bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Radical‐Enhanced Intersystem Crossing in an NDI‐TEMPO Dyad: Photophysics, Electron Spin Polarization, and Application in Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Wang Zhijia , Gao Yuting , Hussain Mushraf , Kundu Sushma , Rane Vinayak , Hayvali Mustafa , Yildiz Elif Akhüseyin , Zhao Jianzhang , Yaglioglu Halime Gul , Das Ranjan , Luo Liang , Li Jianfeng
Published: October 2018

A compact naphthalenediimide (NDI)–2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyloxy (TEMPO) dyad has been prepared with the aim of studying radical‐enhanced intersystem crossing (EISC) and the formation of high spin states as well as electron spin polarization (ESP) dynamics. Compared with the previously reported radical–chromophore dyads, the present system shows a very high triplet state quantum yield (ΦT=74 %), a long‐lived triplet state (τT=8.7 μs), fast EISC (1/kEISC=338 ps), and absorption in the red spectral region. Time‐resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectroscopy showed that, upon photoexcitation in fluid solution at room temperature, the D0 state of the TEMPO moiety produces strong emissive (E) polarization owing to the quenching of the excited singlet state of NDI by the radical moiety (electron exchange J>0). The emissive polarization then inverts into absorptive (A) polarization within about 3 μs, and then relaxes to a thermal equilibrium while quenching the triplet state of NDI. The formation and decay of the quartet state were also observed. The dyad was used as a three‐spin triplet photosensitizer for triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (quantum yield ΦUC=2.6 %). Remarkably, when encapsulated into liposomes, the red‐light‐absorbing dyad–liposomes show good biocompatibility and excellent photodynamic therapy efficiency (phototoxicity EC50=3.22 μm), and therefore is a promising candidate for future less toxic and multifunctional photodynamic therapeutic reagents.
Anion Exchange of Ni–Co Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) Nanoarrays for a High‐Capacitance Supercapacitor Electrode: A Comparison of Alkali Anion Exchange and Sulfuration
Authors: Zou Wenru , Guo Wenxin , Liu Xinyi , Luo Yunli , Ye Qinglan , Xu Xuetang , Wang Fan
Published: October 2018

A facile and new anion exchange process is presented, which involves the conversion of NiCo‐CO3 layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheet arrays in an alkaline solution. The anion exchange between CO32− and OH− results in the construction of a reservoir for OH− anions, and the decoration of thin nanoflakes on the surface of nanosheets effectively enlarges the surface area of NiCo LDH nanoarrays. The capacitance of the as‐soaked NiCo LDH nanoarrays electrode increases from 1.78 F cm−2 (684 F g−1) to 6.22 F cm−2 (2391 F g−1) at 2 mA cm−2 after soaking for 12 h. Moreover, the soaked NiCo‐OH LDH electrode exhibits an enhanced rate capacity, high coulombic efficiency, and good cycling stability compared with the Ni–Co‐S nanosheet electrode synthesized through a hydrothermal sulfuration process. The as‐assembled all‐solid‐state NiCo LDH//active carbon asymmetric supercapacitor shows a maximum energy density of 83.4 W h kg−1 at a power density of 1066 W kg−1.
Ligand‐Assisted Back Energy Transfer in Luminescent TbIII Complexes for Thermosensing Properties
Authors: Yamamoto Masanori , Kitagawa Yuichi , Nakanishi Takayuki , Fushimi Koji , Hasegawa Yasuchika
Published: October 2018

A luminescent TbIII complex with a hexafluoroacetylacetone (hfa) ligand shows a characteristic back energy transfer (BEnT), which leads to high temperature sensitivity and potential application as a thermosensitive paint. Ligand‐assisted BEnT was observed when a phosphine oxide ligand was introduced into Tb(hfa)3 complex, which was shown to affect the activation energy (ΔEa) and frequency factor (A) in the BEnT process between TbIII ion and hfa ligands. According to temperature‐dependent emission‐lifetime measurements of mononuclear Tb(hfa)3 complexes with monodentate phosphine oxides and polynuclear Tb(hfa)3 complexes with bidentate phosphine oxides, the ΔEa and A values of polynuclear TbIII complexes were smaller than those of mononuclear TbIII complexes. Phosphorescence spectra and lifetimes of each Gd(hfa)3 complex revealed that excited states of hfa ligands in TbIIIcomplexes differed from those of the polynuclear TbIII complexes and mononuclear TbIII complexes. The differences in the ΔEa and A values between polynuclear and mononuclear TbIII complexes were caused by the formation of different excited states, such as delocalization of the excited state in the polynuclear TbIII complexes and localization of excited states in the mononuclear TbIII complexes. In particular, small ΔEa and A values of polynuclear TbIII complexes provided high, effective activation of the BEnT at low temperature, which resulted in high‐sensitive temperature‐dependent phosphor materials over a wide temperature range.
Copper‐Catalyzed Trifunctionalization of Alkynes: Rapid Formation of Oxindoles Bearing Geminal Diboronates
Authors: He Tao , Li Bin , Liu Li‐Chuan , Wang Jing , Ma Wen‐Peng , Li Guang‐Yu , Zhang Qing‐Wei , He Wei
Published: October 2018

A copper‐catalyzed trifunctionalization of alkynes that provides rapid access to oxindoles bearing a geminal diboronate side chain, highlighted by the simultaneous formation of one C−C bond and two C−B bonds, is reported. This new reaction features simple reaction conditions (ligand‐free catalysis), a general substrate scope, and excellent chemoselectivity. Mechanistic study revealed a reaction sequence constituted by, in the order, borylation, intramolecular cross‐coupling, hydroboration, which has been rarely documented.
Radical Cation Initiated Surface Polymerization on Photothermal Rubber for Smart Antifouling Coatings
Authors: Li Ruiting , Lian Xiaodong , Wang Zhen , Wang Yapei
Published: October 2018

Biofouling on surfaces of various materials has attracted considerable attention in biomedical and marine industries. Surface grafting based on covalent surface‐initiated polymerization offers a popular route to address this problem by providing diverse robust polymer coatings capable of preventing the biofouling in complex environments. However, the existing methods for synthesizing polymer coatings are complicated and rigorous, or require special catalysts, greatly limiting their practical applications. In this work, a radical‐cation‐based surface‐initiated polymerization protocol to graft the surface of darkened trans‐polyisoprene (TPI) rubber with a thermo‐responsive smart polymer, poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), through a simple iodine doping process is reported. A series of characterizations were performed to provide adequate evidence to confirm the successful grafting. Combining the thermal sensitivity of PNIPAM with the photothermal conversion ability of the darkened rubber, efficient bacteria‐killing and antifouling capabilities were successfully achieved as a result of temperature‐controlled iodine release and switchable amphiphilicity of PNIPAM.
Can Bismuth Replace Mercury in Redox Transmetallation/Protolysis Syntheses from Free Lanthanoid Metals?
Authors: Guo Zhifang , Blair Victoria , Deacon Glen B. , Junk Peter C.
Published: October 2018

Tris(pentafluorophenyl)bismuth has been examined as a potential replacement for diarylmercurials in redox transmetallation/protolysis (RTP) syntheses of reactive rare earth compounds from free rare earth metals, HgAr2, and a proligand HL. Thus, the lanthanoid pyrazolates, [Ln(Ph2pz)3(thf)3] (Ph2pz=3,5‐diphenylpyrazolate; Ln=La, 1, Ce, 2, Nd, 3, Tb, 4; thf=tetrahydrofuran), [Ln2(Ph2pz)4(OMe)2(dme)2]⋅2 dme (Ln=Ho, 5, Er, 6, Tm, 7, Lu, 8; dme=1,2‐dimethoxyethane), [Ln(Ph2pz)3(dme)2] (Ln=Dy, 9, Sm, 10), [Ln(tBu2pz)3(thf)2] (tBu2pz=3,5‐di‐tert‐butylpyrazolate; Ln=La, 11, Ce, 12, Sm, 13, Gd, 14, Dy, 15, Ho, 16, Tm, 17, Yb, 18, Lu, 19), [Ln(ttfpz)3(thf)3] (ttfpz=3‐(2′‐thienyl)‐5‐(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolate; Ln=La, 20, Sm, 21), and [Er(PhMepz)3(thf)2] 22 (PhMepz=3‐phenyl‐5‐methylpyrazolate) have been prepared in good yields by redox transmetallation/protolysis reactions employing lanthanoid metals and trispentafluorophenylbismuth [Bi(C6F5)3]⋅0.5 diox (diox=1, 4‐dioxane) in donor solvents. This is a new and efficient synthetic route in which Bi(C6F5)3 replaces the commonly used Hg(C6F5)2 or HgPh2, and provides proof of concept for the method. [Ln2(Ph2pz)4(OMe)2(dme)2]⋅2 dme (5–8) complexes are derived from C−O bond activation of dme on crystallization of the initial products from this solvent, and are dimeric methoxide‐bridged species. Other structures are monomeric with η2‐bound pyrazolate ligands and nine‐coordinate metal atoms for complexes 1–4, 9–10 and 20–21, and eight‐coordinate metal atoms for complexes 11–19 and 22.
Upper‐Rim Monofunctionalisation in the Synthesis of Triazole‐ and Disulfide‐Linked Multicalix[4]‐ and ‐[6]arenes
Authors: Gardiner William H. , Camilleri Matthew , Martinez‐Lozano Luis A. , Bew Sean P. , Stephenson G. Richard
Published: October 2018

Covalently linked multiple calixarenes are valued in supramolecular chemistry. This work reports an easy and versatile synthetic route to covalently linked double and triple calix[4]arene and calix[6]arenes by a novel DMF‐controlled selective alkylation of a convenient and readily available upper‐rim dimethylaminomethyl‐substituted tetrahydroxy and hexahydroxy calix[4]arene and ‐[6]arenes. Synthetic routes to upper‐rim functionalised redox active disulfide‐linked double‐, tetra‐ and peptidohybrid‐calixarenes employing either redox chemistry (CH2SH) or thiolates (CH2S−) are also opened up from the same key starting material.
Synthesis of Dihydroindoloisoquinolines through Copper‐Catalyzed Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling of Tetrahydroisoquinolines and Nitroalkanes
Authors: Martín‐García Iris , Alonso Francisco
Published: October 2018

Lately, the cross‐dehydrogenative coupling of tetrahydroisoquinolines and nitroalkanes has become a widely studied reaction in organic chemistry; the corresponding β‐nitroamines are generally formed irrespective of the catalysis and activation mode utilized. A quite distinct behavior was observed when the reaction was catalyzed by copper nanoparticles supported on titania, leading to the formation of 5,6‐dihydroindolo[2,1‐a]isoquinolines with high selectivity and good yields. A meticulous reaction mechanism is proposed, based on experimentation, and discussed along with a key chemical modification of these compounds. Apparently, the catalyst effectiveness resides in its nanostructured character, outperforming the activity of the commercial copper catalysts.
[19]Dendriphene: A 19‐Ring Dendritic Nanographene
Authors: Vilas‐Varela Manuel , Fatayer Shadi , Majzik Zsolt , Pérez Dolores , Guitián Enrique , Gross Leo , Peña Diego
Published: October 2018

The synthesis of a threefold symmetric nanographene with 19 cata‐fused benzene rings distributed within six branches is reported. This flat dendritic starphene, which is the largest unsubstituted cata‐condensed PAH that has been obtained to date, was prepared in solution by means of a palladium‐catalyzed aryne cyclotrimerization reaction and it was characterized on surface by scanning probe microscopy with atomic resolution.
Is surgery for retroperitoneal sarcoma at “low‐volume” hospitals a bad idea?
Authors: Putt Mary E.
Published: October 2018

When volume‐outcome associations are being considered, statistical analyses that ignore correlations due to clustering by hospital are invalid and may lead to confidence intervals that are too narrow andPvalues that are too small. Before any conclusions are drawn about the value of treatment for retroperitoneal sarcoma at a high‐volume hospital, the statistical analysis should adequately address the question of whether volume is a key factor driving center‐to‐center variability in outcomes.
Neurons with diverse phenotypes project from the caudal to the rostral nucleus of the solitary tract
Authors: Travers Susan , Breza Joseph , Harley Jacob , Zhu JiuLin , Travers Joseph
Published: October 2018

The nucleus of the solitary tract is a potential site for taste–visceral interactions. Connections from the caudal, visceral area of the nucleus (cNST) to the rostral, gustatory zone (rNST) have been described, but the phenotype of cells giving rise to the projection(s) and their distribution among rNST subdivisions are unknown. To determine these characteristics of the intrasolitary pathway, we injected pan‐neuronal and floxed AAV viruses into the cNST of mice expressing cre in glutamatergic, GABAergic, or catecholaminergic neurons. Particular attention was paid to the terminal field distribution in rNST subdivisions by simultaneously visualizing P2X2 localized to gustatory afferent terminals. All three phenotypically identified pathways terminated in rNST, with the density greatest for glutamatergic and sparsest for catecholaminergic projections, observations supported by retrograde tracing. Interestingly, cNST neurons had more prominent projections to rNST regions medial and ventral to P2X2 staining, i.e., the medial and ventral subdivisions. In addition, GABAergic neurons projected robustly to the lateral subdivision and adjacent parts of the reticular formation and spinal trigeminal nucleus. Although cNST neurons also projected to the P2X2‐rich central subdivision, such projections were sparser. These findings suggest that cNST visceral signals exert stronger excitatory and inhibitory influences on local autonomic and reflex pathways associated with the medial and ventral subdivisions compared to weaker modulation of ascending pathways arising from the central subdivision and ultimately destined for the forebrain.
Synthesized fault diagnosis method reasoned from rough set‐neural network and evidence theory
Authors: Yang Guang , Yu Shuofeng
Published: October 2018

When traditional machinery fault diagnosis methods are used to handle diagnostic problems, the problems such as low diagnosis accuracy and bad real‐time capability will arise if there are lots of data and various complex faults. An integrated fault diagnosis reasoning strategy based on fusing rough sets, neural network, and evidence theory is presented using the principles of data fusion and meta‐synthesis. Firstly, use the the parallel neural network structure to improve diagnosis ability of the local diagnosis networks; preprocess the data with rough set theory to simplify the complex neural networks; and eliminate redundant properties in order to determine the topological structure of network. By this way, the shortcomings of network, such as large scale and slow classification, can be overcome. Secondly, a new objectified method of basic probability assignment is given. Besides, the accuracy and efficiency of the fault diagnosis can be improved obviously according to the various redundant and complementary fault information by using the combination rule of the evidence theory to synthesize and make decisions on the evidence. The example of rotating machinery diagnostic given in the paper proves the method to be feasible and available.
Scalable and optimal planning based on Pregel
Authors: Jiang Zhihua , Rao Dongning
Published: October 2018

Automated planning generates plans for specific tasks. Optimal planning aims at generating optimal plans under global constraints. As a result, the divide‐and‐conquer method is not applicable for optimal planning. Therefore, engineering applications of optimal planning face the scalability issue. Fortunately, cloud computing tools are on the shelf. For example, the Apache Spark is an engine for big data processing. It supports the Pregel for scalable computing. Therefore, we proposed an optimal Planning method based on the Pregel, called the PbP. Unlike classical planning, the PbP method uses the Pregel as the computation model, instead of the traditional state‐space searching. The core idea is to transform planning problems into graph processing problems. Specifically, actions are mapped into vertices, partial orders between actions are mapped into edges between vertices, and states are mapped into messages. Furthermore, the planning is viewed as message propagating in the graph, and plan traces are stored as attributes of vertices. Experimental results showed the feasibility of the proposed method PbP. Moreover, compared with state‐of‐the‐art optimal planners, our approach is more scalable and faster.
Fog learning for cultivating critical thinking in information seeking process
Authors: Haghparast Mahboobeh , Abdullah Noorhidawati , Nasaruddin Fariza Hanum
Published: October 2018

Fog computing has been emerged as a promising paradigm with the different applications from industry to academic area. In this paper, we proposed a new concept, namely fog learning with the aim of addressing the critical thinking as a demanding issue in academic area. Due to the distributed architecture of our fog learning model, it can be used anywhere, anytime, and with the minimum latency in comparison with the existing mobile and cloud learning models to foster the critical thinking. To test the effectiveness of the proposed method, we applied the Software Usability Measurement Inventory (SUMI) as well as the acceptance test. We firstly showed that more than 74% of participants suffered from lack of critical thinking. Moreover, the participants indicated that they use several critical thinking skills during information seeking process, which shows there are relationships between critical thinking skills and the information seeking processes. According to the relationships between critical thinking skills and the information seeking processes, we designed a prototype for cultivating of critical thinking on the basis of fog learning. The results of the prototype evaluation emphasized on its positive role to foster critical thinking.
A multi‐granularity locking scheme for java packedobjects based on a concurrent multiway tree
Authors: Yang Bing , Kent Kenneth B. , Aubanel Eric , MacKay Stephen , Agila Tobi
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we develop a multi‐granularity locking scheme for Java PackedObjects, an experimental enhancement introduced in IBM's J9 Java Virtual Machine. The packed object model organizes data in a multi‐tier manner in which object data can be nested in the container object instead of being pointed to by an object reference, as in the traditional Java object model. This new object data model creates new challenges for multi‐tier data synchronization, requiring concurrent locks on the multi‐tier data of different granularities for maintaining consistency. This is different from the traditional Java synchronization model. In this paper we make use of a concurrent multiway tree to represent the containing and ordering relationship between PackedObjects at different tiers and develop an efficient multi‐granularity locking scheme allowing multiple threads to concurrently manipulate the concurrent multiway tree for synchronization operations. In the evaluation, we compare our new tree‐based multitierSync with the previous multitierSync approaches based on linked‐lists (optimized‐list‐based and lazy‐list‐based). The experimental results show that the tree‐based MultitierPackedSync outperforms the list‐based approaches considerably in different workloads, and the higher the workload, the better the performance gains achieved by the tree‐based MultitierPackedSync.
Retracted: Intelligent medical IoT system based on WSN with computer vision platforms
Authors: Liu Feng , Chen Zhigang , Wang Jie
Published: October 2018

With the development of wireless transmission technology, wireless sensor network technology has been widely used in various fields of the society. This paper introduces the wireless sensor network into the medical care systems, we put forward a medical image based on wireless sensor network system. It can transmit the patient's physiological parameters and image data to the medical monitoring base station through the communication network, so that the patient's pathological development can be tracked dynamically, so as to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. Based on the theory of wireless sensor network, current situation and trend in China's medical care, we described the application of wireless sensor network technology in the remote medical monitoring system, broaden the ideas for the application of wireless sensor network in the remote medical monitoring system. The difficulty of wireless sensor network is the design of network architecture, operation system with the communication protocol and application software. Our proposed framework can deal with the challenges with satisfactory results. The proposed methodology is compared with the other latest methodologies to test the overall performance of the model.
A novel low‐cost smart energy meter based on IoT for developing countries' micro grids
Authors: Srivatchan N.S. , Rangarajan P.
Published: October 2018

The increasing demand for energy calls for traditional power grids to become smarter. In developing countries, the challenge is to build smart grids by integrating renewable energy sources into the existing power systems with the help of micro grids. In this paper, a novel low‐cost smart energy meter (SEM) is proposed for online energy measurement and billing. The proposed SEM is based on the Internet of things with LoRa‐WiFi, which increases the connectivity range and reduces dependence on Internet access. A dedicated Android application provides a friendly communication between the user and the utility company. The proposed measurement system enables the user to get real‐time supply voltage, current, and power consumption directly into their smart phones. The proposed SEM also helps energy companies become aware of possible thefts and faults and to provide reliable service to their customers.
A scheduling selection process for energy‐efficient task execution on DVFS processors
Authors: Rauber Thomas , Rünger Gudula
Published: October 2018

The efficient execution of parallel programs with respect to execution time and energy consumption is a major concern, and often, scheduling methods are used to achieve a good performance. In this article, we consider the problem of scheduling a set of independent tasks on a parallel system with homogeneous execution units providing frequency scaling. The set of tasks has the property that the tasks exhibit a task‐specific inhomogeneous and non‐linear behavior of their specific time‐energy relation. In addition, it is assumed that execution time and energy consumption behave in a non‐linear manner with respect to frequency scaling. For the assignment of these tasks to execution units, we propose a scheduling selection process combining scheduling algorithms, which determine a task assignment, with a subsequent selection of frequency scaling, which we call schedule execution modes. This process builds a rich set of alternative schedule execution modes from which efficient (or Pareto‐optimal) schedule execution modes can be selected. Experiments are done for the SPEC CPU benchmarks. Experimental results illustrate that the enriched scheduling process leads to task assignments resulting in an efficient execution on DVFS processors.
Transformational leadership, corporate social responsibility, organizational innovation, and organizational performance: Symmetrical and asymmetrical analytical approaches
Authors: Khan Haroon ur Rashid , Ali Murad , Olya Hossein G. T. , Zulqarnain Muhamamd , Khan Zubair Rashid
Published: October 2018

This study examines the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational performance by evaluating the mediatory role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and organizational innovation which has received considerably less attention in the literature. This study introduces CSR and organizational innovation as potential mediators of relationships between the key constructs of transformational leadership and organizational performance. Sufficient direct and mediation effects of predictors were tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM) with data from 396 French firms. Sufficient configurations of the predictors indicating high and low scores of performance were explored using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The PLS‐SEM results show that both direct and indirect effects of transformational leadership on performance are significant. The fsQCA results reveal that a combination of CSR and transformational leadership leads to high performance. Alternately, high performance results from high innovation. This empirical study contributes to the current knowledge by applying both symmetrical and asymmetrical approaches to indicate performance at an organizational level. This study discusses the findings and provides theoretical, managerial, and research implications.
Base‐Free Dehydrogenation of Aqueous and Neat Formic Acid with Iridium(III) Cp*(dipyridylamine) Catalysts
Authors: Wang Shengdong , Huang Haiyun , Roisnel Thierry , Bruneau Christian , Fischmeister Cédric
Published: October 2018

The selective dehydrogenation of formic acid by iridium(III) Cp*(dipyridylamine) catalysts is reported. The electron‐enriched catalyst [IrIIICp*{(4‐dimethylaminopyridin‐2‐yl‐κΝ)(pyridin‐2′‐yl‐κΝ)amine}(OSO3)] gave the best performances enabling the base free dehydrogenation of aqueous and neat formic acid. In both cases the reaction was selective with no carbon monoxide detectable. The IrIII complex demonstrated latent behavior, which may be of practical utility. Experimental results suggest an outer‐sphere interaction with the ligand.
Kron‐Branin modeling of symmetric star tree interconnect
Authors: Xu Zhifei , Ravelo Blaise , Maurice Olivier , Lalléchère Sébastien , Wan Fayu
Published: October 2018

An analytical modeling method of symmetric tree interconnect is developed in this paper. The tree topology is composed of multibranch distributed interconnects of printed circuit board (PCB). The interconnects are constituted by elementary transmission line (TL) defined by its characteristic impedance and propagation constant. The star symmetric tree model is built with the Kron‐Branin (KB) formalism elaborated with the graph topology. Reduction method allowing to simplify the graph from single‐input multiple‐output (SIMO) to single‐input single‐output (SISO) circuit is used. The interconnect tree branch currents are determined from the reduced SISO structure. The symmetric tree S‐parameter and access and transfer impedance models are expressed in function of constituting elementary TL parameters with the KB formalism. The particular behaviors of short‐circuit and open‐ended star tree are investigated versus the tree number of output branches. The developed KB model effectiveness is validated with microstrip star tree designed and simulated with a 3D electromagnetic computational and electronic circuit designer commercial tool. Three different proofs of concept (POC) of star trees comprised of three‐output, four‐output, and five‐output branches are computed. The simulated reflection and transmission coefficients from DC to 5 GHz are in good agreement with the KB models. The proposed model is potentially useful for the PCB complex interconnect modeling and signal integrity analysis.
Lower hybrid wave instability in a spin‐polarized degenerate plasma
Authors: Iqbal Z. , Khanum U. , Murtaza G.
Published: October 2018

Lower hybrid (LH) wave instability excited due to an electron beam in a spin‐polarized degenerate plasma is studied. Using the Separate Spin Evolution quantum hydrodynamic model, incorporating Coulomb exchange interaction and Bohm potential, the general dispersion relation of nearly perpendicular propagating electrostatic waves is derived. Furthermore, in the low‐frequency limit, the dispersion of LH wave is obtained. It is found that the electron spin polarization and beam streaming speed reduce the growth rate as well as the k‐domain. However, the beam density and the propagation angle enhance both the growth rate and k‐domain of LH instability. In addition, the contribution of the Bohm potential term increases the intensity of the growth rate. All these effects may have a strong bearing on the wave and instability phenomena in spin‐polarized plasmas.
Effects of axial magnetic field and nonextensivity on small amplitude dust acoustic solitary waves in dusty plasma
Authors: Rezaiinia Z. , Mohsenpour T. , Mirzanejhad S.
Published: October 2018

The nonlinear propagation of small amplitude dust‐acoustic (DA) solitary waves in magnetized dusty plasma consisting of negatively charged mobile dust fluid, and Boltzmann‐distributed electrons and ions with two distinct temperatures following a q‐nonextensive distribution are investigated. In this article, a number of nonlinear equations, namely, the Korteweg–de‐Vries (K‐dV) equations, have been derived by employing the reductive perturbation technique that is valid for a small but finite amplitude limit. The effects of nonextensivity of ions with two distinct temperatures and dust concentration on the amplitude and width of DA solitary waves are investigated theoretically. It is observed that both the nonextensive and low‐temperatures ions significantly modify the basic properties and polarities of DA solitary waves. It is shown that both positive and negative potential DA solitons occur in this case. The implications of these results to some astrophysical environments and space plasmas (e.g., stellar polytropes, peculiar velocity distributions of galaxies, and collisionless thermal plasma), and laboratory dusty plasma systems are briefly mentioned.
Physiological factors influencing diabetes control in type 1 diabetes children with insulin pumps from diagnosis
Authors: Piechowiak Katarzyna , Szypowska Agnieszka
Published: October 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to identify the physiological factors influencing diabetes control in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) from diabetes diagnosis.

Methods

This study focused on 163 children (81 boys) initiated with CSII within 2 weeks after T1D recognition and treated for at least 3 years. We analysed fasting C‐peptide, GADA, ICA, IA2A, BMI z‐score, total daily dose, and basal insulin. Patients were divided into groups according to their metabolic control: 7.5% > HbA1c ≥ 7.5% at the end of the study.

Results

At the end of the follow‐up, patients with HbA1c <7.5%, had a lower HbA1c level at diagnosis (11.7% vs 12.6%; P = 0.018), lower HbA1c level at both the first‐year (6.7% vs 7.3%; P = 0.000) and the second‐year (6.8% vs.7.7%; P = 0.000) follow‐up, and a lower GADA level (P = 0.001). A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that HbA1c at diagnosis (P = 0.012), HbA1c at first year (P = 0.000), HbA1c at second year (P = 0.000), age at diagnosis (P = 0.047), GADA (P = 0.031), and basal insulin at third year (P = 0.032), influenced HbA1c <7.5% at the third year of follow‐up. At the end of the study, 76% of patients started with CSII at the age <10 years and 49% of subjects initiated with CSII at the age ≥10 years achieved HbA1c ≤7.5%.

Conclusions

This study shows that for those who initiated CSII at T1D onset, younger age, less intense autoimmune process, a low HbA1c at recognition, and good diabetes control during the first year of treatment were associated with long‐term optimal glycaemic control.
Aboveground forest carbon shows different responses to fire frequency in harvested and unharvested forests
Authors: Collins Luke , Bradstock Ross , Ximenes Fabiano , Horsey Bronwyn , Sawyer Robert , Penman Trent
Published: October 2018

Sequestration of carbon in forest ecosystems has been identified as an effective strategy to help mitigate the effects of global climate change. Prescribed burning and timber harvesting are two common, co‐occurring, forest management practices that may alter forest carbon pools. Prescribed burning for forest management, such as wildfire risk reduction, may shorten inter‐fire intervals and potentially reduce carbon stocks. Timber harvesting may further increase the susceptibility of forest carbon to losses in response to frequent burning regimes by redistributing carbon stocks from the live pools into the dead pools, causing mechanical damage to retained trees and shifting the demography of tree communities. We used a 27‐yr experiment in a temperate eucalypt forest to examine the effect of prescribed burning frequency and timber harvesting on aboveground carbon (AGC). Total AGC was reduced by ~23% on harvested plots when fire frequency increased from zero to seven fires, but was not affected by fire frequency on unharvested plots. The reduction in total AGC associated with increasing fire frequency on harvested plots was driven by declines in large coarse woody debris (≥10 cm diameter) and large trees (≥20 cm diameter). Small tree (<20 cm DBH) AGC increased with fire frequency on harvested plots, but decreased on unharvested plots. Carbon in dead standing trees decreased with increasing fire frequency on unharvested plots, but was unaffected on harvested plots. Small coarse woody debris (<10 cm diameter) was largely unaffected by fire frequency and harvesting. Total AGC on harvested plots was between 67% and 82% of that on unharvested plots, depending on burning treatment. Our results suggest that AGC in historically harvested forests may be susceptible to declines in response to increases in prescribed burning frequency. Consideration of historic harvesting will be important in understanding the effect of prescribed burning programs on forest carbon budgets.
Trans‐species predictors of tree leaf mass
Authors: Dettmann Garret T. , MacFarlane David W.
Published: October 2018

Tree leaf mass is a small, highly variable, but critical, component of forest ecosystems. Estimating leaf mass on standing trees with models is challenging because leaf mass varies both within and between tree species and at different locations and points in time. Typically, models for estimating tree leaf mass are species specific, empirical models that predict intraspecific variation from stem diameter at breast height (dbh). Such models are highly limited in their application because there are many other factors beyond tree girth and species that cause leaf mass to vary and because such models provide no way to predict leaf mass for species for which data are not available. We conducted destructive sampling of 17 different species in Michigan, covering multiple life history traits and sizes, to investigate the potential for using a single, “trans‐species” model for predicting leaf mass for all the trees in our study. Our results show the most important predictors of tree leaf mass are dbh, five‐year basal area increment, crown class, and competition index, none of which are species specific. Species‐specific variation could be captured by leaf longevity and shade tolerance. Wood specific gravity was a statistically significant, but marginally important predictor. Together, these variables describing tree size, life‐history traits, and competitive environment allowed us to develop a generalized leaf mass model applicable to a diverse set of species, without having to develop species‐specific equations.
The extent of mangrove change and potential for recovery following severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi, Hinchinbrook Island, Queensland, Australia
Authors: Asbridge Emma , Lucas Richard , Rogers Kerrylee , Accad Arnon
Published: October 2018

Cyclones are significant drivers of change within mangrove ecosystems with the extent of initial damage determined by storm severity, location and distribution (exposure), and influenced by species composition and structure (e.g., height). The long‐term recovery of mangroves is often dependent upon hydrological regimes, as well as the frequency of storm events. On February 3, 2011, Tropical Cyclone Yasi (Category 5) made landfall on the coast of north Queensland Australia with its path crossing the extensive mangroves within and surrounding Hinchinbrook Island National Park. Based on a combination of Landsat‐derived foliage projective cover (FPC), Queensland Globe aerial imagery, and RapidEye imagery, 16% of the 13,795 ha of mangroves experienced severe windthrow during the storm. The greatest damage from the cyclone was inflicted on mangrove forests dominated primarily by Rhizophora stylosa, whose large prop roots were unable to support them as wind speeds exceeded 280 km/hr. Classification of 2016 RapidEye data indicated that many areas of damage had experienced no or very limited recovery in the period following the cyclone, with this confirmed by a rapid decline in Landsat‐derived FPC (from levels > 90% from 1986 to just prior to the cyclone to < 20% postcyclone) and no noticeable increase in subsequent years. Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS‐1) Phased Arrayed L‐band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) L‐band HH backscatter also increased initially and rapidly to 5 ± 2 dB (2007–2011) due to the increase in woody debris but then decreased subsequently to −20 ± 2 dB (postcyclone), as this decomposed or was removed. The lack of recovery in affected areas was attributed to the inability of mangrove species, particularly R. stylosa, to resprout from remaining plant material and persistent inundation due to a decrease in sediment elevation thereby preventing propagule establishment. This study indicates that increases in storm intensity predicted with changes in global climate may lead to a reduction in the area, diversity, and abundance of mangroves surrounding Hinchinbrook Island.
A Cascade of Prins Reaction and Pinacol‐Type Rearrangement: Access to 2,3‐Dideoxy‐3C‐Formyl β‐C‐Aryl/Alkyl Furanosides and 2‐Deoxy‐2C‐Branched β‐C‐Aryl Furanoside
Authors: Dubbu Sateesh , Bardhan Anirban , Chennaiah Ande , Vankar Yashwant D.
Published: October 2018

2,3‐Dideoxy‐3C‐formyl β‐C‐aryl/alkyl furanosides were synthesized in a stereoselective manner through a cascade of Prins reaction and pinacol‐type rearrangement of an –OTBDPS protected homoallylic alcohol, derived from d‐mannitol, and various carbonyl compounds. Furthermore, this method was successfully applied to the synthesis of a fused‐bicyclic β‐C‐aryl furanoside moiety and a 2,3‐dideoxy‐3C‐methyl β‐C‐aryl furanoside which are found in core structures of bioactive molecules. Further, the strategy was extended to a silyl‐Prins reaction for the synthesis of a 2‐deoxy‐2C‐branched β‐C‐aryl furanoside.
Nonenzymatic Amperometric Sensor for Nitrite Detection Based on a Nanocomposite Consisting of Nickel Hydroxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Wang Yong , Cao Wei , Yin Chang , Zhuang Qianfen , Ni Yongnian
Published: October 2018

An efficient non‐noble metal eletrocatalyst, nickel hydroxide/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (Ni(OH)2/sr‐GO), is synthesized in the absence of reductants and alkali by a simple one‐step solvothermal method. The morphology, structure, and composition of the Ni(OH)2/sr‐GO nanocomposite is characterized by various analytical techniques like scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The Ni(OH)2/sr‐GO nanocomposite is then used to construct a nonenzymatic amperometric sensor for highly sensitive detection of nitrite. The result shows that the Ni(OH)2/sr‐GO nanocomposite possesses superior electrocatalytic ability toward nitrite. The electrochemical performance of the Ni(OH)2/sr‐GO is evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, chronocoulometry, and cyclic voltammetry. Under the optimal conditions, the electrochemical sensor for nitrite detection exhibits a linear range from 0.1 to 663.6 μM, with a detection limit of 0.07 μM (S/N=3). In addition, the sensor provides favorable selectivity, reproducibility, and stability, and can be successfully applied for the detection of nitrite in spiked water samples. Recoveries range between 95 and 108 %.
Using open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography with part‐coating column for binding constants determination of β2‐adrenergic receptor with seven drugs
Authors: Liu Chunye , Zhang Xuejiao , Jing Hui , Zhang Jingshui , Miao Yanqing , Zhai Xifeng , Chen Songyi
Published: October 2018

An open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography method has been developed for the determination of binding constants between β2‐adrenergic receptor (β2‐AR) and seven drugs. β2‐AR was oriented immobilized onto one part of inner surface of capillary via microwave‐assisted technical synthesis. According to the linear relationship between coating length and the apparent mobility of analyte, the binding constant (Kb) can be obtained by related theories and equations. The order of Kb values between drugs such as adrenaline hydrochloride, norepinephrine bitartrate, and propranolol hydrochloride with β2‐AR is well consistent with that reported in the literature. By the method, Kb values between four extracts of Radix Paeoniae Rubra and β2‐AR were also successfully obtained. Subsequently, computer models were applied to interpret the CEC experiments. And the results proved to be in good agreement with the method. The work, herein, demonstrates the potential of the method in drug‐receptor affinity interactions evaluation and screening of lead compounds from natural sources.
Recent advances in waste lube oils processing technologies
Authors: Widodo Setyo , Ariono Danu , Khoiruddin Khoiruddin , Hakim Ahmad N. , Wenten I Gede
Published: October 2018

Waste lube oils are classified as hazardous waste due to the metal contents derived from the additives and wear. Most lube oils contain up to 20% of additives including antioxidants, anti‐wear, and de‐foaming agents which are generally used to extend the usage of lube oils and enhance engines performance. The most widely‐used additives contain metal as they exhibit efficacy in performance enhancement. However, these additives increase the hazardous level of waste lube oils and are highly toxic when released into the environment. Waste lube oils processing can minimize the toxicity and the complexity of the waste and may produce valuable products at the same time, such as, fuels, solvent, and base oils for production of new lube oils. In this paper, the common technologies for waste lube oils processing, including physical and chemical processes are reviewed. In addition, more recently developed technology such as membrane technologies and their potential application in waste lube oil processing are also discussed. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1867–1881, 2018
A bivariate model for estimating reciprocal causality within biogeomorphic ecosystems: The cross‐lagged panel model
Authors: Corenblit D. , Roussel E. , Steiger J. , Walcker R.
Published: October 2018

Biogeomorphic ecosystems (e.g. rivers, salt marshes, mangroves and coastal dunes) are shaped by feedbacks between geomorphology and engineer plants that occur at various spatiotemporal scales. The classical bivariate and multivariate statistical methods currently used in biogeomorphology do not permit clear identification of reciprocal causality between geomorphic and biological variables. The aim of this article is to present the potential of the cross‐lagged panel model (CLPM) to estimate reciprocal associations (causality) between one geomorphic and one biological variable over time. This tool, which originates from behavioural, social, medical and educational sciences, has clear potential as a novel approach to causal analysis in the context of biogeomorphic ecosystems. We provide a case study of the application of CLPM for analysing biogeomorphic feedbacks between topography and Populus nigra L. physiognomy on a wooded point bar of the Garonne River, France. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pleistocene dental calculus: Recovering information on Paleolithic food items, medicines, paleoenvironment and microbes
Authors: Hardy Karen , Buckley Stephen , Copeland Les
Published: October 2018

Dental calculus is now widely used to recover information on items ingested in the past. It is particularly valuable in the earlier Paleolithic, where recovered data may represent the only evidence for plant use. Several recovery methods are used and each one produces different results. Biomolecular markers and genetic material recovered from dental calculus is providing new data on identifiable dietary and medicinal items and human microbial communities. The recovery of microfossils, in particular, starch granules, has triggered a new awareness of the role of plants in the diet throughout the Paleolithic. However, the minute amount of material recovered has little relationship with food eaten during a person's life, while salivary amylase breaks down cooked starch. Therefore, broader dietary interpretations and detection of cooked food are problematic. The study of ancient dental calculus holds great potential to recover information about past lives, within realistic parameters.
Are assortative mating and genital divergence driven by reinforcement?
Authors: Hollander Johan , Montaño-Rendón Mauricio , Bianco Giuseppe , Yang Xi , Westram Anja M. , Duvaux Ludovic , Reid David G. , Butlin Roger K.
Published: October 2018

The evolution of assortative mating is a key part of the speciation process. Stronger assortment, or greater divergence in mating traits, between species pairs with overlapping ranges is commonly observed, but possible causes of this pattern of reproductive character displacement are difficult to distinguish. We use a multidisciplinary approach to provide a rare example where it is possible to distinguish among hypotheses concerning the evolution of reproductive character displacement. We build on an earlier comparative analysis that illustrated a strong pattern of greater divergence in penis form between pairs of sister species with overlapping ranges than between allopatric sister-species pairs, in a large clade of marine gastropods (Littorinidae). We investigate both assortative mating and divergence in male genitalia in one of the sister-species pairs, discriminating among three contrasting processes each of which can generate a pattern of reproductive character displacement: reinforcement, reproductive interference and the Templeton effect. We demonstrate reproductive character displacement in assortative mating, but not in genital form between this pair of sister species and use demographic models to distinguish among the different processes. Our results support a model with no gene flow since secondary contact and thus favor reproductive interference as the cause of reproductive character displacement for mate choice, rather than reinforcement. High gene flow within species argues against the Templeton effect. Secondary contact appears to have had little impact on genital divergence.
HIV Tat causes synapse loss in a mouse model of HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorder that is independent of the classical complement cascade component C1q
Authors: Hammond Jennetta W. , Qiu Wen Q. , Marker Daniel F. , Chamberlain Jeffrey M. , Greaves‐Tunnell Will , Bellizzi Matthew J. , Lu Shao‐Ming , Gelbard Harris A.
Published: October 2018

Microglial activation, increased proinflammatory cytokine production, and a reduction in synaptic density are key pathological features associated with HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Even with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), more than 50% of HIV‐positive individuals experience some type of cognitive impairment. Although viral replication is inhibited by cART, HIV proteins such as Tat are still produced within the nervous system that are neurotoxic, involved in synapse elimination, and provoke enduring neuroinflammation. As complement deposition on synapses followed by microglial engulfment has been shown during normal development and disease to be a mechanism for pruning synapses, we have tested whether complement is required for the loss of synapses that occurs after a cortical Tat injection mouse model of HAND. In Tat‐injected animals evaluated 7 or 28 days after injection, levels of early complement pathway components, C1q and C3, are significantly elevated and associated with microgliosis and a loss of synapses. However, C1qa knockout mice have the same level of Tat‐induced synapse loss as wild‐type (WT) mice, showing that the C1q‐initiated classical complement cascade is not driving synapse removal during HIV1 Tat‐induced neuroinflammation.