bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of the long noncoding RNA RP11‐169D4.1‐001 in Hypopharyngeal Squamous cell carcinoma tissue and its clinical significance
Authors: Shen Zhisen , Wu Linrong , Hao Wenjuan , Li Qun , Zhou Chongchang
Published: September 2019

Background

Increased research efforts have demonstrated that lncRNAs are associated with multiple head and neck tumors and play important roles in cancer. We previously found that RP11‐169D4.1‐001 plays a tumor‐suppressive role in laryngeal cancer, but its function in human hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC) remains unknown. Thus, this research aimed to analyze the relationship between RP11‐169D4.1‐001 expression and HSCC clinicopathological features.

Methods

Real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to detect the expression of RP11‐169D4.1‐001 in 70 pairs of HSCC and adjacent normal tissues.

Results

The expression level of RP11‐169D4.1‐001 in HSCC tissues was significantly lower than that in adjacent normal tissues (P = .001). The expression of RP11‐169D4.1‐001 had no significant relationship with tumor differentiation, stage, smoking, drinking, age, tumor location, or treatment. RP11‐169D4.1‐001 expression was associated with T category (P = .008) and lymph node metastasis (P = .001). Survival data were assessed by Kaplan‐Meier curves. Patients with high RP11‐169D4.1‐001 expression were found to have a shorter overall survival than patients with low RP11‐169D4.1‐001 expression. Multivariate analysis also indicated that target RNA was an independent factor for prognosis. The ROC curve was constructed to clarify the diagnostic value of RP11‐169D4.1‐001.

Conclusions

RP11‐169D4.1‐001 may serve as a new biomarker and potential drug target and can be used as a new biomarker and a potential drug target for the detection and treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer, respectively. Furthermore, RP11‐169D4.1‐001 expression may be an independent prognostic factor affecting the survival of hypopharyngeal cancer patients.
Design, synthesis, and insecticidal activity of novel isoxazole derivatives containing bisamide moiety
Authors: Yang Zaibo , Zhao Yang , Li Pei , He Yinju
Published: September 2019

In this study, a total of 31 novel isoxazole derivatives containing bisamide moiety were synthesized and evaluated for their insecticidal activity against Plutella xylostella (P. xylostella). Bioassays indicated that some of the target compounds exhibited good insecticidal activity against P. xylostella. In particular, compound E26 revealed excellent insecticidal activity against P. xylostella, with a 50% lethal concentration (LC50) value of 4.6 μg/mL, which was even better than those of chlorpyrifos (7.7 μg/mL), beta‐cypermethrin (12.8 μg/mL), and azadirachtin (10.2 μg/mL). These results indicated that isoxazole derivatives containing bisamide moiety could be developed as novel and promising insecticides. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report on the insecticidal activity of this series of novel isoxazole derivatives containing bisamide moiety.
An efficient strategy for synthesis of 2,6‐dimethyl‐1,3‐diarylpyrano[4,3‐b]pyrrol‐4(1H)‐one derivatives in water
Authors: Huang Hanqiang , Fu Tangming , Hu Jiawen , Li Chunmei , Zhang Furen
Published: September 2019

An efficient approach for the synthesis of 2,6‐dimethyl‐1,3‐diarylpyrano[4,3‐b]pyrrol‐4(1H)‐one derivatives has been established. The reaction was performed in aqueous media using readily available and inexpensive 6‐methyl‐4‐(phenylamino)‐2H‐pyran‐2‐one and nitroolefin as substrates. The present methodology shows many attractive advantages, such as using water as green reaction media, inexpensive and environmentally friendly acetic acid as catalyst, easy work‐up procedure, and good to excellent yields.
Novel thiazole‐piperazine derivatives as potential cholinesterase inhibitors
Authors: Demirayak Şeref , Şahin Zafer , Ertaş Merve , Bülbül Emre Fatih , Bender Ceysu , Biltekin Sevde Nur , Berk Barkin , Sağlık Begüm Nurpelin , Levent Serkan , Yurttaş Leyla
Published: September 2019

Dementia is a cognitive disorder mostly associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in addition to being seen in many other diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). The limited number of drugs is not sufficient to provide adequate improvement to increase the quality of life of patients suffering from this symptom; therefore, all treatment options should be evaluated in detail. In this study, new molecules, [2‐(4‐(2/3/4‐substituted phenyl)piperazin‐1‐yl)‐4‐phenylthiazol‐5‐yl][3/4‐substituted phenyl]methanone derivatives (1‐44), were obtained and analyzed in terms of their anticholinesterase activities. Kinetic mode and molecular interactions were also evaluated. An enzyme inhibition study was undertaken on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) using the Ellman method. Maestro program was used in molecular modeling studies. Forty‐four compounds were evaluated on AChE and BChE enzymes at 10−3 and 10−4 concentrations. The inhibition concentrations were calculated as 0.268μM to 2.104μM for six compounds (4, 5, 16, 27, 37, and 38) on AChE. Compound 5 including the 4‐methoxy substituent (IC50: 0.268μM) and compound 38 containing the 4‐methoxy and 3‐methyl substituents (IC50: 0.286μM) showed the highest AChE inhibitory activity. They were further examined in terms of hydrogen bonding with Arg296 and Ar‐Ar interaction with Trp286. The activity of compound 5 was also assessed in mixed‐type kinetic mode.
Creativity and Affective Temperament in Artistic and Non‐artistic Students: Different Temperaments are Related to Different Aspects of Creativity
Authors: Jaracz Marcin , Borkowska Alina
Published: September 2019

The relationship between creativity and temperament has been well documented in studies with professional artists. This also pertains to affective temperaments which constitute the vulnerability to affective disorders. However, less is known about the contribution of particular temperaments to specific components of creativity, for example, ideational fluency, or originality of thinking. The aim of the present study was to assess affective temperaments and creativity in artistic and non‐artistic students. Ninety (39 artistic and 51 non‐artistic) students were enrolled in the study. Affective temperaments were evaluated by means of TEMPS‐A questionnaire. Creativity was measured with BWAS test assessing the originality of thinking and a sample of tasks derived from BIS battery, assessing ideational fluency. Artistic students showed higher rates of cyclothymic temperament. They also outperformed non‐artistic students in both domains of creativity. The originality of thinking correlated positively with the level of cyclothymic temperament, whereas ideational fluency was positively related to hyperthymic temperament. Ideational fluency also correlated with the level of parental education. Results indicate that creativity is related to temperaments underlying predisposition to bipolar affective disorder; however, different temperaments are related to different aspects of creativity.
Tephrochronological dating of paleoearthquakes in active volcanic arcs: A case of the Eastern Volcanic Front on the Kamchatka Peninsula (northwest Pacific)
Authors: Zelenin Egor , Kozhurin Andrey , Ponomareva Vera , Portnyagin Maxim
Published: September 2019

Investigation of active faults is crucial for the seismic hazard assessment and, in the case of volcanic belts, it provides a deeper understanding of the interactions between volcanism and tectonic faulting. In this study, we report the results of the first paleoseismological and tephrochronological investigation undertaken on Holocene faulting in Kamchatka's volcanic belts. The studied trenches and additional excavations are located along the axial fault zone of the Eastern Volcanic Front, where the earlier dated tephra layers provide a robust age control of the faulting events. Electron microprobe analysis of glass from 22 tephra samples permitted correlations among the disparate tephra profiles for constructing a summary tephra sequence. The latter, together with published geochronological data, allowed the construction of a Bayesian age model. Detailed examination of the tephra layers deformed by faulting allowed us to reconstruct and date six faulting events with the offsets of 1 to 20 cm indicating paleoearthquakes with magnitudes of Mw< 5.4. Holocene crustal seismicity of the Eastern Volcanic Front manifests temporal clustering rather than a uniform flux of events. However, no correlation between dated seismic events and the largest Holocene eruptions of proximal volcanoes was observed.
Olive oil characterization of cv. ‘Arauco’ harvested at different times in areas with early frost in Mendoza, Argentina
Authors: Trentacoste Eduardo R , Banco Adriana P , Piccoli Patricia N , Monasterio Romina P
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

‘Arauco’ is the only autochthonous olive cultivar from Argentina. Little has been reported so far regarding the management of this crop. In this work, variations in fruit and chemical characteristics of olives harvested over a wide range of dates and seasons are reported for this cultivar at two sites in Mendoza province in central west Argentina.

RESULTS

During the harvest periods studied, fruit oil content on a dry basis remained at its maximum and was stable, but fruit oil content on fresh basis increased as water content decreased with delay in harvest date. Harvest date affected the maturity index of fruits as well as the oxidative stability and phenolic content of oil. In contrast, the fatty acid profile was not consistently affected by harvest date. Environmental conditions, mainly the occurrence and intensity of frosts, strongly influenced oil quality as well as maturity with delay in harvest date.

CONCLUSION

The most appropriate harvest time to obtain Arauco oil with a high oil yield and good chemical quality was before mid‐May and with maturity index lower than 2. Fruits harvested after mid‐May were exposed to minimum temperatures between −1.2 °C and − 4.0 °C, producing oil with low phenolic compounds and oxidative stability. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Parasitic‐coupled high‐gain graphene antenna employed on PBG dielectric grating substrate for THz applications
Authors: Kushwaha Ritesh Kumar , Karuppanan P.
Published: September 2019

In THz frequency region, the high‐gain miniaturized patch antenna is essential to overcome the atmospheric losses. A novel dual‐band miniaturized graphene antenna array with parasitic‐coupled feed and mounted on PBG dielectric grating substrate is proposed in the operating frequency band from 0.85 to 1.04 THz. The analysis of graphene surface conductivity, surface wave polariton (SPP) of photonic band gap (PBG) substrate, and the dielectric grating substrate has been done for the verification of a projected design. Parametric analysis of PBG radius, periodic perturbation of dielectric grating substrate, and mutual coupling distance has been verified to achieve the enhanced radiation characteristics of the antenna. The minimum return loss of −52.58 dB, VSWR of 1.005, impedance bandwidth of 33.34 GHz, the peak gain of 16.4 dB, and peak directivity of 17 dBi has been observed for the projected design. The parasitic‐coupled method is suitable to reduce the complexity of the antenna array and proposed design is useful in imaging, security using spectroscopy, and wireless communication applications.
Reduced acquisition time for L‐shell x‐ray fluorescence computed tomography using polycapillary x‐ray optics
Authors: Vernekohl Don , Ahmad Moiz , Dai Xianjin , Zhao Wei , Cheng Kai , Xing Lei
Published: September 2019

Purpose

X‐ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) is an emerging molecular imaging modality for preclinical and clinical applications with high atomic number contrast agents. XFCT allows detection of molecular biomarkers at tissue depths of 4–9 mm at L‐shell energies and several centimeters for K‐shell energies, while maintaining high spatial resolution. This is typically not possible for other molecular imaging modalities. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate XFCT imaging with reduced acquisition times. To accomplish this, x‐ray focusing polycapillary optics are utilized to simultaneously increase x‐ray fluence rate and spatial resolution in L‐shell XFCT imaging.

Materials and methods

A prototype imaging system using a polycapillary focusing optic was demonstrated. The optic, which was custom‐designed for this prototype, provided a high fluence rate with a focal spot size of 2.6 mm at a source to isocenter distance of 3 cm with a ten times higher fluence rate compared to standard collimation. The study evaluates three different phantoms to explore different trade‐offs and limitations of L‐shell XFCT imaging. A low‐contrast gold phantom and a high‐contrast gold phantom, each with three target regions with gold concentrations of 60, 80, and 100 μg ml for low contrast and 200, 600, and 1000 μg ml for high contrast, and a mouse‐sized water phantom with gold concentrations between 300 and 500 μg ml were imaged. X‐ray fluorescence photons were measured using a silicon drift detector (SDD) with an energy resolution of 180 eV FWHM at an x‐ray energy of 11 keV. Images were reconstructed with an iterative image reconstruction algorithm and analyzed for contrast to noise ratio (CNR) and signal to noise ratio (SNR).

Results

The XFCT data acquisition could be reduced from 17 h to under 1 h. The polycapillary x‐ray optic increases the x‐ray fluence rate and lowers the amount of background scatter which leads to reduced imaging time and improved sensitivity. The quantitative analysis of the reconstructed images validates that concentrations of 60 μg ml of gold can be visualized with L‐shell XFCT imaging. For a mouse‐sized phantom, a concentration of 300 μg ml gold was detected within a 66 min measurement.

Conclusions

With a high fluence rate pencil beam from a polycapillary x‐ray source, a reduction in signal integration time is achieved. It is presented that subtle amounts of contrast agents can be detected with L‐shell XFCT within biologically relevant time frames. Our basic measurements show that the polycapillary x‐ray source technology is appropriate to realize preclinical L‐shell XFCT imaging. The integration of more SDDs into the system will lower the dose and increase the sensitivity.
Quantification of cerebral perfusion and cerebrovascular reserve using Turbo‐QUASAR arterial spin labeling MRI
Authors: Zhao Moss Y. , Václavů Lena , Petersen Esben T. , Biemond Bart J. , Sokolska Magdalena J. , Suzuki Yuriko , Thomas David L. , Nederveen Aart J. , Chappell Michael A.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To compare cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) quantification from Turbo‐QUASAR (quantitative signal targeting with alternating radiofrequency labeling of arterial regions) arterial spin labeling (ASL) and single post‐labeling delay pseudo‐continuous ASL (PCASL).

Methods

A model‐based method was developed to quantify CBF and arterial transit time (ATT) from Turbo‐QUASAR, including a correction for magnetization transfer effects caused by the repeated labeling pulses. Simulations were performed to assess the accuracy of the model‐based method. Data from an in vivo experiment conducted on a healthy cohort were retrospectively analyzed to compare the CBF and CVR (induced by acetazolamide) measurement from Turbo‐QUASAR and PCASL on the basis of global and regional differences. The quality of the two ASL data sets was examined using the coefficient of variation (CoV).

Results

The model‐based method for Turbo‐QUASAR was accurate for CBF estimation (relative error was 8% for signal‐to‐noise ratio = 5) in simulations if the bolus duration was known. In the in vivo experiment, the mean global CVR estimated by Turbo‐QUASAR and PCASL was between 63% and 64% and not significantly different. Although global CBF values of the two ASL techniques were not significantly different, regional CBF differences were found in deep gray matter in both pre‐ and postacetazolamide conditions. The CoV of Turbo‐QUASAR data was significantly higher than PCASL.

Conclusion

Both ASL techniques were effective for quantifying CBF and CVR, despite the regional differences observed. Although CBF estimated from Turbo‐QUASAR demonstrated a higher variability than PCASL, Turbo‐QUASAR offers the advantage of being able to measure and control for variation in ATT.
Iranian nurses' knowledge, attitude and behaviour on skin care, prevention and management of pressure injury: A descriptive cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lotfi Mojgan , Aghazadeh Ahmad Mirza , Asgarpour Hossein , Nobakht Afsaneh
Published: September 2019

Aim

Pressure injuries as an indicator measuring the quality of nursing care and patient safety is a major health care problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of nurses in preventing pressure injuries.

Design

Descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This descriptive cross‐sectional study enrolled 214 registered nurses in Iran. Patient satisfaction was assessed using pieker pressure ulcer knowledge test, attitude towards pressure ulcer tool and behaviour of pressure ulcer questionnaire. Data analysed by SPSSv.24 applying descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

The mean scores of knowledge, attitude and behaviour of nurses on the prevention of pressure injury were 27.24 (SD 5.23), 38.55 (SD 6.43) and 51.24 (SD 7.54), respectively. There was a correlation between knowledge, attitude and behaviour with the history of pressure injury training. Also, there was a significant relationship between knowledge with educational level and attitude with work experience. Knowledge, attitude and behaviour of nurses were in moderate level. Necessary measures to overcome problems such as the availability of pressure reducing equipments, motivating the nurses, eliminating the shortage of nurses and empowering nurses by holding practical workshops are important in providing patients safety.
Pathways through trusteeship: Responding to the trustee recruitment crisis
Authors: Daly Siobhan , Slack Richard , Brandon Toby , Biddle Paul
Published: September 2019

Getting on Board 2017 suggests that the recruitment of trustees to the Board of Trustees (henceforth volunteer trustees) by charities in the United Kingdom is in a state of crisis. This report and a range of other stakeholders offer advice and guidance about recruitment, but attention to what motivates individuals to become trustees is lacking. Drawing upon the Pathways Through Participation framework , we argue that an important part of addressing the crisis in trustee recruitment is to consider the motivations of volunteer trustees in tandem with their resources and triggers for volunteering. We draw upon a study of 14 volunteer trustees of learning disability charities to explore how a critical understanding of volunteer trusteeship as a pathway through participation provides a full and rounded picture of trustee recruitment. Building on other research on volunteer recruitment and markets, we argue that recruitment can be improved when charities better understand what motivates their volunteer trustees. We recommend that charities consider trusteeship as a pathway through participation as part of their recruitment practices.
Enhancing group‐based internet obesity treatment: A pilot RCT comparing video and text‐based chat
Authors: West Delia S. , Stansbury M. , Krukowski R. A. , Harvey J.
Published: September 2019

Objective

Internet delivery of behavioural weight control interventions offers potential for broad geographic reach and accessibility, but weight losses online fall short of those produced with the same programme delivered in‐person. This pilot study examined feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a video‐based platform for delivering weekly chat as part of a 6‐month, 24‐session online group behavioural weight control programme compared with the established text‐based format, which has produced the best online weight losses to date.

Method

Women with obesity (N = 32) were randomized to either (a) weekly video group chat sessions and provided with a cellular‐enabled scale (Video) or (b) Text‐based weekly chat sessions and given a digital scale (Text) and followed for 6 months to determine weight loss and treatment engagement.

Results

Women randomized to the ideo condition lost more weight than those in the Text condition (−5.0 ± 6.0% vs. −3.0 ± 4.1%, respectively) at 6 months, although the difference was not statistically significant. However, women in the Video condition had significantly greater treatment engagement, with greater self‐monitoring and website utilization than those in the Text condition.

Conclusions

Videoconference delivery of group‐based online weight control accompanied by a cellular‐connected scale may promote greater treatment engagement and weight loss than text‐based chat. A larger, adequately powered study is warranted to determine which elements drive these enhanced treatment outcomes.
Towards a circular supply chain for PV modules: Review of today's challenges in PV recycling, refurbishment and re‐certification
Authors: Tsanakas John A. , van der Heide Arvid , Radavičius Tadas , Denafas Julius , Lemaire Elisabeth , Wang Ke , Poortmans Jef , Voroshazi Eszter
Published: September 2019

Photovoltaic (PV) waste, associated to the exponentially growing PV installations on global scale, presents today an emerging environmental challenge but also brings unprecedented and multifold value creation opportunities. In this context, significant PV business and research and development (R&D) efforts shift towards establishing a more sustainable, environmentally friendly and economically viable end‐of‐life (EoL) management for PV modules: including recycling, recovery of raw materials, repair/refurbishment and even re‐use of decommissioned or failed PV modules. In the CIRCUSOL project, PV partners aspire to formalize the repair/refurbish and re‐use value chains in the PV industry and propose a circular business model, based on a product‐service system (PSS). Towards these goals, this review study introduces the relevant research groundwork, a status overview and today's R&D and business challenges in PV recycling, repair/refurbishment and re‐certification aspects for second‐life PV modules. The topics and the relevant reported literature are examined from both circular economy and technology perspective. The review indicates a considerable technological and operational know‐how in PV EoL management that already exists and continuously evolves in mature PV markets. On the other hand, R&D in repair/refurbishment of decommissioned and/or failed PV modules remains scarce, and best practices and commercial services for reliability testing/re‐certification and trading of second‐life PV modules are neither standardized nor consolidated into any PSS or business model.
The Tumor Suppressor SCRIB is a Negative Modulator of the Wnt/β‐Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Daulat Avais M. , Wagner Mônica Silveira , Walton Alexandra , Baudelet Emilie , Audebert Stéphane , Camoin Luc , Borg Jean‐Paul
Published: September 2019

SCRIB is a scaffold protein containing leucine‐rich repeats (LRR) and PSD‐95/Dlg‐A/ZO‐1 domains (PDZ) that localizes at the basolateral membranes of polarized epithelial cells. Deregulation of its expression or localization leads to epithelial defects and tumorigenesis in part as a consequence of its repressive role on several signaling pathways including AKT, ERK, and HIPPO. In the present work, a proteomic approach is used to characterize the protein complexes associated to SCRIB and its paralogue LANO. Common and specific sets of proteins associated to SCRIB and LANO by MS are identified and an extensive landscape of their associated networks and the first comparative analysis of their respective interactomes are provided. Under proteasome inhibition, it is further found that SCRIB is associated to the β‐catenin destruction complex that is central in Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, a conserved pathway regulating embryonic development and cancer progression. It is shown that the SCRIB/β‐catenin interaction is potentiated upon Wnt3a stimulation and that SCRIB plays a repressing role on Wnt signaling. The data thus provide evidence for the importance of SCRIB in the regulation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
Analysis of different evaluation indexes for prostate stereotactic body radiation therapy plans: conformity index, homogeneity index and gradient index
Authors: Cao Tingting , Dai Zhitao , Ding Zhen , Li Wuzhou , Quan Hong
Published: September 2019

Objective

This study analyzed different definitions of the conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), and gradient index (GI) used in evaluation of prostate cancer stereotactic body radiation therapy.

Methods

A total of 10 patients with localized prostate cancer staged T1–T2a were selected randomly, from which two stereotactic body radiation therapy plans were designed with CyberKnife and EDGE systems for each patient based on the same images and contours. CI, HI, and GI with different definitions were calculated based on a dose‐volume histogram of treatment plans.

Results

For four definitions of CI, the results showed that the values calculated by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, Lomax and Scheib, and Van't Riet were closer to 1 for EDGE plans, except for that by the Saint‐Anne, Lariboisiere, and Tenon group. Meanwhile, CI values of Van't Riet et al were lower than other definitions, which showed high accuracy to describe the conformity between the target volume and prescribed isodose line. For five definitions of HI, CyberKnife plans showed lower values than EDGE plans. HI calculated based on the D2 (D5) and D98 (D95) were lower than that calculated by the Dmax to Dmin, whereas the standard deviation was higher than others. For the dose GI, the results of effective radius and modified GI showed that EDGE plans had a steeper dose fall‐off, which is inverse to the conventional GI.

Conclusions

These indexes can all be objective tools for the evaluation of plan quality. Our results showed better conformity of dose distribution and dose gradient for EDGE plans, but better uniformity for CyberKnife plans. The conformation number and S‐index were recommended to accurately describe the conformity and uniformity of dose distribution. The ∆Riso and modified GI were also recommended to calculate the dose gradient.
Imaging Nanoscale Inhomogeneities and Edge Delamination in As‐Grown MoS2 Using Tip‐Enhanced Photoluminescence
Authors: Rodriguez Alvaro , Verhagen Tim , Kalbac Martin , Vejpravova Jana , Frank Otakar
Published: September 2019

Methods for nanoscale material characterization are in ever‐increasing demand, especially those that can provide a broader range of information at once. Near‐field techniques based on combinations of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and Raman or photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy (tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy [TERS] and/or tip‐enhanced photoluminescence [TEPL]) are, thanks to their capabilities and fast development, strong candidates for becoming widespread across the scientific community as SPM and Raman microscopy did only a decade or two ago. Herein, a gap‐less TEPL study is performed directly on as‐grown MoS2 monolayer samples without any pretreatment or transfer, i.e., without the utilization of plasmonic substrate. Thanks to a mapping resolution as low as a few tens of nanometers, homogeneous layer interiors from defective edge fronts in the grown monolayers can be distinguished. With the aid of additional high‐resolution SPM modes, like local surface potential and capacitance measurements, together with nanomechanical mapping, a combination of defects and a lack of substrate doping is suggested as being responsible for the observed PL behavior in the partially delaminated MoS2 layers. In contrast, mechanically exfoliated flakes show topography‐ and contamination‐related heterogeneities in the whole flake area.
ZnO‐Based Ultraviolet Photodetectors with Tunable Spectral Responses
Authors: Zheng Meijuan , Xu Yalun , Wang Xiao , Zhang Guozhen , Li Wei , Jiang Li , Zhang Lei , Wu Hao , Lin Qianqian , Liu Chang
Published: September 2019

Conventionally, wavelength‐selective ultraviolet photodetection is achieved by using broadband inorganic photodiodes coupled with optical filters, which significantly increases the complexity and fabricating cost of devices for high pixel density imaging systems. Here, a facile approach to achieve tunable spectral response without filters is demonstrated. The devices are based on ZnO heterojunctions, and the response spectra are effectively modulated by tuning the position of charge generation, which results in distinct charge‐collection efficiencies. After optimization, the ZnO/poly[bis(4‐phenyl)(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)amine] (PTAA) photodiodes exhibit narrowband ultraviolet (UV) response with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of <25 nm, and the NiOx/ZnO devices reveal relatively broader photoresponse. All of these devices demonstrate relatively low dark currents and noises, high responsivities and detectivities, and fast response speeds. This work proves the great potential of ZnO thin films for UV detection and also first provides an alternative approach to effectively tune the spectral response.
Planetary geostrophic Boussinesq dynamics: Barotropic flow, baroclinic instability and forced stationary waves
Authors: Dolaptchiev Stamen I. , Achatz Ulrich , Reitz Thomas
Published: September 2019

Motions on planetary spatial scales in the atmosphere are governed by the planetary geostrophic equations. However, little attention has been paid to the interaction between the baroclinic and barotropic flows within the planetary geostrophic scaling. This is the focus of the present study, which utilizes planetary geostrophic equations for a Boussinesq fluid supplemented by a novel evolution equation for the barotropic flow. The latter is affected by meridional momentum flux due to baroclinic flow and drag by the surface wind. The barotropic wind, on the other hand, affects the baroclinic flow through buoyancy advection. Via a relaxation towards a prescribed buoyancy profile the model produces realistic major features of the zonally symmetric wind and temperature fields. We show that there is considerable cancellation between the barotropic and the baroclinic surface zonal mean zonal winds. Linear and nonlinear model responses to steady diabatic zonally asymmetric forcing are investigated, and the arising stationary waves are interpreted in terms of analytical solutions. We also study the problem of baroclinic instability on the sphere within the present model.
Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances in environmental sampling products: Fact or fiction?
Authors: Denly Elizabeth , Occhialini Jim , Bassignani Phil , Eberle Michael , Rabah Nidal
Published: September 2019

Can per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) be transferred from the common field and other commercial products during sampling? Special handling and care are always advised when collecting samples for PFAS analysis to avoid sample contamination. The potential presence of PFAS in common consumer products and in equipment typically used to collect environmental samples, coupled with the need for very low reporting limits heightens this concern. In this paper, the authors investigate what the potential for cross‐contamination is from a number of commonly used products, with the emphasis on evaluating what the possible worst‐case scenario for cross‐contamination could be. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) tubing, pump bladders, and other materials are evaluated along with associated products such as aluminum foil and plastic storage bags. In the experimental design of this study, the products themselves are not analyzed directly for PFAS. Rather, a series of experiments are performed utilizing a leaching procedure to evaluate the potential for cross‐contamination and false‐positive environmental sampling results. This study was performed in a series of experimental batches over the course of a 1‐year period. Analytical results are presented along with experimental observations and recommendations.
A higher incidence of smooth endoplasmic reticulum clusters with aromatase inhibitors
Authors: Saito Hiroe , Otsuki Junko , Takahashi Hiromi , Hirata Rei , Habara Toshihiro , Hayashi Nobuyoshi
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze whether a regimen of aromatase inhibitor (AI) could reduce the occurrence of smooth endoplasmic reticulum clusters (sERCs) in oocytes.

Method(s)

The AI and the clomiphene citrate (CC) regimens were compared, regarding the sERC (+) rates and the serum estradiol and progesterone levels on the date of hCG administration, and the duration of AI, CC, and hMG administration.

Result(s)

The occurrence of sERCs in oocytes from patients treated with AI was significantly higher than that in oocytes from those treated with CC. Both the serum estradiol and progesterone levels were found to be significantly higher in sERC (+) than in sERC (‐) cycles. With regard to the CC cycles, no significant differences were detected. The duration of AI and hMG administration was longer for sERC (+) than for sERC (‐) cycles.

Conclusion

As AI did not reduce the occurrence of sERCs, the elevation of estradiol may not be the cause of sERC occurrence but a consequence. Considering the higher levels of progesterone and longer duration of hMG in sERC (+) cycles, the negative effects of premature luteinization, which frequently occur with the AI protocol, should be investigated further.
Memory sliding mode control for semi‐Markov jump system with quantization via singular system strategy
Authors: Fu Lei , Ma Yuechao , Wang Chunjiao
Published: September 2019

This technical note is concerned with the memory sliding mode stabilization for semi‐Markov jump nonlinear systems with input subject to mismatch quantization. Firstly, a sliding mode surface is constructed such that the sliding motion is stochastic admission in terms of linear matrix inequalities by a singular system strategy. A sufficient condition for the existence of linear memory sliding surfaces is given. Then, the memory sliding‐mode quantized controller designing problem is considered by the designed sliding surface function. Finally, a numerical example illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Surfactant‐mediated formation of alginate layers at the water‐air interface
Authors: Degen Patrick , Paulus Michael , Zwar Elena , Jakobi Victoria , Dogan Susanne , Tolan Metin , Rehage Heinz
Published: September 2019

The self‐organization process of polysaccharide alginate with different cationic surfactants at the water‐air interface was investigated over a wide concentration regime. The changes of surface properties determined by surface tension measurements, surface rheology, and X‐ray reflectivity are correlated with changes of bulk properties measured by turbidity, light scattering, and zeta potential measurements. We demonstrate that the interactions between the alginate and cationic surfactants result in significant changes of bulk and interfacial properties. The results of surface shear experiments point to the existence of highly viscoelastic interfacial films. In combination with X‐ray reflectivity, we demonstrate that these rheological features are related to polymer‐surfactant associations at the interface. In the regime of high surfactant concentrations, we observed the existence of multilayer structures.
Virus‐Templated Nickel Phosphide Nanofoams as Additive‐Free, Thin‐Film Li‐Ion Microbattery Anodes
Authors: Records William C. , Wei Shuya , Belcher Angela M.
Published: September 2019

Transition metal phosphides are a new class of materials generating interest as alternative negative electrodes in lithium‐ion batteries. However, metal phosphide syntheses remain underdeveloped in terms of simultaneous control over phase composition and 3D nanostructure. Herein, M13 bacteriophage is employed as a biological scaffold to develop 3D nickel phosphide nanofoams with control over a range of phase compositions and structural elements. Virus‐templated Ni5P4 nanofoams are then integrated as thin‐film negative electrodes in lithium‐ion microbatteries, demonstrating a discharge capacity of 677 mAh g–1 (677 mAh cm–3) and an 80% capacity retention over more than 100 cycles. This strong electrochemical performance is attributed to the virus‐templated, nanostructured morphology, which remains electronically conductive throughout cycling, thereby sidestepping the need for conductive additives. When accounting for the mass of additional binder materials, virus‐templated Ni5P4 nanofoams demonstrate the highest practical capacity reported thus far for Ni5P4 electrodes. Looking forward, this synthesis method is generalizable and can enable precise control over the 3D nanostructure and phase composition in other metal phosphides, such as cobalt and copper.
“More Like You”: Disrupting Native Speakerism Through a Multimodal Online Intercultural Exchange
Authors: Schreiber Brooke R.
Published: September 2019

Research over the past decades has demonstrated the harmful effects of native speakerism in English language teaching, including how perceptions of native speaker status are deeply intertwined with race and national identity. Recently, scholars have begun to investigate how teacher training programs might push back on native speakerism by providing classroom opportunities for students to challenge their assumptions about native speakers. This article discusses the disruptive potential of an online intercultural learning activity in which MA TESL students in Sri Lanka communicated through digital platforms with undergraduates in New York City. Drawing on data from interviews and students’ online writing, this study suggests that, as students shared videos and “linguistic landscape” images and discussed language differences, the MA TESL students confronted linguistic and racial diversity in the United States, recognizing the presence of dialects like African American Vernacular English and drawing on shared English as a second language status to gain confidence in communicating internationally. Ultimately, both groups of students began to question their beliefs about the superiority of inner circle speakers. The article concludes by discussing the benefits of the increased awareness of linguistic variation, considering how this might encourage teachers to move beyond native speaker standards in the classroom, and offering practical suggestions for implementing similar projects.
Landsat 8‐observed water quality and its coupled environmental factors for urban scenery lakes: A case study of West Lake
Authors: Zhu Weining , Huang Litong , Sun Nan , Chen Jiang , Pang Shuna
Published: September 2019

Urban scenery lakes are not only popular sites for recreation, water sport, and visit of citizens and tourists, but also function for urban water drainage and storage, and hence, their water quality is a sensitive indicator of urban aquatic environment. This study focused on two important water quality parameters, TSM (total suspended matter) and CDOM (colored dissolved organic matter) in West Lake, a world famous urban scenery lake in Hangzhou, China. Based on Landsat 8 images, remote sensing inversion models for TSM and CDOM in West Lake were compared and the best ones were determined using exponential functions and green/red band ratios. Results show that the accuracy of TSM models is relatively better while CDOM models performed relatively poor, indicating that empirical estimation of CDOM for inland complex waters remains a challenge. The Landsat 8‐derived results in West Lake from 2013 to 2017 show that TSM presented diverse distributions in different sections and months/seasons—the relatively high‐concentration TSM was usually found in the north section and during spring festivals, holidays and summer vacations. These spatiotemporal patterns demonstrate the evidence that TSM in West Lake was highly linked to anthropogenic impacts, such as tourist visits, commercial activities, and urban drainage projects in Hangzhou. The relations between TSM and precipitation were also examined, but no significant correlations were found, showing that the impacts of rainfall on water quality of urban lakes are complicated, and using remote sensing for such studies is still with limitations.

Practitioner points

Water quality (TSM and CDOM) of urban scenery lakes is highly influenced by urban tourist activities.

Precipitation and TSM have not found significant relations in urban scenery lakes.

An exponential model based on Landsat 8’s bands 3 and 4 is good for TSM estimation.

CDOM estimation remains a challenge for water color remote sensing in urban scenery lakes.
Prognosticators of Long‐Term Outcomes of TNM Stage II Colorectal Cancer: Molecular Patterns or Clinicopathological Features
Authors: Kuan Tai‐Chuan , Chang Shih‐Ching , Lin Jen‐Kou , Lin Tzu‐Chen , Yang Shung‐Haur , Jiang Jeng‐Kae , Chen Wei‐Shone , Wang Huann‐Sheng , Lan Yuan‐Tzu , Lin Chun‐Chi , Lin Hung‐Hsin , Huang Sheng‐Chieh
Published: September 2019

Background

Patients with stage II colorectal cancer (CRC) have a higher risk of recurrence when they have certain risk factors, including clinical and pathological patterns. However, as the prognostic role of molecular patterns for stage II disease is still unclear, this study aimed to investigate it.

Methods

A total of 509 patients with stage II CRC were enrolled, and all clinical, pathological, and molecular data were collected. Molecular patterns included microsatellite instability (MSI); elevated microsatellite alterations at selected tetranucleotides (EMAST) status; and expression of RAS/RAF genes, genes of the APC pathway, and other gene mutations. The endpoints were oncological outcomes, including overall survival (OS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS), disease‐free survival (DFS), local recurrence (LR), and distant recurrence (DR). Cox regression analysis was used.

Results

Numerous molecular patterns influenced the oncological outcomes on univariate analysis, but no variable reached significance in LR. On multivariate analysis, a mucinous component (MC) > 50% (P < 0.01) was significant for OS and CSS. Lymphovascular invasion (LVI; P< 0.01), MC > 50% (P < 0.01), and EMAST‐H (P = 0.02) significantly influenced DFS, whereas LVI (P < 0.01), MC > 50% (P < 0.01), and TP53 mutation (P = 0.02) were significant for DR.

Conclusions

In this study, MSI, EMAST, and RAS/RAF alterations did not influence the oncological outcomes. Overall, LVI and MC were two significant prognostic factors for DFS and DR. Thus, the histopathology, rather than the genes, plays a major role in the prognosis of patients with stage II CRC.
Outdoor thermal comfort for pedestrians in movement: thermal walks in complex urban morphology
Authors: Vasilikou Carolina , Nikolopoulou Marialena
Published: September 2019

In the discussion of designing for a healthier city, people in movement between interconnected spaces perform a non-sedentary activity enhancing sustainability and well-being. However, adverse weather conditions may create uncomfortable thermal sensations that change or ruin the experience of people walking outdoors. This paper is presenting the findings of a 3-year study on the perceptual variation of thermo-spatial conditions and comfort state for pedestrians moving between interconnected spaces. Thermal walks were organised in two European pedestrian routes of 500-m length. The structured walks were conducted with simultaneous microclimatic monitoring and field surveys of thermal perception based on 314 questionnaires, with a focus on the variation of comfort states. The findings suggest that spaces in sequence do not affect significantly microclimatic variation but have a large impact on the dynamic thermal perception of pedestrians. Interconnected spaces of high density result in a differentiation of thermal pleasantness between streets and squares. The aspect of movement along with complexity in urban morphology along a sequence enhances diversity in thermal sensation. This understanding opens possibilities in developing a multisensory-centred urbanism, where the experience of the thermal environment plays an integral role for perception-driven and healthier urban design.
On the Chemical Potential of Ideal Fermi and Bose Gases
Authors: Cowan Brian
Published: September 2019

Knowledge of the chemical potential is essential in application of the Fermi–Dirac and the Bose–Einstein distribution functions for the calculation of properties of quantum gases. We give expressions for the chemical potential of ideal Fermi and Bose gases in 1, 2 and 3 dimensions in terms of inverse polylogarithm functions. We provide Mathematica functions for these chemical potentials together with low- and high-temperature series expansions. In the 3d Bose case we give also expansions about $$T_{{{{\mathrm {B}}}}}$$

T
B

. The Mathematica routines for the series allow calculation to arbitrary order.
Comparison of â Versus a and Hit/Miss POD-Estimation Methods: A European Viewpoint
Authors: Virkkunen Iikka , Koskinen Tuomas , Papula Suvi , Sarikka Teemu , Hänninen Hannu
Published: September 2019

For estimating the probability of detection (POD) in non-destructive evaluation (NDE), there are two standard methods, the so-called â versus a approach and the hit/miss approach. The two approaches have different requirements for the quality and quantity of input data as well as for the underlying NDE method. There is considerable overlap between the methods, and they have different limitations, so it is of interest to study the differences arising from using each methodology. In particular, if the dataset is not ideal, the methodologies may exhibit different problems dealing with various limitations in the data. In this paper, a comparison between â versus a and hit/miss analysis was completed for two different data sets, a manual aerospace eddy-current inspection and a nuclear industry phased array ultrasonic weld inspection using a simplified online tool. It was found that the two standard methods (â vs. a and hit/miss) may give significantly different results, if the true hit/miss decision is based on inspector judgement and not automated signal threshold. The true inspector hit/miss performance shows significant variance that is not attributable to signal amplitude. Model-assisted POD was not able to model the inspector performance due to lack of representative amplitude threshold and difficulties in capturing true signal variance. The paper presents experience from practical cases and may be considered a European viewpoint.