bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Education: The prevention of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in Malawi
Authors: Sanyahumbi Amy
Published: November 2019

BackgroundWith an estimated prevalence of 183,200 cases, rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a major public health problem in Malawi. However, patients in Malawi with advanced RHD are left with substantial and life-threatening disability because there are no surgical options available in our country at present. In order to tackle this epidemic, it is critical to provide appropriate education and attempt to diagnose the disease earlier. In this study, we aimed to pilot a RHD education program that could be subsequently adopted country-wide. MethodsWe designed and piloted a RHD educational program targeting health providers at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi. This involved three half-day workshops. These workshops were facilitated by a paediatric cardiologist and a paediatric nurse. Tests were administered before and after the workshops; we also provided questionnaires and requested feedback evaluations. A total of sixty-five participants (51 nurses, 3 doctors, 9 clinical officers and 2 unspecified personnel) participated in our workshops. ResultsConcerns were voiced and addressed relating to the safety of benzathine penicillin. Post-workshop questionnaires revealed that participants were much more comfortable prescribing or injecting benzathine penicillin after the workshop, as indicated by an improvement in the comfort level from 2.8 to 4.5 in nurses, and from 3.4 to 5 in clinicians (using a Likert scale of 1 to 5, p< 0.01). Pre-test knowledge scores improved from 43.8% to 78.5% (p< 0.01). Overall, the workshops received good feedback with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 (n=61, range 3–5).ConclusionOur analysis showed that practical sessions relating to acute rheumatic fever and RHD in Malawi must address the safety and administration of penicillin. Our pilot workshops could serve as the educational backbone for a national RHD prevention program in Malawi.
Religion and Institutional Quality: Long-Term Effects of the Financial Systems in Protestantism and Islam
Authors: Broms Rasmus , Rothstein Bo
Published: November 2019

Religion is one of the most commonly cited explanations for cross-country variation in institutional quality. In particular, Protestantism, and the cultural values that follow from its doctrine, has been identified as particularly beneficial. Nevertheless, micro-level studies provide
little evidence for religion producing norms and values conducive to good institutions. We propose an alternate explanation for the observed macro-level variation: historical systems for local religious financing, contrasting the medieval parish system in Northwestern Europe, where members
collectively paid for and administrated religious services as public goods, with the Ottoman Empire, where such goods were normally provided through endowments from private individuals and tax collection was comparatively privatized. We argue that a legacy of collective financing and accountability
in the former region created a virtuous cycle of high state capacity and low corruption, reverberating to this day as good institutions.
The Disdrometer Verification Network (DiVeN): a UK network of laser precipitation instruments
Authors: Pickering Ben S. , Neely III Ryan R. , Harrison Dawn
Published: November 2019

Abstract. Starting in February 2017, a network of 14 Thies laser precipitation monitors (LPMs) were installed at various locations around the United Kingdom to create the Disdrometer Verification Network (DiVeN). The instruments were installed for verification of radar hydrometeor classification algorithms but are valuable for much wider use in the scientific and operational meteorological community. Every Thies LPM is able to designate each observed hydrometeor into one of 20 diameter bins from ≥0.125 to >8 mm and one of 22 speed bins from >0.0 to >20.0 m s−1. Using empirically derived relationships, the instrument classifies precipitation into one of 11 possible hydrometeor classes in the form of a present weather code, with an associated indicator of uncertainty. To provide immediate feedback to data users, the observations are plotted in near-real time (NRT) and made publicly available on a website within 7 min. Here we describe the Disdrometer Verification Network and present specific cases from the first year of observations. Cases shown here suggest that the Thies LPM performs well at identifying transitions between rain and snow, but struggles with detection of graupel and pristine ice crystals (which occur infrequently in the United Kingdom) inherently, due to internal processing. The present weather code quality index is shown to have some skill without the supplementary sensors recommended by the manufacturer. Overall the Thies LPM is a useful tool for detecting hydrometeor type at the surface and DiVeN provides a novel dataset not previously observed for the United Kingdom.
Determination of ice water content (IWC) in tropical convective clouds from X-band dual-polarization airborne radar
Authors: Nguyen Cuong M. , Wolde Mengistu , Korolev Alexei
Published: November 2019

Abstract. This paper presents a methodology for ice water content
(IWC) retrieval from a dual-polarization side-looking X-band airborne radar.
Measured IWC from aircraft in situ probes is weighted by a function of the
radar differential reflectivity (Zdr) to reduce the effects of ice
crystal shape and orientation on the variation in IWC – specific
differential phase (Kdp) joint distribution. A theoretical study
indicates that the proposed method, which does not require a knowledge of
the particle size distribution (PSD) and number density of ice crystals, is
suitable for high-ice-water-content (HIWC) regions in tropical convective
clouds. Using datasets collected during the High Altitude Ice Crystals –
High Ice Water Content (HAIC-HIWC) international field campaign in Cayenne,
French Guiana (2015), it is shown that the proposed method improves the
estimation bias by 35 % and increases the correlation by 4 % on
average, compared to the method using specific differential phase (Kdp)
alone.
Changes of the Arctic marginal ice zone
Authors: Rolph Rebecca J. , Feltham Daniel L. , Schroeder David
Published: November 2019

Abstract. Many studies have shown a decrease in Arctic sea ice extent. It does not logically follow, however, that the extent of the marginal ice zone (MIZ), here defined as the area of the ocean with ice concentrations from 15 to 80 %, is also changing. Here, we present, for the first time, an analysis of satellite observations of pan-Arctic averaged MIZ extent. We find no trend in the MIZ extent during the last 40 years from observations. We present simulations from a coupled sea ice-ocean mixed layer model using a prognostic floe size distribution which we find is consistent with, but poorly constrained by, existing satellite observations of pan-Arctic MIZ extent. We provide seasonal upper and lower bounds on MIZ extent based on the 4 satellite-derived sea ice concentration datasets used. An extrapolation of the observations shows the MIZ extent as remaining relatively constant in the coming decades, at least until the Arctic is completely covered by seasonal ice. We find a small increase in the summer MIZ fraction (MIZ extent divided by sea ice extent), which can be attributed to the reduction in total sea ice extent. The MIZ location is trending northwards, consistent with other studies. Given the results of this study, we suggest that future studies need to remain cautious and provide a specific and clear definition when stating the MIZ is ‘rapidly changing’.
A Literature Review of Human Capital and Economic Growth
Authors: Osiobe Ejiro U.
Published: November 2019

This work aims to examine the relationship between human capital and economic growth. The study analyzes datasets from previous works, reviews previous literature, and draws some conclusions on human capital and economic growth. The paper summarizes articles on human capital in terms of (i) the theoretical framework of economic growth theory, (ii) the neo-classical growth model, (iii) the Solow growth production-function, (iv) the new endogenous theory, and (v) empirical evidence on the relationship and causal link between human capital and economic growth. Assessing the literature on human capital and economic growth will serve as a comprehensive literature guide to policy formulation and implementation in the short-run and long-run of creating developmental goals for any region.
Estranhas telas de sentido: a escrita de si e do outro na/pela linguagem
Authors: Lima Carlos Henrique Lucas , Nascimento Clebemilton Gomes do , Fernandes Fábio
Published: November 2019

Como um exercício de escrita rebelde, aliás, como toda escritura deve ser em sua potência, este ensaio pretende encetar, a partir da peculiar visão autoral dos que assinam este texto, alguns conceitos-chave para cursos de leitura e produção de textos e outros cursos correlatos que são ofertados nas Universidades brasileiras. Sem pretender ser exaustivo, posto que ensaiamos, os autores, todos eles docentes-pesquisadores-escritores, povo de Letras e da Cultura, tecem suas compreensões acerca da língua\linguagem, da interface entre leitura e escrita, da formação docente na/para a escrita, do discurso, do(s) poder(es), da criação, da pesquisa, da ciência, da universidade,  dentre outros desdobramentos e tópicos não menos relevantes. A metodologia é autoetnográfica - por falta de nome melhor, multirreferenciada e experimental valendo-se de memórias, digressões e, acima de tudo, da coragem, que entendemos indissociável da prática do pensar, para criar, teorizar e tensionar a partir de uma produção de conhecimento cujos horizontes epistemológicos permitem deslocar o que se queria findo, assentado, pronto.
Mapeamento das características do terreno em ambiente virtual como ferramenta de apoio ao ensino militar
Authors: De Souza e Almeida Raphael , Villarmosa Alexandre De Menezes , Raposo Alberto Barbosa
Published: November 2019

Este estudo apresenta o SVETT (Simulador de Estudo Topotático do Terreno), um simulador criado com o intuito de auxiliar aos alunos dos Cursos de Aperfeiçoamento Avançado do Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais Brasileiros, nas disciplinas onde o estudo da topografia e das táticas de combate é importante. O SVETT permite recriar uma região qualquer no globo terrestre, onde é possível inserir o aluno nessa área e, com os recursos visuais disponibilizados ao instrutor, possibilita maior facilidade na transmissão de seus conhecimentos, permitindo ao aluno observar detalhes antes apenas imaginados no terreno real. Avaliamos o simulador com 12 usuários, sendo 5 instrutores e 7 alunos, obtendo resultados satisfatórios no que diz respeito à aprendizagem e usabilidade tanto para os alunos como para os instrutores. Os resultados sugerem também melhorias para que o simulador seja adequado para todo tipo de usuário, além de uma proposta de estudos futuros.
DEMO: Using gameplay data to classify cybersickness level in virtual environments
Authors: Porcino Thiago , Trevisan Daniela , Clua Esteban
Published: November 2019

Virtual Reality is an upcoming trend in games and entertainment applications as the use of head-mounted displays becomes accessible for the mass market. These systems aim to provide immersive experiences, but they still do not offer a completely seamless experience, mostly due to sickness symptoms that can be experienced by the players. Cybersickness is one of the most critical problems that make the game industry fearful of higher investments. In this demo we developed a plugin for a commercial game engine to collect relevant data in a virtual reality game to use as a database to future research approaches to enhance user experience in head-mounted displays.
POSTER: Augmented Situated Visualization for Spatially Aware Decision-Making
Authors: Guarese Renan , Fensterseifer Henrique , Becker João , Maciel Anderson , Nedel Luciana , Walter Marcelo
Published: November 2019

The present work proposes the use of data visu-alization techniques allied to an Augmented Reality (AR) user interface to provide information for users to define the most convenient location to sit down at an event. This accounts for different sets of arbitrary demands by projecting 3D information directly atop the seats. The users can also rearrange the data to narrow down the search and switch the attribute being displayed, e.g. temperature, stage visibility, exit access or Wi-Fi signal. The proposed approach was tested against a comparable 2D interactive visualization of the same data. Each user performed twelve location choosing tasks in an average sized classroom. Qualitative and quantitative data indicated that the augmented solution is promising in some senses, exposing that AR may help users to make better decisions.
DEMO: Eva, uma mascote virtual em Realidade Aumentada
Authors: Costa Afonso , Lima Rachel , Tamayo Sergio
Published: November 2019

As aplicações de realidade aumentada estão presentes no nosso cotidiano e os telefones inteligentes são atualmente a ferramenta comum que faz isso possível. O principal objetivo deste demo é apresentar uma aplicação de código aberto chamada Eva, a qual é um mascote virtual que vive no mundo de realidade aumentada. Esta aplicação está sendo desenvolvida para dispositivos Android e suas principais funcionalidades são apresentadas neste trabalho.
Negociando diferenças culturais e de gênero essencializadas em um mundo global: brasileiros em Londres
Authors: Martins Junior Angelo
Published: November 2019

Nas últimas décadas, estudiosos transnacionais têm analisado o papel dos laços sociais na produção de conexões que ligam pessoas em diferentes lugares do mundo, dentro de um contexto de intensa mobilidade e de bens na chamada “era móvel”. Em discussões sobre etnia, nacionalidade e a formação de “comunidade étnica” no exterior, os estudos transnacionais, no entanto, celebram com demasiada facilidade a “semelhança étnica” que constitui laços de a nidade baseados na experiência cultural compartilhada. No entanto, há uma falta de compreensão da experiência migratória transnacionalista em relação aos legados coloniais e às múltiplas distinções existentes entre os migrantes. Neste artigo, contribuo para a discussão sobre a experiência transnacional, demonstrando como os brasileiros em Londres estão constantemente ressignificando e negociando representações essencializadas e estigmatizadas de diferenças culturais, raciais e de gênero ao falar e interagir umas com as outras, bem como com europeus/britânicos. Os dados são resultado de uma abordagem metodológica mista, que combina etnogra a em locais de lazer frequentados por brasileiros em Londres, ao longo de 18 meses (de julho de 2013 a janeiro de 2015), além de 33 entrevistas em profundidade com brasileiros em Londres.
Do Senegal à Pelotas, RS: migração, identidade e violência
Authors: Roberto Simone Assis Alves , Pinheiro Patrícia dos Santos
Published: November 2019

Este artigo é um desdobramento de uma etnografia realizada junto a um coletivo de imigrantes senegaleses, que viveram (ou vivem, em número bastante reduzido) essa diáspora na cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), onde se viram diante de forte repressão em suas atividades como vendedores ambulantes de inúmeros produtos. No trabalho foram descritas experiências vivenciadas desde 2015 com esse coletivo, em que a observação participante se transformou e se intercalou no envolvimento e em mediações perante o poder público local e organizações da sociedade civil, relacionadas a perspectivas teóricas que se debruçam sobre a diáspora negra, a identidade e a colonialidade. Especificamente nesta pesquisa com imigrantes oriundos do Senegal, são abordadas algumas (re)configurações da identidade, assim como estratégias de inserção nesse processo migratório, que em determinados momentos se apresentou a eles de forma hostil em função da repressão policial, mas que também permitiu a formação de laços com a população local.
Mujer y ejército romano. El caso de la epigrafía militar britana = Woman and the Roman Army Britain Military Epigraphy
Authors: López Casado Roberto
Published: November 2019

Este estudio pone el foco de atención en las mujeres que aparecen en la epigrafía militar de Britannia. A través del análisis de estas inscripciones tratamos de acercarnos a cuestiones tales como la origo, el estatuto jurídico o el papel de la mujer en la esfera de relaciones de los militares romanos. No se debe pasar por alto la visibilización de la mujer en la Historia, agente histórico y sujeto de estudio junto con el varón.Abstract This paper is focused on the women who appear in the military inscriptions of Roman Britain. We analyse these inscriptions in order to resolve issues such as the origo, the legal status or the roles of the women in the relationships of Roman military. We cannot overlook the role of the women in History, historical agent and subject of study together with the me
Professor Sir Fergus Millar (1935-2019), In Memoriam
Authors: Vivas García Gustavo A.
Published: November 2019

In Memoriam del profesor Sir Fergus Millar
Clinical Outcome of Antibiotic Suppressive Therapy in Patients with a Prosthetic Joint Infection after Hip Replacement
Authors: Leijtens Borg , Weerwag Laura , Schreurs Berend Willem , Kullberg Bart-Jan , Rijnen Wim
Published: November 2019

Abstract. Introduction: In Specific cases, curative treatment of a prosthetic joint infection (PJI) cannot be accomplished due to the increased risk of major complications after prosthetic joint revision surgery. In these patients, antibiotic suppressive therapy (AST) is often used to control the infection.Aim: To describe the clinical outcome of patients with a PJI after hip replacement treated with AST.Methods: Patients in which AST for PJI was started between 2006 and 2013, were retrospectively included. Follow-up was continued until October 2018. AST has been defined as treatment with oral antibiotic therapy intended to suppress PJI. Treatment was considered successful in patients without reoperation for PJI or death related to PJI during follow-up.Results: Twenty-three patients were included. The most commonly used antibiotics were doxycycline (n=14) and cotrimoxazole (n=6). The mean duration of AST was 38 months (1-151 months). AST was considered successful in 13 patients (56.5%) after a median follow-up of 33 months. AST was least successful in PJI caused by S. aureus with 80% failures versus 33% in PJI caused by other microorganisms and in patients who had an antibiotic-free period before the start of AST with 83% failures. Two patients ended AST due to side effects.Conclusion: AST can be an alternative treatment in selected patients with a PJI after hip replacement. However, there is a persisting and considerable amount of failures, particularly in PJI caused by S. aureus and in patient with an antibiotic-free period before the start of AST.
Líneas de investigación ¿futuras? en diseño (I): movilidad urbana
Authors: Foglia Efraín
Published: November 2019

En plena reconfiguración de las prácticas profesionales y los oficios contemporáneos debido a los cambios globales de nuestra sociedad, es pertinente detenernos y preguntarnos por el camino que pisamos y el destino que seguirán disciplinas como el diseño.
Drosophila PSI controls circadian period and the phase of circadian behavior under temperature cycle via tim splicing
Authors: Foley Lauren E , Ling Jinli , Joshi Radhika , Evantal Naveh , Kadener Sebastian , Emery Patrick
Published: November 2019

The Drosophila circadian pacemaker consists of transcriptional feedback loops subjected to post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation. While post-translational regulatory mechanisms have been studied in detail, much less is known about circadian post-transcriptional control. Thus, we targeted 364 RNA binding and RNA associated proteins with RNA interference. Among the 43 hits we identified was the alternative splicing regulator P-element somatic inhibitor (PSI). PSI regulates the thermosensitive alternative splicing of timeless (tim), promoting splicing events favored at warm temperature over those increased at cold temperature. Psi downregulation shortens the period of circadian rhythms and advances the phase of circadian behavior under temperature cycle. Interestingly, both phenotypes were suppressed in flies that could produce TIM proteins only from a transgene that cannot form the thermosensitive splicing isoforms. Therefore, we conclude that PSI regulates the period of Drosophila circadian rhythms and circadian behavior phase during temperature cycling through its modulation of the tim splicing pattern.
HUMANIDADES DIGITAIS: Impactos da inovação tecnológica na Arquivologia e Documentação
Authors: Santos Hercules Pimenta
Published: November 2019

A presente pesquisa é fruto do desenvolvimento de um estudo interdisciplinar que buscou elucidar impactos encontrados no processo de consulta e organização do documento arquivístico de idade permanente, digitalizado. Buscamos analisar formas de organização da documentação de idade permanente desenvolvidas na Espanha, em relação às unidades de informação brasileiras. Os processos de estudo na Espanha, como aplicados no Brasil, objetivaram a busca de contrastes e aproximações em relação aos procedimentos entre as duas tradições acadêmicas. A partir da perspectiva dos estudos das Humanidades Digitais, um dos principais objetivos do trabalho foi sistematizar questões debatidas no campo da digitalização de acervos permanentes e colaborar com novas reflexões para ambas as principais áreas enfocadas: Arquivologia e Documentação.
Output feedback adaptive fault‐tolerant compensation tracking control for linear systems based on the closed‐loop reference model
Authors: Xiao Shuyi , Dong Jiuxiang
Published: November 2019

This paper investigates the problem of output feedback adaptive compensation tracking control for linear systems subject to external disturbances and actuator failures including loss of effectiveness faults and bias faults. The impact of actuator faults on the transient performance of systems can be mitigated predicated on the closed‐loop reference model with an additional degrees of design freedom. Using the estimation information provided by the adaptive mechanism, an output feedback adaptive fault‐tolerant control strategy is developed to track closed‐loop reference model systems. It is shown that all the signals of the resulting closed‐loop system are bounded. Finally, simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed fault‐tolerant tracking control method.
Electrospinning Piezoelectric Fibers for Biocompatible Devices
Authors: Azimi Bahareh , Milazzo Mario , Lazzeri Andrea , Berrettini Stefano , Uddin Mohammed Jasim , Qin Zhao , Buehler Markus J. , Danti Serena
Published: November 2019

The field of nanotechnology has been gaining great success due to its potential in developing new generations of nanoscale materials with unprecedented properties and enhanced biological responses. This is particularly exciting using nanofibers, as their mechanical and topographic characteristics can approach those found in naturally occurring biological materials. Electrospinning is a key technique to manufacture ultrafine fibers and fiber meshes with multifunctional features, such as piezoelectricity, to be available on a smaller length scale, thus comparable to subcellular scale, which makes their use increasingly appealing for biomedical applications. These include biocompatible fiber‐based devices as smart scaffolds, biosensors, energy harvesters, and nanogenerators for the human body. This paper provides a comprehensive review of current studies focused on the fabrication of ultrafine polymeric and ceramic piezoelectric fibers specifically designed for, or with the potential to be translated toward, biomedical applications. It provides an applicative and technical overview of the biocompatible piezoelectric fibers, with actual and potential applications, an understanding of the electrospinning process, and the properties of nanostructured fibrous materials, including the available modeling approaches. Ultimately, this review aims at enabling a future vision on the impact of these nanomaterials as stimuli‐responsive devices in the human body.
Differential Adsorption of l‐ and d‐Lysine on Achiral MFI Zeolites as Determined by Synchrotron X‐Ray Powder Diffraction and Thermogravimetric Analysis
Authors: Chen Tianxiang , Huang Bolong , Day Sarah , Tang Chiu Chung , Tsang Shik Chi Edman , Wong Kwok‐yin , Lo Tsz Woon Benedict
Published: November 2019

Reported here is the first crystallographic observation of stereospecific bindings of l‐ and d‐lysine (Lys) in achiral MFI zeolites. The MFI structure offers inherent geometric and internal confinement effects for the enantiomeric difference in l‐ and d‐Lys adsorption. Notable differences have been observed by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Distinct l‐ and d‐Lys adsorption behaviours on the H‐ZSM‐5 framework have been revealed by the Rietveld refinement of high‐resolution synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction (SXRD) data and the density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations. Despite demonstrating the approach for l‐ and d‐Lys over MFI zeolites at an atomistic resolution, the differential adsorption study sheds light on the rational engineering of molecular interaction(s) with achiral microporous materials for chiral separation purposes.
Discovery of a Cryptic Intermediate in Late Steps of Mithramycin Biosynthesis
Authors: Wheeler Ryan , Yu Xia , Hou Caixia , Mitra Prithiba , Chen Jhong‐Min , Herkules Frank , Ivanov Dmitri N. , Tsodikov Oleg V. , Rohr Jürgen
Published: November 2019

MtmOIV and MtmW catalyze the final two reactions in the mithramycin (MTM) biosynthetic pathway, the Baeyer–Villiger opening of the fourth ring of premithramycin B (PMB), creating the C3 pentyl side chain, strictly followed by reduction of the distal keto group on the new side chain. Unexpectedly this results in a C2 stereoisomer of mithramycin, iso‐mithramycin (iso‐MTM). Iso‐MTM undergoes a non‐enzymatic isomerization to MTM catalyzed by Mg2+ ions. Crystal structures of MtmW and its complexes with co‐substrate NADPH and PEG, suggest a catalytic mechanism of MtmW. The structures also show that a tetrameric assembly of this enzyme strikingly resembles the ring‐shaped β subunit of a vertebrate ion channel. We show that MtmW and MtmOIV form a complex in the presence of PMB and NADPH, presumably to hand over the unstable MtmOIV product to MtmW, yielding iso‐MTM, as a potential self‐resistance mechanism against MTM toxicity.
An Exceptionally Stable and Scalable Sugar–Polyolefin Frank–Kasper A15 Phase
Authors: Lachmayr Kätchen K. , Wentz Charlotte M. , Sita Lawrence R.
Published: November 2019

“One‐component” soft material Frank–Kasper (FK) phases are an intriguing structural form of matter that possess periodically ordered structures arising from the self‐reconfiguration and close packing of an initial assembly of identical “deformable” spheres into two or more size‐ or shape‐distinct sets of particles. Significant challenges that must still be addressed to advance the field of soft matter FK phases further, however, include their rare and unpredictable occurrence, uncertain mechanisms of solid‐state assembly, and low thermodynamic stability. Here we show that a readily‐accessible sugar–polyolefin conjugate quantitatively produces an exceptionally stable solid‐state FK A15 phase through a rapid and irreversible thermotropic order–order transition, which contrary to other prevailing proposed mechanisms, does not require mass transfer between particles or large structural reorganization in the bulk to establish unit cell non‐equivalency. Our results provide the basis for a realistic strategy for obtaining practical and scalable quantities of a diverse range of sugar–polyolefin FK A15 phases with unique intrinsic physical properties and chemical reactivities not previously seen in such systems.
Au130−xAgx Nanoclusters with Non‐Metallicity: A Drum of Silver‐Rich Sites Enclosed in a Marks‐Decahedral Cage of Gold‐Rich Sites
Authors: Higaki Tatsuya , Liu Chong , Morris David J. , He Guiying , Luo Tian‐Yi , Sfeir Matthew Y. , Zhang Peng , Rosi Nathaniel L. , Jin Rongchao
Published: November 2019

The synthesis and structure of atomically precise Au130−xAgx (average x=98) alloy nanoclusters protected by 55 ligands of 4‐tert‐butylbenzenethiolate are reported. This large alloy structure has a decahedral M54 (M=Au/Ag) core. The Au atoms are localized in the truncated Marks decahedron. In the core, a drum of Ag‐rich sites is found, which is enclosed by a Marks decahedral cage of Au‐rich sites. The surface is exclusively Ag−SR; X‐ray absorption fine structure analysis supports the absence of Au−S bonds. The optical absorption spectrum shows a strong peak at 523 nm, seemingly a plasmon peak, but fs spectroscopic analysis indicates its non‐plasmon nature. The non‐metallicity of the Au130−xAgx nanocluster has set up a benchmark to study the transition to metallic state in the size evolution of bimetallic nanoclusters. The localized Au/Ag binary architecture in such a large alloy nanocluster provides atomic‐level insights into the Au−Ag bonds in bimetallic nanoclusters.
Online Monitoring of Electrochemical Carbon Corrosion in Alkaline Electrolytes by Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Möller Sandra , Barwe Stefan , Masa Justus , Wintrich Daniela , Seisel Sabine , Baltruschat Helmut , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: November 2019

Carbon corrosion at high anodic potentials is a major source of instability, especially in acidic electrolytes and impairs the long‐term functionality of electrodes. In‐depth investigation of carbon corrosion in alkaline environment by means of differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) is prevented by the conversion of CO2 into CO32−. We report the adaptation of a DEMS system for online CO2 detection as the product of carbon corrosion in alkaline electrolytes. A new cell design allows for in situ acidification of the electrolyte to release initially dissolved CO32− as CO2 in front of the DEMS membrane and its subsequent detection by mass spectrometry. DEMS studies of a carbon‐supported nickel boride (NixB/C) catalyst and Vulcan XC 72 at high anodic potentials suggest protection of carbon in the presence of highly active oxygen evolution electrocatalysts. Most importantly, carbon corrosion is decreased in alkaline solution.
Exploiting Imine Photochemistry for Masked N‐Centered Radical Reactivity
Authors: Staveness Daryl , Collins James L. , McAtee Rory C. , Stephenson Corey R. J.
Published: November 2019

This report details the development of a masked N‐centered radical strategy that harvests the energy of light to drive the conversion of cyclopropylimines to 1‐aminonorbornanes. This process employs the N‐centered radical character of a photoexcited imine to facilitate the homolytic fragmentation of the cyclopropane ring and the subsequent radical cyclization sequence that forms two new C−C bonds en route to the norbornane core. Achieving bond‐forming reactivity as a function of the N‐centered radical character of an excited state Schiff base is unique, requiring only violet light in this instance. This methodology operates in continuous flow, enhancing the potential to translate beyond the academic sector. The operational simplicity of this photochemical process and the structural novelty of the (hetero)aryl‐fused 1‐aminonorbornane products are anticipated to provide a valuable addition to discovery efforts in pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries.
Midgut transcriptome analysis of Clostera anachoreta treated with lethal and sublethal Cry1Ac protoxin
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Liucheng , Zhou Guona , Gao Suhong , Sun Tianhua , Liu Junxia , Gao Baojia
Published: November 2019

Clostera anachoreta is one of the important Lepidoptera insect pests in forestry, especially in poplars woods in China, Europe, Japan, and India, and so forth, and also the target insect of Cry1Ac toxin and Bt plants. Six genes, HSC70, GNB2L/RACK1, PNLIP, BI1‐like, arylphorin type 2, and PKM were found in this study, and they might be associated with the response to the Cry1Ac toxin, found by analyzing the transcriptome data. And the PI3K‐Akt pathway was highly enriched in differentially expressed unigenes and linked to several crucial pathways, including the B‐cell receptor signaling pathway, toll‐like receptor pathway, and mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway. They might be involved in the recovery stage of the damaged midgut during the response to sublethal doses of Cry1Ac toxin. This is the first study conducted to specifically investigate C. anachoreta response to Cry toxin stress using large‐scale sequencing technologies, and the results highlighted some important genes and pathways that could be involved in Btcry1Ac resistance development or could serve as targets for biologically based control mechanisms of this insect pest.
Dysregulation of temporal dynamics of synchronous neural activity in adolescents on autism spectrum
Authors: Malaia Evie A. , Ahn Sungwoo , Rubchinsky Leonid L.
Published: November 2019

Autism spectrum disorder is increasingly understood to be based on atypical signal transfer among multiple interconnected networks in the brain. Relative temporal patterns of neural activity have been shown to underlie both the altered neurophysiology and the altered behaviors in a variety of neurogenic disorders. We assessed brain network dynamics variability in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) using measures of synchronization (phase‐locking) strength, and timing of synchronization and desynchronization of neural activity (desynchronization ratio) across frequency bands of resting‐state electroencephalography (EEG). Our analysis indicated that frontoparietal synchronization is higher in ASD but with more short periods of desynchronization. It also indicates that the relationship between the properties of neural synchronization and behavior is different in ASD and typically developing populations. Recent theoretical studies suggest that neural networks with a high desynchronization ratio have increased sensitivity to inputs. Our results point to the potential significance of this phenomenon to the autistic brain. This sensitivity may disrupt the production of an appropriate neural and behavioral responses to external stimuli. Cognitive processes dependent on the integration of activity from multiple networks maybe, as a result, particularly vulnerable to disruption. Autism Res 2020, 13: 24–31. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Parts of the brain can work together by synchronizing the activity of the neurons. We recorded the electrical activity of the brain in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and then compared the recording to that of their peers without the diagnosis. We found that in participants with autism, there were a lot of very short time periods of non‐synchronized activity between frontal and parietal parts of the brain. Mathematical models show that the brain system with this kind of activity is very sensitive to external events.
Effect of Hydration on a Lipid Membrane Composed of Ceramide[NP]24, Lignoceric Acid, and Cholesterol: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Han Sanghwa
Published: November 2019

Stratum corneum (SC) lipids serve as a barrier against exogenous chemicals and microbes. Interpretation of an experimental observation made on the SC lipids is a formidable task due to an extremely large variation in the chain length and headgroup of the lipids. Therefore much work has been done on model systems with a simple composition of well‐defined components. Experiments on the model membranes support for the hydration of the headgroup region but its effect on the membrane properties needs to be studied systematically through a molecular modeling. In this study MD simulation has been performed on a membrane containing an equimolar mixture of ceramide[NP]24, lignoceric acid, and cholesterol for which a neutron diffraction study has been reported recently. Structure and the dynamic properties of the lipids demonstrated that the membrane was in a hexagonally packed gel phase. Hydration of the headgroup region promoted the lateral motion. Water formed multiple hydrogen bonds with the lipids and the majority of water molecules were clustered together to form pools. Water molecules outside of the pools were less mobile and sometimes stuck in an anhydrous region making it difficult to jump to the headgroup region of the opposing lipid layer. Such interactions slowed down the diffusion of water by one or two orders of magnitude compared with the bulk water. Repeat distance and neutron scattering length density calculated from the MD simulation were in good agreement with the experimentally determined values when the bilayer was hydrated by 2 H2O per lipid.
Pretransplant active disease status and HLA class II mismatching are associated with increased incidence and severity of cytokine release syndrome after haploidentical transplantation with posttransplant cyclophosphamide
Authors: Mariotti Jacopo , Taurino Daniela , Marino Fabrizio , Bramanti Stefania , Sarina Barbara , Morabito Lucio , De Philippis Chiara , Di Vito Clara , Mavilio Domenico , Carlo‐Stella Carmelo , Della Porta Matteo , Santoro Armando , Castagna Luca
Published: November 2019

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) represents a life‐threatening side effect after haploidentical stem cell transplantation (Haplo‐SCT) with posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PT‐Cy). Factors predictive of CRS development is still a matter of debate. We retrospectively analyzed 102 consecutive patients receiving a bone marrow (BM) (n = 42) or peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) (n = 60) Haplo‐SCT with PT‐Cy. The two cohorts were similar in main patients’ characteristics besides disease type (P = .02). Cumulative incidence of grades 1, 2, and ≥3 CRS was 80%, 52%, and 15% at a median of 2, 4, and 7 days, respectively. Moderate/High‐grade fever (39°‐41°), grade 1 and grade ≥3 CRS occurred more frequently after PBSC relative to BM grafts (68% vs 33%,P = .0005; 87% vs 71%,P = .009; 20% vs 7%,P = .07). Only patients experiencing grade ≥3 CRS had a worse outcome in terms of 1‐year overall survival (OS) and nonrelapse mortality (NRM): 39% vs 80% (P = .002) and 40% vs 8% (P = .005), respectively. By univariate analysis the only factors associated with the increased risk of ≥3 CRS were pretransplant disease status (8% for complete remission, 11% for partial remission, and 38% for active disease,P = .002), HLA‐DRB1 mismatching (57% vs 14%,P = .007), and PBSC graft (P = .07). By multivariable analysis, only pretransplant disease status (hazard ratio, HR: 6.84,P = .005) and HLA‐DRB1 mismatching (HR: 17.19,P = .003) remained independent predictors of grade ≥3 CRS. Only grade ≥3 CRS is clinically relevant for the final outcome of patients receiving Haplo‐SCT with PT‐Cy, is more frequent after a PBSC graft and is associated with pretransplant active disease and HLA‐DRB1 mismatching.
Hydrogen Production System by Light‐Induced α‐FeOOH Coupled with Photoreduction
Authors: Yamada Tetsuya , Suzuki Norihiro , Nakata Kazuya , Terashima Chiaki , Matsushita Nobuhiro , Okada Kiyoshi , Fujishima Akira , Katsumata Ken‐ichi
Published: November 2019

Solar‐driven catalysts on semiconductors to produce hydrogen are considered as a means to solve environmental issues. In this study, H2 production coupling with oxygen consumption by noble metal‐free α‐FeOOH was demonstrated even though the conduction band edge was lower than the reduction potential of H+ to H2. For activation of α‐FeOOH, an electron donor, Hg‐Xe irradiation, and low pH (ca. 5) were indispensable factors. The H2 production from H2O was confirmed by GC‐MS using isotope‐labeled water (D2O) and deuterated methanol. The α‐FeOOH synthesized by coprecipitation method showed 25 times more active than TiO2. The photocatalytic activity was stable for over 400 h. Our study suggests that α‐FeOOH known as rust can produce H2 by light induction.
Single‐Chain Magnet Based on Cobalt(II) Thiocyanate as XXZ Spin Chain
Authors: Rams Michał , Jochim Aleksej , Böhme Michael , Lohmiller Thomas , Ceglarska Magdalena , Rams Marek M. , Schnegg Alexander , Plass Winfried , Näther Christian
Published: November 2019

The cobalt(II) in [Co(NCS)2(4‐methoxypyridine)2]n are linked by pairs of thiocyanate anions into linear chains. In contrast to a previous structure determination, two crystallographically independent cobalt(II) centers have been found to be present. In the antiferromagnetic state, below the critical temperature (Tc=3.94 K) and critical field (Hc=290 Oe), slow relaxations of the ferromagnetic chains are observed. They originate mainly from defects in the magnetic structure, which has been elucidated by micromagnetic Monte Carlo simulations and ac measurements using pristine and defect samples. The energy barriers of the relaxations are Δτ1=44.9(5) K and Δτ2=26.0(7) K for long and short spin chains, respectively. The spin excitation energy, measured by using frequency‐domain EPR spectroscopy, is 19.1 cm−1 and shifts 0.1 cm−1 due to the magnetic ordering. Ab initio calculations revealed easy‐axis anisotropy for both CoII centers, and also an exchange anisotropy Jxx/Jzz of 0.21. The XXZ anisotropic Heisenberg model (solved by using the density renormalization matrix group technique) was used to reconcile the specific heat, susceptibility, and EPR data.
CuMoO4 Bimetallic Nanoparticles, An Efficient Catalyst for Room Temperature C−S Cross‐Coupling of Thiols and Haloarenes
Authors: Panigrahi Reba , Sahu Santosh Kumar , Behera Pradyota Kumar , Panda Subhalaxmi , Rout Laxmidhar
Published: November 2019

CuII catalyst is less efficient at room temperature for C−S cross‐coupling. C−S cross‐coupling by CuII catalyst at room temperature is not reported; however, doping of copper with molybdenum metal has been realized here to be more efficient for C−S cross‐coupling in comparison to general CuII catalyst. The doped catalyst CuMoO4 nanoparticle is found to be more efficient than copper. The catalyst works under mild conditions without any ligand at room temperature and is recyclable and effective for a wide range of thiols and haloarenes (ArI, ArBr, ArF) from milligram to gram scale. The copper‐based bimetallic catalyst is developed and recognized for C−S cross‐coupling of haloarenes with alkyl and aryl thiols.
AuI‐Catalyzed Haloalkynylation of Alkenes
Authors: García‐Fernández Pedro D. , Izquierdo Cristina , Iglesias‐Sigüenza Javier , Díez Elena , Fernández Rosario , Lassaletta José M.
Published: November 2019

The formal insertion of alkenes into aromatic chloro‐ and bromoalkynes takes place under cationic gold catalysis. This haloalkynylation reaction can be performed with cyclic, gem‐disubstituted and monosubstituted alkenes, using BINAP, triazolo[4,3‐b]isoquinolin‐3‐ylidene ligands or SPhos, respectively. The products were isolated in moderate to excellent yields and with complete diastereo‐ and regioselectivity; the halogen atom bonding the more substituted carbon of the alkene. Preliminary experiments showed that the enantioselective haloalkynylation of cyclopentene can be performed with (S)‐BINAP to afford the insertion products with moderate to good enantioselectivities.
Urinary excretion profile of prednisone and prednisolone after different administration routes
Authors: Mazzarino Monica , Piantadosi Chiara , Comunità Fabio , de la Torre Xavier , Botrè Francesco
Published: November 2019

The urinary excretion profile of prednisolone and prednisone after both systemic (i.e., oral) and topical (i.e., ocular and intranasal) administration was studied by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, also to select the most appropriate marker(s) of intake for doping control purposes.

Urines were collected from ten subjects every 3 h before and after the administration of therapeutic doses of pharmaceutical formulations containing either prednisone or prednisolone. Samples were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis (performed for the investigation on the glucuronide profile) followed by liquid/liquid extraction with tert‐butylmethylether in alkaline conditions. The chromatographic separation was carried out on C18 column, employing as mobile phases ultrapurified water and acetonitrile, both containing 0.1% of formic acid. Detection was achieved using as mass spectrometric analyzer a triple quadrupole, with positive ion electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring as acquisition mode.

After both systemic and topical use, the compounds excreted in urine in higher concentration were prednisone, prednisolone and 20β‐dihydro‐prednisolone followed by 20α‐dihydro‐prednisolone and 20α/β‐dihydro‐prednisone. All were excreted mainly as unconjugated compounds, with a maximum of excretion in the first 3–9 h after the administration.

After systemic use, prednisone and prednisolone were both detectable for at least 24 h in concentrations ranging from 5 to 500 ng/mL and from 5 to 900 ng/mL respectively. Whereas, after topical administration, prednisone and prednisolone were detectable for at least 18 h in concentrations ranging from 5 to 140 ng/mL and from 5 to 50 ng/mL respectively.
Red oak seedlings as indicators of deer browse pressure: Gauging the outcome of different white‐tailed deer management approaches
Authors: Blossey Bernd , Curtis Paul , Boulanger Jason , Dávalos Andrea
Published: November 2019

After decades of high deer populations, North American forests have lost much of their previous biodiversity. Any landscape‐level recovery requires substantial reductions in deer herds, but modern societies and wildlife management agencies appear unable to devise appropriate solutions to this chronic ecological and human health crisis. We evaluated the effectiveness of fertility control and hunting in reducing deer impacts at Cornell University. We estimated spring deer populations and plantedQuercus rubraseedlings to assess deer browse pressure, rodent attack, and other factors compromising seedling performance. Oak seedlings protected in cages grew well, but deer annually browsed ≥60% of unprotected seedlings. Despite female sterilization rates of >90%, the deer population remained stable. Neither sterilization nor recreational hunting reduced deer browse rates and neither appears able to achieve reductions in deer populations or their impacts. We eliminated deer sterilization and recreational hunting in a core management area in favor of allowing volunteer archers to shoot deer over bait, including at night. This resulted in a substantial reduction in the deer population and a linear decline in browse rates as a function of spring deer abundance. Public trust stewardship of North American landscapes will require a fundamental overhaul in deer management to provide for a brighter future, and oak seedlings may be a promising metric to assess success. These changes will require intense public debate and may require new approaches such as regulated commercial hunting, natural dispersal, or intentional release of important deer predators (e.g., wolves and mountain lions). Such drastic changes in deer management will be highly controversial, and at present, likely difficult to implement in North America. However, the future of our forest ecosystems and their associated biodiversity will depend on evidence to guide change in landscape management and stewardship.
Chemoselective C–S/S–S Formation between Diaryl Disulfides and Tetraalkylthiuram Disulfides
Authors: Peng Kang , Zhu Hui , Liu Xing , Peng Han‐Ying , Chen Jin‐Quan , Dong Zhi‐Bing
Published: November 2019

An efficient C–S/S–S formation for the chemoselective synthesis of aryl dithiocarbamate (C–S formation) and aryl dialkylcarbamo(dithioperoxo)thioate (S–S formation) was studied. The chemoselectivity could be controlled by modulating the reaction temperature, base, and catalyst. The transformation features a simple reaction, easily available starting materials, high selectivity and easy performance, showing its practical synthetic value for the preparation of some potential biologically or pharmaceutically active compounds.