bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ortadoğu’nun Sonlandırılamayan Sorunu: Hatemi’den Ruhani’ye İran’ın Nükleer Enerji Siyaseti / The Unresolved Problem of the Middle East: Iran’s Nuclear Energy Policy from Khatami to Rouhani
Authors: Işıksal Hüseyin , Golkarian Ghadir
Published: July 2019

Abstract

This article examines Iran’s nuclear energy policy, which is one of the most important issues in the Middle East. In addition to the work written on this subject, it aims to contribute to the literature in terms of the nuclear energy policies of the three Iranian leaders during the nuclear crisis period, namely Mohammad Khatami, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and Hassan Rouhani. In this respect, the article initially explains why Iran’s nuclear energy policy is important. Then, in order to emphasize the double standards that stand at the core of the subject, the background of the Iranian nuclear program and the reasons behind the Iranian energy policy after the 1979 Islamic Revolution are examined. As the destination point of these discussions, the periods under Khatami, Ahmadinejad, and Rouhani are examined in order to reveal the differences and similarities between the nuclear energy policies of the Iranian leaders.

Öz

Bu makale, Ortadoğu’daki en önemli sorunlardan biri olan İran’ın nükleer enerji siyasetini incelemektedir. Bu konuda yazılan çalışmalara ek olarak, nükleer kriz döneminin üç lideri, Muhammet Hatemi, Mahmut Ahmedinejat ve Hasan Ruhani’nin nükleer enerji siyasetinin analizi ile ilgili literatürün geliştirilmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Bu doğrultuda makale öncelikle İran’ın nükleer enerji siyasetinin neden önemli olduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Daha sonra konunun özünde olan çifte standart vurgusunu öne çıkarmak için İran nükleer programının temeli ve 1979 İslam Devrimi sonrası İran enerji siyaseti ve nükleer enerji kapasitesi geliştirme nedenleri irdelenmiştir. Bu tartışmaların varış noktası olarak son bölümde Hatemi, Ahmedinejat ve Ruhani dönemleri ayrı ayrı incelenmiş ve nükleer enerji siyasetleri arasındaki fark ve benzerlikler ortaya konulmuştur.
An avian femur from the Late Cretaceous of Vega Island, Antarctic Peninsula: removing the record of cursorial landbirds from the Mesozoic of Antarctica
Authors: West Abagael R. , Torres Christopher R. , Case Judd A. , Clarke Julia A. , O'Connor Patrick M. , Lamanna Matthew C.
Published: July 2019

In 2006, a partial avian femur (South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM) 78247) from the Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Sandwich Bluff Member of the López de Bertodano Formation of Sandwich Bluff on Vega Island of the northern Antarctic Peninsula was briefly reported as that of a cariamiform—a clade that includes extant and volant South American species and many extinct flightless and cursorial species. Although other authors have since rejected this taxonomic assignment, SDSM 78247 had never been the subject of a detailed description, hindering a definitive assessment of its affinities. Here we provide the first comprehensive description, illustration, and comparative study of this specimen. Comparison of characters that may be assessed in this femur with those of avian taxa scored in published character matrices refutes the inclusion of SDSM 78247 within Cariamiformes, instead supporting its assignment to a new, as-yet unnamed large-bodied species within the genus Vegavis, and therefore its referral to a clade of semiaquatic anseriforms. Important character states diagnostic of Vegavis + Polarornis include strong craniocaudal bowing of the femoral shaft, the presence of a distinct fossa just proximal to the fibular trochlea, and the broad and flat shape of the patellar sulcus. Referral to Vegavis is based on the presence of a distinctive proximocaudal fossa and distolateral scar. This genus was previously known only from Vegavis iaai, a smaller-bodied taxon from the same locality and stratigraphic unit. Our reassignment of SDSM 78247 to Vegavis sp. removes the record of cariamiform landbirds from the Antarctic Cretaceous.
Towards sex identification of Asian Palmyra palm (Borassus flabelliferL.) by DNA fingerprinting, suppression subtractive hybridization andde novotranscriptome sequencing
Authors: Pipatchartlearnwong Kwanjai , Juntawong Piyada , Wonnapinij Passorn , Apisitwanich Somsak , Vuttipongchaikij Supachai
Published: July 2019

Background

Asian Palmyra palm, the source of palm-sugar, is dioecious with a long juvenile period requiring at least 12 years to reach its maturity. To date, there is no reliable molecular marker for identifying sexes before the first bloom, limiting crop designs and utilization. We aimed to identify sex-linked markers for this palm using PCR-based DNA fingerprinting, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) and transcriptome sequencing.

Methods

DNA fingerprints were generated between males and females based on RAPD, AFLP, SCoT, modified SCoT, ILP, and SSR techniques. Large-scale cloning and screening of SSH libraries andde novotranscriptome sequencing of male and female cDNA from inflorescences were performed to identify sex-specific genes for developing sex-linked markers.

Results

Through extensive screening and re-testing of the DNA fingerprints (up to 1,204 primer pairs) and transcripts from SSH (>10,000 clones) and transcriptome data, however, no sex-linked marker was identified. Althoughde novotranscriptome sequencing of male and female inflorescences provided ∼32 million reads and 187,083 assembled transcripts, PCR analysis of selected sex-highly represented transcripts did not yield any sex-linked marker. This result may suggest the complexity and small sex-determining region of the Asian Palmyra palm. To this end, we provide the first global transcripts of male and female inflorescences of Asian Palmyra palm. Interestingly, sequence annotation revealed a large proportion of transcripts related to sucrose metabolism, which corresponds to the sucrose-rich sap produced in the inflorescences, and these transcripts will be useful for further understanding of sucrose production in sugar crop plants. Provided lists of sex-specific and differential-expressed transcripts would be beneficial to the further study of sexual development and sex-linked markers in palms and related species.
The Surface Cracking Resistance of Al2O3‐Modified SiCf/SiC‐B4C Composites after Cyclic Oxidation in Wet Environment
Authors: Shan Qingliang , Wang Qinglei , Xue Yudong , Hu Jianbao , Yang Jinshan , Zhou Haijun , Zhu Guangxiang , Dong Shaoming
Published: July 2019

Aluminum oxide is introduced into SiCf/(SiC + B4C) composites to improve the surface cracking resistance after oxidizing at 1100 °C in O2/H2O (40/60) atmosphere. Research on morphology observation of oxidized composites reveals that Al2O3 can lead to the formation of a dense and smooth oxidation layer, resulting in a relatively shallow oxygen penetration depth. In‐depth studies on acoustic emission reveal that composites with Al2O3 can improve the surface cracking resistance after oxidizing at 1100 °C in O2/H2O (40/60) atmosphere since the retention rates of σmin (first acoustic emission [AE] stress) and σonset (AE onset stress) are significantly increased compared with virgin composites. Moreover, a small number of cumulative events and steep slope of strength–time curves at the initial stage further confirm the improvement of surface cracking resistance after oxidation.
Ligand‐Free and Reusable Palladium Nanoparticles‐Catalyzed Alkylation of 2‐Alkylazaarenes with Activated Ketones under Neutral Conditions
Authors: Parveen Naziya , Muthukumar Alagesan , Sekar Govindasamy
Published: July 2019

A mild, efficient, and stable binaphthyl‐stabilized palladium nanoparticles (Pd−BNP) catalyzed (sp3)C−H reaction of 2‐alkylazaarenes with activated carbonyl compounds was developed. Various activated carbonyl compounds such as α‐keto amide, isatin, 1,2‐diketone, α‐keto ester, trifluoromethyl ketone, and phenylglyoxal derivatives were examined and most of the compounds underwent the reaction smoothly to provide the corresponding products in moderate to excellent yields. Moreover, chemoselective reactions of α‐keto amides in the presence of simple ketones were achieved. Also, the model reaction was extended to a gram‐scale synthesis and some of the products were utilized for derivatization to form the corresponding N‐oxides, acryl amides and 1,2‐diol, respectively. The major advantages of the protocol are neutral reaction conditions, no additional requirement of external ligand, and successful reusability of the Pd−BNP catalyst up to five cycles without losing its activity and yield. Hg‐poisoning and hot filtration tests confirmed the heterogeneity of the Pd−BNP catalyst.

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Correlating Anticancer Drug Delivery Efficiency with Vascular Permeability of Renal Clearable Versus Non‐renal Clearable Nanocarriers
Authors: Peng Chuanqi , Yu Mengxiao , Hsieh Jer‐Tsong , Kapur Payal , Zheng Jie
Published: July 2019

Enhancing tumor targeting of nanocarriers has been a major strategy for advancing clinical translation of cancer nanomedicines. Herein, we report a head‐to‐head comparison between 5 nm renal clearable and 30 nm non‐renal clearable gold nanoparticle (AuNP)‐based drug delivery systems (DDSs) in the delivery of doxorubicin (DOX). While the two DDSs themselves had comparable tumor targeting, we found their different vascular permeability played an even more important role than blood retention in the delivery and intratumoral transport of DOX, of which tumor accumulation, efficacy, and therapeutic index were enhanced 2, 7, and 10‐fold, respectively, for the 5 nm DDS over 30 nm one. These findings indicate that ultrahigh vascular permeability of renal clearable nanocarriers can be utilized to further improve anticancer drug delivery without the need for prolonged blood retention.
Efficient Separation of n‐Butene and iso‐Butene by Flexible Ultramicroporous Metal‐Organic Frameworks with Pocket‐like Cavities
Authors: Cui Jiyu , Zhang Zhaoqiang , Tan Bin , Zhang Yuanbin , Wang Pengcheng , Cui Xili , Xing Huabin
Published: July 2019

Efficient separation of n‐butene (n‐C4H8) and iso‐butene (iso‐C4H8) is of significance for the upgrading of C4 olefins to high‐value end products but remains one of the major challenges in hydrocarbon purifications owing to their similar structures. Herein, we report a flexible metal‐organic framework, MnINA (INA=isonicotinate), featuring one‐dimensional pore channels with periodically large pocket‐like cavities connected by narrow bottlenecks, for the first time for efficient n‐/iso‐C4H8 separation. MnINA with smaller pore size (4.62 Å) compared with CuINA (4.84 Å), exhibits steep adsorption isotherms and high capacity of 1.79 mmol g−1 for n‐C4H8 (4.46 Å) through strong host‐guest interactions via C−H⋅⋅⋅π bonding. The narrow bottlenecks exert barriers for the large molecules of iso‐C4H8 (4.84 Å) within the gate‐opening pressure range of 0–0.1 bar. This gives rise to MnINA with excellent separation selectivity of 327.7 for n‐/iso‐C4H8 mixture. The adsorption mechanism for n‐C4H8 and the gate‐opening effect were investigated by dispersion‐corrected density functional (DFT‐D) theory, verifying the strong interactions between n‐C4H8 and the frameworks as well as the gate‐opening effect derived from the rotation of organic linkers. The breakthrough tests confirmed MnINA and CuINA can be promising candidates for n‐/iso‐C4H8 separation.
Bioinspired Functional Catechol Derivatives through Simple Thiol Conjugate Addition
Authors: Mancebo‐Aracil Juan , Casagualda Carolina , Moreno‐Villaécija Miguel Ángel , Nador Fabiana , García‐Pardo Javier , Franconetti‐García Antonio , Busqué Félix , Alibés Ramon , Esplandiu María José , Ruiz‐Molina Daniel , Sedó‐Vegara Josep
Published: July 2019

The combination of the surface‐adhesive properties of catechol rings and functional moieties conveying specific properties is very appealing to materials chemistry, but the preparation of catechol derivatives often requires elaborate synthetic routes to circumvent the intrinsic reactivity of the catechol ring. In this work, functional catechols are synthesized straightforwardly by using the bioinspired reaction of several functional thiols with o‐benzoquinone. With one exception, the conjugated addition of the thiol takes place regioselectively at the 3‐position of the quinone, and is rationalized by DFT calculations. Overall, this synthetic methodology provides a general and straightforward access to functional and chain‐extended catechol derivatives, which are later tested with regard to their hydro‐/oleophobicity, colloidal stability, fluorescence, and metal‐coordinating capabilities in proof‐of‐concept applications.
Diabetes‐specific characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques in femoral arteries determined by three‐dimensional magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging
Authors: Han Yongjun , Zhu Zhu , Guan Maobin , Yang Dandan , Wang Wei , Li Cheng , Chen Huijun , Zhao Xihai
Published: July 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of femoral atherosclerotic plaques in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) compared with those without DM using three‐dimensional magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging.

Methods

Lower extremity atherosclerotic disease patients with and without DM (age ≥ 50 year‐old) were recruited and underwent three‐dimensional magnetic resonance imaging for femoral arteries. The femoral arteries were divided into common femoral artery (CFA), proximal of superficial femoral artery (pSFA), adductor canal (AC), and popliteal artery (PA) segments. The characteristics of femoral artery atherosclerotic plaques were compared between patients with and without DM.

Results

Forty‐eight patients with DM (69.5 ± 8.2 years; 26 males) and 50 patients without DM (71.9 ± 5.7 years; 28 males) were included. Significant differences were found in maximum wall thickness in CFA and AC segments, eccentricity index in AC segment, prevalence of plaque in CFA, pSFA and AC segments, stenosis and prevalence of calcification in pSFA, AC and PA segments, prevalence of lipid‐rich necrotic core (LRNC) in all segments, and prevalence of intraplaque haemorrhage in PA segment between patients with and without DM (all P < .05). After adjusted for confounding factors of age, gender, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, and statin use, the differences in eccentricity index, stenosis and prevalence of plaque, calcification and LRNC in pSFA and AC segments, and stenosis and prevalence of LRNC in PA segment remained statistically significant between patients with and without DM (all P < .05).

Conclusions

Patients with DM have significantly larger plaque burden, higher prevalence of plaques, and more complex plaque compositions in femoral arteries than those without DM.
Down syndrome, Alzheimer disease, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy: The complex triangle of brain amyloidosis
Authors: Carmona‐Iragui María , Videla Laura , Lleó Alberto , Fortea Juan
Published: July 2019

Down syndrome (DS) is the main genetic cause of intellectual disability worldwide. The overexpression of the Amyloid Precursor Protein, present in chromosome 21, leads to β‐amyloid deposition that results in Alzheimer disease (AD) and, in most cases, also to cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) neuropathology. People with DS invariably develop the neuropathological hallmarks of AD at the age of 40, and they are at an ultra high risk for suffering AD‐related cognitive impairment thereafter. In the general population, cerebrovascular disease is a significant contributor to AD‐related cognitive impairment, while in DS remains understudied. This review describes the current knowledge on cerebrovascular disease in DS and reviews the potential biomarkers that could be useful in the future studies, focusing on CAA. We also discuss available evidence on sporadic AD or other genetically determined forms of AD. We highlight the urgent need of large biomarker‐characterized cohorts, including neuropathological correlations, to study the exact contribution of CAA and related vascular factors that play a role in cognition and occur with aging, their characterization and interrelationships. DS represents a unique context in which to perform these studies as this population is relatively protected from some conventional vascular risk factors and they develop significant CAA, DS represents a particular atheroma‐free model to study AD‐related vascular pathologies. Only deepening on these underlying mechanisms, new preventive and therapeutic strategies could be designed to improve the quality of life of this population and their caregivers and lead to new avenues of treatment also in the general AD population.
Evidence for a cardiac metabolic switch in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Heckmann Markus B. , Totakhel Belal , Finke Daniel , Anker Markus S. , Müller‐Tidow Carsten , Haberkorn Uwe , Katus Hugo A. , Lehmann Lorenz H.
Published: July 2019

Aims

Our aim was to investigate the glucose uptake in cancer patients suffering from different entities, using 18F‐FDG positron emission tomography–computed tomography scans. We further aimed at identifying potential variables altering cardiac and skeletal muscle glucose metabolism.

Methods and results

In a retrospective cohort study, we analysed cardiac and skeletal muscle 18F‐FDG uptake in onco‐positron emission tomography–computed tomography scans in adult patients suffering from Hodgkin's lymphoma, non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, and non‐lymphatic cancer including patients suffering from thyroid cancer, bronchial carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Univariate logistic regression models were created for increased cardiac and skeletal muscle 18F‐FDG uptake using cancer entity, sex, age, previous radiation, previous chemotherapy, diabetes, obesity, serum glucose levels, renal function, and thyroid function as parameters. Multivariate models were created by selecting variables according to Akaike's information criterion in a step‐down approach. Between 2014 and 2018, a total of 337 consecutive patients suffering from Hodgkin's lymphoma (n = 52), non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (n = 57), and non‐lymphatic cancer (n = 228) were included in the analysis. Univariate logistic regression models showed high serum glucose levels to be associated with lower absorption rates in both cardiac and skeletal muscle (odds ratio [OR] 0.38 [0.23, 0.60, 95% confidence interval—CI], P < 0.0001, and 0.52 [0.33, 0.82, 95% CI], P < 0.005, respectively). Hodgkin's lymphoma was associated with an increase in cardiac uptake (OR 2.4 [1.3, 4.5, 95% CI], P < 0.005). Decreased skeletal muscle 18F‐FDG uptake was noted in elderly and obese patients. In our multivariate analysis, Hodgkin's lymphoma patients showed higher cardiac 18F‐FDG uptake, while non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma patients did not differ significantly from non‐lymphatic cancer patients (OR 1.6 [0.7, 3.3, 95% CI], P = 0.24). High serum glucose levels and prior chemotherapy were both associated with a significantly decreased cardiac 18F‐FDG uptake (OR 0.40 [0.24, 0.65, 95% CI], P < 0.0005, and 0.50 [0.27, 0.90, 95% CI], P < 0.05, respectively). Notably, prior chemotherapy did not influence FDG uptake in skeletal muscle to the same extent. Obesity and older age were both significantly associated with decreased gluteal 18F‐FDG uptake (OR 0.49 [0.27, 0.89, 95% CI], P < 0.05, and 0.47 [0.25, 0.87, 95% CI], P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our data provide evidence for metabolic alterations in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma related to cardiac glucose uptake in humans. This effect was independent from skeletal muscle metabolism.
Assessing susceptibility of a temporal discounting task to faking
Authors: Cole David M. , Rung Jillian M. , Madden Gregory J.
Published: July 2019

Objective

Temporal discountingdescribes the devaluation of delayed rewards. Because temporal discounting is predictive of substance misuse, its clinical assessment could improve prevention (e.g., identifying at‐risk youth) and treatment (e.g., predicting relapse). However, if discounting rates can be faked (e.g., to avoid treatment), their clinical utility may be limited. For the first time, we measured the influence of deception in a temporal discounting task.

Method

We recruited 200 participants (44% female,33) through Amazon Mechanical Turk. Participants completed a discounting assessment with instructions to (a) respond honestly, (b)fake good(i.e., simulate better versions of themselves), or (c)fake bad.

Results

Generalized linear mixed effects analysis showed that in Experiment 1, nonclinical samples faked good (0.002) or bad (  0.086) compared to the Honest group (0.008). In Experiment 2, cigarette smokers faked good (0.003) compared to the Honest group ( 0.025).

Conclusions

Temporal discounting transects the disciplines of psychology, biology, and behavioral economics. Before its promise as an endophenotype can be realized, assessments must be translated for clinical use. Opaquer temporal discounting tasks, or secondary measures of lying, may be required before temporal discounting can be confidently extended to clinical settings.
Leukocyte transcriptional signatures dependent on LPS dosage in human endotoxemia
Authors: Khan Hina N , Perlee Desiree , Schoenmaker Lieke , van der Meer Anne-Jan , Franitza Marek , Toliat Mohammad Reza , Nürnberg Peter , Zwinderman Aeilko H , van der Poll Tom , Scicluna Brendon P
Published: July 2019

The host immune response is characterized by a complex interplay of signal-specific cellular transcriptional responses. The magnitude of the immune response is dependent on the strength of the external stimulus. Knowledge on leukocyte transcriptional responses altered in response to different stimulus dosages in man is lacking. Here, we sought to identify leukocyte transcriptional signatures dependent on LPS dose in humans. Healthy human volunteers were administered 1 ng/kg (n = 7), 2 ng/kg (n = 6), or 4 ng/kg (n = 7) LPS intravenously. Blood was collected before (pre-LPS) and 4 h after LPS administration. Total RNA was analyzed by microarrays and generalized linear models. Pathway analysis was performed by using Ingenuity pathway analysis. Leukocyte transcriptomes altered per LPS dosage were predominantly shared, with 47% common signatures relative to pre-LPS. A univariate linear model identified a set of 3736 genes that exhibited a dependency on differing LPS dosages. Neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte counts explained 38.9% of the variance in the LPS dose-dependent gene set. A multivariate linear model including leukocyte composition delineated a set of 295 genes with a dependency on LPS dose. Evaluation of the 295 gene signature in patients with sepsis due to abdominal infections showed significant correlations. Promoter regions of the LPS dose gene set were enriched for YY1, EGR1, ELK1, GABPA, KLF4, and REL transcription factor binding sites. Intravenous injection of 1, 2, or 4 ng/kg LPS was accompanied by both shared and distinct leukocyte transcriptional alterations. These data may assist in assessing the severity of the insult in patients with abdominal sepsis.
Highlights of aliphatic C(sp3)‐H hydrogen isotope exchange reactions
Authors: Valero Mégane , Derdau Volker
Published: July 2019

This review summarizes the highlights of aliphatic C (sp3)‐H carbon hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) methods developed in the last 10 years. In particular, new highly selective and reactive protocols in the areas of nanoparticle and metal‐catalyzed homogeneous catalysis are reported.
Economic Disadvantage at the Intersections: Contemporary Stereotypes in the Headlines
Authors: Smith Laura , Velez Brandon , Chambers Carissa , Baranowski Kim
Published: July 2019

Effective multiculturally competent treatment of economically disadvantaged clients requires an awareness of the stereotypes and biases that these clients and their families face in contemporary culture—stereotypes that are so pervasive that they can subtly influence counselors’ thinking about poor and working‐class individuals. In this article, the authors apply an intersectional perspective to profile current stereotypes and biases that exist regarding low‐income groups at the intersections of race, religion, and immigration status. Implications for educators and counselors are suggested.

Un tratamiento efectivo y multiculturalmente competente de clientes e conómicamente desfavorecidos requiere una conciencia de los estereotipos y prejuicios que estos clientes y sus familias enfrentan en la cultura contemporánea; estereotipos tan arraigados que pueden influir sutilmente en la forma de pensar de los consejeros sobre las personas pobres y de clase trabajadora. En este artículo, los autores aplican una perspectiva interseccional para perfilar estereotipos y prejuicios actuales que existen acerca de grupos de bajo nivel económico en las intersecciones entre raza, religión y estatus migratorio. Se sugieren implicaciones para educadores y consejeros.
Polyvictimization, Psychological Distress, and Trauma Symptoms in College Men and Women
Authors: Elliott Ann N. , Faires Alyson , Turk Rachel K. , Wagner Lora C. , Pomeroy Brianna M. , Pierce Thomas W. , Aspelmeier Jeffery E.
Published: July 2019

This study examined the relationship between polyvictimization, psychological distress, and trauma symptoms in college men and women. Childhood victimization was common among participants. Regression analyses revealed that polyvictimization (i.e., high cumulative levels of victimization) is a better predictor of psychological distress and trauma symptoms than is any individual category of victimization (i.e., sexual, physical, peer/sibling, child maltreatment, witnessing/indirect, or property crime). Gender did not moderate the relation between victimization and distress and trauma symptoms. Implications for counselors are discussed.
Self‐Compassion, Affect, and Body Image in College Women
Authors: Schmidt Christa K. , Raque‐Bogdan Trisha L. , Hollern Emily A.
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to understand the relationships between self‐compassion, positive affect, negative affect, and variables representative of positive body image for college women. Regression analyses indicated that self‐compassion and affect accounted for 39% and 30% of the variance, respectively, in body appreciation and body image quality of life. Mediational analyses demonstrated that positive affect mediated the relationships between self‐compassion and both indicators of body image. Implications for college counseling are discussed.
Effect of starch properties and zein content of commercial maize hybrids on kinetics of starch digestibility in an in vitro poultry model
Authors: Kljak Kristina , Duvnjak Marija , Grbeša Darko
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

The kinetics of starch digestion is a key determinant of poultry performance. Research so far has shown that starch digestibility kinetics depends on the molecular structure of starch but also on the properties of the complex matrix in which starch granules are embedded in most feedstuffs. However, the manner in which genotype differences in the same plant affect starch digestibility kinetics has not yet been addressed. The present study explored the extent to which the starch digestibility rate in commercial high‐yielding maize hybrids depended on amylose / amylopectin content, starch granule size and shape, and zein in total starch (TS) content.

RESULTS

Hybrids differed in all the traits examined, giving the following ranges: amylose content, 165–207 g kg−1 DM; zein in TS content, 70–89 g kg−1 DM; starch granule equivalent diameter, 11.5–12.3 μm, and in vitro starch digestion rate, 1.22–1.44 h−1. The starch digestion rate correlated negatively with zein in TS content (r = −0.36) and positively with equivalent diameter (r = 0.45). The negative correlation between starch digestion rate and zein in TS suggests that some zein remained after grinding and pepsin incubation and acted as a barrier to amylolytic enzymes.

CONCLUSIONS

When starch granules are embedded in a complex protein matrix, zein limits their accessibility to enzymes and affects the starch digestibility rate. Surprisingly, our results suggest that when enzymes reach starch granules, they digest a greater proportion of the starch when the granules are larger. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Photochemical Tissue Passivation Prevents Contracture of Full Thickness Wounds in Mice
Authors: Goldstein Rachel L. , Tsui Jane M. , Runyan Gem , Randolph Mark A. , McCormack Michael C. , Mihm Martin C. , Redmond Robert W. , Austen William G.
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives

Wound contracture formation from excessive myofibroblast activity can result in debilitating morbidities. There are currently no treatments to prevent contracture. Photochemical tissue passivation (PTP), an established, safe, and user‐friendly treatment modality, crosslinks collagen by a light‐activated process, thus modulating the wound healing response and scarring. We hypothesised that PTP treatment would reinforce wounds by blunting the fibrotic response thus limiting contracture.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Full‐thickness, 1 cm × 1 cm excisional wounds were created on the dorsum of 32 C57BL/6 mice. Treated wounds were painted with photosensitizing dye and exposed to visible light. Wounds were serially photographed over 6 weeks to measure wound contracture. At 7, 14, 21, and 42 days after wound creation, mice were euthanized and wounds were harvested for histologic review by a dermatopathologist.

Results

By Day 7, control wounds had significantly more contracture than those treated with PTP (33.0 ± 17.1% and 19.3 ± 9.0%, respectively; P = 0.011). PTP‐treated wounds maintained approximately 20% less contracture than controls from Day 14 and on (P < 0.05). By Day 42, wounds had contracted by 86.9 ± 5.5% in controls and 64.2 ± 3.2% in PTP‐treated wounds (P < 0.03). Histologically, PTP wounds had earlier growth and development of dermal collagen, neovascularization, and development of skin appendages, compared with control wounds.

Conclusions

PTP significantly limits contracture of full‐thickness wounds and improves wound healing. PTP‐treated wounds histologically demonstrate more mature structural organization than untreated wounds and closely resemble native skin. PTP treatment may be applicable not only for excisional wounds, but also for wounds with a high incidence of contracture and associated morbidity. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Do functional changes occur in the bladder due to bladder outlet obstruction? ‐ ICI‐RS 2018
Authors: Bosch Ruud , Abrams Paul , Averbeck Marcio Augusto , Finazzi Agró Enrico , Gammie Andrew , Marcelissen Tom , Solomon Eskinder
Published: July 2019

Studies on bladder dysfunction (BD), more specifically functional‐urodynamic changes in the bladder as a result of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) have been summarized for this TT. Based on available, but limited evidence from human studies a three‐stage model can be hypothesized to characterize BOO‐induced bladder remodeling: hypertrophy, compensation (increased detrusor contractility during the voiding phase, often in combination with filling phase detrusor overactivity) followed by the phase of decompensation [detrusor underactivity]. The time between the start of compensation and eventual decompensation seems to be determined by age of onset, severity, and type of obstruction and clinical mitigating factors such as vascular and metabolic problems. Understanding the relative contributions of these factors may allow the development of personalized timelines and probabilities for these obstructed patients.
Examining the thermal degradation behaviour of a series of cyanate ester homopolymers
Authors: Gouthaman Siddan , Madhu Venkatesh , Kanemoto Stanley Olivier , Madurai Suguna Lakshmi , Hamerton Ian
Published: July 2019

A series of thermally stable dicyanate monomers was prepared containing different thermally stable structural units, namely 2,2′‐bis(4‐cyanatophenyl)propane, bis‐4‐cyanato‐biphenyl, bis‐4‐cyanato naphthalene, 3,3′‐bis(4‐cyanatophenyl)sulfide and 3,3′‐bis(4‐cyanatophenyl)sulfone, was prepared and the identity of the products was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared and NMR spectral methods. The corresponding cyanate homopolymers were prepared and their properties were evaluated and compared. The composites were analysed for their thermal stability and thermal degradation kinetics. The series of homopolymers exhibit excellent thermal characteristics, e.g. relatively high glass transition temperatures of at least 215 °C, which were inversely proportional to the molecular weight between the crosslinks, high thermal decomposition temperature and high activation energies for the decomposition of cured resins. Determination of their limiting oxygen indices indicates that all the homopolymers are characterized as ‘self‐extinguishing’ materials. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Minimal Detectable Change for Balance Using the Biodex Balance System in Patients with Parkinson Disease
Authors: de Oliveira Lira Jumes Leopoldino , Ugrinowitsch Carlos , Fecchio Rafael , Coelho Daniel Boari , Moreira‐Neto Acácio , Germano Renan , de Lima Miliatto Angelo Corrêa , dos Santos Vieira Yano Bianca Cristina , Silva‐Batista Carla
Published: July 2019

Background

Minimal detectable change (MDC) when assessing balance using the Biodex Balance System (BBS) in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) is currently unknown, limiting the interpretability of the scores.

Objective

To determine the MDC on the Anterior/Posterior Stability Index (APSI), Medial/Lateral Stability Index (MLSI), and Overall Stability Index (OSI) from postural stability and fall risk protocols of the BBS in patients with PD.

Design

This was a repeated‐measures design (at a 1‐week interval).

Setting

Strength training laboratory of a public university.

Patients

46 patients with PD (men and women) at stages 2 and 3 (67.9 ± 7.4 years old) were assessed in the “on” state (fully medicated).

Methods

Patients performed three trials of 20 s for each protocol.

Main Outcome Measurements

Absolute and relative MDC (MDC%) calculated for APSI, MLSI, and OSI from the postural stability (stable condition) and fall risk protocols (unstable condition).

Results

For the postural stability, the MDC and MDC% were 0.26° and 17% for APSI, 0.41° and 21% for MLSI, and 0.22° and 12% for OSI, respectively. For the fall risk, the MDC and MDC% were 0.51° and 18% for APSI, 0.21° and 15% for MLSI, and 0.41° and 20% for OSI, respectively. These results were considered acceptable, despite indices with high MDC for MLSI (postural stability) and APSI (fall risk).

Conclusions

Patients with PD have more mediolateral and anteroposterior changes in the stable and unstable conditions, respectively. These abnormal balance strategies can occur principally due to postural instability of PD. However, our results demonstrated acceptable MDCs in both conditions in all of the assessed axes. Thus, BBS should be incorporated into the clinical evaluation to help therapists to determine if intervention‐induced changes in balance are clinically significant or due to measurement error.

Level of Evidence

II
Microstructural Analysis of Local Silicon Corrosion of Bifacial Solar Cells as Root Cause of Potential‐Induced Degradation at the Rear Side
Authors: Sporleder Kai , Naumann Volker , Bauer Jan , Richter Susanne , Hähnel Angelika , Großer Stephan , Turek Marko , Hagendorf Christian
Published: July 2019

Bifacial passivated emitter and rear cells (PERC+) can suffer from potential‐induced degradation (PID) of the rear side. Rear‐side PID tests of industrial solar cells lead to more than 12% power degradation that is not recoverable under illumination or dark storage. A microstructural root‐cause analysis of the rear side reveals localized spots with increased carrier recombination as the origin of the power losses. Morphology and defect distribution depend on the temperature (60 and 85 °C) applied for PID acceleration. Individual defects are analyzed at the atomic level, revealing a corrosion of the silicon bulk at the Si/AlOx interface. A laterally extending Na accumulation at the interface and an increased concentration of further impurities are observed together with large stacking fault defects. The formation of the defects will be discussed within a simple model for a cathodic corrosion of Si and the impact of interfacial contaminations during solar cell processing.
How Deeply Do Second Language Learners Process Written Corrective Feedback? Insights Gained From Think‐Alouds
Authors: Kim Ha Ram , Bowles Melissa
Published: July 2019

This research compares how second language learners process two types of written feedback: reformulation and direct correction. On a two‐stage composition‐and‐comparison task, 22 adult learners of English as a second language taking an academic writing course at a large midwestern U.S. university participated in a repeated‐measures study in which they wrote two argumentative essays and received feedback in the form of reformulation on one and direct correction on the other in counterbalanced fashion. During the comparison stage for each essay, learners completed think‐alouds, which were used to gauge how they processed the two types of feedback. The findings reveal that learners processed sentential and paragraph‐level errors more deeply but overlooked surface‐level errors when they received reformulation as feedback; the reverse was the case when they received direct correction. Results therefore suggest that there may not be a one‐size‐fits‐all answer for written corrective feedback but that different errors respond to feedback differently.
The demographic burden of population loss in US cities, 2000–2010
Authors: Franklin Rachel S.
Published: July 2019

Although the effects of urban shrinkage on quality of life and the built environment have received a great deal of attention, the characteristics of those experiencing these impacts have been much less studied. This is ironic, as urban shrinkage or depopulation is by nature a demographic phenomenon: city sizes evolve precisely because people move in and out, are born, and die. Moreover, the demographic processes that contribute to shrinking cities—out-migration and death—are selective and so they also govern who remains behind in cities as they shrink. It is this latter group that is the focus of this research. The analysis contributes to the literature on shrinking cities through its novel consideration of community-level exposure to depopulation. In particular, it investigates who is impacted by loss; the extent to which population loss is experienced disproportionately across urban space and demographic subgroups; and whether decline occurring at multiple spatial scales magnifies exposure for some groups more than others. Findings show that, at both city and census tract levels, demographic characteristics of growth and loss areas are different and, at all levels, some groups are more likely than others to be living in a loss-impacted area.
Data reconciliation and fusion methods: a survey
Authors: Bakhtouchi Abdelghani
Published: July 2019

With the progress of new technologies of information and communication, more and more producers of data exist. On the other hand, the web forms a huge support of all these kinds of data. Unfortunately, existing data is not proper due to the existence of the same information in different sources, as well as erroneous and incomplete data. The aim of data integration systems is to offer to a user a unique interface to query a number of sources. A key challenge of such systems is to deal with conflicting information from the same source or from different sources. We present, in this paper, the resolution of conflict at the instance level into two stages: references reconciliation and data fusion. The reference reconciliation methods seek to decide if two data descriptions are references to the same entity in reality. We define the principles of reconciliation method then we distinguish the methods of reference reconciliation, first on how to use the descriptions of references, then the way to acquire knowledge. We finish this section by discussing some current data reconciliation issues that are the subject of current research. Data fusion in turn, has the objective to merge duplicates into a single representation while resolving conflicts between the data. We define first the conflicts classification, the strategies for dealing with conflicts and the implementing conflict management strategies. We present then, the relational operators and data fusion techniques. Likewise, we finish this section by discussing some current data fusion issues that are the subject of current research.
Age‐Ranked Storage‐Discharge Relations: A Unified Description of Spatially Lumped Flow and Water Age in Hydrologic Systems
Authors: Harman C. J.
Published: July 2019

A storage‐discharge relation tells us how discharge will change when new water enters a hydrologic system but not which water is released. Does an incremental increase in discharge come from faster turnover of older water already in storage? Or are the recent inputs rapidly delivered to the outlet, “short‐circuiting” the bulk of the system? Here I demonstrate that the concepts of storage‐discharge relationships and transit time distributions can be unified into a single relationship that can usefully address these questions: the age‐ranked storage‐discharge relation. This relationship captures how changes in total discharge arise from changes in the turnover rate of younger and older water in storage and provides a window into both the celerity and velocity of water in a catchment. This leads naturally to a distinction between cases where an increase in total discharge is accompanied by an increase (old water acceleration), no change (old water steadiness), or a decrease in the rate of discharge of older water in storage (old water suppression). The simple theoretical case of a power law age‐ranked storage‐discharge relations is explored to illustrate these cases. Example applications to data suggest that the apparent presence of old water acceleration or suppression is sensitive to the functional form chosen to fit to the data, making it difficult to draw decisive conclusions. This suggests new methods are needed that do not require a functional form to be chosen and provide age‐dependent uncertainty bounds.
Evidence of Pore‐ and Fracture‐Filling Gas Hydrates from Geophysical Logs in Consolidated Rocks of the Muli Area, Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau Permafrost, China
Authors: Peng C. , Zou C. C. , Lu Z. Q. , Yu C.Q. , Liu A. Q. , Tang Y. Y. , Hu X. D. , Zhang S. X. , Wen H. J. , Li Y. H. , Wang W. C.
Published: July 2019

Natural gas hydrates were discovered in the Muli area of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau permafrost, which is an area of alpine permafrost in the midlatitudes. Resistivity models were employed to understand the distribution and accumulation mechanism of gas hydrates in the Muli area, as these models are suitable for use in detecting the presence and amount of pore‐ and fracture‐filling gas hydrates in consolidated rocks, and geophysical logs were used to constrain gas hydrate saturation. The results show that resistivity logs are sensitive to gas hydrate saturation in consolidated rocks in the Muli area. Geophysical log analysis enabled the discovery of eleven pore‐filling gas hydrate reservoirs (total thickness: 21.95 m) and nine fracture‐filling gas hydrate reservoirs (total thickness: 90.55 m). It is hypothesized that gas accumulation is more likely to occur in fractures within mudstones due to good permeability and sealing properties and that fracture‐filling gas hydrates are more likely to occur than pore‐filling gas hydrates. Poor preservation conditions may thus be the key factor in the absence of gas hydrates in the eastern part of the study area. Evidence from geophysical logs shows that the upper boundary of the gas hydrate stability zone in the Muli area is at a depth of 133.25 m and that the lower boundary is deeper than 400 m. The results of this study are useful for further gas hydrate exploration in alpine permafrost at the midlatitudes.
Locating Shallow Seismic Sources With Waves Scattered by Surface Topography: Validation of the Method at the Nevada Test Site
Authors: Wang Nian , Shen Yang , Bao Xueyang , Flinders Ashton
Published: July 2019

Accurate and robust source location is fundamental in seismology. Previously, we proposed a new full waveform location method using waves scattered by topography near the source, and we demonstrated its potential in obtaining accurate source location using synthetic data. In the work presented here, we validate this method with observed seismic data from the 1993 Non‐Proliferation Experiment, a chemical explosion with a precisely known location in a region with moderate topography at the Nevada Test Site. We select the first arrivals (Pn/Pg) and their immediate codas to determine the source location and compare our solution with the known location. We use a collocated‐grid finite‐difference method to calculate the strain Green's tensor in a grid‐search volume containing the source and obtain three‐component synthetic waveforms at 12 broadband seismic stations at regional distances using source‐receiver reciprocity. We assess the solution using a least squares misfit between the observed and synthetic waveforms. When scattered coda waves are incorporated, the best solution is within a few hundreds of meters of the exact source location, and the estimated uncertainty of the solution is reduced compared to the waveform‐based solution using only the P waves. The solution is robust to the choice of the frequency content and to the addition of random velocity heterogeneity. We conclude that the full waveform source location method is effective for real seismic data, though more validation tests like this one are needed to further understand its efficacy for source‐station geometry, roughness of topography, signal quality, and other factors.
Controls on the Isotopic Composition of Precipitation in the South‐Central United States
Authors: Sun Chijun , Shanahan Timothy M. , Partin Judson
Published: July 2019

The processes that control the isotopic composition of precipitation in the midlatitudes are complicated, but can provide valuable insights into precipitation‐generating processes and are critical for interpreting stable isotope‐based paleoclimate records. In this study, we investigated the controls on changes in the isotopic composition of rainwater in central Texas using a combination of existing monthly stable isotope data from the global network of isotopes in precipitation and 20 months of event‐based rainwater collection from Austin, TX. We find that the strongest control on the isotopic composition of precipitation is the varying proportion of convective and stratiform rainfall, with other factors such as precipitation amount, temperature, and storm track playing a secondary role. Isotopic values are generally lower in the cold season than the warm season precipitation because cold season precipitation is predominantly stratiform often associated with a northerly storm track. However, the majority of the precipitation in the south‐central United States occurs during the warm season in association with mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) that are fed with moisture by the southerly winds. MCSs are characterized by a combination of a leading edge of organized deep convection and trailing stratiform precipitation. Stronger MCSs tend to contain higher proportions of stratiform rainfall and, as a result, have more isotopically depleted values. Therefore, changes in the stable isotopic composition of rainfall may be interpreted as reflecting changes in the intensity of MCS.