bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D and folate: A reciprocal environmental association based on seasonality and genetic disposition
Authors: Lucock Mark , Thota Rohith , Garg Manohar , Martin Charlotte , Jones Patrice , Furst John , Yates Zoe , Jablonski Nina G. , Chaplin George , Veysey Martin , Sutherland Jessie M. , Beckett Emma
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The purpose of this study was (1) to elucidate any reciprocal seasonal relationship that might exist between red cell folate (RCF) and serum vitamin D3 Levels; (2) to explore whether folate‐related gene variants that influence/alter DNA‐thymidylate and methyl group biosynthesis modify any associations detected in objective 1; and (3) to consider whether these processes might influence reproductive success consistent with the “folate‐vitamin D‐UV hypothesis of skin pigmentation” evolutionary model.

Methods

A large (n = 649) Australian cross‐sectional study population was examined. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was used to genotype C677T‐MTHFR, C1420T‐SHMT, T401C‐MTHFD and 2R > 3R‐TS. RCF was measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay and vitamin D2 and D3 by HPLC.

Results

RCF and photosynthesized vitamin D3, but not RCF and dietary vitamin D2, exhibit a significant reciprocal association in spring and summer. Three folate genes (C677T‐MTHFR, C1420T‐SHMT, and 2R > 3R‐TS) strengthen this effect in spring, and another (T401C‐MTHFD) in summer. Effects are seasonal, and do not occur over the whole year.

Conclusions

Findings are consistent with what might be required for the “folate‐vitamin D‐UV hypothesis of skin pigmentation” model. It suggests genetic influence in provision of one‐carbon units by 5,10‐methylene‐H4folate, may be an important factor in what appears to be a clear seasonal relationship between vitamin D3 and folate status.
How to perform first trimester combined screening for pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Reddy Maya , Springhall Edward Andrew , Rolnik Daniel Lorber , da Silva Costa Fabricio
Published: September 2018

Pre‐eclampsia is a common condition that affects 2–5% of pregnancies and is associated with significant maternal and perinatal morbidity, and cost to the healthcare system. In those at high risk for pre‐eclampsia, interventions such as aspirin intake have been shown to reduce prevalence of disease. However, to implement these interventions, it is essential that high‐risk women be identified early in pregnancy. A combined first trimester screening model for pre‐eclampsia that includes maternal history, mean arterial pressure, uterine artery Doppler and PlGF has been shown to be the most effective at identifying the population at greatest risk of pre‐eclampsia. This article will explore the most appropriate methods of measuring the components of first trimester screening and discuss the use of aspirin for prevention of pre‐eclampsia in pregnancy.
Total intravenous anesthesia vs inhaled anesthetic for intraoperative visualization during endoscopic sinus surgery: a double blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Little Michael , Tran Victor , Chiarella Angelo , Wright Erin D.
Published: September 2018

Background

Bleeding during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) can impair visualization and delay surgical progress. The role that anesthetic technique may have on the quality of surgical field during ESS has been previously studied. However, meta‐analyses have deemed the current literature inconclusive and lacking methodological consistency. This study was designed with these critiques in mind to assess the effect of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) vs inhaled anesthetic on the quality of the surgical field during ESS.

Methods

This study was a double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial of 30 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class 1 or 2 undergoing bilateral ESS for the primary diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis. In addition to standard techniques to minimize blood loss, study patients were randomized to maintenance anesthesia with intravenous propofol or inhaled desflurane. Anesthetic depth was standardized using bispectral index (BIS). The primary outcome measured was the Wormald grading scale to assess the endoscopic surgical field.

Results

The use of TIVA was associated with a statistically significant reduction in mean Wormald score compared to desflurane (4.21 vs 5.53, p = 0.024). Mean Boezaart score was also lower in the TIVA arm (2.18 vs 2.76, p = 0.034). Experimental groups were homogeneous in all compared baseline characteristics. Secondary outcomes including surgical duration, time to extubation, and estimated blood loss were not found to be statistically significant between experimental groups.

Conclusion

Even with all other factors implemented to optimize the surgical field, utilization of TIVA vs inhaled anesthetic still resulted in a statistically significant improvement in surgical field during ESS.
Sentinels at the wall: epithelial‐derived cytokines serve as triggers of upper airway type 2 inflammation
Authors: Patel Neil N. , Kohanski Michael A. , Maina Ivy W. , Workman Alan D. , Herbert De'Broski R. , Cohen Noam A.
Published: September 2018

Recent evidence has demonstrated an expanding role of respiratory epithelial cells in immune surveillance and modulation. Studies have been focusing on the earliest events that link epithelial injury to downstream inflammatory responses. Cytokines produced by and released from respiratory epithelial cells are among these early trigger signals. Epithelial‐derived cytokines, namely thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin (IL)‐25, and IL‐33, have come to the forefront of recent investigations. Each of these 3 cytokines has been implicated in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), asthma, and atopy. Herein we review studies elucidating the roles of epithelial‐derived cytokines in the pathobiology of upper airway disease, with particular emphasis on type 2 inflammatory conditions.
Semiconductor Nanocrystal Engineering by Applying Thiol‐ and Solvent‐Coordinated Cation Exchange Kinetics
Authors: Bai Bing , Xu Meng , Li Nan , Chen Wenxing , Liu Jiajia , Liu Jia , Rong Hongpan , Fenske Dieter , Zhang Jiatao
Published: September 2018

Thiol‐ and solvent‐coordinated cation exchange kinetics have been applied to engineer the composition and crystallinity of novel nanocrystals. The detailed thermodynamics and kinetics of the reactions were explored by NMR spectroscopy, time‐dependent photoluminescence (PL) characterizations and theoretical simulations. The fine structure of the colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (CSNCs) was investigated by X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). In this way, high‐quality p‐type Ag‐doped ZnS quantum dots (QDs) and Au@ZnS hetero‐nanocrystals with a cubic phase ZnS shell were synthesized successfully.The unprecedented dominant Ag+‐dopant‐induced fluorescence and p‐type conductivity in the zinc‐blende ZnS are reported.
Ultrastabilisierung von Zeolith Y wandelt Brønsted‐Brønsted‐Säurepaare in Brønsted‐Lewis‐Säurepaare um
Authors: Schroeder Christian , Hansen Michael Ryan , Koller Hubert
Published: September 2018

In den Super‐ und den Sodalith‐Käfigen von Zeolith H,Na‐Y wurde jeweils ein Paar von Brønsted‐Säurezentren identifiziert, die durch Ultrastabilisierung (Dealuminierung) in Paare von Brønsted‐ und Lewis‐Säurezentren umgewandelt wurden. Diese milde postsynthetische Behandlung ist ein wichtiger Prozess, um den Katalysator für industrielle Anwendungen zu optimieren. Die Paare wurden mithilfe von 1H‐Doppelquanten‐NMR‐Experimenten am dehydratisierten Zeolithen H,Na‐Y und dessen ultrastabilisierter Form H,Na‐USY untersucht. Diese Methode ermöglicht den Nachweis von Brønsted‐ und Lewis‐Säurepaaren und deren Unterscheidung von isolierten Säurezentren mit bisher unerreichter Auflösung. Die Dealuminierung wurde außerdem durch statische 27Al‐Festkörper‐NMR‐Experimente beobachtet.
Structural Elucidation of Trace Components Combining GC/MS, GC/IR, DFT‐Calculation and Synthesis—Salinilactones, Unprecedented Bicyclic Lactones from Salinispora Bacteria
Authors: Schlawis Christian , Kern Simone , Kudo Yuta , Grunenberg Jörg , Moore Bradley S. , Schulz Stefan
Published: September 2018

The analysis of volatiles released by marine Salinispora bacteria uncovered a new class of natural compounds displaying an unusual bicyclic [3.1.0]‐lactone skeleton. Although only sub‐μg quantities of the compounds were available, the combination of analytical methods, computational spectroscopy, and synthesis allowed unambiguous structural identification of the compounds, called salinilactones, without the need for isolation. Orthogonal hyphenated methods, GC/MS and solid‐phase GC/IR allowed to propose a small set of structures consistent with the data. A candidate structure was selected by comparison of DFT‐calculated IR spectra and the experimental IR‐spectrum. Synthesis confirmed the structure and absolute configuration of three bicyclic lactones, salinilactones A–C. The salinilactones are structurally closely related to the A‐factor class of compounds, autoregulators from streptomycete bacteria. They exhibited inhibitory activity against Salinispora and Streptomyces strains.
Photoinduced Palladium‐Catalyzed Negishi Cross‐Couplings Enabled by the Visible‐Light Absorption of Palladium–Zinc Complexes
Authors: Abdiaj Irini , Huck Lena , Mateo José Miguel , de la Hoz Antonio , Gomez M. Victoria , Díaz‐Ortiz Angel , Alcázar Jesús
Published: September 2018

A visible‐light‐induced Negishi cross‐coupling is enabled by the activation of a Pd0–Zn complex. With this photocatalytic method, the scope of deactivated aryl halides that can be employed in the Negishi coupling was significantly expanded. NMR experiments conducted in the presence and absence of light confirmed that the formation of the palladium–zinc complex is key for accelerating the oxidative addition step.
Physiochemical characterization and support interaction of alumina‐supported heteropolyacid catalyst for biodiesel production
Authors: Kurhade Ankeeta , Dalai Ajay K.
Published: September 2018

12‐Tungstophosphoric acid (TPA)‐supported γ‐Al2O3 catalysts were synthesized with varying TPA loadings. Catalysts characteristics were determined using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis, thermogravimetric analyses, X‐ray diffraction, Raman, pyridine‐adsorbed Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and 13C hpdec (high‐power 1H decoupling) nuclear magnetic resonance, whereas surface morphology was studied using scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy analyses. Surface defects were found in the catalyst with higher TPA loadings (55–65 wt.%). The presence of WOx was observed at higher loadings and later agglomerated into tungsten oxide crystals. The TPA impregnated catalysts were investigated for biodiesel synthesis from canola oil. The reaction was found to be independent of mass transfer limitation. The activation energy was 33.6 kJ mol−1, and pre‐exponential factor was 7.3*10−2 min−1. The turnover frequency for the supported catalysts was found in the range of 9.7*10−4–8.8*10−2 min−1. A conversion of 94.9 ± 2.3% was obtained under the optimized conditions, that is, 10 wt.% of the catalyst loading, 17.5 methanol to oil molar ratio, 4 MPa, and at 200°C in 10 hr.
A simple one‐step drop‐coating approach on fabrication of supported carbon molecular sieve membranes with high gas separation performance
Authors: Wu Yonghong , Wang Fei , Zhang Bing , Zhao Dandan , Wang Tonghua , Qiu Jieshan
Published: September 2018

Supported carbon molecular sieve membranes (CMSMs) were fabricated from polyimide, via coating, drying, and pyrolysis. Thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope were used to characterize the thermal stability of precursor, microstructure, and morphology of CMSMs, respectively. The influences of coating droplets, pyrolysis temperature, permeation temperature, and pressure on the gas permeation of CMSMs were investigated. Results show that high‐performance CMSMs can be easily obtained by one‐step drop‐coating. Coating with more droplets brings about more amorphous microstructure and higher gas permeability of CMSMs. The gas permeability of CMSMs increases with elevating permeation temperature or reducing pyrolysis temperature. The as‐prepared CMSMs can enrich the molar composition of oxygen to 66% from the compressed air by single one time.
A novel approach for synthesis of poly(norbornene)‐co‐poly(styrene) block copolymers via metathesis polymerization and free‐radical polymerization
Authors: Miao Pengcheng , Lin Shaohui , Rempel Garry L. , Pan Qinmin
Published: September 2018

It is successfully realized that block copolymers are synthesized via metathesis polymerization followed by free‐radical polymerization. This method is performed using styrene (St) and norbornene, one block is synthesized using the Grubbs second generation catalyst in the presence of chain transfer agents, and the subsequent polymerization of St is initiated by azo compounds to complete the additional blocks in the copolymers. The use of free‐radical polymerization instead of controlled radical polymerization or ionic polymerization can be potentially superior for industrialization. As a result, the molecular weights of the block copolymers ranging from 10.4 to 54.3 kDa and polydispersity indices ranging from 1.30 to 1.91 are obtained. In principle, this new method can be potentially useful to prepare a broad range of block copolymers with cyclic olefin groups in the main chains, which may be used in some particular applications.
Curcumin incorporated PVA‐borax dual delivery hydrogels as potential wound dressing materials—Correlation between viscoelastic properties and curcumin release rate
Authors: Rezvan Gelareh , Pircheraghi Gholamreza , Bagheri Reza
Published: September 2018

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a biocompatible polymer which can be physically crosslinked by Borax to form hydrogel. PVA‐Borax (PB) hydrogel is a promising candidate for drug delivery system. Therefore, it is necessary to find the quantitative relationship between drug release rate and network structure of PB hydrogels to predict and control drug release rate. In this work, at first step the optimum ratio of Borax: PVA was determined by studying the interactions between PVA chains and Borax molecules by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, while viscoelastic properties of prepared PB hydrogels were measured in the oscillatory shear flow field. In the following, curcumin as a hydrophobic drug was encapsulated in Pluronic F127 micelles and then these nano carriers (Cur‐P) were loaded into prepared hydrogels. The curcumin release rate in PBS solution was investigated by UV–vis spectroscopy measurements. The strong power law correlation between curcumin release rate and viscoelastic properties of PB hydrogel was confirmed. This drug delivery vehicle can be used as a competent wound dress. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46734.
Bromomethylated poly(phenylene oxide) (BPPO)‐assisted fabrication of UiO‐66‐NH2/BPPO/polyethersulfone mixed matrix membrane for enhanced gas separation
Authors: Jia Mingmin , Feng Yi , Qiu Jianhao , Lin Xiaocheng , Yao Jianfeng
Published: September 2018

UiO‐66‐NH2nanocrystals were synthesized and embedded into bromomethylated poly(phenylene oxide)/polyethersulfone (BPPO/PES) polymer matrix to form UiO‐66‐NH2/BPPO/PES mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The crystalline structure, interaction between UiO‐66‐NH2and BPPO, and dispersion of UiO‐66‐NH2were characterized by FTIR, XRD, and SEM. Nanoparticle dispersion was drastically enhanced with the assistance of BPPO, giving an improved adhesion between the polymer and filler particles. Owing to the intrinsic adsorption property of UiO‐66‐NH2and BPPO to CO2, the CO2permeability was significantly increased. As a result, the UiO‐66‐NH2/BPPO/PES membrane exhibited enhanced gas separation performance, where CO2/N2and H2/N2ideal selectivities were increased to 50.2 and 302.4 with a CO2permeability of 125.6 Barrer. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 46759.
Preparation and characterization of shape memory composite foams based on solid foaming method
Authors: Yao Y. , Zhou T. , Xu Y. , Liu Y. , Leng J.
Published: September 2018

As we know, shape‐memory foams with porous feature are better suited for a certain application compared with their solid counterparts, especially in tissue engineering, drug delivery, filtration, etc. In this study, a type of biocompatible composite foam with shape‐memory property has been developed on the basis of biocompatible materials cross‐linked poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and silk fibrin (SF). Solid‐state foaming method was used to fabricate the composite shape‐memory foam. Hierarchical cellular foam with micropore on the cellular wall was observed. To optimize pore morphology, the relationship between cross‐linking agent content/reinforcement filler content and PCL matrix was investigated. Excellent shape‐recovery property (>97.6%) and shape‐fixing property (>98%) have been achieved for PCL foam. For composite foams, SF addition is not too much effective on their shape‐memory property by varying SF content. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46767.
Comparison of ethyl cellulose–gelatin composite films fabricated by electrospinning versus solvent casting
Authors: Liu Yuyu , Deng Lingli , Zhang Cen , Chen Kailun , Feng Fengqin , Zhang Hui
Published: September 2018

In this study, we fabricated ethyl cellulose (EC)–gelatin (G) composite films by solvent casting and electrospinning. The characterization of the cast and electrospun films was performed by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectrometry, and water contact angle measurements. The results showed that the blending of EC with G improved the spinnability of the composite films with higher thermal stability. Compared with solvent casting, electrospinning induced a helix‐to‐coil transition of G and provided more hydrogen‐forming sites for EC to form a compatible network. Interestingly, the electrospun composite film had a hydrophobic surface with a water contact angle of 113.8°, whereas the cast composite film showed a hydrophilic surface at 67.5°. The confocal laser scanning microscopy observations suggested that after water immersion, the cast composite film collapsed into aggregates, whereas the electrospun composite film maintained the nanofibrous structures well; this indicated an improved water resistance. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46824.
Dynamic relaxations in a bio‐based polyamide with enhanced mechanical modulus
Authors: Haddou G. , Roggero A. , Dandurand J. , Dantras E. , Ponteins P. , Lacabanne C.
Published: September 2018

A new grade of bio‐based polyamide (PA)—PA meta‐xylylene diamine 10 (PA mXD 10)—was investigated. Its first interest is that it permits mild processing conditions at about 200 °C. The calorimetric study shows the existence of two cold crystallizations indicative of slow crystallization rate. The glass transition stabilizes at 55 °C. By combining calorimetry with dynamic mechanical analysis and dynamic dielectric spectroscopy, we found a perfect consistency between the set of data giving the molecular mobility. The localized relaxations follow Arrhenius equations while the viscoelastic transition follows a Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann law. The compilation of all the relaxation times determined by means of the different analyses highlights a good correlation. This result is perfectly explained by the polarity of the macromolecular chain. The dynamic mechanical behavior showed a storage modulus higher than for the corresponding aliphatic PA and nearly constant until room temperature. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46846.
Controlled‐release fertilizer based on poly(butylene succinate)/urea/clay and its effect on lettuce growth
Authors: Baldanza V. A. R. , Souza F. G. , Filho S. T. , Franco H. A. , Oliveira G. E. , Caetano R. M. J. , Hernandez J. A. R. , Ferreira Leite S. G. , Furtado Sousa A. M. , Nazareth Silva A. L.
Published: September 2018

Controlled‐release fertilizer is one of the most critical tools in agribusiness for decreasing environmental impacts. Thus, the development of bio‐based systems able to induce the slow release of fertilizers has become the focus of numerous researchers. In this sense, this work presents a slow‐release fertilizer prepared by melt mixing of poly(butylene succinate) filled with 30 wt % urea and 5 wt % montmorillonite clay. The obtained materials were characterized using FTIR, XRD, and SAXS. Also, the release of urea was investigated using gravimetric and spectrophotometric tests. Finally, a vegetable growth analysis was performed to evaluate the development of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). The best composite material can increase the diameter of the lettuce by 67%, whereas the conventional use of urea increased this diameter by 48%. Therefore, the presented materials are useful as fertilizer systems.
Sodium humate modified superabsorbent resin with higher salt‐tolerating and moisture‐resisting capacities
Authors: Guan H.L. , Yong D.L. , Fan M.X. , Yu X.L. , Wang Z. , Liu J.J. , Li J.B.
Published: September 2018

The superabsorbent resin (SAR) containing sodium humate (SH) has been synthesized by free‐radical graft copolymerization with acrylic acid, 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid, and SH as monomers in aqueous solution, using N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide as crosslinking reagent and potassium persulfate as initiator. The structure and morphology of the as‐prepared SARs were fully characterized by Fourier transform infrared , scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. Meanwhile, the effects of crosslinking reagent, initiator, SH, and neutralization degree on the water absorbency of SAR were studied. The results showed that the adding of SH in the SAR enhanced the salt‐tolerating and moisture‐resisting capacities obviously. The SAR without SH [poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)/2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic (AMPS)] showed a maximum water absorbency of 600 g g−1 in distilled water and 60 g g−1 in 0.9 wt % NaCl solution, while SAR modified by SH (PAA/AMPS/SH) exhibited the maximum water absorbency of 1380 g g−1 in distilled water and 117 g g−1 in 0.9 wt % NaCl solution. Furthermore, the moisture‐resisting capacity of PAA/AMPS/SH decreases to 8 wt % compared with PAA/AMPS. PAA/AMPS/SH also has better water absorbency in different cation solutions. The results indicated that the introduction of SH could enhance the performance of SAR obviously. The possible reasons with this enhancement were also investigated. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46892.
Relationship between the passivation of TiO2particles and LLDPE photodegradation: a comparison between bulk and surface impacts
Authors: Castillo‐Reyes Blanca E. , Quiñones‐Jurado Zoe V. , Catarino‐Centeno R. , López‐Jiménez J. Roberto , Pérez Elías
Published: September 2018

The effect of the concentration of alumina (Al2O3) and silica (SiO2) used to passivate titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles on the photodegradation of plastic films containing these particles was investigated. The films were made of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) containing four different types of passivated TiO2particles. The UV degradation of the films was evaluated for the surface and the bulk by measuring the physical and chemical changes as a function of time. The surface chemical and physical degradation effects were measured by ATR‐FTIR and AFM, respectively. A statistical Gaussian adjustment was proposed to correlate the AFM depth profiles of the eroded surfaces of the films after the photodegradation process. The bulk physical effect was evidenced by the loss of mechanical properties in the films. The results showed that the higher the concentrations of Al2O3are, the better the inhibition of the photodegradation of the LLDPE films. In this study, it was confirmed that the observed UV degradation effect correlated at both the surface and bulk levels. The results showed not only the reduction of the photodegradative effect as the passivation of the TiO2particles increased but also the possibility of using these particles as UV stabilizers of LLDPE films. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47026.
Preface
Authors: Hudec R. , Urban M. , Nentvich O.
Published: September 2018

The fifteenth of a series of successful workshops on high‐energy astrophysics and related ground experiments was held in Karlovy Vary from April 16 to 20, 2018. The INTEGRAL/BART Workshop (IBWS) was a working meeting of experts (with strong participation of young research fellows and students) in the field of space exploration with the help of satellites observing in the γ‐ and X‐ray regions and the related ground‐based experiments using, e.g., robotic telescopes.
Decomposing blazar spectra into lepto‐hadronic emission components
Authors: Gokus A. , Richter S. , Spanier F. , Kreter M. , Kadler M. , Mannheim K. , Wilms J.
Published: September 2018

The recently reported coincidences between high‐energy neutrino events and major blazar outbursts reinforce the relevance of lepto‐hadronic emission models for blazars. We study the influence of physical parameters on the neutrino output by modeling blazar spectral energy distributions self‐consistently assuming a relativistically propagating acceleration zone surrounded by a larger cooling zone. We find that the gross features of the spectral energy distribution can readily be explained with the model. A rigorous test requires time‐resolved measurements of blazar spectral energy distributions during an outburst and high‐statistics neutrino measurements to discriminate the leptonic and hadronic emission components.
Optimization of mirror spacing or pore width of lobster eye optics
Authors: Tichý V. , Willingale R.
Published: September 2018

Equations for the analytical calculation of gain and effective collecting area (length) of lobster eye systems are presented. The effect of mirror spacing (pore width) is analyzed, and equation for its optimal value with respect to effective collecting area (length) is found. The equations are applicable for Schmidt and Angel lobster eye designs.
Outgassing monitor on VZLUSAT‐1: Preliminary results
Authors: Urban M. , Nentvich O. , Stehlikova V. , Sieger L. , Mikulickova L.
Published: September 2018

The first results of an outgassing monitor on board of the first Czech CubeSat launched into Earth's orbit are presented in this paper. VZLUSAT‐1 was launched in June 2017 as a technological satellite and is still operating in the LEO orbit. A newly developed carbon‐fiber‐reinforced plastic, which can be used as a radiation shield, is one of the tested items on board. The amount of outgassing is one of its critical properties for space applications. Water vapor is the largest part of matter outgassed from mounted composites and other components. Thus a novel monitoring device based on several types of humidity sensors was proposed to be used on board of the VZLUSAT‐1 nanosatellite as one of the payloads. This paper presents the responses of these sensors and discusses their applicability in the space environment.
Photometric calibration of a wide‐field sky survey data from Mini‐MegaTORTORA
Authors: Karpov S. , Beskin G. , Biryukov A. , Bondar S. , Ivanov E. , Katkova E. , Orekhova N. , Perkov A. , Sasyuk V.
Published: September 2018

Mini‐MegaTORTORA is a nine‐channel wide‐field camera that continuously monitors the sky looking for rapid optical transients since mid‐2014. It is also performing a regular sky survey, and has already acquired nearly half a million images covering every point of Northern Sky hundreds to thousands of times. Photometric analysis of these data may provide a huge amount of information useful for the detection and characterization of different types of variable objects. Here we present a brief description of our activities related to the acquisition, processing, and calibration of these data, as well as examples of uncataloged variable stars of various types detected during the analysis.
Radiation resistance monitor on VZLUSAT‐1: Preliminary results
Authors: Stehlikova V. , Urban M. , Nentvich O. , Sieger L.
Published: September 2018

The technological CubeSat VZLUSAT‐1 was launched in June 2017, and carries a number of scientific and commercial experiments aboard. Several of them are focused on in‐orbit investigation of a novel carbon‐fiber composite developed by the 5 M company; examination of residual liquid evaporation, change of eigenfrequencies of the material due to aging, and shielding abilities against cosmic radiation. The quality of shielding is evaluated from a comparative measurement between three channels with different shielding. Each channel contains a calibrated biased PIN (p‐type, intrinsic, n‐type semiconductor regions) diode as the radiation sensor, which is sensitive to radiation in the 6–80 keV energy range. Preliminary results from the in‐orbit measurements are presented in this paper.
Low‐dispersion spectroscopy with cubesats and photographic plates
Authors: Hudec R.
Published: September 2018

We will briefly present the proposal for the UV experiment based on low‐dispersion spectroscopy (LDS) of stars for cubesat mission, as well as the potential of LDS with digitized photographic plates taken mostly by Schmidt telescopes. Extended databases of these records are available at numerous observatories, mainly in the United States, with the total estimated number exceeding 100,000. They represent a valuable source of astrophysical information, especially for automated searches for objects with peculiar spectra as well as for (prominent) spectral changes.
Searching for (data on) Cracow astroplates
Authors: Kundera T. , Kuligowska E. , Stachowski G. , Bajan K.
Published: September 2018

We briefly describe the issues and problems related to gathering our astronomical plates in one place – and preserving them. For a variety of reasons, they have not been properly preserved or stored in the past, which led to significant damages and losses. The general condition of the plates is discussed here, together with our most recent findings and future plans to use them for science.
Toe Walking Assessment in Autism Spectrum Disorder Subjects: A Systematic Review
Authors: Valagussa Giulio , Trentin Luca , Signori Alessio , Grossi Enzo
Published: September 2018

There is increasing evidence that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) subjects have also motor impairments. Toe walking (TW) is a phenomenon that can be found in ASD subjects during gait, even if this condition was found not to be necessarily related only to walking, since these children often also stand and run on their tiptoes. Since persistent TW in ASD subjects may contribute to secondary shortening of the Achilles's tendon, it becomes important to have an assessment tool and/or outcome measure for both the clinical and rehabilitative settings. The aim of this systematic review is to critically evaluate and describe the methods employed to assess toe walking in ASD subjects. The systematic review protocol was previously registered on PROSPERO. We conducted an extensive literature search in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases. There were no restrictions on the types of study design eligible for inclusion. Ten studies were included in the systematic review. Risk of bias of the included studies was conducted using the following instruments depending on the study types: STROBE Statement, Cochrane risk of bias tool, and CARE checklist. Almost all the included studies (8/10) proposed a tip‐toe behavior (TTB) assessment only during walking. Nine out of ten of the included studies assessed TTB using a qualitative methodology. The results evidenced the heterogeneity of qualitative methods and a lack of a structured quantitative test to assess toe walking in ASD subjects. Autism Res 2018, 11: 1404–1415. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Abstract

Toe walking (TW) is a phenomenon that can be found during ASD subject's gait. The persistence of this behavior may contribute to secondary Achilles's tendon shortening. In this perspective it becomes important to have an assessment tool and/or outcome measure for both the clinical and rehabilitative settings. The current systematic review aimed to describe the methods employed to assess TW. The results evidenced the lack and the need of a structured quantitative test to assess TW in ASD subjects.
Statische und dynamische Reibwertermittlung an geschliffenen Segmentfugen
Authors: Hartwig Steffen , Marx Steffen , Betz Thorsten
Published: September 2018

Die Entwicklung der Türme von Windenergieanlagen (WEA) hat eine Vielzahl von Konstruktionen hervorgebracht und bereits bestehende Konstruktionsarten wurden stetig weiterentwickelt. Eine dieser Konstruktionen ist die Segmentbauweise, welche sich aufgrund der großen Anzahl an vorgefertigten Bauteilen für den Turmbau besonders gut eignet. Von besonderer Bedeutung bei dieser Konstruktion sind die entstehenden Segmentfugen, welche bereits im Brückenbau vielfach untersucht wurden. Als großer Unterschied zum Brückenbau werden die Segmente jedoch nicht mit Schubverzahnungen ausgeführt, sondern größtenteils als geschliffene Trockenfugen ausgebildet. Bei einer Vorspannung der Türme mit einer externen Vorspannung erfolgt die Kraftübertragung in den Segmentfugen somit ausschließlich über Reibung. Die in der Vergangenheit durchgeführten Untersuchungen von solchen „sehr glatten“ Fugen wurden i. d. R. an glatt geschalten Oberflächen und nicht an geschliffenen Proben durchgeführt. Es ist daher fraglich, inwieweit die derzeitigen Normenwerte zu der Konstruktionsart der geschliffenen Segmentfugen passen. Weiter handelt es sich bei den Türmen von WEA um hochdynamisch beanspruchte Konstruktionen. Somit gilt es zu klären, ob der i. d. R. statisch ermittelte Reibbeiwert über die Dauer der dynamischen Lasten Bestand hat. Die Ergebnisse der durchgeführten statischen als auch dynamischen Versuche zur Ermittlung des Reibbeiwerts werden ausgewertet und diskutiert.
Estimation of adjusted expected excess length‐of‐stay associated with ventilation‐acquired pneumonia in intensive care: A multistate approach accounting for time‐dependent mechanical ventilation
Authors: Bluhmki Tobias , Allignol Arthur , Ruckly Stephane , Timsit Jean‐Francois , Wolkewitz Martin , Beyersmann Jan
Published: September 2018

The expected excess length‐of‐stay is an established concept to assess the health and economic impact of nosocomial, that is, hospital‐acquired infections such as ventilation‐acquired pneumonia in intensive care. Estimation must account for the timing of infection as in a multistate perspective, because common retrospective comparisons yield inflated estimates due to time‐dependent bias. Since occurrence of ventilation‐acquired pneumonia is closely linked to ventilation status, we suggest a multistate model incorporating time‐dependent mechanical ventilation as additional states. The appeal is that the expected excess length‐of‐stay decomposes into extra days spent under ventilation and not under ventilation. This is not only highly relevant from a patient's perspective regarding quality of life, but also from an economic point of view, because ventilation is a major cost driver. The challenge is that estimation involves complex functionals of the matrix of transition probabilities, which in turn are based on the transition hazards. To address heterogeneity between patients, which is a common phenomenon in observational hospital epidemiology, we apply pseudovalue regression to adjust the ventilation‐specific quantities for baseline confounding. The performance of our proposal is assessed by simulation and the methods are illustrated on data provided by 12 French intensive care units. Preliminary results indicate that the expected excess length‐of‐stay associated with ventilation‐acquired pneumonia is mainly triggered by extra days spent under mechanical ventilation, and that the excess is most pronounced for intensive care patients with fewer comorbidities at baseline. We also find that such a decomposition is challenging for early times. Example code is provided.
Unraveling the genetic basis of fast l‐arabinose consumption on top of recombinant xylose‐fermenting Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Wang Xin , Yang Junjie , Yang Sheng , Jiang Yu
Published: September 2018

One major challenge in the bioconversion of lignocelluloses into ethanol is to develop Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains that can utilize all available sugars in biomass hydrolysates, especially the d‐xylose and l‐arabinose that cannot be fermented by the S. cerevisiae strain naturally. Here, we integrated an l‐arabinose utilization cassette (AUC) into the genome of an efficient d‐xylose fermenting industrial diploid S. cerevisiae strain CIBTS0735 to make strain CIBTS1972. After evolving on arabinose, CIBTS1974 with excellent fermentation capacity was obtained. A comparison between genome sequences of strains CIBTS1974 and CIBTS1972 revealed that the copy number of the AUC had increased from 1 to 12. We then constructed the AUC null‐mutant CIBTS1975 and gradually rescued the l‐arabinose utilization defect by integrating AUC iteratively. On the other hand, the parental strain CIBTS0735 was able to acquire the same performance as CIBTS1974 by the direct introduction of 12 copies of the AUC; the performance was further improved by adding two more copies. Besides, we found that not the two transporters present in the AUC were both needed during l‐arabinose utilization, GAL2 was necessary and STP2 was not essential. We have described for the first time that a high copy number of AUC is sufficient for the strain to metabolize l‐arabinose efficiently independent of evolution.
A fully online sensor‐equipped, disposable multiphase microbioreactor as a screening platform for biotechnological applications
Authors: Lladó Maldonado Susanna , Panjan Peter , Sun Shiwen , Rasch Detlev , Sesay Adama M. , Mayr Torsten , Krull Rainer
Published: September 2018

A new disposable, multiphase, microbioreactor (MBR; with a working volume of 550 μl) equipped with online sensors is presented for biotechnological screening research purposes owing to its high‐throughput potential. Its design and fabrication, online sensor integration, and operation are described. During aerobic cultivation, sufficient oxygen supply is the most important factor that influences growth and product formation. The MBR is a microbubble column bioreactor (μBC), and the oxygen supply was realized by active pneumatic bubble aeration, ensuring sufficient volumetric liquid‐phase mass transfer (k
L
a) and proper homogenization of the cultivation broth. The μBC was equipped with miniaturized sensors for the pH, dissolved oxygen, optical density and glucose concentration that allowed real‐time online monitoring of these process variables during cultivation. The challenge addressed here was the integration of sensors in the limited available space. The MBR was shown to be a suitable screening platform for the cultivation of biological systems. Batch cultivations of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae were performed to observe the variation in the process variables over time and to show the robustness and operability of all the online sensors in the MBR.
Monitoring Plant Health Using a Plant Microbial Fuel Cell
Authors: Yoon Tae Hang , Song Hak Jin , Jung Woo Young , Kim Ji Eun , Kim Kwang Jin , Kim Ho Hyun , Kumaran Rangarajulu Senthil , Kim Sunghyun , Kim Hyung Joo
Published: September 2018

A plant health monitoring method based on a plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC) technique was investigated. The reducing action of plant exudates on electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) in the rhizosphere was used as the basis of the method. Ardisia pusilla was used as an experimental plant. The results indicated that the open circuit potential (OCP) development from the PMFC is closely related to plant health and affected by the cultivation environment. Distinctive OCP developments were observed using the PMFC with live, dead (heat shocked), or no plant. Cultivation conditions such as watering, fertilizing, temperature variation, and lighting affected OCP development from the PMFC. Plant root viability analysis indicated that OCP development from the PMFC is closely related to plant health. These results suggest that this method based on the PMFC technique is a facile, cost‐effective, and rapid tool for monitoring plant health.
Analysis of competence acquisition in a flipped classroom approach
Authors: Estriegana Rosa , Medina‐Merodio José‐Amelio , Barchino Roberto
Published: September 2018

Higher Education Institutions are interested in describing qualifications in terms of competences and abilities that prepare graduates best for their future professional and social life. This study aims to analyze students’ acquisition of competences, on one hand, inside the classroom using a flipped learning approach, on the other hand, outside the classroom through students’ self‐study using information and communication technology resources such as teaching videos, virtual labs, simulations, or game‐based learning. The study also wants to shed light on the relationship between the achieved competences and the learning outcomes. The analysis was based on the data collected from a core subject in the first year of the Computer Engineering and Information Systems degree courses. The answers to an online survey (n = 285) were examined by using a structural equation model with 13 observed and seven latent variables. The results obtained show that the learning environment created inside and outside the classroom plays a key role in the acquisition and development of the three competences analyzed: systematic, personal, and cooperative. Our findings also suggest that competence or skills acquisition, despite being considered one of the main issues in the higher education qualifications framework, does not exactly match the academic results measured during the assessment process.
New CAD/CAM course framework in digital manufacturing
Authors: Wang Xiaoqin , Bi Zhuming
Published: September 2018

Despite the importance of manufacturing industry, its position in a nation's economy has shown its shrinking; the workforce in manufacturing industry has been continuously declined. Engineering universities are highly pressured to attract new‐generation youth to traditional engineering programs and improve their retention ratios by keeping students in engineering programs. There is an emerging need to bring some innovations in engineering curriculum design to keep up with the rapid changes in other fields, especially, information technology (IT). In this paper, we focus on our effort in developing a new computer aided design (CAD) and computer integrated manufacturing CAM) course. Literatures on CAD/CAM course designs are surveyed to identify the limitations in traditional teaching CAD/CAM, the trend of manufacturing technologies is discussed to determine the industry's expectations of their new employees. A new CAD/CAM course has been designed by incorporating the theory of Digital Manufacturing and CAD/CAM integrated tools together in teaching.
Masking the Peroxidase‐Like Activity of the Molybdenum Disulfide Nanozyme Enables Label‐Free Lipase Detection
Authors: Nandu Nidhi , Salih Hizir Mustafa , Roberston Neil M. , Ozturk Birol , Yigit Mehmet V.
Published: September 2018

Two‐dimensional MoS2 nanoparticles (2D‐nps) exhibit artificial enzyme properties that can be regulated at bio‐nanointerfaces. We discovered that protein lipase is able to tune the peroxidase‐like activity of MoS2 2D‐nps, offering low‐nanomolar, label‐free detection and identification in samples with unknown identity. The inhibition of the peroxidase‐like activity of the MoS2 2D‐nps was demonstrated to be concentration dependent, and as low as 5 nm lipase was detected with this approach. The results were compared with those obtained with several other proteins that did not display any significant interference with the nanozyme behavior of the MoS2 2D‐nps. This unique response of lipase was characterized and exploited for the successful identification of lipase in six unknown samples by using qualitative visual inspection and a quantitative statistical analysis method. The developed methodology in this approach is noteworthy for many aspects; MoS2 2D‐nps are neither labeled with a signaling moiety nor modified with any ligands for signal readout. Only the intrinsic nanozyme activity of the MoS2 2D‐nps is exploited for this detection approach. No analytical equipment is necessary for the visual detection of lipase. The synthesis of the water‐soluble MoS2 2D‐nps is low costing and can be performed in bulk scale. Exploring the properties of 2D‐nps and their interactions with biological materials reveals highly interesting yet instrumental features that offer the development of novel bioanalytical approaches.
Applying Le Chatelier's Principle for a Highly Efficient Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation with Ethanol as the Hydrogen Source
Authors: Weingart Pascal , Thiel Werner R.
Published: September 2018

While isopropanol or formic acid derivatives are mainly applied as hydrogen sources in catalytic transfer hydrogenation reactions, there are only a few reports on the use of primary alcohols. In the present communication we report that ecologically benign and cheap ethanol can be applied with a ruthenium(II) that is completely stable against moisture and oxygen. Catalytic transfer hydrogenation is an equilibrium reaction. Therefore, a rapid removal of acetic aldehyde being formed as the product of ethanol oxidation is the key for high conversions. The reaction shows a broad substrate scope and allows the hydrogenation of ketones, aldehydes and imines.
Simultaneous Design and Control of a Ternary Reactive Distillation Column with Inert Material
Authors: Vasudevan Aneesh , Narayanasamy Selvaraju , Paramasivan Ganesh
Published: September 2018

Process integration means significant challenges in operating a chemical process dynamically due to its complexity. One example is the ternary reactive distillation with inert material. Based on the heuristic approach, chemical process design and process control are performed independently one after another. This may lead to infeasible solutions either in process design and control or in both. The application of simultaneous design and control, formulated as mixed‐integer dynamic optimization (MIDO) problems, increased rapidly in the last decade. Simultaneous process design and control, including control structure selection and control parameters, is devised for the challenging benchmark problem of a ternary reactive distillation with inert material. The improved process design and control is obtained by solving the MIDO problem.
Using an AlCl3/Urea Ionic Liquid Analog Electrolyte for Improving the Lifetime of Aluminum‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Bian Yinghui , Li Yu , Yu Zhichao , Chen Hui , Du Kewen , Qiu Chaochao , Zhang Guoxin , Lv Zichuan , Lin Meng‐Chang
Published: September 2018

Aluminum‐sulfur (Al−S) chemistry is attractive for the development of next‐generation rechargeable battery systems. However, only a few reversible Al−S cells have been reported until now. This paper demonstrates that the use of an AlCl3/urea electrolyte in Al−S cells is a promising approach to improve the cycle life and reach a high discharge voltage plateau of ∼1.6–2.0 V. In contrast to the instability of sulfur in the conventional AlCl3/EMIC electrolyte, sulfur is chemically stable in the AlCl3/urea electrolyte, which allows better cell cycling stability. The Al−S cell delivers an initial capacity of ∼700 mAh gs−1 and maintains a capacity of up to ∼500 mAh gs−1 after 100 cycles.