bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear stability in three-layer channel flows
Authors: Papaefthymiou E. S. , Papageorgiou D. T.
Published: September 2017

The nonlinear stability of viscous, immiscible multilayer flows in plane channels driven both by a pressure gradient and gravity is studied. Three fluid phases are present with two interfaces. Weakly nonlinear models of coupled evolution equations for the interfacial positions are derived and studied for inertialess, stably stratified flows in channels at small inclination angles. Interfacial tension is demoted and high-wavenumber stabilisation enters due to density stratification through second-order dissipation terms rather than the fourth-order ones found for strong interfacial tension. An asymptotic analysis is carried out to demonstrate how these models arise. The governing equations are $2\times 2$ systems of second-order semi-linear parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs) that can exhibit inertialess instabilities due to interaction between the interfaces. Mathematically this takes place due to a transition of the nonlinear flux function from hyperbolic to elliptic behaviour. The concept of hyperbolic invariant regions, found in nonlinear parabolic systems, is used to analyse this inertialess mechanism and to derive a transition criterion to predict the large-time nonlinear state of the system. The criterion is shown to predict nonlinear stability or instability of flows that are stable initially, i.e. the initial nonlinear fluxes are hyperbolic. Stability requires the hyperbolicity to persist at large times, whereas instability sets in when ellipticity is encountered as the system evolves. In the former case the solution decays asymptotically to its uniform base state, while in the latter case nonlinear travelling waves can emerge that could not be predicted by a linear stability analysis. The nonlinear analysis predicts threshold initial disturbances above which instability emerges.
The role of conservators in facilitating the theft and trafficking of cultural objects: the case of a seized Libyan statue
Authors: Brodie Neil
Published: September 2017

A 2015 court judgment in the United Kingdom ruled that a seized Libyan statue should be returned to the ownership of the State of Libya. The judgment prompts a critical discussion of the involvement of professional conservators in the trafficking of cultural objects. Higher standards of due diligence are recommended for conservators and other professional experts engaging with cultural objects that might have been stolen and trafficked. Stronger professional due diligence is but one component of a broader policy of demand reduction that will be necessary to control the theft and trafficking of cultural objects, and to offer protection to cultural sites around the world.
Preliminary Radiocarbon Results for Late Bronze Age Strata at Tel Azekah and Their Implications
Authors: Webster Lyndelle C , Sergi Omer , Kleiman Sabine , Lipschits Oded , Hua Quan , Jacobsen Geraldine E , Tristant Yann , Gadot Yuval
Published: September 2017

This article presents the first radiocarbon (14C) results from the Late Bronze Age levels of Tel Azekah (Israel). The results testify to the long and prosperous occupation of the site during this period, commencing at least in LB IIA and ending with a severe destruction at the close of LB III. In the extra-mural quarter (Area S2), a pre-monumental building phase (S2-6) dates to the 14th or early 13th century BCE. Two sub-phases of a public building constructed above this yielded dates in the second half of the 13th century and first two-thirds of the 12th century BCE, suggesting that occupation persisted through the “Crisis Years” of the eastern Mediterranean region. On the top of the mound, in Area T2, the destruction of the final LB III level (T2-3) most likely occurred near the end of the 12th century BCE. The preliminary Azekah results are in good agreement with existing data from Lachish and Megiddo, but seem at odds with results from nearby Tel es-Safi/Gath.
A TWO-ECHELON SPARE PARTS NETWORK WITH LATERAL AND EMERGENCY SHIPMENTS: A PRODUCT-FORM APPROXIMATION
Authors: Boucherie Richard J. , van Houtum Geert-Jan , Timmer Judith , van Ommeren Jan-Kees
Published: September 2017

We consider a single-item, two-echelon spare parts inventory model for repairable parts for capital goods with high downtime costs. The inventory system consists of multiple local warehouses, a central warehouse, and a central repair facility. When a part at a customer fails, if possible his request for a ready-for-use part is fulfilled by his local warehouse. Also, the failed part is sent to the central repair facility for repair. If the local warehouse is out of stock, then, via an emergency shipment, a ready-for-use part is sent from the central warehouse if it has a part in stock. Otherwise, it is sent via a lateral transshipment from another local warehouse, or via an emergency shipment from the external supplier. We assume Poisson demand processes, generally distributed leadtimes for replenishments, repairs, and emergency shipments, and a basestock policy for the inventory control.

Our inventory system is too complex to solve for a steady-state distribution in closed form. We approximate it by a network of Erlang loss queues with hierarchical jump-over blocking. We show that this network has a product-form steady-state distribution. This enables an efficient heuristic for the optimization of basestock levels, resulting in good approximations of the optimal costs.
Measurement of Fall Prevention Awareness and Behaviours among Older Adults at Home
Authors: Russell Katherine , Taing Darcie , Roy Jacqueline
Published: September 2017

This study surveyed awareness of, and adherence to, six national fall prevention recommendations among community-dwelling older adults (n= 1050) in Ottawa. Although 76 per cent of respondents agreed falling is a concern and preventable, fewer perceived susceptibility to falling (63%). Respondents had high awareness that home modifications and physical activity can prevent falls. Reported modifications included grab bars (50%), night lights (44%), and raised toilet seats (19%). Half met aerobic activity recommendations; 38 per cent met strength recommendations. Respondents had lower awareness that an annual medication review, annual eye and physical examination, and daily vitamin D supplementation could reduce fall risk. However, reported annual medication review (79%) and eye examination (75%) was high. Nearly half met recommendations for vitamin D intake. These findings suggest a gap in knowledge of awareness and adherence to national recommendations, highlighting the ones that may require attention from those who work to prevent falls.
Introduction to quantitative engineering design methods via controls engineering
Authors: Lucero Briana M. , Adams Matthew J. , Turner Cameron J.
Published: September 2017

Functional modeling is an effective method of depicting products in the design process. Using this approach, product architecture, concept generation, and physical modeling all contribute to the design process to generate a result full of quality and functionality. The functional basis approach provides taxonomy of uniform vocabulary to produce function structures with consistent functions (verbs) and flows (nouns). Material and energy flows dominate function structures in the mechanical engineering domain with only a small percentage including signal flows. Research suggests that the signal flow gap is due to the requirement of “carrier” flows of either material or energy to transport the signals between functions. This research suggests that incorporating controls engineering methodologies may increase the number of signal flows in function structures. We show correlations between the functional modeling and controls engineering in four facets: schematic similarities, performance matching through flows, mathematical function creation using bond graphs, and isomorphic matching of the aforementioned characteristics allows for analogical solutions. Controls systems use block diagrams to represent the sequential steps of the system. These block diagrams parallel the function structures of engineering design. Performance metrics between the two domains can be complimentary when decomposed down to nondimensional engineering units. Mathematical functions of the actions in controls systems can resemble the functional basis functions with bond graphs by identifying characteristic behavior of the functions on the flows. Isomorphic matching, using the schematic diagrams, produces analogies based upon similar functionality and target performance metrics. These four similarities bridge the mechanical and electrical domains via the controls domain. We provide concepts and contextualization for the methodology using domain-agnostic examples. We conclude with suggestion of pathways forward for this preliminary research.
Toward a function-based IT platform for variants redesign of household appliances
Authors: Peruzzini Margherita , Raffaeli Roberto , Malatesta Marco , Germani Michele
Published: September 2017

Modular product design is an efficient strategy to let manufacturing companies meet the customers’ requirements by offering a wide variety and customization of products and significantly saving time and cost during engineering and production (Fei et al., 2011). Despite numerous approaches for function modeling and modular product design (Srinivasan et al., 2012; Eckert, 2013; Vermaas, 2013) that have been developed in the last decades, carrying out an efficient product variants’ design process is still an open issue for many manufacturing companies. The proposed approaches offer numerous ways to model information about product functionality, but each approach is useful and particularly well suited for different applications and domains (Summers et al., 2013). The present research compares the existing approaches for product variants design and defines a function-based model to support product design and redesign according to a modular framework, merging qualitative technical issues with business-oriented evaluation. Such a framework has been used to develop a multiuser IT platform, composed of a knowledge-based engine and four different tools to support designers and engineers in product variants creation, management, and configuration, from product functional modeling to cost estimation and life cycle assessment. The proposed model has been tested on industrial cases in the context of household appliances. Experimental results demonstrates that, after a preliminary context analysis and a proper knowledge base creation, such a model supports a more conscious decision-making and promote collaboration within an interdisciplinary design team. Finally, the case study shows the necessity, but in the meanwhile the insufficiency, of a functional decomposition as the only representation viewpoint.
Function in engineering: Benchmarking representations and models
Authors: Summers Joshua D. , Eckert Claudia , Goel Ashok K.
Published: September 2017

This paper presents the requirements and needs for establishing a benchmarking protocol that considers representation characteristics, supported cognitive criteria, and enabled reasoning activities for the systematic comparison of function modeling representations. Problem types are defined as reverse engineering, familiar products, novel products, and single-component systems. As different modeling approaches share elements, a comparison of modeling approaches on multiple levels was also undertaken. It is recommended that researchers and developers of function modeling representations collaborate to define a canonically acceptable set of benchmark tests and evaluations so that clear benefits and weaknesses for the disparate collection of approaches can be compared. This paper is written as a call to action for the research community to begin establishing a benchmarking standard protocol for function modeling comparison purposes. This protocol should be refined with input from developers of the competing approaches in an academically open environment. At the same time, the benchmarking criteria identified should also serve as a guide for validating a modeling approach or analyzing its failure.
An outbreak of mumps with genetic strain variation in a highly vaccinated student population in Scotland
Authors: WILLOCKS L. J. , GUERENDIAIN D. , AUSTIN H. I. , MORRISON K. E. , CAMERON R. L. , TEMPLETON K. E. , DE LIMA V. R. F. , EWING R. , DONOVAN W. , POLLOCK K. G. J.
Published: September 2017

An outbreak of mumps within a student population in Scotland was investigated to assess the effect of previous vaccination on infection and clinical presentation, and any genotypic variation. Of the 341 cases, 79% were aged 18–24. Vaccination status was available for 278 cases of whom 84% had received at least one dose of mumps containing vaccine and 62% had received two. The complication rate was 5·3% (mainly orchitis), and 1·2% were admitted to hospital. Genetic sequencing of mumps virus isolated from cases across Scotland classified 97% of the samples as genotype G. Two distinct clusters of genotype G were identified, one circulating before the outbreak and the other thereafter, suggesting the virus that caused this outbreak was genetically different from the previously circulating virus. Whilst the poor vaccine effectiveness we found may be due to waning immunity over time, a contributing factor may be that the current mumps vaccine is less effective against some genotypes. Although the general benefits of the measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccine should continue to be promoted, there may be value in reassessing the UK vaccination schedule and the current mumps component of the MMR vaccine.
Quantifying the decline of the Martial EaglePolemaetus bellicosusin South Africa
Authors: AMAR ARJUN , CLOETE DANIËL
Published: September 2017

Human populations in Africa are growing at a faster rate than in any other region; this growth will exert increasing pressures on the continent’s wildlife resources and declines in wildlife are already being observed. Species occupying higher trophic levels may be amongst the most useful indicators of this pressure and raptorial birds have already proven to be particularly useful in highlighting problems with their environment. The Martial Eagle is an African endemic which is thought to be declining and was recently uplisted to globally Vulnerable, although data on population trends are almost entirely lacking. The Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP) 1 and 2 are citizen science projects that represent a rare opportunity, within an African context, to quantify population changes over a 20-year period. We use data from these surveys to explore changes in reporting rates for this species in South Africa between SABAP 1 (1987–1992) and SABAP 2 (2007–2012) at the scale of quarter-degree grid cells. Previous research suggests that such comparisons accurately reflect changes in breeding numbers for this species. We found an overall decline in reporting rates of c.60%, with more cells showing loss or declines (75%) than those showing colonisation or increases (25%). No differences in reporting rate change were found between provinces, suggesting a relative uniform decline across the country. There were, however, differences between biomes with declines recorded in all biomes apart from Albany Thicket, Succulent Karoo and Fynbos (south-western biomes). Declines differed inside and outside protected areas, with larger declines outside (64%) than inside (42%) protected areas, although even within large protected areas significant declines were observed. These results support the uplisting of the species’ conservation status and suggest that even within protected areas the species is not immune to the drivers of decline.
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for the Treatment of Dental Phobia: A Controlled Feasibility Study
Authors: Gujjar Kumar Raghav , van Wijk Arjen , Sharma Ratika , de Jongh Ad
Published: September 2017

Background: Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) has been used to treat a variety of fears and phobias. Aim: To determine the feasibility (i.e. safety and efficacy) of using VRET to treat dental phobia. Method: Safety was evaluated by determining any adverse events or symptom exacerbation. Efficacy of VRET was evaluated by comparing the reduction in dental anxiety scores (measured 16 times within a 14-week study period, and at 6-month follow-up), and its behavioural effects with that of an informational pamphlet (IP) on ten randomized patients with dental phobia using a controlled multiple baseline design. Participants’ heart rate response during VRET, and their experience post-VRET, were indexed. Results: No personal adverse events or symptom exacerbation occurred. Visual analysis and post-hoc intention-to-treat analysis showed a significantly greater decrease in dental anxiety scores [higher PND (percentage of non-overlap data) scores of 100% and lower POD (percentage of overlap data) of 0%, Modified Dental Anxiety Scale, F (1,8) = 8.61, p = 0.019, and Dental Fear Scale, F (1,8) = 10.53, p = 0.012], and behavioural avoidance in the VRET compared with the IP group [d = 4.2 and –1.4, respectively). There was no increase in average heart rate during VRET. Of the nine treatment completers, six (four from the VRET group and two from the IP group) no longer had dental phobia at 6-month follow-up. Four of the five VRET participants, but none of the IP participants, scheduled a dental treatment appointment following the intervention. Conclusion: VRET is a feasible alternative for patients with dental phobia.
Suitability of Wild Oat (Avena fatua), False Cleavers (Galium spurium), and Volunteer Canola (Brassica napus) for Harvest Weed Seed Control in Western Canada
Authors: Tidemann Breanne D. , Hall Linda M. , Harker K. Neil , Beckie Hugh J. , Johnson Eric N. , Stevenson F. Craig
Published: September 2017

As chemical management options for weeds become increasingly limited due to selection for herbicide resistance, investigation of additional nonchemical tools becomes necessary. Harvest weed seed control (HWSC) is a methodology of weed management that targets and destroys weed seeds that are otherwise dispersed by harvesters following threshing. It is not known whether problem weeds in western Canada retain their seeds in sufficient quantities until harvest at a height suitable for collection. A study was conducted at three sites over 2 yr to determine whether retention and height criteria were met by wild oat, false cleavers, and volunteer canola. Wild oat consistently shed seeds early, but seed retention was variable, averaging 56% at the time of wheat swathing, with continued losses until direct harvest of wheat and fababean. The majority of retained seeds were >45 cm above ground level, suitable for collection. Cleavers seed retention was highly variable by site-year, but generally greater than wild oat. The majority of seed was retained >15 cm above ground level and would be considered collectable. Canola seed typically had >95% retention, with the majority of seed retained >15 cm above ground level. The suitability ranking of the species for management with HWSC was canola>cleavers>wild oat. Efficacy of HWSC systems in western Canada will depend on the target species and site- and year-specific environmental conditions.
Leseentwicklung im Grundschulalter. Kognitive Grundlagen und Risikofaktoren
Authors: Nagler Telse , Lindberg Sven , Hasselhorn Marcus
Published: September 2017

Zusammenfassung. In dieser narrativen Übersichtsarbeit werden die zentralen Faktoren des Leseerwerbs beschrieben und empirische Forschungsergebnisse aus aktuellen Meta-Analysen, Reviews und Längsschnittstudien zusammengetragen. Dabei wird zunächst die frühe Leseentwicklung mit Bezug zum Phasenmodell von Frith (1985 , 1986 ) fokussiert und der Leseprozess anhand des Dual-Route Modells von Coltheart (1978) erläutert. Des Weiteren wird auf die problematische Leseentwicklung eingegangen und Risikofaktoren auf genetischer sowie neurokognitiver Ebene beschrieben. Weiterhin werden Ergebnisse zu Risikofaktoren bezüglich der kognitiven Verarbeitung, der Sprachentwicklung sowie prä- und postnatale Umwelteinflüsse präsentiert. Abschließend werden kritische Anmerkungen und weiterführende Ausblicke diskutiert.
B. F. Skinner's Science and Human Behavior: Some Further Consequences
Authors: Goddard Murray J.
Published: September 2017

Skinner's (1953) Science and Human Behavior suggested that a science of human behavior could potentially have both negative and positive impacts on human welfare. The present paper first outlines how the contemporary gambling, and advertising, industry illustrate several of Skinner's (1953) concerns and then discusses how medicalization and the critical psychiatry movement share important epistemological similarities with Skinner's work. Skinner (1953) worried that a science of human behavior might negatively impact human welfare, and Skinner's concerns, and potential solutions, are explored in the context of current research.
NDRG1 inhibition sensitizes osteosarcoma cells to combretastatin A-4 through targeting autophagy
Authors: Wang Hongsheng , Li Wen , Xu Jing , Zhang Tao , Zuo Dongqing , Zhou Zifei , Lin Binhui , Wang Gangyang , Wang Zhuoying , Sun Wei , Sun Mengxiong , Chang Shimin , Cai Zhengdong , Hua Yingqi
Published: September 2017

Combretastatin A-4 (CA-4), a tubulin-depolymerizing agent, shows promising antitumor efficacy and has been under several clinical trials in solid tumors for 10 years. Autophagy has an important pro-survival role in cancer therapy, thus targeting autophagy may improve the efficacy of antitumor agents. N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is a significant stress regulatory gene, which mediates cell survival and chemoresistance. Here we reported that CA-4 could induce cell-protective autophagy, and combination treatment of CA-4 and autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) exerted synergistic cytotoxic effect on human osteosarcoma (OS) cells. Meanwhile, CA-4 or CQ could increase the expression of NDRG1 independently. We further performed mechanistic study to explore how CA-4 and CQ regulate the expression of NDRG1. Using luciferase reporter assay, we found that CA-4 transcriptionally upregulated NDRG1 expression, whereas CQ triggered colocalization of NDRG1 and lysosome, which subsequently prevented lysosome-dependent degradation of NDRG1. Further, we showed that knockdown of NDRG1 caused the defect of lysosomal function, which accumulated LC3-positive autophagosomes by decreasing their fusion with lysosomes. Moreover, NDRG1 inhibition increased apoptosis in response to combination treatment with CA-4 and CQ. Taken together, our study revealed abrogation of NDRG1 expression sensitizes OS cells to CA-4 by suppression of autophagosome–lysosome fusion. These results provide clues for developing more effective cancer therapeutic strategies by the concomitant treatment with CA-4 and clinical available autophagy inhibitors.
Endocast of the Late Triassic (Carnian) dinosaur Saturnalia tupiniquim: implications for the evolution of brain tissue in Sauropodomorpha
Authors: Bronzati Mario , Rauhut Oliver W. M. , Bittencourt Jonathas S. , Langer Max C.
Published: September 2017

The evolutionary history of dinosaurs might date back to the first stages of the Triassic (c. 250–240 Ma), but the oldest unequivocal records of the group come from Late Triassic (Carnian – c. 230 Ma) rocks of South America. Here, we present the first braincase endocast of a Carnian dinosaur, the sauropodomorph Saturnalia tupiniquim, and provide new data regarding the evolution of the floccular and parafloccular lobe of the cerebellum (FFL), which has been extensively discussed in the field of palaeoneurology. Previous studies proposed that the development of a permanent quadrupedal stance was one of the factors leading to the volume reduction of the FFL of sauropods. However, based on the new data for S. tupiniquim we identified a first moment of FFL volume reduction in non-sauropodan Sauropodomorpha, preceding the acquisition of a fully quadrupedal stance. Analysing variations in FFL volume alongside other morphological changes in the group, we suggest that this reduction is potentially related to the adoption of a more restricted herbivore diet. In this context, the FFL of sauropods might represent a vestigial trait, retained in a reduced version from the bipedal and predatory early sauropodomorphs.
Longitudinal analysis of colon crypt stem cell dynamics in sulindac treated Familial Adenomatous Polyposis patients
Authors: Ma Huiying , Brosens Lodewijk A. A. , Elias Sjoerd G. , Morsink Folkert H. M. , Nijman Isaac J. , Hylind Linda M. , Montgomery Elizabeth A. , Offerhaus G. Johan A. , Giardiello Francis M. , de Leng Wendy W. J.
Published: September 2017

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug sulindac decreases size and number of adenomas after 4-6 months of treatment for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. As stem cells are thought to be the tumor precursor cells, visualizing their behavior is crucial for monitoring tumor progression. Increased tag diversity in inactive genes is indicative of a protracted clonal evolution and consequently, increased risk for tumor formation. Therefore, the effect of sulindac on stem cell dynamics was studied. Normal appearing single crypts were laser microdissected in placebo- and sulindac- treated FAP patient tissue after which the methylation patterns were visualized by Next Generation Sequencing. A significant difference in tag diversity over time was found in the sulindac group compared to the placebo group (*p = 0.018), indicative of a shortened clonal evolution treated sulindac. The rate of change in tag diversity over time was correlated with polyp number change over time. No significant difference over time was observed in the percent methylation when comparing placebo vs sulindac. In conclusion, daily sulindac administration in FAP patients significantly altered colorectal stem cell dynamics, which might explain the chemopreventive action of this drug indicating that tag diversity may be used as a predictive biomarker.
New views on phototransduction from atomic force microscopy and single molecule force spectroscopy on native rods
Authors: Maity Sourav , Ilieva Nina , Laio Alessandro , Torre Vincent , Mazzolini Monica
Published: September 2017

By combining atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging and single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS), we analyzed membrane proteins of the rod outer segments (OS). With this combined approach we were able to study the membrane proteins in their natural environment. In the plasma membrane we identified native cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels which are organized in single file strings. We also identified rhodopsin located both in the discs and in the plasma membrane. SMFS reveals strikingly different mechanical properties of rhodopsin unfolding in the two environments. Molecular dynamic simulations suggest that this difference is likely to be related to the higher hydrophobicity of the plasma membrane, due to the higher cholesterol concentration. This increases rhodopsin mechanical stability lowering the rate of transition towards its active form, hindering, in this manner, phototransduction.
Ultrasensitive Quantitation of Anti-Phospholipase A2 Receptor Antibody as A Diagnostic and Prognostic Indicator of Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: Zhang Qiuhua , Huang Biao , Liu Xiaobin , Liu Bin , Zhang Yi , Zhang Zhijian , Hua Jia , Fan Yun , Hu Ling , Meng Meijuan , Wu Mian , Wang Liang , Hu Zhigang , Sun Zhuxing
Published: September 2017

Anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibody (PLA2R-Ab) is useful for affirming the diagnosis of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). Time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TRFIA) is highly sensitive and quantitative for measuring serum PLA2R-Ab immunoglobulin (IgG). We measured PLA2R-Ab levels with TRFIA in sera from 172 patients with IMN (n = 69), secondary MN (n = 9), and those with other glomerulonephritis (n = 94) at the time of renal biopsy compared to healthy controls (n = 286). Serum anti-PLA2R-IgG levels in healthy volunteers ranged from 0.09–0.91 mg/L. We set the cutoff value of the anti-PLA2R-IgG titer at 0.91 mg/L, with a sensitivity of 84.06% for diagnosing IMN. Increasing the cut-off value to 2.025 mg/L altered the sensitivity for diagnosing IMN to 71.01%, but with 100% specificity. IMN patients had significantly higher serum anti-PLA2R-IgG levels compared to those with secondary MN. PLA2R-Ab titers negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Patinets with high titers had significantly lower serum albumin and eGFR, higher proteinuria and serum creatinine levels, accompanied by a lower complete remission rate. High titers of PLA2R-Ab were associated with poor prognosis of patients with IMN. TRFIA-based quantification of anti-PLA2R-IgG can be a reliable approach for the diagnosis and prognostication of patients with IMN.
Dipstick proteinuria and risk of myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality in diabetes or pre-diabetes: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Wang Jinwei , Li Junjuan , Wang Anxin , Wang Jianli , Yang Yaozheng , Chen Shuohua , Wu Shouling , Zhao Minghui , Guo Xiuhua , Zhang Luxia
Published: September 2017

To evaluate the association between dipstick proteinuria and myocardial infarction (MI) or all-cause mortality, a cohort study was conducted among 16,573 general Chinese population with diabetes or pre-diabetes, which were defined as self-reported history of diabetes or fasting blood glucose ≥5.6 mmol/L or under blood glucose lowering therapy. Proteinuria was detected biennially during 2006–2013 by dipstick test. MI and all-cause mortality were recorded through the end of 2014. Mean age (standard deviation) of study participants was 51.16 (10.63) years, with 82.24% of male. During a median follow-up of 8.03 years, 211 MI and 403 all-cause mortality occurred. Multivariable Cox regression revealed occasional or persistent detection of trace or higher in proteinuria increased the risk of all-cause mortality, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.42 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.10, 1.83) and 2.23 (95% CI: 1.66, 3.01), respectively, compared to sustained negative in proteinuria. A time-dependent analysis also revealed the association between degree of proteinuria and all-cause mortality, with HRs of 1.80 (95% CI: 1.31, 2.48) for trace and 3.34 (95% CI: 2.40, 4.65) for one plus or higher in proteinuria, compared to negative. The associations regarding MI lost statistical significance after multivariable adjustment. In conclusion, dipstick proteinuria was associated with an increased risk of MI and all-cause mortality among a general population with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Derivation and Validation of Shock Index as a parameter for Predicting Long-term Prognosis in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Yu Tongtong , Tian Chunyang , Song Jia , He Dongxu , Sun Zhijun , Sun Zhaoqing
Published: September 2017

The objective of this study was to examine whether shock index (SI), defined by ratio of heart rate and systolic blood pressure, can predict long-term prognosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and to compare prognostic accuracy of SI with the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score. This study included individuals from 2 independent cohorts: derivation cohort (n = 2631) and validation cohort (n = 963). In the derivation cohort, we derived that higher admission SI was associated with a greater risk of long-term all-cause mortality [HR = 4.104, 95% CI 1.553 to 10.845, p = 0.004] after adjusting for covariates. We validated this finding in the validation cohort [HR = 10.091, 95% CI 2.205 to 46.187, p = 0.003]. Moreover, admission SI had similar performance to the GRACE score in determining all-cause mortality risk in both cohorts (derivation cohort, admission SI vs. GRACE, z = 1.919, p = 0.055; validation cohort, admission SI vs. GRACE, z = 1.039, p = 0.299). In conclusion, admission SI is an independent predictor of adverse outcome in ACS patients undergoing PCI, and can identify patients at high risk of death. SI and the GRACE score showed similar performance in predicting all-cause mortality, and SI is more readily obtained than the GRACE score.
Fast Fourier single-pixel imaging via binary illumination
Authors: Zhang Zibang , Wang Xueying , Zheng Guoan , Zhong Jingang
Published: September 2017

Fourier single-pixel imaging (FSI) employs Fourier basis patterns for encoding spatial information and is capable of reconstructing high-quality two-dimensional and three-dimensional images. Fourier-domain sparsity in natural scenes allows FSI to recover sharp images from undersampled data. The original FSI demonstration, however, requires grayscale Fourier basis patterns for illumination. This requirement imposes a limitation on the imaging speed as digital micro-mirror devices (DMDs) generate grayscale patterns at a low refreshing rate. In this paper, we report a new strategy to increase the speed of FSI by two orders of magnitude. In this strategy, we binarize the Fourier basis patterns based on upsampling and error diffusion dithering. We demonstrate a 20,000 Hz projection rate using a DMD and capture 256-by-256-pixel dynamic scenes at a speed of 10 frames per second. The reported technique substantially accelerates image acquisition speed of FSI. It may find broad imaging applications at wavebands that are not accessible using conventional two-dimensional image sensors.
High-throughput targeted screening in triple-negative breast cancer cells identifies Wnt-inhibiting activities in Pacific brittle stars
Authors: Blagodatski Artem , Cherepanov Vsevolod , Koval Alexey , Kharlamenko Vladimir I. , Khotimchenko Yuri S. , Katanaev Vladimir L.
Published: September 2017

Pro-proliferative oncogenic signaling is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Specific targeting of such signaling pathways is one of the main approaches to modern anti-cancer drug discovery, as opposed to more traditional search for general cytotoxic agents. Natural products, especially from marine sources, represent a largely untapped source of chemical diversity, which so far have mostly been screened for cytotoxicity. Here we present a pioneering pipeline of high-throughput screening of marine-based activities targeted against the Wnt signaling pathway, which is one of the key factors in oncogenic transformation, growth and metastasis in different cancers, including the devastating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) currently lacking any targeted therapies. This pipeline consisted of collection and characterization of numerous invertebrates during the SokhoBio expedition to the Kuril Basin in North Pacific, preparation of extracts from these specimen, and their screening in dedicated assays monitoring Wnt signaling in TNBC cells. This approach yielded a number of promising hits, including highly specific anti-Wnt activities targeting multiple levels within the Wnt pathway from Ophiura irrorata and other Pacific brittle stars.
A single question regarding mobility in the World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire predicts 3-year mortality in patients receiving chronic hemodialysis
Authors: Wang Hsiu-Ho , Ho Miao-Chun , Hung Kuan-Yu , Cheng Hui-Teng
Published: September 2017

Low quality of life, depression and poor quality of sleep are associated with increased mortality in hemodialysis patients. It is not clear which factor has the highest predictive power and what the core element is to explain the predictability. We thus conducted a prospective cohort study that included 151 hemodialysis adults. Three traits of interest were assessed by World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire, an abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF), Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire, and Athens Insomnia Scale, respectively. They were followed for more than 3 years and the all-cause mortality was 30.5%. The prevalence of quality of life at the lowest tertile, depression and poor quality of sleep was 19.9%, 43.0% and 74.2%, respectively. Discriminant analysis showed the standardized coefficient of each factor as 0.813, −0.289 and 0.066, indicating the highest discriminating power by quality of life to predict mortality. Question 15 “how well are you able to get around?” in the physical health domain of WHOQOL-BREF independently associated a hazard ratio of mortality 0.623 (95% confidence interval 0.423-0.918). Subjective perception of overall quality of life was more related to psycho-social-environmental factors. In conclusion, mobility is an independent and powerful predictor to long term mortality in patients on chronic hemodialysis.
Decoherence Control of Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers
Authors: Lei Chao , Peng Shijie , Ju Chenyong , Yung Man-Hong , Du Jiangfeng
Published: September 2017

Quantum mechanical systems lose coherence through interacting with external environments—a process known as decoherence. Although decoherence is detrimental for most of the tasks in quantum information processing, a substantial degree of decoherence is crucial for boosting the efficiency of quantum processes, for example, in quantum biology and other open systems. The key to the success in simulating those open quantum systems is therefore the ability of controlling decoherence, instead of eliminating it. Motivated by simulating quantum open systems with Nitrogen-Vacancy centers, which has become an increasingly important platform for quantum information processing tasks, we developed a new set of steering pulse sequences for controlling various coherence times of Nitrogen-Vacancy centers; our method is based on a hybrid approach that exploits ingredients in both digital and analog quantum simulations to dynamically couple or decouple the system with the physical environment. Our numerical simulations, based on experimentally-feasible parameters, indicate that decoherence of Nitrogen-Vacancy centers can be controlled externally to a very large extend.
Schottky solar cell using few-layered transition metal dichalcogenides toward large-scale fabrication of semitransparent and flexible power generator
Authors: Akama Toshiki , Okita Wakana , Nagai Reito , Li Chao , Kaneko Toshiro , Kato Toshiaki
Published: September 2017

Few-layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are known as true two-dimensional materials, with excellent semiconducting properties and strong light–matter interaction. Thus, TMDs are attractive materials for semitransparent and flexible solar cells for use in various applications. Hoewver, despite the recent progress, the development of a scalable method to fabricate semitransparent and flexible solar cells with mono- or few-layered TMDs remains a crucial challenge. Here, we show easy and scalable fabrication of a few-layered TMD solar cell using a Schottky-type configuration to obtain a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of approximately 0.7%, which is the highest value reported with few-layered TMDs. Clear power generation was also observed for a device fabricated on a large SiO2 and flexible substrate, demonstrating that our method has high potential for scalable production. In addition, systematic investigation revealed that the PCE and external quantum efficiency (EQE) strongly depended on the type of photogenerated excitons (A, B, and C) because of different carrier dynamics. Because high solar cell performance along with excellent scalability can be achieved through the proposed process, our fabrication method will contribute to accelerating the industrial use of TMDs as semitransparent and flexible solar cells.
Novel Analytical Techniques for Smart Ionic Liquid Materials
Authors: Tsuda Tetsuya , Chen Chih-Yao , Hussey Charles L.
Published: September 2017

Because ionic liquids (ILs) have numerous various interesting features, they are recognized as important functional reaction media and liquid materials. Several applications that take advantage of each feature have been proposed. The combination of a set of unique features, which includes negligible vapor pressure, good chemical/electrochemical stability, as well as antistatic properties, has led to the creation of some novel analytical techniques wherein the IL is used with analysis equipment that requires vacuum conditions, e.g., SEM, TEM, and XPS. In recent times, vacuum analytical techniques that employ ILs have had a significant impact on a wide variety of science and technology applications. In this chapter, recent ionic liquid-electron microscopy techniques, including associated electron-beam irradiation techniques such as energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, electron diffraction, and ionic liquid-X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy are introduced. The former is often employed for in situ observation of electrochemical reactions in next-generation battery systems and for monitoring nanoparticle production/growth processes in ILs, and the latter can reveal IL structure at the vacuum–IL phase boundary as well as chemical/electrochemical reactions in ILs on a molecular scale.
Electron Microscopy of Wet Materials Using Ionic Liquids
Authors: Takahashi C.
Published: September 2017

Electron microscopy (EM) has an important role in improving nanotechnology-based material sciences. However, the evaluation of hydrated materials using EM is challenging. Thus, a sample preparation technique has recently been developed that employs ionic liquids (ILs); the ILs can be applied for EM measurements that require vacuum conditions, which is highlighted because of the possibility of evaluating hydrated materials in this manner. In this study, IL-based EM techniques suitable for several types of hydrous materials have been reviewed.
Smart Design of Sustainable and Efficient ILs
Authors: Musumarra Giuseppe , Paternò Alessio , Scirè Salvatore
Published: September 2017

The expanding applications of ionic liquids (ILs) give rise to a need to combine their efficiency with their environmental and economic sustainability. Experimental investigations can explore only a tiny portion of the enormous chemical space covered by IL cation and anion combinations. Hence the utility of the recently derived in silico VolSurf+ descriptors to develop quantitative structure–property relationships (QSPRs). In this context, multivariate data-driven approaches taking into account the simultaneous variation of both anionic and cationic counterparts of ILs turn out to be suitable to predict ILs toxicities as well as physico-chemical properties by means of partial least squares (PLS) modelling. Examples of applications for the design of sustainable and efficient ILs are reported and the potentialities of such multivariate approaches for smart ILs and materials design are pointed out.
Applications of Ionic Liquids in Organic Electronic Devices
Authors: Ohisa Satoru , Kido Junji
Published: September 2017

We review applications of ionic liquids (ILs) in organic electronic devices. ILs are a new type of materials and have outstanding features unlike conventional compounds, giving novel functions to organic electronic devices. First, we give a general explanation of ILs. Next, we review applications of ILs in some organic electronic devices such as organic light emitting devices, photovoltaics, and organic field effect transistors. Finally, we remark on the outlook for future IL applications in organic electronic devices.
Ionic Liquid-based Physical Sensors
Authors: Tung Yi-Chung , Wu Hsiao-Mei , Lee Tse-Ang
Published: September 2017

Use of ionic liquids has grown in recent years, particularly for various chemical applications, because of their unique material properties. In recent decades, several wearable devices and flexible electronics have been developed, and ionic liquids have been directly incorporated to construct physical sensors within these devices due to their low volatility, thermal stability, mechanical flexibility and reversible deformability. Here, several representative ionic liquid-based physical sensors are reviewed based on their sensing schemes: capacitive and resistive sensing. For the capacitive physical sensors, a pressure sensor housing ionic liquid in a deformable chamber that can be integrated within a microfluidic device is demonstrated. In addition, a tactile sensor consisting of an array of ionic liquid nano-liter droplet capacitors is developed that exhibits high sensitivity and rapid response. For resistive sensors, a concept of electrofluidic circuit, ionic liquid-filled fluidic channels, is introduced. By arranging electrofluidic components, pressure sensors with great long-term and thermal stability, and the sensors with analog and digital operation functions, are demonstrated. Adopting the electrofluidic concept, a flexible and optically transparent keypad is also reviewed. The ionic liquid based physical sensors provide desired advantages for various applications and are useful for future development of new types of physical sensors.
A class-selective immunoassay for simultaneous analysis of anilinopyrimidine fungicides using a rationally designed hapten
Authors: Esteve-Turrillas F. A. , Mercader J. V. , Agulló C. , Abad-Somovilla A. , Abad-Fuentes A.
Published: September 2017

A class-selective immunoassay has been developed using a rationally designed hapten for the simultaneous analysis of three anilinopyrimidines in wine.
Gold–platinum bimetallic nanoclusters with enhanced peroxidase-like activity and their integrated agarose hydrogel-based sensing platform for the colorimetric analysis of glucose levels in serum
Authors: Feng Jiayu , Huang Pengcheng , Wu Fang-Ying
Published: September 2017

Bimetallic Au–PtNCs with enhanced peroxidase-like activity were integrated into agarose hydrogels for direct visualization of glucose in human serum.
A general approach for nanoparticle composite transport materials toward efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Chen Yihua , Gu Jianjun , Fan Rundong , Li Ziliang , Li Liang , Wang Ligang , Zheng Guanhaojie , Nie Honggang , Chen Qi , Zhou Huanping
Published: September 2017

A composite ETL was constructed to improve carrier extraction in perovskite solar cells, resulting in a PCE of 19.14%.
Microwave-assisted hydrothermal selective dissolution and utilisation of hemicellulose in Phyllostachys heterocycla cv. pubescens
Authors: Luo Yiping , Fan Jiajun , Budarin Vitaliy L. , Hu Changwei , Clark James H.
Published: September 2017

Microwave-assisted hydrothermal efficient dissolution and utilisation of hemicellulose inpubescensprovided ways to use raw biomass to its fullest.
A versatile platform for adding functional properties to amyloid fibrils
Authors: Fontaine Devon F. A. , Ivancic Valerie A. , Reardon Michael B. , Lazo Noel D. , Jakobsche Charles E.
Published: September 2017

Molecular design and synthesis of a new family of bifunctional organic molecular tools for medical, nanotechnology, and structural-biology applications.
Deep insight into the photocatalytic activity and electronic structure of amorphous earth-abundant MgAl2O4
Authors: Qian Xin , Li Bo , Mu Hui-ying , Ren Jie , Liu Ying , Hao Ying-juan , Li Fa-tang
Published: September 2017

The reason responsible for the photo-absorption of amorphous MgAl2O4is clarified and its CB and VB positions are proposed.
“Are chemistry educational apps useful?” – a quantitative study with three in-house apps
Authors: Ping Grace Lee Yuan , Lok Chang , Wei Yeat Tan , Cherynn Tan Jie Ying , Tan Emelyn Sue Qing
Published: September 2017

Three internally developed mobile apps, “3D Sym Op”, “SM2 Chem” and “ARMolVis”, available for free on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store were evaluated in seven studies. Each study was a systematic process of Pre-Test, In-lecture App Demo, App Assisted Interactive Tutorials (AAITs) and/or Independent App Usage (IAU), followed by a Survey and Post-Test. Overall, the mobile apps were effective evident by the higher Post-Testvs.Pre-Test % increase for those who used the app more frequently compared to those who used the app rarely. Apps were most effective when used in AAITs with the Blended Learning approach. This approach requires the physical presence of both teacher and student, but with some element of student free play such as using the app to complete worksheets in pairs or groups.