bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tegnsprogsforskning: Om tegnsprogets bidrag til viden om sprog
Authors: Dammeyer Jesper
Published: December 2019

Even though research in sign language is a special field of language research it has contributed with new knowledge about human language because of the visuospatial nature. The article introduces to different issues in sign language research from a cognitive and neuropsychological view. These issues are sign language linguistic, sign aphasia, the neural organization of sign language, signed short-term memory, and the study of speech errors in sign language. The overall purpose of the article is to examine the structure and organization of sign language in comparison to oral language. What linguistics, neural and cognitive similarities and differences are there between signed and oral languages? The article demonstrates that the linguistic, cognitive and neural basis for signed languages overall is similar to oral languages. The similarity of signed and oral languages indicates an amodal cognitive organization of human language.
Deiksis i sprog og kontekst
Authors: Kragh Kirsten Jeppesen , Strudsholm Erling
Published: December 2019

Med udgangspunkt i en undersøgelse af den deiktiske relativsætning på fransk, italiensk og dansk påvises relevansen af at inddrage pragmatiske og kognitive kategorier som deiksis og perception i sprogbeskrivelsen. Endvidere diskuteres mulige relationer mellem sproglige forskelle og ekstralingvistiske faktorer og nytten af at benytte opdelinger der ikke kun bygger på noget rent sprogtypologisk, men også inddrager kulturbundne forhold.
PÅ BORGERNES PRÆMISSER?
Authors: Kjærgaard Anne
Published: December 2019

Formålet med denne artikel er for det første at vurdere om SKATs revisionsarbejde er udtryk for en kontinuerlig bestræbelse mod tekster skrevet på borgerens præmisser. For det andet er formålet at undersøge den aktivitet der består i at revidere breve hos SKAT, med udgangspunkt i Engeströms model over aktivitetssystemer. Artiklen består af to analyser: I den første analyse undersøges revisionsaktiviteten hos SKAT med udgangspunkt i en forståelse af aktiviteter som målorienterede og med fokus på reviderede tekster, altså produkter af revisionsarbejdet. I den anden analyse trækker aktivitetsdefinitionen på Engeströms model over aktivitetssystemer, og der fokuseres på revisionsaktiviteten som en proces som den fremstår for centrale aktører i revisionsarbejdet. Det konkluderes at revisionsarbejdet hos SKAT med god ret kan betragtes som en kontinuerlig bestræbelse mod tekster skrevet på borgerens præmisser. Desuden konkluderes det at studiet af aktivitetsbestemt sprogbrug med fordel kan inddrage Engeströms model over aktivitetssystemer.
Retorisk Dyd: På vej mod en ny retorisk normativitet
Authors: Madsen Carsten
Published: December 2019

Artiklen er en kritisk diskussion af det metodiske og videnskabsteoretiske grundlag for den vidt udbredte skandinaviske retorikforskning og -praksis, der i næsten 30 år har bygget på Charlotte Jørgensen og Merete Onsbergs værk fra 1987, Praktisk argumentation, og på værkets anvendelse af og introduktion til Stephen Toulmins argumentmodel. Ud fra et definitorisk og et etisk perspektiv fokuserer artiklen særligt på den redelighedsnorm, der i Praktisk argumentation fremstilles som det væsentligste vurderingskriterium for god og dårlig argumentation. Som alternativ hertil viser artiklen endvidere, hvordan retorisk argumentation med fordel kan vurderes ud fra den grundlæggende sammenhæng mellem retorik og etik, som Aristoteles fremfører. Artiklen udgør således et originalt bidrag til moderne retorisk sprogforståelse, argumentationsteori, retorisk kritik og etik.
Havregrød, boorash, wannabe me - om strittende sproglig praksis i et velfriseret sprogcurriculum
Authors: Daugaard Line Møller
Published: December 2019

Denne artikel handler om sproglig praksis og sprogundervisning. Artiklen går tæt på Abdullahi, en otteårig dreng med somalisk baggrund, og følger ham på tværs af skolens sprogundervisning i dansk, engelsk og somali. Skolens velfriserede sprogcurriculum, hvor navngivne sprog anvises afgrænsede pladser, står i skarp kontrast til Abdullahis strittende sproglige praksis, der går på tværs af og udfordrer de sproglige grænser i skolens sprogcurriculum. Artiklens analyser er baseret på en lingvistisk etnografisk undersøgelse af sproglig praksis i og omkring modersmålsundervisning i folkeskolen. Med afsæt i sociolingvistiske analyser redegøres der i artiklen for to former for strittende sproglige praksis: dels at gøre engelsk relevant i somalitimerne, dels anvendelse af stiliserede indlærerstemmer. På baggrund af analyserne argumenteres der for en gentænkning af det sprogpædagogiske udfoldelsesrum, som børn tilbydes i skolens sprogundervisning.
Conselho editorial
Authors: Geografares Conselho Editorial
Published: December 2019

Conselho editorial
PRINTABILITY OF BAMBOO JERSEY FABRICS IN THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTING SYSTEM
Authors: Sönmez Sinan , UZUN Muhammed , Akgül Ahmet
Published: December 2019

Thermal transfer printing system, which works
transferred onto textile fabric by heat of the image formed in the film
material surface, is a printing system used in textile industry. The exactly
transferring onto the textile fabric of the image on the film material and the
remain stable of the transferred image after the use and washing conditions are
an important indication for a quality print. In this study, firstly it was
determined the physical properties of the bamboo jersey fabrics. Then, it was
transferred of the image in the thermal printing system on the fabrics at 3
different temperatures. And then it was performed the washing process of
fabrics before and after printing and measured the values of L*a*b*, the gloss
and the light resistance of the printed fabrics. From the obtained data, the
printability of the bamboo jersey fabrics in the thermal printing system and
the resistance of the print after the standard washing were determined.
One Bath Dyeing of PBT/Nylon Blended Seamless Fabrics
Authors: YILDIRIM Fatma Filiz , GELGEÇ Esra , YUMRU Şaban , ÇÖREKCİOĞLU Mustafa
Published: December 2019

Polyesters (PES) fibers are one of the most important
polymers for textile industry due to their large production amounts. Poly
(butylene terephthalat) (PBT) fibers are important aromatic polyesters known as
their good elasticity and easy dyeing properties. PBT is manufactured by again
polycondensation reaction with BDO (1,4-butanediol) and TPA or DMT, can be
easily dyed at low temperatures with disperse dyes without carrier and is known
as its very good elasticity properties. Generally PBT fibers are used in
intimate, ready-to-wear, active and sportswear apparels, swimwear, carpets,
automotive and home upholstery applications. Seamless technology is capable to
meet the needs of consumers with performance, functionality and comfort. This
technology has some advantages over the cutting and sewing. Seamless technology
improves the aesthetic value and comfort, fredom of body movement, gives
softness to the garment and minimizes the surface friction of the seams. In
seamless machines, gloves, hats, socks, sweaters, sportswear can be produced.
PBT fibers can be used in seamless sport wears, tights and intimates. These fibers
provide more elasticity, comfort and softness on seamless sportswear than
polyester fibers due to their good elasticity properties. In seamless
technology polyester fibers generally are used with other fibers such as nylon,
elastane.

In this study, PBT/Nylon blend knitted seamless fabrics
were dyed with disperse, acid and metal complex dyes at 98oC in one
bath. The color strength, colorimetric properties and fastness properties (rub
and wash fastness) of these fabrics are investigated and compared. Moreover, the
comparison of water comsumptions and costs of one and two baths dyeings is given
on this study.
Fly model sheds light on brain disease
Authors: Berryer Martin H , Kosmaczewski Sara G , Barrett Lindy E
Published: December 2019

Experiments on flies suggest that a gain-of-function mechanism in a protein called CSPɑ contributes to the progressive brain disease CLN4.
Assessing the effect of fish size on species distribution model performance in southern Chilean rivers
Authors: Zamorano Daniel , Labra Fabio A. , Villarroel Marcelo , Lacy Shaw , Mao Luca , Olivares Marcelo A. , Peredo-Parada Matías
Published: December 2019

Despite its theoretical relationship, the effect of body size on the performance of species distribution models (SDM) has only been assessed in a few studies, and to date, the evidence shows unclear results. In this context, Chilean fishes provide an ideal case to evaluate this relationship due to their short size (fishes between 5 cm and 40 cm) and conservation status, providing evidence for species at the lower end of the worldwide fish size distribution and representing a relevant management tool for species conservation. We assessed the effect of body size on the performance of SDM in nine Chilean river fishes, considering the number of records, performance metrics, and predictor importance. The study was developed in the Bueno and Valdivia basins of southern Chile. We used a neural network modeling algorithm, training models with a cross-validation scheme. The effect of fish size on selected metrics was assessed using linear models and beta regressions. While no relationship between fish size and the number of presences was found, our results indicate that the model specificity increases with fish size. Additionally, the predictive importance of Riparian Vegetation and Within-Channel Structures variables decreases for larger species. Our results suggest that the relationship between the grain of the dataset and the home range of the species could bias SDM, leading in our case, to overprediction of absences. We also suggest that evolutionary adaptation to low slopes among Chilean fishes increases the relevance of riparian vegetation in the SDMs of smaller species. This study provides evidence on how species size may bias SDM, which could potentially be corrected by adjusting the model grain.
Dynamic changes in prescription opioids from 2006 to 2017 in Texas
Authors: Ighodaro Ebuwa O. , McCall Kenneth L. , Chung Daniel Y. , Nichols Stephanie D. , Piper Brian J.
Published: December 2019

Background

The US is experiencing an epidemic of opioid overdoses which may be at least partially due to an over-reliance on opioid analgesics in the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain and subsequent escalation to heroin or illicit fentanyl. As Texas was reported to be among the lowest in the US for opioid use and misuse, further examination of this state is warranted.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted to quantify prescription opioid use in Texas. Data was obtained from the publicly available US Drug Enforcement Administration’s Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) which monitors controlled substances transactions from manufacture to commercial distribution. Data for 2006–2017 from Texas for ten prescription opioids including eight primarily used to relieve pain (codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, meperidine, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone) and two (buprenorphine and methadone) for the treatment of an Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) were examined.

Results

The change in morphine mg equivalent (MME) of all opioids (+23.3%) was only slightly greater than the state’s population gains (21.1%). Opioids used to treat an OUD showed pronounced gains (+90.8%) which were four-fold faster than population growth. Analysis of individual agents revealed pronounced elevations in codeine (+387.5%), hydromorphone (+106.7%), and oxycodone (+43.6%) and a reduction in meperidine (−80.3%) in 2017 relative to 2006. Methadone in 2017 accounted for a greater portion (39.5%) of the total MME than hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, and meperidine, combined. There were differences between urban and rural areas in the changes in hydrocodone and buprenorphine.

Conclusions

Collectively, these findings indicate that continued vigilance is needed in Texas to appropriately treat pain and an OUD while minimizing the potential for prescription opioid diversion and misuse. Texas may lead the US in a return to pre-opioid epidemic prescription levels.
Environmental DNA detection and quantification of invasive red-eared sliders,Trachemy scripta elegans, in ponds and the influence of water quality
Authors: Kakuda Aozora , Doi Hideyuki , Souma Rio , Nagano Mariko , Minamoto Toshifumi , Katano Izumi
Published: December 2019

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a powerful tool for monitoring the distribution of aquatic macro-organisms. However, environmental factors, including the water temperature and water quality, can affect the inhibition and/or degradation of eDNA, which complicates accurate estimations of eDNA concentrations and the detection of the presence/absence of species in natural habitats. Further very few eDNA studies have been conducted for reptiles, especially with respect to estimating their biomass and/or abundances. Here we examined the relationship between the visually-observed number of red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) and eDNA concentrations across 100 ponds. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of water quality on red-eared slider eDNA concentration in these ponds. We found that there was a significant positive correlation between the observed number of red-eared sliders and the eDNA concentration in the ponds. On comparing various water quality indicators, including dissolved nitrogen, dissolved phosphorous, organic matter, and chlorophyll a (Chl.a), we found that only Chl.ahad a negative correlation with the red-eared slider eDNA concentration, while we did not find any inhibition in the quantitative PCR. We conclude that concentrations of eDNA can potentially be used for estimating the abundance of the red-eared slider. Additionally, Chl.amight indirectly influence the degradation of eDNA through the microorganisms bonded to the phytoplankton in the ponds, as microbial activity is thought to decrease eDNA persistence.
Suppository Effect of Aqueous Root Extract of Moringa oleifera on Alcohol Induce Liver Toxicity in Wistar Rats
Authors: O. E. Eteng , Ekpo Grace , Enobong Joe , Arikpo Iwara , Ufot Saviour , Abam Kenyoh , Nsa Archibong , Ekam Victor , Ubana Eyong
Published: December 2019

Introduction:  Moringa oleifera root is the most underutilized part of the plant and it is rich in many phytochemicals.

Aim of the Study: This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Standardized and characterized aqueous root extract of Moringa oleifera following the administration of alcohol-induced liver damage in albino wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: Thirty (30) experimental rats weighing 100-120 g were randomly divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1, the normal control group was given just rat feed and water, group 2, negative control was administered alcohol only (1.5 ml/kg body weight), rats in group 3, 4 and 5 received combined administration of alcohol 1.5 ml/kg body weight and 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight of characterized aqueous root extract of Moringa oleifera respectively, group 6 rats were administered 250mg/body weight of extract only. At the end of fourteen days (14) the experimental rats were then sacrificed and the serum liver enzymes were then assayed.

Results: The results obtained from the laboratory was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc test was done afterwards. Rats fed alcohol only produced significant increase in the levels of enzyme markers of tissue damage (AST, ALT and ALP) compared to normal control rats. Rats in group 3, 4 and 5 that were post treated with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight of extract and they had significant decrease (P<0.05) in the levels of these enzyme markers in a dose-dependent manner compared to the negative control. The extract control group had no significant increase (P<0.05) in the levels of the enzyme markers when compared to the normal control; however, there was a significant increase in the serum activity of ALP of the extract control group when compared with the normal control.

Conclusion: The present study exhibited a potent hepatoprotective effect against liver injury caused by alcohol administration. This suppository effect could be related to the antioxidant’s properties of Moringa oleifera that is rich in flavonoids and phenolic constituents of the extracts may contribute to their enzyme action.
Prevalence of Childhood Obesity among Primary School Students at Taif Governorate, Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlGhamdi Rasheed Ali
Published: December 2019

Background: Obesity in children is rapidly emerging as a global epidemic that will have profound public health consequences as overweight children become overweight adults particularly if obesity is present in adolescence.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school children between 6-12 years (males and females) at Taif primary schools and determine the associated dietary risk factors for overweight and obesity.

Methods: A cross sectional analytic study was implemented included a representative sample of primary school students (boys and girls) enrolled in governmental schools in Taif, Saudi Arabia, 2014-2015. Data were collected by using valid self-administered questionnaire, with family help. It including socio-demographic characteristics and detailed dietary history. Body mass index-for-age percentiles of CDC were utilized in this study to diagnose obesity.

Results: Among schoolboys, the prevalence of overweight was 10.7%, while prevalence of obesity was 7.6%; the problem seemed to be worse in girls, where the prevalence of overweight and obesity were 16.8% and 18.2%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that girls were al almost double risk for developing overweight/obesity compared to boys ((aOR=1.93; 95%CI: 1.03-3.60, p<0.05). Habit of eating cheeps potatoes at school at abnormal rate was associated with almost three-folded risk for obesity or overweight compared to eating cheeps potatoes within normal (aOR=3.14; 95%CI: 1.17-8.41). School children who had the habit of taking fast foods at least three times/week were more likely to develop obesity or overweight compared to those who did not take fast foods (aOR=1.98; 95%CI:1.08-6.30).

Conclusions: Overweight and obesity among primary school children in Taif city, Saudi Arabia is a public health problem affecting more than one-third of girls and almost one fifth of boys. It confirms the significant association between some unhealthy dietary habits and increase prevalence of childhood obesity.
A Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Atmospherics Parameters Retrieved by a Neuro-varationnal Method off the West African Coast
Authors: Diouf Daouda , Thiria Sylvie , Niang Awa , Brajard Julien , Crepin Michel
Published: December 2019

In this work, we study spatial and temporal atmospherics parameters evolution retrieved by neuro-variationnal method from SeaWiFS observations measured off the west African coast.

The SeaWiFS sensor measures the radiance above the top of atmosphere (TOA) solar irradiance.

SeaWiFS use standard algorithm to invert the signal in order to retrieve weakly absorbing aerosol optical thickness (AOT) less than 0.3 whereas the Senegalese coasts are frequently crossed by desert dust plumes from large optical thickness.

A neural algorithm, so-called SOM-NV, was developed to deal with absorbing aerosols and to retrieve their optical parameters, off the Senegalese coast, from SeaWiFS observations.

The impact of meteorological variables on these restitutions was studied over the entire period of the observations that we analyzed and over the whole studied area, on the one hand, but also in a more thorough way on three "sub-area" located in north, south and center. The results obtained showed that the composition of aerosols in the atmosphere is a function of the seasons. High altitude zonal U winds are correlated with non-desert aerosols of -62.16% in winter and autumn. The correlation is -60.32% between dust aerosols and the zonal wind.
Investigation of patient and observer agreement on description of seizures at initial clinical visit
Authors: Saleem Maha N. , Arencibia Christopher A. , McKenna Kevin , Cristofaro Sabrina , Detyniecki Kamil , Friedman Daniel , French Jacqueline , Blumenfeld Hal ,   the HEP Investigators
Published: December 2019

There have been few studies of agreement between seizure descriptions obtained from patients and observers. We investigated 220 patients and observers who completed structured questionnaires about patients’ semiological seizure features at the initial clinical visit. Inter‐rater reliability was assessed using Cohen’s kappa and indices of positive and negative agreement. Patients and observers had excellent agreement on the presence of memory impairment and generalized shaking and stiffness during seizures. In addition, patients under‐reported seizure descriptions more easily observed externally, whereas observers under‐reported change in patient location at seizure end. These findings may guide interpretation of clinical histories obtain in epilepsy care.
Analysis: The so‐called ‘Freedom Model’ of addiction treatment
Authors: Snodgrass Sam
Published: December 2019

The below comments were originally posted, in shortened form, on the Facebook Broken No More page. We asked the author to revise for ADAW, and he did. He refers to the article “Widespread Use of Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) Has Not Resulted in Less Overdoses” (and we resisted the almost overwhelming temptation to change “less” to “fewer”). For the article, go to https://www.thefreedommodel.org/suboxone‐has‐not‐reduced‐deaths‐in‐the‐us/.
Triboelectric Touch‐Free Screen Sensor for Noncontact Gesture Recognizing
Authors: Tang Yingjie , Zhou Hao , Sun Xiupeng , Diao Ninghua , Wang Jianbo , Zhang Baosen , Qin Cheng , Liang Erjun , Mao Yanchao
Published: December 2019

An intelligent human–machine interface (HMI) is a crucial medium for exchanging information between people and electronics. As one of the most important HMI devices, touch screen sensors are widely applied in personal electronics in daily life. However, as the most commonly used touch screen sensor, capacitive sensors can only detect limited kinds of gestures such as touching and sliding. Here, a triboelectric touch‐free screen sensor (TSS) is reported for recognizing diverse gestures in a noncontact operating mode by utilizing the charges naturally carried on the human body. Compared with conventional capacitive sensors, the TSS is capable of detecting various gestures such as the drop and lift of finger with different speeds, making a fist, opening palm, and flipping palm with different directions. Based on the TSS, an intelligent noncontact screen control system is further developed, which is used to unlock the smartphone interface by the noncontact operating mode. This research for the first time proposes the concept that taking the human body itself to participate in triboelectric self‐powered noncontact sensing and provides a touch‐free design concept to develop the next generation of screen sensors. It can alter the usual way that people operating their personal electronics.
Learned Integrated Sensing Pipeline: Reconfigurable Metasurface Transceivers as Trainable Physical Layer in an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: del Hougne Philipp , Imani Mohammadreza F. , Diebold Aaron V. , Horstmeyer Roarke , Smith David R.
Published: December 2019

The rapid proliferation of intelligent systems (e.g., fully autonomous vehicles) in today's society relies on sensors with low latency and computational effort. Yet current sensing systems ignore most available a priori knowledge, notably in the design of the hardware level, such that they fail to extract as much task‐relevant information per measurement as possible. Here, a “learned integrated sensing pipeline” (LISP), including in an end‐to‐end fashion both physical and processing layers, is shown to enable joint learning of optimal measurement strategies and a matching processing algorithm, making use of a priori knowledge on task, scene, and measurement constraints. Numerical results demonstrate accuracy improvements around 15% for object recognition tasks with limited numbers of measurements, using dynamic metasurface apertures capable of transceiving programmable microwave patterns. Moreover, it is concluded that the optimal learned microwave patterns are nonintuitive, underlining the importance of the LISP paradigm in current sensorization trends.
Contrasting effects of host tree isolation on population connectedness in two tropical epiphytic bromeliads
Authors: Amici Autumn A. , Nadkarni Nalini M. , DiBlasi Emily , Seger Jon
Published: December 2019

Premise

Conversion of primary forests to pastures is a major cause of habitat fragmentation in the tropics. Fragmentation is expected to impede gene flow for many plant species that are restricted to remaining forest fragments. Epiphytes may be especially vulnerable to this effect of forest fragmentation because they depend on host trees. However, trees that remain in pastures may enhance connectivity across the landscape for epiphyte species that can thrive on such trees. To investigate this possibility, we studied the genetic structures of two such species on isolated pasture trees and surrounding forest, in relation to their local abundances in different habitat types and aspects of their reproductive biology including pollen and seed dispersal agents, and looked for evidence of increased or diminished gene flow.

Methods

We used microsatellite markers to assess geographic patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation in two epiphytic bromeliads, Catopsis nitida and Werauhia tonduziana, in the Monteverde region of Costa Rica.

Results

About 85% of the FST value for Catopsis nitida was found among pastures within regions, while for Weruahia tonduziana, about 80% of the FST value was contributed by differences between regions, indicating much more gene flow within regions, relative to C. nitida.

Conclusions

Although there was substantial genetic differentiation among epiphyte populations, those on isolated pasture trees were not substantially less diverse than those in adjacent forests, suggesting that pasture trees may serve as “stepping stones” that help these species maintain their genetic connectedness and diversity at larger geographic scales.
Self‐Amplified Photodynamic Therapy through the 1O2‐Mediated Internalization of Photosensitizers from a Ppa‐Bearing Block Copolymer
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Cao Tianye , Xue Yudong , Li Mengting , Wu Mengsi , Engle Jonathan W. , He Qianjun , Cai Weibo , Lan Minbo , Zhang Weian
Published: December 2019

Nanocarriers are employed to deliver photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT) through the enhanced penetration and retention effect, but disadvantages including the premature leakage and non‐selective release of photosensitizers still exist. Herein, we report a 1O2‐responsive block copolymer (POEGMA‐b‐P(MAA‐co‐VSPpaMA) to enhance PDT via the controllable release of photosensitizers. Once nanoparticles formed by the block copolymer have accumulated in a tumor and have been taken up by cancer cells, pyropheophorbide a (Ppa) could be controllably released by singlet oxygen (1O2) generated by light irradiation, enhancing the photosensitization. This was demonstrated by confocal laser scanning microscopy and in vivo fluorescence imaging. The 1O2‐responsiveness of POEGMA‐b‐P(MAA‐co‐VSPpaMA) block copolymer enabled the realization of self‐amplified photodynamic therapy by the regulation of Ppa release using NIR illumination. This may provide a new insight into the design of precise PDT.
Structure‐Independent Conductance of Thiophene‐Based Single‐Stacking Junctions
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Wu Qingqing , Bai Jie , Hou Songjun , Jiang Wenlin , Tang Chun , Song Hang , Huang Xiaojuan , Zheng Jueting , Yang Yang , Liu Junyang , Hu Yong , Shi Jia , Liu Zitong , Lambert Colin J. , Zhang Deqing , Hong Wenjing
Published: December 2019

The experimental investigation of intermolecular charge transport in π‐conjugated materials is challenging. Herein, we describe the investigation of charge transport through intermolecular and intramolecular paths in single‐molecule and single‐stacking thiophene junctions by the mechanically controllable break junction (MCBJ) technique. We found that the ability for intermolecular charge transport through different single‐stacking junctions was approximately independent of the molecular structure, which contrasts with the strong length dependence of conductance in single‐molecule junctions with the same building blocks, and the dominant charge‐transport path of molecules with two anchors transited from an intramolecular to an intermolecular path when the degree of conjugation increased. An increase in conjugation further led to higher binding probability owing to the variation in binding energies, as supported by DFT calculations.
MgO‐ZrO2 Mixed Oxides as Effective and Reusable Base Catalysts for Glucose Isomerization into Fructose in Aqueous Media
Authors: Rabee Abdallah I. M. , Le Son Dinh , Nishimura Shun
Published: December 2019

MgO‐ZrO2 mixed oxides prepared with different Mg/Zr atomic ratios (denoted as xMZ: where x is the atomic ratio of Mg/Zr) are investigated for the glucose isomerization to fructose in water at 95 °C. The highest fructose yield of 33 % is obtained over 0.76MZ with ≈74 % selectivity after 3 h. To gain insight into the structure–activity relationships, the prepared catalysts are characterized by N2 physisorption, XRD, FTIR and CO2‐TPD. The results indicate that the addition of MgO drastically changed the textual property of ZrO2 and increased the number of basic sites. The kinetic studies revealed that the Lewis basic sites (cus‐O2−) generated from the highly dispersed MgO are the active sites responsible for the enhanced isomerization activity. Notably, MZ is reusable for four runs without a significant decrease in catalyst activity. Accordingly, this study provides an easily prepared, cheap, and recyclable catalyst that may hold great potential for fructose production.
A simple set of indices describing the Tropical Rain Belt over central and southern Africa
Authors: Nikulin Grigory , Hewitson Bruce
Published: December 2019

Understanding the variability of the Tropical Rain Belt (TRB) in Africa is a challenging task due to complex interactions among global, regional and local drivers of rainfall. A simple method that provides a set of three indices describing large‐scale spatial–temporal characteristics of the TRB over central and southern Africa is introduced. The method is based on approximation of a meridional cross‐section of monthly mean precipitation by the Gaussian function. The three parameters of the Gaussian function correspond to the three TRB indices, namely: intensity, location and width. It is shown how the TRB indices can be used for describing the climatology of the TRB, for estimating observational uncertainties, and for evaluating the ERA‐Interim and ERA5 reanalyses against observations. Simplicity and flexibility of the method allow using the TRB indices for a wide range of applications, including evaluation of climate models and assessment of projected climate change in tropical rainfall.
Dauerstandverhalten von Normalbeton
Authors: Empelmann Martin , Javidmehr Sara
Published: December 2019

Bauteile aus Stahl‐ und Spannbeton müssen Dauerstandbeanspruchungen sicher widerstehen können. Zahlreiche in der Literatur vorhandene Versuche zeigen, dass als Folge von Dauerstandbeanspruchungen die aufnehmbare Betondruckspannung abnimmt. Dieser Effekt wird in den unterschiedlichen Regelwerken (z. B. EC2, EC2+NA und MC10) über den pauschalen Beiwert αcc bei der Ermittlung des Bemessungswerts der Betondruckfestigkeit berücksichtigt. Dabei bleibt für den Anwender aber unklar, wie unterschiedliche Beanspruchungszeitpunkte oder Beanspruchungsdauern (Bauzustände bzw. Lastzustände in einem hohen Betonalter) berücksichtigt werden können. Zu dieser Fragestellung wurde am iBMB, Fachgebiet Massivbau der TU Braunschweig eine Dauerstanddatenbank aufgebaut und die zum Teil unterschiedlichen αcc‐Beiwerte der Regelwerke analysiert. Aufbauend auf den Ergebnissen wurde ein in Anlehnung an den MC10 modifizierter Beiwert αcc vorgeschlagen, der Dauerstandeffekte in Abhängigkeit vom Beanspruchungsalter und von der Beanspruchungsdauer berücksichtigt.
Binding Energy‐dependent Growth Behaviors and Surface Characteristics of Sequentially Polymerized Zincone Films
Authors: Lee Hyemi , Choi Ui‐Jin , Kim Heewon , Lee Jin Seok
Published: December 2019

The influence of precursors on the growth of organic films has been studied intensively, but research on their binding energy‐dependent growth behaviors and surface properties has remained an undeveloped field. Herein, we conducted molecular layer deposition of zincone films on two metal oxide substrates, SiO2 and Al2O3, and investigated the binding energy‐dependent growth behaviors and surface properties of the films experimentally. We also performed density functional theory calculations to determine the molecular geometries and surface binding energies of the films on each substrate. We established that the growth and surface characteristics of the films in the initial stages of deposition were strongly influenced by their surface binding energies, which depended on the substrate.
Study on the Dependence of Sun Protection Factor on Particle Size Distribution of Mica Using Gravitational Field‐Flow Fractionation
Authors: Kim Ji Hye , Choi Jaeyeong , Choi Seongho , Kim Woonjung , Lee Seungho
Published: December 2019

Sunlight consists of beams of light of broad wavelength ranges, including infrared, visible, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation; X‐rays; and γ‐rays. Although the UV content of sunlight is relatively low, the human body, especially the human skin, is sensitive to UV rays. Mica is known to be effective in protecting the human skin from sunlight and reduces fine lines and pores on the skin. Mica is currently used as a coloring agent in various sunscreen products. Still, there is no detailed report on the effect of mica on the sun protection factor (SPF). In this study, effects of the particle size, particle size distribution, and the content of mica on SPF were studied. Gravitational field‐flow fractionation (GrFFF) was employed to analyze the particle size and the particle size distribution of the mica particles. GrFFF provided size‐based separation of the mica particles and was useful for determining the size distributions and average sizes of the mica particles. It was found that the mixing ratio (in wt %) of 3:3:4 of TiO2:octyl methoxycinnamate:mica yielded the highest SPF. Generally, the SPF tends to increase with increasing particle size of the mica.
Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of four major bioactive components in rats after oral administration of Xianglian pill
Authors: Lu Min , Chu Zixuan , Wang Liying , Liang Chen , Sun Peilu , Xiong Shan , Mu Yanling
Published: December 2019

Xianglian pill, a TCM prescription, consists of Rhizome Coptidis and Radix Aucklandiae, and has been used to treat gastrointestinal disease for many years. Berberine, jatrorrhizin, coptisine and palmatine are four representative alkaloids in Xianglian pill. Knowing that the drug disposal process in vivo is closely related to the toxicity and efficacy of a drug, it is important to classify the disposal properties of these alkaloids. In this study, the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of the four alkaloids were investigated. The analytical samples were analyzed using a validated HPLC–MS/MS method. The results showed that the four alkaloids could be slowly absorbed. The Cmax values of berberine, jatrorrhizin, coptisine and palmatine were 11.420, 2.287, 2.584 and 3.102 ng/ml, respectively. Subsequently, the tissue distribution studies showed that they were quickly distributed to various tissues with rich blood flow in the body.
Noteworthy prognostic value of phospholipase C delta genes in early stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy and potential molecular mechanisms
Authors: Zhou Xin , Liao Xiwen , Wang Xiangkun , Huang Ketuan , Yang Chengkun , Yu Tingdong , Han Chuangye , Zhu Guangzhi , Su Hao , Han Quanfa , Chen Zijun , Huang Jianlv , Gong Yizhen , Ruan Guotian , Ye Xinping , Peng Tao
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this investigation was to explore the prognostic value of phospholipase C delta (PLCD) genes in early stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and its potential molecular mechanisms. The prognostic value of PLCD genes in early stage PDAC was assessed using the Kaplan‐Meier method and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model. Genome‐wide correlation analysis was performed on PLCD3 to identify the highly correlated genes in the transcriptome. Then, PLCD3 and these correlated genes together underwent a bioinformatics analysis to elucidate the potential molecular biological functions of PLCD3 in PDAC. PLCD1 and PLCD3 are significantly overexpressed in PDAC. In PDAC patients, PLCD3 is overexpressed in certain groups of people with a history of alcoholism (P = .032). High expression of PLCD3 was found to be associated with lower overall survival (OS) of patients with early stage PDAC (P = .020; adjusted P = .016). A combination of PLCD3 and clinical variables was able to better predict the outcome of patients with early stage PDAC. These clinical variables are histological grade (P = .001; adjusted P = .001), targeted molecular therapy (P < .001; adjusted P < .001), radiation therapy (P = .002; adjusted P = .039), and residual resection (P = .001; adjusted P = .002). The bioinformatics analysis revealed that PLCD3 is associated with angiogenesis, intracellular signal transduction, and regulation of cell proliferation. In conclusion, PLCD3 may be a potential prognostic biomarker for early stage PDAC.
Researchers find younger, less ill patients don't need 15 sessions of CBT for OCD
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2019

Younger children and adolescents with moderate symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and no major other disorder do not need to include the standard 15 sessions of exposure‐based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), researchers have found. More than a third of patients had responded to treatment after seven sessions, and six baseline characteristics were associated with that early response.
Chemoselective Hydrosilylation of Olefin/Ketone Catalyzed by Iminobipyridine Fe and Co complexes
Authors: Kobayashi Katsuaki , Taguchi Daisuke , Moriuchi Toshiyuki , Nakazawa Hiroshi
Published: December 2019

The chemoselective hydrosilylation of olefins and ketones catalyzed by Fe and Co complexes bearing an iminobipyridine derivative ligand was investigated. The reaction of a 1 : 1 mixture of styrene and acetophenone over the Fe catalyst achieved selective hydrosilylation of acetophenone. In contrast, the corresponding Co complex showed the opposite selectivity‐styrene‐selective hydrosilylation. The reaction of 3‐acetylstyrene with both olefin and ketone moieties in the molecule showed that the Co complex catalyzed olefin‐selective hydrosilylation. In contrast, the addition of pyridine to the Co‐catalyzed system showed the opposite chemoselectivity, affording the ketone hydrosilylated product. The chemoselectivity of olefin/ketone hydrosilylation was switched by replacing the central metal of the complex with the iminobipyridine derivative ligand and by changing the simple reaction conditions (absence or presence of pyridine) using an identical Co complex.
The Milan System at Memorial Sloan Kettering: Utility of the categorization system for in‐house salivary gland fine‐needle aspiration cytology at a comprehensive cancer center
Authors: Lubin Daniel , Buonocore Darren , Wei Xiao‐Jun , Cohen Jean‐Marc , Lin Oscar
Published: December 2019

Background

The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) provides a standardized reporting system for salivary gland fine‐needle aspiration (SGFNA). We review the clinical utility of the MSRSGC at a tertiary care cancer center by assessing the rates of malignancy (ROM) among different categories.

Methods

A retrospective search was performed to retrieve all SGFNA cases performed at our institution between 1/1/07 and 12/31/18. The initial primary diagnoses were recorded and cases were then assigned to appropriate MSRSGC categories. ROM was then calculated for all categories.

Results

A total of 976 cases were identified, and 373 with follow‐up. The ROM was 19.7% (192/976) for all‐comers and 51.3% (192/374) among cases with follow‐up. Using MSRSGC, SGFNA showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 65.6%, 87.4%, 100%, and 72.6%, respectively. ROM for MSRSGC categories I, II, III, IVa, IVb, V, and VI were 20.7%, 30.0%, 45.8%, 3.3%, 50.7%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Utilizing MSRSGC resulted in a nondiagnostic rate of 14.4%. The nondiagnostic rate was lower when the procedure was performed by pathologists vs nonpathologists (12.9% vs 15.8%) but was comparable when rapid on site evaluation (ROSE) was performed (12.9% vs 11.6%).

Conclusion

In our patient population, MSRSGC resulted in a perfect PPV and moderate NPV. Utilizing MSRSGC results in a higher nondiagnostic rate due to the inclusion of cases with benign elements or cyst contents only in this category. Performing ROSE is more important in attaining an adequate sample than the specialty of the person performing SGFNA.
Phylogeny of spiny frogs Nanorana (Anura: Dicroglossidae) supports a Tibetan origin of a Himalayan species group
Authors: Hofmann Sylvia , Baniya Chitra B. , Litvinchuk Spartak N. , Miehe Georg , Li Jia‐Tang , Schmidt Joachim
Published: December 2019

Recent advances in the understanding of the evolution of the Asian continent challenge the long‐held belief of a faunal immigration into the Himalaya. Spiny frogs of the genus Nanorana are a characteristic faunal group of the Himalaya–Tibet orogen (HTO). We examine the phylogeny of these frogs to explore alternative biogeographic scenarios for their origin in the Greater Himalaya, namely, immigration, South Tibetan origin, strict vicariance. We sequenced 150 Nanorana samples from 62 localities for three mitochondrial (1,524 bp) and three nuclear markers (2,043 bp) and complemented the data with sequence data available from GenBank. We reconstructed a gene tree, phylogenetic networks, and ancestral areas. Based on the nuDNA, we also generated a time‐calibrated species tree. The results revealed two major clades (Nanorana and Quasipaa), which originated in the Lower Miocene from eastern China and subsequently spread into the HTO (Nanorana). Five well‐supported subclades are found within Nanorana: from the East, Central, and Northwest Himalaya, the Tibetan Plateau, and the southeastern Plateau margin. The latter subclade represents the most basal group (subgenus Chaparana), the Plateau group (Nanorana) represents the sister clade to all species of the Greater Himalaya (Paa). We found no evidence for an east–west range expansion of Paa along the Himalaya, nor clear support for a strict vicariance model. Diversification in each of the three Himalayan subclades has probably occurred in distinct areas. Specimens from the NW Himalaya are placed basally relative to the highly diverse Central Himalayan group, while the lineage from the Tibetan Plateau is placed within a more terminal clade. Our data indicate a Tibetan origin of Himalayan Nanorana and support a previous hypothesis, which implies that a significant part of the Himalayan biodiversity results from primary diversification of the species groups in South Tibet before this part of the HTO was uplifted to its recent heights.
Depth distribution of soil water sourced by plants at the global scale: A new direct inference approach
Authors: Amin Anam , Zuecco Giulia , Geris Josie , Schwendenmann Luitgard , McDonnell Jeffrey J. , Borga Marco , Penna Daniele
Published: December 2019

The depth distribution of soil water contributions to plant water uptake is poorly known. Here we evaluate the main water sources used by plants at the global scale and the effect of climate and plant groups on water uptake variability and depth distribution. The global meta‐analysis is based on isotope data (δ2H and δ18O) extracted from 65 peer‐reviewed papers published between 1990 and 2017.

We applied a new direct inference method to quantify the overlap between xylem water and soil water sources used by plants. The median overlap between xylem water and soil water at different depths varied between 28% and 100%, but they were generally >50%. The shallow (0‐10 cm) soil water overlap with xylem water was largest in cold regions (100% ± 0%) and lowest at tropical sites (about 28%). Conversely, the median overlap between xylem water and deep soil water was largest in the arid and the tropical zones (>75%) and much smaller in the temperate and cold zones. Our results suggest that the isotopic composition of xylem water reflects mostly the signature of shallow soil water (<30 cm) in the cold and the temperate zones, whereas in the arid and the tropical zones, plants appear to exploit water in deeper soil layers. Our novel, simple statistically‐based direct inference method performed well in determining these differences in water sources, and can be applied more widely to isotope‐based plant water uptake studies.
Mid‐regional pro‐adrenomedullin outperforms N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide for the diagnosis of acute heart failure in the presence of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kuan Win Sen , Ibrahim Irwani , Chan Siew Pang , Li Zisheng , Liew Oi Wah , Frampton Chris , Troughton Richard , Pemberton Chris J. , Chong Jenny Pek Ching , Tan Li Ling , Lin Weiqin , Ooi Shirley Beng Suat , Richards A. Mark
Published: December 2019

Aims

The performance of N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) in diagnosing acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) among patients presenting with breathlessness is markedly impaired in the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF). We evaluated the diagnostic performance of mid‐regional pro‐adrenomedullin (MR‐proADM) and cardiac troponin T as possible alternative markers for discrimination of ADHF in this setting.

Methods and results

Breathless patients (n = 1107) were prospectively and contemporaneously recruited in emergency departments in Singapore and New Zealand. The diagnoses of ADHF and presence of AF were adjudicated by two clinician specialists, blinded to MR‐proADM, NT‐proBNP and high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) results. MR‐proADM exhibited strong discrimination of ADHF with little change in performance irrespective of the presence of AF (area under the curve 0.83 in non‐AF vs. 0.76 in AF) compared to NT‐proBNP (0.91 vs. 0.71) and hs‐cTnT (0.83 vs. 0.62), respectively. The accuracy of MR‐proADM (73.3%) for diagnosing ADHF among patients with AF was superior to both NT‐proBNP (61.6%) and hs‐cTnT (64.6%). The superior performance of MR‐proADM remained apparent when data from Singapore and New Zealand were analysed separately.

Conclusion

In the presence of AF, MR‐proADM showed greater discrimination and accuracy, and less impairment in performance compared to that in non‐AF cases, for the diagnosis of ADHF, compared to the guideline‐endorsed NT‐proBNP.