bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical Properties of Enzymatically Produced Palm‐Oil‐Based Cocoa Butter Substitute (CBS) With Cocoa Butter Mixture
Authors: Biswas Nirupam , Cheow Yuen Lin , Tan Chin Ping , Siow Lee Fong
Published: December 2017

Ternary‐blend of palm mid‐fraction/palm kernel oil/palm stearin shows comparable palmitic (P), oleic (O), and POP compositions to cocoa butter (CB) which is selected to produce cocoa butter substitute (CBS) using enzymatic interesterification. This study aims to investigate physicochemical properties of CBS and compatibility of CBS/CB. Fatty acid, triacylglycerol, melting profile, solid fat content (SFC), polymorphism, and crystal morphology are determined using GC, HPLC, DSC, pNMR, XRD, and PLM. Ternary‐blend and commercial stearic/oleic acids are mixed to produce blend (80% ternary‐blend/15% stearic/5% oleic) with three major fatty acids composition comparable to CB. Interesterified blend under optimized conditions of 4% lipase (w/w), incubation time of 6 h at 60 °C shows a melting endotherm at 33.5 °C, similar to CB. The composition of triacylglycerols (POSt and StOSt) of interesterified blend is significantly (P < 0.05) increased compared to non‐interesterified blend. SFC and polymorphism of interesterified fat are different from CB at 24 °C. Subsequently, the CBS (interesterified blend) is added into CB at varying concentrations (w/w). A total of 5–20% of CBS/CB shows similar melting behavior and polymorphism to CB. A desirable monotectic effect is observed at 15–25 °C for these blends. Therefore, interesterified blend is potentially used as CBS to be added up to 20% with CB for chocolate production.

Practical Applications: Palm‐based CBS is feasible to be used in chocolate production at 5–20 wt.%.

Ternary‐blend of palm mid‐fraction/palm kernel oil/palm stearin shows comparable palmitic (P), oleic (O), and POP compositions to cocoa butter (CB), which is selected to produce cocoa butter substitute (CBS) using enzymatic interesterification. This study aims to investigate physicochemical properties of CBS and compatibility of CBS/CB. An interesterified blend is explored that can potentially be used as CBS to be added up to 20% with CB for chocolate production.
Selectfluor‐Mediated Synthesis of Fluoro Spiro 3(2H)‐Furanone Derivatives via Domino Fluorination–Defluorination
Authors: Krishna Swaroop Desireddy , Ravi Kumar Nagiri , Nagender Punna , Jitender Dev Gaddameedi , Jagadeesh Babu Nanubolu , Narsaiah Banda
Published: December 2017

An unprecedented Domino transformation towards diverse fluorinated spiro benzothiazinyl furanone scaffolds has been developed from 1,3‐diketone embedded benzothiazines and Selectfluor through fluorinative intramolecular cyclization. The transformation is triggered by fluorine insertion to form a difluoro intermediate, which is responsible for the formation of fluorinated spiro 3(2H)‐furanone derivatives. We have also succeeded to synthesize non‐fluorinated spiro 3(2H)‐furanone derivatives by oxidative cyclization using AgF.
Biotechnological production of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory dipeptide isoleucine‐tryptophan
Authors: Michelke Lydia , Deussen Andreas , Kettner Karina , Dieterich Peter , Hagemann Diana , Kriegel Thomas M. , Martin Melanie
Published: December 2017

Peptides with angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE)‐inhibitory and antihypertensive effects are suggested as innovative food additives to prevent or treat hypertension. Currently, these substances are isolated from food proteins following nonselective hydrolysis as a mixture of ACE‐inhibitory peptides and other protein fragments. This study presents an innovative biotechnological method, based on recombinant DNA technology that was established to specifically produce the ACE‐inhibitory dipeptide isoleucine‐tryptophan. In a first step, a repetitive isoleucine‐tryptophan construct fused to the maltose‐binding protein was generated and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 cells. The chromatographically purified recombinant fusion protein was enzymatically hydrolyzed using α‐chymotrypsin to liberate the dipeptide isoleucine‐tryptophan. The identity of the liberated isoleucine‐tryptophan was confirmed by MS and derivatization of its N‐terminus. The ACE‐inhibitory effect of the recombinant dipeptide on soluble and membrane bound ACE was found to be indistinguishable from the inhibitory potential of the chemically produced commercially available dipeptide. The established experimental strategy represents a promising approach to the biotechnical production of sufficient amounts of recombinant peptide‐based ACE‐inhibitory and antihypertensive substances that are applicable as functional food additives to delay or even prevent hypertension.
Quality of life 1 year after a maternal near‐miss event
Authors: Soma‐Pillay Priya , Makin Jennifer D. , Pattinson Robert C.
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To evaluate quality of life (QoL) parameters among women categorized with a maternal near‐miss during pregnancy.

Methods

The present prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital in South Africa between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2016. Patients who experienced maternal near‐miss events were included and patients with uncomplicated low‐risk pregnancies were enrolled as a control group. Various parameters were assessed using a WHO QoL questionnaire.

Results

The maternal near‐miss and uncomplicated low‐risk pregnancy (control) groups comprised 95 and 51 women. The maternal near‐miss group scored lower than the control group in all four domains of the questionnaire (P<0.001). Overall, 42 (82%) women in the control group and 41 (43%) women in the maternal near‐miss group desired future fertility (P<0.001). Women in the maternal near‐miss group who had experienced perinatal loss scored lower in the physical health and well‐being (P=0.009), psychological health and well‐being (P=0.007), and environment (P=0.031) domains compared with women in the maternal near‐miss group who experienced a live delivery. Nonetheless, QoL scores among women in the maternal near‐miss group who had experienced perinatal loss remained lower than those reported by women in the control group (P<0.001).

Conclusion

A maternal near‐miss event during pregnancy was associated with reduced QoL, especially among women who had experienced perinatal loss.
ORP150‐CHIP chaperone antagonism control BACE1‐mediated amyloid processing
Authors: Chanana Neha , Pati Uttam
Published: December 2017

BACE1, a key protein involved in Alzheimer's progression, initiates Aβ42 generation that induce senile plaques in brain. However, the role of chaperone synergy or antagonism on BACE1‐mediated amyloid processing is unknown. We have discovered that BACE1 as well as Aβ42 are antagonistically controlled by ER chaperone ORP150 and cellular chaperone CHIP. We have shown ORP150 as a chaperone interacts with and stabilizes BACE1 at post‐translational level. Furthermore, ORP150 enhances BACE1‐mediated amyloid processing thus masking CHIP‐mediated BACE1 degradation. Conversely, siORP150 reversed the chaperone function of ORP150 resulting in BACE1 degradation. ORP150 and CHIP demonstrate antagonism under normal and stress conditions wherein they inversely regulate each other thus affecting BACE1 level. In conclusion, we have uncovered for the first time a phenomenon of chaperone antagonism on BACE1‐mediated Aβ42 generation. Future strategy would require both suppression of ORP150 as well as activation of E3‐ligase activity of CHIP that might prevent Aβ42 in Alzheimer's disease.
The role of human activity in decreasing ecologically sound land use in China
Authors: Wang Jing , Lin Yifan , Zhai Tianlin , He Ting , Qi Yuan , Jin Zhifeng , Cai Yumei
Published: December 2017

Ecologically sound land (ESL) represents a meaningful geographical spatial unit that provides ecological goods and services at various scales. However, few studies focusing on national‐ or regional‐scale changes in ESL use and the degradation of the land ecosystem in China have been based on reliable and up‐to‐date land survey data. The study aimed to analyze the relationship between the changes in ESL use and human activities and regional policies, as well as land ecosystem degradation. The results indicated that land capitalization, resulting from rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the effects of regional land policies and large land projects, caused a clear decrease in grassland and wetland ecosystems, and an increase in forest ecosystem, varying in extent during different periods. Land ecosystem degradation, according to the decreased ecosystem service provision index (ESPI), was concentrated in the Yangtze River Delta, the southwestern regions, and the Inner Mongolia Plateau, where human activity was concentrated. From 2009 to 2015, such degraded land amounted to 9.51% of the Counties. The degradation in ESL use caused a decrease in the ecological goods and services provided by the ecosystems. Land ecosystem degradation resulting from the abandonment of natural grassland and farmland is a prominent and complex problem in China. Optimizing the regional spatial patterns of ESL use was critical for sustainable ecosystem management. Balancing compromises and synergies between providing ecological goods or socioeconomic benefits and ecological costs at a regional or national scale was found crucial for land policy making.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Phthalimide‐Containing Redox‐Active Polymer for High‐Voltage Polymer‐Based Redox‐Flow Batteries
Authors: Winsberg Jan , Benndorf Stefan , Wild Andreas , Hager Martin D. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: December 2017

A phthalimide‐containing redox‐active polymer is designed and synthesized in particular for the application in all‐organic redox‐flow batteries. 4‐Vinylbenzyl phthalimide is prepared in a one‐step reaction and copolymerized with a solubility promoting comonomer. The novel polymer is electrochemically characterized in various electrolytes via cyclic voltammetry and features a quasireversible reduction reaction at E0½ = −1.89 V versus AgNO3/Ag. Afterward, the polymer is applied as anode‐active material in a first preliminary battery test in combination with a 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperdinyl‐N‐oxyl‐containing polymer as cathode‐active material and a porous membrane as separator, yielding a polymer‐based all‐organic battery system with a high cell voltage of 2.0 V.
Mathematical modeling of Zika disease in pregnant women and newborns with microcephaly in Brazil
Authors: Ndaïrou Faïçal , Area Iván , Nieto Juan J. , Silva Cristiana J. , Torres Delfim F. M.
Published: December 2017

We propose a new mathematical model for the spread of Zika virus. Special attention is paid to the transmission of microcephaly. Numerical simulations show the accuracy of the model with respect to the Zika outbreak occurred in Brazil.
Risk factors for acute nerve injury after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Shetty Teena , Nguyen Joseph T. , Sasaki Mayu , Wu Anita , Bogner Eric , Burge Alissa , Cogsil Taylor , Dalal Aashka , Halvorsen Kristin , Cummings Kelianne , Su Edwin P. , Lyman Stephen
Published: December 2017

Introduction: In this we study identified potential risk factors for post−total knee arthroplasty (TKA) nerve injury, a catastrophic complication with a reported incidence of 0.3%−1.3%. Methods: Patients who developed post‐TKA nerve injury from 1998 to 2013 were identified, and each was matched with 2 controls. A multivariable logistic regression model was built to calculate odds ratios (ORs). Results: Sixty‐five nerve injury cases were identified in 39,990 TKAs (0.16%). Females (OR 3.28, P = 0.003) and patients with history of lumbar pathology (OR 6.12, P = 0.026) were associated with increased risk of nerve injury. Tourniquet pressure < 300 mm Hg and longer duration of anesthesia may also be risk factors. Discussion: Surgical planning for females and patients with lumbar pathology should be modified to mitigate their higher risk of neurologic complications after TKA. Our finding that lower tourniquet pressure was associated with higher risk of nerve injury was unexpected and requires further investigation. Muscle Nerve 57: 946–950, 2018
The joint signature of coherent systems
Authors: Mohammadi Leila
Published: December 2017

We investigate the joint signature of coherent systems, under the assumption that the components have independent and identically distributed lifetimes. The joint signature, for a particular ordering of failure times, is an ‐dimensional matrix depending solely on the composition of the systems and independent of the underlying distribution function of the component lifetimes. The elements of the ‐dimensional matrix are formulated based on the joint signatures of numerous series of parallel systems. The number of the joint signatures involved is an exponential function of the number of the minimal cut sets of each original system and may, therefore, be significantly large. We prove that although this number is typically large, a great number of the joint signatures are repeated, or removed by negative signs. We determine the maximum number of different joint signatures based on the number of systems and components. It is independent of the number of the minimal cut sets of each system and is polynomial in the number of components. Moreover, we consider all permutations of failure times and demonstrate that the results for one permutation can be of use for the others. Our theorems are applied to various examples. The main conclusion is that the joint signature can be computed much faster than expected.
Low‐rank approximation of tensors via sparse optimization
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Navasca Carmeliza
Published: December 2017

The goal of this paper is to find a low‐rank approximation for a givennth tensor. Specifically, we give a computable strategy on calculating the rank of a given tensor, based on approximating the solution to an NP‐hard problem. In this paper, we formulate a sparse optimization problem via anl1‐regularization to find a low‐rank approximation of tensors. To solve this sparse optimization problem, we propose a rescaling algorithm of the proximal alternating minimization and study the theoretical convergence of this algorithm. Furthermore, we discuss the probabilistic consistency of the sparsity result and suggest a way to choose the regularization parameter for practical computation. In the simulation experiments, the performance of our algorithm supports that our method provides an efficient estimate on the number of rank‐one tensor components in a given tensor. Moreover, this algorithm is also applied to surveillance videos for low‐rank approximation.
Optimal sliding‐mode control of linear systems with uncertainties and input constraints using projection neural network
Authors: Toshani Hamid , Farrokhi Mohammad
Published: December 2017

In this paper, an optimal sliding‐mode control (SMC) method based on the projection recurrent neural networks for a class of linear systems with uncertainties and input constraint is developed. The chattering in the SMC is eliminated by introducing a performance index for minimizing the sliding‐surface variations and the control effort. Moreover, the constraints on the actuators are considered in the optimization problem, which is solved using projection recurrent neural network. The main advantages of the proposed method are obtaining an optimal and chattering‐free control law in a feasible space. Moreover, the parameters of the proposed control method are determined based on the closed‐loop stability and robustness analysis. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated by considering uncertainties and input constraints in the system and is compared with the conventional and a second‐order SMC in the view of chattering, input saturation, and robustness.
Near‐Infrared Photothermal Response of Plasmonic Gold‐Coated Nanoparticles in Tissues
Authors: Duong Vu T. T. , Phan Anh D. , Lien Nghiem T. H. , Hue Do T. , Hoa Do Q. , Nga Do T. , Nhung Tran H. , Viet Nguyen A.
Published: December 2017

A new approach to understand the time‐dependent temperature increasing process of gold‐silica core‐shell nanoparticles injected into chicken tissues under near‐infrared laser irradiation is proposed. Gold nanoshells strongly absorb near‐infrared radiations and efficiently transform absorbed energy into heat. Temperature rise given by experiments and numerical calculations based on bioheat transfer are in good agreement. Our work improves the analysis of a recent study [Richardson et al., Nano Lett. 2009, 9, 1139] by including effects of the medium perfusion on temperature increase. The theoretical analysis can also be used to estimate the distribution of nanoparticles in experimental samples and provide a relative accuracy prediction for the temperature profile of new systems. This methodology provides a novel and reliable tool for speeding up photothermal investigations and designing state‐of‐the‐art photothermal devices.
The Enhancement of Polysulfides Adsorption for Stable Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries Cathode Enabled by N‐Doped Wrinkled Graphene Using Solvothermal Method
Authors: Yang Rong , Li Lan , Chen Dan , Chen Liping , Ren Bing , Yan Yinglin , Xu Yunhua
Published: December 2017

Lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries have become a promising candidate in battery field recently due to their high theoretical energy density. However, the achievable energy density in the reality is much lower than the theoretical value for the reason that the sulfur is easily lost from active substances to the electrolyte. The main purpose of the present study has been intended to relieve this loss of sulfur, in which the nitrogen‐doped wrinkled graphene (NRGO) with nitrogen doping level of 7.63 wt% was thereby prepared by solvothermal method with urea as both nitrogen source and reducer. XPS reveals that pyrrolic‐N, pyridinic‐N and graphitic‐N were existed in NRGO and micro‐nano cavities were shown in the SEM morphology. The nano‐sulfur was in situ deposited on NRGO at low temperature to obtain nitrogen doped wrinkled graphene/sulfur composites (NRGO/S). The initial discharge capacity and columbic efficiency of NRGO/S composites are 1464.6 mA⋅h⋅g−1 and 96.3%, respectively, presenting a high reversible capacity comparing to reduced graphene oxide/sulfur composites (RGO/S). This can be explained by the pyridinic‐N and micro‐nano cavities within the present study, which are acting as favorable adsorption sites for polysulfides. It thereafter facilitates to depress the soluble polysulfides diffusion and further promotes the cycle ability of Li−S batteries.
Environmentally Benign, Highly Efficient and Expeditious Solvent‐Free Synthesis of Trisubstituted Methanes Catalyzed by Sulfated Polyborate
Authors: Jejurkar Valmik P. , Khatri Chetan K. , Chaturbhuj Ganesh U. , Saha Satyajit
Published: December 2017

Highly efficient and environmental friendly one‐pot synthesis of trisubstituted methanes form aldehydes and heteroaryls with sulfated polyborate catalyst was conveniently performed under solvent‐free grinding condition at room temperature. The catalyst is recyclable up to five consecutive runs and column chromatography‐free isolation of the trisubstituted methanes in excellent yields was achieved.
Loving Care and Funky Pens: Motivating Young Writers
Authors: Julien Karen
Published: December 2017

How can teachers boost motivation and interest in writing when a student has disengaged from writing? This article looks at the case of a student with sensory and social challenges who lost interest in writing. Possible reasons for the loss of interest are explored through the elements that contribute to motivation for learning and for writing. Suggestions are presented for engaging young writers and piquing their interest in writing.
Issue secure digital credentials using technology behind bitcoin
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2017

Secure, verifiable, learner‐owned credentials: Many registrars envision a future where those are the norm. The Registrar's Office at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has become the first to issue digital diplomas through the blockchain, the technology that enables bitcoin. The goal was to provide a secure service to students who become stewards of their own record, said Mary Callahan, registrar and senior associate dean for undergraduate education.
Prognostic Significance of the Preoperative Ratio of C‐Reactive Protein to Albumin and Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio in Gastric Cancer Patients
Authors: Saito Hiroaki , Kono Yusuke , Murakami Yuki , Shishido Yuji , Kuroda Hirohiko , Matsunaga Tomoyuki , Fukumoto Yoji , Osaki Tomohiro , Ashida Keigo , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki
Published: December 2017

Background

The ratio of C‐reactive protein to albumin (CRP/Alb) is a biochemical marker of systemic inflammatory response and has been associated with poor survival in cancer. This study retrospectively investigated the relationship between the CRP/Alb ratio and prognosis in gastric cancer patients.

Methods

This study enrolled 453 patients with a histopathological diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent curative surgery.

Results

A statistically significant weak correlation was observed between CRP/Alb ratio and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (r = 0.19; P < 0.0001). There were statistically significant correlations between high CRP/Alb ratio and age (P = 0.0004), tumor size (P = 0.02), depth of invasion (P = 0.012), and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.022). A high NLR was significantly correlated with age (P = 0.0027), tumor size (P = 0.0006), depth of invasion (P < 0.0001), lymphatic involvement (P = 0.0031), venous involvement (P = 0.0022), and stage of disease (P = 0.0024). Based on results by receiver operating characteristic analysis, patients were divided as follows: CRP/Alb ratio ≥ 0.0232 (CARHigh), CRP/Alb ratio < 0.0232 (CARLow), NLR ≥ 2.43 (NLRHigh), and NLR < 2.43 (NLRLow). Five‐year survival rates of patients with both CARHigh and NLRHigh, either CARHigh or NLRHigh, and both CARLow and NLRLow were 59.6, 75.8, and 87.5%, respectively, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the combination of CRP/Alb ratio and NLR was an independent prognostic indicator.

Conclusions

The combination of CRP/Alb ratio and NLR may be useful in predicting prognosis in gastric cancer patients.
Associations Between Personality Disorder Characteristics, Psychological Symptoms, and Sexual Functioning in Young Women
Authors: Grauvogl Andrea , Pelzer Britt , Radder Veerle , van Lankveld Jacques
Published: December 2017

Background

Recently, the etiology of sexual dysfunctions in women has been approached from different angles. In clinical practice and in previous studies, it has been observed that women with sexual problems experience anxiety problems and express more rigid and perfectionistic personality traits than women without these problems.

Aim

To investigate whether personality disorder characteristics according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) and psychological symptoms are associated with sexual problems in women.

Methods

188 women 18 to 25 years old participated in this cross-sectional study. Questionnaires measuring sexual functioning (Female Sexual Function Index), personality disorder characteristics (Assessment of DSM-IV-TR Personality Disorders Questionnaire), and psychological symptoms (Brief Symptom Inventory and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale) were used.

Outcome

The main outcome measure used was sexual functioning assessed by self-report.

Results

Results, using analysis of variance, indicated that women with sexual problems report significantly more cluster A (specifically schizoid) and C (specifically avoidant and obsessive-compulsive) personality disorder characteristics than women without sexual problems. Furthermore, using multiple regression analyses, higher cluster A (specifically schizoid) and lower cluster B (specifically borderline and antisocial) personality disorder characteristics indicated lower levels of sexual functioning. Psychological symptoms partly mediated the effect of cluster A personality disorder characteristics on sexual functioning.

Clinical Implications

The results of this study indicate that clinical practice should extend its scope by focusing more on improving adaptive personality characteristics, such as extraversion and individualism seen in cluster B personality characteristics, and decreasing the perfectionistic, introvert, and self-doubting characteristics seen in cluster C personality characteristics.

Strengths and Limitations

Because of the correlational design and use of self-report measures, causal relations cannot be established between personality disorder characteristics and sexual functioning.

Conclusion

Overall, the results indicate that personality disorder characteristics can play an important associative role in the development and maintenance of sexual functioning problems in women.
Print and the Reformation: A Drama in Three Acts
Authors: Pettegree Andrew
Published: December 2017

Throughout the history of printing, questions of design have been crucial to the development of the book industry. This is especially the case with the development of the title page, the most crucial design feature for which there was no obvious model inherited from the manuscript book world. The Reformation both revolutionized the market for books and stimulated crucial innovations in the design and selling of books. This began in Wittenberg, where the partnership of Martin Luther and Lucas Cranach played a critical role in shaping the Reformation pamphlet. In lands more hostile to the Reformation, the design task was more complex, since design features intended to facilitate identification could place the seller or owner in deadly danger. This essay concludes with an examination of the market for devotional literature in the Dutch Republic, the home to Europe's most buoyant center of book production.
Human–wildlife interactions and attitudes towards wildlife and wildlife reserves in Rajasthan, India
Authors: Karanth Krithi K. , Jain Shivangi , Weinthal Erika
Published: December 2017

Human–wildlife interactions affect people's livelihoods, attitudes and tolerance towards wildlife and wildlife reserves. To investigate the effect of such interactions on people's attitudes and livelihoods, we surveyed 2,233 households located around four wildlife reserves in Rajasthan, India. We modelled respondents’ attitudes towards wildlife and wildlife reserves, experience of crop damage and livestock predation, and likelihood of mitigation use. Crop damage was reported by 76% of surveyed households, and livestock predation was reported by 15%. Seventy-one percent of households used at least one of eight mitigation measures against crop damage, and 19% used at least one of seven mitigation measures against livestock predation. We found that male respondents and households with a higher level of education valued wildlife and wildlife reserves more. Households at higher elevations and growing a greater variety of crops were more prone to crop damage. Proximity to reserves, elevation and larger livestock herds were associated with a higher incidence of livestock predation. Households in which a member had > 12 years of schooling and households with a history (6–10 years) of interaction with wildlife (i.e. crop damage) were most likely to use mitigation against crop damage. Households that owned more livestock and had a history of interaction (1–5 years and > 10 years) were most likely to mitigate against predation. Our comparative study provides insights into factors that influence interaction and tolerance, which could be used to improve existing management and prevention efforts in Rajasthan.
Developments in Egypt's early Islamic postal system (with an edition ofP.KhaliliII 5)
Authors: Bruning Jelle
Published: December 2017

The importance of documentary sources for the history of the official postal system (barīd) in the first century of Islam has long been acknowledged. In addition to a small number of documents from the eastern part of the Muslim Empire, Egyptian papyri from the 90s/710s and 130s/750s form the main documentary sources for modern studies on the postal system. These papyri belong to a distinct phase in Islamic history. Papyri from other, especially earlier, phases have largely been neglected. The present article addresses the history of Egypt's official postal system from the Muslim conquest up toc.132/750. It argues that the postal system gradually developed out of Byzantine practices and was shaped by innovations by Muslim rulers through which their involvement in the postal system's administration gradually increased. The article ends with an edition ofP.KhaliliII 5, a papyrus document from 135/753 on the provisioning of postal stations.
Extended Phonography: Experiencing place through sound, a multi-sensorial approach
Authors: Meireles Matilde
Published: December 2017

In this article I propose the use of extended phonography as an integrated practice which offers the opportunity to overcome the fragmentation of the senses inherent in field recording. I outline how listening across practices empowers both recordist and audience to experience a richer engagement with the recorded environment. Furthermore, I introduce new forms of articulating the experience of place and its relationship to sound, by highlighting the conceptual framework of two of my contrasting works, the site/context-specific projects Moving Still: 1910 Avenida Atlântica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and X Marks the Spot. These works, both artistic and discursive, are a direct outcome of my practice of extended phonography. Through them, I attempt to address the need for a vocabulary that mirrors the new aesthetics arising in sound art and further expand the practice of field recording.
Die deutsche Übersetzung des SIQ und SIAQ zur Erfassung von Vorstellungsgebrauch und Vorstellungskompetenz im Sport
Authors: Simonsmeier Bianca A. , Hannemann Anne
Published: December 2017

Zusammenfassung. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, eine deutschsprachige Übersetzung des Sport Imagery Questionnaire (SIQ; Hall, Mack, Paivio & Hausenblas, 1998 ) sowie des Sport Imagery Ability Questionnaire (SIAQ, Williams & Cumming, 2011 ) zu erstellen und auf ihre psychometrischen Eigenschaften zu überprüfen. Der SIQ erfasst das Konstrukt Vorstellungsgebrauch, der SIAQ die Vorstellungskompetenz. An der Studie nahmen 404 Athletinnen und Athleten aus über 45 Sportarten im Alter von 14 bis 72 Jahren in Präsenz- und Onlineerhebungen teil. Konfirmatorische Faktorenanalysen der deutschen Übersetzungen des SIQ und SIAQ zeigten akzeptable Fit-Indizes und Reliabilitäten. Messinvarianz-Analysen ergaben skalare Invarianz der Erhebungsmethode. Die deutschen Versionen des SIQ und SIAQ zeigen demnach die gleiche Faktorstruktur wie die Originalfragebögen mit vergleichbaren psychometrischen Eigenschaften. Die Ergebnisse liefern Evidenz, dass der SIQ und SIAQ reliable Maße zur Erfassung von Vorstellungsgebrauch und Vorstellungskompetenz für die Forschung und sportpsychologische Praxis darstellen. Weitere Forschung bezüglich der Weiterentwicklung, Retest-Reliabilität und prädiktiven Validität ist wünschenswert.
A new nitrogen rich open chain diazine ligand system: synthesis coordination chemistry and magneto-structural studies
Authors: Anwar Muhammad U. , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Gavey Emma L. , Pilkington Melanie , Rawson Jeremy M. , Thompson Laurence K.
Published: December 2017

A new series of open chain diazine ligands that have a central bipyridne unit with two side-arms offering a range of ketone/alkoxide oxygen donors, diazine and pyridine terminal groups show a strong preference for binding three metals.
Synthetic routes to a coordinatively unsaturated ruthenium complex supported by a tripodal, protic bis(N-heterocyclic carbene) phosphine ligand
Authors: Flowers S. E. , Johnson M. C. , Pitre B. Z. , Cossairt B. M.
Published: December 2017

A facile, one pot synthesis of a coordinatively unsaturated ruthenium complex supported by a tripodal, protic bis(N-heterocyclic carbene) phosphine ligand is presented.
Magnetic Fe3O4@polyaniline nanocomposites with a tunable core–shell structure for ultrafast microwave-energy-driven reduction of Cr(vi)
Authors: Zhu Changqing , Liu Fuqiang , Song Li , Jiang Hao , Li Aimin
Published: December 2017

Core–shell Fe3O4@polyaniline nanocomposites harvest microwave energy and realize ultrafast Cr(vi) reduction with oxalic acid as a sacrificial electron donor.
An exploratory study of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) (poly)phenols/metabolites in human biological samples
Authors: Zhang Xuhuiqun , Sandhu Amandeep , Edirisinghe Indika , Burton-Freeman Britt
Published: December 2017

Characterization of red raspberry (poly)phenols in fruit, their metabolism, and presence in human biological samples after acute and chronic intake.
Hydrolysis resistant functional polypeptide scaffold for biomaterials
Authors: Wang Wade , Hammond Paula T.
Published: December 2017

Various methods are investigated to prepare a versatile biopolymer.
Mesoscopic study of the ternary phase diagram of the PS–PB–PtBMA triblock copolymer: modification of the phase structure by the composition effect
Authors: González-Pizarro David Alfredo , Soto-Figueroa Cesar , Rodríguez-Hidalgo María del Rosario , Vicente Luis
Published: December 2017

We explored in detail the ordered nanostructures and the ternary phase diagram of the polystyrene–polybutadiene–poly(tert-butyl methacrylate) (PS–PB–PtBMA) triblock copolymerviadissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations and coarse-grained models.
MicroRNA-638 inhibits cell growth and tubule formation by suppressing VEGFA expression in human Ewing sarcoma cells
Authors: Zhou Xin , Chen Jiajun , Xiao Qianren , Wang Tengyu , Yu Yu , Li Bo , Shao Gaohai , Li Yunyun , Zhang Zhongzu
Published: December 2017

Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is a kind of aggressive tumor of bone and soft tissues, which most occurring in children and adolescents. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) perform essential function in the progression and development of EWS, while the putative role of miR-638 in EWS remains uncertain. Accordingly, we detected the expression of miR-638 and explored its putative biological effects on the malignant phenotype of EWS cells. As expected, miR-638 was significantly down-regulated in EWS cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-638 suppressed cell growth, induced cell apoptosis, and inhibited tubule formation of EWS cells in vitro. Among the putative target genes of miR-638 predicted by the miRNA target prediction tools, vascular endothelial cell growth factor A (VEGFA) attracted out attention most. The luciferase reporter assays reaffirmed that VEGFA was a targeted gene of miR-638 in EWS cells. Furthermore, miR-638 suppressed the mRNA and protein level of VEGFA, and restored the expression of VEGFA reversed the suppressed effects of miR-638 in EWS cells. Taken together, the results suggested that miR-638 might perform tumor suppressive effects in EWS, which might be mediated, at least partially, through suppressing the activity of VEGFA.
Functional blocking of Ninjurin1 as a strategy for protecting endothelial cells in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Xin , Qin Jinbao , Zhang Xing , Peng Zhiyou , Ye Kaichuang , Wu Xiaoyu , Yang Xinrui , Shi Huihua , Zhao Zhen , Guo Xin , Liu Xiaobing , Yin Minyi , Lu Xinwu
Published: December 2017

Ongoing efforts to remove pathological inflammatory stimuli are crucial for the protection of endothelial cells in diabetes. Nerve injury-induced protein 1 (Ninj1) is an adhesion molecule that not only contributes to inflammation but also regulates the apoptosis of endothelial cells. In the present study, Ninj1 was found highly expressed in endothelial cells in Type 2 diabetic mice and increased in high-glucose (HG) cultured HUVECs. Furthermore, we found that Ninj1 levels are up-regulated in endothelial cells in clinical specimens of diabetic patients when compared with nondiabetic tissues, indicating a biological correlation between Ninj1 and endothelial pathophysiology in diabetic condition. Functional blocking of Ninj1 promoted endothelial tube formation and eNOS phosphorylation in the HG condition. Additionally, blocking Ninj1 inhibited the activation of caspase-3 and increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, thus inhibiting HUVECs apoptosis induced by HG. HG-induced ROS overproduction, p38 MAPK and NF-κB activation, and the overexpression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, MCP-1, and IL-6 genes were ameliorated after Ninj1 was blocked. Using the signaling pathway inhibitor LY294002, we found that Bcl-2 expression and eNOS phosphorylation after Ninj1 blockade were regulated via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The in vivo endothelial contents, α-SMA+PECAM-1+ vascular numbers, and blood perfusion in the hindlimb were markedly up-regulated after Ninj1 was blocked. According to our findings, functional blocking of Ninj1 shows protective effects on diabetic endothelial cells both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, we consider Ninj1 to be a potential therapeutic target for preventing endothelial dysfunction in diabetes mellitus.
Talker Differences in Clear and Conversational Speech: Perceived Sentence Clarity for Young Adults With Normal Hearing and Older Adults With Hearing Loss
Authors: Ferguson Sarah Hargus , Morgan Shae D.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine talker differences for subjectively rated speech clarity in clear versus conversational speech, to determine whether ratings differ for young adults with normal hearing (YNH listeners) and older adults with hearing impairment (OHI listeners), and to explore effects of certain talker characteristics (e.g., gender) on perceived clarity. Relationships among clarity ratings and other speech perceptual and acoustic measures were also explored.

Method

Twenty-one YNH and 15 OHI listeners rated clear and conversational sentences produced by 41 talkers on a scale of 1 (
lowest possible clarity
) to 7 (
highest possible clarity
).

Results

While clarity ratings varied significantly among talkers, listeners rated clear speech significantly clearer than conversational speech for all but 1 talker. OHI and YNH listeners gave similar ratings for conversational speech, but ratings for clear speech were significantly higher for OHI listeners. Talker gender effects differed for YNH and OHI listeners. Ratings of clear speech varied among subgroups of talkers with different amounts of experience talking to people with hearing loss.

Conclusions

Perceived clarity varies widely among talkers, but nearly all produce clear speech that sounds significantly clearer than their conversational speech. Few differences were seen between OHI and YNH listeners except the effect of talker gender.
Language Teaching Strategies for Preschool English Learners
Authors: Davison Megan Dunn , Qi Cathy Huaqing
Published: December 2017

English learners (ELs) present a unique and growing population in preschool settings in the United States. Therefore, it is important for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to understand the best evidence in enhancing the language abilities in preschool children who present with language learning difficulties and who are also learning more than one language. The purpose of this review is to provide an analysis of current language strategies shown to be effective in enhancing the language outcomes of preschool children who are English learners. These strategies include shared book reading approaches that are incorporated across home and school settings, explicit vocabulary instruction, and repeated exposure to vocabulary in both languages.
Overview of Clinical Research Study Designs Using Examples From the Swallowing Literature
Authors: Malek Angela M. , Luque John S. , (Focht) Garand Kendrea L.
Published: December 2017

Study designs have numerous advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when addressing a research question, hypothesis, and objective. These include but are not limited to cost, feasibility, and ethical concerns. This review describes common study designs from the dysphagia literature with corresponding relevant examples for each design type. Further, discussion of the main differences between descriptive and analytical, qualitative and quantitative, observational and experimental, and retrospective and prospective study designs is provided. Specific aspects of various study designs, including matching, randomization, and blinding are also discussed. Finally, the importance of working closely with experts, such as epidemiologists and biostatisticians, in the early stages of research to assist with selection of the most appropriate study design and development of the research protocol is strongly recommended.
Using Telepractice to Support the Management of Head and Neck Cancer: Key Considerations for Speech-Language Pathology Service Planning, Establishment, and Evaluation
Authors: Burns Clare L. , Wall Laurelie R.
Published: December 2017

With the rise of technology-enhanced health services, there is a growing opportunity to use telepractice to address the challenges associated with accessing and delivering speech-language pathology head and neck cancer (HNC) services. With an emerging body of research reporting clinical, patient and service benefits, careful planning and coordination of a range of factors are required to integrate these new models into routine speech-language pathology practice. This paper provides a review of current evidence and key professional policy documents to assist clinicians in the development of speech-language pathology HNC telepractice services. Important aspects of service design such as mode and configuration of technology, patient suitability, staff support, and training, as well as strategies for service establishment and evaluation are discussed. Consideration of these aspects is important to ensure that future speech-language pathology HNC telepractice services meet clinical, technical, and operational requirements to support successful service implementation and long-term sustainability.
Pathophysiology of Tinnitus and Evidence-Based Options for Tinnitus Management
Authors: Henry James A.
Published: December 2017

Tinnitus is the perception of sound that has no source outside of the head – it is a “phantom” sound. A great many people experience chronic tinnitus, which can be problematic to different degrees. To date, no cure for tinnitus has been discovered in spite of worldwide efforts from researchers studying the pathophysiological mechanisms of tinnitus. Until a cure is discovered, individuals whose tinnitus is bothersome have evidence-based options available. Tinnitus management is provided mainly by audiologists, otolaryngologists, and mental health (MH) providers. The starting point for most patients is to receive an audiologic evaluation. Audiologists can provide tinnitus counseling and fit hearing aids, both of which can be beneficial for tinnitus management. Patients with symptoms of secondary tinnitus (somatosounds) should be referred to an otolaryngologist for a medical examination. If further tinnitus-specific services are needed for primary (idiopathic) tinnitus, then MH providers can offer cognitive-behavioral therapy and audiologists can facilitate different approaches to sound therapy. It is essential for all providers to follow evidence-based guidelines when offering tinnitus management services.
Silver photodiffusion into Ge-rich amorphous germanium sulfide—neutron reflectivity study
Authors: Sakaguchi Y. , Asaoka H. , Mitkova M.
Published: December 2017

Silver diffuses into chalcogenide films upon light exposure, and the kinetics of photodiffusion has been a subject of various investigations because of the difficulties in the in situ determination of the time-dependent Ag reaction and diffusion development in the chalcogenide layers. In this paper, we report the results of time-resolved neutron reflectivity measurement of Ag/Ge40S60/Si substrates under light exposure to clarify the kinetics of Ag photodiffusion into Ge-rich Ge chalcogenides. It reveals that Ag ions diffuse all over the Ge chalcogenide host layer once Ag dissolves into the layer without forming a metastable reaction layer unlike the case of S-rich Ge chalcogenide such as Ge20S80. The decay curve suggests that the Ag dissolution is determined by two types of Ag capturing chalcogen sites. Also, the observed relaxation time showed anomalous chalcogenide layer thickness dependence. This is attributed to an additional diffusion-driven accelerating factor, which is unique to the silver photodiffusion. Furthermore, we observed indicative changes in the formation of an inhomogeneous in-plane structure at the Ag/chalcogenide interface. This would be related to the nucleation and growth of the Ag-dissolved reaction product.
Seasonal sand-bed solar thermal energy storage in a region with extended freezing periods: Experimentally verified numerical simulation
Authors: Hailu Getu , Hayes Philip , Masteller Mark
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we report the comparison of the experimental results with numerical simulation. The numerical simulation was performed using TRNSYS. Fourteen weeks of data (January 28 to May 7) were collected and compared against numerical simulation results obtained using TRNSYS. For the 14-week period, the results showed that there was close agreement between the experimental measurement and the numerical simulation. The measured average temperature was 8.1 °C compared to the simulated average temperature of 8.6 °C. The measured maximum and minimum temperatures were 21 °C and −7.8 °C, respectively, while the numerical simulation maximum and minimum temperatures were 17.8 °C and −7.5 °C, respectively. For the five-year seasonal simulation, the system became fully charged by June 14. The maximum temperature the sand-bed achieved annually was 24.83 °C, occurring approximately on July 10, with a minimum of 11.1 °C occurring on January 24. The results demonstrate that sand-bed solar thermal storage systems are suitable for climates in regions with long periods of freezing temperatures which can contribute towards the net-zero energy status of a residential home. We reported the first experimental study, to the authors' knowledge, of sand-bed solar thermal storage conducted in a region with an extended freezing period carried out on a home situated in Palmer, Alaska, 61.6°N, 149.1°W [see G. Hailu et al., Energies 10, 1873 (2017)].
Generation of coherent soft X-ray radiation in short FEL with harmonic multiplication cascades and two-frequency undulator
Authors: Zhukovsky K.
Published: December 2017

The generation of powerful nanometer x-ray radiation in cascaded high-gain free-electron lasers (FELs) with two-frequency undulator is studied. An advanced phenomenological model of single pass FEL is developed, which describes both linear and nonlinear harmonic generation from seed and initial shot noise; it includes calibrated corrections for all loss factors, specific for each FEL harmonic in each cascade. In this way, it differs from other phenomenological models, which account for the energy spread or divergence equally for all FEL harmonics. The new model, calibrated with a FEL experiment and numerical 3D simulations, is employed for the analysis of the FEL power dynamics to obtain maximum high-harmonic power in the X-ray band at the shortest possible FEL length with a low seed frequency and electron energy. The advantages of the two-frequency undulators in FEL prebunchers are demonstrated; their use in the cascaded FELs is proposed. Several such FELs with two-frequency undulators are simulated. The nanometer X-ray radiation production is studied in high-gain cascaded FELs with the seed wavelengths, matching peak reflectivities of MoRu/Be and Mo/Si. Dozens of megawatts of X-ray radiation are modeled at ≈40 m in a multi-cascade FEL, seeded from commercially available F2 excimer laser.