bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human papillomavirus DNA in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas in the Free State, South Africa
Authors: Bulane Atang , Goedhals Dominique , Seedat Riaz Y. , Goedhals Jacqueline , Burt Felicity
Published: July 2019

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been associated with a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HPV DNA in archived formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue from patients with histologically confirmed HNSCCs in a South African cohort. A nested PCR was used for the detection of HPV DNA targeting the L1 gene. Positive samples were confirmed using an in‐house hemi‐nested PCR targeting the E6 gene and genotyped by sequence determination of amplicons. HPV DNA was detected in 57/780 (7.3%) samples, with the highest prevalence being in the sinonasal tract (16.0%) and oropharynx (10.8%). HPV16 was the most frequently detected type, being found in 26/57 (45.6%) positive samples. The prevalence of HPV DNA in HNSCCs found in this study was lower than that found in developed countries
Iterative formulation for the skin effect on cylindrical conductors based on the Feynman's approach
Authors: Cardoso Jose Roberto , Salles Mauricio Barbosa Camargo , Pereira Ronaldo F. , Costa Eduardo C. , Sguarezi Filho Alfeu J.
Published: July 2019

Only qualitative aspects on the skin effect in conductors are properly described in the technical literature on power systems applications. Although the qualitative analysis is an important issue, it is not sufficient for a full approach and proper understanding of this electromagnetic phenomenon in power systems, more specifically in power transmission systems. The present work intends to provide a quantitative analysis of the skin effect on conductors based exclusively on the Maxwell Equations, whereby both physical and mathematical treatments of the phenomenon are properly analysed. This approach contrasts with the traditional one that uses a complex formulation based on both the differential Maxwell equations and potential concepts. Finally, a discussion on the application of the Poynting theorem on the external surface of the cylindrical conductor is presented in order to evaluate not only the resistance, but also the inductance as a function of the frequency, which is not properly discussed in the technical literature on power systems.
The interaction between serum amyloid A and Toll‐like receptor 2 pathway regulates inflammatory cytokine secretion in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Song Li‐Ting , Lai Wen , Li Jia‐Shan , Mu Yu‐Zhu , Li Chang‐Yi , Jiang Shao‐Yun
Published: July 2019

Background

Serum amyloid A (SAA) has been identified to trigger inflammation response, and play a crucial role in chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the regulatory mechanism of SAA still remains unclear during the development of periodontitis

Methods

SAA mRNA and protein expression were detected in healthy and inflammatory gingival tissues using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Human recombinant SAA (Apo‐SAA), Pam3CSK4 (a Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2 ligand), siRNA‐SAA, or TLR2 neutralizing antibody was applied to treat human gingival fibroblasts, respectively, or combined. SAA, TLRs, and inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 were analyzed by real‐time PCR, western blotting, or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

SAA expression increased in human inflammatory gingival tissues from patients with periodontitis (P <0.05). Apo‐SAA could increase not only the mRNA expression of TLR2 (P <0.05), but also IL‐6 and IL‐8 mRNA and protein levels (P <0.05) which was suppressed by TLR2 antibody in human gingival fibroblasts. Pam3CSK4 increased SAA, IL‐6, and IL‐8 levels (P <0.05). However, the expression of SAA, IL‐6, and IL‐8 decreased after transfection of siRNA‐SAA (P <0.05).

Conclusion

SAA not only increases in inflammatory gingiva, but also triggers inflammatory cytokine secretion via interacting with TLR2 pathway in human gingival fibroblasts, which indicates that SAA is involved in periodontal inflammation.
Periodontal healing by periodontal ligament fiber with or without cells: A preclinical study of the decellularized periodontal ligament in a tooth replantation model
Authors: Lee Jung‐Seok , Kim Seul‐Ki , Gruber Reinhard , Kim Chang‐Sung
Published: July 2019

Background

The periodontal ligament (PDL) comprises cells embedded in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and is required for periodontal healing upon tooth transplantation. However, the extent to which the ECM contributes to periodontal regeneration remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate effects of separate PDL matrix without cells on periodontal healing.

Methods

Mandibular premolars extracted from six beagle dogs, were 1) left untreated, 2) decellularized, or 3) surface planed. Cytologic, histologic, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analyses confirmed that detergents could be used to decellularize the PDL. An additional circumferential osteotomy was performed to replant dental roots into extraction sockets. Radiography and histology were used to evaluate periodontal regeneration 8 weeks later, with the data adjusted for multiple testing.

Results

In pristine extraction sites, total root resorption (P = 0.034), recovered PDL space (P = 0.012), and new cementum (P = 0.004) were greater in untreated teeth than in roots that underwent surface planing. There were no significant changes when comparing untreated teeth with teeth having a decellularized PDL (P = 0.081, P = 0.170, and P = 1.000, respectively), and decellularized teeth showed significant increase of new cementum compared to surface planed teeth (P = 0.048). In the defect area, only the recovered PDL space (P = 0.034) was greater in untreated teeth when comparing with denuded roots.

Conclusion

These results suggest that in addition to untreated PDL, decellularized PDL also partially supports reattachment (particularly cementogenesis) in pristine extraction sites but not in defect areas.
Siliceous‐based monolithic materials coated with a hydroxyapatite layer: Preparation and investigation of drug affinity by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Zielińska Monika , Buchwald Tomasz , Marańda Monika , Voelkel Adam
Published: July 2019

Monolithic materials based on silica and hydroxyapatite was applied as tool for investigation of interactions between bone and potential antiresorptive drugs. First type of material was created on the basis of tetramethyl orthosilicate and trimethoxymethylsilane. Second type of material contained additionally chitosan in its structure. Ceramic fraction of monoliths was prepared in two ways: by incorporation of hydroxyapatite during crosslinking or by using soaking method (hydroxyapatite mineralization on the surface). Monolithic materials were prepared in two different forms: in the form of a cylinder and as a filling of a needle for monolithic in‐needle extraction (MINE) device. Several techniques were applied to evaluate the properties of 19 prepared materials: energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, which allowed to confirm and characterize occurred hydroxyapatite layer. Sorption–desorption investigation, with the sodium risedronate as test compound, was made with using ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, to assess the affinity of the bisphosphonate for the ceramic layer of the material as a bone substitute. One of 15 prepared MINE devices exhibits sorption ability of risedronate equal to 97%.
Lighting intensity and photoperiod serves tailoring nitrate assimilation indices in red and green baby leaf lettuce
Authors: Viršilė Akvilė , Brazaitytė Aušra , Vaštakaitė‐Kairienė Viktorija , Miliauskienė Jurga , Jankauskienė Julė , Novičkovas Algirdas , Samuolienė Giedrė
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Understanding plant responses to light quantity in indoor horticultural systems is important for optimising lettuce growth and metabolism as well as energy utilisation efficiency. Light intensity and photoperiod sufficient for normal plant growth parameters might be not efficient for nitrate assimilation. Therefore, this study explored and compared the effects of different light intensities (100–500 μmol m−2 s−1) and photoperiods (12–24 h) on the growth and nitrate assimilation in red and green leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.).

RESULTS

For efficient nitrate assimilation, 300–400 μmol m−2 s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and 16–18 h photoperiod is necessary for red and green lettuces. The insufficient light quantity resulted in reduced growth and remarkable increase in nitrate and nitrite contents in both cultivars. Short photoperiods, similarly to low PPFD, growth parameters, chlorophyll indices and nitrate assimilation indices showed the shortage of photosynthetic products for normal plant physiological processes. Short photoperiods had the least pronounced effect on nitrate and nitrite contents in lettuce leaves.

CONCLUSION

Light intensity was superior compared to photoperiods for efficient nitrate assimilation in both lettuce cultivars. Under short photoperiods, similarly to low intensity, growth parameters, chlorophyll index and nitrate assimilation indices showed a shortage of photosynthetic products for normal physiological processes. The free amino acid concentration increased, but it was not efficiently incorporated in proteins, as their level in lettuce was lower compared to those for moderate photoperiods. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Developing a miniaturized setup for in‐tube simultaneous determination of three alkaloids using electromembrane extraction in combination with ultraviolet spectrophotometry
Authors: Pourahadi Ahmad , Farahani Ali , Hosseiny Davarani Saied Saeed , Nojavan Saeed , Tashakori Camellia
Published: July 2019

Herein, electromembrane extraction was combined with ultraviolet spectrophotometry using a customized manifold for preconcentration and simultaneous determination of morphine, codeine, and papaverine in water and human urine samples. Absorption spectra of the extracts were recorded inside the lumen of the hollow fiber using two fiber optics connected to a miniature spectrophotometer. Partial least squares regression was applied to resolve the overlapped spectra of the analytes. Performance of the model was validated by an independent test set. Central composite design was applied to optimize the extraction parameters. The optimized extraction conditions are as follows; supporting liquid membrane: 2‐nitrophenyl octyl ether containing 15% v/v bis(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphate, applied voltage: 80 V, donor pH: 3.0, acceptor pH: 1.0, extraction time: 20 min. Finally, the optimized extraction method was validated for determination of the mentioned alkaloids in human urine samples. The method showed good linearity (R2 > 0.995) for all of the mentioned alkaloids. The limits of detection for morphine, codeine, and papaverine in diluted human urine were found to be 0.6, 1.1, and 0.6 ng/mL, respectively with acceptable relative standard deviations. Enrichment factors of 104, 108, and 102 were achieved for morphine, codeine, and papaverine, respectively.
Pelagic methane oxidation in the northern Chukchi Sea
Authors: Rogener Mary Katherine , Sipler Rachel E. , Hunter Kimberley S. , Bronk Deborah A. , Joye Samantha B.
Published: July 2019

Significant amounts of methane reside in sediments along the continental margins and slope of the Arctic Ocean. Methanotrophic bacteria oxidize methane to bicarbonate and also assimilate some methane‐derived carbon into biomass. Their metabolism transforms methane to other forms of carbon and sequesters it within the system, reducing its emission to the atmosphere. Increases in water temperatures driven by global climate change may accelerate the methane flux from the benthos into the water column, potentially increasing the importance of methanotrophic consumption as a methane sink. We report methane concentrations and oxidation rates in the water column of the Chukchi Sea from August 2017. This area is characterized by seasonally high nutrient concentrations that fuel high rates of pelagic primary productivity and subsequent sedimentation of organic matter, which stimulates benthic methanogenesis. Methane concentrations in the study area ranged from 6 to 72 nmol L−1, consistent with previously published measurements. Methane oxidation rates were as high as 580 pmol L−1 d−1, similar to the rates measured in the East Siberian Arctic Shelf. Depth‐integrated methane oxidation rates were lower than methane efflux rates, suggesting that physiochemical factors prevent the methanotrophic microbial community from efficiently removing methane from the ecosystem. Still, methanotrophic bacteria provide an ecosystem service by removing a fraction of methane prior to its efflux to the atmosphere.
Light exposure along particle flowpaths in large rivers
Authors: Gardner John R. , Ensign Scott H. , Houser Jeffrey N. , Doyle Martin W.
Published: July 2019

Sunlight is a critical resource in aquatic systems driving photosynthesis, photodegradation of organic matter and contaminants, animal behavior, and the activity of human pathogens. In rivers, solutes, materials, and organisms are turbulently mixed across the water column during downstream transport and exposed to highly variable sunlight. However, there are no measurements of suspended particles' sunlight exposure during downstream transport to characterize this variability, and it is unclear if current measurement approaches and optical theory capture the light exposure of suspended particles. We deployed neutrally buoyant drifters and stationary buoys in the Upper Mississippi (WI, U.S.A.) and Neuse Rivers (NC, U.S.A.) to measure underwater sunlight from the perspective of suspended particles. In our study sites, underwater sunlight varied more along flowpaths measured by drifters than over time measured by fixed‐site buoys; sunlight exposure along flowpaths was dominated by bursts of light (sunflecks) that accounted for 62–99% of the cumulative sunlight exposure; and modeled sunlight exposure using optical theory was consistently 56–1700% higher than measured sunlight exposure along flowpaths. Our results suggested that suspended particles in the study reaches experienced darker conditions than predicted and have important implications for how to quantify underwater sunlight in rivers.
Searching for the one: Customer relationship management software selection
Authors: Cricelli Livio , Famulari Federico Maria , Greco Marco , Grimaldi Michele
Published: July 2019

In a competitive environment that increasingly awards a clever approach to customer relationship management (CRM), firms need to systematize the way they interact with their customers. The relationships that often lay in the hands of managers and salespeople need to be thoughtfully organized to maximize both customer satisfaction and the effectiveness of the marketing efforts. CRM software packages can be an answer to organize and systematize the management of such commercial relationships. However, decision makers may not have the time and the competencies to identify the most suitable solution for their needs, among the hundreds existing, and may ultimately resort to an external expert. Since the existing methods to select a CRM software package suffer from several limitations, this article introduces a novel four‐step method allowing to actively involve the decision makers in the CRM software package selection, simultaneously minimizing the effort requested to them and maximizing the extent to which the final choice suits their specific needs and preferences. The method resorts to a coordinated use of the analytic hierarchy process and of its fuzzy adaptation. The article also presents an exemplification of the method in a small Italian firm.
Cancer outcomes among Parkinson's disease patients with leucine rich repeat kinase 2 mutations, idiopathic Parkinson's disease patients, and nonaffected controls
Authors: Agalliu Ilir , Ortega Roberto A. , Luciano Marta San , Mirelman Anat , Pont‐Sunyer Claustre , Brockmann Kathrin , Vilas Dolores , Tolosa Eduardo , Berg Daniela , Warø Bjørg , Glickman Amanda , Raymond Deborah , Inzelberg Rivka , Ruiz‐Martinez Javier , Mondragon Elisabet , Friedman Eitan , Hassin‐Baer Sharon , Alcalay Roy N. , Mejia‐Santana Helen , Aasly Jan , Foroud Tatiana , Marder Karen , Giladi Nir , Bressman Susan , Saunders‐Pullman Rachel
Published: July 2019

Background

Increased cancer risk has been reported in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients carrying the leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) G2019S mutation (LRRK2‐PD) in comparison with idiopathic PD (IPD). It is unclear whether the elevated risk would be maintained when compared with unaffected controls.

Methods

Cancer outcomes were compared among 257 LRRK2‐PD patients, 712 IPD patients, and 218 controls recruited from 7 LRRK2 consortium centers using mixed‐effects logistic regression. Data were then pooled with a previous study to examine cancer risk between 401 LRRK2‐PD and 1946 IPD patients.

Results

Although cancer prevalence was similar among LRRK2‐PD patients (32.3%), IPD patients (27.5%), and controls (27.5%; P = 0.33), LRRK2‐PD had increased risks of leukemia (odds ratio [OR] = 4.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46–10.61) and skin cancer (OR = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.09–2.37). In the pooled analysis, LRRK2‐PD patients had also elevated risks of leukemia (OR = 9.84; 95% CI, 2.15–44.94) and colon cancer (OR = 2.34; 95% CI, 1.15–4.74) when compared with IPD patients.

Conclusions

The increased risks of leukemia as well as skin and colon cancers among LRRK2‐PD patients suggest that LRRK2 mutations heighten risks of certain cancers. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Miniaturized low‐pass filter design with wide stopband using complementary split‐ring resonator
Authors: Ramanuajam Parthasarathy , Ramesh Venkatesan P. G. , Arumugam Chandrasekar
Published: July 2019

A miniaturized microstrip low‐pass filter (LPF) design comprises of meander lines, rectangular patches, open‐circuit stubs, and a complementary split‐ring resonator placed in between the input/output ports has been presented in this article. The proposed filter has insertion loss of 0.10 dB in passband with a bandwidth of 3.8 GHz. It also has a wide stopband bandwidth of 9.9 GHz with minimum attenuation of 28 dB (between 4.1 GHz and 14 GHz). Wide stopband has been achieved by introducing the open stubs and impedance transforms the patch resonators. Group delay of designed LPF quantified to be less than 0.22 ns in the passband. The simulated and measured results have been compared and found to be in good agreement. This filter finds its applications in Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) bands with harmonic suppression in modern communication receivers.
Scenes from San Jose
Authors:   The Editorial Staff
Published: July 2019

In May, ID's reporting crew traveled the aisles and session rooms of Display Week 2019, held at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California, to find out what's happening in the industry. Here are some of their takeaways from the symposium and tradeshow.
Neurophysiologic techniques to investigate small‐fiber excitability
Authors: Walk David
Published: July 2019

See article on pages 367–375 in this issue.
Accuracy of Resting Energy Expenditure Predictive Equations in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Purcell Sarah A. , Elliott Sarah A. , Baracos Vickie E. , Chu Quincy S. C. , Sawyer Michael B. , Mourtzakis Marina , Easaw Jacob C. , Spratlin Jennifer L. , Siervo Mario , Prado Carla M.
Published: July 2019

Background

Our purpose was to assess the accuracy of resting energy expenditure (REE) equations in patients with newly diagnosed stage I–IV non–small cell lung, rectal, colon, renal, or pancreatic cancer.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, REE was measured using indirect calorimetry and compared with 23 equations. Agreement between measured and predicted REE was assessed via paired t‐tests, Bland‐Altman analysis, and percent of estimations ≤ 10% of measured values. Accuracy was measured among subgroups of body mass index (BMI), stage (I–III vs IV), and cancer type (lung, rectal, and colon) categories. Fat mass (FM) and fat‐free mass (FFM) were assessed using dual x‐ray absorptiometry.

Results

Among 125 patients, most had lung, colon, or rectal cancer (92%, BMI: 27.5 ± 5.6 kg/m2, age: 61 ± 11 years, REE: 1629 ± 321 kcal/d). Thirteen (56.5%) equations yielded REE values different than measured (P < 0.05). Limits of agreement were wide for all equations, with Mifflin–St. Jeor equation having the smallest limits of agreement, −21.7% to 11.3% (−394 to 203 kcal/d). Equations with FFM were not more accurate except for one equation (Huang with body composition; bias, limits of agreement: −0.3 ± 11.3% vs without body composition: 2.3 ± 10.1%, P < 0.001). Bias in body composition equations was consistently positively correlated with age and frequently negatively correlated with FM. Bias and limits of agreement were similar among subgroups of patients.

Conclusion

REE cannot be accurately predicted on an individual level, and bias relates to age and FM.
Paclitaxel loaded poly (DL lactic acid co castor oil) 60:40 with poloxamer‐F68 rod shape cylindrical nanoparticle preparation and in vitro cytotoxicity studies
Authors: SreeHarsha Nagaraja , Hiremath Jagadeesh G. , Aitha Rajesh Kumar , Domb Abraham J. , Al‐Dhubiab Bandar E. , Ramnarayanan Chandramouli , Alzahrani Abdullah Mossa , Venugopala Katharigatta N. , Akrawi Sabah H. , Attimarad Mahesh , Nair Anroop B.
Published: July 2019

This research presents a thin‐film hydration‐solvent evaporation method to formulate the paclitaxel loaded poly (DL lactic acid co castor oil) 4:6 with poloxamer‐F68 cylindrical shape nanoparticles. The particles were less than 250 nanometers (nm) in size, with an average width of 60 nm and an average length of 100 nm. The percent yield, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and percent drug loading (DL) were detected. This approach produces drug loading values between 5% and 20% w/w. X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) identified the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The investigation shows that the drug is molecularly dispersed in polymers or given in an amorphous or semicrystalline state. Horizontal water bath shaker technology considered the in vitro release of PTX loaded nanoparticles under sink conditions. Poly (DL lactic acid co castor oil) 4:6 nanoparticles exhibited a sustained release analysis. At the end of 30 hours, the percent cumulative drug release from the formulations was between 74.52% and 92.87% for F1 and F4. In vitro cytotoxicity assays indicate that PTX having p (DLLA:CO60:40) nanoparticles have a higher cytotoxic effect on MCF‐7/ADR.
Bevacizumab in treating the cystic components of pediatric low‐grade gliomas: A report of four patients
Authors: Levenbaum Erica , Ellika Shehanaz , Korones David N.
Published: July 2019

Low‐grade gliomas (LGG) are among the most common types of brain tumors in children and young adults. These tumors often consist of solid and cystic components. Bevacizumab is a documented treatment for progressive LGG, yet the impact of therapy on the cystic component of these tumors is unknown. We present four patients with prominently cystic LGG treated with bevacizumab at the time of progression. In each case, the cystic component responded to treatment. This is the first known study to investigate bevacizumab's impact on the cystic component of low‐grade gliomas.
Efficacy and Safety of the Use of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Pharmacotherapy in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Left Heart Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kido Kazuhiko , Coons James C.
Published: July 2019

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is often caused by left heart disease (LHD) such as heart failure (HF) or valvular heart disease. Historically, few randomized controlled trials have evaluated the off‐label use of medications for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with PH‐LHD. However, multiple randomized controlled trials have been published over the last decade that investigated their use in patients with PH‐LHD. In addition, recent updates in the classification and definitions of PH have led to an improved recognition of PH‐LHD phenotypes, notably combined post‐capillary and pre‐capillary PH and isolated post‐capillary PH. In this systematic review, we show that PAH medications should not be recommended in two distinct HF populations: patients with HF without definitive PH diagnosis and patients with isolated post‐capillary PH due to HF. In addition, the use of bosentan or macitentan is not recommended in patients with combined post‐capillary and pre‐capillary PH due to HF, but sildenafil may be considered to improve pulmonary hemodynamics and exercise capacity in patients with combined post‐capillary and pre‐capillary PH due to HF. Riociguat 2 mg 3 times daily may also be considered to improve pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with combined post‐capillary and pre‐capillary PH due to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction but not heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The postoperative use of sildenafil in the setting of PH after valvular heart disease intervention was evaluated. Limited clinical data and safety concern warrants caution with the postoperative use of sildenafil in patients with PH due to valvular heart disease. Despite recent advances in the understanding of PAH medications for patients with PH‐LHD, uncertainty remains about their utility in distinct subgroups. Nonetheless, PAH pharmacotherapy should generally be avoided for most patients with PH‐LHD.
Accelerating structure‐function mapping using the ViVa webtool to mine natural variation
Authors: Hamm Morgan O. , Moss Britney L. , Leydon Alexander R. , Gala Hardik P. , Lanctot Amy , Ramos Román , Klaeser Hannah , Lemmex Andrew C. , Zahler Mollye L. , Nemhauser Jennifer L. , Wright R. Clay
Published: July 2019

Thousands of sequenced genomes are now publicly available capturing a significant amount of natural variation within plant species; yet, much of these data remain inaccessible to researchers without significant bioinformatics experience. Here, we present a webtool called ViVa (Visualizing Variation) which aims to empower any researcher to take advantage of the amazing genetic resource collected in the Arabidopsis thaliana 1001 Genomes Project (http://1001genomes.org). ViVa facilitates data mining on the gene, gene family, or gene network level. To test the utility and accessibility of ViVa, we assembled a team with a range of expertise within biology and bioinformatics to analyze the natural variation within the well‐studied nuclear auxin signaling pathway. Our analysis has provided further confirmation of existing knowledge and has also helped generate new hypotheses regarding this well‐studied pathway. These results highlight how natural variation could be used to generate and test hypotheses about less‐studied gene families and networks, especially when paired with biochemical and genetic characterization. ViVa is also readily extensible to databases of interspecific genetic variation in plants as well as other organisms, such as the 3,000 Rice Genomes Project ( http://snp-seek.irri.org/) and human genetic variation ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/clinvar/).
Perylene polyphenylmethylsiloxanes for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Steinbrück Nils , Kickelbick Guido
Published: July 2019

The incorporation of fluorescent organic dyes in an encapsulating matrix represents a route to generate stable and processable materials for optoelectronic devices. Here, we present a method to embed perylene dyes into a high refractive index (HRI) polysiloxane matrix applying an allyl functionalized perylene dye and hydrosilylation chemistry. In a first approach, the dye molecules were covalently integrated into the backbone of linear polyphenylmethylsiloxane chains. The fluorescent and liquid polymers were synthesized with molecular weights from 5660 up to 8400 g mol−1. In a second approach, the dye itself was used as a cross‐linking agent between linear polyphenylmethylsiloxane chains. These preformed fluorescent batch polymers are liquids with dye concentrations between 0.025 and 8 wt %. The applied synthetic methods incorporated the dye covalently into the polymer structure and avoided the crystallization of the dye molecules and thus the formation of excimers, which would reduce the optical emission. The resulting products can be easily incorporated into curable commercially available HRI polyphenylmethylsiloxane resins. The formed materials are ideal LED encapsulants with a solid and flexible consistency, a uniform dispersion of the dyes, and adjustable mechanical properties, realized by changing the amount of perylene polymers. Further properties of the obtained materials are thermal stabilities up to 478 °C, quantum yields larger than 0.97, and high photostabilities. Thus, the covalent integration of dyes into polyphenylsiloxane structures represents a possible route for the stabilization of the organic dyes against the extreme irradiance and thermal conditions in LED applications. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1062–1073
Resin‐Derived Ni3S2/Carbon Nanocomposite for Advanced Rechargeable Aqueous Zn‐Based Batteries
Authors: Xiao Xiang , Zhang Haozhe , Wu Weixing , Wang Chao , Wu Shijia , Zhong Guobin , Xu Kaiqi , Zeng Jie , Su Wei , Lu Xihong
Published: July 2019

The exploration of high‐energy and stable cathode materials is highly desirable and challenging for the development of advanced Zn‐based batteries. In this work, a facile pyrolysis method is reported to synthetize Ni3S2/carbon nanocomposite as high‐performance cathode by employing ion exchange resin as a precursor. Attributing to the abundant active sites and enhanced conductivity from well binding between Ni3S2 and carbon, a markedly high capacity of 234.3 mA h g−1 is obtained for this Ni3S2/carbon at a high current density of 6.9 A g−1. Moreover, a Zn‐based battery is demonstrated by using the Ni3S2/carbon as a cathode and Zn plate as an anode, which delivers a maximum power density of 58.6 kW kg−1, together with a peak energy density of 356 W h kg−1 and 93.7% capacity retention after 5000 charging–discharging cycles. This simple synthetic strategy to achieve robust Ni‐based composite electrodes may open up new opportunities to design other transition metal–based electrodes for energy storage applications.
Proteomics and Leishmaniasis: Potential Clinical Applications
Authors: Capelli‐Peixoto Janaína , Mule Simon Ngao , Tano Fabia Tomie , Palmisano Giuseppe , Stolf Beatriz Simonsen
Published: July 2019

Leishmaniases are diseases caused by protozoan parasites of the genusLeishmania. They are endemic in 98 countries, affect around 12 million people worldwide and may present several distinct clinical forms. Unfortunately, there are only a few drugs available for treatment of leishmaniasis, which are toxic and not always effective. Different parasite species and different clinical forms require optimization of the treatment or more specific therapies, which are not available. The emergence of resistance is also a matter of concern. Besides, diagnosis can sometimes be complicated due to atypical manifestations and associations with other pathologies. In this review, proteomic data are presented and discussed in terms of their application in important issues in leishmaniasis such as parasite resistance to chemotherapy, diagnosis of active disease in patients and dogs, markers for different clinical forms, identification of virulence factors, and their potential use in vaccination. It is shown that proteomics has contributed to the discovery of potential biomarkers for prognosis, diagnosis, therapeutics, monitoring of disease progression, treatment follow‐up and identification of vaccine candidates for specific diseases. However, the authors believe its capabilities have not yet been fully explored for routine clinical analysis for several reasons, which will be presented in this review.
Thermal Ignition of ADN‐Based Propellants
Authors: Negri Michele , Wilhelm Marius , Ciezki Helmut K.
Published: July 2019

Ammonium dinitramide (ADN, NH4+ N(NO2)2−) based monopropellants are extremely promising as hydrazine replacement. Thermal igniters are attractive for ADN thrusters as they allow a more prompt ignition and may be better suited for larger engines (100‐500 N) compared to the currently used preheated catalysts. The results of an experimental campaign conducted on the ignition of two ADN‐based monopropellants (LMP‐103S and FLP‐106) with a torch igniter are presented. Several combustion chamber configurations have been tested to facilitate the ignition. Through the use of porous inlays in the chamber, ignition of both propellants was achieved. It was not possible, however, to achieve sustained combustion under the chosen test conditions.
Aspergillus fumigatus population dynamics and sensitivity to demethylation inhibitor fungicides in whole‐crop corn, high moisture corn and wet grain corn silages
Authors: Spadaro Davide , Matic Slavica , Prencipe Simona , Ferrero Francesco , Borreani Giorgio , Gisi Ulrich , Gullino Maria Lodovica
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Aspergillus fumigatus, the causal agent of aspergillosis in humans, is commonly present as a saprophyte in various organic substrates, such as spoiled silages. Aspergillosis is generally combated with demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides, but the recent appearance of resistant medical and environmental strains made current treatment strategies less reliable. The goal of this study was to determine the evolution of A. fumigatus populations during the ensiling process of whole‐crop corn, high moisture corn and wet grain corn, and to monitor the sensitivity of isolates from treated and untreated fields to one medical and one agricultural DMI fungicide.

RESULTS

A. fumigatus was isolated from fresh forage at harvest at rather low concentrations (102 cfu g−1). The low frequency lingered during the silage process (at 60 and 160 days), whereas it significantly increased during air exposure (at 7 and 14 days of air exposure). Field treatment of corn with a mixture of prothioconazole and tebuconazole did not affect the sensitivity of A. fumigatus isolates. One of 29 isolates from the untreated plot was resistant to voriconazole. A unique amino acid substitution (E427K) was detected in the cyp51A gene of 10 of 12 sequenced isolates, but was not associated with DMI resistance.

CONCLUSION

A. fumigatus significantly increased during aerobic deterioration of ensilaged corn after silo opening, compared with the low presence in fresh corn and during ensiling. Field treatment of corn with DMI fungicides did not affect the sensitivity of A. fumigatus isolates collected from fresh and ensiled corn. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Photocontrolled Healable Structural Color Hydrogels
Authors: Chen Zhuoyue , Wu Jindao , Wang Yu , Shao Changmin , Chi Junjie , Li Zhiyang , Wang Xuehao , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: July 2019

Structural color hydrogels with healable capability are of great significance in many fields, however the controllability of these materials still needs optimizing. Thus, this work presents a healable structural color hydrogel with photocontrolling properties. The component parts of the hydrogel are a graphene oxide (GO) integrated inverse opal hydrogel scaffold and a hydrogel filler with reversible phase transition. The inverse opal scaffold provides stable photonic crystal structure and the hydrogel filler is the foundation of healing. Taking advantage of the prominent photothermal conversion efficiency of GO, the healable structural color material is imparted with photocontrolled properties. It is found that the structural color hydrogel shaped in complex patterns can heal under near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation. These features indicate that the optical controllable healable structural color hydrogel can be employed in various applications, such as constructing complex objects, repairing tissues, and so on.
Ascorbic Acid‐Assisted Stabilization of α‐Phase CsPbI3 Perovskite for Efficient and Stable Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Hu Yanqiang , Xu Qinfeng , Ruan Wei , Zhang Shufang , Yang Chuanlu , Yan Zhong , Xu Feng
Published: July 2019

The all‐inorganic α‐CsPbI3 perovskite with superb thermal stability and suitable band gap for light harvesting has been considered as a promising candidate for efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the photoactive black α‐CsPbI3 is thermodynamically unstable and transforms spontaneously into nonphotoactive yellow δ‐phase at room temperature. Herein, a facile method is reported to prepare α‐CsPbI3 perovskite films with high stability at room temperature by mixing a small amount of ascorbic acid (AA) in the CsPbI3 precursor solutions. It is revealed that the interaction of AA with the CsPbI3 precursors could effectively inhibit the rapid crystallization of CsPbI3 and reduce the size of the coordination colloidal, and thus decrease the grain size of CsPbI3 for preparing long‐term stable α‐CsPbI3 films. The PSCs based on the AA‐stabilized CsPbI3 films exhibit reproducible photovoltaic performance with a champion efficiency of up to 11.44% and stable output of 11.30%, along with excellent stability, retaining more than 76% of its initial efficiency after aging in ambient conditions for 250 h without encapsulation. Most importantly, such low‐cost, solution‐processable inorganic PSCs with high performance also show promising potential for large‐scale preparation.
SMYD2 Drives Mesendodermal Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells Through Mediating the Transcriptional Activation of Key Mesendodermal Genes
Authors: Bai Hua-Jun , Zhang Peng , Ma Li , Liang He , Wei Gang , Yang Huang-Tian
Published: July 2019

Histone methyltransferases play a critical role in early human development, whereas their roles and precise mechanisms are less understood. SET and MYND domain-containing protein 2 (SMYD2) is a histone lysine methyltransferase induced during early differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), but little is known about its function in undifferentiated hESCs and in their early lineage fate decision as well as underlying mechanisms. Here, we explored the role of SMYD2 in the self-renewal and mesendodermal lineage commitment of hESCs. We demonstrated that the expression of SMYD2 was significantly enhanced during mesendodermal but not neuroectodermal differentiation of hESCs. SMYD2 knockout (SMYD2−/−) did not affect self-renewal and early neuroectodermal differentiation of hESCs, whereas it blocked the mesendodermal lineage commitment. This phenotype was rescued by reintroduction of SMYD2 into the SMYD2−/− hESCs. Mechanistically, the bindings of SMYD2 at the promoter regions of critical mesendodermal transcription factor genes, namely, brachyury (T), eomesodermin (EOMES), mix paired-like homeobox (MIXL1), and goosecoid homeobox (GSC) were significantly enhanced during mesendodermal differentiation of SMYD2+/+ hESCs but totally suppressed in SMYD2−/− ones. Concomitantly, such a suppression was associated with the remarkable reduction of methylation at histone 3 lysine 4 and lysine 36 but not at histone 4 lysine 20 globally and specifically on the promoter regions of mesendodermal genes, namely, T, EOMES, MIXL1, and GSC. These results reveal that the histone methyltransferase SMYD2 is dispensable in the undifferentiated hESCs and the early neuroectodermal differentiation, but it promotes the mesendodermal differentiation of hESCs through the epigenetic control of critical genes to mesendodermal lineage commitment. Stem Cells  2019;37:1401–1415
Effect of steel macro fibers on engineering properties of copperslag‐concrete
Authors: John Vinotha Jenifer , Dharmar Brindha
Published: July 2019

In this paper, various engineering properties of the hardened concrete with copper slag and steel macro fibers are investigated. Normal grade concrete has been designed by varying the volume fraction of the fibers from 0.3 to 1.5% with higher aspect ratio (80). The setbacks of the concrete such as quasi‐brittle nature and low tensile strain capacity have been improved by adopting steel macro fibers along with copper slag. The study showcases the influence of macro fibers for five different volume fractions of fibers 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, and 1.5% with higher length (60 mm) and diameter (0.75 mm) on the mechanical properties and microstructure properties of concrete by incorporating 40% of copper slag as partial replacement of fine aggregate. From the observed results, the addition of fibers and copper slag showed significant results on the mechanical properties of the concrete for the adopted low water–cement ratio of 0.35. The compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength improved up to 16, 54, and 72% for the volume fraction of 1.5% of the fibers compared to the conventional concrete without any fibers. Relationship between the mechanical properties has been compared between the existing empirical relations and the experimental data. Microstructure analysis (Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X‐ray Analysis) has been carried out to validate the bond performance and strength characteristics.
Multisensory speech enhancement using lower‐frequency components from bone‐conducted speech
Authors: Rahman M. Shahidur , Saha Atanu , Shimamura Tetsuya
Published: July 2019

In this article, we present a multisensory speech enhancement technique by suppressing low‐frequency band noise from the speech signal. Speech is often corrupted by color noises like car and multi‐talker babble noise that affect mostly the low‐frequency region of the speech signal. We propose a multisensory approach for noise reduction by utilizing bone‐conducted (BC) speech. Since BC speech is caused by the vibrations that travel through the vocal tract wall and skull bone, it is robust against ambient conditions. Unfortunately, BC speech suffers from intelligibility because it lacks higher‐frequency components. However, the low‐frequency region of BC speech is completely intelligible. When the normal air‐conducted (AC) speech gets corrupted by low‐frequency band noise, it can be readily suppressed by replacing the low‐frequency region of noisy AC speech with that of BC speech. Because the proposed method does not require any noise estimation, it is thus possible to avoid distortion introduced due to imperfect noise estimation by the traditional enhancement techniques. Evaluation results show that the method can be effectively used for suppressing low‐frequency band noise even under very low signal to noise ratio (SNR) conditions. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Immigration and Rights
Authors: Brown Campbell ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: July 2019

Wellman defends what he calls a "stark" conclusion on the ethics of immigration. This paper presents a dilemma for Wellman. His conclusion can be interpreted in two ways. On one interpretation, the conclusion is not really stark, but rather uncontroversial. On the other interpretation, the conclusion is not supported by his arguments.
The semantics of questions
Authors: Moyer Morgan C. , Syrett Kristen
Published: July 2019

Pinning down thesemantics of questionsposes a challenge for the study of meaning. Unlike most declarative statements, questions cannot be assigned a truth value. They do not assert information about the world that can be easily verified as true or false, or accepted or rejected. Instead, their function as a speech act is to interrogate, to seek information about the world. Thus a truth‐conditional approach to thesemantics of questionsruns into a dead end. We must therefore evaluate thesemantics of questionsin terms of the propositions that serve as their answers. But here, a number of questions arise that shape our investigation. What counts as a suitable answer, in general or in a given discourse context? How does the variability of question types within and across the world's languages influence our theory of a unifiedsemantics of questions? When questions are embedded under a matrix verb like “know,” which takes the question as a sentential complement, how does thesemantics of questionsfeed into the assessment of the proposition expressed by this declarative utterance? What must the subject of the sentence know? Should they be required to know or list an exhaustive list of true answers or one true answer, should they know of the false answers that they are false? What answers are licensed? How can questions reflect a bias on the part of the speaker? These issues lie at the heart of an investigation of thesemantics of questions.

This article is characterized under:

Linguistics > Linguistic Theory

Linguistics > Language in Mind and Brain
Large N renormalization group flows in 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 Chern-Simons-Matter theories
Authors: Aharony Ofer , Sharon Adar
Published: July 2019

Abstract

We discuss 3d

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 supersymmetric SU(N) and U(N) Chern-Simons-matter theories, with N

f
matter superfields in the fundamental representation of SU(N) or U(N). In the large N ’t Hooft limit with fixed ’t Hooft coupling λ these theories have one (for N

f
= 1) or two (for N

f

> 1) exactly marginal deformations in the superpotential. At finite N these couplings acquire a beta function. We compute the beta function exactly for λ = 0, at leading order in 1/N. For N

f
= 1 we find four fixed points, one of which is triply-degenerate. We show that at large N there are at most six fixed points for any λ, and conjecture that there are exactly six, with three of them stable (including a point with enhanced

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 supersymmetry). The strong-weak coupling dualities of

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 Chern-Simons-matter theories map each of these fixed points to a dual one. We show that at large N the phase structure near each of the three stable fixed points is different. For N

f

> 1 we analyze the fixed points at weak coupling, and we work out the action of the strong-weak coupling duality on the marginal and relevant superpotential couplings at large N (which was previously known only for N

f
= 1). In addition, we compute in these theories the 2-point and 3-point functions of the lowest gauge-invariant singlet superfield at large N, for all values of λ and of the superpotential couplings, and use them to test the large N dualities. This computation is one of the ingredients needed for a computation of the beta function at order 1/N for all λ, which we leave for future work. We also discuss Chern-Simons-matter theories with extra Hubbard-Stratonovich type singlet fields, and suggest dualities between them.