bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new composite measure of ethnic diversity: Investigating the controversy over minority ethnic recruitment at Oxford and Cambridge universities
Authors: Kelly Anthony 
Published: October 2018

Measuring ethnic diversity currently amounts simply to counting ethnicities. This makes it impossible to correlate with achievement, to track changes over time or to compare institutions in a meaningful way. It is not clear, for example, whether it is more diverse to have many ethnicities with a large majority in one or two categories, or to have fewer ethnicities with a larger proportion in each. This article is not about race per se, but develops indices from cryptography and ecology to solve the problem of measuring diversity properly. Using data from freedom of information requests and university admissions offices, it analyses the ethnic diversity of undergraduate recruitment at Oxford and Cambridge universities over the past 10 years to resolve one of the most controversial issues in higher education today. It finds that both Oxford and Cambridge universities have increased ethnic diversity by more than 25% over the last decade, but that the problem of under‐recruitment of black UK students remains. The article is an important contribution to research methodology, with clear applications in the field of school effectiveness, and informs the debate on social justice in education, particularly in a period of significant demographic change across Europe.
An ultra‐low cost line follower robot as educational tool for teaching programming and circuit's foundations
Authors: Serrano Pérez Edgar , Juárez López Fernando 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this paper, an ultra low‐cost line following robot is presented. The robot is developed through the integration of free educational software and low cost electronics and mechanical devices with the aim of been used as a teaching and learning tool to increase the students confidence/performance and interest in engineering areas. The cost for building this robot‐based educational tool and its related activities is less than 25 USD. Students were encouraged for building its own unique designs using cardboard and open‐source software and hardware. The activities promoted the increase in knowledge and developed student's technical skills such as the use of electronic circuits and sensors, three dimension designs, learning to programming animations and microcontrollers, building self‐made structural and mechanical elements using cardboard and the use of the Bluetooth protocol to achieve the interconnection of devices through the use of an Android based Smartphone. The activities have been developed to allow students to apply and test their own ideas and concepts for solving problems through the computational thinking process and finding digital solutions through programming microcontrollers, all of them in the frame of the maker movement and the inclusion of the arts in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The results of confidence/performance and interest evaluation tests allowed to identify the main areas of gain knowledge and the increasing interest in the engineering fields presented in this work.
Subtype‐specific epidemiology of lymphoid malignancies in Taiwan compared to Japan and the United States, 2002‐2012
Authors: Ko Bor‐Sheng , Chen Li‐Ju , Huang Huai‐Hsuan , Wen Yao‐Chun , Liao Chi‐Yin , Chen Ho‐Min , Hsiao Fei‐Yuan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThere are many unrevealed parts regarding lymphoma etiology. Previous studies suggested differences in lymphoma epidemiology among countries existed; however, some were one‐center studies that were not enough to represent the whole population.ObjectiveTo provide epidemiological information on lymphoma within Taiwanese and to compare the data with that in Japan and the United States.MethodsWe used Taiwan Cancer Registry Database as our data source. Patients with lymphoma were identified through the ICD‐O‐3 codes and those with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) were categorized into three major types and 13 subtypes according to 2008 WHO classification. Incidence of lymphoma was adjusted according to the 2000 world standard population.ResultsDuring 2002‐2012, 21 929 cases were diagnosed with four major types of lymphoma in Taiwan. Aggressive B‐cell lymphoma (52.21%, N = 11 450) was the most common type of NHL. Median age at diagnosis of aggressive B‐cell lymphoma was the eldest (63.0‐65.0 years). Male excess in T/NK‐cell lymphoma was the most obvious (sex ratio: 1.39‐2.07). The incidence of NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type, was higher (male: 0.16‐0.34 per 100 000, female: 0.06‐0.16 per 100 000) in Taiwan than that in the United States and Japan.ConclusionThis is the first population‐based study in Taiwan to investigate subtype‐specific epidemiology of lymphoma. The incidence rates of lymphoma in Taiwan are mostly lower than those in the United States and higher or comparable to those in Japan except for NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type, whose age‐adjusted incidence in Taiwan is the highest.
Gene Discovery in Gelsemium Highlights Conserved Gene Clusters in Monoterpene Indole Alkaloid Biosynthesis
Authors: Franke Jakob , Kim Jeongwoon , Hamilton John P. , Zhao Dongyan , Pham Gina M. , Wiegert‐Rininger Krystle , Crisovan Emily , Newton Linsey , Vaillancourt Brieanne , Tatsis Evangelos , Buell C. Robin , O'Connor Sarah E. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractGenome mining is a routine technique in microbes for discovering biosynthetic pathways. In plants, however, genomic information is not commonly used to identify novel biosynthesis genes. Here, we present the genome of the medicinal plant and oxindole monoterpene indole alkaloid (MIA) producer Gelsemium sempervirens (Gelsemiaceae). A gene cluster from Catharanthus roseus, which is utilized at least six enzymatic steps downstream from the last common intermediate shared between the two plant alkaloid types, is found in G. sempervirens, although the corresponding enzymes act on entirely different substrates. This study provides insights into the common genomic context of MIA pathways and is an important milestone in the further elucidation of the Gelsemium oxindole alkaloid pathway.
Enhanced Catalytic Properties of Carbon supported Zirconia and Sulfated Zirconia for the Green Synthesis of Benzodiazepines
Authors: Godino‐Ojer Marina , Milla‐Diez Leticia , Matos Inês , Durán‐Valle Carlos J. , Bernardo Maria , Fonseca Isabel M. , Pérez Mayoral Elena 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis work reports for the first time a new series of promising porous catalytic carbon materials, functionalized with Lewis and Brønsted acid sites useful in the green synthesis of 2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐1,5‐benzodiazepine – nitrogen heterocyclic compounds. Benzodiazepines and derivatives are fine chemicals exhibiting interesting therapeutic properties. Carbon materials have been barely investigated in the synthesis of this type of compounds. Two commercial carbon materials were selected exhibiting different textural properties: i) Norit RX3 (N) as microporous sample and ii) mesoporous xerogel (X), both used as supports of ZrO2 (Zr) and ZrO2/SO42− (SZr). The supported SZr led to higher conversion values and selectivities to the target benzodiazepine. Both chemical and textural properties influenced significantly the catalytic performance. Particularly relevant are the results concerning the non‐sulfated samples, NZr and XZr, that were able to catalyze the reaction leading to the target benzodiazepine with high selectivity (up to 80 %; 2 h). These results indicated an important role of the carbon own surface functional groups, avoiding the use of H2SO4. Even very low amounts of SZr supported on carbon reveal high activity and selectivity. Therefore, the carbon materials herein reported can be considered an efficient and sustainable alternative bifunctional catalysts for the benzodiazepine synthesis.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Aryl‐ and Alkyl S‐Perfluoroalkylated NH‐Sulfoximines from Sulfides
Authors: Chaabouni Slim , Lohier Jean‐François , Barthelemy Anne‐Laure , Glachet Thomas , Anselmi Elsa , Dagousset Guillaume , Diter Patrick , Pégot Bruce , Magnier Emmanuel , Reboul Vincent 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA general efficient one‐pot synthesis of S‐perfluoroalkylated NH‐sulfoximines from sulfides has been developed using phenyliodine diacetate (PIDA) and ammonium carbamate. Remarkable rate enhancement with trifluoroethanol was observed, presumably due to H‐bonding effects. These mild and metal‐free conditions are compatible with ‐CH2F, ‐CFCl2, ‐CF2H, ‐CF2Br, ‐C4F9, and ‐CF3 groups, in both the alkyl‐ and aryl series. Based on a 19F NMR analysis, a λ6‐acetoxysulfanenitrile intermediate was proposed.
Future Securing of the Raw Materials Base
Authors: Bertau Martin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDas Anwachsen der Weltbevölkerung führt zu einem steigenden Rohstoffbedarf. Recycling ist ein Weg, den Primärrohstoffbedarf zu reduzieren, allerdings führt die zunehmende Verdünnung von Technologiemetallen in Consumerprodukten bei immer kürzer werdenden Produktzyklen zu einem immer stärker zunehmenden Primärrohstoffbedarf. Zudem ist die Qualität der Sekundärrohstoffe gegenüber den Primärprodukten aus dem Bergbau geringer. In einem wertstoffchemischen Verfahren werden die Rohstoffe hingegen herkunftsunabhängig gewonnen, d. h. es spielt keine Rolle, ob sie aus Bergbau, Recycling oder Nachwachsenden Rohstoffen stammen, und sie haben immer Primärproduktqualität.
Regional differences in winter diets of bobcats in their northern range
Authors: Newbury Roberta K. , Hodges Karen E. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWhen generalist predators have wide geographic ranges, diets may differ dramatically, largely as a result of differing prey communities. Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are widely distributed across southern North America, with their northern range edge occurring in southern Canada and in the northern US states. Within this northern range, bobcats are exposed to cold and snowy winters and a limited number of prey species, conditions that are atypical for most of the range of bobcats. We examined winter diets of bobcats in high elevation and very snowy forests in northwest Montana to determine how these generalist predators managed in these harsh conditions in comparison with elsewhere in the northern range. Bobcats consumed five major prey types: Red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) and Cricetid rodents comprised >78% of the dietary biomass, whereas the larger snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus), deer (Odocoileus spp.), and grouse were consumed much less often. The standardized niche breadth of bobcat diets was 0.29; bobcats from across the northern range also routinely ate multiple prey species, although Eastern bobcats appear to consume more lagomorphs than do Western bobcats. These results indicate that bobcats remain generalists in difficult winter conditions while preying primarily on small‐bodied prey, although bobcats have highly variable diets across their northern range.
Electroactive, Mediating and Thermosensitive Microgel Useful for Covalent Entrapment of Enzymes and Formation of Sensing Layer in Biosensors
Authors: Marcisz Kamil , Kaniewska Klaudia , Mackiewicz Marcin , Nowinska Anna , Romanski Jan , Stojek Zbigniew , Karbarz Marcin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThermosensitive microgel particles based on the polymeric network synthesized from N‐isopropylacrylamide, sodium acrylate and N,N′‐bisacryloylcystine have been functionalized with aminoferrocene, a mediatior, and a model enzyme‐glucose oxidase (GOx). The product was very stable. A thin coating of that material has been successfully attached to the glassy carbon electrode surface to form a sensing layer. A temperature increase to a value higher than the volume phase transition temperature led to a substantial increase in the amperometric signal. That behavior was well switchable. The amperometric signal was linearly dependent on glucose concentration in the physiological concentration range. It appeared that the synthesized and functionalized microgel was a kind of microreactor and might be very useful for the construction of the platforms that can enhance the activity of enzymes in biosensors.
Ultrasensitive Bioaffinity Electrochemical Sensors: Advances and New Perspectives
Authors: Alizadeh Negar , Salimi Abdollah 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis article reviews recent advances and developments in the field of bioaffinity electrochemical sensors with emphasis on a subclass including immunosensors, aptasensors, genosensors and molecularly imprinted sensosr. Recent insights into novel fabrication methodologies and electrochemical techniques have resulted in the demonstration of biosensors able to detection of wide range of target analyte. It has been shown that due to their high specificity and sensitivity, they represent a great tool in practical applications. Furthermore, at last couple decades nanotechnology has become very popular in the sensor fields due to the high capacity of nanomaterials to immobilize of bioaffinity agents and also their inhibiting effects on denaturation of enzymes and other bioaffinity systems, which they could well have beneficial effects for the performance of these sensors. The main focus of this review is to discuss methods for immobilizing bioreceptors onto a solid support, introduction of nanomaterials for improve sensitivity of biosensor and various electrochemical sensing platforms. The use of biosensor in these applications is most appropriate, because the analysis of trace substances in medical and healthcare applications, environmental science, and food industries is so important. In addition, recent advances in nanomaterial‐mediated bioaffinity sensors used for onset biosensing, point‐of‐care testing and healthcare management are also highlighted.
Laser interference‐based technique for dynamic measurement of single cell deformation manipulated by optical tweezers
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Zhang Fan , Zhu Lianqing , Qu Xinghua , Chu Daping 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA laser interference‐based method was proposed to measure the deformation response of cell manipulated by optical tweezers. This method was implemented experimentally by integrating a laser illuminating system and optical tweezers with an inverted microscope. Interference fringes generated by the transmitted and reflected lights were recorded by a complementary metal oxide semiconductor camera. From the acquired images, cell height was calculated and cell morphology was constructed. To further validate this method, the morphological analyses of HeLa cells were performed in static state and during detachment process. Subsequently, the dynamic deformation responses of red blood cells were measured during manipulation with optical tweezers. Collectively, this laser interference‐based method precludes the requirement of complex optical alignment, allows easy integration with optical tweezers, and enables dynamic measurement of cell deformation response by using a conventional inverted microscope.
Analysis of the technical efficiency of the forms of hospital management based on public‐private collaboration of the Madrid Health Service, as compared with traditional management
Authors: Franco Miguel José Luis , Fullana Belda Carmen , Rúa Vieites Antonio 
Published: October 2018

SummaryFundamentalsThe study aims to carry out a comparative analysis of the technical efficiency of hospital management based on public‐private collaboration, as compared with traditional management. Specifically, we compare traditionally managed public hospitals, public hospitals managed by a private finance initiative (PFI), public hospitals managed through a public‐private partnership (PPP), and hospitals managed through other forms of management, during the period 2009 to 2014, in the hospitals dependent on the Madrid Health Service (SERMAS).MethodsThe study covers all publicly owned general hospitals under SERMAS, consisting of seven PFI hospitals, three PPP hospitals, 11 traditionally managed public hospitals (with the category of general hospital), and four hospitals managed through other forms of hospital management. The technical efficiency indices of the hospitals were calculated using the data envelopment analysis technique. Subsequently, a sensitivity analysis was performed by bootstrapping and variation of model variables to verify their impact on efficiency. Finally, an analysis of the evolution of efficiency in the analyzed period was carried out using the Malmquist Index.ResultsIn all the analysis models carried out in the analyzed period, the hospitals managed based on public‐private collaboration were more efficient than the hospitals under traditional management.ConclusionsThe greater efficiency of hospitals managed based on public‐private collaboration, as compared with traditional management, could be attributed to greater organizational and management flexibility.
A review on the use of computational methods to characterize, design, and optimize tissue engineering scaffolds, with a potential in 3D printing fabrication
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Vijayavenkataraman Sanjairaj , Lu Wen Feng , Fuh Jerry Y H 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe design and fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds is a highly complex process. In order to provide a proper architecture for cells to grow, proliferate, and differentiate to form tissues, scaffolds have to be made with suitable properties. However, the limited structural designs and conventional fabrication techniques severely cripple the improvement of scaffold properties. To overcome these limitations, many researchers have recently adopted computational methods combined with 3D printing techniques as a new approach for scaffold design and fabrication. This approach allows scaffolds to be designed and fabricated with highly complex microstructures and good control and accuracy. Previous works have also shown this approach to be a very useful tool to predict the scaffold properties and to optimize the scaffold designs with a great reduction of experimental iterations. As this approach combining computational methods and 3D printing techniques for scaffold design and fabrication has many advantages over the conventional trial‐and‐error based approach, it is imperative to provide a state‐of‐the‐art review on the topic. To this end, this article reviews the various applications of computational methods in scaffold design and simulation; it also briefly reviews the application of 3D printing techniques to fabricate the computationally designed scaffolds. Finally, the limitations and future trends of this approach are discussed. Overall, this review will enable readers to understand the benefits of using computational methods coupled with 3D printing to design and fabricate scaffolds, and thus help researchers to improve and optimize the scaffold properties for future tissue engineering research. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1329–1351, 2019.
Effect of additional polishing methods on the physical surface properties of different nanocomposites: SEM and AFM study
Authors: Costa Giovanna de Fátima Alves da , Fernandes Ana Carla Bezerra de Carvalho Justo , Carvalho Lenise Anand de Oliveira , de Andrade Aldenora Cardoso , de Assunção Isauremi Vieira , Borges Boniek Castillo Dutra 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis evaluated the arrangement of filler particles in depth of nanocomposites, and surface roughness, wettability, microtopography, and micromorphology following additional polishing step. Forty samples of each composite tested [Filtek Z350XT (FZ), IPS Empress Direct (IP)] were fabricated and finished/polished/additionally polished using one of the following methods (n = 10/group): no finishing/polishing (NFP), Sof‐Lex Pop‐On + no additional polishing (SP), Sof‐Lex Pop‐On + Astropol rubber polisher (SP+A), and Sof‐Lex Pop‐On + felt disc with polishing paste (SP+FP). Surface roughness (Ra) and contact angles were measured using a profilometer and goniometer, respectively. Microtopography and micromorphology were evaluated using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Ra and contact angle data were examined by two‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's test (p < .05). Organic matrix, lower and larger filler particles were disposed in depth. Mean Ra values were lowest and contact angles were smallest in the NFP group for both composite resins. SP+A and SP+FP decreased mean Ra in comparison with SP for FZ, whereas only SP+FP decreased mean Ra in comparison with SP for IP. Only SP+FP increased contact angles in comparison with SP for FZ, whereas contact angles in the SP+A, SP+FP, and SP groups were similar for FZ. Both composites presented more uniform topography and smother surfaces following SP+A and SP+FP in comparison with SP. Therefore, additional polishing improved surface smoothness and decreased wettability of the composite resins studied. SP+FP produced smoother and less wettable surfaces for FZ and IP.
Conventional and quantitative MRI in a novel feline model of demyelination and endogenous remyelination
Authors: Field Aaron S. , Samsonov Alexey , Alexander Andrew L. , Mossahebi Pouria , Duncan Ian D. 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundThe feeding of irradiated food to healthy adult cats results in widespread, noninflammatory demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS); a return to a normal diet results in endogenous remyelination with functional recovery. This recently discovered, reversible disease might provide a compelling clinical neuroimaging model system for the development and testing of myelin‐directed MRI methods as well as future remyelination therapies.PurposeIdentify the noninvasive imaging characteristics of this new disease model and determine whether it features measurable changes on conventional and quantitative MRI.Study TypePilot study.Animal ModelTen adult cats at various stages of demyelinating disease induced by an irradiated diet (35–55 kGy), and during recovery following a return to a normal diet.Field Strength/SequenceConventional (T2‐weighted) and quantitative (diffusion tensor, magnetization transfer) at 3T.AssessmentMRI of the brain, optic nerves, and cervical spinal cord; a subset of diseased cats was euthanized for comparative histopathology.Statistical TestsDescriptive statistics.ResultsDisease produced T2 prolongation, progressing from patchy to diffuse throughout most of the cerebral white matter (eventually involving U‐fibers) and spinal cord (primarily dorsal columns, reminiscent of subacute combined degeneration but without evidence of B12 deficiency). Magnetization transfer parameters decreased by 50–53% in cerebral white matter and by 25–30% in optic nerves and spinal cord dorsal columns. Fractional diffusion anisotropy decreased by up to 20% in pyramidal tracts, primarily driven by increased radial diffusivity consistent with axon preservation. Histopathology showed scattered myelin vacuolation of major white matter tracts as well as many thin myelin sheaths consistent with remyelination in the recovery phase, which was detectable on magnetization transfer imaging.Data ConclusionFeline irradiated diet‐induced demyelination features noninvasively imageable and quantifiable demyelination and remyelination of the CNS. It is therefore a compelling clinical neuroimaging model system.Level of Evidence: 4Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1304–1311.