bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influences of (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane on the tribological behaviors of basalt fiber/acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber composites under dry friction and water‐lubricated conditions
Authors: Li Yingzhe , Li Zhuo , Gao Yang , Li Lin , Yang Yihan
Published: October 2019

The weak interaction between the basalt fiber (BF) and acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber (NBR) weakens the BFs' effects on improving the tribological performances of the NBR composites. To solve this problem, (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) was introduced via mixing into the matrix or grafting on the BF surface, respectively. The characteristics, mechanical, and tribological properties of the composites were evaluated, and the effects of the APTES and its introduction methods on the tribological properties were the main focus. The APTES mixed in the rubber matrix decreased the friction coefficient (COF) of the NBR‐based composites under both dry friction and water‐lubricated conditions. Especially, the APTES hydrolysis under water‐lubricated condition was conducive to the formation of the water film and thus dramatically decreased the COF. The COF of the BF0‐A3 and the BF12‐A3 were 51% and 30% lower than that of the BF0‐A0 and the BF12‐A0 under water lubrication, respectively. The APTES grafted on the BF surface increased the wear resistance of the BF/NBR composites attributed to the improvement of the interaction between the BFs and the NBR matrix. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48558.
Fe3O4@rGO hybrids intercalated nanocellulose‐based aerogels for enhanced ferromagnetic and mechanical properties
Authors: Yu Yunyun , Wang Yanlai , Deng Penghu , Zhang Tonghua
Published: October 2019

This work presented a new method for preparing cellulose nanofibril (CNF)/Fe3O4@rGO composite aerogels with enhanced magnetic and mechanical properties. The composite aerogels were obtained through compounding, gelling, washing, tert‐butanol replacing, and freeze‐drying. The structural characteristics of composite aerogels were investigated via scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and X‐ray diffraction. Results showed that the composite aerogels had interconnected three‐dimensional porous network microstructures, and the Fe3O4@rGO hybrids were uniformly dispersed in the aerogels. Moreover, the aerogels' magnetization and compression characteristics were also studied. Magnetic measurements indicated that composite aerogels had good magnetization characteristics with the saturation magnetization value of 6.75 emu/g. The uniaxial compression tests showed that the compression strength and Young's modulus of the composite aerogels were significantly improved by 32.33 and 118.56%, respectively, relative to those of CNF aerogels. The perfect combination of structure and performance may render the composite aerogels useful for commercial applications in the fields of environmental engineering, biomedical engineering, electronics, and energy. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48564.
Extended adaptive optimal control of linear systems with unknown dynamics using adaptive dynamic programming
Authors: Gan Minggang , Zhao Jingang , Zhang Chi
Published: October 2019

The extended infinite horizon optimal control problem of continuous time linear systems with unknown dynamics is investigated in this paper. This optimal control problem can be solved using the corresponding extended algebraic Riccati equation. A new policy iteration algorithm is proposed to approximate the solution of the extended algebraic Riccati equation when the system dynamics are known. The convergence of the proposed algorithm is proved. Based on the proposed policy iteration algorithm, an online adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) algorithm is developed to find the solution to the extended infinite horizon optimal control problem of unknown continuous time linear systems. The convergence of the online ADP algorithm is analyzed. Finally, two simulation examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed online ADP algorithm.
Auf Exkursion in Südmähren
Authors: Schmitt Marcus
Published: October 2019

Südmähren ist eine faunistisch diverse Region im Süden Tschechiens. Das liegt sowohl an der geologischen Vielgestaltigkeit der Landschaft, die sich zum Beispiel im Bereich des grenzüberschreitenden Nationalparks Thayatal abbildet, als auch an der Tatsache, dass hier das herzynische Waldland Westeuropas und die pannonische Steppenregion Südosteuropas aneinander stoßen. Bei zehn einwöchigen zoologischen Exkursionen für Biologiestudierende der Universität Duisburg‐Essen zwischen 2009 und 2018 konnte eine ganze Reihe faszinierender Tierarten im Gebiet beobachtet oder gefangen und besprochen werden. Der Schwerpunkt der Beobachtungen lag auf der Avifauna, die so verschiedene Arten wie zum Beispiel Grauammer, Schwarzstorch, Wiedehopf, Bienenfresser oder Eisvogel und Drosselrohrsänger als Brutvögel aufweist. Ebenfalls starke Beachtung erfuhr die Herpetofauna. Östliche Smaragdeidechse und Äskulapnatter sind stellenweise häufig und gut zu beobachten, Laubfrosch, Feuersalamander und Rotbauchunke sind ebenfalls anzutreffen. Zu den bemerkenswerten Säugetieren zählt der Europäische Ziesel. Und auch unter den Wirbellosen findet man charismatische Spezies, etwa die Goldaugenspringspinne, die mährische Röhrenspinne oder die Sägeschrecke. Viele Arten werden im vorliegenden Artikel im Kontext ihrer Lebensräume kurz vorgestellt. Eine Artenliste mit den während der Exkursionen sicher festgestellten Wirbeltieren Südmährens ergänzt den zoologischen Reisebericht.
Manganreduzierer im Schwarzen Meer
Authors: Sander Johannes
Published: October 2019

Im Schwarzen Meer wurde jetzt ein Bakterium entdeckt, das Sulfid mit Manganoxid oxidiert. Bisher war dieser Stoffwechseltyp noch unbekannt.
Hilfe annehmen will gelernt sein
Authors: Hauk Andrea
Published: October 2019

Es wird viel diskutiert über die Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf. Andrea Hauk – BIUZ‐Lesern bekannt als Autorin der Laborseite – hat den Praxistest gemacht und berichtet nun im siebzehnten Teil unserer Reihe von ihren Erfahrungen als Mutter eines Kleinkindes.
Design and rationale of the North Indian ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Registry: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Arora Sameer , Qamar Arman , Gupta Puneet , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Chauhan Ishit , Tripathi Ashutosh K. , Sharma Vinamra Y. , Bansal Ankit , Fatima Amber , Jain Gagan , Batra Vishal , Tyagi Sanjay , Khandelwal Lokesh , Kaul Prashant , Rao Sunil V. , Girish Meenahalli Palleda , Bhatt Deepak L. , Gupta Mohit D.
Published: October 2019

ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Although remarkable progress has been made in the management of STEMI in high‐income countries, contemporary data to evaluate processes and outcomes of STEMI care in India is limited. The North Indian ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (NORIN STEMI) registry is a prospective cohort study based at government funded and largely free of cost tertiary medical centers in New Delhi, India. These hospitals serve a large proportion of the patients with lower socioeconomic status presenting from multiple states in India, as many centers in these states lack adequate specialized cardiovascular care. The study has been approved by the Institutional Review Boards of each institution and informed consent has been obtained from study participants. The NORIN STEMI registry aims to provide important insights regarding contemporary risk factors profiles, practice patterns, and prognosis in patients with STEMI in an underserved population in North India. These findings may identify opportunities to improve the outcomes of patients with STEMI in India.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of radiolabeled methyl N‐[5‐(3′‐halobenzoyl)‐1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl]carbamate for cancer radiotherapy
Authors: Kortylewicz Zbigniew P. , Coulter Don W. , Baranowska‐Kortylewicz Janina
Published: October 2019

The role of theranostics in cancer management is growing so is the selection of vectors used to deliver these modalities to cancer cells. We describe biological evaluation of a novel theranostic agent targeted to microtubules. Methyl N‐[5‐(3′‐[131I]iodobenzoyl)‐1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl]carbamate (1) and methyl N‐[5‐(3′‐[125I]iodobenzoyl)‐1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl]carbamate (2) were synthesized from a common precursor 3′‐stannylated derivative (4). Antiproliferative effects and radiotoxicity of 131I‐labeled β‐particle emitting 1 were examined in vitro in human neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cells lines. The therapeutic potential of 1 was also examined in a subcutaneous mouse model of human glioblastoma U‐87 MG. Compound 1 at the extracellular radioactive concentration of 0.35 MBq/mL, easily achievable in vivo, kills >90% of neuroblastoma cells and >60% glioblastoma cells as measured in a clonogenic assay. D10 doses established for 1 indicate that as few as 3,000 decays are sufficient to kill 90% of BE(2)‐C cells. Even U‐87 MG cells, the least sensitive of the tested cell lines, require <20,000 decays of intracellular 131I to reduce number of clonogenic cells by 90%. Biodistribution studies of 2 delivered either intratumorally or intraperitoneally show a similar tissue distribution for both routes of the drug administration. The whole body clearance half‐lives were on average 6 hr. Intratumor administration of 1 produces significant tumor growth delay. After a single dose of 8.4 ± 0.3 MBq of compound 1, the tumor doubling times were 3.2 ± 0.1 and 7.9 ± 0.6 days in control and treated mice, respectively. Methyl N‐[5‐(3′‐radiohalobenzoyl)‐1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl]carbamates have properties compatible with a theranostic approach to cancer management.
Racial and ethnic differences in the association between parent‐oriented perfectionism and disordered eating in college women
Authors: Goel Neha J. , Burnette C. Blair , Mazzeo Suzanne E.
Published: October 2019

Objective

This study examined the associations between parent‐oriented dimensions of perfectionism (parental expectations [PE] and parental criticism [PC]) and eating disorder (ED) symptomatology across racial/ethnic groups. It was hypothesized that parent‐oriented perfectionism would be positively associated with ED symptomatology for White and Asian American women.

Method

Undergraduate women (N = 1,173) completed questionnaires assessing perfectionism, EDs, and demographics. One‐way analyses of variance tested differences in PE and PC across racial/ethnic groups; post‐hoc Tukey tests probed significant differences. Multiple linear regressions assessed associations between parent‐oriented perfectionism and ED symptomatology. Hurdle models tested the association between PE and PC and the frequency and odds of endorsing ED symptomatology.

Results

There were significant group differences in PE and PC. PE was positively linked with various ED symptoms in Latina, Asian American, and multiracial women, and was negatively related to purging in multiracial women. PC was positively associated with body dissatisfaction in White, Black, and multiracial women, but displayed differential associations with ED symptomatology in all racial/ethnic groups.

Discussion

Levels of parent‐oriented dimensions of perfectionism, and their relations to ED symptomatology, might vary across racial/ethnic groups. PE, in particular, is both more elevated, and more strongly linked to eating pathology in Asian American women, whereas PC appears to be especially relevant to ED symptoms in Black women. Findings underscore the importance of considering the role of culture in ED symptomatology. Clinicians and researchers might consider incorporating assessments of parent‐oriented perfectionism into their practice.
Response of antioxidant system to postharvest ozone treatment in ‘Soreli’ kiwifruit
Authors: Goffi Valentina , Magri Anna , Botondi Rinaldo , Petriccione Milena
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Among the challenges for postharvest researchers is that of understanding the physiological and biochemical pathways associated with postharvest fruit decay. Fruit senescence directly affects sensorial and nutritional quality during postharvest life. It has been clarified that reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage are responsible for fruit senescence. Some cultivars of yellow‐fleshed kiwifruit can be stored for a short period compared with green‐fleshed kiwifruit. Postharvest performance is affected by the physiological state of the fruit at harvest, associated with its postharvest management. Among several postharvest applications, ozone treatment is considered as a cost‐effective and eco‐friendly food‐processing technology to preserve the fruits' quality during cold storage. In this study, we investigated the influence of ozone, after gradual cooling treatment, on the antioxidant defense system in Actinidia chinensis, ‘Soreli’.

RESULTS

Bioactive compound content decreased during cold storage, and ozone treatment enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase during cold storage. This treatment preserved membrane integrity by inhibiting lipoxygenase activity and malondialdehyde accumulation. A multivariate statistical approach, using principal component analysis, provided the global response to the effect of ozone postharvest treatment during cold storage in kiwifruit ‘Soreli’.

CONCLUSION

Ozone treatment improves the efficiency of antioxidative system and storability of ‘Soreli’ kiwifruits. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Metformin Effects on FOXP3+ and CD8+ T Cell Infiltrates of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Amin Dev , Richa Tony , Mollaee Mehri , Zhan Tingting , Tassone Patrick , Johnson Jennifer , Luginbuhl Adam , Cognetti David , Martinez‐Outschoorn Ubaldo , Stapp Robert , Solomides Charalambos , Rodeck Ulrich , Curry Joseph
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Alterations of cellular metabolism have been implicated in immune dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Metformin has recently emerged as a candidate of interest for combination with immunotherapy in HNSCC. This study investigated the effect of metformin on immune cell infiltrates of HNSCC.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of T cell infiltrates in primary tumor specimens from patients enrolled in a clinical window of opportunity trial of presurgical metformin. Metformin was titrated to a standard diabetic dose (2000 mg/day) for a minimum of 9 days (mean 13.6 days) prior to surgical resection. Pre and posttreatment surgical specimens from 36 patients (16 HPV+, 20 HPV−) were comparatively analyzed. FOXP3+ and CD8+ immune cell infiltrates in the tumor and peritumoral stroma of pre and posttreatment HNSCC specimens were quantified by digital image analysis using Visiopharm software.

Results

Metformin treatment was associated with a 41.4% decrease in FOXP3+ T cells in intratumor regions of interest (P = .004) and a 66.5% increase in stromal CD8+ T cells at the leading edge of the tumor (P = .021) when compared to pretreatment biopsies. This was reflected in increased CD8+/FOXP3+ cell ratios within the tumor (P < .001) and stromal compartments (P < .001). The effects of metformin occurred independently of HPV status.

Conclusion

Metformin treatment may favorably alter the immune TME in HNSCC independent of HPV status.

Level of Evidence

1b. This study is most accurately described as a non‐randomized controlled trial and therefore may reflect a level of evidence below 1b but above 2a from the provided “levels of evidence” chart. Laryngoscope, 130:E490–E498, 2020
Deep learning–based MR‐to‐CT synthesis: The influence of varying gradient echo–based MR images as input channels
Authors: Florkow Mateusz C. , Zijlstra Frank , Willemsen Koen , Maspero Matteo , van den Berg Cornelis A. T. , Kerkmeijer Linda G. W. , Castelein René M. , Weinans Harrie , Viergever Max A. , van Stralen Marijn , Seevinck Peter R.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To study the influence of gradient echo–based contrasts as input channels to a 3D patch‐based neural network trained for synthetic CT (sCT) generation in canine and human populations.

Methods

Magnetic resonance images and CT scans of human and canine pelvic regions were acquired and paired using nonrigid registration. Magnitude MR images and Dixon reconstructed water, fat, in‐phase and opposed‐phase images were obtained from a single T1‐weighted multi‐echo gradient‐echo acquisition. From this set, 6 input configurations were defined, each containing 1 to 4 MR images regarded as input channels. For each configuration, a UNet‐derived deep learning model was trained for synthetic CT generation. Reconstructed Hounsfield unit maps were evaluated with peak SNR, mean absolute error, and mean error. Dice similarity coefficient and surface distance maps assessed the geometric fidelity of bones. Repeatability was estimated by replicating the training up to 10 times.

Results

Seventeen canines and 23 human subjects were included in the study. Performance and repeatability of single‐channel models were dependent on the TE‐related water–fat interference with variations of up to 17% in mean absolute error, and variations of up to 28% specifically in bones. Repeatability, Dice similarity coefficient, and mean absolute error were statistically significantly better in multichannel models with mean absolute error ranging from 33 to 40 Hounsfield units in humans and from 35 to 47 Hounsfield units in canines.

Conclusion

Significant differences in performance and robustness of deep learning models for synthetic CT generation were observed depending on the input. In‐phase images outperformed opposed‐phase images, and Dixon reconstructed multichannel inputs outperformed single‐channel inputs.
Insights into tissue microstructure using a double diffusion encoding sequence on a clinical scanner: Validation and application to experimental tumor models
Authors: Duchêne Gaëtan , Abarca‐Quinones Jorge , Leclercq Isabelle , Duprez Thierry , Peeters Frank
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To present a double diffusion encoding MRI sequence on a clinical scanner to analyze micro‐structure and micro‐vasculature of tumors.

Methods

The sequence was tested on phantoms, asparaguses, and 2 tumors allografts in a rodent. Results were analyzed using an adapted VERDICT model to estimate microstructural parameters. The technical feasibility of the sequence on a 3T clinical system was assessed on a water phantom. The accuracy of cell size estimation was assessed on asparaguses by comparison with light microscopy. Cell size estimations were also validated when limiting relative angles of diffusion encodings to 0 and 180°. Sensitivities to restricted diffusion and incoherent flow from the vasculature were investigated in experimental tumor models. Values of microstructural parameters in viable and decaying tumor tissue were compared with those obtained from histological analysis.

Results

Measurements on the water phantom revealed no significant sequence artifacts and accurate apparent diffusion coefficient values within a 4% relative error. In asparaguses, quartiles and medians of pore size distributions typically deviated less than 6% from light microscopy regardless of whether the full or reduced set of relative angles was used. Signal analyses in tumors showed mixed effects of both blood flow and diffusion restriction. Microstructural parameter estimations in tumors were consistent with histology and allowed clear and histology‐proven distinctions between decaying and viable tumor tissue.

Conclusions

Double diffusion encoding with clinical gradients and scan times allows characterization of restricted diffusion and micro‐circulation flow in tumors. Our estimated microstructural parameters are promising for further investigations in assessing microstructural evolutions in tumors.
Consider Best Practices to Achieve AMI Installation Success
Authors: Butler Thomas
Published: October 2019

For a water utility of any size to function properly, effective meter reading is a vital aspect of daily operations. Meter reading supports both ends of the transaction, ensuring water is properly delivered and accounted for and customers are billed accordingly each month. Any significant meter innovation or improvement could greatly benefit a water utility.
Combining aquatic physiotherapy with usual care physiotherapy for people with neurological conditions: A systematic review
Authors: Moritz Tamara A. , Snowdon David A. , Peiris Casey L.
Published: October 2019

Objective

The objective of this review was to determine whether the combination of aquatic physiotherapy with usual care and results in greater improvements in activity limitations and neurological‐related impairments in individuals with neurological conditions than usual care physiotherapy alone.

Methods

A systematic review of controlled trials was utilized to compare usual care physiotherapy with usual care physiotherapy combined with aquatic physiotherapy for adults with any neurological condition. Standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated from postintervention means and standard deviations.

Results

Ten trials with a total of 490 participants met the inclusion criteria. Of the included trials, combined aquatic and usual care physiotherapy was evaluated in people with stroke in eight trials and in people with Parkinson's disease in two trials. Trial and outcome heterogeneity prevented the completion of meta‐analyses. Data from five trials (n = 259) in people with stroke suggest that aquatic physiotherapy improves measures of balance, walking, mobility, and activities of daily living. No significant differences were detected in measures of activity limitation for people with Parkinson's disease nor measures of impairment for people with stroke or Parkinson's disease.

Conclusion

This review provides preliminary evidence that the combination of aquatic physiotherapy with usual care physiotherapy may improve activity limitations in people with stroke. This review found no evidence to support the combination of aquatic physiotherapy with usual care physiotherapy to improve activity limitations in Parkinson's disease or other neurological populations. These results should be interpreted with caution due to the mixed quality of the included trials.
Doping Strategy for Efficient and Stable Triple Cation Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells and Module Based on Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) Hole Transport Layer
Authors: Yaghoobi Nia Narges , Lamanna Enrico , Zendehdel Mahmoud , Palma Alessandro L. , Zurlo Francesca , Castriotta Luigi Angelo , Di Carlo Aldo
Published: October 2019

As the hole transport layer (HTL) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) has been attracting great interest due to its low‐cost, thermal stability, oxygen impermeability, and strong hydrophobicity. In this work, a new doping strategy is developed for P3HT as the HTL in triple‐cation/double‐halide ((FA1−x−yMAxCsy)Pb(I1−xBrx)3) mesoscopic PSCs. Photovoltaic performance and stability of solar cells show remarkable enhancement using a composition of three dopants Li‐TFSI, TBP, and Co(III)‐TFSI reaching power conversion efficiencies of 19.25% on 0.1 cm2 active area, 16.29% on 1 cm2 active area, and 13.3% on a 43 cm2 active area module without using any additional absorber layer or any interlayer at the PSK/P3HT interface. The results illustrate the positive effect of a cobalt dopant on the band structure of perovskite/P3HT interfaces leading to improved hole extraction and a decrease of trap‐assisted recombination. Non‐encapsulated large area devices show promising air stability through keeping more than 80% of initial efficiency after 1500 h in atmospheric conditions (relative humidity ≈ 60%, r.t.), whereas encapsulated devices show more than >500 h at 85 °C thermal stability (>80%) and 100 h stability against continuous light soaking (>90%). The boosted efficiency and the improved stability make P3HT a good candidate for low‐cost large‐scale PSCs.
Method to quantify the in vivo skin penetration of topically applied materials based on confocal Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Caspers Peter J. , Nico Claudio , Bakker Schut Tom C. , de Sterke Johanna , Pudney Paul D. A. , Curto Patricia R. , Illand Abigail , Puppels Gerwin J.
Published: October 2019

This article describes a unique noninvasive capability to determine the concentration (in mg/cm3) and total amount of topically applied materials in the skin (in μg/cm2 of skin surface). It is based on in vivo confocal Raman spectroscopy. A theoretical derivation is given of a general method to calculate a concentration ratio from a Raman spectrum of a material in a medium, which can be a solvent or other matrix, such as the skin. A practical implementation of the method is then presented along with a clarification of the assumptions used and applied to a quantitative analysis of the in vivo skin penetration of trans‐retinol and propylene glycol (PG). A comparison was made between the concentrations profiles of retinol and PG found in the skin and the concentrations of retinol and PG that had been applied to the skin. Determination of the amount of these materials in the skin at different timepoints after topical application also enabled a straightforward calculation of the flux of materials into the skin (in μg cm−2 h).
Taking services to foreign markets: A taxonomy of Brazilian service firms
Authors: da Silva Gilberto Figueira , da Rocha Angela , da Silva Jorge Ferreira
Published: October 2019

This study develops a taxonomy of international service firms from an emerging market, Brazil, and assesses whether there are significant differences in international performance between the groups. After an extensive literature review, a survey was carried out with a sample of international service firms located in an emerging economy, Brazil. Using as a departure point two theoretical perspectives, the internationalization process theory and industrial organization theory, in addition to service dimensions extracted from the empirical service management literature, the study identifies four groups—large traditionals, generalist neophytes, solitary traditionals, and daring differentiators—based on firm characteristics, international services delivered, internationalization process characteristics, and international strategies adopted. The findings suggest that there are significant differences in performance between the groups.
Synthesis and Infrared Multi‐band Absorption Properties of Core‐shell NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+@SiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Yuan Lu , Kang Ming , Chang Guanjun , Lv Xiangmeng , Shen Simin , Sun Rong
Published: October 2019

Due to the unique size effects, nanomaterials in infrared absorption have attracted much attention for their strong absorption in the infrared region. To achieve the infrared multi‐band absorption, we propose to synthesize a core‐shell structure nanomaterial consisting of NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ core and a layer of SiO2 as shell. A series of NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ nanocrystals were synthesized through hydrothermal method by adjusting the ratio of citric acid(CA)‐to‐NaOH, and the effects of CA concentration, and NaOH concentration were studied in detail. NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+@SiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by sol‐gel method using TEOS as silica source. The results show that the core‐shell NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+@SiO2 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized. Up‐conversion spectra of these nanoparticles were recorded with 980 nm laser excitation under room temperature. There are no changes of the emission centers of nanoparticles before or after silica coating, but the emission intensities of nanoparticles after silica coating are weakened. Furthermore, the property of infrared multi‐band absorption was tested through ultraviolet‐visible‐near infrared spectrophotometer and infrared absorption spectra. The results illustrate that the multi‐band infrared absorption nanomaterial was successfully synthesized.
Intercultural Music Teacher Education in Israel: Reimagining Religious Segregation Through Culturally Responsive Teaching
Authors: Ehrlich Amira , Badarne Belal
Published: October 2019

This chapter is a result of a rare effort of interreligious dialogue between two colleagues in Israeli music teacher education – an Orthodox Jew and a devout Muslim. In this act of collegial sharing, intercultural conversation is used as an instrument for research. The documented effort to communicate respective culturally grounded perspectives to one another illuminates taken-for-granted norms and habits and expands respective understandings of cultural assumptions that currently underlie structures of religious segregation in Israeli music teacher education. Working to reimagine such structures, the authors question the possibility of inter-culturalism in the context of segregation. Tracing the constraints of cultural diversity further, considering policy and music teacher education, the authors re-imagine socio-religious segregation in Israeli music teacher education as an opportunity for culturally responsive teaching. The analysis and the envisioning are grounded in the experiences of the two authors as lecturers in two specialized segregated programs of music teacher education geared towards Arabic speaking populations and the Jewish Ultraorthodox community. Conclusions aspire towards cultural specificity within each community as a platform for future intercultural sharing that the authors believe can enrich Israeli society at large.
Bridging Musical Worlds: Musical Collaboration Between Student Musician-Educators and South Sudanese Australian Youth
Authors: Marsh Kathryn , Ingram Catherine , Dieckmann Samantha
Published: October 2019

This chapter reports results of an innovative contemporary model of applied urban ethnomusicological research investigating the effects of collaborative musical engagement between students from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (SCM) and South Sudanese Australian youth in the culturally diverse metropolis of Sydney, Australia. TheBridging Musical Worldsproject was conducted in 2016 during a period of extraordinary global migration. In Australia, children and young people of South Sudanese heritage occupy a prominent place in emerging communities in many large urban areas but are often subject to discriminatory discourse. The project enabled SCM music education students to engage in reciprocal teaching and learning opportunities relating to South Sudanese music and culture and globalised popular music. In this chapter we outline the major outcomes of the project, including social inclusion through collaborative participatory music making, and explore the impact of these musical activities on the development of cultural competence and intercultural understanding for tertiary students.
Microbial production of O-methylated flavanones from methylated phenylpropanoic acids in engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Cui Heqing , Song Myoung Chong , Lee Ji Young , Yoon Yeo Joon
Published: October 2019

Methylated flavonoids possess improved bioactivities compared to their unmethylated counterparts. In this study, for the efficient production of O-methylated flavonoids from simple methylated phenylpropanoic acids, a recombinant Escherichia coli strain expressing 4-coumarate:coenzyme A ligase (4CL) from Oryza sativa and chalcone synthase (CHS) from Hordeum vulgare was constructed; this strain produced significant amount of homoeriodictyol (~ 52 mg/L) as well as a few amount of hesperetin (0.4 mg/L), respectively, from ferulic acid and 4-methylcaffeic acid. This demonstrates, for the first time, that the scarce but valuable methylated flavanones can be successfully produced from methylated phenylpropanoic acids in a microbial host via an artificial biosynthetic pathway consisting of 4CL and CHS that can accept O-methylated precursors.
Beneficial mutations for carotenoid production identified from laboratory-evolvedSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Godara Avinash , Rodriguez Maria Alejandra Gomez , Weatherston Joshua D , Peabody George L , Wu Hung-Jen , Kao Katy C
Published: October 2019

Adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) is a powerful tool used to increase strain fitness in the presence of environmental stressors. If production and strain fitness can be coupled, ALE can be used to increase product formation. In earlier work, carotenoids hyperproducing mutants were obtained using an ALE strategy. Here, de novo mutations were identified in hyperproducers, and reconstructed mutants were explored to determine the exact impact of each mutation on production and tolerance. A single mutation in YMRCTy1-3 conferred increased carotenoid production, and when combined with other beneficial mutations led to further increased β-carotene production. Findings also suggest that the ALE strategy selected for mutations that confer increased carotenoid production as primary phenotype. Raman spectroscopy analysis and total lipid quantification revealed positive correlation between increased lipid content and increased β-carotene production. Finally, we demonstrated that the best combinations of mutations identified for β-carotene production were also beneficial for production of lycopene.
Efficacy of preemptive analgesia versus postoperative analgesia of celecoxib on postoperative pain, patients’ global assessment and hip function recovery in femoroacetabular impingement patients underwent hip arthroscopy surgery
Authors: Zhu Xiaoping
Published: October 2019

We aimed to investigate the efficacy of preemptive analgesia of celecoxib on postoperative pain, patients’ global assessment (PGA) and hip function recovery compared to postoperative analgesia of celecoxib in femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) patients who underwent hip arthroscopy surgery (HAS). The 100 FAI patients underwent HAS were randomly allocated to preemptive analgesia group (N = 50) or postoperative analgesia group (N = 50) as a 1:1 ratio for 3 months. Pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, PGA score, rescue-use pethidine consumption and Harris hip score were assessed. Compared to postoperative analgesia group, pain VAS score decreased on day 1 (P = 0.036), day 2 (P = 0.046) and day 3 (P = 0.046), while was similar prior to operation (P = 0.587), on day 7 (P = 0.398), at month 1 (P = 0.461) and month 3 (P = 0.805) in preemptive analgesia group. Besides, rescue-use pethidine consumption was decreased in preemptive analgesia group than postoperative analgesia group within 3 days (P = 0.016) and within 7 days (P = 0.033) post-operation. For PGA score, it reduced on day 2 (P = 0.030) and day 3 (P = 0.048), while was similar prior to operation (P = 0.699), on day 1 (P = 0.699), day 7 (P = 0.224), at month 1 (P = 0.640) and month 3 (P = 0.400) in preemptive analgesia group than postoperative analgesia group. For Harris hip score, it was similar prior to operation (P = 0.372), on day 7 (P = 0.366), at month 1 (P = 0.466) and month 3 (P = 0.658) between the two groups. In conclusion, preemptive analgesia of celecoxib decreases short-term postoperative pain and PGA, but without effect on long-term hip function recovery than postoperative analgesia of celecoxib in FAI patients who underwent HAS.
Global Thermodynamics for Heat Conduction Systems
Authors: Nakagawa Naoko , Sasa Shin-ichi
Published: October 2019

We propose the concept of global temperature for spatially non-uniform heat conduction systems. With this novel quantity, we present an extended framework of thermodynamics for the whole system such that the fundamental relation of thermodynamics holds, which we call “global thermodynamics” for heat conduction systems. Associated with this global thermodynamics, we formulate a variational principle for determining thermodynamic properties of the liquid-gas phase coexistence in heat conduction, which corresponds to the natural extension of the Maxwell construction for equilibrium systems. We quantitatively predict that the temperature of the liquid–gas interface deviates from the equilibrium transition temperature. This result indicates that a super-cooled gas stably appears near the interface.
Wie verbindlich ist das Wissen vom Gene Editing? Ethische Reflexionen zu einem aktuellen Normierungsprozess
Authors: Kiewitt-Straßburg Stefanie
Published: October 2019

Aktuelle Untersuchungen zum Gene Editing an menschlichen Embryonen zeigen große Erfolge bei der Korrektur vererbbarer Krankheiten und treiben die Grundlagenforschung sowie die Präimplantations-Gendiagnostik enorm voran. Was von Forschungen dieser Art aus ethischer Sicht zu halten ist, ist dagegen weniger eindeutig. Ein Blick auf den aktuellen Diskurs zeigt, dass diese Entwicklungen sehr kontrovers diskutiert werden und eine Einigung darüber, ob sie vorangebracht werden sollen oder nicht, keineswegs in Sicht ist. Zum Zweck der Orientierung und auch besseren Positionierung in der aktuellen Debatte befasst sich die vorliegende Untersuchung zum einen mit der Art des Wissens vom Gene Editing sowie dessen epistemischen Grundlage und zum anderen mit den ethisch-normativen Überzeugungen, an die die Befürworter und Gegner in der ethischen Bewertung des Gene Editing jeweils appellieren. Dabei zeigt sich, dass die Überzeugungen, auf die sich die Befürworter stützen, der speziellen Art dieses Wissens und seiner epistemischen Grundlage stärker Rechnung tragen, während das von den Überzeugungen, auf die sich die Gegner berufen, gerade nicht zu erwarten ist. Diese Einsicht in die Struktur der Debatte erlaubt es, die verschiedenen Argumentationsweisen in Beziehung zu setzen, ihre jeweiligen Perspektiven einzunehmen und auch ihre blinden Flecken aufzudecken.
Latent class analysis identifies functional decline with Amsterdam IADL in preclinical Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Villeneuve Sarah‐Christine , Houot Marion , Cacciamani Federica , Verrijp Merike , Dubois Bruno , Sikkes Sietske , Epelbaum Stéphane ,   MEMENTO study group and the INSIGHT‐preAD study group, Bakardjian Hovagim , Benali Habib , Bertin Hugo , LaurieBoukadida Joel Bonheur , Boukerrou Nadia , Cavedo Enrica , Chiesa Patrizia , Colliot Olivier , Dubois Bruno , Dubois Marion , Epelbaum Stéphane , Gagliardi Geoffroy , Genthon Remy , Habert Marie‐Odile , Hampel Harald , Houot Marion , Kas Aurélie , Lamari Foudil , Levy Marcel , Lista Simone , Metzinger Christiane , Mochel Fanny , Nyasse Francis , Poisson Catherine , Potier Marie‐Claude , Revillon Marie , Santos Antonio , Andrade Katia Santos , Sole Marine , Surtee Mohmed , Thiebaud de Schotten Michel , Vergallo Andrea , Younsi Nadjia
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Trials in Alzheimer's disease (AD) now include participants at the earliest stages to prevent further decline. However, the lack of tools sensitive to subtle functional changes in early‐stage AD hinders the development of new therapies as it is difficult to prove their clinical relevance.

Methods

We assessed functional changes over three years in 289 elderly memory complainers from the Investigation of Alzheimer's Predictors in subjective memory complainers cohort using the Amsterdam Instrumental‐Activities‐of‐Daily‐Living questionnaire (A‐IADL‐Q).

Results

No overall functional decline related to AD imaging markers was evidenced. However, five distinct classes of A‐IADL‐Q trajectories were identified. The largest class (212 [73.4%]) had stable A‐IADL‐Q scores over 3 years. A second group (23 [8.0%]) showed a persistent functional decline, higher amyloid load (P = .0005), and lower education (P = .0392).

Discussion

The A‐IADL‐Q identified a subtle functional decline in asymptomatic at‐risk AD individuals. This could have important implications in the field of early intervention in AD.
GROUPS WHOSE NONNORMAL SUBGROUPS ARE METAHAMILTONIAN
Authors: ESPOSITO DARIO , DE GIOVANNI FRANCESCO , TROMBETTI MARCO
Published: October 2019

If $\mathfrak{X}$ is a class of groups, we define a sequence $\mathfrak{X}_{1},\mathfrak{X}_{2},\ldots ,\mathfrak{X}_{k},\ldots$ of group classes by putting $\mathfrak{X}_{1}=\mathfrak{X}$ and choosing $\mathfrak{X}_{k+1}$ as the class of all groups whose nonnormal subgroups belong to $\mathfrak{X}_{k}$. In particular, if $\mathfrak{A}$ is the class of abelian groups, $\mathfrak{A}_{2}$ is the class of metahamiltonian groups, that is, groups whose nonnormal subgroups are abelian. The aim of this paper is to study the structure of $\mathfrak{X}_{k}$-groups, with special emphasis on the case $\mathfrak{X}=\mathfrak{A}$. Among other results, it will be proved that a group has a finite commutator subgroup if and only if it is locally graded and belongs to $\mathfrak{A}_{k}$ for some positive integer $k$.
An Early Cretaceous stratigraphic marker fossil in the High Arctic: the belemnite Arctoteuthis bluethgeni
Authors: Alsen Peter , Jelby Mads E. , Śliwińska Kasia K. , Mutterlose Jörg
Published: October 2019

The original description of the large and characteristic belemnite species Arctoteuthis bluethgeni Doyle was based on fragmentary material from a relatively uncertain stratigraphic interval in Kong Karls Land, Svalbard. Recent collection of a belemnite assemblage in the Lower Cretaceous Rurikfjellet Formation on Spitsbergen include numerous complete specimens, allowing a detailed description of the species. With the exception of a specimen reported from Arctic Canada, its distribution is restricted to Svalbard. Its stratigraphic range appears to be restricted to the upper Valanginian – lower Hauterivian from ages obtained from palynostratigraphy. A. bluethgeni is therefore considered to be a useful Lower Cretaceous guide fossil in the Boreal High Arctic.
Analysis of an age-structured HIV in-host model with proliferation and two infection modes
Authors: YAN DONGXUE , FU XIANLONG , ZOU XINGFU
Published: October 2019

We propose and analyse an age-structured model for within-host HIV virus dynamics which is incorporated with both virus-to-cell and cell-to-cell infection routes, and proliferations of both uninfected and infected cells in the form of logistic growth. The model turns out to be a hybrid system with two differential-integral equations and one first-order partial differential equation. We perform some rigorous analyses for the considered model. Among the interesting dynamical behaviours of the model is the occurrence of backward bifurcation in terms of the basic reproduction numberR0atR0= 1, which raises new challenges for effective infection control. We also discuss the cause of such a backward bifurcation, based on our analytical results.
Malnutrition in all its forms and social inequalities in Brazil
Authors: Canella Daniela Silva , Duran Ana Clara , Claro Rafael Moreira
Published: October 2019

Objective:

To describe malnutrition (undernutrition and excess weight) by income, education and race/ethnicity in the Brazilian population.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Brazil.

Participants:

Children aged <5 years (n 14 580), adolescents aged 11–19 years (n 31 892) and adults aged 20–49 years (n 84 660).

Results:

Among children, prevalence of excess weight, wasting and stunting was 16·9, 2·8 and 6·0 %, respectively. Differences related to income, education and race/ethnicity were verified, except for prevalence of wasting by education level. Girls and boys presented 18·4 and 20·5 % of excess weight, 2·8 and 3·7 % of underweight and 5·5 and 7·3 % of stunting, respectively. Prevalence of excess weight was lower among poorer, lower-educated (only for boys) and white adolescents, while stunting was lower among higher-income, higher-educated and white adolescents. Over three-quarters of women and almost half of men presented excess weight. Among adults, 3·9 % of women and 1·7 % of men were underweight, and 5·7 % of women and 0·2 % of men presented short stature. Prevalence of excess weight for women was higher among lower education and black, while for men it was higher among higher income and education and white. Short stature was more prevalent among black and mixed-race, low-educated and low-income women. Underweight prevalence was higher among low-educated, black and mixed-race women.

Conclusions:

In Brazil, the prevalence of excess weight was at least threefold higher than that of undernutrition for children and adolescents and at least sevenfold higher for adults. Social inequalities were observed in the distribution of malnutrition across the lifespan and by gender.
In situ analysis of catalyst composition during gold catalyzed GaAs nanowire growth
Authors: Maliakkal Carina B. , Jacobsson Daniel , Tornberg Marcus , Persson Axel R. , Johansson Jonas , Wallenberg Reine , Dick Kimberly A.
Published: October 2019

Semiconductor nanowires offer the opportunity to incorporate novel structures and functionality into electronic and optoelectronic devices. A clear understanding of the nanowire growth mechanism is essential for well-controlled growth of structures with desired properties, but the understanding is currently limited by a lack of empirical measurements of important parameters during growth, such as catalyst particle composition. However, this is difficult to accurately determine by investigating post-growth. We report direct in situ measurement of the catalyst composition during nanowire growth for the first time. We study Au-seeded GaAs nanowires inside an electron microscope as they grow and measure the catalyst composition using X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. The Ga content in the catalyst during growth increases with both temperature and Ga precursor flux.
Transcriptional landscape and clinical utility of enhancer RNAs for eRNA-targeted therapy in cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Lee Joo-Hyung , Ruan Hang , Ye Youqiong , Krakowiak Joanna , Hu Qingsong , Xiang Yu , Gong Jing , Zhou Bingying , Wang Li , Lin Chunru , Diao Lixia , Mills Gordon B. , Li Wenbo , Han Leng
Published: October 2019

Enhancer RNA (eRNA) is a type of noncoding RNA transcribed from the enhancer. Although critical roles of eRNA in gene transcription control have been increasingly realized, the systemic landscape and potential function of eRNAs in cancer remains largely unexplored. Here, we report the integration of multi-omics and pharmacogenomics data across large-scale patient samples and cancer cell lines. We observe a cancer-/lineage-specificity of eRNAs, which may be largely driven by tissue-specific TFs. eRNAs are involved in multiple cancer signaling pathways through putatively regulating their target genes, including clinically actionable genes and immune checkpoints. They may also affect drug response by within-pathway or cross-pathway means. We characterize the oncogenic potential and therapeutic liability of one eRNA, NET1e, supporting the clinical feasibility of eRNA-targeted therapy. We identify a panel of clinically relevant eRNAs and developed a user-friendly data portal. Our study reveals the transcriptional landscape and clinical utility of eRNAs in cancer.
SCALE method for single-cell ATAC-seq analysis via latent feature extraction
Authors: Xiong Lei , Xu Kui , Tian Kang , Shao Yanqiu , Tang Lei , Gao Ge , Zhang Michael , Jiang Tao , Zhang Qiangfeng Cliff
Published: October 2019

Single-cell ATAC-seq (scATAC-seq) profiles the chromatin accessibility landscape at single cell level, thus revealing cell-to-cell variability in gene regulation. However, the high dimensionality and sparsity of scATAC-seq data often complicate the analysis. Here, we introduce a method for analyzing scATAC-seq data, called Single-Cell ATAC-seq analysis via Latent feature Extraction (SCALE). SCALE combines a deep generative framework and a probabilistic Gaussian Mixture Model to learn latent features that accurately characterize scATAC-seq data. We validate SCALE on datasets generated on different platforms with different protocols, and having different overall data qualities. SCALE substantially outperforms the other tools in all aspects of scATAC-seq data analysis, including visualization, clustering, and denoising and imputation. Importantly, SCALE also generates interpretable features that directly link to cell populations, and can potentially reveal batch effects in scATAC-seq experiments.