bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wnt signaling dynamics in head and neck squamous cell cancer tumor‐stroma interactions
Authors: Le Phuong N. , Keysar Stephen B. , Miller Bettina , Eagles Justin R. , Chimed Tugs‐Saikhan , Reisinger Julie , Gomez Karina E. , Nieto Cera , Jackson Brian C. , Somerset Hilary L. , Morton John J. , Wang Xiao‐Jing , Jimeno Antonio
Published: October 2018

Wnt pathway activation maintains the cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype and promotes tumor progression, making it an attractive target for anti‐cancer therapy. Wnt signaling at the tumor and tumor microenvironment (TME) front have not been investigated in depth in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In a cohort of 48 HNSCCs, increased Wnt signaling, including Wnt genes (AXIN2, LGR6, WISP1) and stem cell factors (RET, SOX5, KIT), were associated with a more advanced clinical stage. Key Wnt pathway proteins were most abundant at the cancer epithelial‐stromal boundary. To investigate these observations, we generated three pairs of cancer‐cancer associated fibroblast (CAF) cell lines derived from the same HNSCC patients. 3D co‐culture of cancer spheres and CAFs mimicked these in vivo interactions, and using these we observed increased expression of Wnt genes (eg, WNT3A, WNT7A, WNT16) in both compartments. Of these Wnt ligands, we found Wnt3a, and less consistently Wnt16, activated Wnt signaling in both cancer cells and CAFs. Wnt activation increased CSC characteristics like sphere formation and invasiveness, which was further regulated by the presence of CAFs. Time lapse microscopy also revealed preferential Wnt activation of cancer cells. Wnt inhibitors, OMP‐18R5 and OMP‐54F28, significantly reduced growth of HNSCC patient‐derived xenografts and suppressed Wnt activation at the tumor epithelial‐stromal boundary. Taken together, our findings suggest that Wnt signaling is initiated in cancer cells which then activate CAFs, and in turn perpetuate a paracrine signaling loop. This suggests that targeting Wnt signaling in the TME is essential.
Policy capturing in small‐group decision making: Using linear programming to assign factor weights for the NCAA Selection Committee's ranking decisions in the 2016 through 2018 men's basketball tournaments
Authors: Reinig Bruce A. , Horowitz Ira
Published: October 2018

We present a general approach for applying policy capturing to small‐group decision making and demonstrate the approach with the NCAA Selection Committee's rankings of the 68 teams in the three most recent Division I Men's Basketball Tournaments. We develop a linear programming model that minimizes the extent to which the evaluation of a lower‐ranked team exceeds that of a team ranked immediately above it. The result is a set of linear weights that approximates a group decision when the decision itself is demonstrably internally inconsistent in that a group ranks some teams higher than others despite a lower implied evaluation.
Motor cortical excitability during voluntary inhibition of involuntary tic movements
Authors: Ganos Christos , Rocchi Lorenzo , Latorre Anna , Hockey Leanne , Palmer Clare , Joyce Eileen M. , Bhatia Kailash P. , Haggard Patrick , Rothwell John
Published: October 2018

Background: Tics can be voluntarily inhibited. However, the neurophysiology of voluntary tic inhibition remains underexplored. The objective of this study was to explore state‐dependent effects of voluntary tic inhibition on M1 excitability.

Methods: Neurophysiological assessments (single motor‐evoked potentials, corticospinal recruitment curves, short‐interval intracortical inhibition, H‐reflex) were performed in 14 adults with Tourette syndrome during voluntary tic inhibition and free ticcing. Regressions between behavioral performance and neurophysiological measures were also performed.

Results: Voluntary tic inhibition reduced corticospinal excitability: the greater the ability to inhibit tics, the greater was the reduction in excitability. Voluntary tic inhibition was not associated with changes in the excitability of short‐interval intracortical inhibition or the H‐reflex.

Conclusions: Voluntary inhibition of tics reduces the excitability of corticospinal output. The pattern of neurophysiological findings is consistent with a withdrawal of excitation, but not with modulation of the inhibitory interneuronal mechanisms involved in short‐interval intracortical inhibition. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Modeling the transmission dynamics of Zika with sterile insect technique
Authors: Danbaba Usman A. , Garba Salisu M.
Published: October 2018

A deterministic model for the transmission dynamics of Zika is designed and rigorously analysed. A model consisting of mutually exclusive compartments representing the human and mosquito dynamics takes into account both direct (human‐human) and indirect modes of transmissions. The basic offspring number of the mosquito population is computed and condition for existence and stability of equilibria is investigated. Using the centre manifold theory, the model (with and without direct transmission) is shown to exhibit the phenomenon of backward bifurcation (where a locally asymptotically stable disease free equilibrium coexists with a locally asymptotically stable endemic equilibrium) whenever the associated reproduction number is less than unity. The study shows that the models with and without direct transmission exhibit the same qualitative dynamics with respect to the local stability of their associated disease‐free equilibrium and backward bifurcation phenomenon. The main cause of the backward bifurcation is identified as Zika induced mortality in humans. Sensitivity (local and global) analysis of the model parameters are conducted to identify crucial parameters that influence the dynamics of the disease. Analysis of the model shows that an increase in the mating rate with sterile mosquito decreases the mosquito population. Numerical simulations, using parameter values relevant to the transmission dynamics of Zika are carried out to support some of the main theoretical findings.
Painlevé transcendents and the Hankel determinants generated by a discontinuous Gaussian weight
Authors: Min Chao , Chen Yang
Published: October 2018

This paper studies the Hankel determinants generated by a discontinuous Gaussian weight with one and two jumps. It is an extension in a previous study, in which they studied the discontinuous Gaussian weight with a single jump. By using the ladder operator approach, we obtain a series of difference and differential equations to describe the Hankel determinant for the single jump case. These equations include the Chazy II equation, continuous and discrete Painlevé IV. In addition, we consider the largenbehavior of the corresponding orthogonal polynomials and prove that they satisfy the biconfluent Heun equation. We also consider the jump at the edge under a double scaling, from which a Painlevé XXXIV appeared. Furthermore, we study the Gaussian weight with two jumps and show that a quantity related to the Hankel determinant satisfies a two variables' generalization of the Jimbo‐Miwa‐Okamotoσ‐form of the Painlevé IV.
A compact decagonal‐shaped UWB monopole planar antenna with truncated ground plane
Authors: Ali Tanweer , Subhash B. K. , Pathan Sameena , Biradar Rajashekhar C.
Published: October 2018

A compact (35 × 35 × 1.6 mm3) decagonal shaped ultrawideband (UWB) antenna that gives wide impedance bandwidth of >139% (2.3‐12.8 GHz), 1.7‐5 dBi gain, good time domain characteristics and average efficiency >88% is proposed. UWB operation in the proposed design is accomplished by using truncation at the ground plane. Simulated results are in good agreement with the measured results.
Innovating the Future of Water at ACE18 and Beyond
Authors: Moore Randy
Published: October 2018

The theme for ACE18 in Las Vegas was innovation, and AWWA really delivered. ACE18 offered the largest number of sessions dedicated to innovation ever. There were several innovation‐ focused technical sessions as well as an expanded Innovation Lounge in the exhibit hall.
Transparency as transparagency—New “meaning” for new contexts
Authors: Pečarič Mirko
Published: October 2018

A literature review was undertaken to find how transparency is connected to different models of governance. This paper addresses transparency in a wider sense than usual and claims its recognition from the systemic point of view. With this goal in mind, Wittgenstein's language games were used to show that transparency means what practice shows it is to regain its meaning in the never‐ending circle. On this basis, a new notion of transparency is proposed: transparagency, which connects knowing, understanding, acting, and evaluating under a new umbrella term. On the basis of Google Trends, the paper exposes a link between transparency and freedom of expression that is contrary to common understanding—Transparency is ensured more when people talk about it less.
Integrated analysis of long‐term growth and bone development in pediatric and adolescent patients receiving bevacizumab
Authors: Müller Hermann L. , Merks Johannes H.M. , Geoerger Birgit , Grill Jacques , Hargrave Darren , Glade Bender Julia , Gururangan Sridharan , Navid Fariba , Johnston Michael , Bachir Jeanette , Elze Markus C. , Fürst‐Recktenwald Sabine
Published: October 2018

Background

We conducted an integrated analysis of clinical data to describe long‐term effects of bevacizumab on growth and bone development in pediatric and adolescent patients with solid tumors.

Procedure

Clinical data were pooled from five phase I/II trials of bevacizumab versus chemotherapy: BERNIE, HERBY, and AVF4117s enrolled newly diagnosed patients, AVF3842s and AVF2771s enrolled patients with relapsed/refractory disease. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and bone‐age data were pooled by treatment group. Growth charts were used to track and monitor growth in relation to a reference population of healthy children. Bone age was measured based on X‐ray of the left hand and wrist. Analyses were exploratory/descriptive.

Results

Overall, 268 patients received bevacizumab ± chemotherapy and 135 received chemotherapy alone. Baseline characteristics were generally balanced. Median duration of long‐term follow‐up was 41.8 months (range, 2.4‐75.1) with bevacizumab and 22.9 months (range, 2.8‐69.2) with chemotherapy alone. Patients had age‐appropriate baseline height and weight. Mean height and weight percentiles decreased over time in both treatment groups, but remained within the normal range (height: mean standard deviation score [SDS] range −2 to +3; weight: mean SDS range −2 to +1). Similar trends were seen in BMI. A tendency for reduced growth velocity relative to the reference population was observed at 6 months and 1 year in both groups, but there was no additional decrease for patients receiving bevacizumab.

Conclusion

Bevacizumab did not appear to have additional negative effects on growth or development of pediatric and adolescent patients with solid tumors.
Design and development of non‐perfluorinated ionic polymer metal composite‐based flexible link manipulator for robotics assembly
Authors: Jain Ravi Kant , Khan Ajahar , Inamuddin  , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: November 2018

In this article, a noble ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) based on sulfonated polyvinyl alcohol (SPVA) and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrachloro aluminate (IL) with deposited Pt was fabricated and used to develop flexible link manipulator. The proposed IPMC was fabricated by simple solution casting method using SPVA and IL with deposited Pt metal by electroless plating method. Herein, SPVA polymer membrane acts as a medium for metal ion migration, and the Pt act as the surface conductive electrode on both sides of the membrane surface. Experimental characterizations such as scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry, load characterization, and actuation performance confirm the excellent electrochemical and electromechanical response as compared with the other reported IPMCs. This method of fabrication exhibits significant advantages, such as the easy process of fabrication using non‐toxic materials. A two‐link flexible manipulator was developed, where the electromechanical behavior of polymer‐based actuator provides an important step for robotic assembly. This shows the potential of flexible compliant fingers and joints in flexible link manipulator for robotic assembly. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2582–2593, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Enhancing the dispersion and adhesion of short aramid fibers in bromo‐isobutylene‐isoprene rubber using maleated polybutadiene resin via co‐vulcanization with 4, 4’ bis(maleimido)diphenylmethane
Authors: Gopi Sathi Shibulal , Kim Hakhyun , Seong Yoonjae , Kang Gilyang , Nah Changwoon
Published: November 2018

Composites based on brominated isobutylene‐isoprene rubber (BIIR) and 5‐mm short aramid fiber were prepared by varying the fiber content from 1 to 10 phr using 4, 4’ bismaleimido diphenyl methane (BMDM) and zinc oxide as the vulcanizing agent. Morphological analysis revealed that the fiber dispersion becomes inferior even at 5 phr loading due to fibrillation during mixing. As a result, the 10 phr fiber‐filled composite showed a brittle failure under a tensile deformation. To solve this problem, maleic anhydride‐grafted polybutadiene (MA‐g‐PB) resin was treated with the aramid fibers in the 1:1 ratio prior to mixing with the rubber matrix. Excellent fiber dispersion could be seen in both the visual image of the molded sheet and the scanning electron microscope image of the fractured surface. The stress–strain curve of the 10 phr fiber‐filled composite after the resin treatment showed a tough deformation behavior with a breaking elongation >100% indicating an enhanced fiber‐matrix adhesion. From the vulcanization studies of the fiber‐filled BIIR before and after the MA‐g‐PB resin treatment, it has been identified that a co‐crosslinking reaction between the MA‐g‐PB‐treated fiber and the BIIR matrix with BMDM via Alder‐ene and Diels‐Alder reactions is responsible for the enhanced fiber–matrix adhesion. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2993–3004, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of thermally reduced graphene oxides obtained at different temperatures on the barrier and mechanical properties of polypropylene/TRGO and polyamide‐6/TRGO nanocomposites
Authors: Gómez Moisés , Díaz Alexis , Reyes Paula , Yazdani‐Pedram Mehrdad , Bohrz Nachtigall Sônia Marlí , Palza Humberto , Quijada Raúl
Published: October 2018

Polypropylene (PP) and polyamide‐6 (PA6) nanocomposites containing thermally reduced graphene oxide (TRGO), obtained either at 600°C (TRGO600) or 800°C (TRGO800), were prepared by melt mixing in order to study the effect of the thermal treatments on their barrier and mechanical properties. Transmission electron microscopy images of nanocomposites showed a relative good dispersion of TRGO in polymer matrices with some agglomerations. Differential scanning calorimetry analyses showed a slight reduction in crystallinity for both polymers in the presence of TRGO. The permeability to oxygen and water vapor was decreased in almost all nanocomposites due to a more tortuous path to gas permeation, being more evident for PP/TRGO800. Tensile stress–strain tests showed that all nanocomposites had higher elastic modulus, but PA6/TRGO600 nanocomposites showed better mechanical properties. These findings indicated that TRGO obtained at a higher temperature imparts better barrier and mechanical properties to PP, while TRGO obtained at a lower temperature imparts better barrier and mechanical properties to PA6. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1746–E1756, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Hierarchical Porous Carbon Cathode for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries Using Carbon Derived from Hybrid Materials Synthesized by Twin Polymerization
Authors: Choudhury Soumyadip , Ebert Thomas , Windberg Tina , Seifert Andreas , Göbel Michael , Simon Frank , Formanek Petr , Stamm Manfred , Spange Stefan , Ionov Leonid
Published: October 2018

A new route of fabrication of cathodes for lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries with high cycle stability is reported. The cathodes are fabricated using porous carbon materials obtained from hybrid materials synthesized by twin polymerization on sulfonated polystyrene microparticles. The sulfonic acid groups act as room temperature catalyst for twin polymerization resulting in the formation of nanostructured phenolic resin/silica hybrid materials on the surface of sulfonated polystyrene particles. The shell formed by phenolic resin is transformed into carbon by simple pyrolysis and the polystyrene core is decomposed simultaneously at the pyrolysis temperature yielding porous carbon/silica nanocomposite hollow spheres. After silica removal, a hierarchical, highly porous carbon is obtained. Melt mixing of the carbon with sulfur is used for the fabrication of cathodes for Li–S batteries. The presence of silica on one hand imposes strength to the sphere wall during the carbonization and depolymerization of polystyrene, and on the other hand generates microporous carbon material for lithium–sulfur batteries. The nanostructured hybrid cathode allows very high capacity of 800–1000 mAh gsulfur
−1 and remarkable reversible cycling stability and rate capability over 200 cycles at 0.1C rate and over 440 cycles at 1C rate for Li–S batteries.
Targeted Live Cell Raman Imaging and Visualization of Cancer Biomarkers with Thermal‐Stimuli Responsive Imprinted Nanoprobes
Authors: Zhang Tong , Qin Yating , Tan Tianwei , Lv Yongqin
Published: October 2018

Precise visualization of cancer biomarkers within live cells is significantly vital in oncology that requires techniques with high specificity and selectivity. Herein, a new imprinted plasmonic nanoprobe with thermosensitivity is fabricated, which features multifunctional roles as an “artificial antibody” for the active targeting of cancer biomarkers triggered by temperature and can also achieve their in situ Raman detection and imaging within living cells. A thiol‐containing poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) linear polymer is first synthesized using reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization followed by further reduction with NaBH4 to produce free thiol groups at one end. Then, plasmonic nanoprobes are constructed by creating protein‐imprinted poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) self‐assembled monolayers on the surface of gold nanorods. High specificity and selectivity are demonstrated for the target protein, with an extracellular Raman detection limit of 10−14 mol L−1. Thermally responsive behavior is achieved by modulating the external temperature. The plasmonic properties enable in situ live cell intracellular Raman detection and imaging of endogenous cancer biomarker epidermal growth factor receptor. This technique offers significant promise for visualizing cancer biomarkers and monitoring molecular mechanisms both in vitro and in vivo, which are significant in clinical diagnosis and medical theranostics.
Assessing herbicide symptoms by using a logarithmic field sprayer
Authors: Cunha Beatriz Ribeiro da , Andreasen Christian , Rasmussen Jesper , Nielsen Jon , Ritz Christian , Streibig Jens Carl
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

In field experiments, assessment of herbicide selectivity and efficacy rarely takes advantage of dose–response regressions. The objective is to demonstrate that logarithmic sprayers, which automatically make a logarithmic dilution of a herbicide rate, can extract biologically relevant parameters describing the efficacy of herbicides in crops, and compare localities and time of assessment.

RESULTS

In a conventional and an organic field, canola, white mustard, and no crop plots were sprayed with diflufenican and beflubutamid. A mixed effect log‐logistic dose–response regression, with autoregressive correlation structure, estimated ED50 and ED90 for visual and Excess Green Index symptoms at various days after treatment (DAT). For visual assessment, ED50 differed within no crop between locations for beflubutamid at 12 DAT and 26 DAT. For diflufenican, the ED50 was different within crops at the two fields at 12 DAT, but not at 26 DAT. The Excess Green Indices at ED50 were not different among herbicides, locations, and corps; ED90 differed for white mustard and canola for beflubutamid but not for diflufenican.

CONCLUSION

Suitable nonlinear regression models are now available for fitting dose–response data from a logarithmic sprayer in field experiments. The derived parameters (e.g. ED50) can compare selectivity and efficacy at numerous cropping systems. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Structure and Electrical Properties of Morphotropic Phase Boundary (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3‐PbTiO3‐Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3 Ternary System
Authors: Sun Renbing , Wang Fang , Feng Tangfu , Kong Fengyu , Luo Haosu
Published: October 2018

The xBi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3‐(0.86−x)(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3‐0.14PbTiO3 (xBMT‐(0.86−x)NBT‐0.14PT) (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10, 0.20) ternary solid solution ceramics are fabricated using a conventional solid‐state reaction method. The effect of tetragonality of tetragonal phase and local structure on the dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties is systematically investigated for the compositions near morphotropic phase boundary (MPB). The curves ϵ(T) for unpoled x = 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 samples exhibit three dielectric anomalies upon heating. With increasing the BMT content, c/a ratio of the tetragonal phase slightly decreases, and the structure turns into pseudocubic phase. The largest values of d33 and Pr are obtained for x = 0.10 sample, being about twice as much as that of the 86NBT‐14PT sample, which can be attributed to the emergence of the nanostructure.
Development of Bi‐Stretch Auxetic Woven Fabrics Based on Re‐Entrant Hexagonal Geometry
Authors: Zulifqar Adeel , Hu Hong
Published: October 2018

This paper reports a development of bi‐stretch auxetic woven fabrics by using non‐auxetic yarns and weaving technology. The fabric structure is first designed based on a re‐entrant hexagonal geometry by combination of loose weave and tight weave in a woven fabric structure, and then fabricated on a rapier weaving machine by using both non‐elastic and elastic yarns. Two variations of the fabric are produced by using different elastic yarn arrangement in weft direction. The designed auxetic geometry is finally achieved after a washing process due to creation of non‐uniform contraction or shrinkage profiles within the fabric structural unit cell. The testing results showed that the developed fabrics exhibit negative Poisson ratio effect in both weft and warp directions in a large range of tensile strain.
The relationship between the phosphate and structural carbonate fractionation of fallow deer bioapatite in tooth enamel
Authors: Miller Holly , Chenery Carolyn , Lamb Angela L. , Sloane Hilary , Carden Ruth F. , Atici Levent , Sykes Naomi
Published: October 2018

Rationale

The species‐specific relationship between phosphate (δ18OP values) and structural carbonate (δ18OC values) oxygen isotope ratios has been established for several modern and fossil animal species but until now it has not been investigated in European fallow deer (Dama dama dama). This study describes the relationship between phosphate and structural carbonate bioapatite in tooth enamel of extant fallow deer, which will help us further understand the species' unique environmental and cultural history.

Methods

The oxygen isotope composition of phosphate (δ18OP value) and structural carbonate (δ18OC value) of hydroxylapatite was determined in 51 modern fallow deer tooth enamel samples from across Europe and West Asia. The δ18OC values were measured on a GV IsoPrime dual‐inlet mass spectrometer and the δ18OP values on a temperature‐controlled elemental analyser (TC/EA) coupled to a DeltaPlus XL isotope ratio mass spectrometer via a ConFlo III interface.

Results

This study establishes a direct and linear relationship between the δ18OC and δ18OP values from fallow deer tooth enamel (δ18OC = +9.244(±0.216) + 0.958 * δ18OP (±0.013)). Despite the successful regression, the variation in δ18O values from samples collected in the same geographical area is greater than expected, although the results cluster in broad climatic groupings when Koppen‐Geiger classifications are taken into account for the individuals' locations.

Conclusions

This is the first comprehensive study of the relationship between ionic forms of oxygen (phosphate oxygen and structural carbonate) in fallow deer dental enamel. The new equation will allow direct comparison with other herbivore data. Variable δ18O values within populations of fallow deer broadly reflect the ecological zones they are found in which may explain this pattern of results in other euryphagic species.
A general‐purpose task execution framework for manipulation mission of the 2017 Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge
Authors: Hong Jun , Jung Seokwoo , Jung Chanyoung , Jung Jiwon , Shim David Hyunchul
Published: October 2018

This paper presents the hardware and software of our team's EurecarBot for Challenge 2 in the 2017 Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge (MBZIRC). Fully automating our robots actions in a real environment required many component technologies for manipulation and vision processing. To perform the complex robotic missions, we developed a task execution framework, which provides a high‐level interface to specify the given tasks. In this study, we focus on the valve operation problem, which was the hardest part of the competition. We also discuss how we overcame the various problems caused by differences between the experimental and the actual competition environments. EurecarBot completed the valve operation mission perfectly in the MBZIRC Grand Challenge and ranked fourth in Challenge 2 and fifth in the Grand Challenge.
Deformation Behavior of Particle Reinforced TRIP Steel/MgPSZ Composite at Hot Working Temperatures
Authors: Kirschner Markus , Eckner Ralf , Guk Sergey , Krüger Lutz , Kawalla Rudolf , Prahl Ulrich
Published: October 2018

Forming processes such as rolling or forging require detailed knowledge of the flow of the stress and deformation behavior at hot working conditions. Therefore, the deformation behavior of 16‐7‐6 CrMnNi TRIP steel with 30 vol% MgPSZ composite is studied by hot‐compression tests at a strain rate of 1 s−1. And highly particle reinforced TRIP‐Matrix‐Composite in a temperature range between 700 and 1200 °C show obvious changes in the flow curve behavior. At 700 °C, a step like shape with plateaus is clearly pronounced. With increasing temperature, this effect is not observed but the flow curves are shifted to lower stresses. Furthermore, dynamic recrystallization is observed above 800 °C deformation temperature. To identify the deformation mechanisms as well as the failure mechanisms, the microstructure evolution is studied at 700 °C for different strain values. The microstructure is investigated using light‐optical and secondary electron microscopy (SEM). Local damage by particle fracture and void formation around particles is evident during deformation. Remarkably, the ceramic particles reorient with increasing strain to form a certain banding and therefore a structural anisotropy.
Chemical Control System of Epigenetics
Authors: Vaijayanthi Thangavel , Pandian Ganesh N. , Sugiyama Hiroshi
Published: October 2018

Epigenetics represents the inheritable changes to the chemical control system governing the gene expression with no ensuing changes to the underlying DNA sequence. Environment‐mediated modification of the natural epigenetic interactions can perturb the cellular homeostasis and drive cells to a diseased state by switching therapeutically essential genes ON and OFF. Contemporary bioinformatics tools have revealed the structural chemical modifications of the epigenetic enzymes associated with several complex diseases, including cancers, immune disorders, and neurodegenerative disorders at the fundamental level. The amenable nature of the epigenetic enzymes to chemical modifications aided the screening and identification of synthetic small‐molecule inhibitors. Continuing the current steady progress in the development of these small‐molecule inhibitors as ‘epi‐drugs’ in preclinical studies requires further advances to enable existing clinical barriers to be overcome. Recently, an epigenetic modifier complemented with selective DNA‐binding small molecules was shown to function as an artificial biomimetic epigenetic code. Herein, we summarize the chemical aspects of the natural epigenetic control system and detail the recent advances in the synthetic strategies to mimic the genetic and epigenetic control system.
Leaching of the different forms of nitrogen by the application of poultry litter, swine waste, and mineral nitrogen on corn cultures (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Rosa Genesio Mario da , Gabriel Márcia , da Silva Juliano Cesar , Mendonça Angela Maria , Junior Jefferson Alves Costa , Wastowski Arci Dirceu
Published: October 2018

Agricultural, livestock management, and industrial activities have the potential to cause high levels of contamination to the soil, surface water, and groundwater as a result of accidental or deliberate discharges of pollutants to the environment. In this study, we evaluated the contamination of groundwater by various forms of leached nitrogen (total N, ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite) arising from the application of poultry litter, swine waste, and mineral nitrogen (urea) to the soil. The study was conducted using a set of drainage lysimeters in the experimental area of UFSM, Frederico Westphalen Campus (RS), Brazil. In this study, the use of swine waste and urea as nitrogen sources shows high leaching of ammonia (N‐NH3+) and total nitrogen (total N) in drainage water in relation to the nitrogen supplied by poultry litter. Comparing the values of ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and total nitrogen percolates in the soil with the Maximum Permissible Values allowed by Brazilian law, Res.357/2005‐–the Brazilian National Environmental Council and Ministry of Health Ordinance 2914/2011, it was observed that all analyzed applications of fertilizers resulted in values that exceeded the maximum allowed waste limits. Therefore, the results obtained in this paper regarding the different sources of nitrogen fertilization used on agricultural soils released potentially toxic concentrations of nitrogenous residues that leached through the soil, creating the potential for serious human and animal health effects, such as methemoglobinemia, as the total nitrogen contents released from each fertilization treatment appeared to percolate through the soil layers and into the groundwater, polluting water sources for both human consumption and agricultural production.
Solar spectral properties of PVC plastisol‐based films filled with various fillers
Authors: Jaoua‐Bahloul Hend , Varieras Didier , Beyou Emmanuel
Published: October 2018

Plastisol is mostly a suspension of PVC particles in a liquid plasticizer that flows as a liquid and can be poured into a heated mold. For PVC plastisol applications, in addition to liquid dispersion performance and post‐dispersion flocculation resistance, outdoor durability is an important end use requirement. Spectral properties of PVC plastisol‐based films with or without additional near infrared (NIR) rays barrier fillers have been investigated. Both spherical and lamellar fillers have been incorporated in PVC plastisol at a weight content of 2% to 10% and results show a high impact on the reflectance in the NIR region and on the transmittance in the visible (Vis) region. Experimental results showed that the incorporation of nacre lamellar‐based filler in PVC plastisol did not permit favorably change its spectral properties while TiO2‐based particles ensured a decrease of the transmittance in the Vis and an increase of the reflectance in the NIR. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:E188–E194, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Analysis of gyroscope system sliding mode control in a target seeking and tracking process
Authors: Krzysztofik Izabela
Published: October 2018

The task of a homing head of an anti‐aircraft short‐range missile is to determine the position of the missile relative to a target. The most modern missiles use scanning heads. The propelling element of such a head in the paper is a gyroscope system. Disturbance acting on a gyroscope system cause its deviations from the set direction. In order to ensure precise and stable target tracking by a head, it is important to optimally select the gyroscope system control parameters, which enables mitigating the impact of such disturbance on the positioning accuracy of its axis. The paper suggests and implements a sliding mode controller in a gyroscope system, used for target seeking and tracking. Tests comparing a control system with a PD controller with optimal parameters and with a sliding mode controller were performed in a Matlab/Simulink environment. Selected test results were shown in graphic form.
Symmetric ϵ- and (ϵ + 1/2)-forms and quadratic constraints in “elliptic” sectors.
Authors: Lee Roman N.
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Within the differential equation method for multiloop calculations, we examine the systems irreducible to ϵ-form. We argue that for many cases of such systems it is possible to obtain nontrivial quadratic constraints on the coefficients of ϵ-expansion of their homogeneous solutions. These constraints are the direct consequence of the existence of symmetric (ϵ+1/2)-form of the homogeneous differential system, i.e., the form where the matrix in the right-hand side is symmetric and its ϵ-dependence is localized in the overall factor (ϵ + 1/2). The existence of such a form can be constructively checked by available methods and seems to be common to many irreducible systems, which we demonstrate on several examples. The obtained constraints provide a nontrivial insight on the structure of general solution in the case of the systems irreducible to ϵ-form. For the systems reducible to ϵ-form we also observe the existence of symmetric form and derive the corresponding quadratic constraints.
False vacuum decay in kink scattering
Authors: Gomes Adalto R. , Simas F. C. , Nobrega K. Z. , Avelino P. P.
Published: October 2018

Abstract

In this work we consider kink-antikink and antikink-kink collisions in a modified ϕ
4 model with a false vacuum characterized by a dimensionless parameter ϵ. The usual ϕ
4 model is recovered for ϵ = 0. We investigate the ϵ ≪ 1 regime where the kink in the presence of false vacuum can be understood as a small deformation of the standard kink for the ϕ
4 model. We show that the attractive interaction between the kink-antikink pair leads to a rich scattering pattern, in some cases delaying considerably the false vacuum decay.
Revising Infant Mortality Rates for the Early Twentieth Century United States
Authors: Eriksson Katherine , Niemesh Gregory T. , Thomasson Melissa
Published: November 2018

Accurate vital statistics are required to understand the evolution of racial disparities in infant health and the causes of rapid secular decline in infant mortality during the early twentieth century. Unfortunately, U.S. infant mortality rates prior to 1950 suffer from an upward bias stemming from a severe underregistration of births. At one extreme, African American births in southern states went unregistered at the rate of 15 % to 25 %. In this study, we construct improved estimates of births and infant mortality in the United States for 1915–1940 using recently released complete count decennial census microdata combined with the counts of infant deaths from published sources. We check the veracity of our estimates with a major birth registration study completed in conjunction with the 1940 decennial census and find that the largest adjustments occur in states with less-complete birth registration systems. An additional advantage of our census-based estimation method is the extension backward of the birth and infant mortality series for years prior to published estimates of registered births, enabling previously impossible comparisons and estimations. Finally, we show that underregistration can bias effect estimates even in a panel setting with specifications that include location fixed effects and place-specific linear time trends.
Separating the Signal From the Noise: Evidence for Deceleration in Old-Age Death Rates
Authors: Feehan Dennis M.
Published: November 2018

Widespread population aging has made it critical to understand death rates at old ages. However, studying mortality at old ages is challenging because the data are sparse: numbers of survivors and deaths get smaller and smaller with age. I show how to address this challenge by using principled model selection techniques to empirically evaluate theoretical mortality models. I test nine models of old-age death rates by fitting them to 360 high-quality data sets on cohort mortality after age 80. Models that allow for the possibility of decelerating death rates tend to fit better than models that assume exponentially increasing death rates. No single model is capable of universally explaining observed old-age mortality patterns, but the log-quadratic model most consistently predicts well. Patterns of model fit differ by country and sex. I discuss possible mechanisms, including sample size, period effects, and regional or cultural factors that may be important keys to understanding patterns of old-age mortality. I introduce mortfit, a freely available R package that enables researchers to extend the analysis to other models, age ranges, and data sources.
Dancing Teachers Into Being With a Garden, or How to Swing or Parkour the Strict Grid of Schooling
Authors: Gerofsky Susan , Ostertag Julia
Published: October 2018

The co-authors, collaborators in garden-based teacher education, question the hegemony of grids in Western time, space and relationship structures in education, while also delving into our own complicity and entanglement with these grids. We ask: (1) Can we reject the grid in environmental education and in garden-based learning when it is an intimate part of our way of being in the world? (2) Can we be teachers who are at once within and not-within the regime of the Western Enlightenment/Modernist grid? (3) How can we take a ludic approach to the grid? Can we ‘swing’ and ‘parkour’ the strict grid of schooling? Pleasures and failures of the grid and experiences of alternatives to the grid are documented and exemplified through stories from garden-based teacher education. Considering parallels with principles of the alter-global movement and with the performative, embodied practices of swing dance, parkour and clowning, we meditate on becoming ecological teachers together beside the grid — neither within nor without it, but with a deep awareness of its presence and structure. In uncertain, unchanging times, we want to take a playful, artistic approach to the old certainties and structures, swinging and parkouring from them rather than accepting or rejecting binary formulations.
AJEE Special Issue Ecologising Education: Storying, Philosophising and Disrupting
Authors: Piersol Laura , Blenkinsop Sean , Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles Amy
Published: October 2018

Over the last decade there has been a discernable global upsurge of nature kindergartens, forest schools, bush schools and nature-based primary schools; all with varying degrees of intent focused on (re)connecting children and young people in/with/as nature. Yet, not all of these educational endeavours are the same. The understanding of the role the natural world might play in pedagogy varies, the desire to work within the system or radically change it shifts according to commitments and philosophies, and the perceived divide, or lack thereof, between child and nature also has significant effects on curriculum and content. Still, there is a shared commitment among these educational movements to change existing relationships with nature and education. There is a desire and much work being done to ecologise education. In this Special Issue, with its primary focus on the west coast of Canada, we offer a pause to story, philosophise, expand, and disrupt as this ‘type’ of education presents a significant shift and fundamentally questions what school is and what education is for.
Avalanche activity and socio-environmental changes leave strong footprints in forested landscapes: a case study in the Vosges medium-high mountain range
Authors: Giacona Florie , Eckert Nicolas , Mainieri Robin , Martin Brice , Corona Christophe , Lopez-Saez Jérôme , Monnet Jean-Matthieu , Naaim Mohamed , Stoffel Markus
Published: October 2018

The medium-high mountain ranges of Western Europe are undergoing rapid socio-environmental changes. The aim of this study is to show that their landscape can be strongly shaped by the actions of avalanche activity, humans and climate. The study area is the Rothenbachkopf-Rainkopf complex, a site representative of avalanche-prone areas of the Vosges Mountains (France). A geo-historical approach documents regular avalanche activity over more than 200 years on 13 paths. A diachronic analysis of historical maps and photographs demonstrates substantial afforestation (from 60 to 80% of the total surface since 1832). LIDAR data and field surveys highlight the existence of a longitudinal and transversal structure of trees. Hence, the avalanche, human and climate activity footprints are retained by the landscape, which rapidly adapts to these changing drivers. Specifically, the pattern of tree species and heights results from a near equilibrium with regular avalanche activity sometimes disturbed by major avalanches that induce quasi-cyclic changes in the landscape mosaic. The afforestation trend is attributable to profound changes in silvo-pastoral practices, supplemented by the impact of climate change. The wider relevance of the results in relation to the local context is discussed, as well as outlooks that can refine our understanding of this complex system.
Are we setting children in care and their care givers up to fail?
Authors: Atwool Nicola
Published: October 2018

The question in the title is addressed by exploring the challenges inherent in providing care for children who are unable to live with their birth families. It is argued that failure to interrogate the assumptions underlying traditional foster care and take account of changes in family structure and socioeconomic circumstances has created a situation in which children in care and their care givers are being set up to fail. Changes needed to address this are outlined.
Enhancing translational researchers’ ability to collaborate with community stakeholders: Lessons from the Community Engagement Studio
Authors: Joosten Yvonne A. , Israel Tiffany L. , Head Amy , Vaughn Yolanda , Villalta Gil Victoria , Mouton Charles , Wilkins Consuelo H.
Published: October 2018

Community engagement is considered essential to effectively translate research into practice and is increasingly recognized as a key to successful clinical trial recruitment. Challenges to engaging community stakeholders in research persist and new methods are needed to facilitate meaningful stakeholder involvement. The Community Engagement Studio (CE Studio), a consultative model, has been used at every stage of the research process. Best practices drawn from the model could inform other methods of engagement. Using a mixed-methods approach that included evaluation surveys, impact surveys and interviews, we assessed the CE Studio program. We analyzed data from 75 CE Studios; 65 researchers and 591 community members completed surveys and 10 researchers completed interviews. Surveys indicate that 100% of researchers would request a CE Studio in the future, and 99.3% of community members would participate in a CE Studio again. We identified 6 practices to enhance community engagement in clinical and translational research: early input, researcher coaching, researcher humility, balancing power, neutral facilitator, and preparation of community stakeholders. These best practices may enhance the quality of existing community engagement approaches and improve the effectiveness of translational researchers’ efforts to engage community stakeholders in their work.
LOOKING BEYOND REDUCTIONISM AND ANTI-REDUCTIONISM
Authors: Bräuer Felix
Published: October 2018

Under which conditions are we epistemically justified to believe that what other people tell us is true? Traditionally, the answer has either been reductionist or anti-reductionist: Either our justification reduces to non-testimonial reasons, or we have a presumptive, though defeasible, right to believe what we are told. However, different cases pull in different directions. Intuitively, someone asking for the time is subject to different epistemic standards than a surgeon consulting a colleague before a dangerous operation. Following this line of thought, this paper develops an account of testimonial justification that captures our reductionist as well as our anti-reductionist intuitions. It is argued that the speaker's commitment to an epistemic norm, as well as the hearer's understanding of that norm, gives the hearer a presumptive right to believe what she is told. However, this justification doesn't apply to situations with high practical risks. Here, the hearer needs reductive reasons to believe that her interlocutor is especially qualified to give her the desired information.
Parea non servin:strategies of exploitation and resistance in the caporalato discourse
Authors: Poppi Fabio I. M. , Travaglino Giovanni A.
Published: October 2018

In this article, we analyse the ideological content of the discursive strategies used by a group of migrant workers subjected to ‘caporalato’, a form of illegal hiring and exploitation of farm day workers through an intermediary. Starting from a series of collective open interviews with farm workers, we examine the way in which the dynamics of both exploitation and resistance are reproduced through linguistic and discursive practices. What emerges from the analysis is a complex set of ambivalent experiences and representations. Despite its inherent exploitative and controlling nature, the workers tend to justify, legitimise and deny the negative aspects of caporalato. Nonetheless, they also use linguistic devices of resistance to reconfigure the meanings of, and their role in, caporalato. Interestingly, the analyses show that caporalato is also perceived as a mechanism of social mobility. Only limited attempts at explicitly challenging its criminal nature are strategically expressed.