bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐assembly of poly(ionic liquid) functionalized mesoporous magnetic microspheres for the solid‐phase extraction of preservatives from milk samples
Authors: Gao Yiqian , Wang Yucen , Yan Yinghua , Tang Keqi , Ding Chuan‐Fan
Published: November 2019

In this work, a novel, rapid, and simple analytical method was proposed for the detection of parabens in milk sample by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. At the same time, milk sample was pretreated by magnetic solid phase extraction, which detected up to five parabens. A series of important parameters of magnetic solid phase extraction were investigated and optimized, such as pH value of loading buffer, amount of material, adsorption time, ionic strength, eluting solvents, and eluting time. Under the optimized conditions, the corresponding values were more than 0.9991, limits of detection and the limit of quantification were 0.1 and 0.5 ng/mL, respectively. In addition, the recoveries were achieved in range of 95–105%, the liner range were within 0.1–600 ng/mL, and the relative standard deviations were even lower than 5%.
Destination image formation: Towards a holistic approach
Authors: Kislali Hidayet , Kavaratzis Mihalis , Saren Michael
Published: November 2019

This article develops a holistic framework of destination image formation capturing the dynamic nature of the image and incorporating information sources and socio‐cultural factors. We combine a focused literature review with the findings of an empirical investigation on the image of Turkey. Utilizing the innovative combination of repertory grid technique, scenario analysis, and online information search, we conducted 32 qualitative interviews with U.K.‐based, non‐Turkish participants. The study shows the necessity for a holistic view of destination image and clarifies the dynamic nature of the image by showing how it is transformed through the information flow from traditional and online sources.
Direct and indirect effects of long‐term ditch‐buried straw return on soil bacterial community in a rice–wheat rotation system
Authors: Yang Haishui , Meng Yi , Feng Jinxia , Li Yifan , Zhai Silong , Liu Jian
Published: November 2019

Ditch‐buried straw return (DB‐SR) is a novel soil tillage and fertility building practice that is effective in regulating soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics and hydrothermal processes in rice–wheat rotation systems. However, the effects of DB‐SR on soil bacterial community are still largely unclear. We deciphered soil bacterial community with high‐throughput sequencing under various returning approaches, burial depths, and straw amounts after 6.5 years of DB‐SR application. Our results showed that DB‐SR structured distinctive soil bacterial community with rotary tillage straw return (RT‐SR; one‐way analysis of similarities [ANOSIM]: P < .01). RT‐SR significantly reduced soil bacterial diversity by 3.87%, but DB‐SR could maintain it (P > .05). These variations were mainly caused by water content‐driven changes in soil organic carbon. Also, bacterial community composition was distinctive among burial depth treatment (one‐way ANOSIM: P < .05), and deeper burial reduced species richness and diversity (P < .05). Variation in C/N ratio could mostly explain the alterations in soil bacterial community structure under different burial depths. Moreover, the amount of straw buried had no significant effect on soil bacterial species richness or diversity (P > .05), but bacterial community composition was more dissimilar with increasing straw amount (one‐way ANOSIM: P < .01). Our results suggest that long‐term DB‐SR can maintain the bacterial community structure in the surface soil layers when compared with conventional RT‐SR, but taking the current production level into consideration, the burial depth should not be greater than 20 cm for incorporating the full amounts of straws.
Expression of genes involved in phagocytosis in uncultured heterotrophic flagellates
Authors: Labarre Aurelie , Obiol Aleix , Wilken Susanne , Forn Irene , Massana Ramon
Published: November 2019

Environmental molecular sequencing has revealed an abundance of microorganisms that were previously unknown, mainly because most had not been cultured in the laboratory. Within this novel diversity, there are the uncultured MAST clades (MArine STramenopiles), which are major components of marine heterotrophic flagellates (HFs) thought to be active bacterial grazers. In this study, we investigated the gene expression of natural HFs in a mixed community where bacterivory was promoted. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization and 18S rDNA derived from metatranscriptomics, we followed the taxonomic dynamics during the incubation, and confirmed the increase in relative abundance of different MAST lineages. We then used single cell genomes of several MAST species to gain an insight into their most expressed genes, with a particular focus on genes related to phagocytosis. The genomes of MAST‐4A and MAST‐4B were the most represented in the metatranscriptomes, and we identified highly expressed genes of these two species involved in motility and cytoskeleton remodeling, as well as many lysosomal enzymes. Particularly relevant were the cathepsins, which are characteristic digestive enzymes of the phagolysosome and the rhodopsins, perhaps used for vacuole acidification. The combination of single cell genomics and metatranscriptomics gives insights on the phagocytic capacity of uncultured and ecologically relevant HF species.
Biofilm pads—an easy method to manufacture artificial biofilms embedded in an alginate polymer matrix
Authors: Reinhardt Timm , Moelzner Jana , Neu Thomas R. , Fink Patrick
Published: November 2019

Periphytic biofilms are the major resource for many herbivorous invertebrates in both marine and freshwater benthos. They are of crucial importance for benthic food webs, substrate stability, and biogeochemical processes in littoral zones. While the importance of invertebrate grazing on biofilms has been studied extensively using natural, mixed algal communities grown on artificial substrates, there is so far no method available to create defined periphyton communities for these grazing studies. The reason for this is that many benthic algae interact with co‐occurring species within the extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) that form the nonorganismic part of the biofilm. Here, we present a novel method that allows the manufacturing of defined monoculture and multispecies biofilms by using an alginate polymer as artificial EPS structure, into which algal cultures can be embedded. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy, we show that alginate effectively embeds various algal taxa in an EPS matrix that is very similar to natural biofilms. In a grazing experiment, we demonstrate that several common freshwater herbivorous invertebrates can graze these alginate biofilms efficiently. As the method is easy to handle, it allows for highly controlled feeding experiments with benthic herbivores to assess, for example, the role of algal biodiversity on the efficiency of top‐down control, the effects of environmental drivers such as nutrients, salinity, or seawater acidification on biofilm community structure, and the impacts of herbivory in benthic communities.
The typeface curvature effect: The role of typeface curvature in increasing preference toward hedonic products
Authors: Wang Lei , Yu Yining , Li Ou
Published: November 2019

Characters with a variety of typefaces are ubiquitous in our daily lives. How do typeface characteristics influence consumers’ preferences toward different kinds of products? The current research identifies the effect of an important design characteristic of typefaces—curvature on consumers’ preferences toward hedonic products. Our four experiments reveal that when consumers are exposed to hedonic products whose advertisements or packaging use round typefaces (high curvature), they show greater preferences toward them. This phenomenon is induced by the implicit associations between round typefaces and hedonic products which automatically initiate consumers’ mental simulation of experiences related with the products. This simulation process triggers pleasant feelings which eventually enhance preferences. We conclude with the implications of these findings for marketers, such as for their typeface choices in marketing actions. Theoretically, we contribute to a growing body of research examining the congruity between typeface characteristics and product type.
Evolutionary changes of an intestinal Lactobacillus reuteri during probiotic manufacture
Authors: López Lázaro , Calderón Diana , Cardenas Paúl , Prado María B. , Valle Carlos , Trueba Gabriel
Published: November 2019

Probiotic bacteria are frequently used to treat intestinal diseases or to improve health; however, little is known about the evolutionary changes of these bacteria during probiotic manufacture and the bacterial ability to colonize the intestine. It has been observed that when bacteria adapt to a new environment, they lose some traits required to thrive in the original niche. In this study, a strain of Lactobacillus reuteri was isolated from mouse duodenum and subjected to 150 serial passes in milk to simulate the industrial propagation of probiotic bacteria. The strains adapted to milk outperformed their ancestor when grown in milk; we also showed evidence of reduced intestinal colonization of milk‐adapted strains. Whole‐genome sequencing showed that bacterial adaptation to milk selects mutants with altered metabolic functions.
Asymptotic behavior of solutions to anisotropic conservation laws in two‐dimensional space
Authors: Li Kaiqiang
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we investigate the asymptotic behavior of solutions for anisotropic conservation laws in two‐dimensional space, provided with step‐like initial conditions that approach the constant states u± (u−<u+) as x→±∞, respectively. It shows that there is a global classical solution that converges toward the rarefaction wave, ie, the unique entropy solution of the Riemann problem for the nonviscous Burgers' equation in one‐dimensional space.
Simultaneous proton magnetic resonance fingerprinting and sodium MRI
Authors: Yu Zidan , Madelin Guillaume , Sodickson Daniel K. , Cloos Martijn A.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The goal of this work is to demonstrate a method for the simultaneous acquisition of proton multiparametric maps (T1, T2, and proton density) and sodium density images in 1 single scan. We hope that the development of such capabilities will help to ease the implementation of sodium MRI in clinical trials and provide more opportunities for researchers to investigate metabolism through sodium MRI.

Methods

We developed a sequence based on magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF), which contains interleaved proton (1H) and sodium (23Na) excitations followed by a simultaneous center‐out radial readout for both nuclei. The receive chain of a 7T scanner was modified to enable simultaneous acquisition of1H and23Na signal. The obtained signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) was evaluated, and the accuracy of both proton T1, T2, andand sodium density maps were verified in phantoms. Finally, the method was demonstrated in 2 healthy subjects.

Results

The SNR obtained using the simultaneous measurement was almost identical to single‐nucleus measurements (<1% change). Similarly, the proton T1and T2maps remained stable (normalized root mean square error in T1≈ 2.2%, in T2≈ 1.4%, and≈ 5.4%), which indicates that the proposed sequence and hardware have no significant effects on the signal from either nucleus. In vivo measurements corroborated these results and demonstrated the feasibility of our method for in vivo application.

Conclusions

With the proposed approach, we were able to simultaneously acquire sodium density images in addition to proton T1, T2, andmaps as well as proton density images.
Improved volumetric myelin imaging in human brain using 3D dual echo inversion recovery‐prepared UTE with complex echo subtraction
Authors: Jang Hyungseok , Wei Zhao , Wu Mei , Ma Ya‐Jun , Chang Eric Y. , Corey‐Bloom Jody , Du Jiang
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Inversion recovery‐based UTE (IR‐UTE) sequences have been proposed to directly image myelin with extremely short (~0.3 ms). In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility of complex echo subtraction to improve 3D IR‐UTE imaging of myelin in white matter of the brain in vivo.

Methods

In IR‐UTE imaging, long T2 components in white matter (i.e., water) are suppressed using an adiabatic inversion recovery preparation pulse. Dual echo UTE data acquisition and magnitude echo subtraction are used to suppress the residual white matter and gray matter signals, providing high myelin contrast. Complex echo subtraction may further improve the myelin contrast by reducing the residual long T2 water signal contamination caused by regional T1 variations. To verify the efficacy of the complex subtraction technique, in vivo experiments were performed with 5 non‐symptomatic healthy volunteers and 5 multiple sclerosis patients on a 3T clinical MR system. Signal enhancement between the complex subtraction and the magnitude subtraction was introduced to evaluate the improvement.

Results

The complex subtraction improved myelin contrast over the magnitude subtraction in both healthy and patient groups, with more fine myelin structures being revealed. The foci of the demyelinated lesion were more clearly detected by complex subtraction. An average signal enhancement of up to 135.9% was achieved with the complex subtraction over the magnitude subtraction.

Conclusion

The complex echo subtraction improves 3D IR‐UTE morphologic imaging of myelin in white matter of the brain.
Couples coping in the community after the stroke of a spouse: A scoping review
Authors: Ramazanu Sheena , Loke Alice Yuen , Chiang Vico Chung Lim
Published: November 2019

Aim

To summarize evidence on the poststroke coping experiences of stroke patients and spousal caregivers living at home in the community.

Design

A scoping review.

Methods

Extensive searches were conducted in credible databases. Articles published in the English language were retrieved. Data were extracted based on study location, aims, study design, sample size, time after stroke and key findings.

Results

Out of 53 identified articles, 17 studies were included in the review. Five key themes were as follows: (a) emotional challenges; (b) role conflicts; (c) lack of strategies in coping; (d) decreased life satisfaction of the couples; and (e) marriage relationship: at a point of change. Couples were not sufficiently prepared to cope and manage with stroke at home on discharge from the hospital. This review emphasized the need for hospitals to implement policies to address the inadequate preparation of couples in coping with stroke.
Crafting a corpse, “cheating” the gods: A composite mummy from ancient Egypt studied with computed tomography
Authors: Kalampoukas Kiriakos , Kyriazi Stavroula , Maravelia Alicia , Tourna Eleni , Couvaris Constantinos M. , Michailidis Georgios , Pantazis Ioannis , Lazaris Panagiotis , Geroulanos Stefanos , Bontozoglou Nikos
Published: November 2019

Composite mummies do not contain a corpse but are made from body parts or bones and other materials. They are genuine mummies made in ancient Egypt for spiritual reasons. This article describes the study of a composite human mummy using computed tomography (CT). This procedure was used to identify the bones and other materials used to make the mummy as well as the technique used for its assembly. Other findings of interest included bilateral parietal thinning and the presence of fluid levels inside many of the bones. Descriptions of composite mummies are rare in the literature, and this is the first time an adult human composite mummy has been studied using CT. These findings add to our knowledge of the composite mummies of ancient Egypt.
Diet quality of children in the United States by body mass index and sociodemographic characteristics
Authors: Thomson Jessica L. , Landry Alicia S. , Tussing‐Humphreys Lisa M. , Goodman Melissa H.
Published: November 2019

Objective

The primary objective was to use the Healthy Eating Index‐2015 (HEI‐2015) to describe diet quality by categories of body mass index (BMI) and by sociodemographic characteristics within categories of BMI using a nationally representative sample of US children.

Methods

Dietary datasets from three cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2009‐2014) were analysed for children 2 to 18 years of age (N = 8894). Using the population ratio method, mean and 95% confidence intervals for HEI‐2015 total and component scores were computed by BMI (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese) and by age (2‐5, 6‐11, and 12‐18 y), gender, race/ethnicity (non‐Hispanic black, non‐Hispanic white, Mexican American, other Hispanic, and other race), and family poverty to income ratio (below and at/above poverty threshold).

Results

HEI‐2015 mean total scores were 50.4, 55.2, 55.1, and 54.0 out of 100 points for children with underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity, respectively, and were not significantly different. Within BMI categories, significant differences in total and mean component scores were present for age and race/ethnicity groups.

Conclusions

Total and most components of diet quality did not significantly differ among child populations classified by BMI status. Within BMI categories, significant diet quality differences were found for age and race/ethnicity groups, although scores were low for all child groups. Researchers may need to address or target specific dietary components with low quality in various child populations to have the greatest effect on improving nutrition nationwide.
An efficient and comprehensive plant glycerolipids analysis approach based on high‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer
Authors: Lu Shaoping , Liu Hongbo , Jin Cheng , Li Qing , Guo Liang
Published: November 2019

In past two decades, numerous lipidomics approaches based on mass spectrometry with or without liquid chromatography separation have been established for identification and quantification of lipids in plants. In this study, we developed an efficient and comprehensive lipidomics approach based on UPLC with an Acquity UPLCTM BEH C18 column coupled to TripleTOF using ESI in positive ion mode and MS/MSALL scan for data collection. Lipid extract was prepared to 2 mg/ml solution according to dry tissue weight and mixed with 13 kinds of internal standards including PA, PC, PE, and PG. Each analysis required single injection of 5–10 μl lipid solvent and completed in 32 min. A target method dataset was generated using the LipidView software for prediction of the accurate mass of target lipid species. The dataset was uploaded into the PeakView to create processing datasets to search target lipid species, which achieved batch data processing of multiple samples for lipid species‐specific identification and quantification. As proof of concept, we profiled the lipids of different tissues of rapeseed. Thirteen lipid classes including 218 glycerolipids were identified including 46 TAGs, 15 DAGs, 20 PCs, 24 PEs, 13 PGs, 14 PIs, 26 PSs, 12 PAs, 16 MGDGs, 16 DGDGs, 6 LysoPCs, 5 LysoPEs, and 5 LysoPGs. Together, our approach permits the analysis of glycerolipids in plant tissues with simplicity in sample analysis and data processing using UPLC‐TripleTOF.
A Qualitative Study of Smoking‐Related Causal Attributions and Risk Perceptions in Cervical Cancer Survivors
Authors: Puleo Gabriella E. , Borger Tia N. , Montgomery Devin , Rivera Rivera Jessica N. , Burris Jessica L.
Published: November 2019

Objective

The prevalence of smoking among cervical cancer survivors typically exceeds what is found among women in the general population and other cancer survivors. Yet, there is a dearth of literature on risk and protective factors related to smoking among cervical cancer survivors, especially when it comes to identification of variables that are amendable to intervention. To help fill this gap in the literature, this qualitative study examines the nature of smoking‐related causal attributions and risk perceptions in cervical cancer survivors who smoked at cancer diagnosis.

Methods

Participants are 21 female cervical cancer survivors (M=45.7, SD=8.4 years old), all diagnosed in the past five years. Nearly three‐quarters of participants reported smoking in the past month. Results: Smoking was not uniformly recognized as a cause of cervical cancer (whether in general or participants' own cancer); the link between smoking and lung, head‐neck, and other cancers was more readily accepted. Despite generally weak endorsements of causal attributions, many participants reported smoking significantly increases risk for poor clinical (e.g., recurrence) and quality of life (e.g., pain) outcomes after cervical cancer diagnosis.

Conclusions

Findings suggest cervical cancer survivors may not fully understand or appreciate the role of smoking in cervical cancer risk whereas their beliefs about the role of smoking in cervical cancer prognosis are more well‐formed. This study highlights the potential role of causal attributions and risk perceptions in understanding and addressing the smoking‐related experience of cervical cancer survivors.
Psychosocial consequences in offspring of women with breast cancer
Authors: Chan Arlene , Lomma Christopher , Chih HuiJun , Arto Carmelo , McDonald Fiona , Patterson Pandora , Willsher Peter , Reid Christopher
Published: November 2019

Objective

Breast cancer (BC) accounts for 24% of female cancers, with approximately one quarter of women likely to have offspring aged less than 25 years. Recent publications demonstrate negative psychosocial well‐being in these offspring. We prospectively assessed for psychological distress and unmet needs in offspring of BC patients.

Methods

Eligible offspring aged 14 to 24 years were consented and completed the Kessler‐10 Questionnaire and Offspring Cancer Needs Instrument. Demographic and BC details were obtained.

Results

Over a 7‐month period, 120 offspring from 74 BC patients were included. Fifty‐nine mothers had nonmetastatic BC (nMBC), and 27 had metastatic BC (MBC) with median time from diagnosis of 27.6 and 36.1 months, respectively. The prevalence of high/very high distress was 31%, with significantly higher scores reported by female offspring (P = .017). Unmet needs were reported by more than 50% of offspring with the majority of needs relating to information about their mother's cancer. Greater unmet needs were seen in female offspring and offspring with none or one sibling for several domains (practical assistance, time‐out, dealing with feelings, and support from friends; P < .05). Greater unmet needs were seen in regard to feelings for MBC patients' offspring compared with nMBC but were similar for other unmet needs.

Conclusions

Our study confirms high levels of psychological distress in offspring of BC patients, with female offspring reporting significantly higher emotional distress and unmet needs. More than 50% of respondents reported unmet needs in areas that can potentially be supported, including greater information provision, improving practical issues, and enabling sufficient recreational time.
Particulate matter at third trimester and respiratory infection in infants, modified by GSTM1
Authors: Yang Song‐I , Kim Hyo‐Bin , Kim Hwan‐Cheol , Lee So‐Yeon , Kang Mi‐Jin , Cho Hyun‐Ju , Yoon Jisun , Jung Sungsu , Lee Eun , Yang Hyeon‐Jong , Ahn Kangmo , Kim Kyung Won , Shin Youn Ho , Suh Dong In , Hong Soo‐Jong
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To investigate the association between particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) exposure during each trimester of pregnancy and development of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) during the first 3 years of life and whether GSTM1 gene polymorphisms modify these effects.

Methods

This study included 1,180 mother‐child pairs from the Cohort for Childhood Origin of Asthma and allergic diseases. The PM2.5 levels during pregnancy were estimated by residential address using land‐use regression models based on a national monitoring system. A diagnosis of LRTIs was based on a parental report of a physician's diagnosis. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used for GSTM1 genotyping.

Results

Higher PM2.5 exposure during the third trimester was associated with LRTIs at 1 year of age (aRR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.00‐1.13). This result did not change after adjusting for PM2.5 exposures during the first and second trimesters (aRR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.99‐1.13). This association was significant after adjusting for PM2.5 exposures during first year of age (aRR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.15) and exposures to NO2 and ozone at the third trimester (aRR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.00‐1.16). In addition, PM2.5 exposure during the third trimester increased the risk of LRTIs at 1 year of age in cases with the GSTM1 null genotype (aRR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.57; P for interaction .20).

Conclusion

Higher PM2.5 exposure during the third trimester of pregnancy may increase the susceptibility to LRTIs at 1 year of age. This effect is modified by GSTM1 gene polymorphisms.
“Knowledge migrants” or “economic migrants”? Patterns of academic mobility and migration from Southern Europe to Mexico
Authors: Mendoza Cristóbal , Staniscia Barbara , Ortiz Anna
Published: November 2019

Because mobility has been described as a key element of the academic habitus and a well‐established norm in scientific life, people moving within academia have been generally considered to be “knowledge migrants” and “talent migrants.” Indeed, the literature rarely takes a labour market perspective when analysing academic mobility. However, Southern European academia is largely characterised by challenging working conditions, low wages, and a lack of fair competition for positons, all of which negatively affecting job prospects. Based on 25 in‐depth interviews, this paper explores the reasons behind the migration of a group of Spanish and Italian academics in Mexico with a view to bringing into focus the role of economic/labour and career‐related reasons in migration decisions. We find that their experiences fall along three main academic trajectories, which are distinguished by the stage in the participants' careers at which they decided to migrate and the channels by which they entered Mexican academia. Common to all three groups is the identification of the economic crisis and a lack of institutional support as strong motivating factors in their decision. Underlying this is the question of whether the studied group is best viewed as “knowledge”/“talent” migrants who have followed certain institutional channels or “economic migrants” who are somehow pushed to work abroad by the lack of good employment in their countries of origin. The paper also challenges mainstream ideas about academic mobility, in the sense that the literature has not considered the attractive power of universities/research centres located in the Global South.
Donor Centers Involved into the Quantum Cutting in Ytterbium‐Doped Scheelite‐Like Crystals
Authors: Subbotin Kirill A. , Titov Anatolii I. , Lis Denis A. , Sani Elisa , Smirnov Valerii A. , Alimov Olimkhon K. , Zharikov Evgenii V. , Shcherbakov Ivan A.
Published: November 2019

Yb‐doped Scheelite‐like molybdate and tungstate single crystals are promising quantum‐cutting materials. The cooperative downconversion from donor centers to Yb ions occurs in heavily Yb‐doped crystals of this family. This phenomenon can substantially raise the efficiency of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells. However, the nature of donor centers is still unknown. Herein, several versions of this nature are tested and discussed: Yb3+ ion (its high‐energy charge transfer states); Yb2+ ion; self‐trapped exciton at molybdate/tungstate complex; color centers based on oxygen vacancies; accidental impurities. To test these assumptions, a series of Scheelite‐like molybdate and tungstate single crystals (CaMoO4, CaWO4, NaLa(MoO4)2, NaGd(MoO4)2, NaGd(WO4)2, and NaY1−xGdx(WO4)2) are grown, both undoped and doped with different Yb‐concentrations. The complex spectroscopic investigations of these crystals are performed. As a result of the studies, three versions, self‐trapped excitons at [MoO4]/[WO4] complexes, color centers at oxygen vacancies, and accidental impurities, coming into the crystals with MoO3, are rejected. The applicability of the other versions should be refined.
Recent advances in the anti‐aging effects of phytoestrogens on collagen, water content, and oxidative stress
Authors: Liu Tao , Li Nan , Yan Yi‐qi , Liu Yan , Xiong Ke , Liu Yang , Xia Qing‐mei , Zhang Han , Liu Zhi‐dong
Published: November 2019

Skin undergoes degenerative changes as it ages, which include the loss of elasticity, reductions in the epidermal thickness and collagen content, elastic fiber degeneration, and increased wrinkling and dryness. Skin aging can be significantly delayed by the administration of estrogen. Estrogen deficiency following menopause results in atrophic skin changes and the acceleration of skin aging. Estrogen administration has positive effects on human skin by delaying or preventing skin aging manifestations, but the use of estrogen replacement is a risk factor for breast and uterine cancer. Phytoestrogens are a large family of plant‐derived molecules possessing various degrees of estrogen‐like activity; they exhibit agonist or antagonist estrogenic properties depending on the tissue. These molecules could be ideal candidates to combat skin aging and other detrimental effects of hypoestrogenism. In this paper, we review the effects of phytoestrogens on human skin and the mechanisms by which phytoestrogens can alleviate the changes due to aging.
A physically based precipitation separation algorithm for convection‐permitting models over complex topography
Authors: Poujol B. , Sobolowski S.P. , Mooney P.A. , Berthou S.
Published: November 2019

A new algorithm is described that can separate precipitation output from convection‐permitting models into three different types of precipitation: (a) convective, (b) stratiform, and (c) orographically enhanced precipitation. The algorithm is based on physical processes that underlie these types of precipitation and it is applicable over both ocean and land surfaces. It is particularly well suited for mountainous areas or other regions exhibiting complex terrain. The algorithm's performance is first demonstrated for a selection of well‐understood weather events and then for a 10‐year convection‐permitting climate simulation over Norway. The algorithm correctly separates convection embedded in frontal systems from stratiform precipitation and also properly identifies orographically enhanced precipitation when the frontal systems interact with local orography. The results suggest that this can be a powerful new tool for investigating characteristics of precipitation in convection‐permitting climate simulations, particularly in a climate change context and as researchers move towards models that explicitly resolve convection and its related processes.
Coupling Nanostructured CsNiCr Prussian Blue Analogue to Resonant Microwave Fields
Authors: Ghirri Alberto , Herrero Christian , Mazérat Sandra , Mallah Talal , Moze Oscar , Affronte Marco
Published: November 2019

Collective spin excitations in magnetically ordered materials are exploited for advanced applications in magnonics and spintronics. In these contexts, conditions for minimizing dissipative effects are sought in order to obtain long living excitations that can be coherently manipulated. Organic and coordination materials may offer alternative options for their flexibility and low spin–orbit effects. Likewise, ferromagnetic nanostructures provide a versatile platform for hybrid architectures, yet downsizing affects the spin dynamics and needs to be controlled. Here, a systematic investigation on insulating CsNiCr(CN)6 Prussian blue analogue, including isolated nanoparticles dispersed in polyvinylpyrrolidone, mutually interacting nanoparticles embedded in cetyltrimethylammonium, and bulk samples, is reported. Ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy is performed in a wide temperature range across the bulk ferromagnetic transition occurring at 90 K. This allows us to monitor key parameters through different types of nanostructured samples. It is found that the Gilbert damping parameter of 10 nm nanoparticles compares well (10−3) with values reported for prototypical yttrium iron garnet Y3Fe5O12. Strong coupling with the microwave field of a microstrip resonator is then observed for bulk CsNiCr(CN)6 as well as for interacting nanoparticles. These results clarify conditions for the coherent manipulation of collective spin degrees of freedom in nanostructured coordination materials.
Precise determination of the molybdenum isotopic composition of urine by multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Jie , Zhang Le , Wang Zhi‐bing , Sun Sheng‐ling , Luo Zhen‐yu
Published: November 2019

Rationale

Molybdenum (Mo) is predominantly expelled from the human body in urine. Consequently, urinary variability in the concentration and isotopic composition of Mo may encode valuable clinical information. To access this information, however, it is first necessary to develop and demonstrate a rapid, accurate and precise methodology capable of concentrating Mo from urine for isotope analysis.

Methods

The utility of N‐benzoyl‐N‐phenylhydroxylamine (BPHA) to effectively separate and purify Mo from urine samples without the need for acid digestion was tested. Following this approach, applying a double‐spike mass bias correction, we determined the Mo isotopic compositions of a set of urine samples by multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC‐ICP‐MS).

Results

Based on replicate analyses of an in‐house urine standard, this approach demonstrates an external precision on δ98/95Mo values of better than 0.08‰ (2SD, n = 15). Application to a sample set collected from healthy individuals in Guangzhou, China, provides the first suite of δ98/95Mo measurements from urine samples. Samples from the female participants show δ98/95Mo (‰) values (1.31 ± 0.19‰, Ave ± 2SD, n = 14) that are consistently lower than those from the male participants (1.55 ± 0.16‰, Ave ± 2SD, n = 17).

Conclusions

The employed methodology is suitable for rapid, low‐blank and high‐throughput Mo isotope analysis of urine samples. Although resolvable δ98/95Mo variability is seen in this preliminary dataset, the mechanism driving this variability is unknown. High‐precision Mo isotopic analysis might be added to the urinalysis tool‐kit, with the potential to provide valuable clinical information in the future.
Bounded consensus for multiagent systems by event‐triggered data transmission, time delay, and predictor‐based control
Authors: Cui Yanliang , Xu Lanlan
Published: November 2019

This paper investigates the consensus issue of multiagent systems with data transmission time delay. The state measurement of each local agent is directly sent to a private event‐trigger and further authorized to be broadcasted to its neighbors via communication network only when the threshold of the event‐trigger is violated. Since the controller always receives discrete‐time neighbor information with data transmission time delay, a predictor is employed to estimate the continuous‐time neighbor state. Based on the estimated state, a novel consensus protocol is mainly proposed for achieving the bounded consensus of the multiagent systems. By the proposed method, the asynchronous neighbor information is allowed and the margin of data transmission time delay is also given. Furthermore, it has been proved that the unwanted Zeno phenomena can be naturally excluded. Numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Hydrodynamics of longitudinally discontinuous, vertically double layered and partially covered rigid vegetation patches in open channel flow
Authors: Anjum Naveed , Tanaka Norio
Published: November 2019

The aim of this paper is to numerically investigate how the flow structures are affected through a longitudinally discontinuous and vertically two‐layered vegetation occupying half width of the channel, with steady flow rate and subcritical conditions. A three‐dimensional (3‐D) Reynolds stress turbulence model (RSM), incorporated by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code FLUENT, was first validated with the experimental data, and then used for simulation purpose. The results showed that the flow stream‐wise velocities within the gap regions are visibly slower than that in the vegetation patch regions. Along the cross section, the velocity in the vegetation region (VR) reduced significantly due to resistance offered by the vegetation, which affected the channel conveyance; as compared to the free (non‐vegetated) region. The flow instability in the lateral direction was triggered by the flow shear due to the presence of partly distributed vegetation, resulting in the formation of coherent vortices and exchange of momentum at the interface. The discharge percentage passing through the free region (FR) was found to be 144–525% larger than that passing through the VR. The flow resistance increased significantly with higher vegetation density, whereas it decreased when both the vegetation layers were submerged. Moreover, the flow characteristics profiles in large gaps were more stable than in small gaps. The turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and turbulence intensity also increased significantly through the patch regions compared to that of the gap regions. The results indicated that the flow structures and the flow resistance are strongly influenced by partial and discontinuous vegetation.
Nonparametric group sequential methods for recurrent and terminal events from multiple follow‐up windows
Authors: Xia Meng , Murray Susan , Tayob Nabihah
Published: November 2019

Few methods are currently available for group sequential analysis of recurrent events data subject to a terminal event in the clinical trial setting. This research helps fill this gap by developing a completely nonparametric group sequential monitoring procedure for use with the two‐sample Tayob and Murray statistic. Advantages of the Tayob and Murray statistic include high power to detect treatment differences when there is correlation between recurrent event times or between recurrent and terminal events in an individual. This statistic does not suffer bias from dependent censoring, regardless of the correlation between event times in an individual. This manuscript briefly reviews the Tayob and Murray statistic, develops and describes how to use methods for its group sequential analysis, and through simulation, compares its operating characteristics with those of Cook and Lawless, which is currently in use as the only available nonparametric method for group sequential analysis of recurrent event data. The merits of our proposed approach are most clearly demonstrated when gap times between recurrent events are correlated; when gap times between events are independent, the Cook and Lawless method is difficult to beat. Simulations demonstrate that as correlation between recurrent event times grows, the reduction in power using the Cook and Lawless approach is substantial when compared to our method. Finally, we use our method to analyze recurrent acute exacerbation outcomes from the azithromycin in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease trial.
Combining individual and aggregated data to investigate the role of socioeconomic disparities on cancer burden in Italy
Authors: Mezzetti Maura , Palli Domenico , Dominici Francesca
Published: November 2019

Quantifying socioeconomic disparities and understanding the roots of inequalities are growing topics in cancer research. However, socioeconomic differences are challenging to investigate mainly due to the lack of accurate data at individual‐level, while aggregate indicators are only partially informative. We implemented a multiple imputation algorithm within a statistical matching framework that combines diverse sources of data to estimate individual‐level associations between income and risk of breast and lung cancer, adjusting for potential confounding factors in Italy. The framework is computationally flexible and can be adapted to similar contexts.
Stochastic approach for mechanistic interaction under longitudinal studies with noninformative right censoring
Authors: Lin Jui‐Hsiang , Lin Kuan‐I , Lee Wen‐Chung , Lin Sheng‐Hsuan
Published: November 2019

Characterizing the mechanistic interactions between exposures and diseases is one of the most critical issues in epidemiologic studies. Previous studies have proposed a stochastic sufficient component cause framework, under which each sufficient cause is treated as a stochastic process instead of a time‐invariant random variable. However, different types of mechanistic interactions such as synergism and agonism cannot be further identified. In this study, we proposed a stochastic marginal sufficient component cause model to conceptualize and identify agonism and synergism by exploiting the additional information. We further provided six approaches to identify and estimate agonism and synergism based on an additive hazard model and a complementary log model. Researchers can easily adjust confounding factors by including appropriate covariates into a regression model. Simulations have proven that approaches under three models are all valid tests. The power of an additive hazard model increases as the total follow‐up time increases and is higher than that of the other two models. We applied this method to a Taiwanese cohort data set to investigate the mechanistic interaction among hepatitis B and C viruses on the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. The hazard of people with agonistic interaction is 1.28×10−5 (95% CI: 6.97×10−6, 1.87×10−5), and the cumulative hazard of those people is 7.41×10−2 (95% CI: 4.09×10−2, 1.07×10−1), which is approximately 3.5 times stronger than that of synergistic interaction. The proposed method makes it possible to quantify different types of mechanistic interactions in longitudinal studies with censored data.
Microfluidics as an Enabling Technology for Personalized Cancer Therapy
Authors: Mathur Lukas , Ballinger Martine , Utharala Ramesh , Merten Christoph A.
Published: November 2019

Tailoring patient‐specific treatments for cancer is necessary in order to achieve optimal results but requires new diagnostic approaches at affordable prices. Microfluidics has immense potential to provide solutions for this, as it enables the processing of samples that are not available in large quantities (e.g., cells from patient biopsies), is cost efficient, provides a high level of automation, and allows the set‐up of complex models for cancer studies. In this review, individual solutions in the fields of genetics, circulating tumor cell monitoring, biomarker analysis, phenotypic drug sensitivity tests, and systems providing controlled environments for disease modeling are discussed. An overview on how these early stage achievements can be combined or developed further is showcased, and the required translational steps before microfluidics becomes a routine tool for clinical applications are critically discussed.
Micro/Nano Technology for Next‐Generation Diagnostics
Authors: Xu Huan , Gao Mingxuan , Tang Xiaoqi , Zhang Wenqing , Luo Dan , Chen Ming
Published: November 2019

There has been a constant and urgent need to upgrade the current diagnostic technologies to the next generation by utilizing innovative advanced technologies in order to meet new challenges. Micro/nano technology, a series of methods for design and manipulation materials at the micrometer and nanometer scales, which perfectly covers the key building blocks of life including cells, organelles, proteins, nucleic acids, and other components, has unique advantages over current diagnostic methods. For the applications of micro–nano technology in next‐generation diagnostics, three categories, including microchip‐based devices, DNA nanomachines, and DNA nanomaterials, are extensively reviewed. Specifically, for the microchip‐based devices, terahertz technology and surface acoustic wave technology show their ultrasensitivity of label‐free, amplification‐free diagnosis. For the DNA nanomachines, DNA tweezers, DNA robots, and DNA walkers exhibit a great potential for diagnosis with the arbitrary structures and controllable motion behaviors. For the DNA nanomaterials, DNA aptamers, DNAzymes, and hybrid DNA nanomaterials provide sensitive biorecognition elements and versatile signal transductions, which are demonstrated as promising material candidates for the next‐generation diagnostics. Through this review, it is envisioned that micro/nano technologies will play an important role in the next‐generation diagnostics.
Supersymmetric Liouville theory in AdS2 and AdS/CFT
Authors: Beccaria Matteo , Jiang Hongliang , Tseytlin Arkady A.
Published: November 2019

Abstract

In a series of recent papers, a special kind of AdS2/CFT1 duality was observed: the boundary correlators of elementary fields that appear in the Lagrangian of a 2d conformal theory in rigid AdS2 background are the same as the correlators of the corresponding primary operators in the chiral half of that 2d CFT in flat space restricted to the real line. The examples considered were: (i) the Liouville theory where the operator dual to the Liouville scalar in AdS2 is the stress tensor; (ii) the abelian Toda theory where the operators dual to the Toda scalars are the $$ \mathcal{W} $$
W
-algebra generators; (iii) the non-abelian Toda theory where the Liouville field is dual to the stress tensor while the extra gauged WZW theory scalars are dual to non-abelian parafermionic operators. By direct Witten diagram com- putations in AdS2 one can check that the structure of the boundary correlators is indeed consistent with the Virasoro (or higher) symmetry. Here we consider a supersymmetric generalization: the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 superconformal Liouville theory in AdS2. We start with the super Liouville theory coupled to 2d supergravity and show that a consistent restriction to rigid AdS2 background requires a non-zero value of the supergravity auxiliary field and thus a modification of the Liouville potential from its familiar flat-space form. We show that the Liouville scalar and its fermionic partner are dual to the chiral half of the stress tensor and the supercurrent of the super Liouville theory on the plane. We perform tests supporting the duality by explicitly computing AdS2 Witten diagrams with bosonic and fermionic loops.
Holomorphic structure and quantum critical points in supersymmetric Lifshitz field theories
Authors: Arav Igal , Oz Yaron , Raviv-Moshe Avia
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We construct supersymmetric Lifshitz field theories with four real supercharges in a general number of space dimensions. The theories consist of complex bosons and fermions and exhibit a holomorphic structure and non-renormalization properties of the superpotential. We study the theories in a diverse number of space dimensions and for various choices of marginal interactions. We show that there are lines of quantum critical points with an exact Lifshitz scale invariance and a dynamical critical exponent that depends on the coupling constants.
The QCD axion and unification
Authors: Pérez Pavel Fileviez , Murgui Clara , Plascencia Alexis D.
Published: November 2019

Abstract

The QCD axion is one of the most appealing candidates for the dark matter in the Universe. In this article, we discuss the possibility to predict the axion mass in the context of a simple renormalizable grand unified theory where the Peccei-Quinn scale is determined by the unification scale. In this framework, the axion mass is predicted to be in the range ma ≃ (3–13) × 10−9 eV. We study the axion phenomenology and find that the ABRACADABRA and CASPEr-Electric experiments will be able to fully probe this mass window.