bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Periodic impulsive fractional differential equations
Authors: Fečkan Michal , Wang Jin Rong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis paper deals with the existence of periodic solutions of fractional differential equations with periodic impulses. The first part of the paper is devoted to the uniqueness, existence and asymptotic stability results for periodic solutions of impulsive fractional differential equations with varying lower limits for standard nonlinear cases as well as for cases of weak nonlinearities, equidistant and periodically shifted impulses. We also apply our result to an impulsive fractional Lorenz system. The second part extends the study to periodic impulsive fractional differential equations with fixed lower limit. We show that in general, there are no solutions with long periodic boundary value conditions for the case of bounded nonlinearities.
Integration of arts into second language curriculum from a Kantian perspective
Authors: Wu Manfred Man-fat 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis paper explores the benefits of incorporating arts in second language (L2) learning from a Kantian approach. From a Kantian perspective, the use of arts in L2 learning enhances learners’ motivation and engagement in their language learning by focusing on learners’ subjective meanings, lowering the burden of cognition of employing categories for reasoning, lowering learners’ instrumentalism in their language learning through a sense of disinterestedness, allowing a free play between imagination and understanding, providing learners with a purposiveness of form which enhances learners’ cognitive capacity, allowing learners to achieve universal assent, and enhancing learners’ morality. The proposed pedagogical suggestions based on the above benefits are emphasizing the subjective meanings of learners, emphasizing the non-reasoning aspect in arts integration in L2 teaching, highlighting the internal rewards of artistic activities learners engaged in the language classroom, using poetry for the enhancement of imagination, using natural beauty and diverse arts forms, using interactivity, and using arts of different cultures and historical eras in L2 teaching.
Remote Sensing-Based Extraction and Analysis of Temporal and Spatial Variations of Winter Wheat Planting Areas in the Henan Province of China
Authors: Zou Jinqiu , Huang Yinlan , Chen Lina , Chen Shi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study is to assess the winter wheat planting (WWP) area in Henan Province and investigate its temporal and spatial variations by using remote sensing (RS) technology. A spectral angle mapper (SAM) was adopted to identify the WWP area of each district divided by the hierarchical grades of land surface drought index during 2001-2015. The results obtained show the expediency of monitoring the WWP areas at the regional scale via drought regionalization, which provides a goodness-of-fit R2 =0.933, a mean relative error MRE=49,118 ha, and an overall accuracy up to 90.24%. The major WWP areas in Henan Province were located in Zhoukou, Zhumadian, Shangqiu, Nanyang, and Xinxiang prefecture-level cities. Two representative sites are mountainous districts, with rich water resources or high urbanization rate, which have a low probability of WWP. Both sites exhibited a strongly manifested evolution of WWP areas, which could be attributed to extremely cold weather conditions, crop alternation, the popularization of new varieties, and fast expansion of built-up areas. The results of this study are instrumental in the analysis of crop planting variation characteristics, which should be taken into account in the further decision-making process related to the crop planting strategies.
Up-regulation of key glycolysis proteins in cancer development
Authors: Nowak Nicole , Kulma Anna , Gutowicz Jan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn rapid proliferating cancer cells, there is a need for fast ATP and lactate production, therefore cancer cells turn off oxidative phosphorylation and turn on the so called "Warburg effect". This regulating the expression of genes involved in glycolysis. According to many studies, glucose transporter 1, which supplies glucose to the cell, is the most abundantly expressed transporter in cancer cells. Hexokinase 2, is one of four hexokinase isoenzymes, is also another highly expressed enzyme in cancer cells and it functions to enhance the glycolytic rate. The up-regulation of these two proteins has been established as an important factor in promoting development and metastasis in many types of cancer. Furthermore, other enzymes involved in glycolysis pathway such as phosphoglucose isomerase and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, exhibit additional functions in promoting tumor growth in a non-glycolytic way. This review demonstrates the pivotal role of GLUT1, HK2, PGI and GAPDH in cancer development. In particular, we look at how the multifunctional proteins, PGI and GAPDH, affect cancer cell survival. We also present various clinical cancer cases in terms of the overexpression of selected proteins, which may be considered as a therapeutic target.
When Humans Met Superbugs: Strategies to Tackle Bacterial Resistances to Antibiotics
Authors: Bravo Alicia , Ruiz-Cruz Sofia , Alkorta Itziar , Espinosa Manuel 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBacterial resistance to antibiotics poses enormous health and economic burdens to our society, and it is of the essence to explore old and new ways to deal with these problems. Here we review the current status of multi-resistance genes and how they spread among bacteria. We discuss strategies to deal with resistant bacteria, namely the search for new targets and the use of inhibitors of protein-protein interactions, fragment-based methods, or modified antisense RNAs. Finally, we discuss integrated approaches that consider bacterial populations and their niches, as well as the role of global regulators that activate and/or repress the expression of multiple genes in fluctuating environments and, therefore, enable resistant bacteria to colonize new niches. Understanding how the global regulatory circuits work is, probably, the best way to tackle bacterial resistance.
A Simplified One-Dimensional Mathematical Model to Study the Transient Thermal Behavior of an Oxidation Catalyst with Both Low and High Levels of CO Concentration at the Inlet
Authors: Mohapatra Priyabrata , Mittal Mayank 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn recent years, the permissible limits of engine exhaust emissions are reduced considerably. Hence a quick warm-up and high conversion efficiency of the catalyst system is essential to meet upcoming stringent emission regulations. In the present work, the transient thermal behavior of an oxidation catalyst is studied using a one-dimension mathematical modeling approach with the focus on CO oxidation for dual-fuel engine application. At first, the heat generation due to chemical reactions is considered negligible for studying the warm-up behavior. Upon obtaining a good agreement between predicted warm-up temperature profiles with available literature data, the effect of an electrical heater on the warm-up behavior is investigated. The model is then extended by incorporating heat generation due to CO oxidation. A simplified reaction rate model is considered in order to reduce the computational complexity. It is observed that the simplified model agrees well with the experimental data for both low and high levels of CO concentration at the inlet, typical in dual-fuel technology when an engine is operated under diesel and dual-fuel modes, respectively.
Diagnostic error, quality assurance, and medical malpractice/risk management education in emergency medicine residency training programs
Authors: Lewis Jason J. , Rosen Carlo L. , Grossestreuer Anne V. , Ullman Edward A. , Dubosh Nicole M. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background
Diagnostic errors in emergency medicine (EM) can lead to patient harm as well as potential malpractice claims and quality assurance (QA) reviews. It is therefore essential that these topics are part of the core education of trainees. The methods training programs use to educate residents on these topics are unknown. The goal of this study was to identify the current methods used to teach EM residents about diagnostic errors, QA, and malpractice/risk management and determine the amount of educational teaching time EM programs dedicate to these topics.

Methods
An 11-item questionnaire pertaining to resident education on diagnostic errors, QA, and malpractice was sent through the Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors (CORD) listserv. Differences in the proportions of responses by duration of training program were analyzed using chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests.

Results
Fifty-four percent (91/168) of the EM programs responded. There was no difference in prevalence of formal education on these topics among 3- and 4-year programs. The majority of programs (59.5%) offer fewer than 4 h per year of additional QA education beyond morbidity and mortality rounds; a minority of the programs (18.8%) offer more than 4 h per year of medical malpractice/risk management education.

Conclusions
This needs assessment demonstrated that there is a lack of dedicated educational time devoted to these topics. A more formalized and standard curricular approach with increased time allotment may enhance EM resident education about diagnostic errors, QA, and malpractice/risk management.
Die Fragmentierung der gegenwärtigen Philosophie am Beispiel der Philosophiegeschichte
Authors: Rescher Nicholas 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
It can be argued that we live in a golden age for the history of philosophy: more relevant historiographical works in the field are being published today than ever before. The present paper tries to explain this as an effect of the exponential quantitative and qualitative expansion of philosophy, its subdisciplines and its fields of research since at least the mid-twentieth century. It then explores some of the consequences of these current trends and the challenge they represent for any relevant effort in history of philosophy today.
Was ist eine böse Handlung?
Authors: Goldberg Zachary J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWhat is the nature of evil action? My thesis is that perpetrators and victims of evil inhabit an asymmetrical relation of power; the strength of the more powerful party lies in its ability to exploit the other’s fundamental vulnerability, and the weaker party is vulnerable precisely insofar as it is directly dependent on the more powerful party for the satisfaction of its fundamental needs. The fundamental vulnerabilities that are exploited correspond to features essential to our humanity (ontological), moral personhood (personal), and individuality (characteristic). These kinds of vulnerabilities are both constituted by and engender fundamental needs and give rise to direct dependencies on others to satisfy or to refrain from interfering with the satisfaction of fundamental needs. The unambiguous exploitation by the more powerful agent on whom the vulnerable directly depend is characteristic of evil action. Although I do not claim that the exploitation of ontological, personal, and characteristic vulnerabilities necessarily results in evil, it does typify it.
Foliar-mediated Ag:ZnO nanophotocatalysts: green synthesis, characterization, pollutants degradation, and in vitro biocidal activity
Authors: Jaffri Shaan Bibi , Ahmad Khuram Shahzad 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA green, biomimetic, and one-pot synthesis of silver-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Ag) nanoparticles via hydrothermal route utilizingPrunus cerasiferaleaf extract has been reported for the first time. Synthetic route involved optimization for leaf extract. Doped nanoparticles were characterized for crystalline, optical, compositional, and morphological makeup via X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Direct energy bandgap was calculated through Tauc plot. The incorporation of Ag+into Zn2+sites within ZnO crystal was obtained using leaf extract as a reducing agent. Ag inculcated positional modifications in ZnO structure confirmed via XRD-shifted peaks. Ag:ZnO nanoparticles were found to be an efficient nanophotocatalyst against bromocresol green and bromophenol blue (R2=0.83 and 0.95, respectively) in direct solar irradiance. Degradation efficiencies up to 86% and 95% in less than 15min were achieved. Furthermore, the synthesized doped nanoparticles expressed highly active to active zones of inhibition against nine microbes of pathogenic nature toward human and crops. Doped nanoparticles inhibitory activity was found to exceed standard antibiotic drugs ampicillin and amphotericin B in a standard Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay. Creditable photocatalytic and antimicrobial activities of synthesized doped nanoparticles signify their prospects in commercialization into nanophotocatalyst and bactericidal/fungicidal agent at industrial scale.
Bioconversion of pine stumps to ethanol: pretreatment and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation
Authors: Mendes Cátia Vanessa Teixeira , Vergara Priscilla , Carbajo Jose María , Villar Juan Carlos , Rocha Jorge Manuel dos Santos , Carvalho Maria da Graça Videira de Sousa 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe technical viability was investigated for the conversion of Pinus pinaster stumps to value-added products via a chain of pretreatments and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) steps to obtain bioethanol. Sequential steam explosion (SE), organosolv (OS) pretreatment and soda-anthraquinone pulping (Na/AQ) were performed resulting in an unbleached pulp (UBP), which was successfully converted via SSF to bioethanol with concentrations up to 79 g l−1, which corresponds to a conversion yield of 97% and productivity of 1.09 g l−1 h−1 at 15% total solids. Accordingly, delignification steps by oxygen bleaching are not necessary for bioethanol production. Different industrial softwood (SW) pulps were also tested as reference materials. Total lignin contents up to 4.5% in SW-based pulps had no adverse effects on SSF efficiency.
Development of a reinforced styrene-free unsaturated polyester composite based on bamboo fibers
Authors: Qiu Renhui , Liu Wendi , Wu Yili , Li Kaichang 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Bamboo fibers (BFs) are abundant but underutilized as reinforcing fibers in wood plastic composites (WPCs). BFs were investigated as reinforcing fibers for unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites (BF-UPE). The UPE was prepared from condensation polymerization of propylene glycol (PG), isophthalic acid (IPA) and maleic anhydride (MA). Acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) was used instead of styrene which is usually applied as a diluent in most of the commercial UPE resins. The properties of BF-UPE were compared with those of kenaf fibers-UPE (KF-UPE). BF-AESO-UPE composites had tensile strengths (TSs), which were comparable to those of BF-styrene-UPE composites, while their flexural strength (FS) and impact strength (IS) were higher than those of BF-styrene-UPE composites. The glass transition temperature (T
g) of BF-AESO-UPE composites was lower than that of BF-styrene-UPE composites. BF-AESO-UPE composites had lower TS than KF-AESO-UPE composites, while their FS was comparable to that of KF-AESO-UPE composites.
Quercetin Recovery from Onion Solid Waste via Solid-Phase Extraction Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanoparticles
Authors: Hassan Saad S. M. , Abdel Shafy Hussein I. , Mansour Mona S. M. , Sayour Hossam E. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The present study deals with the valorization of the onion solid waste (i. e. peel) by extracting quercetin (Qu) compound, as a natural antioxidant food ingredient. It is used as a raw material for cosmetic, fine chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The onion peel, as a solid waste, is a highly rich source of Qu that is a valuable source of many useful biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. For this purpose, Qu molecular-imprinted polymer nanoparticles (Qu–MIP NPs) and its corresponding non-imprinted polymer (NIP) were prepared using precipitation/polymerization method. The prepared Qu–MIP NPs and its corresponding NIP were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscope. The prepared Qu–MIP NPs and its corresponding NIP could successfully rebind Qu at binding capacities of 60 and 10.0 mM/g, respectively. Thus, the prepared Qu–MIP NPs could successfully recover 260 mg Qu from 1 kg onion peel.
Gestational age-related changes in shear wave speed of the uterine cervix in normal pregnancy at 12–35 weeks’ gestation
Authors: Horinouchi Takashi , Yoshizato Toshiyuki , Muto Megumi , Fujii Masahiro , Kozuma Yutaka , Shinagawa Takaaki , Morokuma Seiichi , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Ushijima Kimio 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to analyze age-related changes in shear wave speed (SWS) of the normal uterine cervix.

Methods
We studied 362 women with a normal singleton pregnancy at 12–35 weeks’ gestation. The SWS of the cervix was measured using transvaginal ultrasonography at the internal os region of the anterior cervix (IOA), posterior cervix (IOP) and cervical canal (IOC), and at the external os region of the anterior cervix (EOA), posterior cervix (EOP) and cervical canal (EOC). The following parameters were analyzed: (1) time trend of SWS of the individual sampling points, (2) comparison of SWS in the internal cervical region and SWS in the external cervical region, and (3) comparison of SWS between the internal and external cervical regions. Statistical analyses were performed using mixed-effects models.

Results
The SWS of IOP decreased in bilinear regression, with a critical change in the rate at 22 weeks, whereas the SWS of the remaining points decreased linearly. The estimated values of SWS of IOP at 84, 154 and 251 days were higher than those of IOA and IOC (P<0.001). The estimated values of SWS of IOP at 84 and 154 days were higher than those of EOP (P<0.001). Significant differences between IOP and EOP were shown until 244 days (P<0.05). The estimated value of SWS of IOC at 84 days was higher than that of EOC (P<0.001). Significant differences between IOC and EOC were shown until 210 days (P<0.05).

Conclusion
The SWS of the uterine cervix in pregnancy decreases with advancing gestation. The SWS of IOP had the highest value among the sampling points with unique characteristics.
Clinical importance of the 75-g glucose tolerance test (GTT) in the prediction of large for gestational age (LGA) fetuses in non-diabetic pregnancies
Authors: Fadiloglu Erdem , Tanacan Atakan , Unal Canan , Aydin Hakli Duygu , Beksac Mehmet Sinan 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Objective
To demonstrate clinical importance of the 75-g glucose tolerance test (GTT) in the prediction of large for gestational age (LGA) fetuses in non-diabetic pregnancies.

Methods
We retrospectively evaluated 75-g GTT screening results of 356 pregnancies without prompt diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) between January 2013 and December 2017. Newborns with a birthweight greater than the 90th percentile were evaluated as LGA. Pregnancies with LGA and non-LGA fetuses were compared by demographic and historical factors – maternal age, gravidity, parity, birthweight, birthweek, GTT results and birthweight percentiles – via Student’s t-test. Multiple linear regression using the backward elimination method was performed to define the correlation between parameters and LGA (P-value of <0.20 was identified as the threshold). Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed for further analysis.

Results
The cohort was consisted of 45 (12.6%) and 311 (87.4%) pregnancies with LGA and non-LGA fetuses, respectively. Maternal age and 2nd-h GTT results were found to be significantly higher in patients with LGA newborns (P<0.001 and P=0.016, respectively). Fasting glucose levels and GTT 1st-h results were also higher (P=0.112, P=0.065). The coefficient of multiple determination (R2) was 0.055 by multiple linear regression analysis. Accordingly, GTT 2nd-h result and maternal age were statistically significant and contributed to the explanation of LGA, although the R2 value was not that much higher (P=0.016; P=0.001). Maternal age and GTT 2nd-h results were found to be associated with LGA fetuses with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.662 and 0.608 according to ROC curve analysis.

Conclusion
Maternal age and 75-g GTT 2nd-h results were significantly higher in gestations with LGA newborns without GDM.
False high testosterone of unknown reason in a clinically inconspicuous female
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Yan , Xie Erfu , Ma Jianfeng , Xu Hua-Guo , Pan Shi-Yang 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background
This report investigates an unusual total testosterone result in a middle-aged female.

Case presentation
A 40-year-old female patient was found to have high serum total testosterone of 30.82 nmol/L on a Beckman Coulter UniCel® DxI800 automatic chemiluminescence immunoanalyzer without appropriate clinical appearance. Heterophile antibody interference was considered for elevated testosterone and investigated; reanalysis of the original serum sample and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were performed. Reanalysis of the original serum sample using Roche® and Siemens® immunoassays both gave a normal total testosterone level. Beckman Coulter® also excluded the possibility of interference by heterophile antibodies. Finally, LC-MS/MS showed that the total testosterone level was in the normal range.

Conclusions
This report highlights the importance of ruling out the interfering factors for false high values of the analyte in laboratories.
New insight on the structural diversity of holothurian fucosylated chondroitin sulfates
Authors: Ustyuzhanina Nadezhda E. , Bilan Maria I. , Nifantiev Nikolay E. , Usov Anatolii I. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Fucosylated chondroitin sulfates (FCS) are unique glycosaminoglycans isolated from body walls of sea cucumbers (holothuria). These biopolymers are composed of a chondroitin core [→4)-β-D-GlcA-(1→3)-β-D-GalNAc-(1→]n bearing fucosyl branches and sulfate groups. Structural variations of FCS are species specific and depend on type, amount and position of branches, as well as on degree and pattern of sulfation of a backbone and branches. A wide spectrum of biological properties was determined for these polysaccharides including anticoagulant, antithrombotic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory activities. Structural features of FCS influence significantly on their biological effect. In this review recent data about structural variations within holothurian FCS are summarized. The NMR data of the key building blocks are presented, which may be used for the analysis of new FCS.
The evolution of past-hab in Cuzco Quechua
Authors: Cahlon Rammie 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn Cuzco Quechua (CQ), a periphrastic construction optionally marked for the past tense is said to serve as past habitual. The study focuses on the evolution of this construction in CQ. Its development replicates the cline suggested by Bybee et al. in 1994 and supports their findings but not in full: Although the habitual marker in CQ is restricted temporally to the past, it bears no past tense marking. The article sketches the different stages and concludes that the construction in question had further grammaticalized to a past imperfective.