bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐cost modified‐atmosphere hermetic storage structures to reduce storage losses of maize (Zea mays L.) cobs and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) heads
Authors: Tola Yetenayet B , Muleta Obsuman D , Hofacker Werner C
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Production and marketing of cereal grains are some of the main activities in developing countries to ensure food security. However, the food gap is complicated further by high postharvest loss of grains during storage. This study aimed to compare low‐cost modified‐atmosphere hermetic storage structures with traditional practice to minimize quantitative and qualitative losses of grains during storage. The study was conducted in two phases: in the first phase, seven hermetic storage structures with or without smoke infusion were compared, and one selected structure was further validated at scaled‐up capacity in the second phase.

RESULTS

Grains stored in PVC bag‐supported structures (with or without smoke infusion) resulted in low live weevil population, low percentage of damaged grains and reduced weight loss with better retention of crude protein and fat contents. Results from validation study also demonstrated that maize and sorghum stored in improved storage structures experienced, respectively, 9.8% and 10.4% weevil damage as compared with 47.3% and 42.3% when stored in traditional storage structures. The same was true in terms of crude protein and fat contents.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that storage structures supported with PVC bags are efficient and low‐cost structures for reducing storage‐related losses and supporting food security efforts as compared to traditional methods. Furthermore, the bags can be made locally and with various storage capacities to store either shelled or unshelled products. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of endophytic Bacillus megaterium colonization on structure strengthening, microbial community, chemical composition and stabilization properties of Hybrid Pennisetum
Authors: Shah Assar A , Liu Zhiwei , Qian Chen , Wu Juanzi , Zhong Xiaoxian , Kalsoom Umm‐e‐
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to analyze the effects of endophytic Bacillus megaterium (BM 18‐2) colonization on structure strengthening, microbial community, chemical composition and stabilization properties of Hybrid Pennisetum.

RESULTS

The BM 18‐2 had successfully colonized in the interior tissues in both leaf and stem of Hybrid Pennisetum. During ensiling, the levels of pH, acetic acid (AA), butyric acid (BA), propionic acid (PA), and the population of yeast and aerobic bacteria were significantly (P > 0.05) lower, while lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and lactic acid (LA) were significantly (P < 0.001) higher with the steps forward of ensiling in with BM 18‐2 as compared to without BM 18‐2 colonized of Hybrid Pennisetum. During the different ensiling days, at days 3, 6, 15, and 30, the genus Brevundimonas, Klebsiella, Lactococcus, Weissella, Enterobacter, Serratia, etc. population were significantly decreased, while genus Pediococcus acidilactici and Lactobacillus plantarum were significantly influenced in treated groups as compared to control. The genus Lactobacillus and Pediococcus were positively correlated with treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that the endophytic bacteria strain BM 18‐2 significantly promoted growth characteristics and biomass yield before ensiling and after ensiling inoculated with or without Lactobacillus plantarum could improve the distinct changes of the undesirable microbial diversity, chemical composition, and stabilization properties in with BM 18‐2 as compared to without BM 18‐2 colonized Hybrid Pennisetum. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of intraoperative remifentanil on postoperative pain and opioid use in thyroid surgery
Authors: Wu James X. , Assel Melissa , Vickers Andrew , Afonso Anoushka M. , Twersky Rebecca S. , Simon Brett A. , Cohen Marc A. , Rieth Elizabeth F. , Cracchiolo Jennifer R.
Published: November 2019

Background and Objectives

Remifentanil infusion is used as an intraoperative anesthetic for thyroidectomy, but has been associated with acute opioid tolerance and hyperalgesia. A national shortage of remifentanil provided an opportunity to study postoperative pain in patients undergoing thyroidectomy.

Methods

Retrospective review of prospectively collected data from an outpatient surgery center. Primary analysis compared patients treated before and after remifentanil shortage.

Results

Median postoperative opioid consumption was 20 morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) among those treated in the high‐dose period and 15 MMEs in the low‐dose period. Remifentanil/weight received was a significant predictor of requiring a postoperative narcotic (P = .006). Total non‐remifentanil narcotics administered were equivalent but patients in the low dose period received higher amounts of intraoperative long‐acting narcotics.

Conclusions

Remifentanil infusion for thyroid surgery is associated with higher postoperative pain and postoperative narcotics requirement. While a hyperalgesia state is possible, shifting of longer‐acting narcotics from intraoperative to postoperatively is also supported.
Unexpected curves and Togliatti‐type surfaces
Authors: Szpond Justyna
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this note is to establish a direct link between the theory of unexpected hypersurfaces and varieties with defective osculating behavior. We identify unexpected plane curves of degree 4 as sections of a rational surface of degree 7 in with its osculating spaces of order 2 which in every point of have dimension lower than expected. We put this result in perspective with earlier examples of surfaces with defective osculating spaces due to Shifrin and Togliatti. Our considerations are rendered by an analysis of Lefschetz Properties of ideals associated with the studied surfaces.
Evaluation of Charge‐Regulated Supramolecular Copolymerization to Tune the Time Scale for Oxidative Disassembly of β‐Sheet Comonomers
Authors: Berac Christian M. , Zengerling Lydia , Straβburger David , Otter Ronja , Urschbach Moritz , Besenius Pol
Published: November 2019

A multistimuli‐responsive supramolecular copolymerization is reported. The copolymerization is driven by hydrogen bond encoded β‐sheet‐based charge co‐assembly into 1D nanorods in water, using glutamic acid or lysine residues in either of the peptide comonomers. The incorporation of methionine as hydrophobic amino acid supports β‐sheet formation, but oxidation of the thioether side‐chain to a sulfoxide functional group destabilizes the β‐sheet ordered domains and induces disassembly of the supramolecular polymers. Using H2O2 as reactive oxygen species, the time scale and kinetics of the oxidative disassembly are probed. Compared to the charge neutral homopolymers, it is found that the oxidative disassembly of the charged ampholytic copolymers is up to two times faster and is operative at neutral pH. The strategy is therefore an important addition to the growing field of amphiphilic polythioether containing (macro)molecular building blocks, particularly in view of tuning their oxidation induced disassembly which tends to be notoriously slow and requires high concentrations of reactive oxygen species or acidic reaction media.
Systemic Activation of Nrf2 Pathway in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Petrillo Sara , Schirinzi Tommaso , Di Lazzaro Giulia , D'Amico Jessica , Colona Vito L. , Bertini Enrico , Pierantozzi Mariangela , Mari Luisa , Mercuri Nicola B. , Piemonte Fiorella , Pisani Antonio
Published: November 2019

Background

Preclinical studies underlined the relevance of Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor pathway in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore Nrf2 pathway in vivo in PD, looking for novel disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Methods

The levels of Nrf2, the downstream effectors (NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (Nqo1) enzyme, glutathione metabolism enzymes Glutamate–cysteine ligase (GCL) and Glutathione Reductase (GR)), the upstream activators (redox state and mitochondrial dysfunction), and α‐synuclein oligomers were assessed in the blood leukocytes of PD patients comparatively to controls. Biochemical data were correlated to clinical parameters.

Results

In PD, Nrf2 was highly transcribed and expressed as well as its target effectors. The mitochondrial complex I activity was reduced and the oxidized form of glutathione prevailed, disclosing the presence of pathway's activators. Also, α‐synuclein oligomers levels were increased. Nrf2 transcript and oligomers levels correlated with PD duration.

Conclusions

Blood leukocytes mirror pathogenic mechanisms of PD, showing the systemic activation of the Nrf2 pathway and its link with synucleinopathy and clinical events. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Optimal solutions of a (3 + 1)‐dimensional B‐Kadomtsev‐Petviashvii equation
Authors: Saleh Rash , Sadat Rahma , Kassem Magda
Published: November 2019

We explored and specialized new Lie infinitesimals for the (3 + 1)‐dimensional B‐Kadomtsev‐Petviashvii (BKP) using the commutation product, which results a system of nonlinear ODEs manually solved. Through two stages of Lie symmetry reduction, (3 + 1)‐dimensional BKP equation is reduced to nonsolvable nonlinear ODEs using various combinations of optimal Lie vectors. Using the integration and Riccati equation methods, we investigate new analytical solutions for these ODEs. Back substituting to the original variables generates new solutions for BKP. Some selected solutions illustrated through three‐dimensional plots.
Decomposition of inframonogenic functions with applications in elasticity theory
Authors: Moreno Garcia Arsenio , Moreno Garcia Tania , Abreu Blaya Ricardo , Bory Reyes Juan
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we consider functions satisfying the sandwich equation
, where
stands for the Dirac operator in
. Such functions are referred as inframonogenic and represent an extension of the monogenic functions, ie, null solutions of
.

In particular, for odd m, we prove that a C2‐function is both inframonogenic and harmonic in
if and only if it can be represented in Ω as

where f1 and f2 are, respectively, left and right monogenic functions in Ω, while f3 and f4 are two‐sided monogenic functions there. Finally, in deriving some applications of our results, we have made use of the deep connection between the class of inframonogenic vector fields and the universal solutions of the Lamé‐Navier system in
.
Generalized Lagrange Jacobi‐Gauss‐Lobatto vs Jacobi‐Gauss‐Lobatto collocation approximations for solving (2 + 1)‐dimensional Sine‐Gordon equations
Authors: Latifi Sobhan , Delkhosh Mehdi
Published: November 2019

The Sine‐Gordon (SG) equations are very important in that they can accurately model many essential physical phenomena. In this paper, the Jacobi‐Gauss‐Lobatto collocation (JGL‐C) and Generalized Lagrange Jacobi‐Gauss‐Lobatto collocation (GLJGL‐C) methods are adopted and compared to simulate the (2 + 1)‐dimensional nonlinear SG equations. In order to discretize the time variable t, the Crank‐Nicolson method is employed. For the space variables, two numerical methods based on the aforementioned collocation methods are applied. Furthermore, error estimation for both methods is provided. The present numerical method is truly effective, free of integration and derivative, and easy to implement. The given examples and the results assert that the GLJGL‐C method outperforms the JGL‐C method in terms of computation speed. Also, the presented methods are very valid, effective, and reliable.
Gain‐enhanced 60‐GHz SIW cavity‐backed slot array antenna using metallic grooves
Authors: Hong Youngtaek , Bang Jihoon , Choi Jaehoon
Published: November 2019

In this article, a 60‐GHz substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity‐backed slot array antenna with metallic grooves is proposed. To feed the four slot antenna elements, an SIW feed structure with a microstrip‐to‐SIW transition is used. To account for the effect of an actual connector on the antenna performance, simulations including the V‐band connector model were carried out. The measured 10‐dB return loss bandwidth of the proposed antenna with the connector is 600 MHz (59.76‐60.36 GHz). Sixteen metallic grooves are used to enhance the gain characteristics. By adding grooves, the electric field is concentrated in the +z direction. The measured broadside gain of the proposed antenna array with grooves is 13.59 dBi. Compared to a conventional SIW cavity‐backed slot antenna array, the proposed antenna array with 16 grooves has an enhanced gain of 5.6 dB.
Development of a novel high quantum efficiency MV x‐ray detector for image‐guided radiotherapy: A feasibility study
Authors: Liu Jian , Xu Yuan , Teymurazyan Aram , Papandreou Zisis , Pang Geordi
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To develop a new scintillating fiber‐based electronic portal imaging device (EPID) with a high quantum efficiency (QE) while preserving an adequate spatial resolution.

Methods

Two prototypes were built: one with a single pixel readout and the other with an active matrix flat‐panel imager (AMFPI) for readout. The energy conversion layer of both prototypes was made of scintillating fiber layers interleaved with corrugated lead sheets to form a honeycomb pattern. The scintillating fibers have a diameter of 1 mm and the distance between the centers of neighboring fibers on the same layer is 1.35 mm. The layers have 1.22 mm spacing between them. The energy conversion layer has a thickness of 2 cm. The modulation transfer function (MTF), antiscatter properties and sensitivity of the detector with a single pixel readout were measured using a 6‐MV beam on a LINAC machine. In addition, a Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to calculate the zero‐frequency detective quantum efficiency (DQE(0)) of the proposed detector with an active matrix flat‐panel imager for readout.

Results

The DQE(0) of the proposed detector can be 11.5%, which is about an order of magnitude higher than that of current EPIDs. The frequency of 50% modulation () of the measured MTF is 0.2 mm at 6 MV, which is comparable to that of video‐based EPIDs. The scatter to primary ratio (SPR) measured with the detector at 10 cm air gap and 20 × 20 cm field size is approximately 30% lower than that of ionization chamber–based detectors with a comparable QE. The detector noise which includes the x‐ray quantum noise and absorption noise is much larger than the electronic noise per pixel of the flat‐panel imager at a dose of less than two LINAC pulses. Thus, the proposed detector is quantum noise limited down to very low doses (∼a couple of radiation pulses of the LINAC). A proof‐of‐concept image has been obtained using a 6‐MV beam.

Conclusions

This work indicates that by using scintillating fibers and lead layers it is possible to increase the thickness of the detecting materials, and therefore the QE or the DQE(0) of the detector, while maintaining an adequate spatial resolution for MV x‐ray imaging. Due to the use of lead as the spacing material, the new detector also has antiscatter property, which will help improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the images. Further investigation to optimize the design of the detector and achieve a better combination of DQE and spatial resolution is warranted.
Autism spectrum disorder characterization in children by capturing local‐regional brain changes in MRI
Authors: Alvarez‐Jimenez Charlems , Múnera‐Garzón Nicolás , Zuluaga Maria A. , Velasco Nelson F. , Romero Eduardo
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To design a multiscale descriptor capable of capturing complex local‐regional unfolding patterns to support quantitation and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) using T1‐weighted structural magnetic resonance images (MRI) with voxel size of 1 × 1 × 1 mm.

Methods

The proposed image descriptor uses an adapted multiscale representation, the Curvelet transform, interpretable in terms of texture (local) and shape (regional) to characterize brain regions, and a Generalized Gaussian Distribution (GGD) to reduce feature dimensionality. In this approach, each MRI is first parcelled into 3D anatomical regions. Each resultant region is represented by a single 2D image where slices are placed next to each other. Each 2D image is characterized by mapping it to the Curvelet space and each of the different Curvelet sub‐bands is described by the set of GGD parameters. To assess the discriminant power of the proposed descriptor, a classification model per brain region was built to differentiate ASD patients from control subjects. Models were constructed with support vector machines and evaluated using two samples from heterogeneous databases, namely Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange — ABIDE I (34 ASD and 34 controls, mean age 11.46 ± 2.03 and 11.53 ± 1.79 yr, respectively, male population) and ABIDE II (42 ASD and 41 controls, mean age 10.09 ± 1.37 and 10.52 ± 1.27 yr, respectively, male population), for a total of 151 individuals.

Results

When the model was trained with ABIDE II sample and tested with ABIDE I on a hold‐out validation, an area under receiver operator curve (AUC) of 0.69 was computed. When each sample was independently used under a cross‐validation scheme, the estimated AUC was 0.75 ± 0.02 for ABIDE I and 0.77 ± 0.01 for ABIDE II. This analysis determined a set of discriminant regions widely reported in the literature as characteristic of ASD.

Conclusions

The presented image descriptor demonstrated differences at local and regional level when high differences were observed in the Curvelet sub‐bands. The method is simple in conceptual terms, robust to several sources of noise, and has a very low computational cost.
Simplified Calculation of the Average Number of Radicals Per Particle in Emulsion Polymerization: Effect of Particle Nucleation and Coagulation Rates
Authors: Herrera‐Ordonez Jorge
Published: November 2019

The solutions available for the well‐known Smith–Ewart recurrence equation (assuming size monodispersity) for calculating the average number of radicals per particle () do not consider the contribution of nucleation and coagulation of active particles. Notwithstanding this limitation, they are often used to calculate in simplified mathematical models for commercial simulation software of industrial processes or for process control purposes. In this work, algebraic equations to calculate for 0–1 systems that consider such contributions are developed. It is found that in the nucleation stage under typical conditions of emulsion polymerization, if nucleation and coagulation of particles are not considered in the calculation of , it could lead to large errors although its effect still needs to be evaluated in other relevant process parameters as well. However, such significant error could be present for a case of study where secondary nucleation and limited coagulation is experimentally detected.
Synthesis, characterization, gas sensing, and electrical property evaluation of polyaniline/copper‐alumina nanocomposites
Authors: Menon Sankar S. , Thomas Meenu , Ramesan Manammel T.
Published: November 2019

A series of organic‐inorganic hybrid of polyaniline (PANI)/copper‐alumina (Cu‐Al2O3) nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization technique. The structural, morphological and thermal properties of PANI with different contents of nano Cu‐Al2O3 were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscope (HR‐TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimteric analysis. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss and the AC conductivity were measured using a dielectric analyzer in a frequency ranging from 100 Hz to 1 MHz. Also, current (I)‐voltage (V) characteristics and gas sensing performance of the composites were studied in detail. The FTIR spectra of composite exhibited the IR band of nanoparticles in the macromolecular chain of PANI. The XRD pattern showed the systematic arrangement of Cu‐Al2O3 particles in the molecular structure of polyaniline. The SEM and TEM images indicated that the nanoparticles were sheathed by polyaniline. DSC results showed that incorporation of Cu‐Al2O3 accelerated the glass transition temperature of PANI. TG analysis demonstrated the enhancement in thermal stability of PANI/Cu‐Al2O3 nanocomposite relative to the base polymer. Conductivity studies showed that both AC and DC conductivity, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss increased with increase in the concentration of nanoparticles up to 5 wt%. Similarly, the ammonia gas sensing behavior of nanocomposites was also improved by the addition of Cu‐Al2O3 nanoparticles.
Functionalized graphene oxide as coupling agent for graphene nanoplatelet/epoxy composites
Authors: Yu Zeyang , Drzal Lawrence T.
Published: November 2019

The interface design plays a crucial role in developing superior mechanical performance of graphene nanoplatelets (GnP)/epoxy composite. Here, graphene oxide (GO) was applied as the coupling agent, because of π‐π interaction it formed with GnP and its rich surface functional groups. GO‐GnP couple was prepared and further it was treated separately with two diamines with different chain length (p‐phenylenediamine [PPDA] and Jeffamine D2000) producing functionalized GO‐GnP couple (f‐(GO‐GnP)). The chemical bonds formed between the amine functional groups on GO surface and epoxy resin during the curing process providing strong sheet/matrix interfacial adhesion. GO‐GnP/f‐(GO‐GnP) filler with two different weight ratios between GO and GnP (1:10 and 1:50) used as the fillers for preparing epoxy based composite with 0.43 and 0.86 wt% filler loading. For the tensile modulus, PPDA‐f‐(GO‐GnP: 1:10) sample gave ~40% improvement under 0.43 wt%, while at 0.86 wt%, the reinforcing result raised up to ~60% for PPDA‐f‐(GO‐GnP:1:50) sample. GO‐GnP couple/functionalized GO‐GnP couple gave up to ~110% improvement in toughness compared to simply using GnP at 0.86 wt% filler loading.
“The communication and support from the health professional is incredibly important”: A qualitative study exploring the processes and practices that support parental decision‐making about postmortem examination
Authors: Lewis Celine , Riddington Megan , Hill Melissa , Bevan Charlotte , Fisher Jane , Lyas Lucy , Chalmers Ann , Arthurs Owen J. , Hutchinson John C. , Chitty Lyn S. , Sebire Neil
Published: November 2019

Background

Consent rates for postmortem (PM) examination in the perinatal and paediatric setting have dropped significantly in the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Western Europe. We explored the factors that act as facilitators or barriers to consent and identified processes and practices that support parental decision‐making.

Methods

A qualitative study conducted with bereaved parents, parent advocates, and health care professionals in the United Kingdom. Analysis was conducted on 439 free‐tect comments within a cross‐sectional survey, interviews with a subset of 20 survey respondents and 25 health professionals, and a focus group with five parent advocates.

Results

Three broad parental decision‐making groups were identified: 1, “Not open to postmortem examination”; 2, “Consent regardless of concerns”; and 3, “Initially undecided.” Decisional drivers that were particularly important for this “undecided” group were “the initial approach,” “adjustment and deliberation,” “detailed discussion about the procedure,” and “formal consent.” The way in which these were managed by health care staff significantly impacted whether those parents' consented to PM, particularly for those who are ambivalent about the procedure.

Conclusions

We propose a set of recommendations to improve the way PM counselling and consent is managed. Adopting such measures is likely to lead to improved family experience and more consistent and high‐quality discussion regarding PM.
Kältere Winter durch abnehmendes arktisches Meereis
Authors: Dethloff Klaus , Handorf Dörthe , Jaiser Ralf , Rinke Annette
Published: November 2019

Die Arktis stellt einen Brennpunkt der globalen Klimaänderung dar. Das gekoppelte Klimasystem besteht aus verschiedenen Elementen von lokalen über regionale bis zu planetaren Raum‐ und Zeitskalen. Nichtlineare Wechselwirkungen zwischen diesen und ihre Rolle für die arktische Verstärkung sind bisher nur unzureichend verstanden und in Klimamodellen nur sehr rudimentär berücksichtigt. Im Mittelpunkt kontroverser Diskussionen steht der Einfluss von Phasen mit geringer und hoher arktischer Meereisbedeckung auf die atmosphärische Wechselwirkung zwischen der Arktis und mittleren Breiten. Der rekonstruierte arktische Meereisrückgang seit Beginn der Satellitenbeobachtungen 1979 kann die beobachtete winterliche Erwärmung der Arktis und die damit verbundene Abkühlung in mittleren Breiten reproduzieren. Beteiligt sind verschiedene, hochgradig nichtlineare Prozesse, die der Artikel vorstellt. Simulierte regionale Auswirkungen des Treibhauseffektes für zukünftige Klimaszenarien sind zudem stark vom verwendeten Klimamodell und den darin enthaltenen Beschreibungen lokaler Prozesse abhängig, also nach wie vor mit großen Unsicherheiten behaftet.
Eine Halbleiter‐Tinte für die Zukunft
Authors: Schmidt‐Mende Lukas , Olthof Selina , Dyakonov Vladimir
Published: November 2019

Das Forschungsgebiet der Perowskit‐Halbleiter entwickelt sich rasant. Ein Vorteil besteht darin, dass sich damit Solarzellen und optoelektronische Bauelemente von der Fotodiode bis zum Laser einfach aus einer Lösung herstellen lassen. Damit ist zum Beispiel die Herstellung durch Drucken einer „Solarzellentinte“ möglich. Der geringe Energiebedarf durch niedrige Prozesstemperaturen verkürzt zudem die Energierückgewinnungszeit drastisch im Vergleich zu konventionellen Solarzellen. Obwohl noch eine junge Technologie, erreichen Perowskit‐Solarzellen bereits heute Wirkungsgrade bis etwa 25 % und sind damit auf Augenhöhe mit konventionellen Dünnschichttechnologien. Ein weiterer Vorteil besteht darin, dass sich die Bandlücke durch chemische Modifikation einfach an Anwendungen anpassen lässt. Zu den Herausforderungen der Forschung zählen noch die geringe Lebensdauer und chemische Langzeitstabilität sowie die Suche nach ungiftigen Ersatzstoffen für das Blei. Kommerzielle Anwendungen sind bereits absehbar.
Vom Staubkorn zum Planetesimal
Authors: Blum Jürgen
Published: November 2019

Durch astronomische Beobachtungen, numerische Simulationen und Laborexperimente sind wir erstmals in der Lage, ein in sich geschlossenes Bild der Entstehung der ersten größeren Körper in jungen Planetensystemen zu zeichnen. Mikroskopisch kleine Staubpartikel verklumpen durch haftende Stöße zu millimeter‐ bis zentimetergroßen Agglomeraten. Weiteres Wachstum ist dann wegen einer ganzen Reihe physikalischer Prozesse extrem unwahrscheinlich. Aber es wurden mehrere Prozesse identifiziert, welche die Staubklumpen lokal so stark konzentrieren können, dass die kollektive Schwerkraftwirkung der Teilchen einen gravitativen Kollaps ermöglicht und sie sich zu Planetesimalen zusammenballen. Kometen sind möglicherweise die einzig verbliebenen Planetesimale. Dies bestätigte die Rosetta‐Mission zum Kometen Tschurjumow‐Gerassimenko.
Lichtschnelles Nervennetz
Authors: Feldmann Johannes , Pernice Wolfram H. P.
Published: November 2019

Vorgestellt wird ein rein optisches künstliches neuronales Netzwerk, das aus vier Neuronen und 60 Synapsen besteht. Es kann einfache Mustererkennungsaufgaben mit optischen Signalen durchführen. Seine einmal eingestellten synaptischen Gewichtungen sind in Phasenwechselmaterialien als nichtflüchtige Speicher geschrieben. Solche lichtbasierten Systeme der Künstlichen Intelligenz haben das Potenzial, zukünftig optische Signale wie Bilder von Überwachungskameras direkt, ohne Umwege über elektrische Signale, schnell und effizient zu verarbeiten. Sie ermöglichen in Zukunft effizientere Prozessoren für neuromorphe Aufgaben wie Muster‐ und Spracherkennung. Zudem sind sie ein erster Schritt hin zu Rechnerarchitekturen, die dem biologischen Gehirn nachempfunden sind.
Quantenteleportation in höheren Dimensionen
Authors: Krenn Mario , Erhard Manuel
Published: November 2019

Vor rund zwei Jahrzehnten gelang erstmals die Quantenteleportation, also die Übertragung von Quanteninformation mit Hilfe der Verschränkung. Unserer Gruppe am Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI) Vienna ist es nun in Kooperation mit einem chinesischen Team gelungen, dreidimensionale Zustände von Photonen zu übertragen.
Die Umpolung des Erdmagnetfelds
Authors: Korte Monia
Published: November 2019

Ein mögliches Schwinden des Erdmagnetfeldes und dessen Umpolung gaben schon vor 50 Jahren Anlass zu Diskussionen. Was ist heute darüber bekannt?
Tetraarylphosphonium perfluorocyclobutyl polyelectrolyte with low critical surface energy, high thermal stability, and high alkaline resistance
Authors: Wan Wang , Bedford Monte S. , Smith Rhett C.
Published: November 2019

Two tetraarylphosphonium polyelectrolytes having perfluorocyclobutyl units in their backbones have been prepared in which the counteranion is either bromide (PFP·Br) or bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfonimide (PFP·NTf2). These polymers exhibit high thermal stability as assessed by thermogravimetric analysis, with a decomposition temperature of 460 °C for PFP·NTf2. Even after heating at 300 °C for 72 h, PFP·NTf2 shows no signs of degradation detectable by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. As is typical for many tetraarylphosphonium species, films of these polymers can be quite resistant to degradation by alkaline solution. Upon alkaline challenge by exposure to 6 M NaOH at 65 °C for 24 h, for example, only 16% of the phosphonium centers in PFP·NTf2 are degraded, making PFP·NTf2 one of the most alkaline‐stable phosphonium polymers to date. Despite having ionic backbones, PFP·Br and PFP·NTf2 exhibit very low critical surface energies of 26.1 and 22.9 mJ m−1, respectively. These values are on par with the values for poly(vinylene fluoride) and dimethylsiloxane. Such low surface energy polycations capable of high alkaline stability may find application as components of alkaline fuel cell membranes. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2267–2272
A novel combined treatment for plasminogen deficiency with lung involvement
Authors: Kilinc Ayse A. , Tarcin Gurkan , Kurugoglu Sebuh , Schuster Volker , Cokugras Haluk , Celkan Tiraje
Published: November 2019

Plasminogen deficiency is characterized by fibrin‐rich pseudomembrane formation on all mucosal surfaces, particularly the conjunctiva. Respiratory system involvement is common; fibrin often obstructs the upper or lower respiratory tract, causing death. Although many treatments have been applied, no definitive treatment (especially of the respiratory involvement) yet exists. Although excision of tracheobronchial tree membranes affords temporary improvement, this should be performed only for patients in severe respiratory distress; the procedure triggers fibrin redeposition.

Here, we share our experience with an 8‐year‐old plasminogen‐deficient female with severe lung involvement; we successfully delivered local tissue plasminogen activator followed by nebulized fresh frozen plasma.
Cystic fibrosis newborn screening in Denmark: Experience from the first 2 years
Authors: Skov Marianne , Bækvad‐Hansen Marie , Hougaard David M. , Skogstrand Kristin , Lund Allan M. , Pressler Tania , Olesen Hanne V. , Duno Morten
Published: November 2019

Background

In Denmark, newborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF) was introduced on 1 May 2016. The implementation and results from the first 2 years of the national newborn CF screening program are presented.

Methods

The screening included immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT), followed by evaluation for the F508del mutation when a value at or above the 50 ng/mL cutoff was present. In cases with a single F508del mutation or a very high IRT value above 145 ng/mL, next‐generation sequencing of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR) was performed.

Results

Of 126 522 newborn infants 126 338 were tested (99.85%), and 4730 samples (3.7%) were assessed for CFTR mutations. Twenty‐six infants were screen‐positive and referred for diagnostic follow‐up of whom 22 were confirmed to have a CF diagnosis, four had one known and one CFTR allele with unknown pathogenicity, classified as cystic fibrosis screening positive inconclusive diagnosis (CFSPID), PPV 84.6%. One of the four children classified as CFSPID was later found to carry the two identified CFTR variants in cis and was reclassified as a carrier of CF. We found two false negatives; one exhibited an IRT level above the 50 ng/mL cutoff but was below the 145 ng/mL very high cutoff and with no F508del mutation present. The second false‐negative fell below the 50 ng/mL IRT cutoff but was diagnosed shortly after birth on the basis of meconium ileus. Screening sensitivity, 91.7%. Two hundred thirty‐two children were identified as carriers of CF, which is twofold above the estimated annual number of carriers. All but one carrier were heterozygous for the F508del CFTR mutation. Sixteen percent of the sequenced samples revealed rare CFTR variants, which were classified as nonpathogenic in relation to CF.

Conclusions

During the first 2 years of NBS CF screening in Denmark, we identified close to the expected number of infants with CF using an algorithm based on IRT, presence of F508del mutation and comprehensive genetic analysis. CFSPID accounted for only a small minority, despite comprehensive CFTR sequencing, whereas more carriers than initially expected were identified.
Aloe‐emodin: A review of its pharmacology, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics
Authors: Dong Xiaoxv , Zeng Yawen , Liu Yi , You Longtai , Yin Xingbin , Fu Jing , Ni Jian
Published: November 2019

Aloe‐emodin is a naturally anthraquinone derivative and an active ingredient of Chinese herbs, such as Cassia occidentalis, Rheum palmatum L., Aloe vera, and Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. Emerging evidence suggests that aloe‐emodin exhibits many pharmacological effects, including anticancer, antivirus, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, antiparasitic, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective activities. These pharmacological properties lay the foundation for the treatment of various diseases, including influenza virus, inflammation, sepsis, Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma, malaria, liver fibrosis, psoriasis, Type 2 diabetes, growth disorders, and several types of cancers. However, an increasing number of published studies have reported adverse effects of aloe‐emodin. The primary toxicity among these reports is hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, which are of wide concern worldwide. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that aloe‐emodin has a poor intestinal absorption, short elimination half‐life, and low bioavailability. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the pharmacology, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics of aloe‐emodin reported to date with an emphasis on its biological properties and mechanisms of action.
Thermochemical spin‐orbit corrections for atomic platinum (Pt)
Authors: Irikura Karl K.
Published: November 2019

In quantum chemistry calculations of molecular dissociation or atomization, the energies of many atoms require spin‐orbit corrections (SOCs). This is to compensate for the lack of spin‐orbit coupling in most calculations. Values for the corrections are normally derived from experimental atomic energy levels and their assignments to LS (Russell‐Saunders) terms. However, this procedure produces erroneous values when terms are strongly mixed, as they are in Pt. Spin‐orbit configuration interaction provides the LS‐term composition of observed energy levels. Such data are used here to obtain SOCs for valence term energies of Pt. For the ground term (3D), a correction of −3948 ± 153 cm−1 is recommended.
Stability and l2‐gain of discrete‐time switched systems with unstable modes
Authors: Wang Zi‐Ming , Wei Airong , Zhao Xudong , Li Fan
Published: November 2019

This paper addresses stability and l2‐gain for discrete‐time switched systems with unstable modes based on slow/fast mode‐dependent average dwell time (MDADT) switching strategies. Firstly, by employing a class of multiple discontinuous Lyapunov functions (MDLFs) and developing a kind of alternative switching signals, the sufficient conditions on stability are established for the system without external disturbances under a slow/fast MDADT switching scheme with a tighter bounds on the dwell time. Furthermore, by defining indicator functions and exploring the features of slow/fast MDADT switching, the weighted l2‐gain conditions are achieved for the system with external disturbances. Particularly, the criteria of stability and l2‐gain are also established for the corresponding discrete‐time switched linear systems with unstable modes via the MDLFs method and the slow/fast MDADT switching strategy. Finally, two numerical examples are presented to illustrate the advantages of the proposed methods.
A real‐valued auction algorithm for optimal transport
Authors: Walsh Joseph D. , Dieci Luca
Published: November 2019

Optimal transportation theory is an area of mathematics with real‐world applications in fields ranging from economics to optimal control to machine learning. We propose a new algorithm for solving discrete transport (network flow) problems, based on classical auction methods. Auction methods were originally developed as an alternative to the Hungarian method for the assignment problem, so the classic auction‐based algorithms solve integer‐valued optimal transport by converting such problems into assignment problems. The general transport auction method we propose works directly on real‐valued transport problems. Our results prove termination, bound the transport error, and relate our algorithm to the classic algorithms of Bertsekas and Castañón.
Toxic effects of hydrogen sulfide donor NaHS induced liver apoptosis is regulated by complex IV subunits and reactive oxygen species generation in rats
Authors: Feng Xiujing , Zhang Haiyang , Shi Mingxian , Chen Yongping , Yang Tianyuan , Fan Honggang
Published: November 2019

In recent years, the protective effect of hydrogensulfide donor sodium hydrosulfide(NaHS) on multiple organs has been widely reported. The study aimed to explorethe effect of commonly used concentration of NaHS on theliver and its potential damage mechanism. Rats divided into 4 groups: control, NaHS I (1 mg/kg), II (3 mg/kg) and III(5 mg/kg) groups, and each group is divided into four‐timepoints (2, 6, 12, and 24 hours). Results showed that H2S concentration increased, mitochondrial complex IV activity inhibited, the COX I and IV subunits and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway‐related proteins expression increased in atime‐ and dose‐dependent manner. We confirmed that 1 mg/kg NaHS had no injuryeffect on the liver, 3 and 5 mg/kg NaHS inhibitsthe activity of mitochondrial complex IV by promoting COX I and IV subunits expression, leading to the increase in ROS and ultimately inducing apoptosis and liver injury.
Integration of fast acting energy storage systems in existing pumped‐storage power plants to enhance the system's frequency control
Authors: Pérez‐Díaz Juan I. , Lafoz Marcos , Burke Frank
Published: November 2019

This paper suggests the integration of fast acting energy storage systems in existing pumped‐storage power plants as a practical solution to enhance the system's frequency control. The term “fast acting energy storage” is used in the paper to refer to, in the authors' opinion, the most suitable energy storage technologies for the purpose of frequency control, that is, flywheels and supercapacitors. The paper describes the few research works that have so far dealt with the coordination of flywheels or supercapacitors and pumped‐storage or hydropower, and compare the proposed solution with the upgrade of existing pumped‐storage power plants to allow variable speed operation. To finish, the paper describes other side benefits of the proposed solution, discusses the most important barrier for its realization and summarizes a few regulatory changes that have been recently implemented in a few electric power systems which provide some hope for the proposed solution to become a reality.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Infrastructure > Systems and Infrastructure
The potential of engineered eukaryotic RNA‐binding proteins as molecular tools and therapeutics
Authors: Shotwell Carl R. , Cleary John D. , Berglund J. Andrew
Published: November 2019

Eukaroytic RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) recognize and process RNAs through recognition of their sequence motifs via RNA‐binding domains (RBDs). RBPs usually consist of one or more RBDs and can include additional functional domains that modify or cleave RNA. Engineered RBPs have been used to answer basic biology questions, control gene expression, locate viral RNA in vivo, as well as many other tasks. Given the growing number of diseases associated with RNA and RBPs, engineered RBPs also have the potential to serve as therapeutics. This review provides an in depth description of recent advances in engineered RBPs and discusses opportunities and challenges in the field.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Recognition

RNA Methods > RNA Nanotechnology

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Foraging enrichment alleviates oral repetitive behaviors in captive red‐tailed black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus banksii)
Authors: Fangmeier Melissa L. , Burns Alicia L. , Melfi Vicky A. , Meade Jessica
Published: November 2019

The relationship between inadequate foraging opportunities and the expression of oral repetitive behaviors has been well documented in many production animal species. However, this relationship has been less‐well examined in zoo‐housed animals, particularly avian species. The expression of oral repetitive behavior may embody a frustrated foraging response, and may therefore be alleviated with the provision of foraging enrichment. In this study, we examined the effect of different foraging‐based enrichment items on a group of captive red‐tailed black cockatoos who were previously observed performing oral repetitive behavior. A group of six cockatoos were presented with five foraging enrichment conditions (no enrichment (control), sliced cucumber, fresh grass, baffle cages, and millet discs). Baseline activity budgets were established over a 10‐day preintervention period and interventions were then presented systematically over a 25‐day experimental period. This study demonstrated that the provision of foraging interventions effectively increased the median percentage of time spent foraging compared to control conditions (range, 5.0–31.7% across interventions vs. 5.0% for control), with two of the interventions; grass and millet discs, significantly decreasing the expression of oral repetitive behaviors (control = 16.6 vs. 8.3% for both grass and millet discs). Finally, a rapid‐scoring method utilized by zookeepers during the study proved to be a useful proxy for the amount of time the cockatoos spent interacting with the foraging interventions and overall time spent foraging.
Flow Diversion for Treatment of Acutely Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: AlMatter Muhammad , Aguilar Pérez Marta , Hellstern Victoria , Mitrovic Goran , Ganslandt Oliver , Bäzner Hansjörg , Henkes Hans
Published: November 2019

Background

Reports about the use of flow diverter stents (FDS) in the acute setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are limited. This article presents a single center experiences based on 45 consecutive cases with emphasis on complication rates and clinical and radiologic outcomes.

Methods

A prospectively maintained database of all cases treated with FDS as a stand-alone or adjunct device was retrospectively reviewed. All patients treated within 30 days of SAH were included. Records were made of clinical presentation, details of endovascular treatment, procedural complications, clinical outcome, and degree of occlusion on follow-up.

Results

In this study 45 patients (48.9% females; mean age 58.8 ± 12.4 years) were included. Flow diversion was performed after a median of 4 days. The procedural complication rate was 13.3% resulting in 2.2% permanent morbidities and 4.4% mortalities. No major hemorrhagic complications related to antiplatelet therapy were recorded. Immediate complete occlusion was achieved in 13.3%. Among survivors, complete occlusion was achieved in 94.6%. Excellent clinical outcome was recorded in 68.9% and 81.6% of the total population and survivors, respectively. There were no records of rebleeding from the target lesions.

Conclusion

Flow diversion is an attractive alternative strategy for management of acutely ruptured aneurysms with high rates of delayed complete occlusion and acceptable complication rates.
Elektronische Kodierung von Todesbescheinigungen
Authors: Eckert Olaf
Published: November 2019

Derzeit wird etwa die Hälfte der deutschen Todesbescheinigungen durch die statistischen Ämter auf Landesebene elektronisch kodiert, um das für einen Todessfall verantwortliche Grundleiden nach den Vorgaben der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) zu ermitteln. In diesem Beitrag wird der Kodiervorgang erklärt und seine Bedeutung für die Todesursachenstatistik erläutert.

Der Kodierkern MUSE ist seit einigen Jahren als Softwarekomponente in das internationale Kodiersystem Iris integriert und wird von der internationalen Iris Core Group kontinuierlich weiterentwickelt. Ein neues Modul, das die syntaktischen Besonderheiten der deutschen Sprache berücksichtigt, weist soweit wie möglich den textlichen Todesursachen aus Teil 1 und Teil 2 der Todesbescheinigung automatisch ICD-10-Kodes zu. Hierbei wird erstmals auch eine automatische Textkorrektur eingesetzt. Uncodierte Textteile werden von Signierfachkräften nachkodiert.

Trotz der Bemühungen ist die Verbesserung der Datenqualität für die Todesursachenstatistik weiterhin die größte Herausforderung. Diese Aufgabe kann nur von den beteiligten Akteuren (Ärzten, Gesundheitsämtern und statistischen Ämtern) gemeinsam gemeistert werden. Aus dem Prozess der elektronischen Kodierung in den statistischen Ämtern ergeben sich wertvolle Hinweise, bei welchen Todesbescheinigungen Qualitätsdefizite bestehen. Diese sollten künftig für eine gezielte Rückmeldung an die gegenüber der Statistik berichtspflichtigen Gesundheitsämter genutzt werden.