bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and structural aspects of tracheal stenosis and a novel embryological hypothesis of left pulmonary artery sling
Authors: Fukushima Naoya , Shimojima Naoki , Ishitate Makoto , Miyakawa Tomoo , Hirobe Seiichi , Miura Masaru
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To identify the imaging features peculiar to congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) complicated with left pulmonary artery sling (LPAS) with the aim of presenting a hypothesis of tracheal stenosis embryology in LPAS.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed CTS patients (with complete cartilaginous rings) admitted between April 2010 and July 2018. All the patients were classified into the LPAS or non‐LPAS group, and their clinical characteristics and qualitative variables on computed tomography (CT) imaging were compared.

Results

Of the 72 patients enrolled, 61 had bilateral lungs. Among the bilateral lung patients, 26 (43%) had LPAS. The tracheal bifurcation was significantly deeper, the stenotic region was longer, and the bronchial angle (especially in the right) was wider, in the LPAS group. The cut‐off values for the thoracic vertebral level at the tracheal bifurcation (>4.8), subcarinal angle (>118.1), and right bronchial angle (>61.9) were useful for diagnosing suspected cases of LPAS. In the time‐dependent course, LPAS complicated with a congenital heart defect was a statistically significant risk factor of respiratory symptoms (hazard ratio, 3.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.23‐7.37; P = .02).

Conclusions

The CT findings described here should immediately raise suspicion of LPAS on chest X‐ray and also suggest tracheal “squeezing and milking” by the surrounding vessels in the embryo. Patients with LPAS complicated with a heart defect should be followed carefully to determine the optimal timing of intervention.
NPC1b as a novel target in controlling the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Zheng Jin‐Cheng , Yue Xiao‐Rong , Kuang Wen‐Qing , Li Sa‐Li , Tang Rui , Zhang Zhan‐Feng , Kurban Anwar , Saif‐Ur‐Rehman  , Zhao Chaoyang , Liu Tong‐Xian , Jing Xiangfeng
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Insects cannot synthesize sterols and must acquire them from food. The mechanisms underlying how insects uptake dietary sterols are largely unknown except that NPC1b, an integral membrane protein, has been shown to be responsible for dietary cholesterol uptake in Drosophila melanogaster. However, whether NPC1b orthologs in other insect species, particularly the economically important pests, function similarly remains to be determined.

RESULTS

In this study, we characterized the function of NPC1b in Helicoverpa armigera, a global pest that causes severe yield losses to many important crops. Limiting dietary cholesterol uptake to insects significantly inhibited food ingestion and weight gain. Compared to the wild‐type H. armigera, the CRISPR/Cas9‐edited NPC1b mutant larvae were incapable of getting adequate cholesterol and died in their early life stage. Gene expression profile and in situ hybridization analyses indicated that NPC1b was mainly expressed in the midgut where dietary cholesterol was absorbed. Expression of NPC1b was also correlated with the feeding life stages and was especially upregulated during early larval instars. Protein‐ligand docking and sequence similarity analyses further demonstrated that NPC1b proteins of lepidopteran insects shared a relatively conserved cholesterol binding region, NPC1b_NTD, which, however, was highly divergent from bees‐derived sequences.

CONCLUSION

NPC1b was crucial for dietary cholesterol uptake and growth of H. armigera, and therefore could serve as an insecticide target for the development of a novel pest‐management approach to control this economically significant insect pest with little off‐target effect on bees and sterol‐autotrophic animals. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Gendered translocal connectedness: Rural–urban migration, remittances, and social resilience in Thailand
Authors: Porst Luise , Sakdapolrak Patrick
Published: January 2020

Remittances play a central role in debates on migration and development as well as migration as adaptation to climate change. We seek to contribute to the growing body of literature that addresses the role of gender relations for remittance sending and usage. Based on multisited qualitative research on rural–urban migration in Thailand, we apply the concept of translocal social resilience to expound the multilocal and intersectional dimension of remittances and their impact on social resilience. Building on typical constellations of remittance transfer and usage, the paper accentuates how gender, generational relations, and the household's socio‐economic status shape remittance practices and their effects on social resilience across space. We can thus conclude that addressing intersecting socio‐spatial levels and axes of difference enhances the understanding of remittance potentials for resilience, which also enriches research that frames migration as a means of adaptation.
Adsorption of Bovine Serum Albumin on Silver Nanoparticle Layer Deposited on Mercaptohexylpyridinium‐Coated Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Gold Electrode: Studied by Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation
Authors: Seumo Tchekwagep Patrick Marcel , Eminovski Jildiz Hamit , Nanseu-Njiki Charles Péguy , Ngameni Emmanuel , Arnebrant Thomas , Ruzgas Tautgirdas
Published: January 2020

Increasing use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in different consumer products provokes interest in understanding interactions of AgNPs with biological molecules, e.g., proteins. The adsorption of AgNPs and bovine serum albumin (BSA) onto self‐assembled monolayer of mercaptohexylpyridinium (MHP) on gold surface is described. A quartz crystal microbalance coupled with electrochemical measurements are used to study interactions between AgNPs and BSA. It is found that AgNPs adsorbed on MHP can be considered as highly elastic (stiff) film as the dissipation ΔD ≈ 0. Measurements of the mass loss and the increase in dissipation in parallel with the electrochemical oxidation/reduction of AgNPs shows that albumin adsorption on AgNPs highly diminish electrochemical Ag/AgCl conversion. The formation of a less rigid Ag layer than the original MHP‐AgNPs film is also indicated. The 3D assemblies of nanostructures observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveal clustering of particles after the redox process.
On a new age‐replacement policy for items with observed stochastic degradation
Authors: Finkelstein Maxim , Cha Ji Hwan , Levitin Gregory
Published: January 2020

A new methodology for preventive maintenance of degrading items is discussed. It combines the classical age‐replacement strategy when a system is replaced either on failure or on reaching the predetermined age, with replacement on reaching the predetermined level of deterioration at some intermediate time. Degradation of an item is modeled by the nonhomogeneous gamma process, whereas its failure occurs when this process reaches the predetermined deterministic level. It is shown that the proposed policy outperforms the classical one, i.e., it achieves the lower value of the corresponding long‐run cost rate. The detailed numerical illustration is presented, and the relevant sensitivity analysis for the main parameters of the model is performed.
Ensemble learning for predicting degradation under time‐varying environment
Authors: Wang Lizhi , Lu Dawei , Wang Xiaohong , Pan Rong , Wang Zhuo
Published: January 2020

Product lifetime prediction is challenging when the product is subject to a time‐varying operational environment. Most of the existing studies use some functions to explicitly specify the relationship between degradation parameters and environmental conditions so as to reveal how the degradation process evolves over time. However, in many applications, the assumptions needed for establishing these functions cannot be validated in engineering practice or they cannot accurately model the entire underlying degradation mechanism. In contrast to previous work, the focus of our study is placed on product degradation prognosis by implementing an ensemble learning method. This method combines the stochastic process modeling approach and the machine learning approach, taking advantage of these approaches to gain a more accurate and stable degradation prediction. The proposed method is demonstrated by some simulation examples and by a case study of lithium‐ion battery accelerated degradation test. Both the simulation study and the real case verify the superiority of the proposed method. The case study indicates that the ensemble learning method can further help to effectively manage the energy storage and energy distribution of battery packs.
Electron‐donor substituents on the dppz‐based ligands to control luminescence from dark to bright emissive state in Ir(III) complexes
Authors: Dreyse Paulina , Santander‐Nelli Mireya , Zambrano David , Rosales Luis , Sanhueza Luis
Published: January 2020

The structures and electronic properties of a series of cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes with substituted dppz ancillary ligand (dppz: dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine) including tert‐butyl, pyrrolidine ring, and alkoxys substituents as donor group have been theoretically study. With the aim of highlight the attractive qualities of each system for their use as luminescent material, the effects of the electron‐donor substituents onto dppz was evaluated on the structural, charge transport, absorption, and phosphorescent properties. The effect of the substituent was studied on the modulation of the bright and dark triplet states. Main results show that ortho‐methoxy and tert‐butyl substituents act as lower electron‐donating groups, then, efficient electron donation ability was displayed with alkoxy (ethoxy and propoxy) substituents. The best performance was found in a complex with pyrrolidine ring according since their phosphorescence is favored, highlighting their larger electric transition dipole moment value, proposing this system as potential candidate to LEC technology.
Human fetal mesoangioblasts reveal tissue-dependent transcriptional signatures
Authors: Ronzoni Flavio L. , Lemeille Sylvain , Kuzyakiv Rostyslav , Sampaolesi Maurilio , Jaconi Marisa E.
Published: January 2020

Mesoangioblasts (MABs) derived from adult skeletal muscles are well-studied adult stem/progenitor cells that already entered clinical trials for muscle regeneration in genetic diseases; however, the transcriptional identity of human fetal MABs (fMABs) remains largely unknown. Herein we analyzed the transcriptome of MABs isolated according to canonical markers from fetal atrium, ventricle, aorta, and skeletal muscles (from 9.5 to 13 weeks of age) to uncover specific gene signatures correlating with their peculiar myogenic differentiation properties inherent to their tissue of origin. RNA-seq analysis revealed for the first time that human MABs from fetal aorta, cardiac (atrial and ventricular), and skeletal muscles display subsets of differentially expressed genes likely representing distinct expression signatures indicative of their original tissue. Identified GO biological processes and KEGG pathways likely account for their distinct differentiation outcomes and provide a set of critical genes possibly predicting future specific differentiation outcomes. This study reveals novel information regarding the potential of human fMABs that may help to improve specific differentiation outcomes relevant for therapeutic muscle regeneration.

Significance statement The current study reveals transcriptional identities in human fetal mesoangioblasts (fMABs) from aorta, cardiac, and skeletal muscle tissues, with specific gene signatures correlating with their peculiar myogenic differentiation properties inherent to their derivative tissues. Gene network analysis identified four major superclusters of differentially expressed genes and uncovered a global opposite set of upregulated and downregulated genes between skeletal and cardiac muscle MABs, with the ones from aorta showing an intermediate profile. Collectively, the current work provides a set of critical genes accounting of, and possibly predicting, lineage-specific differentiation commitments during development. This knowledge may help improve the future management of muscle regeneration.
Land‐use dynamics in the Mekong delta: From national policy to livelihood sustainability
Authors: Nguyen Quan H. , Tran Dung D. , Dang Khoi K. , Korbee Dorien , Pham Luan D. M. H. , Vu Lan T. , Luu Tang T. , Ho Loc H. , Nguyen Phat T. , T. Ngo Trang T. , Nguyen Dung T. K. , Wyatt Andrew , van Aalst Maaike , Tran Thong A. , Sea William B.
Published: January 2020

The Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) is one of the most examined deltas in the world given its dynamics, complexity, and vulnerability. In the past decades, the VMD has changed rapidly, especially the land use in relation with the socioeconomic development. National policy has profoundly influenced these changes and the changes have significantly affected local livelihoods. However, these changes are not well reported systematically. In this study, we investigate land‐use changes based on institutional analyses across multiple scales, that is, from national, provincial, to local livelihood based on institutional and sustainability analysis. The results show a strong relationship between legal settings over the last 30 years on land use and livelihood transitions. In addition, the constraints of implementing national legal frameworks at provincial level in practice were identified including effects to local livelihoods. We offer some recommendations for sustainable livelihoods in the VMD, with a focus on increasing socioecological resilience.
Fabrication of Antibacterial Nanofibers Composites by Functionalizing the Surface of Cellulose Acetate Nanofibers
Authors: Khan Muhammad Qamar , Kharaghani Davood , Sanaullah  , Shahzad Amir , Duy Nam Phan , Hasegawa Yohei , Azeemullah  , Lee Jungsoon , Kim Ick Soo
Published: January 2020

The surface modification of nanofibers web enables the invention of wound dressings by using the simple materials substrate without altering the mechanical properties of foundation materials or nanofibers web. Herein, authors fabricated the novel antibacterial wound dressings by functionalizing the surface of cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibers. This surface treatment was done through facile method. The silver sulfadiazine (SSD) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized on the surface of cellulose acetate nanofibers web by in‐situ facile method in which nanofibers webs were immersed in the solution of sodium sulfadiazine salt and silver nitrate (AgNO3) for three different interval of times (hrs). The resultant CA/SSD nanofibers were characterized by scan electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, FT‐IR, XPS, XRD, water contact angle and antibacterial agar disc diffusion test. All characterization results supported that this composite can be used for antibacterial wound dressings, especially for gram negative E. Coli bacteria because SSD has great potential against E. Coli bacteria.
Studies on Lewis‐Acid Induced Reactions of 8‐Methoxy[2.2]metacyclophanes: A New Synthetic Route to Alkylated Pyrenes
Authors: Monarul Islam Md. , Feng Xing , Wang Chuan‐Zeng , Rahman Shofiur , Alodhayb Abdullah , Georghiou Paris E. , Matsumoto Taisuke , Tanaka Junji , Redshaw Carl , Yamato Takehiko
Published: January 2020

Anti‐8‐methoxy[2.2]metacyclophanes (MCPs) 5 a–b were obtained via pyrolysis of the corresponding syn‐thiatetraoxide cyclophanes 4 a–b. Coupling reactions of 4‐tert‐butyl‐1‐methoxy‐2,6‐bis(mercaptomethyl)benzenes 1 a–b and 1,5‐bis(chloro‐methyl)‐2,4‐dimethylbenzene 2 under high dilution conditions afforded only the syn‐conformers of 9‐methoxy‐2,11‐dithia[3.3]metacyclophanes 3 a–b, which with m‐CPBA formed the corresponding syn‐tetraoxides 4 a–b. Lewis acid (TICl4/AlCl3‐MeNO2) or iodine‐catalyzed reactions of 5 b under various conditions led to transannular cyclization to afford tetrahydropyrene 6 b and pyrene derivative 7 b and/or de‐tert‐butylated 6 a. Iodine‐catalyzed reaction of 5 a afforded tetrahydropyrene 6 a. These findings suggest the potential for a new route to alkylated pyrenes via strained and alkylated metacyclophanes. Density functional theory (DFT) studies were carried out to investigate the conformational characteristics of 3–5.
Imidazolium‐Functionalized Fluorene‐Based Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) for Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Salma Umme , Zhang Dishen , Nagao Yuki
Published: January 2020

After a fluorene‐based anion exchange membrane (AEM) containing 1‐isopropyl‐2‐methylimidazolium with alkyl side chains was prepared, the membrane properties, including OH– conductivities, ion exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, swelling ratio, and chemical and thermal stabilities of the obtained membrane were assessed. The synthesized membrane exhibited low water uptake and good dimensional stability with adequate hydroxide conductivity. For example, the AEM showed a swelling ratio of 7% and hydroxide conductivity of 46 mS cm−1 at 80 °C in liquid water. The chemical stability was investigated in 1 M NaOH solution at room temperature and at 80 °C. At both temperatures, degradation of the imidazolium cationic groups was observed, although the main chain was chemically stable. All results obtained from this research are expected to provide important direction and insight for AEM synthesis for practical applications in anion exchange membrane fuel cells.
““Turn‐On” Sensing Behaviour of an In Situ Generated Fluorescein‐Based Probe and Its Preferential Selectivity of Sodium Hypochlorite over tert‐Butyl Hydroperoxide in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells”
Authors: Sandhu Navjot , Saproo Sheetanshu , Naidu Srivatsava , Singh Atul P. , Kumar Kamlesh , Singh Ashish P. , Yadav Rajesh K.
Published: January 2020

Reactive Oxygen species (ROS) are well known for their oxidizing behaviour but it differs in fluorescein derivatives chemistry. With t‐BuOOH, the probe F shows its unique turn‐off sensing (A), while with NaOCl probe shows turn‐on sensing property (B). In this study, it was observed that in situ generated species formed by the reaction of probe (F) with t‐BuOOH is a unique molecule, having high turn‐on behaviour in presence of sodium hypochlorite (≈500 times). Further, fluorescence microscopy imaging using adenocarcinoma cells, A549 cells revealed that in‐situ generated molecule, could be used as an efficient fluorescent probe for detecting NaOCl in living cells.
Heterogeneous Direct Acylation Strategy to Diaryl Ketones and Their Application to 1, 3‐Dihydroisobenzofurans
Authors: Bhattacharya Trisha , Suchand Basuli , Sreenivasulu Chinnabattigalla , Lakshminarayana Bhairi , Subrahmanyam Ch. , Satyanarayana G.
Published: January 2020

Aromatic acylation is an indispensable chemical transformation in organic synthesis in affording aryl ketones. In this manuscript, we have described the synthesis of aromatic ketones utilizing graphene oxide (GO) supported PdO nanoparticles (PdO/GO), as heterogeneous transition metal catalyst. The [Pd]‐heterogeneous catalyst enabled the coupling between iodoarenes and aromatic aldehydes. The acylation was carried out by eliminating toxic CO gas as the source of the carbonyl. Further, practicality of this strategy was also demonstrated by fusing 1,3‐dihydroisobenzofurans.
A Review on the Secondary Surface Morphology of Electrospun Nanofibers: Formation Mechanisms, Characterizations, and Applications
Authors: Zaarour Bilal , Zhu Lei , Jin Xiangyu
Published: January 2020

Engineering the secondary surface morphology of fibers (fibers without smooth surface and solid interior) has been attracting significant awareness in various areas and applications. Among different methods of forming nanofibers, electrospinning is the most widely adopted technique due to the ease of forming fibers with a broad range of properties and its unique advantages such as the flexibility to spin into a variety of shapes and sizes as well as adjustable porosity of electrospun structures. In this review paper, more emphasis is put on the secondary surface morphology. A comprehensive overview of the basic principles about the electrospinning process, types of electrospinning, materials, formation mechanisms, characterizations, and applications of electrospun fibers with the secondary surface morphology (e. g. the porous structure, grooved structure, wrinkled structure, rough structure, cactus structure, and hollow structure) are discussed in detail. Importantly, we believe our work can serve as guidelines for the preparations, characterizations, and applications of electrospun fibers with the secondary surface morphology.
Addition of Ce in Cu/Three‐Dimensional Graphene Derived from Watermelon for Low Temperature NH3‐SCR
Authors: Kang Yan , Li Zhifang , Cui Jinxing , Geng Cui , Zhang Chao , Li Peng , Yang Changlong
Published: January 2020

In this paper, 3‐Dimensional Graphene (3DG) prepared by watermelon was used as the supporter to synthesize Cu/3DG, Ce/3DG and Cu−Ce/3DG catalysts by the hydrothermal method, after which they were also investigated in NH3‐SCR. Synergistic mechanism between Ce and Cu was further explored. Experimental results indicated that the three catalysts all exhibited excellent low‐temperature nitrogen oxide reduction activity which reached 99 % and remained unchanged in the range of 250–400 °C. 2Cu‐3Ce/3DG displayed optimal NOx conversion rate, namely, its activity reached 92.9 % at 200 °C that mainly attributed to the increase of the Cu+, Ce3+ and the form of the abundant acid sites. Moreover, the sulfur and water resistance of 2Cu‐3Ce/3DG were tested. At 250 °C, the conversion rate of NOx was increased to 99.1 %, which showed excellent sulfur resistance.
A Dual‐Functional “On‐Off‐On” Relay Fluorescent Probe for the Highly Sensitive Detection of Copper(II) and Phosphate Ions
Authors: Wang Minmin , Wang Chun , Wang Miao , Sun Tongming , Huang Yang , Tang Yanfeng , Ju Jianfeng , Shen Lujie , Hu Yeyu , Zhu Jinli
Published: January 2020

A high‐efficiency dual‐functional on‐off‐on fluorescence probe: 2′–4′‐dihydroxydiphenyl‐8‐formyl‐7‐hydroxycoumarin hydrazine (L) based on photoelectron transfer mechanism (PET) was designed and synthesized, and its ion recognition characteristics were fully studied by spectroscopy. As expected, probe L shows highly sensitive to Cu2+ in EtOH‐HEPES (20 mM v/v, 80 : 20, pH =7.40) solution, and its detection limit up to 6.14 ×10−7 M. The stoichiometric ratio of L−Cu2+ complex was determined as 1 : 1 based on 1H NMR titration and ESI‐MS. Meanwhile, the resulted L−Cu2+ complex shows good selectivity for the phosphoric acid family anion (H2PO4−, HPO42− and PO43−), which denote probe L the dual‐function in rapid detection of Cu2+ and phosphate family's ions.
Mg2+ Doped LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 Hollow Flake–Like Structures with Enhanced Performances Cathodes for Lithium–Ion Batteries
Authors: Sun Qiangchao , Cheng Hongwei , Zhao Kangning , Zhou Huijie , Zhao Hongbin , Yao Wenli , Xu Qian , Lu Xionggang
Published: January 2020

LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 ternary cathode is a dominant cathode material for lithium ion batteries due to its relatively stable structure. However, LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 still suffers from the poor rate capability and high cation disorder problems. Herein, the Mg–doped Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)0.99Mg0.01O2 cathode materials with hollow flake–like hierarchical fiber structures are successfully synthesized by a facile wet spinning method and the pressing pretreatment of precursor powders on the electrochemical performance is also systematically investigated. The diameter of the pre−synthesized hollow laminar nano−fibers are about 20 μm and approximately 50 nm in thickness with homogeneous primary nanoparticles (∼50 nm). Benefitting from the pillaring effects of inert Mg in the crystal structure and hollow laminar structure, the Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)0.99Mg0.01O2 cathodes deliver significantly improved electrochemical performance, achieving high stability discharge specific capacity 178.8 mA h g−1 with capacity retention of 88 % at 0.5 C (137.5 mA g−1) rate after 200 cycles. Moreover, it maintains a high rate capacity of 110 mA h g−1 even at a current density of 5 C. Based on this work, the conception of combining microstructure design and doping modification can facilitate the development of higher−performance Li−ion battery cathode materials.
Proposed software faults detection using hybrid approach
Authors: Banga Manu , Bansal Abhay
Published: January 2020

The major challenge is to validate software failure dataset by finding unknown model parameters used. For software assurance, previously many attempts were made based using classical classifiers as decision tree, Naïve Bayes, and k‐nearest neighbor for software fault prediction. But the accuracy of fault prediction is very low as defect prone modules are very small as compared to defect‐free modules. So, for solving modules fault classification problems and enhancing reliability accuracy, a hybrid algorithm proposed on particle swarm optimization and modified genetic algorithm for feature selection and bagging for effective classification of defective or nondefective modules in a dataset. This paper presents an empirical study on National Aeronautics and Space Administration Metric Data Program datasets, using the proposed hybrid algorithm and results showed that our proposed hybrid approach enhances the classification accuracy compared with existing methods.
Bainitic Austempering Incorporating Quenching and Partitioning for Favorable Tuning of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Gao Bo , Tan Zhunli , Luo Ping , Gao Guhui , Zhang Min , Misra Raja Devesh Kumar , Bai Bingzhe
Published: January 2020

A novel aspect of combining bainitic austempering with quenching and the partitioning process is addressed herein to obtain a favorable microstructure with desired mechanical properties. In this regard, Mn–Si–Cr–Al steel is first intercritically annealed at 840 °C and quenched to 140 °C after isothermal treatment at 360 °C for 15 min and then partitioned at 360 °C for 30 min. Multiphase microstructure containing ferrite, bainite, martensite, and retained austenite (RA) is obtained. Uniform elongation and total elongation increase appreciably from 11.5% to 20.5% and 21.0% to 28.3%, respectively, while maintaining near‐identical levels of tensile strength, compared with traditional bainitic austempering. The significant enhancement of tensile properties is attributed to the increase in volume fraction and mechanical stability of RA.
Differential calcium channel‐mediated dopaminergic modulation in the subthalamonigral synapse
Authors: Robles‐Gómez Angel A. , Vega Ana V. , Florán Benjamín , Barral Jaime
Published: January 2020

Dopamine (DA) modulates basal ganglia (BG) activity for initiation and execution of goal‐directed movements and habits. While most studies are aimed to striatal function, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying dopaminergic regulation in other nuclei of the BG are not well understood. Therefore, we set to analyze the dopaminergic modulation occurring in subthalamo‐nigral synapse, in both pars compacta (SNc) and pars reticulata (SNr) neurons, because these synapses are important for the integration of information previously processed in striatum and globus pallidus. In this study, electrophysiological and pharmacological evidence of dopaminergic modulation on glutamate release through calcium channels is presented. Using paired pulse ratio (PPR) measurements and selective blockers of these ionic channels, together with agonists and antagonists of DA D2‐like receptors, we found that blockade of the CaV3 family occludes the presynaptic inhibition produced by the activation of DA receptors pharmacologically profiled as D3‐type in the STh‐SNc synapses. On the contrast, the blockade of CaV2 channels, but not CaV3, occlude with the effect of the D3 agonist, PD 128907, in the STh‐SNr synapse. The functional role of this differential distribution of calcium channels that modulate the release of glutamate in the SN implies a fine adjustment of firing for both classes of neurons. Dopaminergic neurons of the SNc establish a DA tone within the SN based on the excitatory/inhibitory inputs; such tone may contribute to processing information from subthalamic nucleus and could also be involved in pathological DA depletion that drives hyperexcitation of SNr neurons.
Scaffolding Self‐Correction During Oral Reading
Authors: Johnson Tracy , Mikita Clara , Rodgers Emily , D’Agostino Jerome V.
Published: January 2020

Recent research has demonstrated that self‐correction is particularly important for beginning and struggling readers; readers who self‐correct more make progress more quickly. The authors describe findings from that research, outline how self‐correcting behavior might vary, and provide suggestions for how students’ self‐corrections can inform scaffolded instruction.
Foaming and Physical Properties, Flame Retardancy, and Combustibility of Polyethylene Octene Foams Modified by Natural Rubber and Expandable Graphite
Authors: Sawangpet Karnjana , Walong Alif , Thongnuanchan Bencha , Kaesaman Azizon , Sakai Tadamoto , Lopattananon Natinee
Published: January 2020

Flame‐retardant blends of polyethylene‐octene elastomer (POE) and natural rubber (NR) filled with expandable graphite (EG) were melt‐mixed with azodicarbonamide to prepare elastomeric foams. The effect of the NR incorporation on the properties of EG filled POE foam was investigated. Gel content and microstructure observations revealed that the addition of NR into the POE/EG blend induced change in molecular structure, which produced a finer cellular structure during foaming. The compressive strength and elastomeric recovery of the POE/NR/EG blend foams were found to increase with increasing NR content. Based on the limiting oxygen index and horizontal burning measurements, all the POE/NR/EG blend foams were found to have good flame‐retardant properties. On the other hand, these POE/NR/EG blend foams exhibited higher combustion rates with an increasing NR content under high heat radiation and temperature in a cone calorimeter test. This study demonstrates that the combined use of NR as a modifier and EG as a flame retardant in POE foams provides an effective and practical method of obtaining well‐balanced improvements in cellular structure, mechanical properties, and flame resistance.
Evaluation of heavy metals stability and phosphate mobility in the remediation of sediment by calcium nitrate
Authors: Zhou Jizhi , Zhang Mingqi , Ji Meiting , Wang Zhenghua , Hou Hao , Zhang Jia , Huang Xin , Hursthouse Andrew , Qian Guangren
Published: January 2020

The injection of oxidants is one of the useful remediation technologies for eliminating hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3/) in aquatic sediments. In the current work, the impact of calcium nitrate injection on the release of heavy metals associated with phosphate was evaluated in a column test of sediment with overlying water at a volume ratio of 1:1 for 131 days. Sulfide was significantly oxidized by calcium nitrate, as its amount was reduced substantially by 85% from the 20th to the 30th day, with a decrease in the oxidation–reduction potential to −68 mV and a simultaneous increase in pH to 9.83. Over 50% of the mobile Zn, Pb, and Cu were reprecipitated in the sediment when the phosphate was partially released. It is proposed that the heavy metal immobilization was related to the phosphate content in the pore water due to the precipitation of heavy metals and phosphorus on the surface of Fe hydroxide particles after oxidation. This is supported by chemical fraction analysis of the heavy metals in the sediment, which indicated increased residual fractions of heavy metals. Our results provide an insight into the remediation of sediment by oxidation with a self‐stabilization of heavy metals and phosphate.

Practitioner points

Effective removal of sulfide after calcium nitrate injection was achieved.

Metal immobilization was related to the phosphate content in pore water.

Over 50% of mobile Zn, Pb, and Cu might be reprecipitated in sediment.

Oxidizable fraction of heavy metal predominantly transformed to its residual fraction.
Soft trees with neural components as image-processing technique for archeological excavations
Authors: Woźniak Marcin , Połap Dawid
Published: January 2020

There are situations when someone finds a certain object or its remains. Particularly the second case is complicated, because having only a part of the element, it is difficult to identify the full object. In the case of archeological excavations, the fragment should be classified in order to know what we are looking at. Unfortunately, such classification may be a difficult task. Hence, it is essential to focus on certain features which define it, and then to classify the complete object. In this paper, we proposed creating a novel soft tree decision structure. The idea is based on soft sets. In addition, we have introduced convolutional networks to the nodes to make decisions based on graphic files. A new archeological item can be photographed and evaluated by the proposed technique. As a result, the object will be classified depending on the amount of information obtained to the appropriate class. If the object cannot be classified, the method will return individual features and possible class.
Living Conditions and the Mental Health and Well-being of Refugees: Evidence from a Large-Scale German Survey
Authors: Walther Lena , Fuchs Lukas M. , Schupp Jürgen , von Scheve Christian
Published: January 2020

Refugees are at an increased risk of mental health problems and low subjective well-being. Living circumstances in the host country are thought to play a vital role in shaping these health outcomes, which, in turn, are prerequisites for successful integration. Using data from a representative survey of 4325 adult refugees who arrived in Germany between 2013 and 2016, we investigated how different living conditions, especially those subject to integration policies, are associated with psychological distress and life satisfaction using linear regression models. Our findings show that an uncertain legal status, separation from family, and living in refugee housing facilities are related to higher levels of distress and decreased life satisfaction. Being employed, contact to members of the host society, and better host country language skills, by contrast, are related to reduced distress and higher levels of life satisfaction. These associations should inform decision making in a highly contested policy area.
The Association of Childhood Pneumonia with Household Air Pollution in Nepal: Evidence from Nepal Demographic Health Surveys
Authors: Budhathoki Shyam Sundar , Tinkari Bhim Singh , Bhandari Amit , Dhimal Meghnath , Zhou Hong , Ghimire Anup , Basnet Omkar , Wrammert Johan , KC Ashish
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Childhood pneumonia is a major cause of mortality worldwide while household air pollution (HAP) is a major contributor to childhood pneumonia in low and middle-income countries. This paper presents the prevalence trend of childhood pneumonia in Nepal and assesses its association with household air pollution.

Methods

The study analysed data from the 2006, 2011 and 2016 Nepal Demographic Health Surveys (NDHS). It calculated the prevalence of childhood pneumonia and the factors that cause household air pollution. The association of childhood pneumonia and HAP was assessed using univariate and multi-variate analysis. The population attributable fraction (PAF) of indoor pollution for causing pneumonia was calculated using 2016 NDHS data to assess the burden of pneumonia attributable to HAP factors.

Results

The prevalence of childhood pneumonia decreased in Nepal between 2006 and 2016 and was higher among households using polluting cooking fuels. There was a higher risk of childhood pneumonia among children who lived in households with no separate kitchens in 2011 [Adjusted risk ratio (ARR) 1.40, 95% CI 1.01–1.97] and in 2016 (ARR 1.93, 95% CI 1.14–3.28). In 2016, the risk of children contracting pneumonia in households using polluting fuels was double (ARR 1.98, 95% CI 1.01–3.92) that of children from households using clean fuels. Based on the 2016 data, the PAF for pneumonia was calculated as 30.9% for not having a separate kitchen room and 39.8% for using polluting cooking fuel.

Discussion for Practice

Although the occurrence of childhood pneumonia in Nepal has decreased, the level of its association with HAP remained high.
Effect of Compositional Variation Induced by EBM Processing on Deformation Behavior and Phase Stability of Austenitic Cr-Mn-Ni TRIP Steel
Authors: Günther J. , Lehnert R. , Wagner R. , Burkhardt C. , Wendler M. , Volkova O. , Biermann H. , Niendorf T.
Published: January 2020

Electron beam melting (EBM) is an established powder bed-based additive manufacturing process for the fabrication of complex-shaped metallic components. For metastable austenitic Cr-Mn-Ni TRIP steel, the formation of a homogeneous fine-grained microstructure and outstanding damage tolerance have been reported. However, depending on the process parameters, a certain fraction of Mn evaporates. This can have a significant impact on deformation mechanisms as well as kinetics, as was previously shown for as-cast material. Production of chemically graded and, thus, mechanically tailored parts can allow for further advances in terms of freedom of design. The current study presents results on the characterization of the deformation and strain-hardening behavior of chemically tailored Cr-Mn-Ni TRIP steel processed by EBM. Specimens were manufactured with distinct scan strategies, resulting in varying Mn contents, and subsequently tensile tested. Microstructure evolution has been thoroughly examined. Starting from one initial powder, an appropriate scan strategy can be applied to purposefully evaporate Mn and, therefore, adjust strain hardening as well as martensite formation kinetics and ultimate tensile strength.
Proposed method for evaluation and categorization of functional capacity of children, adolescents, and adults with cardiac diseases to bring them in existing social justice system by creating the cardiac disability criteria
Authors: Mishra Smita , Sharma Rajesh
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Emerging epidemiological trends in India indicate the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) demanding a need of a social support system. Yet, the list of 21 benchmark disabilities notified by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, does not include CVDs under the newly enacted Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016. While the RPWD Act 2016 has acknowledged the dynamic nature of disabilities associated with congenital diseases like thalassemia, it has also provided an opportunity to bring in “cardiac disability” under its tenets. This would allow India to adopt strategies for the benefit of cardiac patients in accordance with policies adopted by developed countries such as the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom of Great Britain (UK), and Canada. This document is to initiate a thought process of recruitment of cardiac patients in the social justice system.

Aims and objectives

(1) To define cardiac disability, (2) to categorize cardiac diseases/defects (groups A–C) according to severity and need for interventions, (3) to identify operated and unoperated patients with normal functional capacity and their eligibility to avail normal opportunities similar to their peer groups, (4) to create a comprehensive cardiac disability scoring (CCDS) system for disability certification based on subjective and objective evaluation of functional capacity and the corresponding heart disease category group, and (5) to create a reference literature for the issues of education, employability, insurability, and vocational counseling based on this document.

Methodology

The evolution of this manuscript has been discussed in view of relevant observations made by a team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, intensivists, pediatricians, social workers, etc.

Conclusion

This manuscript suggests a CCDS system to lay down criteria for disability status for eligible patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases. It intends to offer a unique scientific tool to address the psychosocial and socio-economic bias against patients with heart diseases of heterogeneous nature.
Treatment decision for transcatheter aortic valve implantation: the role of the heart team
Authors: de Jaegere P. P. T. , de Weger A. , den Heijer P. , Verkroost M. , Baan J. , de Kroon T. , America Y. , Brandon Bravo Bruinsma G. J.
Published: January 2020

The current paper presents a position statement of the Dutch Working Group of Transcatheter Heart Valve Interventions that describes which patients with aortic stenosis should be considered for transcatheter aortic valve implantation and how this treatment proposal/decision should be made. Given the complexity of the disease and the assessment of its severity, in particular in combination with the continuous emergence of new clinical insights and evidence from physiological and randomised clinical studies plus the introduction of novel innovative treatment modalities, the gatekeeper of the treatment proposal/decision and, thus, of qualification for cost reimbursement is the heart team, which consists of dedicated professionals working in specialised centres.
A comparison of machine learning algorithms for forecasting indoor temperature in smart buildings
Authors: Alawadi Sadi , Mera David , Fernández-Delgado Manuel , Alkhabbas Fahed , Olsson Carl Magnus , Davidsson Paul
Published: January 2020

The international community has largely recognized that the Earth’s climate is changing. Mitigating its global effects requires international actions. The European Union (EU) is leading several initiatives focused on reducing the problems. Specifically, the Climate Action tries to both decrease EU greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency by reducing the amount of primary energy consumed, and it has pointed to the development of efficient building energy management systems as key. In traditional buildings, households are responsible for continuously monitoring and controlling the installed Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Unnecessary energy consumption might occur due to, for example, forgetting devices turned on, which overwhelms users due to the need to tune the devices manually. Nowadays, smart buildings are automating this process by automatically tuning HVAC systems according to user preferences in order to improve user satisfaction and optimize energy consumption. Towards achieving this goal, in this paper, we compare 36 Machine Learning algorithms that could be used to forecast indoor temperature in a smart building. More specifically, we run experiments using real data to compare their accuracy in terms of R-coefficient and Root Mean Squared Error and their performance in terms of Friedman rank. The results reveal that the ExtraTrees regressor has obtained the highest average accuracy (0.97%) and performance (0,058%) over all horizons.
Oxidative stress-mediated genotoxic effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on Deinococcus radiodurans
Authors: Singh Ragini , Cheng Shuang , Singh Sanjay
Published: January 2020

Extensive use of nanomaterials in consumer products has invoked the concerns about interactions of nanoparticles with living organisms (including microorganisms). Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are well known for their antibacterial effect due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Therefore, their release into the environment is expected to raise major concern towards ecotoxicity. In the present study, we have studied the toxic effect of ZnO NPs on Deinococcus radiodurans, which is well known to show extraordinary resistant from the damaging effects of radiation. Result showed that ZnO NPs are significantly internalized into the bacterial cells and induce concentration-dependent toxicity with membrane damage. Genotoxicity studies revealed that ZnO exposure induces significant DNA damage to bacterial cells. All the observations evidenced that ZnO NPs induce significant ROS generation, protein oxidation and DNA damage with concomitant thiol depletion. Further, gene expression analysis showed that several DNA repair genes and metabolic pathway-related genes are downregulated upon ZnO NP exposure, with simultaneous increase in the expression of DNA damage response genes. Thus, the present study on toxicity of ZnO NPs on a model organism, D. radiodurans, inflicts the possible mechanism behind ZnO NP-mediated toxic effects on various other microbial organisms.
Genetic analysis of Aegilops tauschii-derived seedling resistance to leaf rust in synthetic hexaploid wheat
Authors: Mohler Volker , Schmolke Michael , Zeller Friedrich J. , Hsam Sai L. K.
Published: January 2020

Seedling resistance to leaf rust available in the synthetic hexaploid wheat line Syn137 was characterised by means of cytogenetic and linkage mapping. Monosomic analysis located a single dominant gene for leaf rust resistance on chromosome 5D. Molecular mapping not only confirmed this location but also positioned the gene to the distal part of the long arm of chromosome 5D. A test of allelism showed that the gene, tentatively namedLrSyn137, is independent but closely linked toLr1. It appears that Syn137 is occasionally heterogeneous forLr1since the analysis of theLr1-specific marker RGA567-5 in the genetic mapping population indicated the presence ofLr1. Syn137 represents another source of genetic variation that can be useful for the diversification of leaf rust resistance in wheat cultivars.
Qualifikationen von Lehrenden in der beruflich-betrieblichen Weiterbildung
Authors: Wißhak Susanne , Bonnes Caroline , Keller Inka , Barth Dorothee , Hochholdinger Sabine
Published: January 2020

Über die Qualifikationen von Lehrenden in der beruflich-betrieblichen Weiterbildung in Deutschland ist bisher wenig bekannt, da sie in den meisten Erhebungen zum Weiterbildungspersonal unterrepräsentiert und/oder als Teilgruppe nicht explizit ausgewiesen sind. Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht daher deskriptiv die Qualifikationen vonN = 896 Lehrenden in der beruflich-betrieblichen Weiterbildung und vergleicht die Befunde mit den Ergebnissen anderer Studien. Die Lehrenden gaben ähnlich häufig an, einen Hochschulabschluss zu besitzen (70,9 %), allerdings wurden pädagogische Hochschulabschlüsse seltener genannt (16,5 %). Trainerausbildungen und/oder andere Zusatzqualifikationen wurden dagegen häufiger angegeben (86,4 %). Insgesamt scheinen Lehrende in der beruflich-betrieblichen Weiterbildung ein hohes Qualifikationsniveau zu besitzen, wobei es sich jedoch selten um ausgebildete Pädagog/innen handelt. Im Hinblick auf die Professionalisierung im Weiterbildungsbereich erscheint es lohnend, diese Teilgruppe des Weiterbildungspersonals als solche zukünftig genauer zu untersuchen.