bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Die zweiaxiale dynamische Druckfestigkeit von Beton
Authors: Mosig Oliver , Quast Matthias , Curbach Manfred
Published: November 2019

Untersucht wurde die Druckfestigkeit von zwei Betonen unter zweiaxialer dynamischer Druckbeanspruchung. Dabei wurde ein zweiaxialer Split‐Hopkinson‐Bar verwendet, welcher die dynamische Beanspruchung in Form zweier senkrecht zueinander verlaufender Belastungswellen auf den Probekörper aufbringt. Zur Referenz wurden die statischen Druckfestigkeiten unter biaxialer Belastung mit verschiedenen Spannungsverhältnissen der beiden Belastungsachsen in einer Triaxialprüfmaschine ermittelt. Die Ergebnisse deuten auf eine teilweise Überlagerung, jedoch keine vollständige Superposition der beiden festigkeitssteigernden Effekte aus mehraxialer Druckbeanspruchung und erhöhter Dehnrate hin. Insbesondere sind deutliche Unterschiede im Bruch‐ und Rissbild bei den unterschiedlichen Belastungsarten zu erkennen.
Optimierung des Konstruktionsbetons beim Brenner Basistunnel
Authors: Bergmeister Konrad , Murr Roland
Published: November 2019

Der 64 km lange Brenner Basistunnel (BBT) ist ein prioritäres europäisches Infrastrukturprojekt des Nord‐Süd‐TEN‐Korridors und verbindet die Wirtschaftszentren in Italien mit denen in Deutschland und Skandinavien. Die erforderliche Betonkubatur zum Bau des BBT beträgt rund 5 Mio. m3. Optimierungen und innovative Entwicklungen in der Betontechnologie stellen bei solch großen Betonmengen einen zentralen Punkt dar. Die festgelegte Nutzungsdauer von 200 Jahren bedingt unter anderem auch besondere Anforderungen bezüglich der Dauerhaftigkeit. In diesem Beitrag werden Optimierungen der Betonformulierung und Qualitätssicherung für die Innenschalen und Spritzbetonschalen erläutert.
Polyunsaturated and Very‐Long‐Chain Fatty Acids Are Involved in the Adaptation of Maloideae (Rosaceae) to Combined Stress in the Mountains
Authors: Voronkov Alexander S. , Ivanova Tatiana V. , Kumachova Tamara K. , Kozhevnikova Anna D. , Tsydendambaev Vladimir D.
Published: November 2019

One of the mechanisms of plant adaptation to combined stress under conditions of altitudinal zonation is changing the lipid fatty acid (FA) composition. The main changes in the FA composition occurred in the outer cell layers of the pericarp, but not in the parenchyma. Adaptation was found to be species‐specific. InCydonia oblongaMill. andMalus domesticaBorkh., the ratio of polyunsaturated 18:2 and 18:3 lipid FAs changed with increasing height, while a constitutive level of the unsaturation index (UI) and low contents of very‐long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) were maintained.Mespilus germanicaL. was characterized by a higher level of VLCFAs due to the high content of 20:0. The sum of VLCFAs in medlar increased by up to 16 % with changing altitude, which was accompanied by the changes in the ultrastructure of chloroplasts and a noticeable decrease in the UI. We attribute the differences in the adaptive strategies inC. oblonga,M. domesticaandM. germanicato specific structural features of the pericarp peel. Despite different adaptation mechanisms, the studied species can grow equally successfully at the altitudes from 300 to 1200 m.
Variability of Hypericins and Hyperforin inHypericumSpecies from the Sicilian Flora
Authors: Lazzara Silvia , Carrubba Alessandra , Napoli Edoardo
Published: November 2019

Within Sicilian flora, the genusHypericum(Guttiferae) includes 10 native species, the most popular of which isH. perforatum. Hypericum’s most investigated active compounds belong to naphtodianthrones (hypericin, pseudohypericin) and phloroglucinols (hyperforin, adhyperforin), and the commercial value of the drug is graded according to its total hypericin content. Ethnobotanical sources attribute the therapeutic properties recognized forH. perforatum, also to otherHypericumspecies. However, their smaller distribution inside the territory suggests that an industrial use of such species, when collected from the wild, would result in an unacceptable depletion of their natural stands. This study investigated about the potential pharmacological properties of 48 accessions from six native species ofHypericum, includingH. perforatumand five ‘minor’ species, also comparing, when possible, wild and cultivated sources. The variability in the content of active metabolites was remarkably high, and the differences within the species were often comparable to the differences among species. No difference was enlightened between wild and cultivated plants. A carefully planned cultivation ofHypericumseems the best option to achieve high and steady biomass yields, but there is a need for phytochemical studies, aimed to identify for multiplication the genotypes with the highest content of the active metabolites.
A rice mutant with a giant embryo has increased levels of lipophilic antioxidants, E vitamers, and γ‐oryzanol fraction
Authors: Chen Ming‐Hsuan , Bergman Christine J. , Grimm Casey C. , McClung Anna M.
Published: November 2019

Background and objective

Lipophilic compounds in rice bran have health beneficial and functional properties. These lipophilic antioxidants in a giant embryo mutant (GEDrew) derived from a tropical japonica variety Drew were determined to evaluate its potential as a specialty variety.

Findings

GEDrew had double the size of embryo and lower kernel weight than Drew. The majority of the tocols in the embryo were in the form of tocopherols with α‐tocopherol accounting for approximately 70%, while the tocopherols in bran ranged from 22% to 43% of total tocols. On a per embryo basis, GEDrew had a higher quantity of tocols compared with Drew; however, on a weight basis, the concentration of tocols in GEDrew was less than Drew. The γ‐oryzanol concentration in embryos was the same for both the mutant and wild type. The smaller brown rice kernel size and bigger embryo size of GEDrew resulted in higher proportion of bran + embryo (w/w), which led to higher total tocopherols, tocotrienols, and γ‐oryzanol in the whole grain of GEDrew relative to Drew.

Conclusion

A rice mutant with a large embryo had an elevated level of γ‐oryzanol and tocols, both as a group and as individual homologs, in whole grains as compared to the wild type.

Significance and novelty

GEDrew has the potential to be grown as a specialty rice variety for the purposes of isolating its bran, oil, and lipophilic antioxidants for use by the food and cosmetic industries.
Electrocatalysis of Oxygen on Bifunctional Nickel‐Cobaltite Spinel
Authors: Alegre Cinthia , Busacca Concetta , Di Blasi Alessandra , Di Blasi Orazio , Aricò Antonino S. , Antonucci Vincenzo , Baglio Vincenzo
Published: November 2019

Transition‐metal‐based materials are among the most active and durable catalysts for the effective electrocatalysis of oxygen‐related reactions. Herein, we present a study on bifunctional catalysts as air electrodes aimed at metal‐air batteries based on nickel and cobalt spinel (NiCo2O4) supported on electrospun carbon nanofibers. The physicochemical features of these transition‐metal‐based catalysts are essential for the understanding of their electrochemical activity. Results show that the major presence of oxidized Ni and Co species (Ni3+ and Co3+) produces higher activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), whereas lower oxidation states of the metals (Ni2+, Co2+, Ni0 and Co0) together with the presence of N‐doped carbon lead to enhanced oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance. This study highlights the importance of designing catalysts in terms of crystallographic structure and proper oxidation states of the elements for maximizing their performance.
Unraveling the Mechanism of the Solution‐Mediated Oxygen Reduction in Metal‐O2 Batteries: The Importance of Ion Association
Authors: Bawol Pawel Peter , Thimm Jan Hendrik , Baltruschat Helmut
Published: November 2019

One of the bottlenecks in Li−O2 batteries is the film like growth of Li2O2 on the electrode surface during discharge leading to early cell death. To tackle this problem 2,5‐Di‐tert‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DBBQ) was introduced as a soluble redox mediator. This redox mediator is avoiding the Li2O2 layer‐by‐layer growth on the electrode surface and thus leading to higher discharge capacities of the Li−O2 cell. In this study, we investigate the ion pairing between the cation of the conducting salt and the DBBQ monoanion and the resulting impact on the ORR activity of the DBBQ monoanion. We investigate TBA+, K+ and Li+ as cations and TEGDME and DMSO as solvents. We found out that there is a direct correlation between the ORR activity of DBBQ− and the ion pairing of DBBQ− with the cation of the supporting electrolyte: Only if DBBQ is strongly associated with the cations of the electrolyte it will reduce oxygen in the electrolyte. Increasing the Li+ concentration in the electrolyte shifts the ORR potential to more positive electrode potentials. In addition, we are describing a new experimental approach to investigate the kinetics of the homogenous ORR via time resolved mass spectrometry. With this approach we found out, that the reaction Li
DBBQ(sol)+O2(sol)
Li
DBBQ
O2(sol) is 80 times faster in a TEGDME based electrolyte than in a DMSO‐based electrolyte. We determined
with 5
102 s−1 M−1and
with 3.7 102 s−1 M−1 in TEGDME whereas the constants in DMSO are
=4.5 s−1 M−1 and
=5.5 s−1 M−1s.
Engineering of carbon and other protective coating layers for stabilizing silicon anode materials
Authors: Wang Fenglin , Chen Gen , Zhang Ning , Liu Xiaohe , Ma Renzhi
Published: November 2019

Silicon (Si) has been attracting extensive attention for rechargeable lithium (Li)‐ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity and low potential vs Li/Li+. However, it remains challenging and problematic to stabilize the Si materials during electrochemical cycling because of the huge volume expansion, which results in losing electric contact and pulverization of Si particles. Consequently, the Si anode materials generally suffer from poor cycling, poor rate performance, and low coulomb efficiency, preventing them from practical applications. Up‐to‐date, there are numerous reports on the engineering of Si anode materials at microscale and nanoscale with significantly improved electrochemical performances. In this review, we will concentrate on various precisely designed protective layers for silicon‐based materials, including carbon layers, inorganic layers, and conductive polymer protective layer. First, we briefly introduced the alloying and failure mechanism of Si as anode materials upon electrochemical reactions. Following that, representative cases have been introduced and summarized to illustrate the purpose and advancement of protective coating layers, for instance, to alleviate pulverization and improve conductivity caused by volume expansion of Si particles during charge/discharge process, and maintain the surface stability of Si particles to form a stable solid‐electrolyte interphase layer. At last, possible strategies on the protective coating layer for stabilizing silicon anode materials that can be applied in the future have been indicated.
Irreversible Structural Changes of Copper Hexacyanoferrate Used as a Cathode in Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lim Joohyun , Kasiri Ghoncheh , Sahu Rajib , Schweinar Kevin , Hengge Katharina , Raabe Dierk , La Mantia Fabio , Scheu Christina
Published: November 2019

The structural changes of copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCF), a Prussian blue analogue, which occur when used as a cathode in an aqueous Zn‐ion battery, are investigated using electron microscopy techniques. The evolution of ZnxCu1−xHCF phases possessing wire and cubic morphologies from initial CuHCF nanoparticles are monitored after hundreds of cycles. Irreversible introduction of Zn ions to CuHCF is revealed locally using scanning transmission electron microscopy. A substitution mechanism is proposed to explain the increasing Zn content within the cathode material while simultaneously the Cu content is lowered during Zn‐ion battery cycling. The present study demonstrates that the irreversible introduction of Zn ions is responsible for the decreasing Zn ion capacity of the CuHCF cathode in high electrolyte concentration.
A secure and efficient WSN by employing symmetric key matrix and rectangular frame scheme
Authors: Huang Yi‐Li , Leu Fang‐Yie , Sheu Ruey‐Kai , Liu Jung‐Chun , Susanto Heru
Published: November 2019

Currently, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been widely developed in different domains. Generally, sensors work independently, so it is relatively easier for a WSN to add new nodes. Often, a WSN is constrained to low energy consumption. However, data encryption/decryption not only takes a long time but also consumes many network resources. Due to limited battery power and CPU capability, a sensor's encryption algorithm should not be complicated. However, a simple security algorithm will downgrade the system's security level. Hence, designing a secure wireless transmission system with high encryption/decryption performance, particularly for 5G networks, is an urgent task. Therefore, in this study, we propose an efficient and secure approach, named the Symmetric Key Matrix and Rectangular Frame Scheme (SKeMRF, for short), which involves security mechanisms to speed up encryption/decryption operations for a WSN. Further, the SKeMRF integrates global Symmetric Key Matrix (SKM, for short) and other security mechanisms to ensure the security of transmitted data and enable the system to effectively resist the forgery KDS attack, thus greatly enhancing security of the whole system. Theoretical analysis and simulation show that the SKeMRF is an efficient and highly secure WSN compared with those state‐of‐the‐art schemes.
The relationship between ex‐ante cost of equity capital and corporate social responsibility in introductory and maturity period
Authors: Chen Roger C.Y. , Lee Chen‐Hsun , Hung Shih‐Wei
Published: November 2019

In the long term, the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ex‐ante cost of equity capital is inconsistent. This study explores the association with corporate social responsibility, ex‐ante cost of equity capital, and operating performance forecasting with analysts. We also separate the research period into introductory period and maturity period to examine this study. The results find that sound corporate social responsibility policy, more information transparency of CSR, and creating interaction with stakeholders are reduced ex‐ante cost of equity capital to increase operating performance, and analysts give more positive forecast or better evaluation. On the other hand, we also find that the engagement on CSR is motivational factors in introductory period to become the hygiene factors on firms' management in maturity period.
Precursor‐Engineering Coupled Microwave Molten‐Salt Strategy Enhances Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Performance of g‐C3N4 Nanostructures
Authors: Jing Huijuan , You Mingzhu , Yi Shasha , Li Tao , Ji Haipeng , Wang Yu , Zhang Zongtao , Zhang Rui , Chen Deliang , Yang Huaming
Published: November 2019

A precursor‐engineering strategy coupled with a microwave molten‐salt process (PE‐MWMS) is developed to synthesize graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) with an isotype triazine/heptazine‐based g‐C3N4 heterojunction as a photocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) under visible light illumination. Four hybrid precursor combinations—thiourea/melamine, thiourea/dicyandiamide, urea/melamine, and urea/dicyandiamide—are used to synthesize g‐C3N4 heterojunctions by the PE‐MWMS process. Control experiments indicate that the precursor components and microwave treatment have a great effect on the HER performance of the g‐C3N4 samples. Samples synthesized with the optimal molar ratios of thiourea/melamine (2:1), thiourea/dicyandiamide (2:1), urea/melamine (3:1), and urea/dicyandiamide (3:1), exhibit the highest HER rates of 3135, 2519, 2844, and 2565 μmol g−1 h−1, respectively. The amounts of heptazine and triazine units in the g‐C3N4 samples can be easily adjusted by changing the ratios of the hybrid precursors and play a decisive role in improving the photocatalytic HER activity. Because of the unique composition and microstructure, the efficient separation of electron–hole pairs, the broadened photo‐absorption edges, and the narrowed band gaps, the as‐obtained triazine/heptazine‐based g‐C3N4 nanostructures exhibit promising activity for HER application.
A hybrid chaotic map for communication security applications
Authors: Abdullah Hamsa A. , Abdullah Hikmat N. , Mahmoud Al‐Jawher Waleed A.
Published: November 2019

Recently, the synchronization between two matching chaotic systems to provide confident communication has gained a lot of interest. Continuously, there is a necessity to produce a novel dynamical system to be used in synchronization to implement a strong security system. In this paper, a hybrid chaotic system is suggested and verified for the potential use of secure communication through chaos synchronization. The Lyapunov exponent (LE) and zero‐one (0‐1) tests have been used to verify the performance of the suggested hybrid chaotic system, while National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST) tests have been applied to verify the randomness properties. And the synchronization has been achieved between master and slave systems by using nonlinear control laws. The simulation outcomes demonstration that the hybrid system has chaotic performance and outstanding randomness characteristic. The statistical results gained for LE test was 0.8822, and for frequency test (FT) was 0.2028, while for the run test (RT) was 0.1924. Accordingly, the suggested hybrid system can be used to evolve functional synchronization algorithms and encryption for image, video, and voice secure communication applications.
Medullary carcinoma of thyroid metastasis to breast: A cytological experience
Authors: Devi C. Aparna , Stephen S Norton , Gochhait Debasis , Shanmugam D , Dharanipragada Kadambari , Siddaraju Neelaiah , Singh Divya
Published: November 2019

Medullary carcinoma of thyroid is a relatively uncommon malignancy, which can be sporadic and syndromic in nature. It commonly spreads to regional lymph nodes followed by spreading to distant sites. Breast is an uncommon site of metastasis of this malignancy. Our case is a 38‐year‐old woman married parous woman presenting to the outpatient department with complaints of lump in both the breasts. Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) was attempted, which revealed a malignancy more suggestive of a metastasis, which was confirmed on CT scan. A detailed history revealed that the patient is a known case of medullary carcinoma of thyroid. The report was given as metastatic medullary carcinoma to the breast after confirming with a calcitonin immunostain. Given the versatility of primary lesions in the breast, minimally invasive FNA cytology (FNAC) technique with adequate sampling helps in identifying metastatic lesions. Differentiating primary from metastatic lesions changes the course of management to the patient. Metastatic lesions should always be kept in mind in the occurrence of known malignancies, however rare the site of occurrence may be. Morphological clues and immunohistochemical work up aid in arriving at correct diagnosis.
Folic acid‐conjugated raloxifene hydrochloride carbon nanotube for targeting breast cancer cells
Authors: Jawahar Nadrajan , De Aninidta , Jubee Selveraj , Reddy Ekkuluri Surendra
Published: November 2019

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality specifically for the women. The existing therapy is not sufficient due to the lack of target specificity and drug resistance. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one of the promising formulation approaches that show a promising effect to target specifically the cancer cells, with better cellular internalization. CNTs were prepared based on the modified Staudenmaier process, where temperature and stirring speed were found to be the most influencing factor for particle size and entrapment of the drug raloxifene hydrochloride (RLX). The optimized formulation was produced with drug loading of about 74.2 ± 4.67% and the average particle size of 234.2 ± 1.7 nm. The surface of the CNTs was functionalized by folic acid (FA), which helps to deliver the drug on the site of the cancer cells only in a target‐specific manner. in vitro drug‐release studies indicated that the drug release was dependent on the pH of the system. Cytotoxicity study clearly indicated the efficacy of the FA physically conjugated CNTs with affectivity induces apoptosis in the cancer cell line with the IC50 value of 43.57305 μg/ml. The fluorescence imagining study showed higher cellular internalization of the RLX compared with the pure drug and the RLX‐CNT formulation.
An exploration of the relationship between phonological and phonics knowledge, and self‐efficacy for teaching
Authors: Nicholson Tom , McIntosh Sheryll
Published: November 2019

The purpose of the present study was to survey trainee teachers to find out if there was a relationship between phonological and phonics content knowledge, perceived proficiency in this knowledge, and feelings of self‐efficacy as teachers. Participants were 51 undergraduate international teacher trainees from Malaysia studying in a 4‐year university program to teach English as another language. They completed a phonological and phonics knowledge survey as well as a short questionnaire relating to self‐efficacy for teaching. The survey results showed, similar to previous studies of the linguistic knowledge of teachers and teacher trainees, difficulties with phonological and phonics knowledge. Students who thought they were proficient in phonological and phonics knowledge were higher in phonological knowledge but not in phonics scores than were students who thought they were less proficient. The results for teaching self‐efficacy showed that students with higher phonological knowledge had higher levels of external teaching self‐efficacy in that they tended to disagree that factors outside their control made it difficult for some pupils to succeed. This suggests that higher levels of phonological knowledge gives prospective teachers more self‐belief in their ability to help all their pupils.
Exercise oscillatory ventilation and prognosis in heart failure patients with reduced and mid‐range ejection fraction
Authors: Rovai Sara , Corrà Ugo , Piepoli Massimo , Vignati Carlo , Salvioni Elisabetta , Bonomi Alice , Mattavelli Irene , Arcari Luca , Scardovi Angela B. , Perrone Filardi Pasquale , Lagioia Rocco , Paolillo Stefania , Magrì Damiano , Limongelli Giuseppe , Metra Marco , Senni Michele , Scrutinio Domenico , Raimondo Rosa , Emdin Michele , Lombardi Carlo , Cattadori Gaia , Parati Gianfranco , Re Federica , Cicoira Mariantonietta , Villani Giovanni Q. , Minà Chiara , Correale Michele , Frigerio Maria , Perna Enrico , Mapelli Massimo , Magini Alessandra , Clemenza Francesco , Bussotti Maurizio , Battaia Elisa , Guazzi Marco , Bandera Francesco , Badagliacca Roberto , Di Lenarda Andrea , Pacileo Giuseppe , Maggioni Aldo , Passino Claudio , Sciomer Susanna , Sinagra Gianfranco , Agostoni Piergiuseppe ,   on behalf of the MECKI Score Research Group (see Appendix 1)
Published: November 2019

Aims

Exercise oscillatory ventilation (EOV) is a pivotal cardiopulmonary exercise test parameter for the prognostic evaluation of patients with chronic heart failure (HF). It has been described in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (<40%, HFrEF) and with HF with preserved ejection fraction (>50%, HFpEF), but no data are available for patients with HF with mid‐range ejection fraction (40–49%, HFmrEF).
The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic role of EOV in HFmrEF patients.

Methods and results

We analysed 1239 patients with HFmrEF and 4482 patients with HFrEF, enrolled in the MECKI score database, with a 2‐year follow‐up. The study endpoint was the composite of cardiovascular death, urgent heart transplant, and ventricular assist device implantation. We identified EOV in 968 cases (16% and 17% of cases in HFmrEF and HFrEF,

respectively). HFrEF EOV+ patients were significantly older, and their parameters suggested a more severe HF than HFrEF EOV− patients. A similar behaviour was found in HFmrEF EOV+ vs. EOV− patients. Kaplan–Meier analysis, irrespective of ejection fraction, showed that EOV is associated with a worse survival, and that patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF EOV+ had a significantly worse outcome than the EOV− of the same ejection fraction groups. EOV‐associated survival differences in HFmrEF patients started after 18 months of follow‐up.

Conclusion

Exercise oscillatory ventilation has a similar prevalence and ominous prognostic value in both HFmrEF and HFrEF patients, indicating a group of patients in need of a more intensive follow‐up and a more aggressive therapy. In HFmrEF, the survival curves between EOV+ and EOV− patients diverged only after 18 months.
Coordination Chemistry of Anticrowns. Synthesis and Structures of Complexes of the Perfluorinated Three‐Mercury Anticrown (o‐C6F4Hg)3 with Monohalogenobenzenes
Authors: Tugashov Kirill I. , Yunusov Safar M. , Kalyuzhnaya Elena S. , Dolgushin Fedor M. , Peregudov Alexander S. , Klemenkova Zinaida S. , Minacheva Marija Kh. , Tikhonova Irina A. , Shur Vladimir B.
Published: November 2019

The paper reports the reactions of the perfluorinated three‐mercury anticrown (o‐C6F4Hg)3 (1) with monohalogenobenzenes. It has been found that the interaction of 1 with fluorobenzene gives two 1:1 complexes 2 and 3, differing in their structures. Complex 2 forms in the crystal extended binary stacks wherein the molecules of 1 alternate with the halogenobenzene species, while complex 3 consists of the cofacial dimers formed from the corresponding monomeric units {[(o‐C6F4Hg)3](C6H5F)}. Each fluorobenzene molecule in both adducts is bonded to 1 by its phenyl ring through secondary π‐Hg–C interactions, whereas the fluorine atom is coordinated with one of the Hg sites of 1. Analogous types of bonding are realized in the chlorobenzene and bromobenzene complexes, {[(o‐C6F4Hg)3]2(C6H5X)4}, (X = Cl, Br), containing four halogenobenzene molecules per two molecules of 1. The complexes include two monomeric {[(o‐C6F4Hg)3](C6H5X)2} fragments connected with one another by two bridging η1 coordinated halogen atoms of the halogenobenzene ligands. The halogen atoms of two other halogenobenzene species are η3 coordinated each with the Hg centers of the neighboring molecule of 1. The reaction of iodobenzene with 1 affords a 3:1 complex, {[(o‐C6F4Hg)3](C6H5I)3}, which is unstable and readily transformed into the corresponding 1:1 adduct. Both compounds form in the crystal extended stacks wherein each sandwiched iodobenzene molecule is coordinated via the iodine atom with the adjacent molecule(s) of 1.
Dye‐Sensitized Heterogeneous Photocatalysts for Green Redox Reactions
Authors: Reginato Gianna , Zani Lorenzo , Calamante Massimo , Mordini Alessandro , Dessì Alessio
Published: November 2019

Conversion of sunlight into chemical energy has been the subject of intense research efforts in recent years, due to the possibility to store the enormous amount of energy continuously provided by the Sun in the form of useful “solar fuels”. To allow such process, suitable photocatalysts are required, which are usually obtained by combination of different inorganic materials or by self‐assembly of molecular components on semiconductor surfaces: accordingly, they are capable to carry out several different processes such as light harvesting, substrate binding, electron transport, storage and transfer. Among the photocatalytic systems developed to date, heterogeneous dye‐sensitized semiconductors decorated with various electrocatalysts received particular attention, thanks to their favorable properties of tunable absorption spectrum, high stability and adaptability to different reactions. In this paper, we will review some selected examples of application of such photocatalysts to two main reactions, namely H+ reduction to H2 and CO2 conversion to C1‐building blocks (CO, formate), which are among the most important transformations in the field of so‐called “artificial photosynthesis”.
What does “moderate pain” mean? Subgroups holding different conceptions of rating scales evaluate experimental pain differently
Authors: Becker Susanne , Fuchs Xaver , Schakib‐Ekbatan Karin , Schweiker Marcel
Published: November 2019

Background

Pain ratings are almost ubiquitous in pain assessment, but their variability is high. Low correlations of continuous/numerical rating scales with categorical scales suggest that individuals associate different sensations with the same number on a scale, jeopardizing the interpretation of statistical results. We analysed individual conceptions of rating scales and whether these conceptions can be utilized in the analysis of ratings of experimental stimuli in pain‐free healthy individuals and people with reoccurring/persistent pain.

Methods

Using a free positioning task, healthy participants (N = 57) and people with reoccurring/persistent pain (N = 57) ad libitum positioned pain descriptors on lines representing intensity and un‐/pleasantness scales. Furthermore, participants rated experimental thermal stimuli on visual analogue scales with the same end anchors. A latent class regression approach was used to detect subgroups with different response patterns in the free positioning task, indicating different conceptions of pain labels, and tested whether these subgroups differed in their ratings of experimental stimuli.

Results

Subgroups representing different conceptions of pain labels could be described for the intensity and the un‐/pleasantness scale with in part opposing response patterns in the free positioning task. Response patterns did not differ between people with and without pain, but in people with pain subgroups showed differential ratings of high intensity experimental stimuli.

Conclusions

Individuals' conceptions of pain labels differ. These conceptions can be quantified and utilized to improve the analysis of ratings of experimental stimuli. Identifying subgroups with different conceptions of pain descriptions could be used to improve predictions of responses to pain in clinical contexts.

Significance

The present results provide a novel approach to incorporate individual conceptualizations of pain descriptors, which can induce large distortions in the analysis of pain ratings, in pain assessment. The approach can be used to achieve better pain estimates, representing individual conceptions of pain and achieving a better comparability between individuals but also between pain‐free persons and patients with chronic pain. Particularly, in clinical settings this could improve quantification of perceived pain and the patient‐clinician communication.
Defining biotechnological solutions for insect control in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Botha Anna‐Maria , Kunert Karl J. , Maling’a Joyce , Foyer Christine H.
Published: November 2019

Africa is burdened by food insecurity with nearly a billion people suffering from starvation, undernutrition, and malnutrition. Climate change prediction models forecast changes in rainfall patterns and rising temperature regimes, with impacts particularly on Southern and East Africa. These predictions are especially concerning for the production of major food crops, such as maize, sorghum, millet, and groundnut, because median temperature increases are associated with increased pest pressure and changes in migratory patterns. These factors will result in significantly more pest invasions and an increased need for innovative insect management practices. This review focuses on pest control strategies, highlighting important examples, their economic impact, and new alternative pest control strategies. African policymakers remain hesitant to move forward with establishing biosafety laws and commercializing GM crops, and it is often difficult to implement regulatory measures in smallholder agriculture to increase efficacy.
Post‐stroke cognitive deficits rarely come alone: Handling co‐morbidity in lesion‐behaviour mapping
Authors: Sperber Christoph , Nolingberg Chloé , Karnath Hans‐Otto
Published: November 2019

Post‐stroke behavioural symptoms often correlate and systematically co‐occur with each other, either because they share cognitive processes, or because their neural correlates are often damaged together. Thus, neuropsychological symptoms often share variance. Many previous lesion‐behaviour mapping studies aimed to methodologically consider this shared variance between neuropsychological variables. A first group of studies controlled the behavioural target variable for the variance explained by one or multiple other variables to obtain a more precise mapping of the target variable. A second group of studies focused on the shared variance of multiple variables itself with the aim to map neural correlates of cognitive processes that are shared between the original variables. In the present study, we tested the validity of these methods by using real lesion data and both real and simulated data sets. We show that the variance that is shared between post‐stroke behavioural variables is ambiguous, and that mapping procedures that consider this variance are prone to biases and artefacts. We discuss under which conditions such procedures could still be used and what alternative approaches exist.
Groups of companies in the Recast European Insolvency Regulation: Around and about the “group”
Authors: de Soveral Martins Alexandre
Published: November 2019

Regulation (EU) 2015/848 (Recast European Insolvency Regulation/Recast EIR) contains a set of articles dedicated to the insolvency proceedings relative to members of groups of companies. No substantial consolidation or any procedural nature is envisaged. Article 2(13) of Regulation 2015/848 clarifies that, for the purposes of the same, a “group of companies” must be understood as “a parent undertaking and all its subsidiary undertakings.” However, many doubts arise when one goes deeper into that definition. The author deals with some of those problems and gives some suggestions to overcome them.
Prognostic implications of RAS alterations in diverse malignancies and impact of targeted therapies
Authors: Kato Shumei , Okamura Ryosuke , Sicklick Jason K. , Daniels Gregory A. , Hong David S. , Goodman Aaron , Weihe Elizabeth , Lee Suzanna , Khalid Noor , Collier Rachel , Mareboina Manvita , Riviere Paul , Whitchurch Theresa J. , Fanta Paul T. , Lippman Scott M. , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: November 2019

RAS alterations are often found in difficult‐to‐treat malignancies and are considered “undruggable.” To better understand the clinical correlates and coaltered genes of RAS alterations, we used targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze 1,937 patients with diverse cancers. Overall, 20.9% of cancers (405/1,937) harbored RAS alterations. Most RAS‐altered cases had genomic coalterations (95.3%, median: 3, range: 0–51), often involving genes implicated in oncogenic signals: PI3K pathway (31.4% of 405 cases), cell cycle (31.1%), tyrosine kinase families (21.5%) and MAPK signaling (18.3%). Patients with RAS‐altered versus wild‐type RAS malignancies had significantly worse overall survival (OS; p = 0.02 [multivariate]), with KRAS alterations, in particular, showing shorter survival. Moreover, coalterations in both RAS and PI3K signaling or cell‐cycle‐associated genes correlated with worse OS (p = 0.004 and p < 0.0001, respectively [multivariate]). Among RAS‐altered patients, MEK inhibitors alone did not impact progression‐free survival (PFS), while matched targeted therapy against non‐MAPK pathway coalterations alone showed a trend toward longer PFS (vs. patients who received unmatched therapy) (HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.61–1.03, p = 0.07). Three of nine patients (33%) given tailored combination therapies targeting both MAPK and non‐MAPK pathways achieved objective responses. In conclusion, RAS alterations correlated with poor survival across cancers. The majority of RAS alterations were accompanied by coalterations impacting other oncogenic pathways. MEK inhibitors alone were ineffective against RAS‐altered cancers while matched targeted therapy against coalterations alone correlated with a trend toward improved PFS. A subset of the small number of patients given MEK inhibitors plus tailored non‐MAPK‐targeting agents showed responses, suggesting that customized combinations warrant further investigation.
Domestic financial reforms and crisis recoveries
Authors: Dai Yanke , Lin Shu , Zou Hanbo
Published: November 2019

We examine empirically whether domestic financial reforms lead to faster recoveries from financial crises. Using a duration analysis approach and financial reform indicators from Abiad, Detragiache, and Tressel (2010), we find robust evidence that a higher overall level of domestic financial liberalization is associated with a significantly shorter duration of recovery. This effect exists in both the downturn and upturn stages of a crisis but matters only for developing countries. We also check the effect of each individual dimension of domestic financial reforms and find they all contribute to significant faster crisis recoveries except for privatization of the banking sector.
Hiring “tainted” outside directors on the board
Authors: Kim Soohyung
Published: November 2019

By looking at the unique data set during the period from 2011 to 2015, this research presents evidence that a firm's decision to hire a tainted outside director (OD) onto its board produces significantly improved firm performance. I defined tainted ODs as ODs that are (were) senior executives at other firms where class action lawsuits were filed on behalf of an investor group that had suffered a financial loss in a stock. Especially, for the firms that appointed tainted OD as the chair of audit committee, their industry‐adjusted return on assets is significantly increased by 6.8%. These results mean that under the presence of career concerns theory, tainted OD's history directly related to a previous securities class action lawsuit is a unique experience that modifies and disciplines their future behavior and eventually helps improve firm performance. Thus, through appointing tainted OD as an audit committee chair the firm might be able to reinforce the monitoring and transparency of its board, resulting in significantly better firm performance than any other control firms.
Distribution of goblet and endocrine cells in the intestine: A comparative study in Amazonian freshwater Tambaqui and hybrid catfish
Authors: Pereira Raquel Tatiane , Nebo Caroline , de Paula Naves Luciana , Fortes‐Silva Rodrigo , Regina Cardoso de Oliveira Izabela , Paulino Renan Rosa , Drummond Cristina Delarete , Rosa Priscila Vieira
Published: November 2019

Goblet cells (GCs) and endocrine cells (ECs) play an important role in intestine physiology, and few studies currently exist for Amazonian fishes. This study aimed to quantify the distribution of GCs and ECs producing cholecystokinin‐8 and neuropeptide Y, assessed by mucin histochemistry and peptides immunohistochemistry, in the intestine of two Amazonian species with different feeding habits Tambaqui (Colossosoma macropomum) and hybrid catfish (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum × Leiarius marmoratus), an omnivore and carnivore, respectively. A systematic literature review correlating feeding habit and GC and EC distribution was also included to contribute to the comparative study. The results of this study provided novel information about the gut cells of Tambaqui and hybrid catfish. Both, GCs and ECs can be found sweeping the entire intestine of Tambaqui and hybrid catfish although the cells can be more concentrated in certain segments. The GCs and ECs in Tambaqui were more uniformly distributed in the midgut segments (T1, T2, and T3). Unlike, in hybrid catfish GCs were more concentrated in the hindgut (C4) and ECs mainly in the two midgut segments (C1 and C2) of hybrid catfish. Based on the comparison between Tambaqui, hybrid catfish, and other fishes in the literature review, we suggest that cell distribution can be partially explained by feeding habits, carnivorous vs. omnivorous.
An extreme climate transition in the Caribbean's Virgin Islands. II. Sun and Northern hemisphere atmospheric–oceanic feedbacks
Authors: Orange N. Brice , Stolz Noah , Ryan Molly , Chesny David L. , Gendre Bruce , Primack Avram G. , Giblin Timothy W. , Morris David C.
Published: November 2019

The last 60 years of extreme climate variability, and a 1980s climatic shift in the Caribbean's Virgin Islands were analysed to explore relationships with the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), El‐Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and sunspot numbers. AMO, NAO, ENSO, and sunspot number relationships with the Virgin Islands climate were assessed from measures to their number density of statistically significant correlation with 17 extreme climate indices. Decadal daytime cooling negatively (positively) correlated with AMO (ENSO) records, while moderate nightly warming positively related to the AMO, ENSO, and NAO. In the decades following the late 1970s to early 1980s, evidence was suggestive of an increased lead time for local temperature responses. A relationship with sunspots in extreme temperature was indicated in daytime variations, at a lead time consistent with NAO influences expected from solar activity. The NAO, and to a lesser extent the ENSO, exhibited a negative association to extreme precipitation, while the AMO and sunspot number records only supported a connectivity post 1970s. Twentieth century strengthening of the tropical Atlantic tripole in sea surface temperatures is implicated as the source of decadal warming, and an increasingly rainy climate. More frequent poleward shifts of the Atlantic Intertropical Convergence Zone are suggested to explain recent decadal rises in intense rainfall events, from increased occurrences in organized deep convection.
Green supply chain management in Chinese firms: Innovative measures and the moderating role of quick response technology
Authors: Li Guo , Li Lin , Choi Tsan‐Ming , Sethi Suresh P.
Published: November 2019

The last decade has witnessed a sharp rising trend in environmental awareness and protection in China. Green supply chain management (GSCM) has been regarded as an effective tool in China for mitigating the negative effects that firms have on the environment. However, the extent to which GSCM pressures influence GSCM practices, and whether and how GSCM practices affect GSCM performance are topics that remain under‐explored. Combining Institutional Theory, Resource‐Based View (RBV) Theory, and the literature on GSCM, our study sheds light on the relationship among GSCM pressures, practices, and performance under the moderating effect of quick response (QR) technology. Using statistical analysis of the collected data and case studies from companies in China, we establish several results. First, among different GSCM pressures, market and export pressures have significant impacts on GSCM practices, whereas cost pressure does not influence GSCM practices significantly. Second, internal improvement practice exerts a significant impact on GSCM practices, while external improvement practice negatively affects positive economic performance. In addition, ecology practice has significantly influenced environmental, positive economic, and operational performance. Third, QR technology suppresses the positive effect between internal improvement practice and negative economic performance. Two real cases from Huawei (telecommunications technologies) and Beijing Benz Automotive (automobile manufacturing) are conducted to verify the findings and generate additional insights. Our findings contribute to the literature and provide guidance to help governments and companies establish effective and innovative GSCM policies.
Effect of Hydrophobic Plant Extract on the Physicochemical Properties of a Transparent Fabric Softener
Authors: Ogorzałek Marta , Wasilewski Tomasz , Klimaszewska Emilia , Zięba Małgorzata
Published: November 2019

This article investigates the effect of hydrophobic supercritical CO2 raspberry seed extracts on the physicochemical and functional properties of a modern, transparent fabric softener. The addition of a hydrophobic extract to a transparent softener formulation increased the turbidity and dynamic viscosity of the product compared to the reference formulation (with no added extract). In addition, fabric rinsed in a bath containing the transparent fabric softener enriched with the hydrophobic extract was characterized by a higher degree of softness and slightly lower values of fabric rewettability (two parameters determining the usable properties of this type products) in relation to the values determined for a fabric exposed to the rinsing process in an aqueous solution of the transparent fabric softener without added extract. The results obtained in the assessment of physicochemical properties point to the modification of the structure of fabric softener resulting from the growth of surfactant aggregates due to solubilization of the hydrophobic extract. As a consequence, the deposit—an adsorption layer of surfactants (responsible for key characteristics relevant to the performance of this type of products) remaining on the fabric after the rinsing process—is modified.
Performance of Selected Models for Predicting Malignancy in Ovarian Tumors in Relation to the Degree of Diagnostic Uncertainty by Subjective Assessment With Ultrasound
Authors: Szubert Sebastian , Szpurek Dariusz , Wójtowicz Andrzej , Żywica Patryk , Stukan Maciej , Sajdak Stefan , Jabłonski Sławomir , Wicherek Łukasz , Moszyński Rafał
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The study's main aim was to evaluate the relationship between the performance of predictive models for differential diagnoses of ovarian tumors and levels of diagnostic confidence in subjective assessment (SA) with ultrasound. The second aim was to identify the parameters that differentiate between malignant and benign tumors among tumors initially diagnosed as uncertain by SA.

Methods

The study included 250 (55%) benign ovarian masses and 201 (45%) malignant tumors. According to ultrasound findings, the tumors were divided into 6 groups: certainly benign, probably benign, uncertain but benign, uncertain but malignant, probably malignant, and certainly malignant. The performance of the risk of malignancy index, International Ovarian Tumor Analysis assessment of different neoplasias in the adnexa model, and International Ovarian Tumor Analysis logistic regression model 2 was analyzed in subgroups as follows: SA‐certain tumors (including certainly benign and certainly malignant) versus SA‐probable tumors (probably benign and probably malignant) versus SA‐uncertain tumors (uncertain but benign and uncertain but malignant).

Results

We found a progressive decrease in the performance of all models in association with the increased uncertainty in SA. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the risk of malignancy index, logistic regression model 2, and assessment of different neoplasias in the adnexa model decreased between the SA‐certain and SA‐uncertain groups by 20%, 28%, and 20%, respectively. The presence of solid parts and a high color score were the discriminatory features between uncertain but benign and uncertain but malignant tumors.

Conclusions

Studies are needed that focus on the subgroup of ovarian tumors that are difficult to classify by SA. In cases of uncertain tumors by SA, the presence of solid components or a high color score should prompt a gynecologic oncology clinic referral.