) associated with complications. Male gender, hypoalbuminemia, and larger volume of abscess were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with interventional treatment.

Conclusion

Older age, leukocytosis, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyponatremia, chronic alcoholism, and smoking are independent factors significantly associated with complications in patients with ALA. Hypoalbuminemia, larger volume of abscess, and male gender are independent variables associated with the requirement of interventional therapy.
Cocaine use modifies the association between antiretroviral therapy and endothelial dysfunction among adults with HIV infection
Authors: Li Ji , Lai Hong , Chen Shaoguang , Kickler Thomas , Lai Shenghan
Published: May 2019

Cocaine is commonly used among HIV‐infected people and may worsen HIV disease progression. In addition, existing evidence suggests a link between antiretroviral regimens and endothelial dysfunction. This study aimed to examine whether the associations of antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens with endothelial dysfunction may be modified by cocaine use in adults with HIV infection. Between 2003 and 2014, 466 HIV‐positive participants residing in Baltimore, Maryland, were enrolled in a study investigating comorbidities associated with HIV/ART. The associations between various risk factors and endothelial dysfunction indicators were examined by robust regression models fitted for the overall subjects and cocaine subgroups, separately. Duration of nonnucleoside reverse‐transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)‐based therapy was negatively associated with plasma vWF:Ag levels in cocaine non‐users (β = −.715, SE = .220, P < .05). However, cocaine users on longer‐term NNRTI‐based regimens had greater plasma endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) concentrations than their counterparts (β = .003, SE = .001, P < .05). In addition, current cigarette smoking was significantly positively associated with ET‐1 concentrations in both cocaine non‐users (β = .609, SE = .164, P < .05) and cocaine users (β = .331, SE = .086, P < .05). In conclusion, cocaine use modified the potential effects of NNRTI‐based therapy on biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction. These findings suggested that reduction in cocaine use may improve endothelial function in HIV‐infected cocaine users.
Cubic lattice‐based spherical uniaxial perfectly matched layer for the FDTD method
Authors: Wang Lu , Wang Mengjun , Cui Wenjie , Liu Ruipeng , Zheng Hongxing , Li Er‐Ping
Published: May 2019

In order to reduce the finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) computational area efficiently, we established spherical uniaxial perfectly matched layer (S‐UPML) with regular Yee's lattices in the Cartesian coordinate system. The boundary performed as a curved profile but is constructed with regular hexahedron cells in three‐dimensional (3‐D) and with regular quadrilateral cells in two‐dimensional (2‐D) condition. Although the S‐UPML's curvilinear outline is approximated by standard meshes, it still maintains the same performance as the orthodox methods. After it is used for absorbing outgoing wave, the computational FDTD lattices are reduced about a half and a quarter in 3‐D and 2‐D, respectively, in contrast with the conventional Cartesian boundaries. We introduce the radial components to basic formulations of the S‐UPML and facilitate the update coefficients of iterative equations. Its suitable thickness is a key parameter to guarantee the performance and is determined through balancing the efficiency and maximum reflection error level. Several numerical trials are implemented to verify the practicability of the proposed boundary in two dimensions. Results show its suitability and the higher efficiency than conventional cubic boundary.
Assessment of ECMWF reanalysis data in complex terrain: Can the CERA‐20C and ERA‐Interim data sets replicate the variation in surface air temperatures over Sichuan, China?
Authors: Luo Haolin , Ge Fei , Yang Kangquan , Zhu Shoupeng , Peng Ting , Cai Wenyue , Liu Xiaoran , Tang Weiwei
Published: May 2019

Surface air temperatures (SATs) derived from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ERA‐Interim and CERA‐20C reanalysis data sets are compared with data from 43 observation stations in Sichuan for 1979–2010. The results show (a) the temperatures from the ERA‐Interim and CERA‐20C data sets are strongly correlated with those from the observation stations, although significant cold biases are seen on both annual and seasonal timescales. (b) The biases in SATs are predominately influenced by the differences between the actual topography and the topography used in the reanalysis models. Larger differences in temperature are observed in the plateau and mountainous regions of Sichuan. We confirmed larger SAT biases at high altitudes by categorizing the elevation into four bands, each with a spacing of 1,000 m. (c) We reduced the biases resulting from elevation by using an elevation correction method with internal lapse rates derived from different reanalysis pressure levels. The annual mean bias was reduced from −2.86 to −0.75°C for the ERA‐Interim data set and from −5.27 to −2.21°C for the CERA‐20C data set. After calibration, the correlation coefficients between the difference in SAT (observed minus reanalysis data) and the difference in elevation (station elevation minus model elevation) decreased from −0.97 and −0.91 to −0.29 and −0.30 for the ERA‐Interim and CERA‐20C data sets, respectively. These significant differences should not be ignored in the application of reanalysis data sets to climate research. The evaluation and calibration of reanalysis data sets are essential before making assessments of regional climate change, especially over regions with complex topography.
Previous Damage Accumulation Can Influence Femoral Fracture Strength: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Haider Ifaz T. , Frei Hanspeter
Published: May 2019

To manage osteoporotic hip fracture risk, it is necessary to understand failure mechanisms of bone at both the material and organ level. The structural response of bone is dependent on load history. Repeated loading causes progressive microstructural cracking, resulting in reduced apparent‐level stiffness and, if damage is significant, reductions to peak load bearing capability. However, the effect of previous damage accumulation has not been well explored at the organ level. It was hypothesized that femoral fracture load and fracture pattern may be sensitive to damage accumulation from previous loading events. Six cadaveric specimens were used to develop patient specific finite element (FE) models from quantitative tomographic (qCT) scans. Material properties were assigned from qCT intensity at each element location, and damage evolution was predicted using a previously validated quasi‐brittle FE model. Three scenarios were investigated: stumble followed by another stumble (S‐S), fall followed by another fall (F‐F), and stumble followed by a fall (S‐F). Fracture load and pattern were compared to FE predictions for a single stumble (S) or single fall (F) loading event. Most specimens were resilient to accumulated damage, showing little (<5%) change in fracture load from the multiple‐load scenarios (S‐S, F‐F, and S‐F) compared to an equivalent single load scenario (S or F). Only one specimen demonstrated moderate (5–15%) reductions in strength from all three multiple‐load scenarios. However, two specimens experienced moderate (20–30%) increase in fracture load in some load cases. In these cases, initial damage caused the load to be more evenly distributed upon subsequent loading events. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2197–2203, 2019
Coronial findings pertaining to non‐opioid and non‐benzodiazepine drug‐related deaths in Australia
Authors: Phillips Helen , Naunton Mark , Jackson Shane L. , Kosari Sam , Peterson Gregory M.
Published: May 2019

Using Australian coroners’ inquest findings, this study investigated characteristics of non‐opioid and non‐benzodiazepine accidental drug‐related deaths, and coroners’ recommendations applicable to pharmacists. A retrospective thematic analysis was conducted of narrative text from coronial findings of non‐opioid and non‐benzodiazepine drug‐related deaths (n = 33; 18 males, 15 females; mean (±SD) age 50.3 ± 19.3 and 57.7 ± 22.0 years, respectively) published on the Internet between January 2012 and October 2017. A wide range of drugs was implicated in drug‐related deaths, with drugs relating to mental health conditions (antidepressants, antipsychotics) found to be the most prevalent and increasing over the 5‐year period. A history of mental health illness was common. Coroners’ comments pertaining to pharmacists were limited to the requirement to maintain accurate records. A greater appreciation of the role of pharmacists is required by coroners, with many of the coroners’ recommendations directed to other health professionals relevant to the pharmacists’ role of promoting the safe use of medicines.
Simultaneous determination of 17 bisphenols in polycarbonate by ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Yujia , Ling Yun , Zhang Yuan , Yao Guihong , Yao Meiyi , Zhang Feng
Published: May 2019

A novel method was developed for the first time for the determination of 17 bisphenols by ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Under the optimal conditions, 17 bisphenols were separated successfully on a high density diol column in 9 min using methanol and carbon dioxide as mobile phase. 0.02% ammonium hydroxide/methanol v/v was used as the post‐column compensation solvent to improve response of mass spectrometry. Linear relations of matrix‐matched calibration curve were favorable over the selected concentration range of 1–100 μg/kg with correlation coefficients greater than 0.9981. The method limit of detection and limit of quantitation were 0.1–0.5 μg/kg and 0.5–2.5 μg/kg, respectively. The average recoveries at three spiked levels in polycarbonate were in the range of 81.8–114.5%. Intra‐day and inter‐day precisions for six replicates were below 15.0%. This method was successfully applied to determine bisphenols in polycarbonate.
Postoperative uvular necrosis: A case series and literature review
Authors: Reid Jonathan W. , Samy Arjun , Jeremic Goran , Brookes Jonathan , Sowerby Leigh J.
Published: May 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Postoperative uvular necrosis is rare, but can be distressing to the patient when it unexpectedly occurs. Little has been published regarding its predisposing factors and pathophysiology. The purpose of this comprehensive review was to compile cases of postoperative uvular necrosis and identify risk factors and potential causes for this complication.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

The study was performed at an academic tertiary care referral center. Clinical records from four patients treated for postoperative uvular necrosis from 2008 to 2018 were reviewed. A comprehensive literature review was also performed. The MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched, as well as the grey literature. All case reports and literature reviews in the English literature from 1978 to 2018 were systematically identified for review.

Results

Four cases of postoperative uvular necrosis diagnosed clinically at our institution were included. The comprehensive literature review identified 26 reports and seven case series, totaling 53 cases of this complication. Use of suction was reported in 19 cases, and six cases reported no use of suction. Ninety‐four percent of cases were treated conservatively, whereas 6% underwent excision. Ninety‐one percent resolved within 14 days.

Conclusions

Impingement with various devices and vascular trauma from suction each likely play a role in postoperative uvular necrosis. Male oropharyngeal anatomy may be a risk factor, but neither the type of instrumentation nor the type of procedure seem to predict this complication. Proper positioning of the patient and instruments and minimizing suction force help prevent uvular injury.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 130:880–885, 2020
Optical characterization of marine phytoplankton assemblages within surface waters of the western Arctic Ocean
Authors: Reynolds Rick A. , Stramski Dariusz
Published: May 2019

An extensive data set of measurements within the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas is used to characterize the optical properties of seawater associated with different phytoplankton communities. Hierarchical cluster analysis of diagnostic pigment concentrations partitioned stations into four distinct surface phytoplankton communities based on taxonomic composition and average cell size. Concurrent optical measurements of spectral absorption and backscattering coefficients and remote‐sensing reflectance were used to characterize the magnitudes and spectral shapes of seawater optical properties associated with each phytoplankton assemblage. The results demonstrate measurable differences among communities in the average spectral shapes of the phytoplankton absorption coefficient. Similar or smaller differences were also observed in the spectral shapes of nonphytoplankton absorption coefficients and the particulate backscattering coefficient. Phytoplankton on average, however, contributed only 25% or less to the total absorption coefficient of seawater. Our analyses indicate that the interplay between the magnitudes and relative contributions of all optically significant constituents generally dampens any influence of varying phytoplankton absorption spectral shapes on the total absorption coefficient, yet there is still a marked discrimination observed in the spectral shape of the ratio of the total backscattering to total absorption coefficient and remote‐sensing reflectance among the phytoplankton assemblages. These spectral variations arise mainly from differences in the bio‐optical environment in which specific communities were found, as opposed to differences in the spectral shapes of phytoplankton optical properties per se. These results suggest potential approaches for the development of algorithms to assess phytoplankton community composition from measurements of seawater optical properties in western Arctic waters.
Reap the Benefits of a Fire Hydrant Maintenance Program
Authors: Jackson Andrew , Morgan Kenneth C. , Notch Steve
Published: May 2019

Water utilities excel when they place value on and maintain each system asset in a manner that reflects its value. An effective fire hydrant maintenance program offers a wide range of system benefits.
Loss of FBXO7 results in a Parkinson's‐like dopaminergic degeneration via an RPL23–MDM2–TP53 pathway
Authors: Stott Simon RW , Randle Suzanne J , Al Rawi Sara , Rowicka Paulina A , Harris Rebecca , Mason Bethany , Xia Jing , Dalley Jeffrey W , Barker Roger A , Laman Heike
Published: May 2019

The field of Parkinson's disease research has been impeded by the absence of animal models that clearly phenocopy the features of this neurodegenerative condition. Mutations in FBXO7/PARK15 are associated with both sporadic Parkinson's disease and a severe form of autosomal recessive early‐onset Parkinsonism. Here we report that conditional deletion of Fbxo7 in the midbrain dopamine neurons results in an early reduction in striatal dopamine levels, together with a slow, progressive loss of midbrain dopamine neurons and onset of locomotor defects. Unexpectedly, a later compensatory response led to a near‐full restoration of dopaminergic fibre innervation in the striatum, but nigral cell loss was irreversible. Mechanistically, there was increased expression in the dopamine neurons of FBXO7‐interacting protein, RPL23, which is a sensor of ribosomal stress that inhibits MDM2, the negative regulator of p53. A corresponding activated p53 transcriptional signature biased towards pro‐apoptotic genes was also observed. These data suggest that the neuroprotective role of FBXO7 involves its suppression of the RPL23–MDM2–p53 axis that promotes cell death in dopaminergic midbrain neurons. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Parenting in the face of serious illness: Childhood cancer survivors remember different rearing behavior than the general population
Authors: Ernst Mareike , Brähler Elmar , Klein Eva M. , Jünger Claus , Wild Philipp S. , Faber Jörg , Schneider Astrid , Beutel Manfred E.
Published: May 2019

Objective

A child's cancer diagnosis and treatment affect the whole family. While it has been recognized that parents are an important resource for their children, little is known about the specifics of parenting in the face of serious illness.

Methods

We used the Recalled Parental Rearing Behavior Questionnaire in a register‐based cohort of adult childhood cancer survivors (CCS) (N = 951) and a representative population sample of the same age range (N = 2042). The questionnaire assesses behavior of mothers and fathers with three scales (emotional warmth, rejection/punishment, and control/overprotection) by querying the (former) child. We compared the two groups using general linear models. With a hierarchical linear regression analysis, we tested associations of recalled rearing behavior with disease‐ and treatment‐related factors.

Results

Compared with the general population, CCS remembered both parents as emotionally warmer, more overprotective, and less punishing/rejecting and less ambitious. The regression analysis showed that having received radiotherapy (β = 0.092; P = .009) and chemotherapy (β = 0.077; P = .027) was positively related to memories of maternal emotional warmth.

Conclusions

CCS remembered parenting styles which are generally deemed more positive. The extent of recalled control and overprotection deviated from the population in different directions, suggesting that parenting in childhood cancer entails more complex adaptations than being affectionate and giving comfort. The results suggest an adaptation of parental behavior to particularly challenging treatments. They highlight potential vulnerability and resilience factors, some of which were sex‐dependent.
Influence of Morphological Homogeneity of Superspherical Gold Nanoparticles on Plasmonic Photothermal Heat Generation
Authors: Bae Ji Yong , Jung Dae‐Woong , Jeong Chan Bae , Kim Hong‐Seung , Kim Jung Dae , Ro Hyun‐Joo , Jun Sangmi , Kim Dong Uk , Kim Jun Min , Yi Gi‐Ra , Lee Gaehang , Chang Ki Soo
Published: May 2019

The plasmonic photothermal (PPT) characteristics of gold nanostructures have been extensively investigated theoretically and experimentally due to their potential for use materials science and industry. The management of the size and shape of gold nanoparticles has been a key issue in the development of better solutions for PPT heat generation because their size and shape determine their resultant photothermal properties. However, the light absorption of gold nanostructures is mainly dependent on the wavelength and orientation of the incident light; hence, maintaining uniform size and shape is critical for achieving maximum photothermal energy. Morphologically homogeneous spherical gold nanoparticles, or super gold nanospheres prepared by slowly etching uniform octahedral gold nanoparticles, demonstrate better PPT heat generation compared with commercially available nonsmooth gold nanoparticles (GNSs). The PPT heating experiments show a maximum temperature difference of 5.7 °C between the super and ordinary GNSs with the same average maximum Feret's diameters, which result from the more efficient PPT heat power generation (20.6%) of the super GNSs. In an electromagnetic‐wave simulation, the super GNSs show lower polarization dependence and a 24.6% higher absorption cross‐section than ordinary GNSs.
Similarity of Coomassie Dye Spectral Absorbance Dynamic of Sequentially Distant Polymeric N‐Terminal Segments of Glycine and GABA Transporters
Authors: Baliova Martina , Jursky Frantisek
Published: May 2019

Classical interaction of Coomassie dye with proteins stabilizes its blue dye form, resulting in 595 nm absorbance peak used in protein quantitation. We previously showed that a dynamic Coomassie interaction mode might exist in certain disordered proteins, resulting in time dependent spectral absorbance shifts, blocked by the presence of protein secondary structure. To separate unstructured GlyT1a N‐terminal peptide from transporter ordered regions and regain its sufficient affinity to Coomassie dye, we previously prepared polymeric forms of GlyT1aN peptide using special stepwise cloning technique. In this work we applied identical technique to create polymeric regions derived from the N‐termini of neurotransmitter transporters rGlyT1b, rGAT3 and rGAT1. Polymeric proteins with low secondary structure content showed very similar dynamic spectral absorbance signatures, when complexed with Coomassie dye. Diversity of their primary amino acid sequences indicates that previously not recognized microstructural similarity between them might be potentially investigated by their interaction with Coomassie Brilliant Blue G‐250.
A Unified Approach to Access N‐Acyl Sulfonamide Tethered Peptide Conjugates
Authors: Sagar Nagamangala Ramachandra , Durgamma Suram , Srinivasulu Chinthaginjala , Basavaprabhu Hosamani , Sureshbabu Vommina Venkata
Published: May 2019

Herein we demonstrate a chemoselective reaction of Nβ‐protected amino alkyl sulfonyl azides with in situ generated Nα‐protected amino acid selenocarboxylates via step wise intramolecular cyclization followed by decomposition to obtain N‐acyl sulfonamide tethered peptidyl conjugates. The protocol offers the synthesis of orthogonally protected N‐acyl sulfonamide tethered peptidomimetics under simple and mild reaction conditions employing commercially available amino acids in presence of NaBH2Se3 as a selenating agent. Also, the synthesis of N‐acyl sulfonamide tethered amino acid and aryl conjugates were accomplished as an extension of the above strategy.
Fused‐Ring Core Engineering for Small Molecule Acceptors Enable High‐Performance Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Ming Ruijie , Wang Jianxiao , Gao Wei , Zhang Miao , Gao Jinhua , Ning Weimin , Luo Zhenghui , Liu Xiaohui , Zhong Cheng , Zhang Fujun , Yang Chuluo
Published: May 2019

Small molecule acceptors (SMAs) for polymer solar cells (PSCs) have become a hot topic due to the resulting breakthrough of power conversion efficiency (PCE). To investigate the effect of extending central ladder‐type conjugated cores on the performance of PSCs, hexacyclic‐, heptacyclic‐, and octacyclic‐fused‐ring‐based SMAs (T6Me, T7Me, and T8Me) are designed and synthesized, structured with the same 2‐(1‐methyl‐6‐oxo‐5,6‐dihydro‐4H‐cyclopenta[c]thiophen‐4‐ylidene)malononitrile (CPTCN‐M) termini. The extension of backbone conjugation leads to the red shift of the absorption spectra, and elevates both the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels. Pairing with polymer donor PM6, T6Me‐based PSC displays a higher PCE of 12.09% than T7Me‐ (PCE of 8.96%) and T8Me‐based PSCs (PCE of 6.09%). This trend is ascribed to the lower bimolecular recombination, more favorable morphology features as well as more balanced hole and electron mobilities in the PM6:T6Me blend. Moreover, the low optical gap of T6Me and relatively high open‐circuit voltage (VOC) for the PM6:T6Me blend film results in low energy loss (Eloss) of 0.51 eV.
Two‐Terminal Perovskites Tandem Solar Cells: Recent Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Hu Yingzhen , Song Lin , Chen Yonghua , Huang Wei
Published: May 2019

Metal halide perovskite‐based solar cells have achieved rapidly increasing efficiencies of up to 23.7%. However, it is still far away from the Shockley–Quiesser limit of 33.16%. Tandem solar cells, consisting of two subcells with complementary absorption, are suggested as an alternative to beat this limit due to the fact that a maximum efficiency of 42% can be reached using two subcells with bandgaps of 1.9 eV/1.0 eV, opening up a great potential to develop perovskite‐based tandem solar cells. In this review, the current status of and recent advances in perovskite‐based tandem solar cells are highlighted, including perovskite–silicon, perovskite–perovskite, and perovskite–copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) integrations. Different configurations, key issues regarding the photoelectric properties, present efficiency limitations, and material design are discussed. The critical role of perovskite bandgap optimization, interface engineering, and recombination layers are also analyzed to outline the roadmaps for future investigation. The current challenging issues and future perspectives are also provided. It is hoped that the findings will provide new perspectives for perovskite‐based tandem solar cells with an unprecedented performance and the opportunity for commercialization.
Charge state tailoring of relativistic heavy ion beams for the Gamma Factory project at CERN
Authors: Kröger F.M. , Weber G. , Shevelko V.P. , Hirlaender S. , Krasny M.W. , Stöhlker Th.
Published: May 2019

We present charge‐state evolution studies for Pb54+ ion beams passing through stripper foils at relativistic energies of 5.9 GeV/u. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the optimum target material and non‐equilibrium thickness for the efficient production of few‐electron lead ions, that is, Pb80+ and Pb81+, at the present European Organization for Nuclear Research, CERN, accelerator facility at energies as high as 5.9 GeV/u. Based on these predictions, an Al stripper foil has been selected for a proof‐of‐principle measurement in the frame of the Gamma Factory study group. The experimental data confirms a substantial yield of non‐bare Pb ions. In addition, a charge‐state evolution study for the production of Li‐like lead ions Pb79+ is presented, which will be subject of a follow‐up experiment in the near future.
Delimitation of Funga as a valid term for the diversity of fungal communities: the Fauna, Flora & Funga proposal (FF&F)
Authors: Kuhar Francisco , Furci Giuliana , Drechsler-Santos Elisandro Ricardo , Pfister Donald H.
Published: May 2019

As public policies and conservation requirements for biodiversity evolve there is a need for a term for the kingdom Fungi equivalent to Fauna and Flora. This need is considered to be urgent in order to simplify projects oriented toward implemention of educational and conservation goals. In an informal meeting held during the IX Congreso Latinoamericano de Micología by the authors, the idea of clarifying this matter initiated an extensive search of pertinent terminologies. As a result of these discussions and reviews, we propose that the word Funga be employed as an accurate and encompassing term for these purposes. This supports the proposal of the three Fs, Fauna, Flora and Funga, to highlight parallel terminology referring to treatments of these macrorganism of particular geographical areas. Alternative terms and proposals are acknowledged and discussed.
Wilson loops in terms of color invariants
Authors: Fiol Bartomeu , Martínez-Montoya Jairo , Fukelman Alan Rios
Published: May 2019

Abstract

We derive an expression for the vacuum expectation value (vev) of the 1/2 BPS circular Wilson loop of

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

super Yang Mills in terms of color invariants, valid for any representation R of any gauge group G. This expression allows us to discuss various exact relations among vevs in different representations. We also display the reduction of these color invariants to simpler ones, up to seventh order in perturbation theory, and verify that the resulting expression is considerably simpler for the logarithm of 〈W〉
R
than for 〈W〉
R
itself. We find that in the particular case of the symmetric and antisymmetric representations of SU(N), the logarithm of 〈W〉
R
satisfies a quadratic Casimir factorization up to seventh order, and argue that this property holds to all orders. Finally, we derive the large N expansion of 〈W〉
R
for an arbitrary, but fixed, representation of SU(N), up to order 1/N
2.
A semi-selective medium to isolate and identify bacteria of the genus Pantoea
Authors: Kini Kossi , Dossa Rachelle , Dossou Bernadin , Mariko Mariame , Koebnik Ralf , Silué Drissa
Published: May 2019

The isolation, purification and accurate diagnosis of Pantoea and many other bacterial species that infect rice are essential for upstream studies. However, some isolates of Pantoea and other bacteria such as Sphingomonas have similar biochemical and morphological features on common culture media and are thus difficult to isolate selectively and accurately diagnose. We thus developed a semi-selective medium containing 65 g/l (65%) NaCl that allows growth of all Pantoea strains, but inhibits other microorganisms. It can be used to isolate and purify Pantoea spp. for preliminary diagnosis.
Low income housing problems and low-income housing solutions: opportunities and challenges in Bulawayo
Authors: Average Chigwenya
Published: May 2019

The provision of housing for the low-income has been a major problem in many countries and the developing world has been hard hit. This inability has been the chief cause of the burgeoning slum settlement in cities of the globe where one billion people live in slum areas. The solution to the housing problem lies in the opening up of stakeholders’ participation in the provision of housing, where government, non-governmental organisation, multilateral agencies and the community can play a critical role. Critical in the whole process is the participation of urban poor in the provision of housing for the poor, where they are critical actors in defining housing programmes that best suit the urban poor. This research seeks to analyse the initiatives that have been taken by the urban poor in the city of Bulawayo in providing housing for the poor. The research made use both qualitative and quantitative methodologies in investigating the matter. Questionnaire was the main instrument to collect quantitative data and interviews and field observations were used to collect qualitative data. The research showed that there are a lot positive initiatives by the urban poor in the city of Bulawayo to provide house for the urban poor and these initiatives appear appealing to the poor as they are giving them a roof over their heads, which was never a dream in their lives. Though they appear noble they however fall far too short to provide sustainable housing to the poor as they appear to be a potential health hazard for the city. There is need for city authorities or any interested stakeholder to provide more support to such initiatives so that they can provide more sustainable housing for the poor. This will produce a housing scheme that will contribute to reduction of slum dwellers as called by the Millennium Development Goals.
Masturbatory Behavior in a Population Sample of German Women
Authors: Burri Andrea , Carvalheira Ana
Published: May 2019

Background

Human masturbation is and has been a very heatedly and controversially discussed topic in human sexuality. Studies investigating aspects of human masturbatory behavior and female sexual pleasure remain scarce. This lack of knowledge opens the door to further controversies and misconceptions.

Aim

To conduct an explorative study on female masturbatory behavior to gain more insight into this nonreproductive sexual behavior and provide an empiric basis for future research.

Methods

A total of 425 German women (mean age 26.6 years), 61.4% of whom were in a committed relationship, completed a comprehensive 76-item online survey consisting of study-specific, self-constructed questions and validated and standardized questionnaires.

Main Outcome Measure

Correlation and comparative analyses were performed. Results are presented numerically as means and percentages.

Results

The majority (94.5%) of women indicated having masturbated at least once in their life, with a mean age at first masturbation of 14 years. 85.9% of women described masturbation as “genital self-stimulation until reaching orgasm.” The majority of women reported masturbating 2 or 3 times a week (26.8%) or once a week (26.3%). Factors independently associated with masturbation frequency were relationship status, orgasm frequency, openness to new experience, and body acceptance. Almost all women (91.5%) reported masturbating also when in a relationship. For the 5.5% of women who had never engaged in autoerotic stimulation, the 2 main reasons were “I hardly every feel sexual desire” and “sex is a partner-only thing.” 7.6% reported never experiencing an orgasm during masturbation, whereas 50.3% indicated that they always reached orgasm during autostimulation. The reasons cited for engaging in masturbation were manifold, ranging from sexual desire to relaxation and stress reduction. The most common fantasy included the partner; however, 20.7% fantasized about being “defenseless,” and 8.7% thought about a “disturbing” scenario that they chose not to elaborate further.

Clinical Implications

For many women, masturbation does not represent “a partner substitute” to seek sexual pleasure, but rather is a stress coping and relaxation strategy.

Strengths & Limitations

This is one of the very first studies to provide more in-depth insight into a variety of aspects related to female masturbation. The representativeness of the data is limited to this particular sample of German women.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the huge diversity in terms of masturbation frequency, motivations, styles, and preferences that can be observed in this particular population sample of German women.
Effects of microparticles on deformation and microstructural evolution of fine-grained ice
Authors: SARUYA TOMOTAKA , NAKAJIMA KOKI , TAKATA MORIMASA , HOMMA TOMOYUKI , AZUMA NOBUHIKO , GOTO-AZUMA KUMIKO
Published: May 2019

We investigated the effects of microparticles and grain size on the microstructural evolutions and mechanical properties of polycrystalline ice. Uniaxial compression tests were conducted using fine-grained pure ice and silica-dispersed ice under various conditions. Deformation behavior of fine-grained ice was found to be characterized by stress exponent n ≈ 2 and activation energy Q ≈ 60 kJ mol−1. The derived strain rates of fine-grained ice were ≈ 1 order of magnitude larger than those of coarse-grained ice obtained in previous studies, and they were found to be independent of particle dispersion and dependent on the mean grain size of ice, with grain size exponent p ≈ 1.4. Work hardening was observed in dislocation creep, while the strain rate continued to decrease. These results indicate that the deformation mechanism of fine-grained ice is different from typical dislocation creep, often associated with n = 3. Although microparticles restricted grain growth, there was little direct effect on the deformation of fine-grained ice. Microstructural observations of the ice samples indicated that the grain boundaries were straight and that the subgrain boundary densities increased after deformation. Our experiments suggest that grain size and boundaries play important roles in the deformation processes of polycrystalline ice.
The Prediction of Turbulent, Supersonic, Two-Dimensional, Boundary-Layer Flows
Authors: Sivasegaram S. , Whitelaw J. H.
Published: May 2019

The prediction procedures of Bradshaw and Ferriss and Spalding and Patankar are compared with a wide range of experimental data obtained in turbulent, supersonic, two-dimensional flow. Both procedures are shown to result in satisfactory predictions of mean velocity profiles and wall shear stress in adiabatic-wall situations: in addition, the procedure of Spalding and Patankar is shown to be satisfactory in heat transfer situations. The Bradshaw and Ferriss procedure employs a turbulent energy hypothesis in contrast to the mixing-length assumptions used in the present version of the Spalding and Patankar procedure. The close agreement between the predictions of the two procedures indicates a lack of experimental data obtained in flow configurations with suddenly imposed or relaxed pressure gradients.
The Caret Wing at Certain Off-Design Conditions
Authors: Hui W H
Published: May 2019

A unified theory is given of hypersonic and supersonic flow over the lower surface of a caret wing at certain off-design conditions when the bow shock is attached to the leading edges of the wing and when there exists no internal shock. The flow field on the lower surface of a caret wing consists of uniform flow regions near the leading edges, where the cross-flow is supersonic, and a non-uniform flow in the central region, where the cross-flow is subsonic. The basic assumption is that the flow in the central region differs slightly from the two-dimensional supersonic flow over a flat plate at the same angle of incidence as that of the lower ridge of the wing. Based on this assumption, a first-order perturbation flow is first calculated and then strained and corrected so that it matches the uniform flow which is obtained exactly. Slope discontinuities of the pressure curve are found at the cross-flow sonic line. Numerical examples and comparisons with previous theories and experiments are included.
Waves near a Sonic Line in Non-Homentropic Flow
Authors: Hunt B L
Published: May 2019

This paper gives qualitative descriptions of the wave patterns near a sonic line in non-homentropic flow. It is found that these wave patterns can be quite different from the homentropic forms. The most striking differences are that, under appropriate circumstances, the sonic line can produce expansion waves and receive compression waves. Three particular flow situations are then examined with the aid of the new descriptions.
Optimum Thickness Variation in a Curved Strip under Pure Bending
Authors: Blackeby D R , Mansfield E H
Published: May 2019

This paper determines the thickness variation in an annular strip (a curved beam) under pure bending to give a constant equivalent stress based on the Mises-Hencky yield criterion. The stresses due to an applied shear are also determined.
Experimental Buckling Loads of Sandwich Panels with Carbon Fibre Faceplates
Authors: Pearce T R A , Webber J P H
Published: May 2019

Experiments to determine the overall buckling and faceplate wrinkling loads of sandwich panels with carbon fibre reinforced plastic faces and honeycomb cores when loaded under uniaxial compression are described. The results are compared with theoretical predictions which assume that the faceplates are orthotropic. The effect on the experimental loads of certain coupling terms, which occur in the constitutive equations of those faceplates which are not orthotropic, is then considered.
That the God of the Philosophers is Not the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
Authors: Samuelson Norbert
Published: May 2019

How can we decide if in fact Judah Halevi, Pascal, and Martin Buber were right when they asserted that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is not the God of the Philosophers? First we must clarify what they were asserting. What they meant was that the purported entity which the Biblical-Judaic-Christian-Moslem tradition identifies as “God” is not the same entity as the purported entity which the Jewish-Moslem-Christian traditions of philosophy identify as “God.” Presupposed in this assertion is that it is possible to say some things about each entity and on the basis of what is said about each it can be determined that they are not the same entity. It should be noted that if we claim that either entity is in every respect unknowable, there would be no way to make the assertion in question. Also it should be noted that the assertion in question does not entail that either or both entities exist. “A unicorn is not a centaur” entails some knowledge of both but it does not entail that either exists. The same is the case with the claim that Zeus is not Marduk.
The Critique on Natural Causality in the Mutakallimun and Nominalism
Authors: Courtenay William J.
Published: May 2019

One of the most significant developments in medieval Islamic thought was the emergence in the ninth and tenth centuries of a theological reaction against some of the rationalistic and deterministic elements of Greek philosophy that had begun to influence Islamic life and thought. Alongside the assimilation of Greek ideas and the development of Arabic philosophy by al-Kindi, al-Farabi, and Avicenna, a counter-movement arose, among the Mutakallimun (speculative theologians), that rejected any attempt to view nature as a closed, eternal, and necessary system or to view God as limited by human conceptions of justice or by human free will.
Valuation of a Life Assurance Company for Purchase
Authors: Bangert R. M.
Published: May 2019

There have been many sales of insurance companies in recent years, but there is nothing in the literature of the Institute which deals with valuation for this purpose. It is hoped that this paper and the discussion on it will fill this gap.