bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study on the preparation methods and properties of coal‐based fluorescent carbon nanoparticles
Authors: Awati Abuduheiremu , Maimaiti Halidan , Xu Bo , Wang Shixin
Published: November 2019

Fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (FCNPs) have broad application prospects in the fields of bioimaging, ion detection, and photocatalysis. In this paper, coal‐based FCNPs were prepared by using mixed acid oxidation, hydrogen peroxide etching, and organic solvent extraction methods (marked as FCNPs‐AO, FCNPs‐HE, and FCNPs‐OS, respectively), and the structures and properties of the as‐prepared products were compared. It was found that the coal‐based FCNPs obtained by three kinds of methods are all aromatic structural nanomaterials linked with oxygen‐containing groups. Among them, FCNPs‐AO is a kind of hollow annular spherical particles and FCNPs‐HE and FCNPs‐OS are solid spherical particles. These FCNPs not only have similar fluorescence properties as traditional quantum dots, but also can be photoexcited to generate photogenerated electrons and holes, and it can also suppress the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes by using its own surface defects. In particular, the electron transport capability of the FCNPs‐AO is stronger than that of FCNPs‐HE and FCNPs‐OS because of its lower charge transfer impedance, so it can be excited to generate more photogenerated electrons and has the best photogenerated carrier separation efficiency.
Interfacing the Cell with “Biomimetic Membrane Proteins”
Authors: Grupi Asaf , Ashur Idan , Degani‐Katzav Nurit , Yudovich Shimon , Shapira Zehavit , Marzouq Adan , Morgenstein Lion , Mandel Yossi , Weiss Shimon
Published: November 2019

Integral membrane proteins mediate a myriad of cellular processes and are the target of many therapeutic drugs. Enhancement and extension of the functional scope of membrane proteins can be realized by membrane incorporation of engineered nanoparticles designed for specific diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In contrast to hydrophobic insertion of small amphiphilic molecules, delivery and membrane incorporation of particles on the nanometric scale poses a crucial barrier for technological development. In this perspective, the transformative potential of biomimetic membrane proteins (BMPs), current state of the art, and the barriers that need to be overcome in order to advance the field are discussed.
Role of Surface RGD Patterns on Protein Nanocages in Tumor Targeting Revealed Using Precise Discrete Models
Authors: Fang Ti , Zhu Weiwei , Li Chaoqun , Zhang Fan , Gao Ding , Zhang Zhi‐Ping , Liang Ao , Zhang Xian‐En , Li Feng
Published: November 2019

The effectiveness of active targeting in cancer nanomedicine is becoming increasingly more debatable. Here, the role of the ligand functionalization patterns (number and distribution) on nanoparticle surfaces in tumor targeting is investigated using a 9 nm sized miniferritin protein nanocage, Dps modified with Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) ligands whose functionalization patterns are precisely controlled. In vitro and in vivo experiments show that RGD modification endows Dps with tumor targeting capacity no matter what the surface pattern is. The tumor targeting of 2‐ligand Dps, which is better than that of 1‐ligand Dps, rivals or surpasses that of the 12‐ or 24‐ligand Dps. The 12‐ligand Dps with clustered RGD distribution shows 2.3 times the in vivo targeting efficiency of that with even distribution. The surface ligand pattern effects are correlated at least to receptor clustering and opsonization. This study provides insights into the understanding of the controversial findings on active tumor targeting in the literature and highlights the necessity of precise functionalization to achieve optimal active targeting in developing cancer nanomedicine.
Bifunctional Ytterbium (III) Chloride Driven Low‐Temperature Synthesis of Stable α‐CsPbI3 for High‐Efficiency Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Min , Deng Kaimo , Meng Linxing , Li Liang
Published: November 2019

Inorganic perovskite CsPbI3 has been studied as a promising alternative light‐absorbing material for photovoltaic application due to its suitable band gap for converting solar light and enhanced stability toward ambient conditions compared to the organic–inorganic halide perovskite. However, the photoactive α‐phase of CsPbI3 can only be stabilized at a high temperature and the phase transition from α‐phase to δ‐phase easily occurs at room temperature. Herein, ytterbium (III) chloride (YbCl3) as a bifunctional additive is introduced into the perovskite precursor to stabilize the black α‐phase, and high‐quality CsPbI3 films are obtained at a temperature as low as 80 °C. Yb3+ partly replaces Pb2+ to enhance the tolerance factor and favors the formation of α‐phase. The Lewis adduct complex of YbCl3·DMSO in the perovskite film can passivate the perovskite film with reduced defects and help enhance the stability of the α‐phase. The YbCl3‐modified planar‐type α‐CsPbI3 perovskite solar cells show a champion power conversion efficiency of 12.4% with an impressive stability at ambient conditions. The additive induced controlled crystallization provides a simple and promising way to improve the photovoltaic performance of inorganic perovskite solar cells.
Rheinstahl‐Hochhaus Essen: International Style im Ruhrgebiet
Authors: Hauke Bernhard
Published: November 2019

Das Rheinstahl‐Hochhaus war das erste Hochhaus in Essen und prägte mit seinem International Style als Fortführung der Moderne die Vorstellung von zurückhaltenden Unternehmenssitzen. Ausgehend vom architektonischen Kontext [1] wird hier insbesondere auf Statik und Konstruktion des Stahlskelettbaus sowie der Fassade eingegangen, basierend auf der Arbeit des Ingenieurs Heinrich Schulte‐Ebbert [2]. Weiterhin wird die Revitalisierung kurz erläutert.
Evaluation and communication of pluvial flood risks in urban areas
Authors: Schmitt Theo G. , Scheid Christian
Published: November 2019

The increase of pluvial flooding has long been discussed to be a most probable outcome of climate change. This has raised the question of necessary consequences in the design of urban drainage systems in order to secure adequate flood protection and resilience. Due to the uncertainties in future trends of heavy rainfall events, the awareness of remaining risks of extreme pluvial flooding needs to be roused at responsible decision makers and the public as well leading to the implementation of pluvial flood risk management (PFRM) concepts. The state of two core elements of PFRM in Germany are described here: flood hazard and risk evaluation and risk communication. In 2016 the guideline DWA‐M 119 has been published to establish city‐based PFRM concepts in specification of the European Flood Risk Management Directive (EU 2007). As core elements, the guidelines recommend a site‐specific analysis and evaluation of flood hazards and potentials of flood damages to create flood hazard and flood risk maps. In the long run, PFRM needs to be established as a joint community effort and a requirement for more flood resilience. The risk communication within the administration and in the public requires a comprehensible characterization and classification of heavy rainfall to illustrate event extremity. The concept of a rainstorm severity index (RSI) instead of statistical rainfall parameters appears to be promising to gain a better perception by affected citizens and non‐hydrology‐experts as well. A methodical approach is described to specify and assign site‐specific rainfall depths within the severity index scheme RSI12.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Engineering Water > Methods
Performance enhancement of the artificial neural network–based reinforcement learning for wind turbine yaw control
Authors: Saenz‐Aguirre Aitor , Zulueta Ekaitz , Fernandez‐Gamiz Unai , Ulazia Alain , Teso‐Fz‐Betono Daniel
Published: November 2019

The yaw angle control of a wind turbine allows maximization of the power absorbed from the wind and, thus, the increment of the system efficiency. Conventionally, classical control algorithms have been used for the yaw angle control of wind turbines. Nevertheless, in recent years, advanced control strategies have been designed and implemented for this purpose. These advanced control strategies are considered to offer improved features in comparison to classical algorithms. In this paper, an advanced yaw control strategy based on reinforcement learning (RL) is designed and verified in simulation environment. The proposed RL algorithm considers multivariable states and actions, as well as the mechanical loads due to the yaw rotation of the wind turbine nacelle and rotor. Furthermore, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Pareto optimal front (PoF)‐based algorithm have been developed in order to find the optimal actions that satisfy the compromise between the power gain and the mechanical loads due to the yaw rotation. Maximizing the power generation and minimizing the mechanical loads in the yaw bearings in an automatic way are the objectives of the proposed RL algorithm. The data of the matrices Q (s,a) of the RL algorithm are stored as continuous functions in an artificial neural network (ANN) avoiding any quantification problem. The NREL 5‐MW reference wind turbine has been considered for the analysis, and real wind data from Salt Lake, Utah, have been used for the validation of the designed yaw control strategy via simulations with the aeroelastic code FAST.
Inscriptions and Digitalization Initiatives Across Time in the Nation-State of Sweden: The Relevance of Shifts and Continuities in Policy Accounts for Teachers’ Work
Authors: Almén Lars , Bagga-Gupta Sangeeta
Published: November 2019

This study illuminates the political, ideological, moral and ethical driving forces behind the Swedish governmental initiative to digitalize the educational system—the Swedish Digitalization Initiative (SDI). Taking a sociocultural point of departure, policy documents are considered mediational means and have agency. Nexus analysis is the analytical lens that is deployed. Policies are analyzed according to the public consultative discourse analysis scheme. Three main findings are reported in this study:

The policy documents are chained, that is, one document is linked to one or more others.

There are three important discourses that circulate in the policy documents: digital competence, programming and an economical discourse.

Different policy documents have different strengths of agency, expressed rhetorically in terms of both languaging and layout.

The driving forces of SDI are politically and ideologically economical liberalism. Moral and ethical driving forces can be seen in terms of equality between women and men.
Footballers and Conductors: Between Reclusiveness and Conviviality
Authors: Hansen Anders Høg
Published: November 2019

The chapter engages with two cases, firstly a footballer taking part in a UK testimonial of white versus black footballers in 1979. The event was depicted in a 2016 documentary which leads into a discussion of postcolonial Britain at a time where football, music and politics are in intense relation. The second case addresses the life of a to-be conductor in 1905 taken from the West Indies and caved as a human exhibit for a Tivoli colonial festival in Denmark. He eventually managed to stay in the country and late in life also initiated a nurse’s choir. The discussion of the cases evolves around the notions of reclusive openness as well as opacity and the convivial politics and representations the subjects were caught in.
Post-2015 Refugees Welcome Initiatives in Sweden: Cosmopolitan Underpinnings
Authors: Povrzanović Frykman Maja , Mäkelä Fanny
Published: November 2019

This chapter contributes to the literature that seeks to understand the social and political developments of Refugees Welcome initiatives beyond the immediacy of 2015 “crisis”. Based on interviews conducted in 2018 with activists who hold leading positions in the national umbrella organisation Refugees Welcome Sweden, the chapter presents the analysis of their perceptions and self-reflections on engagement with refugees and on working for a humane asylum politics. It exemplifies how the moral and political dimensions of cosmopolitanism are intertwined in pointing to the universal aim of equality and at the same time demanding that it is realised locally. While none of our interviewees employed the notion of cosmopolitanism, they outlined a normative order that emerges as a political project towards a reconstruction of society along lines of equality and justice.
Soziale Netzwerke und gesundheitliche Ungleichheiten – eine neue Perspektive für die Forschung
Authors: Klärner Andreas , Gamper Markus , Keim-Klärner Sylvia , von der Lippe Holger , Moor Irene , Richter Matthias , Vonneilich Nico
Published: November 2019

Ein zentrales Thema von Sozialepidemiologie und Gesundheitssoziologie ist der empirish gut nachgewiesene Zusammenhang zwischen sozialen Ungleichheiten und Gesundheit. Eine umfassende und interdisziplinär anschlussfähige Erklärung der Ursachen dieses Zusammenhanges liegt derzeit jedoch noch nicht vor. In diesem Beitrag lenken wir die Aufmerksamkeit auf die Gesamtheit der persönlichen Beziehungsgeflechte, ihre Strukturen und die zugrunde liegenden Wirkmechanismen und fragen, welchen Erklärungsbeitrag die soziale Netzwerkanalyse (SNA) liefern kann. Wir stellen ein integratives Modell sozialer und gesundheitlicher Ungleichheiten sowie der vermittelnden Netzwerkmechanismen zur Diskussion.
Geschlecht und gesundheitliche Ungleichheiten – Soziale Netzwerke im Kontext von Gesundheit und Gesundheitsverhalten
Authors: Gamper Markus , Seidel Julia , Kupfer Annett , Keim-Klärner Sylvia , Klärner Andreas
Published: November 2019

Es gibt deutliche Unterschiede hinsichtlich der Morbidität (Krankheitshäufigkeit) und der Mortalität (Sterblichkeit) zwischen Männern* und Frauen*.

Bis zur Pubertät weisen männliche* Jugendliche häufiger gesundheitliche Probleme auf.

Während der Pubertät leiden Mädchen* an chronischen und psychischen Erkrankungen und männliche* Heranwachsende eher an akuten und lebensbedrohlichen Krankheiten (z. B. HIV).

Jungen* und Männer* haben ein riskanteres Gesundheitsverhalten.
Migration als gesundheitliche Ungleichheitsdimension? Natio-ethno-kulturelle Zugehörigkeit, Gesundheit und soziale Netzwerke
Authors: Kupfer Annett , Gamper Markus
Published: November 2019

Ethnische und migrationsbedingte Differenzen werden zunehmend als Determinante gesundheitlicher Ungleichheit beforscht, diesbezügliche empirische Ergebnisse sind jedoch zum Teil widersprüchlich.

Studien zu „Migration und Gesundheit bzw. gesundheitlichen Ungleichheiten“ und zu „Migration und Netzwerken“ liegen vor.

Studien, die alle drei Bereiche gemeinsam umfassen, sind sehr selten und betrachten 1) fast immer nur eine Bevölkerungsgruppe ohne 2) den Blick zusätzlich auf vertikale Ungleichheitsdimensionen wie Einkommen oder Bildung zu weiten. Die meisten Studien benutzen 3) den Begriff des Netzwerks eher als Metapher, Synonym für Gruppe oder Sozialkapital oder sie beforschen ausschließlich soziale Unterstützung als zentrale Funktion sozialer Netzwerke.
Desiderata: Soziale Netzwerk und gesundheitliche Ungleichheiten – welche Fragen bleiben offen?
Authors: Reis Olaf , Adebahr Philip , Brandt Stefan , Ellwardt Lea , Gamper Markus , Hoffmann Laura , Keim-Klärner Sylvia , Klärner Andreas , Knabe André , Krug Gerhard , Kupfer Annett , Lois Daniel , Mlinarić Martin , Moor Irene , Müller Britta , Niehaus Mathilde , Reims Nancy , Richter Matthias , Seidel Julia , von der Lippe Holger , Vonneilich Nico , Zapfel Stefan
Published: November 2019

„Sag mir, wie viel Deine Freunde verdienen, und ich sage Dir, ob Du rauchst, welche Krankheiten Du hast und wie alt Du werden wirst!“ Mit dieser etwas zugespitzten Aussage wurde am Anfang dieses Bandes vorgeschlagen, den empirisch gut bestätigten Zusammenhang von sozialen und gesundheitlichen Ungleichheiten aus der Perspektive der Netzwerkforschung zu beleuchten. Soziale Netzwerke werden dabei als vermittelnde Instanz auf einer intermediären oder Meso-Ebene verstanden, deren Struktur und Funktion zwischen vertikalen (Einkommen, Bildung, berufliche Stellung etc.) sowie horizontalen (z. B. Alter, Geschlecht, ethnische Herkunft) und gesundheitlichen Ungleichheiten (z. B. Lebenserwartung, Erkrankungsraten) vermittelt (Mediatorfunktion) oder deren Beziehung beeinflusst (Moderatorfunktion). In diesem Beitrag werden die Befunde aus den Kapiteln zusammengetragen und insbesondere die Forschungsdesiderata benannt.
Wirkmechanismen in sozialen Netzwerken
Authors: Klärner Andreas , von der Lippe Holger
Published: November 2019

In dem Beitrag werden zentrale theoretische Begriffe sowie empirische Ergebnisse zu Netzwerkeffekten auf Gesundheit vorgestellt. Es werden die Wirkmechanismen soziale Unterstützung, soziale Integration, sozialer Einfluss und soziale Ansteckung diskutiert. Der Beitrag fordert die Unterscheidungen von (1) direkten vs. indirekten, (2) positiven vs. negativen Gesundheitseffekten durch (3) verschiedene Akteure oder Sektoren des Netzwerkes. Abschließend wird festgestellt, dass zu dieser differenzierteren Betrachtung von Netzwerkeffekten auf Gesundheit bisher nur wenig konsolidierte Evidenz existiert. Daraus ergibt sich die Forderung nach vermehrten Forschungsanstrengungen.
Classifying complete $$\mathbb {C}$$-subalgebras of $$\mathbb {C}[[t]]$$
Authors: Hamilton Eloise
Published: November 2019

We address the problem of classifying complete $$\mathbb {C}$$
C
-subalgebras of $$\mathbb {C}[[t]]$$

C
[
[
t
]
]

. A discrete invariant for this classification problem is the semigroup of orders of the elements in a given $$\mathbb {C}$$
C
-subalgebra. Hence we can define the space $$\mathcal {R}_{\Gamma }$$

R
Γ

of all $$\mathbb {C}$$
C
-subalgebras of $$\mathbb {C}[[t]]$$

C
[
[
t
]
]

with semigroup $$\Gamma $$
Γ
. After relating this space to the Zariski moduli space of curve singularities and to a moduli space of global singular curves, we prove that $$\mathcal {R}_{\Gamma }$$

R
Γ

is an affine variety by describing its defining equations in an ambient affine space in terms of an explicit algorithm. Moreover, we identify certain types of semigroups $$\Gamma $$
Γ
for which $$\mathcal {R}_{\Gamma }$$

R
Γ

is always an affine space, and for general $$\Gamma $$
Γ
we describe the stratification of $$\mathcal {R}_{\Gamma }$$

R
Γ

by embedding dimension. We also describe the natural map from $$\mathcal {R}_{\Gamma }$$

R
Γ

to the Zariski moduli space in some special cases. Explicit examples are provided throughout.
Population pharmacokinetic modeling of PF-06439535 (a bevacizumab biosimilar) and reference bevacizumab (Avastin®) in patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Li Cheryl S. W. , Sweeney Kevin , Cronenberger Carol
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The objectives of this analysis were to characterize the population pharmacokinetics (PK) of PF-06439535 (a bevacizumab biosimilar) and reference bevacizumab (Avastin®) sourced from the European Union (bevacizumab-EU) in patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to quantify the difference in PK parameters between the two drug products via covariate analysis.

Methods

Pooled PF-06439535 and bevacizumab-EU serum concentration data from a comparative clinical efficacy and safety study (NCT02364999) in patients with NSCLC (N = 719) were analyzed using a non-linear mixed-effects modeling approach. Patients received PF-06439535 plus chemotherapy or bevacizumab-EU plus chemotherapy every 21 days for 4–6 cycles, followed by monotherapy with PF-06439535 or bevacizumab-EU. PF-06439535 or bevacizumab-EU was administered intravenously at a dose of 15 mg/kg. Effects of patient and disease covariates, as well as the drug product (PF-06439535 versus bevacizumab-EU), on PK were investigated.

Results

Overall, 8632 serum bevacizumab concentrations from 351 patients in the PF-06439535 group and 354 patients in the bevacizumab-EU group were included in the analysis. A two-compartment model adequately described the combined data. Clearance (CL) and central volume of distribution (V1) estimates were 0.0113 L/h and 2.99 L for a typical 71-kg female patient with NSCLC administered bevacizumab-EU. CL and V1 increased with body weight and were higher in males than females even after accounting for differences in body weight. The 95% confidence intervals for the effect of drug product on CL and V1 encompassed unity.

Conclusions

The population PK of PF-06439535 and bevacizumab-EU were well characterized by a two-compartment model. Covariate analysis did not reveal any appreciable differences between PK parameters for PF-06439535 and bevacizumab-EU in patients with NSCLC.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02364999.
A Survey on Modeling Language Evolution in the New Millennium
Authors: D’Ulizia Arianna , Ferri Fernando , Grifoni Patrizia
Published: November 2019

Language is a complex evolving system and it is not a trivial task to model the dynamics of processes occurring during its evolution. Therefore, modeling language evolution has attracted the interest of several researchers giving rise to a lot of models in the literature of the last millennium. This work reviews the literature devoted to computationally represent the evolution of human language through formal models and provides an analysis of the bibliographic production and scientific impact of the surveyed language evolution models to give some conclusions about current trends and future perspectives of this research field. The survey provides also an overview of the strategies for validating and comparing the different language evolution models and how these techniques have been applied by the surveyed models.
sEVD—smartphone-navigated placement of external ventricular drains
Authors: Eisenring Christian V. , Burn Felice , Baumann Michelle , Stieglitz Lennart H. , Kockro Ralf A. , Beck Jürgen , Raabe Andreas , Oertel Markus F.
Published: November 2019

Background

Currently, the trajectory for insertion of an external ventricular drain (EVD) is mainly determined using anatomical landmarks. However, non-assisted implantations frequently require multiple attempts and are associated with EVD malpositioning and complications. The authors evaluated the feasibility and accuracy of a novel smartphone-guided, angle-adjusted technique for assisted implantations of an EVD (sEVD) in both a human artificial head model and a cadaveric head.

Methods

After computed tomography (CT), optimal insertion angles and lengths of intracranial trajectories of the EVDs were determined. A smartphone was calibrated to the mid-cranial sagittal line. Twenty EVDs were placed using both the premeasured data and smartphone-adjusted insertion angles, targeting the center of the ipsilateral ventricular frontal horn. The EVD positions were verified with post-interventional CT.

Results

All 20 sEVDs (head model, 8/20; cadaveric head, 12/20) showed accurate placement in the ipsilateral ventricle. The sEVD tip locations showed a mean target deviation of 1.73° corresponding to 12 mm in the plastic head model, and 3.45° corresponding to 33 mm in the cadaveric head. The mean duration of preoperative measurements on CT data was 3 min, whereas sterile packing, smartphone calibration, drilling, and implantation required 9 min on average.

Conclusions

By implementation of an innovative navigation technique, a conventional smartphone was used as a protractor for the insertion of EVDs. Our ex vivo data suggest that smartphone-guided EVD placement offers a precise, rapidly applicable, and patient-individualized freehand technique based on a standard procedure with a simple, cheap, and widely available multifunctional device.
Voltammetric monitoring of a solid-liquid phase transition in N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctyl-2,6-diamino-9,10-anthraquinone (TODAQ)
Authors: Ahn Sunyhik , Forder Thomas R. , Jones Matthew D. , Blackburn Richard A. R. , Fordred Paul S. , Bull Steven D. , Marken Frank
Published: November 2019

Exploratory experiments on effects from a phase transition are reported for a low-melting microcrystalline anthraquinone (N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctyl-2,6-diamino-9,10-anthraquinone or TODAQ). Data for the solid-liquid phase transition are obtained by differential scanning calorimetry and then compared to data obtained by voltammetry. In preliminary electrochemical measurements, microcrystal deposits on a basal plane pyrolytic graphite electrode are shown to undergo a solid-state 2-electron 2-proton reduction in contact to aqueous 0.1 M HClO4with a midpoint potentialEmid,solid = − 0.24 V vs. SCE. The reduction mechanism is proposed to be limited mainly by the triple phase boundary line and some transport of TODAQ molecules towards the electrode surface for both solid and melt. A change in the apparent activation energy for this reduction is observed at 69 °C, leading to an enhanced increase in reduction current with midpoint potentialEmid,liquid = − 0.36 V vs. SCE. A change of TODAQ transport along the crystal surface for solid microcrystalline material (for the solid) to diffusion within molten microdroplets (for the liquid) is proposed. Upon cooling, a transition at 60 °C back to a higher apparent activation energy is seen consistent with re-solidification of the molten phase at the electrode surface. Differential scanning calorimetry data for solid TODAQ dry and for TODAQ in contact to aqueous 0.1 M HClO4confirm these transitions.
Spatio-temporal patterns of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in relation to drinking water salinity at the district level in Bangladesh from 2016 to 2018
Authors: Pinchoff Jessie , Shamsudduha Mohammad , Hossain Sharif Mohammed Ismail , Shohag Abdullah Al Mahmud , Warren Charlotte E.
Published: November 2019

This analysis examines whether salinity in drinking water is associated with pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (PE/E), a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Bangladesh’s national health information system data were extracted at the district level (n = 64) to assess PE/E rates, and these were overlaid with three environmental measures approximating drinking water salinity, remotely sensed low-elevation coastal zone (LECZ), monthly rainfall data, and electrical conductivity of groundwater (i.e., water salinity). Results from a negative binomial fixed effects model suggest PE/E rates are higher with less rainfall (dry season), lower population density, and that district level rates of PE/E increase with higher groundwater salinity and in the high risk LECZ category closest to the coast. Results suggest that drinking water salinity may be associated with PE/E and that using national health surveillance data can improve understanding of this association. This approach can potentially be leveraged in the future to inform targeted interventions to high risk regions and times.
Mechanochemical Forces as a Synthetic Tool for Zero- and One-Dimensional Titanium Oxide-Based Nano-photocatalysts
Authors: Giannakoudakis Dimitrios A. , Chatel Gregory , Colmenares Juan Carlos
Published: November 2019

A new field where the utilization of mechanochemistry can create new opportunities is materials chemistry, and, more interestingly, the synthesis of novel nanomaterials. Ball-milling procedures and ultrasonic techniques can be regarded as the most important mechanochemical synthetic tools, since they can act as attractive alternatives to the conventional methods. It is also feasible for the utilization of mechanochemical forces to act synergistically with the conventional synthesis (as a pre-treatment step, or simultaneously during the synthesis) in order to improve the synthetic process and/or the material’s desired features. The usage of ultrasound irradiation or ball-milling treatment is found to play a crucial role in controlling and enhancing the structural, morphological, optical, and surface chemistry features that are important for heterogeneous photocatalytic practices. The focus of this article is to collect all the available examples in which the utilization of sonochemistry or ball milling had unique effects as a synthesis tool towards zero- or one-dimensional nanostructures of a semiconductor which is assumed as a benchmark in photocatalysis, titanium dioxide.

Graphical Abstract
How Moral Facts Cause Moral Progress
Authors: LUCO ANDRÉS
Published: November 2019

Morally progressive social changes seem to have taken place with the onset of democratic governance, the abolition of slavery, the rise of gender equality, and other developments. This essay attempts to demonstrate that natural and objective moral facts are a plausible cause of some morally progressive social changes. Since this hypothesis is a version of naturalistic moral realism, I call it the Naturalist-Realist Hypothesis (NRH). To support the NRH, I argue that objective moral facts are natural facts pertaining to the impartial promotion of well-being within a population of agents facing a social dilemma. I then describe a mechanism to explain how natural and objective moral facts so construed may cause some morally progressive social changes. I suggest that the NRH is a credible hypothesis because it is compatible with empirical findings from research on the evolution of moral cognition and on the sociology of mass political movements.
Assessing clinical research coordinator knowledge of good clinical practice: An evaluation of the state of the art and a test validation study
Authors: DuBois James M. , Mozersky Jessica T. , Antes Alison L. , Baldwin Kari , Jenkerson Michelle
Published: November 2019

This paper describes the development and validation of a new 32-item test of knowledge of good clinical practice (GCP) administered to 625 clinical research coordinators. GCP training is mandated by study sponsors including the US National Institutes of Health. The effectiveness of training is rarely assessed, and the lack of validated tests is an obstacle to assessment. The GCP knowledge test was developed following evaluation of two existing widely used GCP tests to ensure it accurately reflects the content of current training. The final GCP knowledge test demonstrated good reliability (α = 0.69). It is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring knowledge of GCP. The test will be useful in assessing the effectiveness of GCP training programs as well as individuals’ mastery of GCP content.
Fitting geothermal energy into the energy transition
Authors: Smith Daniel P.
Published: November 2019

This article attempts to identify the main ‘above-ground’ factors which impact on the contribution that geothermal energy can make to the Dutch Energy Transition, and to draw conclusions about these factors. Recent literature sources are used to illustrate the size of Dutch heating demand, and the part of this which can be provided by geothermal energy. Consideration is given to the impact of off-take variability over time, showing that the base-load nature of geothermal doublets acts as a restraint on the share which they can take in the energy supply. The characteristics of district heating grids are discussed. Other potential sources of heat are considered and compared.

The conclusion is that geothermal energy can provide a material contribution to the energy transition. This depends to a large extent on the existence of and design choices made for the development of district heating networks. Large size and standardisation, and the development of seasonal heat storage, are beneficial.

Unlike most other renewable sources of heat, which have alternative ‘premium’ applications such as the provision of ‘peak capacity’ or molecules for feedstock, geothermal energy is not suitable for other uses. The emission savings that it can provide will be lost if other heat sources are chosen in preference as supply for district heating, so that it makes sense that district heating infrastructure should be designed to encourage the use of geothermal energy where possible.
Treatment planning for non-small cell lung tumours: VMAT versus 3DCRT a quantitative dosimetric study
Authors: Hadj Henni Ahmed , Lauzin Yann , Pirault Nicolas , Dubos Brian , Roge Maximilien , Clarisse Perrine , Gensanne David , Thureau Sebastien
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

The dosimetric impact of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in lung cancer compared with 3D conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) is well known. However, this improvement is often associated with an increase in low doses. The aim of this study is to quantify these results more accurately.

Methods:

For each patient treated with 3DCRT, a second VMAT treatment plan was calculated. Usual dosimetric parameters such as target coverage or dose to the organs at risk were used to achieve the comparisons.

Results:

For planning target volume, homogeneity and conformity indices showed superiority of VMAT (respectively 0·07 and 0·87) compared to 3DCRT (0·11 and 0·57). For spinal cord planning organ at risk volume, the median maximum dose was 45·6 Gy in 3DCRT against 19·3 Gy in VMAT. Heart volume receiving at least 35 Gy (V35) decreased from 15·64% in 3DCRT to 8·28% in VMAT. Oesophagus V50 was higher in 3DCRT (25·45%) than in VMAT (14·03%). The mean lung dose was 17·9 Gy in 3DCRT versus 15·5 Gy in VMAT. Moreover, volumes receiving 5, 10 and 15 Gy were not significantly different between the two techniques when VMAT was performed with partial arcs.

Conclusion:

All the dosimetric parameters were improved with VMAT compared to the 3DCRT without increasing low doses when using partial arcs.
ENSO Modulation of MJO Teleconnections to the North Atlantic and Europe
Authors: Lee R. W. , Woolnough S. J. , Charlton‐Perez A. J. , Vitart F.
Published: November 2019

The teleconnection from the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) provides a source of subseasonal variability and predictability to the North Atlantic‐European (NAE) region. The El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) modulates the seasonal mean state, through which the MJO and its teleconnection pattern propagates; however, its impact on this teleconnection to the NAE region has not been investigated. Here we find a robust dependence of the teleconnections from the MJO to NAE weather regimes on the phase of ENSO. We show that the MJO to NAO+ regime tropospheric teleconnection is strongly enhanced during El Niño years, via enhanced Rossby wave activity, and suppressed during La Niña. Conversely, the MJO to NAO− regime stratospheric teleconnection is enhanced during La Niña years and suppressed during El Niño. This dependence on the background state has strong implications for subseasonal predictability, including interannual variations in subseasonal predictive skill.
Accuracy of transcutaneous bilirubin on covered skin in preterm and term newborns receiving phototherapy using a JM-105 bilirubinometer
Authors: Costa-Posada U. , Concheiro-Guisán A. , Táboas- Ledo M. F. , González-Colmenero E. , González-Durán M. L. , Suarez-Albo M. , Duran Fernández-Feijoo C. , Pumarada-Prieto M. , Martínez-Reglero Cristina , Fernández-Lorenzo J. R.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Determine the suitability of transcutaneous bilirubin (TCB) as a tool to assess the effectiveness of phototherapy on patched skin.

Study design

A prospective observational study was conducted. We covered a fragment of skin (sternum) with a photo-opaque patch. Several simultaneous TCB and TSB measurements were performed with the JM-105 bilirubinometer. Bland and Altman test evaluated the agreement between bilirubin levels.

Result

A total of 217 patients were studied, 48.8% were preterm. The mean difference between TSB and TCB before the start of treatment was 1.07 mg/dL. During phototherapy, differences on covered skin were 0.52, 0.27, and 0.39 mg/dL at 24, 48, and 72 h of therapy respectively. The best correlation was observed at 48 h in preterm infants.

Conclusion

The measurement of TCB on patched skin (PTCB) is useful for monitoring the response to phototherapy in term and preterm infants. We use a patch with a removable flap that eases successive measures without disturbing the patients.
MicroRNA-155-5p is a key regulator of allergic inflammation, modulating the epithelial barrier by targeting PKIα
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Chen Yanyan , Yuan Weiyuan , Yao Lu , Wang Siqi , Jia Zhirong , Wu Peng , Li Lianqu , Wei Pan , Wang Xiaotong , Hong Min
Published: November 2019

Recent studies have demonstrated that microRNA-155-5p (miR-155-5p) plays an essential role in the regulation of allergen-induced inflammation and is overexpressed in the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), although the mechanism is unknown. In this study, silencing miR-155-5p attenuated the thickening of the epidermis in AD model and reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells and the secretion of Th2 cytokines. Protein kinase inhibitor α (PKIα) was identified as a direct target of miR-155-5p and correlated negatively with miR-155-5p in our AD model. Fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that miR-155-5p-expressing cells were predominantly present in the epidermis. When epithelial cells were transfected with an miR-155-5p inhibitor, the expression of PKIα, occludin, and CLDN16 increased and that of TSLP decreased significantly, whereas the overexpression of miR-155-5p resulted in the opposite changes. The increased expression of PKIα and tight junction (TJ) proteins, with reduced TSLP and IL-33, was also detected in miR-155-5p-blocked mice, in both the initial and elicitation stages of AD. The expression of TJ proteins also decreased when cells were transfected with PKIα siRNA. TJ proteins increased and TSLP and IL-33 decreased significantly after the overexpression of PKIα. Our data provide the first evidence that miR-155-5p is critical for the allergic inflammation in a mouse model of AD by directly regulating PKIα and thus epithelial TJ expression. These findings suggest new therapeutic strategies that target miR-155-5p in patients with allergic disorders.
Knockdown of cytokeratin 8 overcomes chemoresistance of chordoma cells by aggravating endoplasmic reticulum stress through PERK/eIF2α arm of unfolded protein response and blocking autophagy
Authors: Wang Di , Zhang Peiran , Xu Xiaolong , Wang Jianhui , Wang Dong , Peng Pandi , Zheng Chao , Meng Qing-Jun , Yang Liu , Luo Zhuojing
Published: November 2019

Chordoma is a malignant primary osseous spinal tumor with pronounced chemoresistance. However, the mechanisms of how chordoma cells develop chemoresistance are still not fully understood. Cytokeratin 8 (KRT8) is a molecular marker of notochordal cells, from which chordoma cells were believed to be originated. In this study, we showed that either doxorubicin or irinotecan promoted KRT8 expression in both CM319 and UCH1 cell lines, accompanied by an increased unfolded protein response and autophagy activity. Then, siRNA-mediated knockdown of KRT8 chemosensitized chordoma cells in vitro. Mechanistic studies showed that knockdown of KRT8 followed by chemotherapy aggravated endoplasmic reticulum stress through PERK/eIF2α arm of unfolded protein response and blocked late-stage autophagy. Moreover, suppression of the PERK/eIF2α arm of unfolded protein response using PERK inhibitor GSK2606414 partially rescued the apoptotic chordoma cells but did not reverse the blockage of the autophagy flux. Finally, tumor xenograft model further confirmed the chemosensitizing effects of siKRT8. This study represents the first systematic investigation into the role of KRT8 in chemoresistance of chordoma and our results highlight a possible strategy of targeting KRT8 to overcome chordoma chemoresistance.
The long non-coding RNA HOXB-AS3 regulates ribosomal RNA transcription in NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Papaioannou Dimitrios , Petri Andreas , Dovey Oliver M. , Terreri Sara , Wang Eric , Collins Frances A. , Woodward Lauren A. , Walker Allison E. , Nicolet Deedra , Pepe Felice , Kumchala Prasanthi , Bill Marius , Walker Christopher J. , Karunasiri Malith , Mrózek Krzysztof , Gardner Miranda L. , Camilotto Virginia , Zitzer Nina , Cooper Jonathan L. , Cai Xiongwei , Rong-Mullins Xiaoqing , Kohlschmidt Jessica , Archer Kellie J. , Freitas Michael A. , Zheng Yi , Lee Robert J. , Aifantis Iannis , Vassiliou George , Singh Guramrit , Kauppinen Sakari , Bloomfield Clara D. , Dorrance Adrienne M. , Garzon Ramiro
Published: November 2019

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulatory molecules that are implicated in cellular physiology and pathology. In this work, we dissect the functional role of theHOXB-AS3lncRNA in patients withNPM1-mutated (NPM1mut) acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We show thatHOXB-AS3regulates the proliferative capacity ofNPM1mut AML blasts in vitro and in vivo.HOXB-AS3is shown to interact with the ErbB3-binding protein 1 (EBP1) and guide EBP1 to the ribosomal DNA locus. Via this mechanism,HOXB-AS3regulates ribosomal RNA transcription and de novo protein synthesis. We propose that in the context ofNPM1mutations,HOXB-AS3overexpression acts as a compensatory mechanism, which allows adequate protein production in leukemic blasts.
LncRNA REG1CP promotes tumorigenesis through an enhancer complex to recruit FANCJ helicase for REG3A transcription
Authors: Yari Hamed , Jin Lei , Teng Liu , Wang Yufang , Wu Yongyan , Liu Guang Zhi , Gao Wei , Liang Jin , Xi Yanfeng , Feng Yu Chen , Zhang Chunming , Zhang Yuan Yuan , Tabatabaee Hessam , La Ting , Yang Rui Hong , Wang Fu Hua , Yan Xu Guang , Farrelly Margaret , Scott Rodney , Liu Tao , Thorne Rick F. , Guo Su Tang , Zhang Xu Dong
Published: November 2019

Protein products of the regenerating islet-derived (REG) gene family are important regulators of many cellular processes. Here we functionally characterise a non-protein coding product of the family, the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) REG1CP that is transcribed from a DNA fragment at the family locus previously thought to be a pseudogene. REG1CP forms an RNA–DNA triplex with a homopurine stretch at the distal promoter of the REG3A gene, through which the DNA helicase FANCJ is tethered to the core promoter of REG3A where it unwinds double stranded DNA and facilitates a permissive state for glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα)-mediated REG3A transcription. As such, REG1CP promotes cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenicity and its upregulation is associated with poor outcome of patients. REG1CP is also transcriptionally inducible by GRα, indicative of feedforward regulation. These results reveal the function and regulation of REG1CP and suggest that REG1CP may constitute a target for cancer treatment.
m6A in mRNA coding regions promotes translation via the RNA helicase-containing YTHDC2
Authors: Mao Yuanhui , Dong Leiming , Liu Xiao-Min , Guo Jiayin , Ma Honghui , Shen Bin , Qian Shu-Bing
Published: November 2019

Dynamic mRNA modification in the form of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) adds considerable richness and sophistication to gene regulation. The m6A mark is asymmetrically distributed along mature mRNAs, with approximately 35% of m6A residues located within the coding region (CDS). It has been suggested that methylation in CDS slows down translation elongation. However, neither the decoding feature of endogenous mRNAs nor the physiological significance of CDS m6A has been clearly defined. Here, we found that CDS m6A leads to ribosome pausing in a codon-specific manner. Unexpectedly, removing CDS m6A from these transcripts results in a further decrease of translation. A systemic analysis of RNA structural datasets revealed that CDS m6A positively regulates translation by resolving mRNA secondary structures. We further demonstrate that the elongation-promoting effect of CDS methylation requires the RNA helicase-containing m6A reader YTHDC2. Our findings established the physiological significance of CDS methylation and uncovered non-overlapping function of m6A reader proteins.
Global scenarios for significant water use
reduction in thermal power plants based on cooling water demand
estimation using satellite imagery
Authors: Lohrmann Alena , Farfan Javier , Caldera Upeksha , Lohrmann Christoph , Breyer Christian
Published: November 2019

Connecting research on the water demand of power plants
with mitigation strategies for energy-based water use is an
important step to ensure global water and energy security, and thus
provide more sustainable use of both. Here, we assess the water
footprint of 13,863 thermal power plants units with a total active
capacity of 4,182 GW worldwide and give an estimate of the current
water demand for power production at four different levels—global,
regional, country and river. Furthermore, we provide a projection
for the energy transition period towards a net zero greenhouse gas
emissions economy by 2050. In particular, we show that by following
a ‘Best Policies Scenario’ the water consumption of global power
plants can be decreased by about 98%, and water withdrawal by 95% by
2050. Therefore, the suggested pathway provides one potential
solution to the problem of water depletion that results from the
water-energy nexus.
Complete genome sequence of Sphingomonas paucimobilis AIMST S2, a xenobiotic-degrading bacterium
Authors: Ravintheran Suganniiya K. , Sivaprakasam Sumitra , Loke Stella , Lee Su Yin , Manickam Ravichandran , Yahya Adibah , Croft Lawrence , Millard Andrew , Parimannan Sivachandran , Rajandas Heera
Published: November 2019

Complete genomes of xenobiotic-degrading microorganisms provide valuable resources for researchers to understand molecular mechanisms involved in bioremediation. Despite the well-known ability of Sphingomonas paucimobilis to degrade persistent xenobiotic compounds, a complete genome sequencing is lacking for this organism. In line with this, we report the first complete genome sequence of Sphingomonas paucimobilis (strain AIMST S2), an organophosphate and hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium isolated from oil-polluted soil at Kedah, Malaysia. The genome was derived from a hybrid assembly of short and long reads generated by Illumina HiSeq and MinION, respectively. The assembly resulted in a single contig of 4,005,505 bases which consisted of 3,612 CDS and 56 tRNAs. An array of genes involved in xenobiotic degradation and plant-growth promoters were identified, suggesting its’ potential role as an effective microorganism in bioremediation and agriculture. Having reported the first complete genome of the species, this study will serve as a stepping stone for comparative genome analysis of Sphingomonas strains and other xenobiotic-degrading microorganisms as well as gene expression studies in organophosphate biodegradation.
A chromosome-level genome assembly of the Chinese tupelo Nyssa sinensis
Authors: Yang Xuchen , Kang Minghui , Yang Yanting , Xiong Haifeng , Wang Mingcheng , Zhang Zhiyang , Wang Zefu , Wu Haolin , Ma Tao , Liu Jianquan , Xi Zhenxiang
Published: November 2019

The deciduous Chinese tupelo (Nyssa sinensis Oliv.) is a popular ornamental tree for the spectacular autumn leaf color. Here, using single-molecule sequencing and chromosome conformation capture data, we report a high-quality, chromosome-level genome assembly of N. sinensis. PacBio long reads were de novo assembled into 647 polished contigs with a total length of 1,001.42 megabases (Mb) and an N50 size of 3.62 Mb, which is in line with genome sizes estimated using flow cytometry and the k-mer analysis. These contigs were further clustered and ordered into 22 pseudo-chromosomes based on Hi-C data, matching the chromosome counts in Nyssa obtained from previous cytological studies. In addition, a total of 664.91 Mb of repetitive elements were identified and a total of 37,884 protein-coding genes were predicted in the genome of N. sinensis. All data were deposited in publicly available repositories, and should be a valuable resource for genomics, evolution, and conservation biology.