bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smallmouth Bass Population Demographics in Missouri Ozark Streams and an Evaluation of a Statewide 305-mm Minimum Length Limit
Authors: Sterling Edward M. , Sterling Kylie B. , Phelps Quinton E. , Ham Tyler D. , Tripp Sara J.
Published: August 2019

The Ozark streams of Missouri provide anglers with unique Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu fishing opportunities. To ensure the sustainability and potential of these fisheries, we sampled five streams in the Ozark highland ecoregion of southern Missouri via recreational angling methods. From our samples, we developed estimates of recruitment, growth, and mortality, and assessed current regulations for Smallmouth Bass. To accomplish these objectives, we aged otoliths from 75 legal (305-mm) fish on each stream. Back-calculated length-at-age estimates were formed for sublegal lengths, and were paired with electrofishing length distributions on each stream using an age-length key. These data were used to develop estimates of dynamic rate functions and models of yield, spawning potential, and number of memorable fish for each study population. We found that recruitment was stable on each stream, but growth and mortality varied among streams. We also found that models of yield, spawning potential, and number of memorable fish varied greatly among streams. Our results showed that the current 305-mm statewide minimum length limit is applicable for some of our study streams, but yield, spawning potential, and trophy potential could increase with more restrictive length limits on some of our study streams. More spatially explicit length limits can help these Smallmouth Bass populations reach their growth potential. This information can help inform stream management in Missouri and across the Ozark region of the Midwest.
Upregulation of neurotrophins and transforming growth factor‐β expression in the bladder may lead to nerve hyperplasia and fibrosis in patients with severe ketamine‐associated cystitis
Authors: Jhang Jia‐Fong , Wang Hsiu‐Jen , Hsu Yung‐Hsiang , Birder Lori A. , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: August 2019

Aims

To investigate the mechanism of bladder nerve hyperplasia and fibrosis in the patients with ketamine‐associated cystitis (KC).

Methods

Sixteen patients with severe KC, six patients with mild KC, and five patients with localized invasive bladder cancer served as control patients. Bladder mucosa specimens were taken during the operations, and the specimens were stained for nerve growth factor (NGF) and S‐100 to evaluated nerve hyperplasia. The quantitative Western blot analysis was performed for NGF, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), growth‐associated protein 43 (GAP‐43), tropomyosin receptor kinase A and B (TrkA and TrkB), transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (p‐ERK), protein kinase B (p‐Akt), and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (p‐GSK‐3β).

Results

The results demonstrated diffuse NGF expression in KC bladder epithelium, lamina propria, and muscle. The GAP‐43, NGF, BDNF, TrkA, TGF‐β, p‐ERK, P‐AKT, and p‐GSK‐3β expression in the bladder mucosa specimens of patients with severe KC was significantly higher than in patients with mild KC and control patients. Expression of neurotrophins was significantly correlated with bladder capacity and pain. NGF and BDNF expression were significantly higher in the KC bladder specimens with strongly positive S‐100 staining. TGF‐β expression in the bladder specimens was significantly correlated with neurotrophins, p‐ERK, P‐AKT, and p‐GSK‐3β levels.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate upregulation of neurotrophins, TGF‐β, and activation of the cell proliferation kinases plays an important role in nerve hyperplasia and fibrosis mechanisms in severe KC bladders. The neurotrophins and TGF‐β interact as cause and effect, leading to bladder hypersensitivity and fibrosis in severe KC.
Urinary nerve growth factor can predict therapeutic efficacy in children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis
Authors: Morizawa Yosuke , Aoki Katsuya , Iemura Yusuke , Hori Shunta , Gotoh Daisuke , Fukui Shinji , Nakai Yasushi , Miyake Makito , Torimoto Kazumasa , Tanaka Nobumichi , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: August 2019

Aim

To determine the urinary levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) and evaluate whether these factors can be used as biomarkers for the treatment outcome.

Methods

NGF and BDNF levels were measured and compared in 38 children (28 boys and 10 girls) with MNE and 25 children (18 boys and 7 girls) with no urinary symptoms were assessed. The mean ages in the patient and control groups were 9 and 10 years, respectively (P = .49). The patients were treated with either alarm or desmopressin therapy.

Results

The urinary NGF/creatinine and BDNF/creatinine ratios were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (P = .0003 and P = .0095, respectively). NGF and BDNF levels showed a significant positive correlation (P = .0020, r = 0.40). With respect to the degree of response, 19 patients (50%) showed complete response (CR) or partial response (PR), and 19 patients (50%) showed nonresponse (NR). The urinary NGF/creatinine and BDNF/creatinine ratios were significantly higher in the NR group than in the CR and PR groups (P = .0003 and P = .0003, respectively).

Conclusions

Urinary NGF/creatinine and BDNF/creatinine ratios were significantly higher in children with MNE than in healthy controls. Urinary NGF/creatinine can be predictive factors of a poor treatment outcome in children with MNE.
Detrusor underactivity in women: A current understanding
Authors: Hartigan Siobhan M. , Reynolds W. Stuart , Dmochowski Roger R.
Published: August 2019

Aims

To examine the current understanding and management of detrusor underactivity (DUA) and underactive bladder (UAB) in women.

Methods

A review of the current literature was performed with a specific focus on new management strategies and treatment options for women with DUA and UAB.

Results

DUA has become an area of increased interest in recent years. Affecting up to 45% of older women undergoing urodynamic evaluation for non‐neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms, DUA is common. There are a variety of possible etiologies including neurogenic or myogenic dysfunction. As there is currently no cure for DUA and no way to restore the ability of the detrusor muscle to contract, management of DUA in women is mostly focused on effective bladder drainage by urinary catheterization. Clean intermittent catheterization is the gold standard for bladder drainage however for a variety of reasons, women with DUA often are managed with indwelling urethral catheter or suprapubic tube. Medications, sacral neuromodulation, and the inFlow urinary prosthesis are also treatment alternatives or additions to catheterization. Novel therapies using stem cells and gene therapy are also under investigation for the treatment of DUA and UAB.

Conclusions

DUA is likely more prevalent than recognized and undertreated in women. It is vital that further research in treatment options beyond catheterization be developed for these patients to offer patients a variety of treatment options.
Influence of Adding Molybdenum on Structure and Performance of FexOy/SBA‐15 Catalysts in Selective Oxidation of Propene
Authors: Genz Nina Sharmen , Ressler Thorsten
Published: August 2019

Mixed iron and molybdenum oxide catalysts supported on nanostructured silica, SBA‐15, were synthesized with various Mo/Fe atomic ratios ranging from 0.07/1.0 to 0.57/1.0. Structural characterization of as‐prepared MoxOy_FexOy/SBA‐15 samples was performed by nitrogen physisorption, X‐ray diffraction, and DR‐UV‐Vis spectroscopy. Adding molybdenum resulted in a pronounced dispersion effect on supported iron oxidic species. Increasing atomic ratio up to 0.21Mo/1.0Fe was accompanied by decreasing species sizes. Strong interactions between iron and molybdenum during the synthesis resulted in the formation of Fe−O−Mo structure units, possibly Fe2(MoO4)3‐like species. Reducibility of MoxOy_FexOy/SBA‐15 catalysts was investigated by temperature‐programmed reduction experiments with hydrogen as reducing agent. The lower reducibility obtained when adding molybdenum was ascribed to both dispersion and electronic effect of molybdenum. Catalytic performance of MoxOy_FexOy/SBA‐15 samples was studied in selective gas‐phase oxidation of propene with O2 as oxidant. Adding molybdenum resulted in an increased acrolein selectivity and a decreased selectivity towards total oxidation products.
Recognition of antioxidants and photosensitizers in Dyssodia pinnata by EPR spectroscopy
Authors: Arciniegas Amira , Gómez‐Vidales Virginia , Pérez‐Castorena Ana‐L. , Nieto‐Camacho Antonio , Villaseñor José L. , Romo de Vivar Alfonso
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Previous studies report the isolation mainly of terthiophene derivatives and flavonoids from Dyssodia species. Terthiophenes are known as photosensitizers by their capacity to generate singlet oxygen (1O2), and flavonoid antioxidant activity is recognized. These opposite properties could represent interesting options in photodynamic therapy.

Objective

To determine the antioxidant and photosensitizer activities of extracts and isolates of Dyssodia pinnata by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR).

Methodology

Extracts and isolates were evaluated as antioxidants by the interactions with copper ion (Cu2+) observed in EPR, and by the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and the thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) methods. Their abilities as 1O2 producers were also estimated by EPR.

Results

Terthiophenes were obtained from hexane (DPH) and acetone (DPA) extracts, and flavonoids from DPA and methanol (DPM) extracts. The interaction with Cu2+ of extracts and isolated compounds of Dyssodia pinnata showed two effects in EPR: reduction and chelation; flavonoids exhibited both effects, while terthiophenes showed only reduction. DPA, DPM, and flavonoids were active in DPPH and TBARS assays. Quercetagetin‐7‐O‐β‐glucoside showed the highest antioxidant and chelating activities, 3‐glycosidated flavonoids were less active. Upon irradiation extracts and terthiophenes induced 1O2 formation.

Conclusion

Flavonoid reducing activity on Cu2+ and free radical scavenging capacity were related to the number of hydroxy groups and to the conjugation between the B and C rings. All tested flavonols showed a major complex with Cu2+, with the most probable site of chelation between the 5‐hydroxy and 4‐oxo groups. Extracts and terthiophene derivatives showed photosensitizer activity. Thus, EPR is useful to evaluate free radical scavenging and pro‐oxidant properties.
An empirical assessment of immeasurable time bias in the setting of nested case‐control studies: Statins and all‐cause mortality among patients with heart failure
Authors: Oh In‐Sun , Filion Kristian B. , Jeong Han Eol , Shin Ju‐Young
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Immeasurable time bias exaggerates drug benefits in pharmacoepidemiologic studies due to exposure misclassification that occurs due to the lack of inpatient drug data in many healthcare databases.

Methods

To estimate the magnitude of immeasurable time bias and assess potential approaches to minimize it, we conducted a nested case‐control study of statin use and mortality among heart failure patients using the South Korean nationwide healthcare database, which contains both inpatient and outpatient medication data. Using both inpatient and outpatient medication data to define the gold standard exposure definition, we assessed 10 different analytical methods in which exposure was defined using outpatient medication data only. We compared different methodological approaches to reduce immeasurable time bias: restricting to nonhospitalized patients, adjusting for hospitalization, weighting by either measurable time (nonhospitalized time during 90‐d period) or outpatient time, and computing the odds ratios (ORs) using 90‐day cumulative probability of exposure produced by the Kaplan‐Meier product‐limit estimator for cases and controls.

Results

The three approaches that most closely approximated the gold standard (hazard ratio [HR] 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05‐1.37) were weighting by either measurable (HR 1.09; 95% CI, 0.92‐1.28) or outpatient time (HR 1.14; 95% CI, 0.96‐1.34) in the unexposed or by estimating the 90‐day exposure probability (HR 1.31; 95% CI, 1.11‐1.51).

Conclusion

The use of one of these three methods may be suggested as an approach to minimize immeasurable time bias in nested case‐control studies.
Si permeability of a deficient Lsi1 aquaporin in tobacco can be enhanced through a conserved residue substitution
Authors: Coskun Devrim , Deshmukh Rupesh , Sonah Humira , Shivaraj Sheelavanta Matha , Frenette‐Cotton Rachelle , Tremblay Laurence , Isenring Paul , Bélanger Richard R.
Published: August 2019

Silicon (Si) is a beneficial substrate for many plants, conferring heightened resilience to environmental stress. A plant's ability to absorb Si is primarily dependent on the presence of a Si‐permeable Lsi1 (NIP2‐1) aquaporin in its roots. Structure‐function analyses of Lsi1 channels from higher plants have thus far revealed two key molecular determinants of Si permeability: (a) the amino acid motif GSGR in the aromatic/arginine selectivity filter and (b) 108 amino acids between two highly conserved NPA domains. Curiously, tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris) stands as a rare exception as it possesses an Lsi1 (NsLsi1) with these molecular signatures but is reported as a low Si accumulator. The aim of this study was therefore to identify whether additional determinants influence Si permeability via Lsi1 channels, focusing on the role of residues that differ uniquely in NsLsi1 relative to functional Lsi1 homologs. We observed tobacco indeed absorbed Si poorly (0.1% dw), despite NsLsi1 being expressed constitutively in planta. Si influx measured in NsLsi1‐expressing Xenopus oocytes was very low (<13% that of OsLsi1 from rice (Oryza sativa) over a 3‐hr time course), which likely explains why tobacco is a low Si accumulator. Interestingly, NsLsi1P125F displayed a significant gain of function (threefold increase in Si influx relative to NsLsi1WT), which coincided with a threefold increase in plasma membrane localization in planta, as measured by transient expression of GFP constructs in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. These findings thus reveal a novel molecular determinant of Si transport in plants and inform breeding, biotechnological, and agricultural practices to effectively utilize Si in the context of plant resilience to environmental stress.
Anionic hydrogen‐transfer polymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide under microwave irradiation
Authors: Iwamura Takeru , Ashizawa Kazufumi , Adachi Kaoru , Takasaki Masato
Published: August 2019

Anionic hydrogen‐transfer homopolymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) was carried out using t‐BuOK as an initiator in DMF under microwave irradiation. After 100 W of microwave was irradiated to the reaction mixture at 140°C for 6 h in the temperature control mode, corresponding polymer was obtained in 10% yield. In the case of conventional oil bath heating, by contrast, corresponding polymer was not obtained in similar anionic polymerization conditions. With 100 W and 2.45 GHz of microwave irradiation, formation of the polymer was obtained. Microwave‐assisted anionic hydrogen‐transfer copolymerization of NIPPAm and acrylamide (AAm) led to the formation of thermo‐sensitive copolymers whose thermo‐sensitivity was controlled by the NIPAAm/AAm unit ratio. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2415–2419
Study on atmospheric air glow discharge plasma generation based on multiple potentials and aramid fabric surface modification
Authors: Zhao Luxiang , Liu Wenzheng , Xu Min , Huang Ye , Zheng Qingtian , Sun Sijia , Wang Yiqing
Published: August 2019

A method of forming large‐area glow discharge plasmas with good diffusivity in atmospheric air based on the composite network‐surface laminated electrode structure with multiple potentials is proposed. This method can enhance the intensity of the space electric field and generate glow discharge plasma under the condition that the voltage is lower than 1 kV. Through the alternating electric field, the charged particles diffuse from the surface of the electrode to the space to enhance the treatment of aramid fabric. According to the changes of surface morphology, contact angle and surface energy of aramid fabric, it can be seen that the surface roughness and surface energy of the material treated by plasma are significantly improved. After 30 s of treatment, the contact angle decreases by 83.85° and the surface energy increases 3.4 times. This method has the advantages of low discharge voltage, good discharge uniformity, good material treatment effect, and so forth. It has good application prospects for the industrialization of aramid fabric surface modification with high efficiency.
Training and standardization of general practitioners in the use of lung ultrasound for the diagnosis of pediatric pneumonia
Authors: Pervaiz Farhan , Hossen Shakir , Chavez Miguel A. , Miele Catherine H. , Moulton Lawrence H. , McCollum Eric D. , Roy Arun D. , Chowdhury Nabidul H. , Ahmed Salahuddin , Begum Nazma , Quaiyum Abdul , Santosham Mathuram , Baqui Abdullah H. , Checkley William
Published: August 2019

Background

Pneumonia is a leading cause of death in children of low‐resource settings. Barriers to care include an early and accurate diagnosis. Lung ultrasound is a novel tool for the identification of pediatric pneumonia; however, there is currently no standardized approach to train in image acquisition and interpretation of findings in epidemiological studies. We developed a training program for physicians with limited ultrasound experience on how to use ultrasound for the diagnosis of pediatric pneumonia and how to standardize image interpretation using a panel of readers.

Methods

Twenty‐five physicians participating in the training program conducted lung ultrasounds in all children with suspected pneumonia, aged 3 to 35 months, presenting to three subdistrict hospitals in Sylhet, Bangladesh, between June 2015 and September 2017.

Results

A total of 9051 pediatric lung ultrasound assessments were conducted through 27 months of data collection. Study physicians underwent training and all were successfully standardized, achieving 91% agreement and maintained a sensitivity and specificity of 88% and 92%, respectively, when their diagnosis was compared with experts. Overall kappa between two readers was high (0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84‐0.87), and remained high when a third expert reader was included (0.80, 95% CI, 0.79‐0.81). Agreement and kappa statistics were similarly high when stratified by age, sex, presence of danger signs, or hypoxemia.

Conclusions

Lung ultrasound is a novel tool for the diagnosis of pediatric pneumonia with evidence supporting its validity and feasibility of implementation. Here we introduced a training program that resulted in a high level of inter‐sonographer agreement.
Does ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate (DA) have any prognostic impact on patients with de novo metastatic prostate cancer?
Authors: Wu Tao , Zhao Jinge , Liu Zhenhua , Shen Pengfei , Zhang Mengni , Sun Guangxi , Liu Jiandong , Liao Banghua , Chen Junru , Zhu Sha , Dai Jindong , Wang Zhipeng , Zhang Haoran , Zhao Peng , Zhang Xingming , Zhu Xudong , Ni Yuchao , Chen Ni , Zeng Hao
Published: August 2019

Background: The prognostic value of ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate (DA) in nonmetastatic prostate cancer (PCa) has been identified in many studies. However, it remains unknown whether DA is an adverse prognostic factor in metastatic PCa (mPCa).

Method: Data from 634 mPCa patients histopathologically documented with DA or/and acinar adenocarcinoma of the prostate in our center between 2012 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the baseline features. Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were utilized to validate our findings. Castration‐resistant PCa‐free survival (CFS), overall survival (OS), and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) were set as endpoints.

Results: DA was confirmed in 35 of 634 (5.5%) patients. Among the DA‐positive patients, 7 of 35 (20%) and 28 of 35 (80%) harbored high (DA ≥ 50%) and low (DA < 50%) DA components, respectively. DA was not associated with poorer median CFS (mCFS) or median OS (mOS) either before PSM (mCFS: 16.9 vs 18.4 month, P = .814; mOS: 42.0 vs 70.1 month, P = .796) or after PSM (mCFS: 16.9 vs 16.9 month, P = .949; mOS: 42.0 vs 79.9 month, P = .960). Likewise, in the SEER data, DA‐positive patients (n = 15 153) shared similar median CSS (25.0 vs 28.0 month, P = .206) and OS (26.0 vs 35.0 month, P = .095) with DA‐negative patients (n = 70). No prognostic difference was found between patients with high and low DA components.

Conclusion: We conducted the first study investigating the prognostic value of DA in de novo mPCa. DA was not associated with adverse clinical outcomes in mPCa patients. These findings are helpful for prognostic evaluation, treatment decision making and counseling in mPCa patients.
A three‐gene DNA methylation biomarker accurately classifies early stage prostate cancer
Authors: Patel Palak G. , Wessel Thomas , Kawashima Atsunari , Okello John B. A. , Jamaspishvili Tamara , Guérard Karl‐Philippe , Lee Laura , Lee Anna Ying‐Wah , How Nathan E. , Dion Dan , Scarlata Eleonora , Jackson Chelsea L. , Boursalie Suzanne , Sack Tanya , Dunn Rachel , Moussa Madeleine , Mackie/ Karen , Ellis Audrey , Marra Elizabeth , Chin Joseph , Siddiqui Khurram , Hetou Khalil , Pickard Lee‐Anne , Arthur‐Hayward Vinolia , Bauman Glenn , Chevalier Simone , Brimo Fadi , Boutros Paul C. , Lapointe PhD Jacques , Bartlett John M. S. , Gooding Robert J. , Berman David M.
Published: August 2019

Background

We identify and validate accurate diagnostic biomarkers for prostate cancer through a systematic evaluation of DNA methylation alterations.

Materials and methods

We assembled three early prostate cancer cohorts (total patients = 699) from which we collected and processed over 1300 prostatectomy tissue samples for DNA extraction. Using real‐time methylation‐specific PCR, we measured normalized methylation levels at 15 frequently methylated loci. After partitioning sample sets into independent training and validation cohorts, classifiers were developed using logistic regression, analyzed, and validated.

Results

In the training dataset, DNA methylation levels at 7 of 15 genomic loci (glutathione S‐transferase Pi 1 [GSTP1], CCDC181, hyaluronan, and proteoglycan link protein 3 [HAPLN3], GSTM2, growth arrest‐specific 6 [GAS6], RASSF1, and APC) showed large differences between cancer and benign samples. The best binary classifier was the GAS6/GSTP1/HAPLN3 logistic regression model, with an area under these curves of 0.97, which showed a sensitivity of 94%, and a specificity of 93% after external validation.

Conclusion

We created and validated a multigene model for the classification of benign and malignant prostate tissue. With false positive and negative rates below 7%, this three‐gene biomarker represents a promising basis for more accurate prostate cancer diagnosis.
Crystal Phase Distribution and Ferroelectricity in Ultrathin HfO2–ZrO2 Bilayers
Authors: McBriarty Martin E. , Narasimhan Vijay K. , Weeks Stephen L. , Pal Ashish , Fang Huazhi , Petach Trevor A. , Mehta Apurva , Davis Ryan C. , Barabash Sergey V. , Littau Karl A.
Published: August 2019

(Hf,Zr)O2 ultrathin films are used as ferroelectric layers in emerging digital logic and nonvolatile memory devices. The ferroelectric properties of (Hf,Zr)O2 can be improved by interface engineering, such as the formation of nanolaminates with distinct HfO2 and ZrO2 layers. Herein, the ferroelectric performance of HfO2–ZrO2 ultrathin bilayer devices is shown to depend on the stacking order of HfO2 and ZrO2, which affects the quantity of the noncentrosymmetric orthorhombic Pca21 crystal phase. By combining X‐ray diffraction with a novel extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis procedure, the orthorhombic, tetragonal, and monoclinic phase fractions are quantified for bilayers composed of 3 nm HfO2 and 3 nm ZrO2. A significantly larger orthorhombic ZrO2 phase fraction is found when ZrO2 has an unconstrained surface during annealing, whereas the presence of a ZrO2 interface with the substrate results in a substantial tetragonal ZrO2 phase fraction and a 2.4× smaller remanent polarization. HfO2 is found to be less susceptible than ZrO2 to crystal phase templating. The methods presented herein enable mechanistic studies of ferroelectric wake‐up, fatigue, and processing effects in (Hf,Zr)O2 films, accelerating the development of electronic devices that rely on ferroelectric oxides.
Quasiparticle Self‐Consistent GW Study of (Ga1−xAlx)2O3 Alloys in Monoclinic and Corundum Structures
Authors: Ratnaparkhe Amol , Lambrecht Walter R. L.
Published: August 2019

The relative stability and energy of formation of monoclinic and corundum structures, which are, respectively, the lowest energy phases of Ga2O3 and Al2O3, are evaluated for mixed Ga–Al alloys. It is found that in the monoclinic structure, Al shows a strong preference for occupying the octahedral sites. The effects of alternate sites on the band structure and total energy are investigated. The band structures are calculated in the quasiparticle self‐consistent GW approach.
Unified Model for Exciton Diffusion and Dissociation in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Xiong Chunhua , Sun Jiuxun , Fu Yao , Zhang Jingye
Published: August 2019

The performance of organic solar cells is limited by the exciton. However, the theoretical model to study the nature of the exciton is separated into exciton diffusion and dissociation. This article proposes a unified model by combining both exciton diffusion and dissociation. This model can be reduced to the classical model of exciton diffusion or dissociation. Moreover, this model quantitatively explains meaningful experimental data of the short‐circuit current characteristic at different active layer thicknesses that cannot be fitted by the two classical models. In sum, this model is useful for researching the mechanism of the exciton in thin organic materials, which make some significant contributions to blend, multilayer, and A–D–A small‐molecule acceptor solar cells.
Study of the Coarsening of Nanoporous Gold Nanowires by In Situ Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy During Annealing
Authors: Chauvin Adrien , Molina-Luna Leopoldo , Ding Junjun , Choi Chang-Hwan , Tessier Pierre-Yves , El Mel Abdel-Aziz
Published: August 2019

Over the past decades, porous gold has been used in plenty of applications such as catalysis or sensor detection. However, the nanoscale size of both the ligaments and pores makes such material very sensible to temperature. Indeed, the increase in temperature induces coarsening of the structure which can be detrimental for various applications. In this context, understanding of the coarsening on nanoporous gold (NPG) is crucial. In this communication, in situ scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) analysis of coarsening is reported by considering the nanosize of the dealloyed sample in dependence on the annealing of NPG nanowire. This study is performed by the in situ STEM of NPG nanowires after annealing between 25 and 600 °C with two different feature ratios (i.e., ligament/pore size) of 0.6 and 1.4. Herein, for the first time, an experimental demonstration is carried out for the two different behaviors of morphology evolution with temperature, corresponding to ligament pinch‐off and collapsing of nanoporous materials, which have been highlighted by simulations in the literature.
Band Alignment in As‐Transferred and Annealed Graphene/MoS2 Heterostructures
Authors: Romanov Roman I. , Slavich Aleksandr S. , Kozodaev Maxim G. , Myakota Denis I. , Lebedinskii Yuri Y. , Novikov Sergey M. , Markeev Andrey M.
Published: August 2019

The band alignment in the graphene/MoS2 van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) is investigated by Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to understand the transfer‐ and annealing‐induced change of electronic properties. Raman spectroscopy indicates that partial electron redistribution between the MoS2 and graphene layers occurs when brought into contact, resulting in a hole concentration decrease in graphene from 1 × 1013 to 7 × 1012 cm−2. The additional thermal annealing at 400 °C further decreases the hole concentration down to 3 × 1012 cm−2 and leads to a MoS2 valence band offset increase by 0.2 eV. The annealing procedure also results in a visible decrease in adsorbed carbon‐ and oxygen‐containing contaminants, and this decrease is clearly detected by XPS. Thus, the combination of Raman spectroscopy and XPS provides a powerful diagnostic tool for the electronic properties at each stage of vdWHs preparation, allowing the attainment of 2D vdWHs with the desired properties.
Functional 2D Germanene Fluorescent Coating of Microrobots for Micromachines Multiplexing
Authors: Maric Tijana , Beladi‐Mousavi Seyyed Mohsen , Khezri Bahareh , Sturala Jiri , Nasir Muhammad Zafir Mohamad , Webster Richard D. , Sofer Zdeneˇk , Pumera Martin
Published: August 2019

Micromachines are at the forefront of materials research as they are self‐propelled, smart autonomous systems capable of acting as an intelligent matter. One of the obstacles the field faces is tracking individual micromachines carrying molecular cargo from the rest of the micromachines. Highly stable fluorescent markers based on chemically modified 2D germanene compounds are developed. Two different 2D germanene derivatives, 4‐fluorophenylgermanane (2D‐Ph‐Ge) and methylgermanane (2D‐Me‐Ge), exhibit different fluorescence under UV light irradiation (excitation at 365 nm), which allows one particular micromotor to be easily distinguished in a mixture of micromotors. This offers a paradigm shift toward a new approach of multiplex detection of self‐propelled micromachines. The utility is demonstrated on a drug delivery system, where micromachines carrying a drug are labeled with 2D‐Ph‐Ge with blue emission while bare micromachines are labeled by 2D‐Me‐Ge with red emission. This approach of functional fluorescent labeling will pave the way to multiple simultaneous functionalized micromachines identification in complex environments.
(TiO2(B) Nanosheet)/(Metallic Phase MoS2) Hybrid Nanostructures: An Efficient Catalyst for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Jing , Jia Henglei , Guo Yingjie , Zhang Yanpei , Xie Qindong , Zhu Houyu , Sun Jie , Shi Feng , Liu Zong-Huai , Jiang Ruibin
Published: August 2019

Developing photocatalysts that can efficiently produce hydrogen from water under solar irradiation is highly desired for sustainable and clean hydrogen energy. Herein, it is demonstrated that (TiO2(B) nanosheet)/(metallic phase MoS2) hybrid nanostructures have high activity for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water. The TiO2(B) nanosheets are prepared by solvothermal reaction with TiCl3 as a precursor in the presence of ethylene glycol. Due to the short transportation distance of charge carriers, more negative conduction band edge, and the existence of oxygen vacancy, the photocatalytic activity of the pure TiO2(B) nanosheets is one order of the magnitude larger than that of the commercial P25. After loading metallic phase MoS2, the photocatalytic activity of TiO2(B) is further improved by ≈13 times to 1444 μmol g−1 h−1 because of the superior activity of metallic phase MoS2 for hydrogen evolution. The findings provide a cost‐effective and highly active photocatalyst for hydrogen production from water and are very helpful for the development of sustainable and clean hydrogen energy.
“I am a young immigrant woman doing physics and on top of that I am Muslim”: Identities, intersections, and negotiations
Authors: Avraamidou Lucy
Published: August 2019

Framed within intersectionality and using science identity as a unit of analysis, in this single case study I explore the barriers, difficulties, and conflicts that Amina, a young Muslim woman, immigrant in Western Europe confronted throughout her trajectory in physics and the ways in which her multiple identities intersected. The main sources of data consisted of three long biographical interviews, which were analyzed through a constant comparative method. The analysis of the data provided insights into how intrapersonal, interpersonal, sociocultural factors, alongside a myriad of experiences nurtured Amina's intersectional identities and what this may mean for Muslim women's participation in physics. The findings are summarized in two main assertions: (a) Amina was confronted with various barriers across her journey in physics with the intersection of religion and gender being the major barrier to her perceived recognition due to cultural expectations, sociopolitical factors, and negative stereotypes and (b) Amina's social class, religion, gender performance, and ethnic status positioned her as Other in various places throughout her trajectory in physics, and consequently hindered her sense of belonging. These findings suggest the urgency and importance of: (a) examining the intersection of science identity with other identities, especially, religion, gender, and ethnicity for the purpose of extrapolating a more comprehensive understanding of how minoritized groups participate in science; (b) rethinking recognition through an explicit intersectionality lens across various geographical and sociopolitical contexts; and (c) transforming physics into a diverse world where multiple ways of being are recognized, where minoritized groups will not have to compartmentalize parts of their identities to exist, and where they can perform their authentic and intersectional identities.
Resveratrol protects against cadmium chloride‐induced hippocampal neurotoxicity by inhibiting ER stress and GAAD 153 and activating sirtuin 1/AMPK/Akt
Authors: Shati Ali A.
Published: August 2019

This study investigated whether the apoptotic effect induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in rat's hippocampi and neuroprotection afforded by resveratrol (RES) are mediated by modulation of ER stress and involve sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/AMPK/Akt axis. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 24/group) as control, control + RES (300 mg/kg), CdCl2 (5 mg/kg), and CdCl2 + RES. All treatments were conducted orally for 45 days. Also, cultured hippocampal cells were treated with CdCl2 in the presence or absence of RES and with or without preincubation with SIRT1, AMPK, or PI3K inhibitors. CdCl2 impaired retention and spatial memories of rats and reduced levels and activities of SIRT1 and inhibited AMPK/Akt axis in their hippocamapi where SIRT1 was the upstream regulator. It also enahnced hippocampal levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expression of caspase‐12 and caspase‐3, depleted glutathione (GSH) levels, and activated GRP78, activating transcription factor‐6, GAAD 153, X‐box binding protein‐1 arms of ER stress. On the contrary, RES coadminsitration completley abolished all these events. Interstingly and in control rats, RES not only increased levels of GSH, but also enhenced protein levels of B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) and dwonregulated GAAD 153. In both control and CdCl2‐treated rats, pharmacological inhibtion of SIRT1, AMPK, and Akt compleltely abolished all effects afforded by RES. In conclusion, CdCl2‐induced hippocampal apopotis is associated with reduction of SIRT1/AMPK/Akt activity levels, ROS generation, downregulation of Bcl‐2, and activities, activation of ER stress, and GAAD 153, whereas RES is able to reverse these effects through activation of SIRT1/AMPK/Akt.
Supporting Disciplinary Literacy and Science Learning in Grades 3–5
Authors: Grysko Rebeca A. , Zygouris‐Coe Vassiliki (Vicky) I.
Published: August 2019

The elementary grades provide a rich context for literacy and science learning. Reading, writing, and talk support students’ conceptual understanding of and engagement with science. The authors provide theoretical and research evidence to support the teaching of five instructional strategies that can facilitate literacy and science learning in tandem in the intermediate science classroom. The authors connect each strategy to a current need in science teaching and learning and provide step‐by‐step instructions about how to use this strategy in the classroom. An authentic example of a fourth‐grade lesson is included to show how the five strategies connect with students’ literacy and science learning in the elementary science classroom and beyond.
Cervical pessary vs vaginal progesterone for prevention of preterm birth in women with twin pregnancy and short cervix: economic analysis following randomized controlled trial
Authors: Le K. D. , Nguyen L. K. , Nguyen L. T. M. , Mol B. W. J. , Dang V. Q.
Published: August 2019

Objective

To compare the cost‐effectiveness of cervical pessary vs vaginal progesterone to prevent preterm birth and neonatal morbidity in women with twin pregnancy and a short cervix.

Methods

Between 4 March 2016 and 3 June 2017, we performed this economic analysis following a randomized controlled trial (RCT), performed at My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, that compared cervical pessary to vaginal progesterone in women with twin pregnancy and cervical length < 38 mm between 16 and 22 weeks of gestation. We used morbidity‐free neonatal survival as a measure of effectiveness. Data on pregnancy outcome, maternal morbidity and neonatal complications were collected prospectively from medical files; additional information was obtained via telephone interviews with the patients. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was calculated as the incremental cost required to achieve one extra surviving morbidity‐free neonate in the pessary group compared with in the progesterone group. Probabilistic and one‐way sensitivity analyses were also performed.

Results

During the study period, we screened 1113 women with twin pregnancy, of whom 300 fulfilled the inclusion criteria of the RCT and gave informed consent to participate. These women were assigned randomly to receive cervical pessary (n = 150) or vaginal progesterone (n = 150), with two women and one woman, respectively, being lost to follow‐up. The rate of morbidity‐free neonatal survival was significantly higher in the pessary group compared with the progesterone group (n = 241/296 (81.4%) vs 219/298 (73.5%); relative risk, 1.11 (95% CI, 1.02–1.21), P = 0.02). The mean total cost per woman was 3146 € in the pessary group vs 3570 € in the progesterone group (absolute difference, –424 € (95% CI, –842 to –3 €), P = 0.048). The cost per morbidity‐free neonate was significantly lower in the pessary group compared with that in the progesterone group (2492 vs 2639 €; absolute difference, –147 € (95% CI, −284 to 10 €), P = 0.035).

Conclusion

In women with twin pregnancy and a short cervix, cervical pessary improves significantly the rate of morbidity‐free neonatal survival while reducing costs, as compared with vaginal progesterone. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Assessing human‐specific CrAssphage recovery after acidification‐filtration concentrating method in environmental water
Authors: Petcharat Thitirat , Kongprajug Akechai , Chyerochana Natcha , Sangkaew Watsawan , Mongkolsuk Skorn , Sirikanchana Kwanrawee
Published: August 2019

Pinpointing water pollution sources using host‐specific gastrointestinal microbes, known as microbial source tracking (MST), have significant benefits for countries with water quality management issues related to pollution. A recently discovered bacteriophage, crAssphage, shows promise as a human‐specific MST marker. However, loss of genetic materials during the recovery and the detection processes could alter the ability to measure virus quantities in a water sample. This study determined the crAssphage recovery efficiencies in water sources, including seawater, freshwater, and influent and effluent from a wastewater treatment plant, by spiking natural crAssphage concentrates prior to DNA extraction and quantitative PCR analysis. The results showed that river and seawater with no or low crAssphage background experienced no recovery loss. Evaluating recovery efficiencies in samples with high crAssphage backgrounds posed a challenge due to the inability to prepare high crAssphage titers. This study highlights the importance of intra‐laboratory assessment of recovery efficiency in environmental samples for retrieving absolute crAssphage quantification with correction of bias among water samples and increase in data accuracy.

Practitioner points

In laboratory assessment of recovery efficiency is crucial for bias correction and data accuracy for absolute crAssphage quantification in water samples.

No loss in crAssphage recovery was observed in river and seawater that contained no or low crAssphage backgrounds.

Inability to prepare high crAssphage spike concentrations remains the major limitation for evaluating recovery in samples with high crAssphage backgrounds.

The results underline the importance of evaluating method recovery in real environmental samples that reflect actual matrix effect.

Absolute crAssphage quantification, as human‐specific pollution marker, could be used for prioritizing water quality restoration and area‐based management plan.
Hazardous waste treatment technologies
Authors: Wang Jianmin , Shih Yujen , Wang Po Yen , Yu Yu Han , Su Jenn Fang , Huang Chin‐pao
Published: August 2019

This is a review of the literature published in 2018 on topics related to hazardous waste management in water, soils, sediments, and air. The review covers treatment technologies applying physical, chemical, and biological principles for contaminated water, soils, sediments, and air.

Practitioner points

The management of waters, wastewaters, and soils contaminated by various hazardous chemicals including inorganic (e.g., oxyanions, salts, and heavy metals), organic (e.g., halogenated, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, pesticides, and persistent organic chemicals) was reviewed according to the technology applied, namely, physical, chemical and biological methods.

Physical methods for the management of hazardous wastes including adsorption, coagulation (conventional and electrochemical), sand filtration, electrosorption (or CDI), electrodialysis, electrokinetics, membrane (RO, NF, MF), photocatalysis, photoelectrochemical oxidation, sonochemical, non‐thermal plasma, supercritical fluid, electrochemical oxidation, and electrochemical reduction processes were reviewed.

Chemical methods including ozone‐based, hydrogen peroxide‐based, persulfate‐based, Fenton and Fenton‐like, and potassium permanganate processes for the management of hazardous were reviewed.

Biological methods such as aerobic, anaerobic, bioreactor, constructed wetlands, soil bioremediation and biofilter processes for the management of hazardous wastes, in mode of consortium and pure culture were reviewed.
Small Rural Schools in Austria: Potentials and Challenges
Authors: Raggl Andrea
Published: August 2019

The author of this chapter analyses the potential and challenges of small rural primary schools. Between 2009 and 2015, researchers of two transnational projects co-operated with partners from Switzerland to carry out studies in small rural schools in Western Austria. Due to topological conditions, small rural primary schools are common in this region, with 43% of primary schools consisting of fewer than 50 pupils. Yet despite this high number, little research had been done previously. The authors of 20 case studies of small rural primary schools in Vorarlberg showed that these schools are a source of both educational opportunities and specific challenges. The author will describe issues informing the work of teachers in these schools, the special situation of rural head teachers, and the struggle to secure the existence of small schools through developing a special profile as Montessori institutions.
Field and Terrain: The Micropolitics of Community Leadership in Small, Rural Schools in England
Authors: Hillyard Samantha H. , Bagley Carl
Published: August 2019

The authors of this chapter discuss the role and centrality of the school in two contrasting rural villages in England. They first analyse the school’s social history, then evaluate its sustainability relative to other village-based service provisions, and finally focus on the role of the head teacher. The authors base their discussion heavily on the results of an RCUK-funded project conducted in two English villages. Differences emerge between the cultural heritages and individual leadership styles in both localities. They argue that the rural head teacher’s relative autonomy as a key actor in a small rural community has shifted, as has the relationship between school and village in terms of social cohesion, and that the backdrop of the locality’s cultural heritage is critical. They conclude that small rural schools are shaped by their local contexts and social histories, but that their head teachers continue to enjoy a degree of relative autonomy.
Territorial Governance of Schooling and Education in Rural Areas: Case Studies from Northern Germany
Authors: Jahnke Holger
Published: August 2019

Rural areas across Europe suffer from population decline, which eventually leads to an increased closure of small elementary schools. In order to avoid both school closure and demographic decline, policymakers have in some cases integrated schooling and education into a broader concept of territorial governance. On a conceptual level the author of this contribution critically examines the interconnection between the governance of schooling and education on the one hand and local territorial governance strategies on the other. The supporters of both policies share the goal of local and demographic development, and researchers thus usually underline the synergies between the two processes. However, the author examines the consequences of three selected educational reforms and points out the possibly ambiguous outcomes when local school development is carried out in the name of demographic development. He analyzes two neighboring rural districts with different coping strategies as case studies.
School Autonomy Policies and the Changing Governance of Schooling
Authors: Altrichter Herbert
Published: August 2019

Since the mid-1990, but in particular since the so-called PISA shock, German-speaking countries have seen major changes in the governance of their school systems. The author of this paper aims to explain some conceptual tools for analyzing governance changes and to give examples of research into governance changes using these concepts. He begins by clarifying the special conceptual view on education systems and on educational reforms provided by the governance perspective, then continues by giving an overview of major educational reforms during the last two decades in German-speaking school systems and explains how they are analyzed and interpreted with the help of governance concepts. He concludes by using the Austrian school autonomy policy, which allowed schools to develop specific “curricular profiles,” as an example for discussing governance changes in a multilevel governance system.