bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disciplinary authenticity and personal relevance in school science
Authors: Kapon Shulamit , Laherto Antti , Levrini Olivia
Published: June 2018

Pursuing both disciplinary authenticity and personal relevance in the teaching and learning of science in school generates tensions that should be acknowledged and resolved. This paper problematizes and explores the conceptualizations of these tensions by considering personal relevance, disciplinary authenticity, and common school science as three perspectives that entail different educational goals. Based on an analysis of the literature, we identify five facets of the tensions:content fidelity,content coverage,language and discursive norms,epistemic structure and standards, andsignificance. We then explore the manifestations of these facets in two different examples of the instruction and learning of physics at the advanced high school level in Israel and Italy. Our analysis suggests that (1) the manifestations of these tensions and their resolution are highly contextual. (2) While maintaining personal relevance and disciplinary authenticity requires some negotiation, the main tension that needs to be resolved is between personal relevance and common school science. (3) Disciplinary authenticity, when considered in terms of its full depth and scope, can be equipped to resolve this tensionwithinthe discipline. (4) To achieve resolution, teachers’ expertise should include not only pedagogical expertise but also a deep and broad disciplinary understanding.
Tunable, Hybrid 1D ZnO Nanostructures Obtained by Using Bio‐renewable Ferulic Acid as Support and its Applications
Authors: Vasantha Vivek Arjunan , Biying Algin Oh , Wenguang Zhao , Huat Heng Teck , Shiong Simon Choo Sze , Parthiban Anbanandam
Published: June 2018

Inorganic oxides such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) are desired as ultraviolet (UV) filters. Such UV‐filters derived from naturally occurring oxides are promising components for formulating personal care products sustainably. However, UV‐filters based on inorganic oxides pose challenges to formulators and users in terms of strong adherence to skin and high photocatalytic activity. As a means to influence the morphology of such functional oxides, a simple one‐dimensional (1D) ZnO nanorod was synthesized via solvothermal technique assisted by the seed‐growth method. Thus bio‐renewable ferulic acid (FA) was used as a capping and structure‐directing agent to obtain tunable nanostructures such as spheres, sheets, and rods. SEM and TEM analyses revealed the self‐assembled elongated morphology with increased aspect ratio. Based on these as well as other analyses the growth mechanism of zinc oxide functionalized ferulic acid (ZnO@FA) was investigated. ZnO@FA also exhibited broad absorption in the UV−B and A regions, unique antioxidant behavior along with a highly suppressed photocatalytic activity. The ZnO@FA are sustainable, functional materials. These materials are potentially useful in areas such as cosmetics, functional coatings, sensors and solar cells.
Cerebroplacental ratio assessment in early labor in uncomplicated term pregnancy and prediction of adverse perinatal outcome: prospective multicenter study
Authors: Dall'Asta A. , Ghi T. , Rizzo G. , Cancemi A. , Aloisio F. , Arduini D. , Pedrazzi G. , Figueras F. , Frusca T.
Published: June 2018

Objective

It has been suggested that the use of Doppler ultrasound in term pregnancies with normal‐sized fetuses is able to identify those at high risk of subclinical placental function impairment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) measured in early labor and perinatal and delivery outcomes in a cohort of uncomplicated singleton term pregnancies.

Methods

This was a prospective multicenter observational study conducted at three tertiary centers between January 2016 and July 2017. Low‐risk term pregnancies, defined by the absence of maternal morbidity or pregnancy complication, accompanied by normal ultrasound and clinical screening of fetal growth in the third trimester, with spontaneous onset of labor were included. Umbilical artery (UA) and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler was assessed on admission for early labor. All measurements were performed in between uterine contractions and according to international standards. CPR was computed by dividing MCA pulsatility index by UA pulsatility index and converted into multiples of the median (MoM) in order to adjust for gestational age. Doctors and midwives involved in the clinical management of the women were blinded to the results of the Doppler evaluation. Mode of delivery and perinatal outcome were compared between pregnancies with reduced CPR MoM, defined as CPR MoM within the lowest decile of the study population, and those with normal CPR MoM. Receiver–operating characteristics curve analysis was used to assess the predictive performance of CPR for obstetric intervention due to fetal distress and composite adverse perinatal outcome.

Results

Overall, 562 women were included. The rate of obstetric intervention for suspected fetal distress in labor was more than three times higher among cases with reduced CPR MoM compared to those with normal CPR MoM (9/54 (16.7%) vs 28/508 (5.5%); P = 0.004). Furthermore, a significantly higher rate of composite adverse perinatal outcome was found in fetuses with CPR MoM < 10th percentile compared to those with CPR MoM ≥ 10th percentile (6/54 (11.1%) vs 19/508 (3.7%); P = 0.012). CPR had low sensitivity and low positive predictive value for prediction of obstetric intervention due to fetal distress (24.3% and 18.0%, respectively) and composite adverse perinatal outcome (24.0% and 11.1%, respectively).

Conclusions

Data on a wide cohort of low‐risk term pregnancies in early labor showed that, while reduced CPR is associated with a higher risk of obstetric intervention due to fetal distress and composite adverse perinatal outcome, it is a poor predictor of adverse perinatal outcome. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Plasma jet cleaning of optics
Authors: Gerhard Christoph , ten Bosch Lars
Published: June 2018

Optical components used in normal ambient conditions are usually contaminated by hydrocarbons from the ambient air in the course of time. This contamination gives rise to a decrease in the particular optical performance, i.e. the reflectance of mirrors or the transmittance of lenses and windows. In order to address this issue, the impact of ageing at ambient conditions as well as subsequent plasma cleaning on relevant parameters of standard silver‐coated mirrors was investigated in this work. For plasma cleaning, a jet source based on a dielectric barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure was applied. It is shown that ageing leads to an adhesion of carbonaceous contaminations and an accompanying decrease in reflectance of the mirrors. The subsequent plasma cleaning process allows the efficient removal of surface‐adherent carbon and an alteration of remaining bonds. Finally, this effect gives rise to an increase in reflectance, nearly restoring the initial value before ageing.
[A([18]crown‐6)]2[Ni(CO)3]·8NH3 (A = K, Rb) – An Ammoniate with a Trigonal Planar [Ni(CO)3]2– Anion
Authors: Lorenz Corinna , Kaas Marina , Korber Nikolaus
Published: June 2018

The new carbonyl nickelate salt [A([18]crown‐6)]2[Ni(CO)3]·8NH3 (A = K, Rb) serendipitously crystallized from a solution of (PPh3)2Ni(CO)2, [18]crown‐6, [2.2.2]cryptand, and K6Rb6Ge17 in liquid ammonia. The [Ni(CO)3]2– anion represents the first tricarbonyl compound of nickel characterized by X‐ray diffraction studies and completes the row of known carbonyl metalates. The planar anion displays approximately D3h symmetry. The calculated electron localization function (ELF) of the complex shows plane basins above and below the molecular plane and the twofold negative charge is spread over the Ni(CO)3 entity.
Copper(II)‐induced Fluorescence Quenching of a BODIPY Fluorophore
Authors: Herten Dirk‐Peter , Haderspeck Andreas , Braun Felix , Wadepohl Hubert
Published: June 2018

The ongoing developments in fluorescence microscopy have pushed the interest in new fluorescent probes with specific properties. Aside of controlling emissive states by light irradiation, defined control by changing the chemical environment has come into focus. In this context, we designed a fluorescent probe by conjugation of bipyridine, acting as sensor for CuII, to a BODIPY derivative at the shortest possible distance between sensor and chromophore. Herein, we present the synthesis of the BODIPY probe along with its crystal structure. We found a strong dependence of absorption and emission upon CuII complex formation decreasing the fluorescence quantum yield to ca. 1 % in respect to the pure probe. We hypothesize that further functionalization with a linker could make this compound and interesting probe for fluorescence microscopy.
A Hyper‐conjugated Structure: The Research into the Picryl Chloride Functionalized 1‐Picrylamino‐tetrazol‐5‐one
Authors: Zhang Gu‐Dan , Wang Zhen , Yin Xin , Zhang Jian‐Guo
Published: June 2018

A hyper conjugated structure, picryl chloride functionalized 1‐picrylamino‐tetrazol‐5‐one, was synthesized by a nucleophilic substitution reaction. The single crystals of 1‐picrylamino‐tetrazol‐5‐one were cultured and determined by X‐ray single‐crystal diffractometer. The thermal behavior was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry‐derivative thermogravimetry (TG‐DTG) technologies. Additionally, the sensitivities towards friction and impact were tested. The results show that the hyper conjugated structure adopts a π–π stacking, besides, many strong interactions such as nitro–π and hydrogen bonding interactions were observed. All of them together make a contribution to its enhanced thermal stability and reduced sensitivities. 1‐Picrylamino‐tetrazol‐5‐one turns out to be a representative of hyper conjugated structures in energetic materials, and may further strengthen the functionalization of picryl chloride with energetic tetrazoles.
Conformation and Structure of Dichlorophosphoryl Isocyanate in the Gaseous and Solid Phases
Authors: Schwabedissen Jan , Li Dingqing , Reuter Christian G. , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Mitzel Norbert W. , Bernhardt Eduard , Zeng Xiaoqing
Published: June 2018

The conformational properties and the molecular structure of dichlorophosphoryl isocyanate, Cl2P(O)NCO, were studied by combining vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman), gas‐phase electron diffraction (GED), X‐ray crystallography (XRD), and quantum‐chemical calculations. Computationally, two conformers of Cs symmetry with the P=O bond being in syn or anti configuration relative to the NCO group are predicted to be close in energy (ca. 2 kJ mol–1). Experimentally, both gas‐phase and matrix‐isolation IR spectra of Cl2P(O)NCO suggest the presence of a single conformer, which was determined to be the energetically more favorable syn‐conformer. This was also found to exist in the solid state by low‐temperature XRD. However, the molecule in the solid state is significantly distorted from ideal Cs symmetry with an O–P–N–C dihedral angle of 38.1(1)° due to intermolecular C···O contacts [2.881(4) Å]. In the gas phase, the GED analysis suggests that the molecule exists predominantly as syn‐conformer but with dynamic behavior about the two minimum structures (syn and anti).
Quasi-local energy and compactification
Authors: Alvarez Enrique , Anero Jesus , del Bosch Guillermo Milans , Santos-Garcia Raquel
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Based on the quasi-local energy definition of Brown and York, we compute the integral of the trace of the extrinsic curvature over a codimension-2 hypersurface. In particular, we study the difference between the uncompactified Minkowski spacetime and the toroidal Kaluza-Klein compactification. For the latter, we find that this quantity interpolates between zero and the value for the uncompactified spacetime, as the size of the compact dimension increases. Thus, the quasi-local energy is able to discriminate between the two spacetimes.
Reversible RNA ModificationN1-Methyladenosine (m1A) in mRNA and tRNA
Authors: Zhang Chi , Jia Guifang
Published: June 2018

More than 100 modifications have been found in RNA. Analogous to epigenetic DNA methylation, epitranscriptomic modifications can be written, read, and erased by a complex network of proteins. Apart from N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N1-methyladenosine (m1A) has been found as a reversible modification in tRNA and mRNA. m1A occurs at positions 9, 14, and 58 of tRNA, with m1A58 being critical for tRNA stability. Other than the hundreds of m1A sites in mRNA and long non-coding RNA transcripts, transcriptome-wide mapping of m1A also identifies >20 m1A sites in mitochondrial genes. m1A in the coding region of mitochondrial transcripts can inhibit the translation of the corresponding proteins. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of m1A in mRNA and tRNA, covering high-throughput sequencing methods developed for m1A methylome, m1A-related enzymes (writers and erasers), as well as its functions in mRNA and tRNA.
The effects of low protein products availability on growth parameters and metabolic control in selected amino acid metabolism disorders patients
Authors: Handoom Bedour , Megdad Eman , Al-Qasabi Dana , Al Mesned Munirah , Hawary Reem , Al-Nufiee Samir , Al-Hassnan Zuhair , Alsayed Moeenaldeen Dia , Eldali Abdelmoneim
Published: June 2018

Background:

In Saudi Arabia, a diet for life policy has been adopted in the management of amino acid metabolism disorders for years. However, the specially designed low protein products/medical foods - which are one of the important treatment tools - were not available up until several years ago in Saudi Arabia (SA). Our aim was to measure the compliance and quality of life in patients affected with these disorders followed in the metabolic nutrition clinic at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC), Riyadh, SA.

Methodology:

We used a non-randomized retrospective/prospective study which utilized the growth parameters, biochemical data of patients plus questionnaires collected from patients and their family/ caregivers. A total of n = 182 patients affected with selected amino acid metabolism disorders were enrolled. Some were excluded n = 84 for various reasons. Sample analyzed were: Phenylketonuria (PKU) (44), Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) (30), Tyrosinemia (TYR) (17) and Homocystinuria (HCU) (7). Tandem Mass Spectrometry (TMS) used to quantitate plasma amino acid concentrations. Data was obtained using (COMPLE) Microsoft-Access which was designed by the metabolic nutrition clinic at KFSH&RC-Riyadh. Student's paired t-test was used to investigate relationship between variables.

Results:

The main findings were the improvement of selected amino acid levels pre and post the usage of medical foods. In PKU patients, the TMS Phenylalanine (PHE) levels post usage was significantly decreased (P value < .0001). This was also the case in MSUD patients with significant decrease in Leucine & Isoleucine levels (P value .0008) but not in Valine levels (P value .1148) as 36.7% of them received Valine supplements while enrolled in the study.

Conclusion:

Low protein products availability was successful in improving outcomes for selected amino acid metabolic disorders. However, due to compliance issues and impracticality of the diet, the results were not significant in all enrolled patients.
The Andaman Islands Penal Colony: Race, Class, Criminality, and the British Empire
Authors: Anderson Clare
Published: June 2018

This article explores the British Empire’s configuration of imprisonment and transportation in the Andaman Islands penal colony. It shows that British governance in the Islands produced new modes of carcerality and coerced migration in which the relocation of convicts, prisoners, and criminal tribes underpinned imperial attempts at political dominance and economic development. The article focuses on the penal transportation of Eurasian convicts, the employment of free Eurasians and Anglo-Indians as convict overseers and administrators, the migration of “volunteer” Indian prisoners from the mainland, the free settlement of Anglo-Indians, and the forced resettlement of the Bhantu “criminal tribe”. It examines the issue from the periphery of British India, thus showing that class, race, and criminality combined to produce penal and social outcomes that were different from those of the imperial mainland. These were related to ideologies of imperial governmentality, including social discipline and penal practice, and the exigencies of political economy.
Heating of accretion-disk coronae and jets by general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic turbulence
Authors: Chandran Benjamin D. G. , Foucart Francois , Tchekhovskoy Alexander
Published: June 2018

Turbulence in an accretion disk launches Alfvén waves (AWs) that propagate away from the disk along magnetic-field lines. Because the Alfvén speed varies with distance from the disk, the AWs undergo partial non-WKB reflection, and counter-propagating AWs subsequently interact, causing AW energy to cascade to small scales and dissipate. To investigate this process, we introduce an Elsasser-like formulation of general relativistic magnetohydrodynamics (GRMHD) and develop the theory of general relativistic reduced MHD in an inhomogeneous medium. We then derive a set of equations for the mean-square AW amplitude $M_{+}$and turbulent heating rate $Q$under the assumption that, in the plasma rest frame, AWs propagating away from the disk are much more energetic than AWs propagating toward the disk. For the case in which the background flow is axisymmetric and time independent, we solve these equations analytically to determine$M_{+}$and $Q$as functions of position. We find that, for an idealized thin disk threaded by a large-scale poloidal magnetic field, the AW energy flux is${\sim}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}_{\text{b}}/\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}_{\text{d}})^{1/2}\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}_{\text{net,d}}^{-1/2}$times the disk’s radiative flux, where$\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}_{\text{b}}$and$\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}_{\text{d}}$are the mass densities at the coronal base and disk midplane, respectively, and$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}_{\text{net,d}}$is the ratio (evaluated at the disk midplane) of plasma-plus-radiation pressure to the pressure of the average vertical magnetic field. This energy flux could have a significant impact on disk coronae and outflows. To lay the groundwork for future global simulations of turbulent disk coronae and jets, we derive a set of averaged GRMHD equations that account for reflection-driven AW turbulence using a sub-grid model.
A one-dimensional tearing mode equation for pedestal stability studies in tokamaks
Authors: Connor J. W. , Hastie R. J. , Marchetto C. , Roach C. M.
Published: June 2018

Starting from expressions in Connor et al. (Phys. Fluids, vol. 31, 1988, p. 577), we derive a one-dimensional tearing equation similar to the approximate equation obtained by Hegna & Callen (Phys. Plasmas, vol. 1, 1994, p. 2308) and Nishimura et al. (Phys. Plasmas, vol. 5, 1998, p. 4292), but for more realistic toroidal equilibria. The intention is to use this approximation to explore the role of steep profiles, bootstrap currents and strong shaping in the vicinity of a separatrix, on the stability of tearing modes which are resonant in the H-mode pedestal region of finite aspect ratio, shaped cross-section tokamaks, e.g. the Joint European Torus (JET). We discuss how this one-dimensional model for tearing modes, which assumes a single poloidal harmonic for the perturbed poloidal flux, compares with a model that includes poloidal coupling Fitzpatrick et al. (Nucl. Fusion, vol. 33, 1993, p. 1533).
Anti-α-Gal antibodies detected by novel neoglycoproteins as a diagnostic tool for Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis caused byLeishmania major
Authors: Subramaniam Krishanthi S. , Austin Victoria , Schocker Nathaniel S. , Montoya Alba L. , Anderson Matthew S. , Ashmus Roger A. , Mesri Mina , Al-Salem Waleed , Almeida Igor C. , Michael Katja , Acosta-Serrano Alvaro
Published: June 2018

Outbreaks of Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) have significantly increased due to the conflicts in the Middle East, with most of the cases occurring in resource-limited areas such as refugee settlements. The standard methods of diagnosis include microscopy and parasite culture, which have several limitations. To address the growing need for a CL diagnostic that can be field applicable, we have identified five candidate neoglycoproteins (NGPs): Galα (NGP3B), Galα(1,3)Galα (NGP17B), Galα(1,3)Galβ (NGP9B), Galα(1,6)[Galα(1,2)]Galβ (NGP11B), and Galα(1,3)Galβ(1,4)Glcβ (NGP1B) that are differentially recognized in sera from individuals withLeishmania majorinfection as compared with sera from heterologous controls. These candidates contain terminal, non-reducing α-galactopyranosyl (α-Gal) residues, which are known potent immunogens to humans. Logistic regression models found that NGP3B retained the best diagnostic potential (area under the curve from receiver-operating characteristic curve = 0.8). Our data add to the growing body of work demonstrating the exploitability of the human anti-α-Gal response in CL diagnosis.
Reputation assessment: a review and unifying abstraction
Authors: Taylor Phillip , Barakat Lina , Miles Simon , Griffiths Nathan
Published: June 2018

Trust and reputation allow agents to make informed decisions about potential interactions. Trust in an agent is derived from direct experience with that agent, while reputation is determined by the experiences reported by other witness agents with potentially differing viewpoints. These experiences are typically aggregated in a trust and reputation model, of which there are several types that focus on different aspects. Such aspects include handling subjective perspectives of witnesses, dishonesty, or assessing the reputation of new agents. In this paper, we distil reputation systems into their fundamental aspects, discussing first how trust and reputation information is represented and second how it is disseminated among agents. Based on these discussions, a unifying abstraction is presented for trust and reputation systems, which is demonstrated by instantiating it with a broad range of reputation systems found in the literature. The abstraction is then instantiated to combine the range of capabilities of existing reputation systems in the Machine Learning Reputation System, which is evaluated using a marketplace simulation.
Twisted Ways of Commodities in the Early Modern Era and the Positioning of Poland on the Map of Colonialism
Authors: Kołodziejczyk Dariusz
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the position of Poland on the global map by focusing on the routes and impact of three selected ‘commodities’ that were transported to and from Poland in the early modern era, namely slaves, tobacco and silver coin. If studied in isolation, each of these ‘commodities’ assigns Poland a different role in the geography of the global market, work and know-how distribution. Only when studied together do they reveal the complex character of the relations between Central-Eastern Europe and its western and south-eastern neighbours, reaching as far as the New World and the Middle East.
Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) diversity of cassava genotypes in relation to cassava brown streak disease in Mozambique
Authors: Oyesigye Elias , Zacarias Anabela , Mondjana Ana , Magaia Hilário , Ferguson Morag
Published: June 2018

Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) remains a major threat to cassava production in Mozambique. Breeding for CBSD resistant varieties that are also preferred by farmers is an integral part of managing the disease. The main objective of the study was to determine the genetic relationship between farmer-preferred varieties from Mozambique with those from Tanzania whose resistance to CBSD is known and some of which are being used as parents in quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection studies. To achieve this, 103 genotypes collected from farmers’ field in three provinces of Mozambique were genotyped together with five varieties from Tanzania whose CBSD response is well known. Thirty-five single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers with a high minor allele frequency in East African landraces were used. Results indicated that seven Mozambican genotypes were genetically similar to either one of the four Tanzanian CBSD resistant genotypes while Xino Nn'gole was genetically identical to Namikonga a CBSD resistant variety, based on the SNPs used here. Little genetic differentiation was observed in cassava between provinces, with the majority of genetic variation distributed within individual genotypes (98%) rather than among provinces (2%). Both observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity in three provinces were generally high (Ho = 0.496) and (He = 0.455). There is a high likelihood that the eight genotypes similar/identical to those from Tanzania may share the same QTL associated with CBSD resistance thus should be further evaluated for agronomic traits as well as response to CBSD.
Emperor Penguins’ Huddles Change in Response to Weather
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: June 2018

How quickly the penguins huddled when weather worsened provided clues about their feeding success and how climate change may alter the Antarctic biosphere, according to scientists.
The Effect of Obliquity‐Driven Changes on Paleoclimate Sensitivity During the Late Pleistocene
Authors: Köhler Peter , Knorr Gregor , Stap Lennert B. , Ganopolski Andrey , de Boer Bas , van de Wal Roderik S. W. , Barker Stephen , Rüpke Lars H.
Published: June 2018

We reanalyze existing paleodata of global mean surface temperature ΔTg and radiative forcing ΔR of CO2 and land ice albedo for the last 800,000 years to show that a state‐dependency in paleoclimate sensitivity S, as previously suggested, is only found if ΔTg is based on reconstructions, and not when ΔTg is based on model simulations. Furthermore, during times of decreasing obliquity (periods of land ice sheet growth and sea level fall) the multimillennial component of reconstructed ΔTg diverges from CO2, while in simulations both variables vary more synchronously, suggesting that the differences during these times are due to relatively low rates of simulated land ice growth and associated cooling. To produce a reconstruction‐based extrapolation of S for the future, we exclude intervals with strong ΔTg‐CO2 divergence and find that S is less state‐dependent, or even constant state‐independent), yielding a mean equilibrium warming of 2–4 K for a doubling of CO2.
Holocene Vegetation and Climate Dynamics in the Altai Mountains and Surrounding Areas
Authors: Huang Xiaozhong , Peng Wei , Rudaya Natalia , Grimm Eric C. , Chen Xuemei , Cao Xianyong , Zhang Jun , Pan Xiaoduo , Liu Sisi , Chen Chunzhu , Chen Fahu
Published: June 2018

A comprehensive understanding of the regional vegetation responses to long‐term climate change will help to forecast Earth system dynamics. Based on a new well‐dated pollen data set from Kanas Lake and a review on the published pollen records in and around the Altai Mountains, the regional vegetation dynamics and forcing mechanisms are discussed. In the Altai Mountains, the forest optimum occurred during 10–7 ka for the upper forest zone and the tree line decline and/or ecological shifts were caused by climatic cooling from around 7 ka. In the lower forest zone, the forest reached an optimum in the middle Holocene, and then increased openness of the forest, possibly caused by both climate cooling and human activities, took place in the late Holocene. In the lower basins or plains around the Altai Mountains, the development of protograssland or forest benefited from increasing humidity in the middle to late Holocene.
Stem cell properties of peripheral blood endothelial progenitors are stimulated by soluble CD146 via miR-21: potential use in autologous cell therapy
Authors: Essaadi Amel , Nollet Marie , Moyon Anaïs , Stalin Jimmy , Simoncini Stéphanie , Balasse Laure , Bertaud Alexandrine , Bachelier Richard , Leroyer Aurélie S. , Sarlon Gabrielle , Guillet Benjamin , Dignat-George Françoise , Bardin Nathalie , Blot-Chabaud Marcel
Published: June 2018

Cell-based therapies constitute a real hope for the treatment of ischaemic diseases. One of the sources of endothelial progenitors for autologous cell therapy is Endothelial Colony Forming Cells (ECFC) that can be isolated from peripheral blood. However, their use is limited by their low number in the bloodstream and the loss of their stem cell phenotype associated with the acquisition of a senescent phenotype in culture. We hypothesized that adding soluble CD146, a novel endothelial growth factor with angiogenic properties, during the isolation and growth procedures could improve their number and therapeutic potential. Soluble CD146 increased the number of isolated peripheral blood ECFC colonies and lowered their onset time. It prevented cellular senescence, induced a partial mesenchymal phenotype and maintained a stem cell phenotype by stimulating the expression of embryonic transcription factors. These different effects were mediated through the induction of mature miR-21. When injected in an animal model of hindlimb ischaemia, sCD146-primed ECFC isolated from 40 ml of blood from patients with peripheral arterial disease were able to generate new blood vessels and restore blood flow. Treatment with sCD146 could thus constitute a promising strategy to improve the use of autologous cells for the treatment of ischaemic diseases.
The polyol process: a unique method for easy access to metal nanoparticles with tailored sizes, shapes and compositions
Authors: Fiévet F. , Ammar-Merah S. , Brayner R. , Chau F. , Giraud M. , Mammeri F. , Peron J. , Piquemal J.-Y. , Sicard L. , Viau G.
Published: June 2018

This review aims to give a comprehensive account of the strategies used to prepare mono metallic nanoparticles and multimetallic materials in liquid polyols and to exemplify the potential of this method.
Correction: Scaffold-free three-dimensional cell culturing using magnetic levitation
Authors: Türker Esra , Demirçak Nida , Arslan-Yildiz Ahu
Published: June 2018

Correction for ‘Scaffold-free three-dimensional cell culturing using magnetic levitation’ by Esra Türker et al., Biomater. Sci., 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c8bm00122g.
Controlling the growth of fullerene C60 cones under continuous flow
Authors: Alsulami Ibrahim K. , Alharbi Thaar M. D. , Harvey David P. , Gibson Christopher T. , Raston Colin L.
Published: June 2018

High shear micromixing of C60 solutions of o-xylene with N-N-dimethylformamide at room temperature under continuous flow affords symmetrical right cones, in the absence of surfactants and any other reagents, and is scalable.
The triple role of rongalite in aminosulfonylation of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates: synthesis of N-aminosulfonamides via a radical coupling reaction
Authors: Wang Miao , Tang Bo-Cheng , Wang Jun-Gang , Xiang Jia-Chen , Guan Ao-Yu , Huang Ping-Ping , Guo Wu-Yinzheng , Wu Yan-Dong , Wu An-Xin
Published: June 2018

A novel synthesis strategy of N-aminosulfonamides has been reported which uses rongalite as a radical initiator, a SO2 surrogate and a reducing reagent simultaneously.
On the structure of superbasic (MgO)n sites solvated in a faujasite zeolite
Authors: Vitillo Jenny G. , Fjermestad Torstein , D’Amore Maddalena , Milanesio Marco , Palin Luca , Ricchiardi Gabriele , Bordiga Silvia
Published: June 2018

Theory and experiment reveal the structure of magnesium oxide nanoclusters in a superbasic faujasite zeolite.
Polymer-grafted nanoparticles prepared via a grafting-from strategy: a computer simulation study
Authors: Li Long , Han Cheng , Xu Dan , Xing Ji-Yuan , Xue Yao-Hong , Liu Hong
Published: June 2018

Nanoparticles (NPs) grafted with polymer chains prepared via a grafting-from strategy are studied through coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations combined with our stochastic reaction model.
Organometallic functionalized non-classical polyoxometalates: synthesis, characterization and electrochemical properties
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Singh Vikram , Jia Jiage , Zhang Dongdi , Ma Pengtao , Wang Jingping , Niu Jingyang
Published: June 2018

We report the first two gourd-shaped non-classical heteropolymolybdate-supported metal carbonyl derivatives that exhibit electrocatalytic properties.
Stackable bipolar pouch cells with corrosion-resistant current collectors enable high-power aqueous electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Evanko Brian , Yoo Seung Joon , Lipton Jason , Chun Sang-Eun , Moskovits Martin , Ji Xiulei , Boettcher Shannon W. , Stucky Galen D.
Published: June 2018

A platform for testing and scaling aqueous batteries and supercapacitors is demonstrated with a high-power/low-self-discharge zinc-bromine cell chemistry.
Disentangling the complex spectrum of the ethynyl cation
Authors: Mehnen B. , Linguerri R. , Ben Yaghlane S. , Al Mogren M. Mogren , Hochlaf M.
Published: June 2018

We investigate the low-lying electronic states of the ethynyl cation, C2H+, using pure ab initio methodologies.
Transformation of lignin model compounds toN-substituted aromaticsviaBeckmann rearrangement
Authors: Wang Yinling , Du Yiman , He Jianghua , Zhang Yuetao
Published: June 2018

Here we present the highly effective cleavage of C–C bonds in lignin model compounds for the production ofN-substituted aromatics in up to 96% total yield, including benzonitriles and amides,viaoxime formation followed by Beckmann rearrangement (BR).
Cyclic allylic carbonates as a renewable platform for protecting chemistry in water
Authors: Olsén Peter , Morvan Jennifer , Sawadjoon Supaporn , Shatskiy Andrey , Johnston Eric V. , Åkermark Björn
Published: June 2018

All in water – functional cyclic carbonates as a versatile and renewable protection/deprotection platform.
Anti-thrombotic strategies for microfluidic blood processing
Authors: Wong Keith H. K. , Edd Jon F. , Tessier Shannon N. , Moyo Will D. , Mutlu Baris R. , Bookstaver Lauren D. , Miller Kathleen L. , Herrara Stefan , Stott Shannon L. , Toner Mehmet
Published: June 2018

This work identifies blood storage and processing conditions that are susceptible to on-chip thrombosis and investigates the corresponding anti-thrombotic strategies.
Dynamic CTC phenotypes in metastatic prostate cancer models visualized using magnetic ranking cytometry
Authors: Kermanshah Leyla , Poudineh Mahla , Ahmed Sharif , Nguyen L. N. Matthew , Srikant Sanjana , Makonnen Rhema , Pena Cantu Fernando , Corrigan Michael , Kelley Shana O.
Published: June 2018

Magnetic ranking cytometry profiles dynamic phenotypes in CTCs that are linked to metastatic potential.
Synthesis and application of chitosan supported vanadium oxo in the synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridines and 2,4,6-triarylpyridines via anomeric based oxidation
Authors: Safaiee Maliheh , Ebrahimghasri Bahar , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali , Baghery Saeed , Khoshnood Abbas , Alonso Diego A.
Published: June 2018

1,4-Dihydropyridines and 2,4,6-triarylpyridines were synthesized via anomeric based oxidation using chitosan supported vanadium oxo.
Particle-covered drops in electric fields: drop deformation and surface particle organization
Authors: Mikkelsen A. , Khobaib K. , Eriksen F. K. , Måløy K. J. , Rozynek Z.
Published: June 2018

Utilizing electric fields, we have experimentally investigated the mechanics of particle-covered silicone oil drops suspended in castor oil, as well as particle assembly at drop surfaces.
Dehydration-triggered shape morphing based on asymmetric bubble hydrogel microfibers
Authors: Liang Zhe , Liu Yupeng , Zhang Feng , Ai Yongjian , Liang Qionglin
Published: June 2018

We propose an innovative method to realize controllable deformation using asymmetric bubble hydrogel microfibers upon dehydration.
ESCRTs in membrane sealing
Authors: Radulovic Maja , Stenmark Harald
Published: June 2018

The multisubunit endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) machinery is a key regulator of cellular membrane dynamics. Initially characterized in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae for its involvement in cargo sorting to the vacuole, the yeast lysosome, this protein complex has emerged over the past decade as a driver for diverse membrane remodeling processes. Its pleiotropic functional connection is mirrored in numerous cellular processes, such as cytokinetic abscission during the final step of cell division, nuclear pore quality control, nuclear envelope sealing and repair, plasma membrane repair, vesicle shedding from the plasma membrane, viral budding, and axonal pruning. Common to all the processes regulated by the ESCRT machinery is their assembly on the cytosolic side of the respective membrane to stabilize concave membranes, budding, and scission of narrow membrane necks away from the cytosol. Thus, this machinery has evolved to perform many functions in membrane dynamics, and given its importance, it is not surprising that the dysfunctional ESCRT machinery has been implicated in several diseases. In this mini-review, we summarize the role of ESCRT proteins in membrane deformation specifically during membrane sealing and repair.
Central administration of TRV027 improves baroreflex sensitivity and vascular reactivity in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Carvalho-Galvão Alynne , Ogunlade Blessing , Xu Jiaxi , Silva-Alves Cristiane R.A. , Mendes-Júnior Leônidas G. , Guimarães Drielle D. , Cruz Josiane C. , Queiroz Thyago M. , Balarini Camille M. , Braga Valdir A. , Filipeanu Catalin M. , Lazartigues Eric , de França-Silva Maria do Socorro
Published: June 2018

TRV027 is a biased agonist for the Angiotensin (Ang)-II type 1 receptor (AT1R), able to recruit β-arrestin 2 independently of G-proteins activation. β-arrestin activation in the central nervous system (CNS) was suggested to oppose the effects of Ang-II. The present study evaluates the effect of central infusion of TRV027 on arterial pressure (AP), autonomic function, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and peripheral vascular reactivity. Spontaneously hypertensive (SH) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were treated with TRV027 for 14 days (20 ng/h) delivered to the lateral ventricle via osmotic minipumps. Mechanistic studies were performed in HEK293T cells co-transfected with AT1R and Ang converting enzyme type 2 (ACE2) treated with TRV027 (100 nM) or Ang-II (100 nM). TRV027 infusion in SH rats (SHR) reduced AP (~20 mmHg, P<0.05), sympathetic vasomotor activity (ΔMAP = −47.2 ± 2.8 compared with −64 ± 5.1 mmHg, P<0.05) and low-frequency (LF) oscillations of AP (1.7 ± 0.2 compared with 5.8 ± 0.4 mmHg, P<0.05) compared with the SHR control group. TRV027 also increased vagal tone, improved BRS, reduced the reactivity of mesenteric arteries to Ang-II and increased vascular sensitivity to phenylephrine (Phe), acetylcholine, (ACh), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). In vitro, TRV027 prevented the Ang-II-induced up-regulation of ADAM17 and in contrast with Ang-II, had no effects on ACE2 activity and expression levels. Furthermore, TRV027 induced lesser interactions between AT1R and ACE2 compared with Ang-II. Together, these data suggest that due to its biased activity for the β-arrestin pathway, TRV027 has beneficial effects within the CNS on hypertension, autonomic and vascular function, possibly through preserving ACE2 compensatory activity in neurones.
Metabolic Power in Team Sports - Part 1: An Update
Authors: di Prampero Pietro , Osgnach Cristian
Published: June 2018

Team sports are characterised by frequent episodes of accelerated/decelerated running. The corresponding energy cost can be estimated on the basis of the biomechanical equivalence between accelerated/decelerated running on flat terrain and constant speed running uphill/downhill. This approach allows one to: (i) estimate the time course of the instantaneous metabolic power requirement of any given player and (ii) infer therefrom the overall energy expenditure of any given time window of a soccer drill or match. In the original approach, walking and running were aggregated and energetically considered as running, even if in team sports several walking periods are interspersed among running bouts. However, since the transition speed between walking and running is known for any given incline of the terrain, we describe here an approach to identify walking episodes, thus utilising the corresponding energy cost which is smaller than in running. In addition, the new algorithm also takes into account the energy expenditure against the air resistance, for both walking and running. The new approach yields overall energy expenditure values, for a whole match,≈14% smaller than the original algorithm; moreover, it shows that the energy expenditure against the air resistance is≈2% of the total.
Endoscopic Approach to the Quadrilateral Plate (EAQUAL): a New Endoscopic Approach for Plate Osteosynthesis of the Pelvic Ring and Acetabulum – a Cadaver Study
Authors: Trulson Alexander , Küper Markus , Trulson Inga , Minarski Christian , Grünwald Leonard , Hirt Bernhard , Stöckle Ulrich , Stuby Fabian
Published: June 2018

Hintergrund Dislozierte Frakturen des Beckens werden üblicherweise über offene chirurgische Zugänge osteosynthetisch versorgt. Die zugangsbedingte Morbidität beträgt dabei nach Literaturangaben bis zu 30%. Ziel dieser anatomischen Studie war die Machbarkeit einer endoskopischen Visualisierung der in der Beckenchirurgie wichtigen anatomischen Strukturen sowie die Durchführung einer komplett endoskopischen Plattenosteosynthese des Azetabulums mit vorhandenem laparoskopischen Standardinstrumentarium.

Methodik An 4 anatomischen Ganzkörperpräparaten erfolgte die endoskopische Präparation des gesamten Beckenringes von der Symphyse bis zum Iliosakralgelenk. Dabei konnte die gesamte quadrilaterale Fläche bis hin zur Spina ischiadica mit dem N. ischiadicus dargestellt werden. Anschließend erfolgte eine komplett endoskopische Plattenosteosynthese entlang der Linea iliopectinea.

Ergebnisse Die endoskopische Präparation des Beckenringes und der quadrilateralen Fläche wird Schritt für Schritt dargestellt, gefolgt von einer komplett endoskopischen Osteosynthese entlang der Linea iliopectinea. Endoskopische, radiografische sowie schematische Darstellungen illustrieren die Technik.

Schlussfolgerung Die komplett endoskopische Präparation des Beckenringes und der quadrilateralen Fläche inkl. Plattenosteosynthese ist mit dem vorhandenen Standardinstrumentarium möglich. Bevor eine Implementierung in die klinische Versorgung erfolgen kann, müssen allerdings insbesondere Fragen zu Repositionsmöglichkeiten weiter untersucht werden.
Lithium Clinics in Berlin and Dresden: a 50-Year Experience
Authors: Felber Werner , Bauer Michael , Lewitzka Ute , Müller-Oerlinghausen Bruno
Published: June 2018

Although lithium’s serendipitous discovery as a medication for depression dates back more than 200 years, the first scientific evidence that it prevents mania and depression arose only in the 1960s. However, at that time there was a lack of knowledge about how to administer and monitor lithium therapy safely and properly. The lithium clinics in Dresden and Berlin were remarkably similar in their beginnings in the late 1960s regarding patient numbers and scientific expertise without being aware of one another due to the Iron Curtain separating Germany into a western and eastern part until 1990. In what were initially lithium-care programs run independently from one another, the lithium clinics embedded in academic settings in Dresden and Berlin represent a milestone in the history of psychopharmacological treatment of affective disorders in Germany and trailblazers for today’s lithium therapy. Nowadays, lithium’s clinical applications are unquestioned, such as its use in strategies to prevent mood episodes and suicide, and to treat depression. The extensively documented knowledge of lithium treatment is the fruit of more than 50 years of observing disease courses and of studying side effects and influencing factors of lithium prophylaxis. Its safe and proper administration—in determining the correct indication, baseline and follow-up examinations, recommended dosages, monitoring, or the management of side effects—is well established. Subsequently, both national and international guidelines continue recommending lithium as the gold standard in treating patients with unipolar and bipolar disorders.
Synthesis and Electrochemical Study of 1,1′-Thienyl-Substituted Fused Bis-germatranes with a Core 5c-6e Hyperbond
Authors: Romanovs Vitalijs , Jouikov Viatcheslav , Spura Jana
Published: June 2018

Novel fused bis-germatranes containing three hypercoordinated atoms (two Ge and one N) and substituted at the 1,1′-positions with bromo-thienyl groups [(3-bromo-2-thienyl)-, (3,5-dibromo-2-thienyl)-, and 3-(4-bromo)-2-thienyl] have been synthesized from the corresponding triethoxy(thienyl)germanes and tris(1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-yl)amine. The doubly degenerated HOMO and HOMO-1 in these compounds are localized on the thienyl substituents while a 5c-6e hyperbond of the bis-germatranyl core (C–Ge←N→Ge–C system) is only a lower lying HOMO-2. Square-wave pulse voltammetry in CH3CN/0.1 M Bu4NPF6 shows all three compounds to undergo reversible electrochemical oxidation affecting one thienyl substituent. The DFT B3LYP/Lanl2DZ//HF/6-311G(d,p) calculations of their cation radicals suggest the enhancement and shortening of the N→Ge intramolecular dative bond on the side of the oxidized thienyl unit because of the positive charge and the increased acceptor character of the latter; this is accompanied by the loss of the N→Ge dative bond on the side of the non-oxidized substituent and a substantial pyramidalization of the Ge atom.
Biceps Brachii Muscle with Third Head a Case Study
Authors: Bansal S. , Budhiraja V. , Swami S. , Gupta R. , Gaur N.
Published: June 2018

Introduction Biceps brachii muscle belongs to the flexor group of muscles in arm. As Biceps brachii is double headed muscle. It is one of the known variable muscles of human body in terms of number and morphology.

Material and Method During routine human cadaveric dissection for the purpose of teaching medical undergraduates in our department. The upper limb of embalmed adult male cadaver was dissected as per the standard method to note the origin, insertion, and nerve supply of biceps brachii.

Results The three headed biceps brachii was found unilaterally on right side in adult male cadaver. The long and short head had normal origin, but third head originated from humerus below insertion of coracobrachialis and inserted with main muscle belly and innervated by musculocutaneus nerve.

Conclusion Variant biceps brachii may confuse a surgeon who performs procedures on the arm and may lead to iatrogenic injuries. The surgeons and traumatologists have to keep such muscular variations in mind. So the knowledge of existence of its variation is important for anaesthetists and surgeons.