bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Preference-Oriented Multi-Criteria Decision Model for Stunting-Prevention Food Basket Ranking using AHP-TOPSIS
Authors: Yaqin Alvin Muhammad ‘Ainul , Rosyid Mifthahul Janna , Leksono Vridayani Anggi , Wantira Amanda Dwi
Published: December 2024

It is necessary to give concentrated attention to the issue of stunting by implementing appropriate nutrition initiatives to prevent stunted physical and mental development. Optimal food availability is one effective strategy for preventing it. However, it often disregards preferences that guarantee pleasure, dietary diversity, and compatibility with individual tastes. In this paper, we show a two-step multi-criteria decision model. The AHP is used to figure out the criteria weights, and the TOPSIS method ranks food basket options based on how close they are to the ideal solution. The efficacy of our strategy was subsequently evaluated in Balikpapan, a prominent urban center in Indonesia grappling with the issue of stunting. The evaluation's findings were as follows: nutritional value (27%) was the most significant factor, knowledge of the food ingredients (18%), variety of foods made from the food ingredients (17%), ease of preparation, cooking, and storage (15%), cost (12%), and child preference (11%). The findings indicated that food basket 3, priced at Rp209,857 and yielding 1,854.96 kcal, consisted of rice weighing 3.63 kg, duck egg weighing 1.16 kg, milkfish weighing 0.65 kg, tuna weighing 0.06 kg, cauliflower weighing 0.17 kg, kale weighing 3.46 kg, and dragon fruit weighing 1.87 kg. In addition to nutrition and cost, this study highlights that considering preferences can enhance the appeal of food baskets.
Strategic Ambidexterity and Organizational Performance of Manufacturing Companies in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Mariza Ita , Baskoro Gembong
Published: December 2024

This study identifies factors that improve competitive strategies in manufacturing companies, known as strategic ambidexterity (SA), and their impact on organizational performance to improve production systems as a source of competitive advantage. This survey study was conducted through employee perceptions of SA, by exploiting and exploring firm capacity and capability. Data were collected through a survey directly to the respondents involving 200 employees of manufacturing companies in Jakarta, Indonesia. The method used was a field survey, and the data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Linear Structural Relations (LISREL 9.2). The findings are exploiting organizational capacity has significant effect on SA, exploring organizational capability has a significant effect on SA, and SA has a significant effect on organizational performance. The limitations of this research are it is characterized by cross-sectional and perceptual analysis. The location of all companies involved is only in Jakarta. The managerial implications are that optimal firm performance can be achieved by implementing SA through exploiting organizational capacity to maximize competitiveness in existing markets by optimizing the service quality to customer, improving processes to respond to market feedback, and understanding market needs, and exploring capability to take opportunities in new markets through product innovation, discovering and integrating new technologies, maintaining customers relationships, being flexible and adaptive to the market needs.
A Dual Resource Constrained Unrelated Parallel Machine Scheduling Model Considering Tardiness and Workload Balance
Authors: Larasati Karina Amanda , Sukoyo Sukoyo , Akbar Muhammad
Published: December 2024

The proposed study pertains to Multi-Task Simultaneous Supervision Dual Resource Constrained (MTSSDRC), which considers minimizing tardiness and workload balance. The workload balance is calculated using the Workload Smoothness Index (WSI). Additionally, the research concentrates on unrelated parallel machine schedules as they reflect the actual industry conditions in practice. This issue employs three methodologies: Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP), Mixed-Integer Quadratic Problem (MIQP), and Mixed-Integer Quadratically Constrained Programming (MIQCP).  The results in the MILP model focus on the value of total tardiness so that the results obtained have a smaller total tardiness value. However, it is still uncertain that the WSI value is better because no boundaries have been set between the two objective functions to achieve optimal values in the MILP model. The MIQP model focuses on the Workload Smoothness Index (WSI) value to give a limit to the total tardiness objective function. Limit values ​​are obtained from MILP model values, and the resulting WSI value becomes smaller. Moreover, the MIQCP model focuses on the total tardiness value and has limits in the form of permitted WSI. This model produces a small WSI value in accordance with the specified WSI limits while adjusting the specified total tardiness.
Stable isotopes from the African site of Elmina, Ghana and their usefulness in tracking the provenance of enslaved individuals in 18th‐ and 19th‐century North American populations
Authors: France Christine A. M. , Owsley Douglas W. , Bruwelheide Karin S. , Renschler Emily S. , Barca Kathryn G. , DeCorse Christopher R.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Stable isotope values for historic period human remains from Elmina, Ghana, are compared to isotope data from 18th‐ and 19th‐century North American sites as a test case for examining African origins and identifying first generation Africans in the Mid‐Atlantic region of the United States.

Materials and methods

Stable carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isotope values were measured in skeletal remains. Values from the cosmopolitan port city of Elmina provide the first available reference data from Africa during this time period and region. These values serve as a proxy for West African groups in general which are statistically compared to Euro‐Americans and African Americans.

Results

Elmina carbon isotope values are relatively higher than those of North Americans, and African Americans show greater statistical similarity to West Africans. Elmina nitrogen isotope values are higher than those of North Americans. Elmina oxygen isotope values are notably higher than those in all Mid‐Atlantic North American sites in this study.

Discussion

Similarity in carbon isotope values between Elmina and African Americans suggests commonalities in food availability or food preferences between these groups. Elevated nitrogen isotope values in Elmina individuals support the documented reliance of the local population on marine dietary resources at this coastal port. While carbon and nitrogen isotopes provide insight into foodways, oxygen isotope data, sourced from drinking water, provide better geographical information. The higher oxygen values from Elmina not only differentiate this group from North American Mid‐Atlantic sites, but also make it possible to identify outliers at these sites as potential recent arrivals from West Africa.
Vorgespannte Deckenelemente aus Carbonbeton
Authors: Steinbock Oliver , May Sebastian , Curbach Manfred
Published: November 2019

Einen Hauptforschungsschwerpunkt von Herrn Prof.Josef Heggerzu benennen, ist bei einer solch langen und erfolgreichen Karriere im Bereich der Bauforschung kaum möglich. Ein ihm gewidmeter Beitrag sollte daher mehrere Forschungsthemen umfassen, um dem Jubilar gerecht zu werden. Nachfolgender Beitrag widmet sich daher sowohl dem Carbonbeton im Neubau als auch dem vorgespannten Beton. Konkret werden die Ergebnisse aus Biegeversuchen an einem werkstoffgerecht und formoptimierten Deckenelement dargestellt, die im Rahmen der Forschungsprojekte C3‐V4.2 „Vorgespannter Carbonbeton für Straßenbrücken und Flächentragwerke“ sowie C3‐V1.5 „Abbruch, Rückbau und Recycling von C3‐Bauteilen“ innerhalb der deutschlandweiten Verbundforschungsinitiative „Carbon Concrete Composite – C3“ durchgeführt wurden.
Unfolding of CBP21, a lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase, without dissociation of its copper ion cofactor
Authors: Sugimoto Hayuki , Nakajima Yuichi , Motoyama Ayaka , Katagiri Erina , Watanabe Takeshi , Suzuki Kazushi
Published: November 2019

Chitin‐binding protein 21 (CBP21) from Serratia marcescens is a lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase that contains a copper ion as a cofactor. We aimed to elucidate the unfolding mechanism of CBP21 and the effects of Cu2+ on its structural stability at pH 5.0. Thermal unfolding of both apo‐ and holoCBP21 was reversible. ApoCBP21 unfolded in a simple two‐state transition manner. The peak temperature of the DSC curve, tp, for holoCBP21 (74.4°C) was about nine degrees higher than that for apoCBP21 (65.6°C). The value of tp in the presence of excess Cu2+ was around 75°C, indicating that Cu2+ does not dissociate from the protein molecule during unfolding. The unfolding mechanism of holoCBP21 was considered to be as follows: N∙Cu2+ ⇌ U∙Cu2+, where N and U represent the native and unfolded states, respectively. Urea‐induced equilibrium unfolding analysis showed that holoCBP21 was stabilized by 35 kJ mol−1 in terms of the Gibbs energy change for unfolding (pH 5.0, 25°C), compared with apoCBP21. The increased stability of holoCBP21 was considered to result from the structural stabilization of the protein‐Cu2+ complex itself.
Circulating MicroRNA‐122 and Fibrosis Stage Predict Mortality of Japanese Patients With Histopathologically Confirmed NAFLD
Authors: Akuta Norio , Kawamura Yusuke , Arase Yasuji , Saitoh Satoshi , Fujiyama Shunichiro , Sezaki Hitomi , Hosaka Tetsuya , Kobayashi Masahiro , Kobayashi Mariko , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Suzuki Fumitaka , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: November 2019

The impact of circulating microRNA‐122 (miR‐122) on mortality in patients with histopathologically confirmed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unclear. We analyzed the overall survival rates in 441 Japanese patients with histopathologically confirmed NAFLD after a median follow‐up period of 4.7 years. We also determined the clinicopathologic, genetic, and epigenetic parameters, including serum miR‐122 levels, for prediction of mortality. Of the 441 study patients, 21 (4.8%) died during the follow‐up period. The cumulative survival rates were 95.4% and 90.6% at the end of 5 and 10 years, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified history of liver cancer (presence; hazard ratio [HR], 4.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.84‐13.3), serum miR‐122 (<1.00 fold change; HR, 4.35; 95% CI, 0.06‐0.83), and fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4 index) (≥1.30; HR, 15.7; 95% CI, 2.01‐122) as significant risk factors of mortality. Cumulative survival rates varied significantly among patients with none/one risk factor, two risk factors, and three risk factors; particularly, the survival rate of patients with three risk factors was significantly lower than those with two risk factors and none/one risk factor. Two or more risk factors were identified in 17 of 21 (81.0%) death cases. Conclusion: The importance of serum miR‐122 and FIB‐4 index as risk factors for mortality in Japanese patients with histopathologically confirmed NAFLD is shown. Early diagnosis based on the presence of more than one risk factor and early treatment might improve the prognosis.
A multistakeholder evaluation of Lazos Hispanos: An application of a community‐based participatory research conceptual model
Authors: Orpinas Pamela , Matthew Rebecca A. , Bermúdez J. Maria , Alvarez‐Hernandez Luis R. , Calva Alejandra
Published: November 2019

The goal of Lazos Hispanos is to enhance the health and well‐being of the Latinx community through promotoras, who connect community members with service providers for multiple health and social needs. A community‐based participatory research conceptual model framed the multimethod evaluation of promotoras, service providers, and community participants at baseline and at the 1‐year follow up. The promotoras increased their self‐efficacy and knowledge, felt a strong sense of commitment to the community, viewed themselves as a bridge between participants and providers, and felt empowered by their new role. Service providers valued the promotoras as their ambassadors in the community and Lazos Hispanos as central to connecting service providers, promotoras, and community members; they noted that this collaboration increased their accountability with the Latinx community. This multistakeholder evaluation highlights the depth of positive changes achieved during the first year and the challenges of a community‐embedded project and the benefits and possibilities of calling upon theoretically informed evaluation models.
Synthesis of imidazole derivatives: Ester and hydrazide compounds with antioxidant activity using ionic liquid as an efficient catalyst
Authors: Abdelhamid Antar A. , Salah Hanan A. , Marzouk Adel A.
Published: November 2019

The pyrrolidinium hydrogen sulfate (PHS) was used as an excellent ionic liquid catalyst for the preparation of many imidazoles moiety, which have biologically application via one‐pot multicomponent reaction. Imidazoles were afforded through the reaction of equimolar from 1,2‐diphenylethane‐1,2‐dione, ammonium acetate, different aromatic aldehydes, and ethyl glycinate hydrochloride. This method has the advantages of giving excellent yield, shortened reaction times, and ease of establishment. Moreover, the yielded of imidazoles components can be purified and crystallized by a nonchromatographic technique, and the catalyst can be reused. These entire novel synthesized components have been identified by spectral data: IR, NMR and mass spectra. These compounds have an in vivo antioxidant activity on experimental animals (rats).
Paris saponin VII enhanced the sensitivity of HepG2/ADR cells to ADR via modulation of PI3K/AKT/MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Tang Gong‐En , Niu Yue‐Xiang , Li Yun , Wu Chao‐Yu , Wang Xiao‐Ying , Zhang Jian
Published: November 2019

To find the effect of Paris saponin VII (PS VII)‐mediated PI3K/AKT/MAPK signaling pathway on the sensitivity of ADR‐resistant HepG2 cell (HepG2/ADR) cells to ADR. The proliferation inhibitory rates were detected by using MTT assay. Flow cytometry was employed to examine the intracellular accumulation of ADR. The expressions of drug‐resistant genes (P‐gp, MRP and BCRP) were detected by qRT‐PCR, cell apoptosis by Annexin‐V‐FITC/PI staining, and the expressions of drug‐resistance‐related proteins, apoptosis‐related proteins, and PI3K/AKT/MAPK pathway‐related proteins were determined by Western blotting. HepG2/ADR and HepG2 cells treated with PS VII (0.88, 1.32, 1.98, and 2.97 μM) for 48 hours showed increased proliferation inhibitory rate in a dose‐dependent manner. HepG2/ADR cells treated PS VII (0.88, 1.32, 1.98 μM) for 48 hours showed decreased IC50 of ADR. Compared with HepG2/ADR cells treated with ADR (5 nM), those treated with PS VII (≤1.98 μM) and ADR (5 nM) showed enhanced ADR accumulation, decreased drug‐resistant gene expressions, increased cell apoptosis with unregulated Bax and cleaved caspase‐3 and downregulated Bcl‐2, as well as the inhibition of PI3K/AKT/MAPK pathway. Moreover, the combination of ADR (5 nM), PS VII (1.98 μM), and LY294002 (PI3K/AKT inhibitor, 20 μM)/SB203580 (P38 inhibitor, 20 μM) for 48 hours could further decreased the HepG2/ADR cell viability, but induced cell apoptosis, accompanying with the decreased expressions of drug‐resistant genes. PS VII could downregulate the expressions of drug‐resistance genes, increase intracellular accumulation of ADR, promote cell apoptosis, and enhance the sensitivity of HepG2/ADR cells to ADR via PI3K/AKT/MAPK.
Microstructure Induced Rigidity of Polysiloxane Yielding Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of Alkyl Side Chains
Authors: Sarkar Alok , Negi Lalit Mohan Singh , Lewis Kenrick M. , Vasimalai Nagamalai , Gowd E. Bhoje , Dasgupta Debarshi
Published: November 2019

The influence of a backbone microstructure on the side chain crystallization of a comb‐like polymer is analyzed systematically using a tailor‐made random versus block siloxane copolymer system. While the side alkyl chains of the random siloxane undergo a stepwise order–disorder (OD) transition to form well‐ordered orthorhombic structure at low temperature, the packing structure of the alkyl chains pertaining to the block siloxane maintains their original hexagonal lattice up to a temperature of as low as 173 K. The unit lattice ordering of side alkyl chains in the random siloxane polymer is also accompanied by a major restructuring of the backbone conformation ultimately losing out long range ordered structure in the solid state. The OD transitions of side alkyl chains and their dynamic relationship with the backbone conformation are established unambiguously by a combination of temperature dependent small‐angle X‐ray and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering techniques. The observed conformational variations in random versus block polymers are explicitly discussed in terms of molecular chain mobility and theory of macromolecular chain conformation.
A Multifunctional Imidazolium‐Based Silicone Material with Conductivity, Self‐Healing, Fluorescence, and Stretching Sensitivity
Authors: Song Miaomiao , Wang Yuchen , Zhang Lin , Lu Hang , Feng Shengyu
Published: November 2019

Wearable devices have gained substantial interest for a wide range of applications, including biomonitoring and entertainment. They are basically composed of sensors and substrate materials. Recently, silicone materials have been extensively used in wearable devices because of their unique properties. Silicone materials, which possess remarkable insulation, predominantly serve as a substrate instead of a signaling material due to the indispensable electrical conductivity in wearable devices. Herein, a novel kind of silicone material, with both good conductivity and excellent self‐healing efficiency, is designed by introducing imidazolium into the silicone polymer in one step. The free ions afford an ionic conductivity as high as 2.79 × 10−4 S m−1, representing a significant improvement over traditional silicone materials. Because of the good conductivity, the silicone material is sensitive to stretching and can be applied as a flexible sensor. On the other hand, the material exhibits a high healing efficiency, reaching 89% in 6 h, due to the dynamic supramolecular interaction of the ion crosslink sites at the crack surface. Furthermore, the silicone material emits a yellow‐green fluorescence under UV light.
Lie symmetries and travelling wave solutions of the nonlinear waves in the inhomogeneous Fisher‐Kolmogorov equation
Authors: Bruzón M.S. , Garrido T.M. , Recio E. , de la Rosa R.
Published: November 2019

In this work, we consider a Fisher‐Kolmogorov equation depending on two exponential functions of the spatial variables. We study this equation from the point of view of symmetry reductions in partial differential equations. Through two‐dimensional abelian subalgebras, the equation is reduced to ordinary differential equations. New solutions have been derived and interpreted.
Impact of Changes in the Food, Built, and Socioeconomic Environment on BMI in US Counties, BRFSS 2003‐2012
Authors: Rummo Pasquale E. , Feldman Justin M. , Lopez Priscilla , Lee David , Thorpe Lorna E. , Elbel Brian
Published: November 2019

Objective

Researchers have linked geographic disparities in obesity to community‐level characteristics, yet many prior observational studies have ignored temporality and potential for bias.

Methods

Repeated cross‐sectional data were used from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (2003‐2012) to examine the influence of county‐level characteristics (active commuting, unemployment, percentage of limited‐service restaurants and convenience stores) on BMI. Each exposure was calculated using mean values over the 5‐year period prior to BMI measurement; values were standardized; and then variables were decomposed into (1) county means from 2003 to 2012 and (2) county‐mean‐centered values for each year. Cross‐sectional (between‐county) and longitudinal (within‐county) associations were estimated using a random‐effects within‐between model, adjusting for individual characteristics, survey method, and year, with nested random intercepts for county‐years within counties within states.

Results

A negative between‐county association for active commuting (β = −0.19; 95% CI: −0.23 to −0.16) and positive associations for unemployment (β = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.19) and limited‐service restaurants (β = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.14) were observed. An SD increase in active commuting within counties was associated with a 0.51‐kg/m2 (95% CI: −0.72 to −0.31) decrease in BMI over time.

Conclusions

These results suggest that community‐level characteristics play an important role in shaping geographic disparities in BMI between and within communities over time.
Pattern of Biliary Disease Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Adolescents
Authors: Tashiro Jun , Thenappan Arunachalam A. , Nadler Evan P.
Published: November 2019

Objective

The use of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has risen steadily as a treatment for adolescents with obesity. This study determined whether obstructive biliary complications after rapid, LSG‐related weight loss occur similarly in adolescents compared with adults.

Methods

Between 2010 and 2019, 309 patients underwent LSG. Demographics and clinical factors, including pre‐ and perioperative BMI and weight changes, were included.

Results

Overall, 21 patients (7%) had post‐LSG biliary disease (BD), of whom 13 presented with acute pancreatitis (AP) and 8 with biliary colic. No differences existed between those with BD (n = 21) and the remaining cohort (n = 288). Patients with BD were 16.3 (SD 2.4) years of age at LSG, with a preoperative BMI of 49.3 (SD 6.7) kg/m2. Preoperative excess BMI loss was 7.1% (SD 11.3%). An ultrasound revealed gallstones (71%) and sludge or crystals (12%). Eighteen patients underwent cholecystectomy between 4 weeks and 29 months after LSG.

Conclusions

Pediatric patients present with BD at a similar rate after LSG compared with adults. The majority of adolescents, however, manifest with AP. Thus, pancreatitis should be high on the differential diagnosis list when evaluating post‐LSG abdominal symptoms. Additional studies are warranted to elucidate the pathophysiology of post‐LSG AP for prevention in the future because its etiology may or may not be solely related to BD.
Recycling of Polyethylene Bags into High‐Strength Yarns Without Using Melt Processing
Authors: Xu Qiaoli , Yi Hongling , Gao Xingzhong , Shi Jing , Yao Donggang
Published: November 2019

A critical issue facing mankind is how to effectively recycle plastic grocery bags. Currently, the most proven practice for bag recycling is to create numerous returning sites throughout the nation. However, the success is compromised by the voluntary nature of such activities. In this work, we investigate an alternative approach to bag returning, by diverting recycling activities directly to consumers or end users at home. Specifically, a simple process for converting waste bags into high‐strength fibers and yarns is designed and tested in an experimental feasibility study. The results from tensile testing and thermal analysis demonstrate that by a combined process sequence of cutting, knotting, twisting, hot drawing, and heat setting, high‐strength polyethylene yarns with mechanical properties comparable to those of melt‐spun polyethylene fibers can be produced. Without the involvement of melt processing, yarns made of a waste high‐density polyethylene grocery bag material were hot drawn and heat set to achieve a tensile strength of 330 MPa. Yarns with such ternacity are expected to find numerous applications in textile, flooring, and leisure products. This may open up a new paradigm in plastic bags recycling and allow part of the recycling burden to be shifted to local residential communities. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60: 281–287, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of dimethoate in controlling Monolepta hieroglyphica (Motschulsky) and its distribution in maize by drip irrigation
Authors: Zheng Feng , Jiang Hui , Jia Jinliang , Wang Ruifei , Zhang Zhixiang , Xu Hanhong
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Monolepta hieroglyphica (Motschulsky) is a primary pest of maize. The effect of dimethoate on controlling a M. hieroglyphica infestation was studied using drip irrigation. Field trials were conducted to determine the most effective application rate and water volume for dimethoate treatment in arid and semi‐arid regions. The absorption, distribution and dissipation of dimethoate in maize and soil were examined.

RESULTS

Field trials showed that dimethoate at a rate of 2.70 kg a.i. ha−1 and water volume of 200 m3 ha−1 was the most effective treatment for controlling M. hieroglyphica. Dimethoate via drip irrigation showed longer persistence than dimethoate applied via artificial or unmanned air vehicle spraying. Different parts of the maize plant had a hysteresis effect on dimethoate absorption. Dimethoate was absorbed from the roots, transported upward, and enriched in the leaf. Dimethoate was mainly concentrated within a certain range near the emitter after drip irrigation. Terminal residues of dimethoate in maize grain were below detectable levels 42 days after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Dimethoate treatment via drip irrigation can control M. hieroglyphica infestation on maize. Results showed that dimethoate is safe for maize and the environment. This study provides guidance for the application of pesticides in arid and semi‐arid areas. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Nanostructured Hematite Decorated with Gold Nanoparticles for Functionalization and Biocompatibility
Authors: Menezes Lucivaldo R. , Sombrio Guilherme , Costa Claudia A. , Bronzato Julia D. , Rodrigues Tiago , Souza José A. , Nantes-Cardoso Iseli L.
Published: November 2019

Iron oxides have attracted the attention of researchers due to their abundance, low cost, low toxicity, and versatility of applications. According to the composition and crystalline structure, iron oxides may have characteristics of semiconductors and magnetic materials, such as hematite (α‐Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4), respectively. The property of biocompatibility of hematite is essential to be applied in the construction of micro‐/nanorobots (MNRs). Herein, the decoration of hierarchically structured core/shell Fe3O4/Fe2O3 microtubes and foils with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for functionalization and enhancement of biocompatibility that favor the use in MNR fabrication is presented. In this case, the synthesis of AuNPs takes advantage of the capacity of hematite to reduce Au3+ photochemically under excitation by a sunlight simulator. The yield of AuNPs covering the microtube surface is dependent on the gold salt concentration used for the synthesis. The AuNP‐decorated hematite surfaces of the microtube and foil are functionalized with thiol poly(ethylene glycol) fluorescein, exhibiting increase in conductivity favored by irradiation with visible light. AuNPs also favor cell adherence and proliferation with the maintenance of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Therefore, the hematite surface of the microtubes decorated with AuNPs is a promising material for the application in micro‐/nanorobots and bioelectronics.
Polyfluorene Copolymers as High‐Performance Hole‐Transport Materials for Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Hu Jinlong , You Jiang , Peng Chang , Qiu Shudi , He Wenxin , Li Chaohui , Liu Xianhu , Mai Yaohua , Guo Fei
Published: November 2019

Inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) that can be entirely processed at low temperatures have attracted growing attention due to their cost‐effective production. Hole‐transport materials (HTMs) play an essential role in achieving efficient inverted PSCs, as they determine the effectiveness of charge extraction and recombination at interfaces. Herein, three polyfluorene copolymers (TFB, PFB, and PFO) are investigated as HTMs for construction of inverted PSCs. It is found that the photovoltaic performance of the solar cells is closely correlated with the electronic properties of the HTMs. Due to its high mobility along with the favored energy‐level alignment with perovskite, TFB shows superior charge extraction and suppressed interfacial recombination than PFB‐ and PFO‐based devices, which delivers a high efficiency of 18.48% with an open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of up to 1.1 V. In contrast, the presence of a large energy barrier in the PFO‐based devices results in substantial losses in both VOC and photocurrent. These results demonstrate that TFB can serve as a superior HTM for inverted PSCs. Moreover, it is anticipated that the performance of the three HTMs identified here might guide the molecular design of novel HTMs for the manufacture of highly efficient inverted PSCs.
Large‐scale shaking table test on pile‐soil‐structure interaction on soft soils
Authors: Yang Jinping , Li Peizhen , Lu Zheng
Published: November 2019

The two large‐scale shaking table tests of tall buildings on soft soils in pile group foundations are performed to capture the effect of the seismic pile‐soil‐structure interaction (PSSI) on the dynamic responses of the pile, soil, and structure. The two different model conditions are observed, including a fixed‐base structure and a structure supported by 3‐by‐3 pile group foundation in soft soil, representing the situations excluding the soil‐structure interaction (SSI) and considering the SSI, respectively. In the tests, the superstructure is a tall building with 12‐story reinforced concrete frame. The pile‐soil‐structure system rests in a shear laminar soil container, which is designed to minimize the boundary effects during shaking table tests. The two models are subjected to various intensity seismic excitations of Shanghai bedrock waves, 1995 Kobe earthquake, and 1999 Chi‐Chi earthquake events. According to the experimental and analytical results, SSI systems have longer natural periods than the fixed‐base structure. In addition, soft soil has amplification effect under smaller seismic excitations and isolation effects under larger earthquake intensities. The strain amplitude at the top of pile is large, and the strain at the middle and tip is relatively small. Whereas the contact pressure is small at the top of pile and large at the middle and tip. From the dynamic responses of the superstructure, it is found that the PSSI amplifies the peak displacements and interstory drifts of the structures supported by pile group foundations by comparing with the fixed‐base structure. Whereas the peak acceleration and interstory shear force of the structure are reduced considering seismic PSSI. The results show that the seismic SSI is not always favorable, however, it may increase certain dynamic responses of the structure. Consequently, the seismic SSI should be considered reasonably, providing insight towards the rational seismic design of buildings rested on soft soils.
Identification and QTL mapping of resistance to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV) in oilseed rape, Brassica napus
Authors: Hackenberg Dieter , Asare-Bediako Elvis , Baker Adam , Walley Peter , Jenner Carol , Greer Shannon , Bramham Lawrence , Batley Jacqueline , Edwards David , Delourme Regine , Barker Guy , Teakle Graham , Walsh John
Published: November 2019

Key message

Partially dominant resistance to Turnip yellows virus associated with one major QTL was identified in the natural allotetraploid oilseed rape cultivar Yudal.

Turnip yellows virus (TuYV) is transmitted by the peach-potato aphid (Myzus persicae) and causes severe yield losses in commercial oilseed rape crops (Brassica napus). There is currently only one genetic resource for resistance to TuYV available in brassica, which was identified in the re-synthesisedB. napusline ‘R54’. In our study, 27 mostly homozygousB. napusaccessions, either doubled-haploid (DH) or inbred lines, representing a diverse subset of theB. napusgenepool, were screened for TuYV resistance/susceptibility. Partial resistance to TuYV was identified in the Korean spring oilseed rape,B. napusvariety Yudal, whilst the dwarf French winter oilseed rape line Darmor-bzhwas susceptible. QTL mapping using the established Darmor-bzh× Yudal DH mapping population (DYDH) revealed one major QTL explaining 36% and 18% of the phenotypic variation in two independent experiments. A DYDH line was crossed to Yudal, and reciprocal backcross (BC1) populations from the F1with either the susceptible or resistant parent revealed the dominant inheritance of the TuYV resistance. The QTL on ChrA04 was verified in the segregating BC1population. A second minor QTL on ChrC05 was identified in one of the two DYDH experiments, and it was not observed in the BC1population. The TuYV resistance QTL in ‘R54’ is within the QTL interval on Chr A04 of Yudal; however, the markers co-segregating with the ‘R54’ resistance are not conserved in Yudal, suggesting an independent origin of the TuYV resistances. This is the first report of the QTL mapping of TuYV resistance in naturalB. napus.
Plasma cathepsin D activity is negatively associated with hepatic insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese humans
Authors: Ding Lingling , Goossens Gijs H. , Oligschlaeger Yvonne , Houben Tom , Blaak Ellen E. , Shiri-Sverdlov Ronit
Published: November 2019

Aims/hypothesis

Insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and liver plays a major role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. The hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamp is considered the gold standard for assessing peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity, yet it is a costly and labour-intensive procedure.Therefore, easy-to-measure, cost-effective approaches to determine insulin sensitivity are needed to enable organ-specific interventions. Recently, evidence emerged that plasma cathepsin D (CTSD) is associated with insulin sensitivity and hepatic inflammation. Here, we aimed to investigate whether plasma CTSD is associated with hepatic and/or peripheral insulin sensitivity in humans.

Methods

As part of two large clinical trials (one designed to investigate the effects of antibiotics, and the other to investigate polyphenol supplementation, on insulin sensitivity), 94 overweight and obese adults (BMI 25–35 kg/m2) previously underwent a two-step hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamp (using [6,6-2H2]glucose) to assess hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity (per cent suppression of endogenous glucose output during the low-insulin-infusion step, and the rate of glucose disappearance during high-insulin infusion [40 mU/(m2× min)], respectively). In this secondary analysis, plasma CTSD levels, CTSD activity and plasma inflammatory cytokines were measured.

Results

Plasma CTSD levels were positively associated with the proinflammatory cytokines IL-8 and TNF-α (IL-8: standardised β = 0.495,p< 0.001; TNF-α: standardised β = 0.264,p= 0.012). Plasma CTSD activity was negatively associated with hepatic insulin sensitivity (standardised β = −0.206,p= 0.043), independent of age, sex, BMI and waist circumference, but it was not associated with peripheral insulin sensitivity. However, plasma IL-8 and TNF-α were not significantly correlated with hepatic insulin sensitivity.

Conclusions/interpretation

We demonstrate that plasma CTSD activity, but not systemic inflammation, is inversely related to hepatic insulin sensitivity, suggesting that plasma CTSD activity may be used as a non-invasive marker for hepatic insulin sensitivity in humans.
The influence of weather conditions on bioactive compound content in sorghum grain
Authors: Przybylska-Balcerek Anna , Frankowski Jakub , Stuper-Szablewska Kinga
Published: November 2019

Sorghum is the fifth most important cereal in the world in terms of the cropped area. It is mainly grown for feeding animals and it is also used in the food industry. Sorghum grain is generally a rich source of antioxidants such as polyphenols and carotenoids. For this reason, it is considered as a good source of bioactive food components and it has health-promoting properties. Sorghum is a gluten-free cereal grown in many regions worldwide, primarily in the tropical and subtropical regions. However, new hybrids and forms of sorghum are capable to produce seeds also in temperate climate. The aim of this study was to conduct the influence of weather conditions on bioactive compound content in sorghum grain. The quantitative analysis of selected bioactive compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, and phytosterols, was carried out. The tested material comprised grain of two varieties: ‘Sweet Susana’ and ‘Sweet Caroline’, which have different color of grain: red and white. The research material was obtained from growing seasons 2016–2018. Quantitative analysis of free phenolic acids, total carotenoids, and total phytosterols was performed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) after prior basic hydrolysis followed by acid. An ultra-efficient liquid chromatograph coupled with an absorption-based detector (UPLC-PDA) was used for these analyses. The results showed the variability of the content of bioactive compounds depending on weather conditions.
Light input pathways to the circadian clock of insects with an emphasis on the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Helfrich-Förster Charlotte
Published: November 2019

Light is the most important Zeitgeber for entraining animal activity rhythms to the 24-h day. In all animals, the eyes are the main visual organs that are not only responsible for motion and colour (image) vision, but also transfer light information to the circadian clock in the brain. The way in which light entrains the circadian clock appears, however, variable in different species. As do vertebrates, insects possess extraretinal photoreceptors in addition to their eyes (and ocelli) that are sometimes located close to (underneath) the eyes, but sometimes even in the central brain. These extraretinal photoreceptors contribute to entrainment of their circadian clocks to different degrees. The fruit flyDrosophila melanogasteris special, because it expresses the blue light-sensitive cryptochrome (CRY) directly in its circadian clock neurons, and CRY is usually regarded as the fly’s main circadian photoreceptor. Nevertheless, recent studies show that the retinal and extraretinal eyes transfer light information to almost every clock neuron and that the eyes are similarly important for entraining the fly’s activity rhythm as in other insects, or more generally spoken in other animals. Here, I compare the light input pathways between selected insect species with a focus onDrosophila’sspecial case.
Observationally constrained projection of the reduced intensification of extreme climate events in Central Asia from 0.5 °C less global warming
Authors: Peng Dongdong , Zhou Tianjun , Zhang Lixia , Zhang Wenxia , Chen Xiaolong
Published: November 2019

Arid Central Asia is highly vulnerable to extreme climate events. Information on potential future changes in extreme climate events in Central Asia is limited. In this study, the performances of models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) in simulating climatological extremes in Central Asia are first evaluated, and a bias correction method is employed to constrain future projections. The responses of extreme climate events over Central Asia to future warming and, in particular, the impact of 1.5 and 2 °C global warming scenarios are then assessed based on the observationally constrained projections. During the twenty-first century, coldest night (TNn), coldest day (TXn), warmest night (TNx), warmest day (TXx), 1-day maximum precipitation (RX1 day), 5-day maximum precipitation (RX5 day), and precipitation intensity (SDII) in Central Asia would robustly increase at best estimated rates of 1.93 °C, 1.71 °C, 1.18 °C, 1.25 °C, 6.30%, 5.71%, and 4.99% per degree of global warming, respectively, under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5. Compared with the 2 °C warming scenario, limiting global warming to 1.5 °C could reduce the intensification (relative to 1986–2005) of TNn, TNx, TXn, TXx, RX1 day, RX5 day, and SDII by 33%, 24%, 32%, 29%, 39%, 42%, and 53% from the best estimates under RCP8.5, respectively. The avoided intensification of TNn, TNx, TXn and TXx (RX1 day and SDII) would be larger (smaller) under RCP4.5. This suggests that a low warming target is necessary for avoiding the dangerous risk of extremes in this arid region.
Exploring the degrees of distortion in simulated human bite marks
Authors: Dama Neha , Forgie Andrew , Mânica Scheila , Revie Gavin
Published: November 2019

The properties of the skin and the posture of the body during photographic recording are factors that cause distortion in the bite mark injury. This study aimed to explore the degree of distortion between a ‘touch mark’ (method 1) and a ‘bite mark’ (method 2) on the left upper arm at three different positions (arm relaxed; arm flexed in two different positions). A pair of dental casts with biting edges coated in ink was used to create a mark in 30 subjects (6 ♂, 24 ♀) aged 20–50 years old. Photographs were taken using a Nikon DX digital camera (D5000). The mesiodistal widths and angle of rotations of both upper right central incisor and lower right central incisor and the inter-canine distances were analysed and compared with the true measurements using Adobe Photoshop CC 2017. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS Statistics 22 applying a 2 (mark type) × 3 (position) repeated measures ANOVA. For all measures studied, there was a statistically significant difference between mark types and positions. In the case of bite marks, a great degree of distortion was detected, and this increased further when changing the position of the arm. The findings demonstrated that skin properties and posture influence distortion. This could lead to inaccurate measurements and misleading pattern interpretation of bite mark injuries.
Cause of death and significant disease found at autopsy
Authors: Friberg Niklas , Ljungberg Oscar , Berglund Erik , Berglund David , Ljungberg Richard , Alafuzoff Irina , Englund Elisabet
Published: November 2019

The use of clinical autopsy has been in decline for many years throughout healthcare systems of developed countries despite studies showing substantial discrepancies between autopsy results and pre-mortal clinical diagnoses. We conducted a study to evaluate over time the use and results of clinical autopsies in Sweden. We reviewed the autopsy reports and autopsy referrals of 2410 adult (age > 17) deceased patients referred to two University hospitals in Sweden during two plus two years, a decade apart. There was a decline in the number of autopsies performed over time, however, mainly in one of the two hospitals. The proportion of autopsy referrals from the emergency department increased from 9 to 16%, while the proportion of referrals from regular hospital wards was almost halved. The autopsies revealed a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease, with myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular lesion found in 40% and 19% of all cases, respectively. In a large proportion of cases (> 30%), significant findings of disease were not anticipated before autopsy, as judged from the referral document and additional data obtained in some but not all cases. In accordance with previous research, our study confirms a declining rate of autopsy even at tertiary, academic hospitals and points out factors possibly involved in the decline.
Long-term quality of life after surgery of head and neck cancer with microvascular reconstruction: a prospective study with 4.9-years follow-up
Authors: Kainulainen Satu , Koivusalo A. M. , Roine R. P. , Wilkman T. , Sintonen H. , Törnwall J. , Thorén H. , Lassus P.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of head and neck cancer patients with microvascular surgery. Surgical treatment causes great changes in patient HRQoL. Studies focusing on long-term HRQoL after microvascular reconstruction for head and neck cancer patients are scarce.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of 93 patients with head and neck cancer and microvascular reconstruction in Helsinki University Hospital Finland. HRQoL was measured using the 15D instrument at baseline and after a mean 4.9-years follow up. Results were compared with those of an age-standardized general population.

Results

Of the 93 patients, 61 (66%) were alive after follow-up; of these, 42 (69%) answered the follow-up questionnaire. The median time between surgery and HRQoL assessment was 4.9 years (range 3.7–7.8 years). The mean 15D score of all patients (n = 42) at the 4.9-years follow up was statistically significantly (p = 0.010) and clinically importantly lower than at baseline. The dimensions of “speech” and “usual activities” were significantly impaired at the end of follow up. There was a significant difference at the 4.9-years follow-up in the mean 15D score between patients and the general population (p = 0.014). After follow up, patients were significantly (p < 0.05) worse off on the dimensions of “speech,” “eating,” and “usual activities.”

Conclusions

Long-term HRQoL was significantly reduced in the whole patient cohort. Speech and usual activities were the most affected dimensions in head and neck cancer patients with microvascular reconstruction at the end of the 4.9-years follow up.
Effect of ozone and diode laser (635 nm) in reducing orthodontic pain in the maxillary arch—a randomized clinical controlled trial
Authors: Matys Jacek , Jaszczak Elżbieta , Flieger Rafał , Kostrzewska-Kaminiarz Katarzyna , Grzech-Leśniak Kinga , Dominiak Marzena
Published: November 2019

The effect of ozone, diode laser irradiation, and presence of teeth crowding/spacing on pain perception in orthodontic patient was tested. Overall, 76 patients [55 women and 21 men; age 35.1(6.4) years] who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study. Immediately after fixed orthodontic appliance placement, the patients were exposed to a pain relief treatment (one single session) using either 635-nm diode laser (SmartM, Lasotronix, Warsaw, Poland) or ozone therapy (OzoneDTA, Apoza, New Taipei City, Taiwan) by placing the handpieces in the area of each teeth apex and interdental papillae, from the maxillary right first molar to the maxillary left first molar. Subjects were divided into three groups: control group (G1, n = 26), ozone (G2, n = 26, exposed to ozone therapy, generator probe type 3, working time per point 5 s, 23 points, application time 1 min and 55 s), and laser group (G3, n = 25, exposed to continuous mode diode laser, 400 mW, handpiece diameter 8 mm, spot area 0.5024 cm2, power density per second 1.59 W/cm2, dose 2 J per point, time: 5 s per point, 23 points, total energy per session 46 J, application time 1 min and 55 s). The level of teeth crowding was assessed using the Lundstrom indicator. The patients received a questionnaire for pain assessment (the Numeric Rating Scale, NRS-11, grade level 0–10) and recorded at 7 time points (1 h, 6 h, and 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 days ) after the fixed orthodontic appliance placement. The mean pain values for the diode laser, ozone, and control group were 3.6 (1.31) (95% CI, 2.95–4.25), 5.25 (3.37) (95% CI, 3.52–6.98), and 5.75 (2.40) (95% CI, 4.69–6.81), respectively. We observed lower pain values in the diode laser group compared to the control group (p = 0.0237). The use of ozone in this study did not result in significant pain reduction in comparison to control (p = 0.8040) and laser groups (p = 0.1029). There were no differences in pain perception between patients with crowded teeth and non-crowded teeth in each group (G1, p = 0.66, G2, p = 0.86, G3, p = 0.24). The use of 635-nm diode laser led to decreased pain perception; however, ozone and presence of teeth crowding/spacing did not affect the pain perception in orthodontic patients during the first 5 days after the fixed orthodontic appliance placement.