bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of biochar amendment on sorption, dissipation, and uptake of fenamiphos and cadusafos nematicides in sandy soil
Authors: Abdel Ghani Sherif B , Al‐Rehiayani Suloiman , El Agamy Moustafa , Lucini Luigi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe application of biochar to soil is supposed to alter its adsorption/desorption potential toward pesticides, thereby affecting their bioavailability and efficacy. This is particularly relevant in the case of nematicides because these pesticides are directly applied to soil.RESULTSBiochar was produced from date palm (PB) and eucalyptus (EB) waste at 450 °C and added at a rate of 1% to a sandy soil. The half‐life (t½) of fenamiphos was increased from 2.7 to 18.3 and 18.6 days in PB‐ and EB‐amended soils, respectively. By contrast, the half‐life of cadusafos was unaffected. Freundlich Kf values increased from 1.22 and 0.39 (μg1–Nf g−1 mLNf) to 4.49 and 6.84 in 1% PB‐amended soil, and to 3.49 and 4.62 in 1% EB‐amended soil for cadusafos and fenamiphos, respectively. Plant uptake of both nematicides in tomato seedlings was reduced by approximately 97% (cadusafos) and 85% (fenamiphos). Although nematicide efficacy against Meloidogyne incognita was not altered at the recommended dosage, it was negatively affected at a half‐dose rate. Under these conditions, it decreased from 43.1% in unamended sandy soil to only 18.3% in 1% PB‐amended soil.CONCLUSIONSBiochar addition increased the sorption capacity of soil. This resulted in a decrease of nematicide bioavailability, together with a reduction of both the dissipation rate and uptake by tomato plants. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation—The potential role of direct‐acting agents for hepatitis C virus (HCV)
Authors: Blackard Jason T. , Sherman Kenneth E. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryHepatitis C virus (HCV) is known to inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in patients with HBV/HCV coinfection. Reactivation of HBV in patients treated for HCV with direct‐acting agents (DAAs) has emerged recently as an important clinical consideration. A growing number of case reports and case series support the association between new HCV treatments and HBV reactivation. Yet, very little is known about the specific viral characteristics that facilitate reactivation as functional characterization of the reactivated HBV has been conducted only rarely. This review provides the most recent data on HBV reactivation in the context of DAA initiation and highlights the existing viral genomic data from reactivating viruses. Current functional studies of HBV reactivation are largely limited by the retrospective identification of cases, no standardization of genomic regions that are studied with respect to HBV reactivation, and the lack of inclusion of nonreactivating controls to establish specific viral mutations that are associated with HBV reactivation. Importantly, none of these sequencing studies included cases of HBV reactivation after initiation of DAAs.While new HCV treatments have revolutionized care for HCV infected patients, HBV reactivation will likely increase in frequency, as DAAs are more commonly prescribed. Pretreatment determination of HBV status and thoughtful management of HBV coinfections will be necessary and lead to improved patient safety and yield optimal treatment results.
Quantum talk: How small‐group discussions may enhance students’ understanding in quantum physics
Authors: Bungum Berit , Bøe Maria Vetleseter , Henriksen Ellen Karoline 
Published: May 2018

AbstractQuantum physics challenges our views of the physical world and describes phenomena that cannot be directly observed. The use of language is hence essential in the teaching of quantum physics. With a sociocultural view of learning, we investigate characteristics of preuniversity students’ small‐group discussions and their potential for enhancing understanding of quantum physics. The empirical data are 96 small‐group discussions about two fundamental dilemmas: whether light can be both waves and particles, and whether the cat in Schrödinger's thought experiment can be considered to be both dead and alive. The discussions were analyzed by means of a framework of four categories, grouped as productive and nonproductive for learning, where “productive” means that students build constructively on each other's utterances and take the peers’ ideas into account. Results show that a total of 70% of the discussions were productive, indicating that small‐group discussions have a potential for enhancing understanding in quantum physics. This potential is constituted by leading students to (i) articulate conceptual difficulties, (ii) deepen their understanding through exchange of views, and (iii) formulate new questions. The paper concludes with a discussion on how the learning potential of small‐group discussions may be realized by combining dialogic and authoritative approaches.
Impact of Stoichiometry on the Structure of van der Waals Layered GeTe/Sb2Te3 Superlattices Used in Interfacial Phase‐Change Memory (iPCM) Devices
Authors: Kowalczyk Philippe , Hippert Françoise , Bernier Nicolas , Mocuta Cristian , Sabbione Chiara , Batista‐Pessoa Walter , Noé Pierre 
Published: May 2018

AbstractVan der Waals layered GeTe/Sb2Te3 superlattices (SLs) have demonstrated outstanding performances for use in resistive memories in so‐called interfacial phase‐change memory (iPCM) devices. GeTe/Sb2Te3 SLs are made by periodically stacking ultrathin GeTe and Sb2Te3 crystalline layers. The mechanism of the resistance change in iPCM devices is still highly debated. Recent experimental studies on SLs grown by molecular beam epitaxy or pulsed laser deposition indicate that the local structure does not correspond to any of the previously proposed structural models. Here, a new insight is given into the complex structure of prototypical GeTe/Sb2Te3 SLs deposited by magnetron sputtering, which is the used industrial technique for SL growth in iPCM devices. X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that the structural quality of the SL depends critically on its stoichiometry. Moreover, high‐angle annular dark‐field‐scanning transmission electron microscopy analysis of the local atomic order in a perfectly stoichiometric SL reveals the absence of GeTe layers, and that Ge atoms intermix with Sb atoms in, for instance, Ge2Sb2Te5 blocks. This result shows that an alternative structural model is required to explain the origin of the electrical contrast and the nature of the resistive switching mechanism observed in iPCM devices.
Monitoring Based on Narrow‐Band Resonance Raman for “Phase‐Shifting” π‐Conjugated Polydiacetylene Vesicles upon Host–Guest Interaction and Thermal Stimuli
Authors: Cui Chunzhi , Hong Na Yeon , Ahn Dong June 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe present study reports a quantified monitoring by means of in situ resonance Raman scattering that analyzes phase‐shifting characteristics of π‐systems upon interacting with target analytes. A chemo‐ and thermochromic polydiacetylene vesicular probe is evaluated with multiple‐wavelength Raman scattering modes in resonance with its phases, respectively, and thus can trace the phase‐shifts. This Raman scattering‐based analytical quantification is also successful in monitoring host–guest recognition events by utilizing much narrower bands, compared to those in conventional absorption or photoluminescence (PL) methods. As one of the outcomes, the monitoring analysis overcomes the limitations based on widely used colorimetric response (%CR) or PL that failed in the case of interaction with a surfactant, CTAB.
Simultaneous Local Heating/Thermometry Based on Plasmonic Magnetochromic Nanoheaters
Authors: Li Zhi , Lopez‐Ortega Alberto , Aranda‐Ramos Antonio , Tajada José Luis , Sort Jordi , Nogues Carme , Vavassori Paolo , Nogues Josep , Sepulveda Borja 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA crucial challenge in nanotherapies is achieving accurate and real‐time control of the therapeutic action, which is particularly relevant in local thermal therapies to minimize healthy tissue damage and necrotic cell deaths. Here, a nanoheater/thermometry concept is presented based on magnetoplasmonic (Co/Au or Fe/Au) nanodomes that merge exceptionally efficient plasmonic heating and simultaneous highly sensitive detection of the temperature variations. The temperature detection is based on precise optical monitoring of the magnetic‐induced rotation of the nanodomes in solution. It is shown that the phase lag between the optical signal and the driving magnetic field can be used to detect viscosity variations around the nanodomes with unprecedented accuracy (detection limit 0.0016 mPa s, i.e., 60‐fold smaller than state‐of‐the‐art plasmonic nanorheometers). This feature is exploited to monitor the viscosity reduction induced by optical heating in real‐time, even in highly inhomogeneous cell dispersions. The magnetochromic nanoheater/thermometers show higher optical stability, much higher heating efficiency and similar temperature detection limits (0.05 °C) compared to state‐of‐the art luminescent nanothermometers. The technological interest is also boosted by the simpler and lower cost temperature detection system, and the cost effectiveness and scalability of the nanofabrication process, thereby highlighting the biomedical potential of this nanotechnology.
Fennel induces cytotoxic effects against testicular germ cells in mice; evidences for suppressed pre‐implantation embryo development
Authors: Minas Aram , Najafi Gholamreza , Jalali Ali Shalizar , Razi Mazdak 
Published: May 2018

AbstractFoeniculum vulgare (FVE; fennel) is an aromatic plant belonging to Umbelliferae family, which is widely used in traditional societies because of its different pharmaceutical properties. To uncover the fennel‐derived essential oil (FVEO)‐induced effects on male reproductive potential, 24 mature male albino mice were divided into, control, 0.37, 0.75, and 1.5 mg kg−1 FVEO‐received groups. Following 35 days, the animals were euthanized and the testicular tissue and sperm samples were collected. The histological alterations, tubular differentiation (TDI), spermiogenesis (SPI) indices, apoptosis ratio, and RNA damage of germinal cells were analyzed. Moreover, the sperm count, motility, viability, chromatin condensation, and DNA fragmentation were assessed. Finally, the pre‐implantation embryo development including; the percentage of zygote, 2‐cell embryos and blastocysts were assessed. Observations showed that the FVEO, dose dependently, increased histological damages, resulted in germ cells dissociation, depletion, nuclear shrinkage and significantly (P < .05) decreased tubular differentiation and spermiogenesis ratios. Moreover, the FVEO‐received animals (more significantly in 1.5 mg kg−1‐received group) exhibited decreased sperm count, viability, and motility and represented enhanced percentage of sperms with decondensed chromatin and DNA fragmentation. Finally, the animals in FVEO‐received group showed diminished zygote formation and represented decreased pre‐implantation embryo development compared to control animals. In conclusion, our data showed that, FVEO albeit at higher doses, is able to adversely affect cellular DNA and RNA contents, which in turn is able to negatively affect the sperm count and morphology. All these impairments are able to negatively affect the fertilization potential as well as pre‐implantation embryo development.
What is a stem cell?
Authors: Slack Jonathan M. W. 
Published: May 2018

The historical roots of the stem cell concept are traced with respect to its usage in embryology and in hematology. The modern consensus definition of stem cells, comprising both pluripotent stem cells in culture and tissue‐specific stem cells in vivo, is explained and explored. Methods for identifying stem cells are discussed with respect to cell surface markers, telomerase, label retention and transplantability, and properties of the stem cell niche are explored. The CreER method for identifying stem cells in vivo is explained, as is evidence in favor of a stochastic rather than an obligate asymmetric form of cell division. In conclusion, it is found that stem cells do not possess any unique and specific molecular markers; and stem cell behavior depends on the environment of the cell as well as the stem cell's intrinsic qualities. Furthermore, the stochastic mode of division implies that stem cell behavior is a property of a cell population not of an individual cell. In this sense, stem cells do not exist in isolation but only as a part of multicellular system.This article is categorized under:
Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Tissue Stem Cells and Niches
Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Methods and Principles
Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Environmental Control of Stem Cells
Penalty and regularization method for variational‐hemivariational inequalities with application to frictional contact
Authors: Migórski Stanisław , Zeng Shengda 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we provide results on existence, uniqueness and convergence for a class of variational‐hemivariational inequalities of elliptic type involving a constraint set and a nondifferentiable potential. We introduce a penalized and regularized problem without constraints and with Gteaux differentiable potential. We prove that the solution to the original problem can be approached, as a parameter converges, by the solution of the approximated problem. An application to frictional contact problem with the Signorini contact condition and a static version of the Coulomb friction law illustrates the results.
“Nonsense Rides Piggyback on Sensible Things”: The Past, Present, and Future of Graphology
Authors: Thorpe Deborah Ellen 
Published: May 2018

Abstract“Nonsense rides piggyback on sensible things”, declares professional sceptic and questioned-document analyst Joe Nickell concerning graphology. This chapter examines graphology’s enduring allure and reach, despite its controversies, and considers its relationship with other types of handwriting analysis. It first asks: is it possible to metaphorically “dissect” the page of handwritten texts, to scrutinize writing as a “medical paratext” rich in information about the writer’s state of health? It then interrogates the nature of the connection between physical and mental states and handwriting. It demonstrates how academics are going “back to basics” with their enquiries into individual difference and handwriting features, and how digital methodologies are contributing to this. Thus, this chapter is an updated study of graphology, providing a wider understanding of the concept of the paratext by considering the information captured in handwriting in the context of a digital age.
Green Building as Urban Sustainability Transitions
Authors: Affolderbach Julia , Schulz Christian 
Published: May 2018

AbstractOver the past decade, the term transitions has been adopted widely in policy and academic circles, and notions of green transitions, sustainability transitions and low-carbon transitions now frequently replace the common Leitbild of sustainable development in local, regional and national visions and analyses. Transition studies present one particular approach to analysing and understanding fundamental changes in societies. While transition studies originally comprised historic and technocentric innovation studies that considered sociocultural dimensions as enabling context for change, the multi-level framework developed in transition studies has been recently adopted and adapted by economic and urban geographers resulting in a focus on urban transitions. The multi-level perspective in particular provides a compelling heuristic for the assessment of sustainability transitions. This chapter introduces work in transition studies and discusses the strengths and limitations of the multi-level perspective in analysing shifts in green building as urban climate change mitigation strategy. It develops a transition perspective for the green building sector that focuses on the urban in these transition processes.
Clinical Status and Treatment of Liver Metastasis of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Using Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Saito Yoshiyuki , Sugino Kiminori , Takami Hiroshi , Matsuzu Kenichi , Uruno Takashi , Ohkuwa Keiko , Kitagawa Wataru , Nagahama Mitsuji , Kawakubo Hirofumi , Ito Koichi , Kitagawa Yuko 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundTreatment of patients with liver metastasis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) has not been sufficiently defined, because liver metastasis of DTC has been described mostly as case reports. Additionally, such patients are considered end‐of‐treatment responders. A relatively new approach using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) may provide opportunities to manage systemic metastasis. This study aims to define the clinical features of DTC patients with liver metastasis and evaluate the benefits of TKIs.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed clinical features of 29 patients (mean age 67.8 years) diagnosed with liver metastasis of DTC at our institution between January 1981 and May 2017.ResultsAll patients had distant metastasis at other organ sites upon diagnosis of liver metastasis; 41% of them developed new metastasis afterward. Management after diagnosis of liver metastasis comprised palliative care (48%), radioactive iodine therapy (28%), and TKI therapy (24%). The median survival after diagnosis of liver metastasis was only 4.8 months. Survival rates were significantly better in patients with performance statuses between 0 and 2 on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scale at diagnosis of liver metastasis (n = 22, 76%) treated with TKI compared to those who were not (P = 0.017; log‐rank test; hazard ratio 0.19). One‐year survival rates were 71.4 and 26.7% for patients treated with or without TKI, respectively.ConclusionsPatients with liver metastasis had poor clinical prognosis. When other distant metastases existed at diagnosis of liver metastasis, TKI therapy was considered an effective therapeutic option for patients with liver metastasis of DTC.
The glycaemic index and insulinaemic index of commercially available breakfast and snack foods in an Asian population
Authors: Tan Wei Shuan Kimberly , Tan Wei Jie Kevin , Ponnalagu Shalini D/O , Koecher Katie , Menon Ravi , Tan Sze-Yen , Henry Christiani J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA low-glycaemic-index (GI) breakfast has been shown to lower blood glucose levels throughout the day. A wide variety of breakfast foods are consumed, but their GI values are largely unknown, hence limiting consumers’ ability to select healthier options. This study investigated the GI values of ten common breakfast (five Asian and five Western) foods in this region using a randomised, cross-over study design. Participants arrived after an overnight fast, and fasting blood sample was taken before participants consumed test foods. Next, blood samples were taken at fixed intervals for 180 min. Glycaemic and insulinaemic responses to test foods were calculated as incremental AUC over 120 min, which were subsequently reported as glycaemic and insulinaemic indices. In all, nineteen healthy men (nine Chinese and ten Indians) aged 24·7 (sem 0·4) years with a BMI of 21·7 (sem 0·4) kg/m2 completed the study. Asian breakfast foods were of medium (white bun filled with red bean paste=58 (sem 4); Chinese steamed white bun=58 (sem 3)) to high GI (rice idli=85 (sem 4); rice dosa=76 (sem 5); upma=71 (sem 6)), whereas Western breakfast foods were all of low GI (whole-grain biscuit=54 (sem 5); whole-grain biscuit filled with peanut butter=44 (sem 3); whole-grain oat muesli=55 (sem 4); whole-grain oat protein granola=51 (sem 4); whole-grain protein cereal=49 (sem 3)). The GI of test foods negatively correlated with protein (rs−0·366), fat (rs−0·268) and dietary fibre (rs−0·422) (all P<0·001). GI values from this study contribute to the worldwide GI database, and may assist healthcare professionals in recommending low-GI breakfast to assist in lower daily glycaemia among Asians who are susceptible to type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Metamorphic evolution and age constraints of the garnet-bearing mica schist from the Xindaduo area of the Sumdo (U)HP metamorphic belt, Tibet
Authors: ZHANG CONG , BADER THOMAS , ZHANG LINGMIN , SHEN TINGTING , LI PENG , LI XUPING 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAs one of the major components of the Himalayan–Tibetan Orogeny, the Lhasa terrane plays a key role in understanding the origin and evolution of this giant orogenic belt and the opening and closure of the Tethys oceans. The eclogite-bearing Sumdo Complex in the central Lhasa terrane was recognized as the main suture of the Palaeo-Tethys Ocean between the north and south Lhasa sub-terranes. Despite the eclogite having been studied for a long time, no attempts have been applied to studying the country rocks, causing confusion in understanding the relationship between the eclogite and the adjacent schist. Petrological investigations and phase equilibrium calculations on the garnet-bearing mica schist of the Sumdo Complex have been performed to constrain its metamorphic evolution. The P–T conditions for three metamorphic stages are constrained as P1 (480–500°C, 2.6–2.7 GPa), P2 (580–600°C, 1.3–1.4 GPa) and R (530°C, 0.9 GPa), which represent the prograde, temperature peak and retrograde stages. Two possible P–T paths were constructed, which experienced isothermal decompression (PT1) or heating with a decompression process (PT2), corresponding to the growth and extinction of garnet porphyroblasts in the matrix. The LA-MC-ICP-MS U–Pb dating method yielded a metamorphic age of 229.7±3.5 Ma, which was interpreted as the age of amphibolite-facies metamorphism at c. 600°C, 1.2–1.4 GPa during the closure of the Palaeo-Tethys Ocean, resulting in the aggregation of the north and south Lhasa sub-terranes. The close relationship between the eclogite and garnet-bearing mica schist, and their similar P–T–t paths indicate an in situ tectonic evolution rather than tectonic juxtaposition during exhumation.
MATERNAL EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT AND SEX RATIO AT BIRTH BY RACE IN THE UNITED STATES, 2007–2015
Authors: Grech Victor 
Published: May 2018

SummaryMany factors influence the male:female birth ratio (number of male births divided by total births, M/T). Studies have suggested that this ratio may be positively correlated with the education levels of mothers. This study assessed the effect of maternal education on M/T in the US population overall and by racial group. Number of live births by sex of the child, maternal educational level reached and race were obtained from the Centres for Disease Control (CDC Wonder) for the period 2007–2015. The total study sample comprised 28,268,183 live births. Overall, for the four available recorded racial groups (Asian/Pacific Islander, White, American Indian/Alaska Native and Black/African American), M/T rose significantly with increasing education levels (p<0.0001). When analysed by race, this relationship was only found for White births (p<0.0001). The M/T of Black births rose with increasing maternal education level up to associate degree level (p=ns), then fell significantly with higher levels of education (χ2=4.5,p=0.03). No significant trends were present for Asian/Pacific Islander or American Indian/Alaska Native births. Socioeconomic indicators are generally indicators of better condition and in this study educational attainment was overall found to be positively correlated with M/T, supporting the Trivers–Willard hypothesis.