bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of flax/polypropylene distribution in twistless thermally bonded rovings on their composite properties
Authors: Bar Mahadev , Das Apurba , Alagirusamy Ramasamy
Published: April 2019

Flax has a short fiber length that makes the control of fiber orientation in the composite structure very difficult, which leads to composites with inferior mechanical properties. In order to overcome this difficulty, thermally bonded roving (TBR) with a novel structure where the flax fibers are in a twistfree state and are highly oriented to the roving axis have been developed. In this study, the influence of flax/polypropylene (PP) based TBR structures on their unidirectional (UD) composite properties has been explored. In total, five sets of TBR samples with varying the flax contents (40, 50, and 60 wt% levels) and with varying degrees of flax and PP fiber mixing by changing the number of drawing passages (two times, four times, and six times) have been produced in a specially designed machine. The produced TBR samples are consolidated in a compression molding machine and the resultant unidirectional composites are tested for tensile, flexural, and impact properties. It has been observed that the tensile, flexural, and impact properties of the composite samples improve with increasing flax content and with increasing flax and PP fiber mixing in the roving structure. The present composite samples exhibit better mechanical properties compared to those reported for flax/PP composites in literature. It is mainly due to better fiber orientation and fiber‐matrix distribution in the present composite samples.
Phenolic compounds profile and biochemical properties of honeys in relationship to the honey floral sources
Authors: Ciucure Corina Teodora , Geană Elisabeta‐Irina
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Honey has been considered to have therapeutic properties since ancient times and among the factors responsible for such activity are phenolic compounds including phenolic acids and flavonoids from different natural sources.

Objective

This study investigated the phenolic compounds profile and bioactive properties of different honey types from Romanian flora in order to develop reliable tools for honey floral origin, thus contributing to the honey traceability in the European Union context.

Material and methods

Thirty‐three honey samples were examined, including unifloral (acacia and rape), polyfloral, honeydew honeys and mixture honeys. Phenolic acids and flavonoids were isolated from the water soluble honey matrix using a solid‐phase extraction (SPE) method and analysed by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography diode array detector electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐DAD‐ESI/MS). Honey bioactive properties were measured in honey dissolved in 80% ethanol using UV‐visible spectrophotometric methods. Multivariate statistical tools (principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis) were used for honey classification.

Results

The results of this study confirm that honey samples had similar, but quantitatively different, phenolic acids and flavonoids profiles and bioactive properties, related with honey floral source. Coloured honeys, such as honeydew honey, show high phenolic composition and bioactive properties and implicitly a high therapeutic potential compared with the other floral honeys.

Conclusion

Distinctive clusters obtained by principal component analysis enabled us to consider that honeydew and polyfloral honeys could be distinguished from acacia and rape honey with the analytical methods developed. Based on this study, the methods might be promising tools for honey traceability, which needs to be explored on a larger set of samples with different regional floral origins in future studies.
Higher Structures, Self‐Dual Strings and 6d Superconformal Field Theories
Authors: Sämann Christian
Published: April 2019

I summarize and discuss some recent results on formulating actions of six‐dimensional superconformal field theories using the language of higher gauge theory. The latter guarantees mathematical consistency of our constructions and we review crucial aspects of this framework, such as ‐algebras and corresponding kinematical data given by higher connections. We then show that there is a mathematically consistent non‐Abelian extension of the self‐dual string equation which satisfies many physical expectations. Our construction favors a particular higher gauge group leading us to higher principal bundles known as string structures. Using these, we manage to formulate a six‐dimensional action which shares many properties with the famous (2,0)‐theory but also still differs from it in some key points.
Tying pest insects in knots: the deployment of spider‐venom‐derived knottins as bioinsecticides
Authors: King Glenn F
Published: April 2019

Spider venoms are complex chemical arsenals that contain a rich variety of insecticidal toxins. However, the major toxin class in many spider venoms is disulfide‐rich peptides known as knottins. The knotted three‐dimensional fold of these mini‐proteins provides them with exceptional chemical and thermal stability as well as resistance to proteases. In contrast with other bioinsecticides, which are often slow‐acting, spider knottins are fast‐acting neurotoxins. In addition to being potently insecticidal, some knottins have exceptional taxonomic selectivity, being lethal to key agricultural pests but innocuous to vertebrates and beneficial insects such as bees. The intrinsic oral activity of these peptides, combined with the ability of aerosolized knottins to penetrate insect spiracles, has enabled them to be developed commercially as eco‐friendly bioinsecticides. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that spider‐knottin transgenes can be used to engineer faster‐acting entomopathogens and insect‐resistant crops. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Diameter‐Dependent Growth Direction of InxGa1−xAs Nanowires: Transition from Nanowire Growth to Substrate Etching with Silver Catalyst Size
Authors: Sarkar Krishnendu , Banerji Pallab
Published: April 2019

Growth of nanowires and etching of a substrate can be undertaken simultaneously as found during the silver droplet assisted growth of InxGa1−xAs nanowires (NWs) on Ge (100) substrates by metal organic chemical vapor deposition technique. The growth direction of free standing NWs has been found to be controlled by the size of the silver nanoparticles (AgNP). Vapor–liquid–solid growth of vertical free standing NWs on Ge (100) substrates has been found possible when the average AgNP size is 180 nm without any surface treatments or nucleation steps under experimental precursor flow rates and temperature. The NWs are found to grow in and direction with 120 nm average catalyst size and below that size, the AgNPs are found to etch the Ge surface instead of growing NWs. Two different kinds of etching have been observed. AgNPs of 20 nm size selectively etch the Ge (100) surface resulting in inverted pyramidal holes whereas larger AgNPs do not show any selective etching characteristics, rather create cylindrical holes. The switchover from growth to etching in smaller droplet size regime has been attributed to Gibbs–Thompson effect. The results prove the efficacy of AgNPs for simultaneous nanopatterning and nanostructure growth on Ge (100) surface.
Photoluminescence Tuning Through Irradiation Defects in CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskites
Authors: Plantevin Olivier , Valère Stéphanie , Guerfa Driffa , Lédée Ferdinand , Trippé‐Allard Gaëlle , Garrot Damien , Deleporte Emmanuelle
Published: April 2019

Defect engineering is applied to hybrid (CH3NH3)PbI3 organic–inorganic perovskites. These materials have become one of the most promising low‐cost alternatives to traditional semiconductors in the field of photovoltaics and light emitting devices. Here Helium ion irradiation at low energy has been used as a tool for the controlled introduction of point defects in both single crystals and polycrystalline thin films. The irradiation defects modify the opto‐electronic properties as probed using photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy from 10 K to room‐temperature. Contrary to usual semiconductors, a very good resilience of the PL properties with irradiation is observed, even associated to an enhancement of the optical emission at low temperature. These results are discussed in relation with the tetragonal to orthorhombic low‐temperature phase transition below T = 160 K. A comparison between spectra from single crystals and polycrystalline films, both with and without irradiation defects, allows a better understanding of the light emission mechanisms in both kinds of samples. The authors thereby evidence radiation hardness of these materials and the specificity of defects and their impact on light emission properties.
Intensity calibration and sensitivity factors for XPS instruments with monochromatic Ag Lα and Al Kα sources
Authors: Shard Alexander G. , Counsell Jonathan D.P. , Cant David J. H. , Smith Emily F. , Navabpour Parnia , Zhang Xiaoling , Blomfield Christopher J.
Published: April 2019

This paper provides a description of the transmission function of an X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) instrument operating with exchangeable Al Kα (1486.6 eV) and Ag Lα (2984.3 eV) sources. Both sources use the same quartz crystal monochromator and illuminate the same area of the sample. The transmission‐function–corrected data from sputter cleaned gold provides a useful reference material to calibrate other instruments of the same type. Sensitivity factors for Ag Lα and Al Kα are calculated from photoionisation cross sections and electron effective attenuation lengths. These compare well with previous experimental values and data acquired from ionic liquids. The intensity of the Ag Lα source is found to be approximately 50 times lower than the Al Kα source. This, coupled with generally lower photoemission efficiencies, results in noisier data or extended acquisition times. However, there are clear advantages to using the Ag Lα source to analyse certain elements where additional core levels can be accessed and for many technologically important elements where interference from Auger electron peaks can be eliminated. The combination of calibrated data from both sources provides direct and easily interpreted insight into the depth distribution of chemical species. This could be particularly important for topographic samples, where angle resolved experiments are not always helpful. We also demonstrate, using thin coatings of chromium and carbon, that the inelastic background in Ag Lα wide‐scan spectra has a significantly increased information depth compared with Al Kα.
A One‐Pot Synthesis of Platinum Nanoparticles on Electrochemically Exfoliated Graphite
Authors: Glass Dean E. , Galvan Vicente , Prakash Surya
Published: April 2019

Graphite rods were electrochemically exfoliated in an aqueous solution of H2PtCl6 at potentials ranging from 2.5 V to 10 V. The solution was then directly reduced in the same pot with hydrazine hydrate. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed the platinum deposition onto the exfoliated graphene while Raman spectroscopy and X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) displayed varying degrees of disorder and oxidation in the graphitic lattices exfoliated at the various potentials. Half‐cell electrochemical tests showed the reduced graphene oxide supported platinum catalysts exfoliated at 5 V displayed the highest electrochemical activity for oxygen reduction in the acidic media while the catalyst exfoliated at 8 V displayed the lowest activity.
The Application of Silver Nanoclusters to Sensing, Cell Imaging and Construction of Molecular Logic Gates
Authors: Samai Boby , Mati Soumya Sundar , Singharoy Dipti , Bhattacharya Subhash Chandra
Published: April 2019

A simple sensitive method to detect both biothiols and cobalt ion among a series of amino acids and metal ions respectively using a single system of fluorescent silver nanoclusters (AgNC) stabilized by hyperbranched polyethylenimine (PEI) has been demonstrated herein. The sensing response of fluorescent AgNC towards both biothiols and cobalt ion has been applied to construct different molecular logic gates. The characterisation of fluorescent AgNC (size ∼ 3 nm) and recognition mechanism towards the biothiols and metal ion have been discussed thoroughly. The sensing property of both biological system and a metal ion with a single system like tiny fluorescent metal nanocluster and their application in the device technology as a logic gate is surely a step to tie the bond between biology and technology through molecular spectroscopy.
Strontium‐Carboxylate‐Based Coordination Polymers: Synthesis, Structure and Dielectric Properties
Authors: Balendra  , Banday Azeem , Kumar Vineet , Murugavel Sevi , Ramanan Arunachalam
Published: April 2019

Solvothermal reaction of strontium ions with selected N‐containing and/or V‐shaped carboxylates led to the crystallization of six new coordination polymers: [Sr(2‐PZC)2] (1), [Sr(2,5‐PDC)(DMF)] (2), [Sr(2,5‐PDC)(DMA)] (3), [Sr(IDA)2] (4), [Sr(SBA)(H2O)2].DMF (5) and [Sr2(FBA)2(H2O)2(DMA)2].DMA (6) where, 2‐PZC=2‐pyrazinecarboxylate, 2,5‐PDC=2,5‐pyridinedicarboxylate, IDA=iminodiacetate, SBA=4,4′‐sulfonyldibenzoate and FBA=4,4′ (hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(benzoate). Crystal structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis and further characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectra, and TG analyses. Single crystal of 1 shows the occurrence of distorted rings made of twelve strontium carboxylate polyhedra connected in 3D. The structures of 2, 3, 5 and 6 are characterized by the presence of strontium carboxylate columns made of edge‐sharing SrOn polyhedra but connected differently to each other through organic linkers. The solids 2 and 3 are isostructural and contain rhombic channels which are occupied by the coordinated solvents. In solid 4, strontium occurred in a rare octahedral geometry bridged by IDA2− extending into 2D sheets. The structural features of 5 and 6 synthesized using V‐shaped ligands show 2D square‐shaped channel network. All the solids showed dielectric constants in the range 8–20. The solvent‐less 1 showed a relatively low dielectric constant (∼8) in comparison to 2, 3 and 4. The solids 5 and 6 with flexible ligands showed higher dielectric constants (∼17 and ∼20 respectively).
Chalcogen‐Containing Diols: A Novel Chiral Derivatizing Agent for 77Se and 125Te NMR Chiral Recognition of Primary Amines
Authors: Lima Yanka Rocha , Peglow Thiago Jacobsen , Nobre Patrick Carvalho , Campos Patrick Teixeira , Perin Gelson , Lenardão Eder J. , Silva Márcio S.
Published: April 2019

In this work, a novel chiral diol containing a chalcogen was developed for the 77Se and 125Te NMR chiral recognition of racemic primary amines. The enantiopure chiral derivatizing agents were synthesized from a readily available and versatile (S)‐solketal reagent. The synthesis was performed in three steps with satisfactory yields. The chiral derivatizing agents containing selenium or tellurium nuclides were evaluated for effective NMR chiral discrimination of racemic primary amines by a simple three component chiral derivatization protocol through the modified James‐Bull method. The split 77Se and 125Te NMR signals are well‐distinguishable and greater than 1H NMR signals. The Nuclear Overhauser Spectroscopy (NOESY) NMR 2D analysis and semi‐empirical method suggest a conformational preference of diastereoisomers, that provide information of the absolute configuration using selenium and tellurium chiral derivatizing agents.
Progress towards the Synthesis of (‐)‐Ushikulide A: Synthesis of C1‐C15 Aliphatic and C17‐C31 Spiroketal Fragments by an Aldol Approach
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Ataur , Reddy N. Mallikarjuna , Yadav Jhillu Singh
Published: April 2019

A convergent approach towards the total synthesis of an immunosuppressant (‐)‐ushikulide A, has been described. Herein, we disclose the synthesis of the C1‐C15 linear fragment and the C17‐C31 spiroketal fragment of (‐)‐ushikulide A by the aldol approach. The C1‐C15 aliphatic fragment was synthesized by applying Evans syn aldol, acetate aldol reaction and the C17‐C31 spiroketal fragment of (‐)‐ushikulide A was achieved via non‐Evans syn aldol as well as spiroketalization reaction. The precursors for the spiroketalization reaction were synthesized from a common intermediate, derived from the non‐Evans syn aldol reaction.
Facilitated Dehydration of Rb+ Ions in Cation‐Exchange Resin when Surrounded by Cs+ Ions: A Marked Phenomenon in Superheated Water
Authors: Harada Makoto , Okada Tetsuo , Nakamura Keisuke , Saito Shingo , Shibukawa Masami
Published: April 2019

The local structure of Rb+ in a cation‐exchange resin soaked in superheated water up to 160 °C is studied via X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis. The first hydration shell structure of Rb+ is not changed when Rb+ is transferred from bulk superheated water into the resin soaked therein. Our previous chromatographic study with utilizing superheated water as an eluent indicated that separation selectivity between alkali cations decreases and the relative affinity of small ions toward ion‐exchange resins is enhanced. This strongly suggests that countercations in superheated water undergo different interactions compared to those in ambient conditions. However, XAFS spectral analysis for a Rb+‐form resin show that Rb+ remains hydrated similar to in bulk superheated water. In contrast, XAFS of a minor amount of Rb+ in a Cs+‐form resin suggests that even at ambient temperatures, Rb+ tends to form direct ion pairs with sulfonate cation‐exchange groups. The invasion of sulfonate groups into the first hydration shell of Rb+ becomes more obvious as temperature increases. The hydration structure of Rb+ cannot be maintained when it is surrounded by poorly hydrated Cs+ because of the limited availability of water molecules for forming complete hydration shells around Rb+. The sulfonate groups invade the first coordination shells of Rb+ to compensate for the shortage of water molecules.
Manipulating Interfacial Nanostructure to Achieve High‐Performance All‐Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Changhong , Li Xia , Zhao Yang , Banis Mohammad N. , Liang Jianwen , Li Xiaona , Sun Yipeng , Adair Keegan R. , Sun Qian , Liu Yulong , Zhao Feipeng , Deng Sixu , Lin Xiaoting , Li Ruying , Hu Yongfeng , Sham Tsun‐Kong , Huang Huan , Zhang Li , Yang Rong , Lu Shigang , Sun Xueliang
Published: April 2019

All‐solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries (ASSLIBs) have gained substantial attention worldwide due to their intrinsic safety and high energy density. However, the large interfacial resistance of ASSLIBs, which originates from the interfacial reactions and inferior electrode–electrolyte contact between electrodes and solid electrolytes, dramatically constrains their electrochemical performance. Here a dual shell interfacial nanostructure is rationally designed to enable high‐performance ASSLIBs, in which the inner shell LiNbO3 suppresses the interfacial reactions while the outer shell Li10GeP2S12 enables intimate electrode–electrolyte contact. As a result, the dual shell structured Li10GeP2S12@LiNbO3@LiCoO2 exhibits a high initial specific capacity of 125.8 mAh g−1 (1.35 mAh cm−2) with an initial Coulombic efficiency of 90.4% at 0.1 C and 87.7 mAh g−1 at 1 C. More importantly, in situ X‐ray absorption near edge spectroscopy was performed for the first time to reveal the interfacial reactions between Li10GeP2S12 and LiCoO2. This dual shell nanostructure demonstrates an ideal interfacial configuration for realizing high‐performance ASSLIBs.
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Postinsertion Complications: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Seckold Tammy , Walker Sandra , Dwyer Trudy , Signal Tania
Published: April 2019

Highlights

PICC offers safe intravenous access for medium- to long-term use with inpatients. There is no association between overall complication rates and PICC material type. Oncology status is the strongest predictor of complications.
Free Bipedicled Radial Forearm and Posterior Interosseous Artery Perforator Flap Phalloplasty
Authors: De Wolf Edward , Claes Karel , Sommeling Casper E. , Opsomer Dries , Cherubino Mario , Vieni Salvatore , Monstrey Stan , D’Arpa Salvatore
Published: April 2019

Introduction

The free radial forearm (FRFA) flap is universally still considered as the gold standard technique in penile reconstruction. Typically, a considerably large flap is required, often involving almost the entire circumference of the forearm. Partial necrosis may occur at the distal-most (dorsoradial) part of the flap as a result of insufficient perfusion.

Aim

To describe a new technique using the posterior interosseous artery (PIOA) to supercharge FRFA phalloplasty.

Methods

In a 12-month period, all patients having FRFA flap phalloplasty were enrolled. Perioperative, after complete flap dissection, an indocyanine green perfusion scan was performed. In case of insufficient perfusion at the distalmost part of the flap, a supramicrosurgical anastomosis was performed between the FRFA pedicle and the PIOA (artery only).

Main Outcome Measures

Studied outcomes included the rate of marginal necrosis, surgical time, postoperative posterior interosseous nerve damage and urethral complications (fistula, stenosis or necrosis).

Results

A total of 27 FRFA flap phalloplasties was performed. Anastomosis of the PIOA was needed in 15 cases. No marginal necrosis was observed in these cases. There were no cases of postoperative posterior interosseous nerve damage. There were no significant differences in urethral complications (fistula, stenosis or necrosis) between the 2 groups.

Clinical Implications

In selected cases where insufficient perfusion of the dorsoradial part of the flap is present, patients may benefit from arterial supercharging to prevent postoperative marginal necrosis.

Strength & Limitations

Strengths include a single surgeon, thus lending continuity of skill and technique, a consecutive series, and 100% short-term follow-up. Limitations include single institution series and a limited number of patients.

Conclusion

Arterial supercharging is effective in improving perfusion of large FRFA flaps used in phalloplasty when dorsoradial hypoperfusion is detected on an indocyanine green perfusion scan. It is a technically challenging addition to the standard technique because of the small size of the vessels, the close relationship between the PIOA and the posterior interosseous nerve, and the vulnerability of the newly constructed intra-flap anastomosis.
The Millennium Development Goals and Education: Accountability and Substitution in Global Assessment
Authors: Bisbee James H. , Hollyer James R. , Rosendorff B. Peter , Vreeland James Raymond
Published: April 2019

Precise international metrics and assessments may induce governments to alter policies in pursuit of more favorable assessments according to these metrics. In this paper, we explore a secondary effect of global performance indicators (GPIs). Insofar as governments have finite resources and make trade-offs in public goods investments, a GPI that precisely targets the provision of a particular public good may cause governments to substitute away from the provision of other, related, public goods. We argue that both the main effect of the GPI (on the measured public good) and this substitution effect vary systematically based on the domestic political institutions and informational environments of targeted states. Specifically, we contend that both the main and substitution effects of GPIs should be largest for governments that are least accountable (opaque and nondemocratic) and should be smallest for those that are most accountable. We illustrate the logic of these arguments using a formal model and test these claims using data on primary and secondary enrollment rates across 114 countries. We find that countries substitute toward primary education enrollment rates (which is targeted by the Millennium Development Goals) and away from secondary (which is not), and that these effects are mitigated as accountability rises.
Climate change-induced range shift of the endemic epiphytic lichenLobaria pindarensisin the Hindu Kush Himalayan region
Authors: DEVKOTA Shiva , DYMYTROVA Lyudmyla , CHAUDHARY Ram Prasad , WERTH Silke , SCHEIDEGGER Christoph
Published: April 2019

The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region harbours some of the richest and most diverse ecosystems on the planet that are now facing substantial threats through changes in climate, land use and human population growth, with serious consequences for the biodiversity in this mountainous region. In this paper we evaluated the effects of climate change on the distribution of the tripartite epiphytic macrolichenLobaria pindarensis, considered to be endemic to the Himalayas. To predict the current and future distribution of this species we applied the Random Forest modelling algorithm and climatic variables with a post-processing of projected distributions using a map of habitat types in the study region. We calibrated models based on 1397 species presences within an altitudinal range of 2036–4000 m and extrapolated them according to two IPCC scenarios of climate change (RCP 2·6 and RCP 8·5). Based on the results of ensemble modelling, two new localities whereL. pindarensismight potentially occur were predicted. Our simulations predicted a range expansion of this epiphytic lichen to the north-east and to higher altitudes in response to climate change, although the species’ low dispersal abilities and the local availability of trees as a substratum will considerably limit latitudinal and altitudinal shifts. By contrast, assuming the species can migrate to previously unoccupied areas, and depending on different future climate scenarios, our models forecasted a habitat loss of 30–70% forL. pindarensis.The main reason for the simulated habitat loss is the expected increase in mean annual temperature (by 1·5–3·7 °C) and total annual precipitation (by 56–125 mm). Our results contribute further evidence for the high sensitivity of tripartite macrolichens, especially those from mountain areas, to climate change and particularly emphasize the vulnerability ofL. pindarensis. Thus, we stress the need to develop and formulate conservation measures and strategies for the protection of this endemic species in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region.
The development of English tense and agreement morphology in Welsh–English bilingual children with and without specific language impairment
Authors: Chondrogianni Vasiliki , Kwon Hyowon
Published: April 2019

This study investigated whether third person singular –sand past tense accuracy and error types can reveal distinct developmental patterns of agreement and tense acquisition in younger and older Welsh (L1) sequential bilingual (L2) English children with typical development (L2-TLD) and in younger children with language impairment (L2-SLI_Y). A group of older (L2-TLD_O; mean age = 93.72 months) and younger (L2-TLD_Y; mean age = 67 months) Welsh–English (TLD) bilingual children and a group of young (mean age = 63 months) children with SLI (L2-SLI_Y) age matched to the L2-TLD_Y group were administered the screening component of the Test of Early Grammatical Impairment. Results indicated that the three groups differed in their production of third person singular –sand regular past tense but not in accuracy on irregular past tense verbs, when vocabulary skills were considered. The L2-SLI_Y children produced similar error types to the L2-TLD_Y children, who differed from their L2-TLD_O peers in this respect. L2 children’s vocabulary size, nonverbal intelligence, and item-level factors, such as frequency and morphophonology, differentially contributed to their performance across the various morphemes. We discuss these results within current accounts of language development and impairment.
Illuminations of the Tabernacle of Moses and of Ezra in the Codex Amiatinus (Florence, Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana, Amiatino 1): Bede, Cassiodorus and the Antiquitates Judaicae of Flavius Josephus
Authors: Wander Steven H.
Published: April 2019

Features of the two illuminations from the first quire of the Codex Amiatinus, the bifolium of the tabernacle of Moses (6v and 7r, formerly 2v/II and 7r/III) and the miniature of the Jewish priest Ezra, who is identified by inscription (2r, formerly 4r/V), correspond more closely with text from the Jewish Antiquities of Flavius Josephus than with the parallel accounts in Scripture. Cassiodorus had the Jewish Antiquities of Flavius Josephus rendered from Greek into Latin, referring to the seventh chapter (that is, chapter 6) of book 3 as the source for his illustration of the tabernacle of Moses; and this illumination, according to Bede, was available as a model at Wearmouth–Jarrow. It appears that Bede also took part in fashioning the miniature of Ezra, both the verse inscription and the image itself, which also reflects more closely passages from Cassiodorus’ so-called Latin Josephus than the corresponding sections of the Bible.
Proposition of a Shared and Value-Oriented Work Structure for Hospital-Based Health Technology Assessment and Enterprise Risk Management Processes
Authors: Etges Ana Paula Beck da Silva , Grenon Veronique , Felix Elaine Aparecida , de Souza Joana Siqueira , Kliemann Neto Francisco José , Polanczyk Carisi Anne
Published: April 2019

Background

Healthcare organizations have invested efforts on hospital-based health technology assessment (HB-HTA) and enterprise risk management (ERM) processes for novel systems to obtain more accurate data on which to base strategic decisions. This study proposes to analyze how HB-HTA and ERM processes can share personal resources and skills to achieve principles with value-oriented results.

Methods

Literature on ERM and HB-HTA and data from interviews with healthcare managers compose the research data sources, which were submitted to a qualitative data analysis. It was oriented to identify the association between ERM and HB-HTA application in hospitals and the common principles between both processes, in addition to proposing the capability to share personal resources between both teams in a matrix.

Results

The common principles and personal background suggested for HB-HTA and ERM teams allowed the build of a matrix identifying how both teams can work in an integrated manner being more effective and value-oriented. The shared resource matrix reports how each professional (with a specific background) may interact with each activity associated to HB-HTA or ERM implementation guidelines.

Conclusions

The identification of common principles and capabilities between ERM and HB-HTA suggested advances with the literature from both research areas. The opportunity to share personal resources also contributes to the implementation of those processes in hospitals with less financial resources, approaching its own management to be more efficient with the care chain.
La raison dans l’histoire de la persécution
Authors: Marmursztejn Elsa
Published: April 2019

La question du baptême forcé, comme forme de la persécution des juifs inscrite dans la longue durée de l’histoire des sociétés occidentales, apparaît comme un lieu de fortes tensions historiographiques. Analysant les risques auxquels son étude s’expose (” conception larmoyante de l’histoire juive », optique « téléologique », « anachronique », « judiciaire »), l’article traite des tendances historiographiques qui, rejetant le paradigme de la « société persécutrice » et réduisant systématiquement la part des facteurs religieux dans l’explication des formes de la persécution, ont donné lieu à un travail spécifique sur la causalité et la temporalité historiques. Deux situations précises (la première croisade en 1096, la croisade des Pastoureaux en 1320) permettent d’observer les mécanismes de rationalisation à l’oeuvre dans cette nouvelle histoire de la persécution, et de rendre compte de la diversité de ses objets et de ses approches.
Espace urbain et corporations: Les associations de coiffeurs dans le Japon d’Edo
Authors: Nobuyuki Yoshida
Published: April 2019

À l’époque d’Edo, la reconnaissance d’un statut social était théoriquement la contrepartie d’une capacité à soutenir l’exercice de l’Autorité publique (le pouvoir guerrier) par l’accomplissement de services. Mais pour une multitude de petits métiers artisanaux exercés par des populations précaires et quasiment dépourvues de patrimoine, cette reconnaissance n’allait pas de soi, car les autorités ne considéraient pas ces activités avec beaucoup d’intérêt, sinon pour des questions de maintien de l’ordre. Les coiffeurs d’Edo mirent ainsi des années pour faire avaliser par les préfectures de la ville leurs organisations professionnelles qui régissaient l’exercice de la profession et protégeaient les intérêts de leurs membres. Ces associations n’étaient cependant pas exemptes de contradictions et de conflits internes, qui témoignent d’une évolution du métier de coiffeurs aboutissant à une dissociation entre un droit d’exercice de la profession, objet de transaction, et la pratique réelle des soins capillaires.
Food insecurity is associated with higher-than-normal blood serum copper level
Authors: Tayie Francis , Xu Beibei , Timlin Maureen , Dumars Ariel , Jackson Jenna
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To determine associations between household food security status and risk of Cu toxicity.

Design:

A population-level cross-sectional study to determine adult household food security status and its relationship with serum total Cu concentration (serum Cu) using multivariable regression models.

Setting:

Adult participants in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014.

Participants:

The NHANES phlebotomy data, a nationally representative sample (n 2780; 1360 men and 1420 women), were analysed.

Results:

A significantly greater proportion of food-insecure persons had serum Cu that was above the upper value of the normal range (clinical cut-off) compared with their food-secure counterparts. In men, food insecurity (OR = 2·24, P < 0·001) and marginal food security (OR = 1·79, P < 0·001), and in women, marginal food security (OR = 1·82, P = 0·016), associated with greater likelihood to have serum Cu that was above the upper value of the normal range. Food insecurity was significantly associated with greater likelihood (OR = 1·65, P = 0·020) to have serum Cu that was within the upper quartile (≥75th centile).

Conclusions:

Food-insecure persons associate with higher serum Cu concentration and are at greater risk of Cu toxicity. There is need to study the sources of Cu in general, and specifically in food-insecure persons, to facilitate reduction of Cu exposure. Examining Cu contents of the food and water supplies could explicate any relationships to food insecurity and Cu intake.
Early maturing spring wheat in Nordic wildtype NAM-B1 germplasm for short-duration alternative wheat-producing regions
Authors: Econopouly Bethany F. , Van Veldhuizen Bob M. , Lyon Steven R. , Killilea David W. , Zhang Mingchu , Jones Stephen S.
Published: April 2019

In the USA, western Washington (WWA) and the Alaska (AK) Interior are two regions where maritime and continental climates, high latitude and cropping systems necessitate early maturing spring wheat (Triticum aestivumL.). Both regions aim to increase the production of hard spring bread wheat for human consumption to support regional agriculture and food systems. The Nordic region of Europe has a history of breeding for early maturing spring wheat and also experiences long daylengths with mixed maritime and continental climates. Nordic wheat also carries wildtype (wt)NAM-B1, an allele associated with accelerated senescence and increased grain protein and micronutrient content, at a higher frequency than global germplasm. Time to senescence, yield, protein and mineral content were evaluated on 42 accessions of Nordic hard red spring wheat containing wtNAM-B1over 2 years on experimental stations in WWA and the AK Interior. Significant variation was found by location and accession for time to senescence, suggesting potential parental lines for breeding programmes targeting early maturity. Additionally, multiple regression analysis showed that decreased time to senescence correlated negatively with grain yield and positively with grain protein, iron and zinc content. Breeding for early maturity in these regions will need to account for this potential trade-off in yield. Nordic wtNAM-B1accessions with early senescence yet with yields similar to regional checks are reported. Collaboration among alternative wheat regions can aid in germplasm exchange and varietal development as shown here for the early maturing trait.
Partner-Specific Dependency and Guilt as Predictors of Forgiveness in Spanish University Women
Authors: Beltrán-Morillas Ana M. , Valor-Segura Inmaculada , Expósito Francisca
Published: April 2019

Interpersonal transgressions often threaten the stability of the relationship. Within the scope of romantic relationships, physical violence and sexual infidelity have been considered the most difficult transgressions to forgive. Similarly, two variables considered relevant for forgiveness within the context of the couple are partner-specific dependency and the guilt experienced by the offended person. In that way, this research aims to approach the understanding of the forgiveness process of such transgressions. To this end, an experimental study was designed (N= 173 university women;Mage= 21.36,SD= 2.83), by which three indicators of forgiveness corresponding to the Transgression-Related Interpersonal Motivations Scale–18–Item Form (TRIM–18; “Revenge”, “Avoidance” and “Benevolence”), partner-specific dependency and sense of guilt of the offended person were examined in the face of the transgressions of physical violence and sexual infidelity. Results revealed that violence (vs. infidelity) is less forgiven (higher “Revenge”,p= .017, ηp2= .034). In addition, the results showed that high partner-specific dependency leads to further guilt which, in turn, leads to greater forgiveness towards the partner (less “Avoidance”,CIE= –.094,SE= .042, 95% CI [–.201, –.029]; and higher “Benevolence”,CIE= .080,SE= .037, 95% CI [.024, .173]) in light of violence (vs. infidelity). Last but not least, the previous findings and their possible implications for romantic relationships are discussed.
Algorithmic Characterization of Lake Stratification and Deep Chlorophyll Layers From Depth Profiling Water Quality Data
Authors: Xu Wenzhao , Collingsworth Paris D. , Minsker Barbara
Published: April 2019

We develop and test algorithms for rapidly and consistently analyzing water quality profile data such as temperature and fluorescence that are used to identify lake thermostratification and deep chlorophyll layers (DCL). Currently, the processing of profile data and identification of key features are manual and subjective, and thus, the results are not comparable from one sampling event to another. In this study, we develop a method to approximate vertical temperature profiles with linear segments using a piecewise linear representation algorithm, from which stratification patterns can be extracted. We also propose an automated peak detection algorithm to identify the location and magnitude of DCL. The algorithms are applied to water quality profile data collected by the United States Environmental Protection Agency Great Lakes National Program Office, which conducts annual depth profiling using conductivity, temperature, depth profilers at fixed locations in the Great Lakes. The algorithms generate similar results to human judgments, with some outliers that show expert errors, algorithm limitations, and ambiguities in defining layers. We also show how the algorithms can analyze the shape of temperature and fluorescence profiles to detect unusual patterns. Lake Superior is used as a case study to reveal spatial and temporal trends of the thermocline, DCL, and the heat storage change from spring to summer. The results reveal that more heat was stored in the eastern basin of the lake. The methods proposed here will help take full advantage of historical depth profiling data and benefit future sampling processes by providing a consistent method.
House Freshmen Democrats Urge Funds for Climate Change Programs
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: April 2019

More than half of the newly elected Democratic representatives signed onto a letter calling for “robust funding” for U.S. climate change research programs.
DNA-enabled rational design of fluorescence-Raman bimodal nanoprobes for cancer imaging and therapy
Authors: Pal Suchetan , Ray Angana , Andreou Chrysafis , Zhou Yadong , Rakshit Tatini , Wlodarczyk Marek , Maeda Masatomo , Toledo-Crow Ricardo , Berisha Naxhije , Yang Jiang , Hsu Hsiao-Ting , Oseledchyk Anton , Mondal Jagannath , Zou Shengli , Kircher Moritz F.
Published: April 2019

Recently, surface-enhanced Raman scattering nanoprobes have shown tremendous potential in oncological imaging owing to the high sensitivity and specificity of their fingerprint-like spectra. As current Raman scanners rely on a slow, point-by-point spectrum acquisition, there is an unmet need for faster imaging to cover a clinically relevant area in real-time. Herein, we report the rational design and optimization of fluorescence-Raman bimodal nanoparticles (FRNPs) that synergistically combine the specificity of Raman spectroscopy with the versatility and speed of fluorescence imaging. DNA-enabled molecular engineering allows the rational design of FRNPs with a detection limit as low as 5 × 10−15 M. FRNPs selectively accumulate in tumor tissue mouse cancer models and enable real-time fluorescence imaging for tumor detection, resection, and subsequent Raman-based verification of clean margins. Furthermore, FRNPs enable highly efficient image-guided photothermal ablation of tumors, widening the scope of the NPs into the therapeutic realm.
Laguerre-Gaussian mode sorter
Authors: Fontaine Nicolas K. , Ryf Roland , Chen Haoshuo , Neilson David T. , Kim Kwangwoong , Carpenter Joel
Published: April 2019

Exploiting a particular wave property for a particular application necessitates components capable of discriminating in the basis of that property. While spectral or polarisation decomposition can be straightforward, spatial decomposition is inherently more difficult and few options exist regardless of wave type. Fourier decomposition by a lens is a rare simple example of a spatial decomposition of great practical importance and practical simplicity; a two-dimensional decomposition of a beam into its linear momentum components. Yet this is often not the most appropriate spatial basis. Previously, no device existed capable of a two-dimensional decomposition into orbital angular momentum components, or indeed any discrete basis, despite it being a fundamental property in many wave phenomena. We demonstrate an optical device capable of decomposing a beam into a Cartesian grid of identical Gaussian spots each containing a single Laguerre-Gaussian component, using just a spatial light modulator and mirror.
High-resolution specificity profiling and off-target prediction for site-specific DNA recombinases
Authors: Bessen Jeffrey L. , Afeyan Lena K. , Dančík Vlado , Koblan Luke W. , Thompson David B. , Leichner Chas , Clemons Paul A. , Liu David R.
Published: April 2019

The development of site-specific recombinases (SSRs) as genome editing agents is limited by the difficulty of altering their native DNA specificities. Here we describe Rec-seq, a method for revealing the DNA specificity determinants and potential off-target substrates of SSRs in a comprehensive and unbiased manner. We applied Rec-seq to characterize the DNA specificity determinants of several natural and evolved SSRs including Cre, evolved variants of Cre, and other SSR family members. Rec-seq profiling of these enzymes and mutants thereof revealed previously uncharacterized SSR interactions, including specificity determinants not evident from SSR:DNA structures. Finally, we used Rec-seq specificity profiles to predict off-target substrates of Tre and Brec1 recombinases, including endogenous human genomic sequences, and confirmed their ability to recombine these off-target sequences in human cells. These findings establish Rec-seq as a high-resolution method for rapidly characterizing the DNA specificity of recombinases with single-nucleotide resolution, and for informing their further development.
Dynamical Hamiltonian engineering of 2D rectangular lattices in a one-dimensional ion chain
Authors: Rajabi Fereshteh , Motlakunta Sainath , Shih Chung-You , Kotibhaskar Nikhil , Quraishi Qudsia , Ajoy Ashok , Islam Rajibul
Published: April 2019

Controlling the interaction graph between spins or qubits in a quantum simulator allows user-controlled tailoring of native interactions to achieve a target Hamiltonian. Engineering long-ranged phonon-mediated spin–spin interactions in a trapped ion quantum simulator offers such a possibility. Trapped ions, a leading candidate for quantum simulation, are most readily trapped in a linear 1D chain, limiting their utility for readily simulating higher dimensional spin models. In this work, we introduce a hybrid method of analog-digital simulation for simulating 2D spin models which allows for the dynamic changing of interactions to achieve a new graph using a linear 1D chain. We focus this numerical work on engineering 2D rectangular nearest-neighbor spin lattices, demonstrating that the required control parameters scale linearly with ion number. This hybrid approach offers compelling possibilities for the use of 1D chains in the study of Hamiltonian quenches, dynamical phase transitions, and quantum transport in 2D and 3D.
Bovine α-lactalbumin hydrolysates ameliorate obesity-associated endotoxemia and inflammation in high-fat diet-fed mice through modulation of gut microbiota
Authors: Li Tiange , Gao Jing , Du Min , Mao Xueying
Published: April 2019

Gut microbiota has been identified as an important factor in the link between nutrient excess and obesity.
Effects of size and spacing of basalt fiber carrier media on performance, extracellular polymeric substances and microbial community of hybrid biological reactors
Authors: Zhang Qian , Liang Xianlin , Wei Jing , Li Shanwei , Xiao Xiang , Liu Zhigang , Rong Xinshan , Liang Zhishui , Wu Zhiren
Published: April 2019

The size and spacing of carrier media play a key role in EPS and microbial community, and hence the process performance in biological wastewater treatment.
Recent advances in the genome mining ofAspergillussecondary metabolites (covering 2012–2018)
Authors: Romsdahl Jillian , Wang Clay C. C.
Published: April 2019

This review covers advances made in genome mining SMs produced byAspergillus nidulans,Aspergillus fumigatus,Aspergillus niger, andAspergillus terreusin the past six years (2012–2018). Genetic identification and molecular characterization of SM biosynthetic gene clusters, along with proposed biosynthetic pathways, is discussed in depth.
MOF-derived NiO/Ni architecture encapsulated into N-doped carbon nanotubes for advanced asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Lixin , Jiao Yang , Yao Shunyu , Li Peiying , Wang Rui , Chen Gang
Published: April 2019

In the second step, the Ni-MOF was transformed into Ni-MOF-600 with low NiO content via calcination under nitrogen protection at 600 °C
Xiao Qing Long Tang essential oil exhibits inhibitory effects on the release of pro-inflammatory mediators by suppressing NF-κB, AP-1, and IRF3 signalling in the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells
Authors: Luo Gan , Kong Jing , Chi-Yan Cheng Brian , Zhao Hui , Fu Xiu-Qiong , Yan Li-Shan , Ding Yu , Liu Yan-Ling , Pan Si-Yuan , Zhang Shuo-Feng , Zhang Yi
Published: April 2019

Xiao Qing Long Tang essential oil suppresses the production of inflammatory mediators via blocking NF-κB, AP-1, and IRF3 signalling in the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.
Anomalous kinetic roughening in growth of MoS2 films under pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Pradhan Gobinda , Dey Partha P. , Sharma Ashwini K.
Published: April 2019

MoS2 films grown on glass by pulsed laser deposition technique evolve from bilayer to bulk-like structure with time following intrinsic anomalous scaling behaviour caused by shadowing effect during deposition.