bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pretending to Be an Art Teacher
Authors: Francis Bart , Graham Mark A. , Barney Daniel T.
Published: November 2018

As teachers, we often experience fears of uncertainty and failure. These are moments of not knowing, or moments of the as-yet-unknown. We of en resist these moments by filling them with the known and patching them with standardized solutions, planning, and explanations. Schools impose rules, curricular designs, and classroom management on teachers. To resist these constraints, teaching can be a performance of un/doing, a place of anguish, of chance and risk. When Bart writes “Pretender” on his apron, he disrupts the ordinary relationship between teacher and students by sharing the unspoken vulnerabilities of teaching, learning, and art making. As a symbol of the teacher’s vulnerability, it also signals the possibility of failure as a generative stance for artistry and growth.
Afterword
Authors: Enloe Cynthia
Published: November 2018

Afterword to the chapter Globalization and Militarism: Feminists Make the Link, 2nd ed., p. 77-98. The afterword is written exclusively for this issue of Women, Gender & Research.
"This is absolutely gay!" - Homosexuality within the German Armed Forces
Authors: Näser-Lather Marion
Published: November 2018

Drawing on Connell’s theory of hegemonic masculinity and Foucault’s concept of ‘dispositive’, this paper analyses historical and contemporary discourses on homosexuality within the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces). I argue that the interconnected norms that shape the construction of homosexuality in the Bundeswehr – hegemonic masculinity as a core norm for male as well as female soldiers, and the dispositives of strength and equality – have different impacts on gay men and lesbians, empowering lesbian and devaluating gay soldiers. Through a discourse analysis of legal documents, internet forum discussions, drillmasters’ utterances, and interviews with gay and lesbian soldiers, I show how these gender norms and dispositives reflect the experiences of homosexual soldiers as well as their coping strategies.
The Battleground of Everyday Life: Balancing Motherhood and Career as a Danish Soldier's Partner
Authors: Heiselberg Maj Hedegaard
Published: November 2018

Based on ethnographic fieldwork among Danish soldiers and their families, this article focuses on soldiers’ partners’ experiences of military deployment. The aim is to provide an understanding of the social consequences of deployment that goes beyond the scope of a specific military culture and into the intimate world of family relations. The article argues that examining the effects of military deployment on the homefront requires attention to the local and social context in which soldiers’ families live their everyday lives. In a Danish context, military deployment not only disrupts normal routines of everyday family life but causes an imbalance in the ‘moral economy of home’. From the perspective of soldiers’ partners, deployment challenges ideals of equal opportunity among partners outside the domestic sphere of home by preventing the women from pursuing their own careers and social engagements. Moreover, the absence of a parent challenges ideals of parenthood as a shared responsibility belonging to both parents, and consequently places the women in a precarious situation, where they continuously struggle to balance their time and social roles in and outside the home.
Leaving war and the closet? Exploring the varied experiences of LGBT ex-combatants in Colombia
Authors: Thylin Theresia
Published: November 2018

Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programmes have been acknowledged as a crucial part of peacebuilding initiatives and the importance of ensuring that they are gender responsive has been increasingly recognized by the international community. However, policy guidance has failed to include ex-combatants who do not conform to a narrow, binary understandingof gender and make no reference to sexual and gender minorities. Similarly, LGBT excombatants have been overlooked by scholars and very little is known of their experiences as they transition to civilian life. This article explores the varied experiences of LGBT ex-combatants who have been part of three different armed groups in Colombia. Using semi-structured interviews with ex-combatantsfrom the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the 19th of April Movement (M-19) and the United Self-Defenders of Colombia (AUC), this article shows how DDR processes may generate significant and rapid transformations for sexual and gender minorities. The article also outlines particular challenges faced by LGBT ex-combatants. In conclusion, I argue that policy makers and researchers should incorporate a gender perspective in DDR that moves beyond a narrow, binary understanding of gender in order to respond to the needs, ensure the participation, and protect the rights of LGBT ex-combatants.
Gender Neutral? Revisiting UN Cold War Peacekeeping
Authors: Jørgensen Martin Ottoway
Published: November 2018

Scholarship has not explored gender in relation to Cold War United Nations peacekeeping. I argue that this is far more problematic than a cursory glance would suggest. It has, I contend, important implications for UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding projects in the different ‘mission areas’ and their scholarly critiques, thus limiting the potential for profound change in how we go about both. By way of an analysis that begins to explore how gender informed the workings of the first UN peacekeeping operation in its ‘mission area’, I point to ways in which scholars can engage in challenging the status quo by historicising and gendering the undertakings of the UN in its multiple and diverse ‘mission areas’. In doing so, I link neoliberalism to the deeper dynamics of inter-imperial modes of governance, which have never quite faded.
A Novel Dual Band Hexagonal Antenna for Bluetooth and Uwb Applications With Single Band Notched
Authors: Elhabchi M. , Srifi M. N. , Touahni R.
Published: November 2018

This paper  presents a  regular hexagonal antenna for ultra wide bandwidth (UWB). Then this antenna is modified to obtain  a dual band with single band notched.The Bluetooth band is integrated in ultrawideband (UWB)  when   the antenna  is loaded by  pair of  inverted 𝛤-shaped strips.To avoid interference with the uwb systems , the wireless local area network of  5.72–5.825 GHz (IEEE 802.11a)  is notched by incorporating a complementary split ring resonator (SRR) slot  within the hexagonal  shaped  . The operating frequency ranges of the proposed antenna are 2.22 GHz - 2.52 GHz  and 3.5 GHz - 10 GHz, which covers Bluetooth (2.4 GHz - 2.484 GHz) and UWB (3.1 GHz - 10.6 GHz) band, besides the range of  Wlan (5.72 GHz - 5.825 GHz)  with return loss more  than 10 dB. The performance of the antenna is simulated and optimized by CST Microwave Studio and validated against using Ansoft HFSS . Surface current distributions is used to analyze the effects of the slot and strips.  The antenna shows  an acceptable gain over both Bluetooth and UWB bands. In the band notched regions, the gain reduces from its normal value to about 4 dBi at 5.75GHz.
Effect of Substrate Scaling on Microstrip Patch Antenna Performance
Authors: Esmaeilkhah A. , Ghobadi C. , Nourinia J. , Majidzadeh M.
Published: November 2018

The Maxwell field equations (MFEs), as ecumenical model of electromagnetic phenomena, are scale-invariant under Lorentz Transformation (LT). To apply LT, some considerations are required which are not all practically available or technologically attainable; hence, the scale-invariant feature may not be reached effectively. Paving the way to focus on this issue, the effect of substrate thickness scaling as an uncontrollable parameter, is explored on eight identical patch antennas with different substrate thicknesses. In this way, the resonant frequency and complex value of return loss are measured. The effect of manufacturing tolerances of dielectric thickness on resonant frequency deviation and return loss magnitude are carefully studied, too. Also the unwanted distortive effect of selected electrical connection, say as a female SMA connector, is investigated at higher frequencies. The obtained results are comparatively analyzed which confirm the practical bottlenecks in meeting the antenna parameters scaling.
Atividade anti-Candida tropicalis dos enantiômeros (R)-(+)- & (S)-(-)-citronelal em associação com cetoconazol
Authors: Medeiros Cássio Ilan Soares , Fernandes de Oliveira Heloísa Mara Batista , De Sousa Janiere Pereira , De Oliveira Filho Abrahão Alves , Lima Edeltrudes De Oliveira
Published: November 2018

Introdução: aproximadamente 75% das mulheres saudáveis experimentam pelo menos um episódio sintomático de candidíase vulvovaginal (CVV) durante sua vida. Objetivo: avaliar a atividade antifúngica contra cepas de C. tropicalis dos enantiômeros (R)-(+)- e (S)-(-)-citronelal [(R)-(+)- e (S)-(-)-CT] em associação com cetoconazol. Metodologia: o efeito antifúngico de ambos os enantiômeros foram quantificados e classificados como fungicida ou fungistático a partir dos resultados obtidos da microdiluição em meio líquido RPMI-1640 para a obtenção da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e da concentração fungicida mínima (CFM). Foram realizados ensaios de associação do antifúngico padrão, cetoconazol com os fitoconstituintes por difusão em Agar e os resultados foram classificados como sinérgicos, antagônicos e indiferentes. Resultados: a CIM50 e a CFM50 dos compostos (R)-(+)- e (S)-(-)-citronelal foram respectivamente 16 e 64µg/mL e 2×CIM. Houve sinergismo para todas as cepas testadas com ambos os compostos, porém com maior efeito do enantiômero (S)-(-)-CT sobre as cepas LM 665 e LM 255 em relação ao enantiômero (R)-(+)-CT. Conclusão: os compostos naturais deste estudo mostraram efeito fungicida sobre as cepas testadas, bem como efeito sinérgico significativo quando associado ao cetoconazol.
Silver‐Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Ketones under Mild Conditions
Authors: Wang Shengdong , Huang Haiyun , Tsareva Svetlana , Bruneau Christian , Fischmeister Cédric
Published: November 2018

The silver‐catalyzed hydrogenation of ketones using H2 as hydrogen source is reported. Silver nanoparticles are generated from simple silver (I) salts and operate at 25 °C under 20 bar of hydrogen pressure. Various aliphatic and aromatic ketones, including natural products were reduced into the corresponding alcohols in high yields. This silver catalyst allows for the selective hydrogenation of ketones in the presence of other functional groups.

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Electro‐Thermal model of thermal breakdown in multilayered dielectric elastomers
Authors: Christensen Line R. , Hassager Ole , Skov Anne L.
Published: November 2018

Energy transduction of dielectric elastomers involves minute electrical and mechanical losses, both of which potentially increase the temperature within the elastomer. Thermal breakdown of dielectric elastomers occur when heat generated therein cannot be balanced by heat loss on the surface, which is more likely to occur in stacked dielectric elastomers. In this article an electro‐thermal model of a multilayered dielectric elastomer able to predict the possible number of layers in a stack before thermal breakdown occurs is presented. Simulation results show that point of breakdown is greatly affected by an increase in surrounding temperature and applied electric field. Furthermore, if the stack diameter is large, thermal insulation of the cylindrical surface is a valid approximation. Two different expressions for the electrical conductivity are used, and it is concluded that the Frank‐Kamenetskii expression is more conservative in prediction of point of breakdown than the Arrhenius expression, except at high surrounding temperature. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 859–864, 2019
The Barrier to Proton Transfer in the Dimer of Formic Acid: A Pure Rotational Study
Authors: Li Weixing , Evangelisti Luca , Gou Qian , Caminati Walther , Meyer Rolf
Published: November 2018

The rotational spectra of three C‐deuterated isotopologues of the dimer of formic acid have been measured, thanks to the small dipole moment induced by asymmetric H→D substitution(s). For the DCOOH–HCOOH species, the concerted double proton transfer of the two hydroxy hydrogen atoms takes place between two equivalent minima and generates a tunneling splitting of 331.2(6) MHz. This splitting can be reproduced by a 3D model with a barrier of 2559 cm−1 (30.6 kJ mol−1) as obtained from theoretical calculations.
Stable (BIII‐Subporphyrin‐5‐yl)dicyanomethyl Radicals
Authors: Adinarayana Bellamkonda , Shimizu Daiki , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: November 2018

Stable BIII‐subporphyrin‐substituted dicyanomethyl radicals were synthesized by SNAr reaction of meso‐bromo‐ or meso‐chlorosubporphyrins with malononitrile followed by oxidation with PbO2. Different from previously reported dicyanomethyl radicals that underwent σ‐ or π‐dimer formation both in the solid state and in solutions, subporphyrin‐stabilized dicyanomethyl radicals exist as monomers in solutions even at low temperature. DFT calculations revealed efficient spin delocalization over the entire subporphyrin. In the solid state, these radicals form weak π‐dimers with antiferromagnetic interactions depending on the crystal packing structures.
Robust design for the estimation of a threshold probability
Authors: Hu Rui
Published: November 2018

We consider the construction of robust sampling designs for the estimation of threshold probabilities in spatial studies. A threshold probability is a probability that the value of a stochastic process at a particular location exceeds a given threshold. We propose designs such that the estimation of threshold probabilities is robust to two possible model uncertainties: misspecified regression responses and covariance structures. To address these two uncertainties of this stochastic process, we average the mean squared error of the predicted values relative to the true values, over all possible covariance structures in a neighbourhood of the experimenter's nominal choice, and then maximize it over a neighbourhood of the fitted model. Finally, the maximum is minimized to obtain the robust designs. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 46: 470–481; 2018 © 2018 Statistical Society of Canada
Carborane‐Based Analogues of 5‐Lipoxygenase Inhibitors Co‐inhibit Heat Shock Protein 90 in HCT116 Cells
Authors: Kuhnert Robert , Sárosi Menyhárt‐Botond , George Sven , Lönnecke Peter , Hofmann Bettina , Steinhilber Dieter , Steinmann Sara , Schneider‐Stock Regine , Murganić Blagoje , Mijatović Sanja , Maksimović‐Ivanić Danijela , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie
Published: November 2018

5‐Lipoxygenase converts arachidonic acid into leukotrienes, which are involved in inflammation and angiogenesis. The introduction of carboranes can improve the pharmacokinetic behavior of metabolically less stable pharmaceutics. Herein we report the syntheses of several carborane‐based inhibitors of the 5‐lipoxygenase pathway. The isosteric replacement of phenyl rings by carboranes leads to improved cytotoxicity toward several melanoma and colon cancer cell lines. For the colon cancer cell line HCT116, the co‐inhibition of heat shock protein 90 was observed.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder in Patients With End‐Stage Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Caputo Fabio , Domenicali Marco , Bernardi Mauro
Published: November 2018

Between 14%‐30% of the world’s population is affected by alcohol use disorder (AUD), and excessive alcohol consumption represents the most common cause of liver disease in the western world. The clinical picture of alcoholic end‐stage liver disease is rendered extremely complex, as manifestations such as alcohol withdrawal syndrome, craving and physical dependence, as well as extrahepatic alcohol‐related diseases merge with the complications of advanced cirrhosis. This makes AUD recognition and assessment difficult and its management arduous as many drugs commonly used to treat complications such as alcohol withdrawal syndrome are often contraindicated by the presence of hepatic encephalopathy or hepatorenal syndrome. Reaching and maintaining abstinence represents the mainstay of managing patients with AUD and end‐stage liver disease. Psychosocial interventions are an essential component of treatment to reach these goals. However, these interventions alone often prove insufficient in AUD patients and even more frequently in those with end‐stage liver disease because of inadequate adherence due to poor functional and physical status. Pharmacological treatments need to be associated, but the available options are greatly limited in end‐stage liver disease because many GABA‐Ergic drugs can favor the development of hepatic encephalopathy, whereas drugs undergoing extensive liver metabolism should be avoided or used with the greatest caution. Because of these limitations, the management of end‐stage AUD is extremely challenging and requires an integrated multidisciplinary approach.
Future‐Proofing Institutional Research Skills in an Evolving Digital Institution
Authors: Johnson Gina , Simon Jason
Published: November 2018

This chapter utilizes the duties and functions of institutional research to outline the skills needed by institutional research professionals in an evolving digital institution. The concept of future‐proofing, explained and considered in this context, encourages professionals to develop skills for the present with the future needs of data‐informed decision‐making in higher education in mind.
The Ethical Use of Data
Authors: Mathies Charles
Published: November 2018

Evidence‐based decision‐making requires access to good and reliable data. In recent years, there has been a tremendous increase of data available to institutions, from internal as well as external sources. With this increase in data and its analytics, new challenges and questions arise. One of the most pertinent of which is the ethics and best practices of data collection and usage. This chapter explores the role data have in institutional decision‐making, the need for clear data policies and definitions, and concludes with suggestions for elements of a Data Bill of Rights.
IR Leadership in the Digital Institution
Authors: Cantwell Bethan L. , Richter Susan M.
Published: November 2018

A successful IR leader in the digital institution requires effective communication skills to articulate institutional goals, as well as to collaborate with multiple groups for the design and management of operational tasks. This chapter examines the needed skills of senior IR professionals and how these skills apply within a digital institution.
Indocyanine green labeling for optical and photoacoustic imaging of mesenchymal stem cells after in vivo transplantation
Authors: Filippi Miriam , Garello Francesca , Pasquino Chiara , Arena Francesca , Giustetto Pierangela , Antico Federica , Terreno Enzo
Published: November 2018

The transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) holds great promise for the treatment of a plethora of human diseases, but new noninvasive procedures are needed to monitor the cell fate in vivo. Already largely used in medical diagnostics, the fluorescent dye indocyanine green (ICG) is an established dye to track limited numbers of cells by optical imaging (OI), but it can also be visualized by photoacoustic imaging (PAI), which provides a higher spatial resolution than pure near infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRF). Because of its successful use in clinical and preclinical examinations, we chose ICG as PAI cell labeling agent. Optimal incubation conditions were defined for an efficient and clinically translatable MSC labeling protocol, such that no cytotoxicity or alterations of the phenotypic profile were observed, and a consistent intracellular uptake of the molecule was achieved. Suspensions of ICG‐labeled cells were both optically and optoacoustically detected in vitro, revealing a certain variability in the photoacoustic spectra acquired by varying the excitation wavelength from 680 to 970 nm. Intramuscular engraftments of ICG‐labeled MSCs were clearly visualized by both PAI and NIRF over few days after transplantation in the hindlimb of healthy mice, suggesting that the proposed technique retains a considerable potential in the field of transplantation‐focused research and therapy. Stem cells were labeled with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved fluorescent dye ICG, and detected by both PAI and OI, enabling to monitor the cell fate safely, in dual modality, and with good sensitivity and improved spatial resolution.
Roles of phosphatase and tensin homolog in skeletal muscle
Authors: Shan Tizhong , Liu Jiaqi , Xu Ziye , Wang Yizhen
Published: November 2018

The phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), originally identified as a tumor suppressor, is an important regulator of the PI3K–Akt pathway. PTEN plays crucial roles in various cellular processes, including cell survival, cell growth, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cell metabolism. In metabolic tissues, PTEN expression affects insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis. In skeletal muscle, the deletion of PTEN regulates muscle development and protects the mutant mice from insulin resistance and diabetes. Notably, the regulatory role of PTEN in skeletal muscle stem cells has been recently reported. In this review, we mainly discuss the role of PTEN in regulating the development, glucose metabolism, stem cell fate decision, and regeneration of skeletal muscle.
Purification of motor fuels by means of extraction using deep eutectic solvent based on choline chloride and glycerol
Authors: Zagajski Kučan Kristina , Rogošić Marko
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are being used in different applications as replacements for classical organic solvents; their physico‐chemical properties comply with the criteria of environmental acceptability.

RESULTS

In this work, choline chloride‐glycerol based DESs of different molar ratios (ChCl‐Gly 1:1.5, 1:2 and 1:3) were prepared and characterized with respect to density, dynamic viscosity, refractive index, electrical conductivity and thermal properties. The DESs were tested for denitrification, desulfurization and dearomatization of the six‐component model gasoline composed of three aliphatic hydrocarbons and pyridine, thiophene and toluene as representatives of nitrogen, sulfur and aromatic compounds of fuel, respectively. It was found that ChCl‐Gly is a better solvent for removal of pyridine from model gasoline in comparison with thiophene and toluene. Optimally, denitrification efficiency of 58% can be achieved in one‐stage extraction, and deep denitrification can be achieved in five‐stage extraction resulting in an efficiency of 99.62%. By performing a four‐stage extraction using the same batch of DES, a gradual decrease in extraction efficiency was observed. By evaporative purification of DES between the stages, the extraction efficiency was found to remain constant. ChCl‐Gly exhibited significant efficiency in denitrification of fluid catalytic cracking gasoline as well.

CONCLUSION

ChCl‐Gly based DESs are suitable for denitrification of fuel. The ability of application environmentally friendly solvents in the fuel purification process contributes to the development of cleaner technologies. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Energy‐resolved mass spectrometry for differentiation of the fluorine substitution position on the phenyl ring of fluoromethcathinones
Authors: Murakami Takaya , Iwamuro Yoshiaki , Ishimaru Reiko , Chinaka Satoshi , Kato Noriyuki , Sakamoto Yuki , Sugimura Natsuhiko , Hasegawa Hiroshi
Published: November 2018

A reliable method for structural analysis is crucial for the forensic investigation of new psychoactive substances (NPSs). Towards this end, mass spectrometry is one of the most efficient and facile methods for the identification of NPSs. However, the differentiation among 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐fluoromethcathinones (o‐, m‐, and p‐FMCs), which are ring‐fluorinated positional isomers part of the major class of NPSs referred to as synthetic cathinones, remains a challenge. This is mostly due to their similar retention properties and nearly identical full scan mass spectra, which hinder their identification. In this study, we describe a novel and practical method for differentiating the fluorine substitution position on the phenyl ring of FMCs, based on energy‐resolved mass spectrometry (ERMS) using an electron ionization‐triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. ERMS measurements showed that the three FMC positional isomers exhibited differences in relative abundances of both the fluorophenyl cation (m/z 95) and the fluorobenzoyl cation (m/z 123). The logarithmic plots of the abundance ratio of these two cations (m/z 95 to m/z 123) as a function of the collision energy (CE) followed the order of o‐FMC < p‐FMC < m‐FMC at each CE, which allowed the three isomers to be unambiguously and reliably differentiated. The theoretical dissociation energy calculations confirmed the relationship obtained by ERMS analyses, and additional ERMS measurements of methylmethcathinone positional isomers showed that the differences in abundance among the FMCs were attributed to the differences in their collision‐induced dissociation reactivities arising from the halogen‐induced resonance effects on the phenyl ring. Moreover, the method for differentiation described herein was successfully applied to the actual samples containing seized drugs. We expect that the described methodology will also contribute significantly to the reliable and accurate structural identification of NPSs in the fields of therapeutic, clinical, and forensic toxicology.
Modulation of the southern Indian Ocean dipole on the impact of El Niño–Southern Oscillation on Australian summer rainfall
Authors: Gong Hainan , Zhou Wen , Chen Wen , Wang Lin , Leung Marco Y.‐T. , Cheung Paxson K.‐Y. , Zhang Yue
Published: November 2018

This study investigates the modulation of the southern Indian Ocean dipole (SIOD) upon the impacts of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on Australian summer rainfall (ASR) on an inter‐annual timescale. First the SIOD is identified as an important factor influencing rainfall anomalies over northeastern Australia via a zonal vertical circulation spanning from the southern Indian Ocean (SIO) to northern Australia. When ENSO and the SIOD are out of phase, the El Niño‐induced anticyclonic and convection anomalies shift eastwards to Australia and induce pronounced negative rainfall anomalies in northern Australia. When ENSO and the SIOD are in phase, the anticyclonic and convection anomalies extend westwards and generate an anomalous zonal vertical circulation, inducing positive rainfall anomalies in northeastern Australia. These different shifts in the circulation and rainfall anomalies with the two types of ENSO–SIOD occurrences are essentially attributed to the opposite effects of the different phases of SIOD events. The out‐of‐phase and in‐phase combinations of ENSO and the SIOD also largely form the dominant patterns of ASR variation. The significant influence of the SIOD on ASR indicates that the phase of the SIOD should be taken into account in the prediction of austral summer climate over Australia.
Added value of CORDEX‐SA experiments in simulating summer monsoon precipitation over India
Authors: Choudhary Anubhav , Dimri Ashok Priyadarshan , Paeth Heiko
Published: November 2018

Regional climate models (RCMs) serve as an important tool to perform high resolution climate simulations for a limited area. However, there remains a crucial issue regarding the efficacy of RCMs that whether they are able to produce added value (AV) in representing the regional climatic features compared to their coarse scale driving Global climate models (GCMs). The present study aims at assessing the AV of a set of RCM simulations performed under the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiments‐South Asia (CORDEX‐SA) compared with their respective driving GCMs in representing the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) precipitation and its dynamical features. For this purpose, the performance of RCMs and GCMs is compared for the present day climate (1970–2005) against observations and reanalysis datasets in terms of various ISM features, that is, the spatial distribution of precipitation, the evolution of vertical shear of zonal wind and the onset phase of ISM in terms of delayed or early arrival of monsoon. The RCMs show a clear improvement upon their corresponding driving GCMs in simulating spatial features of precipitation distribution that are characteristically associated with ISM. Regionally, the RCMs also show skill in capturing the precipitation amount as a reduction in bias is found compared with their driving GCMs. There is a significant improvement in the simulation of onset dates of ISM by only some of the experiments particularly, RegCM4 driven with IPSL‐CM5A‐LR. The study concludes that the present set of CORDEX‐SA RCM simulations do indeed add value to their driving GCMs for a number of features associated with the ISM precipitation but this value varies with region, driving GCM and the particular feature of ISM under focus.
Concurrent droughts and hot extremes in northwest China from 1961 to 2017
Authors: Li Xin , You Qinglong , Ren Guoyu , Wang Suyan , Zhang Yuqing , Yang Jianling , Zheng Guangfen
Published: November 2018

Northwest China forms the main part of the arid and semiarid areas in China, and even includes some extremely arid areas. This zone of interaction is affected by the westerlies and monsoons making it sensitive to global climate change. Drought is the main type of natural disaster affecting northwest China. Global warming has caused a gradual strengthening of the frequency and intensity of hot extremes, when dry conditions and heatwaves occur simultaneously or successively; as a result, that socioeconomic risks can increase considerably. The present study examined changes in concurrent droughts and hot extremes in northwest China during 1961–2017 based on data from 119 meteorological stations. The result shows that the frequency of concurrent droughts and hot extremes exhibited an increasing trend over most parts of northwest China, while a negative trend occurred in western Xinjiang and at some sites in Qinghai. Concurrent droughts and hot extremes appeared more often in May in western Xinjiang, and in summer in other parts of northwest China. Overall, the trends of such concurrent events, regardless of different definitions, increased from 1961–2017 over northwest China. In particular, from 1981–2017, the trend rose more significantly than in other decades, and reached an abrupt point of change in 1996. Although the trend changed from a positive significant signal to a negative one from 2001–2017, the trend grew 2–3 times from 1997–2017. Changes in large‐scale atmospheric circulation show that an anticyclonic circulation strengthened, increasing in geopotential height over the midhigh latitudes of Eurasia and was centred on Mongolia and Lake Baikal. This enhanced relative humidity in western Xinjiang and eastern Qinghai, and weakened it elsewhere from 1997–2017. These changes have contributed to the changes in the spatial distribution and trends in concurrent droughts and hot extremes in northwest China.
Effect of warfarin education on patient knowledge and anticoagulation control: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bhatt Shireen , McCurdy Claire E. , Liew Danny , Russell David M.
Published: November 2018

Background

Patient education is a key component of management in the anticoagulated patient.

Aim

The aim of this study was to establish whether reiteration of warfarin education in the outpatient setting affects patients’ knowledge of warfarin and anticoagulation control.

Methods

The study was a randomised prospective trial. Participants newly commenced on warfarin at The Royal Melbourne Hospital were randomised to either standard inpatient education (n = 19) or to receive an additional comprehensive warfarin education session (n = 21). The primary outcome was warfarin knowledge as assessed by the Oral Anticoagulation Knowledge (OAK) test. Secondary outcomes were time in therapeutic range (TTR) and complications. The duration of follow‐up was 6 weeks.

Results

There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups in OAK test scores (16.3/20 vs 14.4/20, respectively; p = 0.07), TTR (56.9% vs 59.3%, respectively; p = 0.09) or in the incidence of complications.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of a single‐centre, underpowered study, we did not detect any significant additional benefit to patient knowledge from further outpatient warfarin education. Current standard inpatient education at our centre compared favourably with other such designed interventions outlined in previous studies. Nevertheless, it is possible that certain subsets of the population may benefit from additional education, such as those with mild cognitive impairment and those from non‐English‐speaking backgrounds; however, a much greater sample size would be required to study these groups.
Ultrasound assisted low‐temperature drying of kiwifruit: Effects on drying kinetics, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity
Authors: Vallespir Francisca , Rodríguez Óscar , Cárcel Juan A , Rosselló Carmen , Simal Susana
Published: November 2018

Background

Low‐temperature drying is considered to be a promising technique for food processing. It preserves thermolabile compounds and might be intensified by acoustic assistance. The effect of acoustic assistance (20.5 kW m−3) during low‐temperature drying of kiwifruit (at 5, 10 and 15 °C, and 1 m s−1) on drying kinetics, bioactive compounds (such as ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and total polyphenols), and antioxidant activity was studied.

Results

Drying time was shortened by 55–65% when using power ultrasound. A diffusion model was used to evaluate the drying kinetics. The effective diffusion coefficient increased by 154 ± 30% and the external mass transfer coefficient increased by 158 ± 66% when ultrasound was applied during drying, compared with drying without ultrasound application. With regard to bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity, although samples dried at 15 °C presented significantly higher (P < 0.05) losses (39–54% and 57–69%, respectively) than samples dried at 5 °C (14–43% and 23–50%, respectively) when ultrasound was not applied, the application of ultrasound during drying at 15 °C significantly reduced (P < 0.05) those losses in all quality parameters (15–47% and 47–58%, respectively).

Conclusion

Overall, low‐temperature drying of kiwifruit was enhanced by acoustic assistance preserving bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity, especially at 15 °C. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The inhibition mechanism of ϵ‐polylysine against Bacillus cereus emerging in surimi gel during refrigerated storage
Authors: Su Ruihua , Li Tangfei , Fan Daming , Huang Jianlian , Zhao Jianxin , Yan Bowen , Zhou Wenguo , Zhang Wenhai , Zhang Hao
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Refrigeration is commonly used in the processing and storage of surimi products. However, refrigerated surimi products are susceptible to microbial contamination, which leads to deterioration of the products and shortens their shelf life. The aims of the present study were therefore to evaluate the effects of ϵ‐polylysine (ϵ‐PL) on spoilage bacteria in surimi products, and to investigate the antibacterial mechanism of Bacillus cereus, which is the dominant spoilage bacterium.

RESULTS

ϵ‐Polylysine with a high degree of polymerization (20–30K) proved able to decrease the total number of colonies in surimi products and showed an obvious antibacterial effect against B. cereus. After ϵ‐PL treatments, the distinct broken areas on the bacterial surfaces and the aggregations of cells were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The intracellular materials, such as small molecules, soluble proteins, and deoxyribonucleic acids in the cells were analyzed, which revealed the destructive effects of ϵ‐PL on bacterial cells. Experiments with propidium iodide (PI) infiltration experiments verified that the permeability of cell membranes was enhanced by ϵ‐PL treatment.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that ϵ‐PL could destroy the cell membranes and change the permeability of B. cereus, and subsequently the cell contents leaked out to achieve antibacterial effects. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Modeling of an electromagnetic bandgap antenna
Authors: Olule Lillian J. A. , Gnanagurunathan Gnanam , Thulasiraman Nandha Kumar , Kasi Baskaran
Published: November 2018

An equivalent circuit is developed for an electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) antenna that can provide a mathematically simple means for calculating the antenna's input impedance. The model predicts a −10 dB impedance bandwidth of 0.42 GHz which is validated against simulated and measured values of 0.50 GHz and 0.51 GHz, respectively.
Application of variance‐based uncertainty and sensitivity analysis to biological modeling in carbon ion treatment plans
Authors: Kamp Florian , Wilkens Jan J.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

In ion beam therapy, biological models to estimate the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) and subsequently the RBE‐weighted dose (RWD) are needed in treatment planning and plan evaluation. The required biological parameters as well as their dependency on ion species and ion energy can typically not be determined directly in experiments for in vivo situations. For that reason they are often derived from in vitro data and biological modeling and subject to large uncertainties. We present a model‐independent Monte Carlo (variance‐) based uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis (SA) approach to quantify the impact of different input uncertainties on a simulated carbon ion treatment plan.

Method

The influences of different input uncertainties are examined by variance‐based SA methods. In this Monte Carlo approach, a function is evaluated 103–105 times. For each of those runs, all inputs are changed simultaneously, using random numbers according to their associated uncertainties. Variance‐based statistic formalisms then rank the input parameter/uncertainty pairs according to their impact on the result of the function. The method of SA includes an uncertainty analysis and was applied to a two‐field spot scanning carbon ion treatment plan for two commonly used biological models and two representative tissue parameter sets.

Results

Based on an exemplary patient case, the application of variance‐based SA for biological measures, relevant in (carbon) ion therapy, is demonstrated. A voxel‐wise calculation for 2.9 · 105 voxels takes ~6 h. A structure‐based SA, which adds an uncertainty band to a RWD‐volume histogram (RW‐DVH) and shows how to decrease the uncertainty in the most effective way, can be calculated in 0.1–1.5 h (depending on the size of the structure). The uncertainties in RBE, RWD or RW‐DVH are broken down to the impact of different uncertainties in the (biological) model input. Biological uncertainties have a higher impact on the resulting RBE and RWD than uncertainties in the physical dose. Excluding the physical dose from the SA only slightly decreased the overall uncertainty, emphasizing the necessity to include biological uncertainties into treatment plan evaluation.

Conclusion

Variance‐based SA is a powerful tool to evaluate the impact of uncertainties in (carbon) ion therapy. The number of input parameters that can be examined at once is only limited by computation time. A Monte Carlo‐derived, comprehensive uncertainty quantification and a corresponding sensitivity analysis are implemented and provide new information for treatment plan evaluation. A possible future application is a SA‐based biologically robust treatment plan optimization using the additional uncertainty information as presented here.
Macrophage CD40 signaling drives experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Aarts Suzanne ABM , Seijkens Tom TP , Kusters Pascal JH , van Tiel Claudia M , Reiche Myrthe E , den Toom Myrthe , Beckers Linda , van Roomen Cindy PAA , de Winther Menno PJ , Kooij Gijs , Lutgens Esther
Published: November 2018

The costimulatory CD40L–CD40 dyad plays a major role in multiple sclerosis (MS). CD40 is highly expressed on MHCII+ B cells, dendritic cells and macrophages in human MS lesions. Here we investigated the role of the CD40 downstream signaling intermediates TNF receptor‐associated factor 2 (TRAF2) and TRAF6 in MHCII+ cells in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Both MHCII–CD40–Traf2−/− and MHCII–CD40–Traf6−/− mice showed a reduction in clinical signs of EAE and prevented demyelination. However, only MHCII–CD40–Traf6−/− mice displayed a decrease in myeloid and lymphoid cell infiltration into the CNS that was accompanied by reduced levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IFN‐γ. As CD40–TRAF6 interactions predominantly occur in macrophages, we subjected CD40flflLysMcre mice to EAE. This myeloid‐specific deletion of CD40 resulted in a significant reduction in EAE severity, reduced CNS inflammation and demyelination.

In conclusion, the CD40–TRAF6 signaling pathway in MHCII+ cells plays a key role in neuroinflammation and demyelination during EAE. Concomitant with the fact that CD40–TRAF6 interactions are predominant in macrophages, depletion of myeloid CD40 also reduces neuroinflammation. CD40–TRAF6 interactions thus represent a promising therapeutic target for MS. © 2018 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
A New Approach for the Synthesis of Miktoarm Star Polymers Through a Combination of Thiol–Epoxy “Click” Chemistry and ATRP/Ring‐Opening Polymerization Techniques
Authors: Gadwal Ikhlas , Wadgaonkar Prakash P. , Ichake Amol B. , Mane Shivshankar R.
Published: November 2018

A new approach was developed for synthesis of certain A3B3‐type of double hydrophilic or amphiphilic miktoarm star polymers using a combination of “grafting onto” and “grafting from” methods. To achieve the synthesis of desired miktoarm star polymers, acetyl protected poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) thiols (Mn = 550 and 2000 g mol−1) were utilized to generate A3‐type of homoarm star polymers through an in situ protective group removal and a subsequent thiol–epoxy “click” reaction with a tris‐epoxide core viz. 1,1,1‐tris(4‐hydroxyphenyl)ethane triglycidyl ether. The secondary hydroxyl groups generated adjacent to the core upon the thiol–epoxy reaction were esterified with α‐bromoisobutyryl bromide to install atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiating sites. ATRP of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) using the three‐arm star PEG polymer fitted with ATRP initiating sites adjacent to the core afforded A3B3‐type of double hydrophilic (PEG)3[poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)] (PNIPAM)3 miktoarm star polymers. Furthermore, the generated hydroxyl groups were directly used as initiator for ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone to prepare A3B3‐type of amphiphilic (PEG)3[poly(ε‐caprolactone)]3 miktoarm star polymers. The double hydrophilic (PEG)3(PNIPAM)3 miktoarm star polymers showed lower critical solution temperature around 34 °C. The preliminary transmission electron microscopy analysis indicated formation of self‐assembly of (PEG)3(PNIPAM)3 miktoarm star polymer in aqueous solution. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 146–156
MALDI Imaging for Proteomic Painting of Heterogeneous Tissue Structures
Authors: Kriegsmann Jörg , Kriegsmann Mark , Kriegsmann Katharina , Longuespée Rémi , Deininger Sören‐Oliver , Casadonte Rita
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To present matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging as a powerful method to highlight various tissue compartments.

Experimental design

Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue of a uterine cervix, a pancreas, a duodenum, a teratoma, and a breast cancer tissue microarray (TMA) are analyzed by MALDI imaging and by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Peptide images are visualized and analyzed using FlexImaging and SCiLS Lab software. Different histological compartments are compared by hierarchical cluster analysis.

Results

MALDI imaging highlights tissue compartments comparable to IHC. In cervical tissue, normal epithelium can be discerned from intraepithelial neoplasia. In pancreatic and duodenal tissues, m/z signals from lymph follicles, vessels, duodenal mucosa, normal pancreas, and smooth muscle structures can be visualized. In teratoma, specific m/z signals to discriminate squamous epithelium, sebaceous glands, and soft tissue are detected. Additionally, tumor tissue can be discerned from the surrounding stroma in small tissue cores of TMAs. Proteomic data acquisition of complex tissue compartments in FFPE tissue requires less than 1 h with recent mass spectrometers.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

The simultaneous characterization of morphological and proteomic features in the same tissue section adds proteomic information for histopathological diagnostics, which relies at present on conventional hematoxylin and eosin staining, histochemical, IHC and molecular methods.
Complexation of common metal cations by cyanins: Binding affinity and molecular structure
Authors: Estévez Laura , Sánchez‐Lozano Marta , Mosquera Ricardo A.
Published: November 2018

The ability of diverse metal cations to form complexes with cyanin has been investigated by means of Density Functional Theory (DFT) and the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM). The strongest preference is shown by trivalent metals which exceed that of Mg(II), indicating that ion replacement processes are suitable detoxification mechanisms for plants. Molecular structure analysis indicates that the larger the metal affinity of Cy−the longer the C2‐C1’ bond length and smallerρbvalue. This is understood as upon metal complexation the Cy−ligand molecular structure is more compatible with a dienolate‐like structure rather than the 4′‐keto‐quinoidal‐like structure. The weight of the former increases as stronger the binding. QTAIM charges indicate that the stronger the binding energy the larger the charge transfer from Cy−to the metal, reducing its positive charge below the values indicated by the corresponding Lewis structure.
Copper Catalyzed Direct Synthesis of Nitriles from Acyl Azides
Authors: Chen Yang , Liu Yu , Zhang Xiao , Lu Da , Yang Lixin , Deng Junfeng , Deng Shengqi
Published: November 2018

A novel and general protocol for the copper catalyzed reductive elimination of acyl azides to nitriles using triethoxysilane is reported. Various nitriles are obtained in moderate to excellent yields with good functional group tolerance and high chemoselectivity under mild conditions. This new reaction can be performed using a cheap copper catalyst, a simple NHC ligand, an inexpensive silane, and with low catalyst loading.