bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mandarin Chinese Tonal Acquisition by Thai Speakers
Authors: Rungruang Apichai , Mu Yanhong
Published: April 2017

The aim of the present empirical study is two-fold. The first aim is to investigate why Thai university students perceive a certain tone better than others or why a certain tone is more difficult to perceive than others. The second aim is to examine to what extent Thai university students can perceive four Chinese Mandarin tones. 14 volunteer university students (2 males; 12 females) participated in the study. Research tools were structured interview and the perception test. The findings from the interview reveal that 9 out of 14 (64%) students claimed that tone 4 was the easiest tone either to perceive or produce. In contrast, 10 out of 14 (71%) stated that tone 3 was the most difficult one to perceive. The qualitative data findings from the interview were greatly consistent with the quantitative data ones from the perception test. That is, Thai speakers performed well in tone 4 (mean scores 24.92 or 99.68%) and tone 1 (24.35 or 97.40%). On the other end of the scale, they had some difficulty identifying tone 2 (21.42 or 85.68%) and tone 3 (19.50 or 78%). It can be concluded that firstly, the hierarchy of tone accessibility from the least difficult to the most difficult one was tone 4 > tone 1 > tone 2 > tone 3. Secondly, students’ native language (Thai) or L1 plays a crucial role to their tonal acquisition when Thai speakers deal with foreign lexical tones. For one important reason, tones 1 and 4 in Chinese are very similar to the mid tone and the falling tone in Thai, respectively.
Absentia Voter in the Election of Regional Head in Situbondo Regency Year 2015
Authors: Rupiarsieh Rupiarsieh
Published: April 2017

Since the downfall of the New Order regime, the regional head election is done directly. Before 2005, it was elected by the Local House of Representatives (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah, DPRD). However, since the effectuation of Constitution No. 32 year 2004 said that the regional head was chosen directly by the people and called as Pilkada. It was held in 2010 and 2015. In the 2015 elections in Situbondo, the number of absentia voter is still a problem. It shows that the public has little or no political participation in using their right to vote freely. It is very influential on democracy and acceptance of the elected leaders. The 2015, it showed that the number of registered voters is 509,111. Voters, who using their voting rights only 378,953. The valid votes 372,555, divided to first candidate in number of 18,997 (5%), second candidate in number of 158,934 (43%), and the third candidate in number of 194 624 or 52%. Total absentia voter is 130,058 (25%). By using descriptive qualitative method, the simultaneous elections can be analyzed. The high absentee voter was more due to political factors, lack of political awareness because the majority of education level is still low, and there are patrialism in political culture is. All the leader must have the blessing from the moslem leader (Kiayi). The voters are not in accordance with the existing leader candidate, do not attend the election. The voters will attend the election by following the advice from the Kiayi. They chose their regency leader not in freely condition. If the elected regent unable to accommodate the interests of the opposing party (absentia voter) could become a powerful political opponent. A new factor affecting the absentee voter is political culture. The political culture and democracy education conducted by involving the Kiayi, and directed at women voters and beginner-voter, because the majority of voters are women and the beginner-voter are in the moslem boarding school (called: pasantren), that manage by the Kiayi.
De uitzendwereld na C4C: bespiegelingen over heden en toekomst
Authors: Verburg Leonard G.
Published: April 2017

De uitzendwereld na C4C: bespiegelingen over heden en toekomst

Deze bijdrage behandelt de in het C4C-arrest gelaten ruimte voor divergentie in de toepassing van artikel 7:690 BW en artikel 7:691 BW in nieuwe driehoeksrelaties als payrolling en de gelijkenis tussen de gezagsverhouding en het vereiste van ‘leiding en toezicht’. Daarna komen het verschil tussen het oordeel over het begrip ‘uitzendovereenkomst’ in de wet en de van uitzending afwijkende regeling van payrolling in de Ontslagregeling en de werkingssfeer van de ABU CAO 2012-2017 en StiPP aan bod. De bijdrage sluit af met enige bespiegelingen over de uitzendwereld en de rol van de overheid. De wetgever is thans aan zet.
Application of an HPLC Method for Selective Determination of Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride: Theoretical and Practical Investigations
Authors: Attia Khalid A M , El-Abasawi Nasr M , El-Olemy Ahmed , Abdelazim Ahmed H
Published: April 2017

HPLC method was developed for the selective determination of phenazopyridine hydrochloride (PAP) in the presence of its computationally selected metabolite. Density functional theory was applied as a computational model to study the energy of PAP metabolites, and the results revealed that 2,3,6-triaminopyridine (TAP) is the most stable metabolite. Good resolution and separation of PAP from TAP was achieved using a reversed-phase BDS Hypersil C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile–water (75 + 25, v/v) at flow rate of 1 mL/min and with UV detection at 280 nm. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plot of PAP showed a good linear relationship over the concentrationrange of 5–45 μg/mL, with an LOD of 0.773 μg/mL. Moreover, a theoretical investigation of the relationship between the stationary phaseand the studied molecules was performed to confirm the experimental results. The proposed method was successfully applied for the selective determination ofPAP in pharmaceutical formulation. In addition, the obtained results were statistically compared to a reported method, with no significant differences foundbetween the investigated method and the reported onewith respect to accuracy and precision.
La dualité dans l’oeuvre de Jean-François Mattéi
Authors: Rappin Baptiste
Published: April 2017

Cet article appréhende la pensée de Jean-François Mattéi en prenant pour fil directeur le thème de la dualité. Pourquoi ce choix ? Parce que le philosophe y voit une fidélité à la tradition grecque caractérisée par l’éternel balancement entre deux pôles. Sont alors passés en revue les couples suivants : philosophie/sophistique, étonnement/indignation, civilisation/barbarie, Europe/autres, qui forment autant de tensions à explorer et à penser.
Data-Based Modelling of Significant Wave Height in the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Mudronja Luka , Matić Petar , Katalinić Marko
Published: April 2017

The paper deals with sea wave modelling based on available data acquired from a satellite-calibrated numerical model. The idea is to use an artificial neural network, as a flexible tool capable of modelling nonlinear processes, for significant wave height (SWH) modelling at a single point in the Adriatic Sea. The focus of the paper was not to develop a new type of ANN, but rather to use it as a modelling tool and identify the most significant input variables for SWH modelling in the Adriatic Sea, among the available data. Linear and nonlinear regression models were also developed for purposes of comparison of neural network performances with those of traditional data modelling methods. A total of 22 years of data were used - 20 years of data with a 6 h sampling step time, i.e. 30684 data samples were used to calibrate the models, while 2 years of data, i.e. 2920 data samples were used to test the models’ performances. Simulation results proved the ability of an artificial neural network to model SWH with high ccuracy based on available data. Furthermore, the artificial neural network model proved to be more accurate than traditional statistical models, especially when multiple input variables were used.
Mathematics as a Science and Marine Activity Follow Each Other Throughout History
Authors: Stanivuk Tatjana , Galić Stipe , Bojanić Mia
Published: April 2017

From the earliest beginnings to the present day, there has always been a strong link between mathematics and shipping. Both started developing at about the same time, fulfilling the basic human needs to act and to be creative. The shipping industry has developed throughout the history relatively in line with the development of science, but there have been periods of stagnation in times of great crises and wars. Mathematics, as one of the oldest sciences, is used for various calculations in shipping from shipbuilding to trade, transportation, and management. The safety of navigation, improvement of accuracy in navigation, optimization of costs, higher earnings and profits for ship owners and employees pose only a fraction of maritime affairs, hardly accessible without the knowledge and application of mathematics. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to examine closely the historical development of mathematics and maritime affairs, and to show how the knowledge of mathematics can become a powerful tool in the hands of a seafarer.
ПОЈАВА ФАСЦИОЛОЗЕ КОД ОВАЦА НА ТЕРИТОРИЈИ ОПШТИНЕ СОКОЛАЦ, РЕПУБЛИКА СРПСКА
Authors: Стевановић О. , Недић Д. , Станишић М. , Радић2 Д. , Амовић М. , Павловић И. , Сладојевић Ж. , Зуко А.
Published: April 2017

У овом раду описана је појава акутне и хроничне фасциолозе(метиљавости) на неколико локалитета у општини Соколац. Од септембрадо децембра акутна метиљавост је потврђена у четири стада са двалокалитета: Кнежина и Газиводе. Угинуло је укупно 67 оваца, а просјечнастопа морталитета износила је 46%. Од укупно прегледаних 89 грла (79оваца; 10 говеда) са 18 газдинстава из четири локалитета методомседиментације, јаја великог - јетреног метиља (Fasciola hepatica) суутврђена код 39 (44%) јединке (35 оваца и четири говечета). Пра -вовременом апликацијом нитроксинила и рафоксанида овцама изафектираних стада смањене су веће економске штете усљед акутнеметиљавости. Висока заступљеност јаја великог метиља (Fasciola hepatica)од 44% у испитаном узорку са чињеницом на претходно високе губиткезбог акутне метиљавости указује да је подручје локалитета Кнежина,Врапци и Бабине ендемично или дистриктно за појаву фасцилозе.Епизоотиолошки подаци указују да постоји сумња да флукициди из редаадултицида, у првом реду албендазол и клорсулон, имају слабу терапијскуефикасност против великог метиља (Fasciola hepatica), и да је потребноиспитати постојање потенцијалне резистенције овог паразита на овеантитрематодне лијекове. Додатан проблем са којим се сусрећеветеринарска служба је непостојање триклабендазола као првог лијекаизбора против акутне метиљавости.
Coordinated control of terminal differentiation and restriction of cellular plasticity
Authors: Patel Tulsi , Hobert Oliver
Published: April 2017

The acquisition of a specific cellular identity is usually paralleled by a restriction of cellular plasticity. Whether and how these two processes are coordinated is poorly understood. Transcription factors called terminal selectors activate identity-specific effector genes during neuronal differentiation to define the structural and functional properties of a neuron. To study restriction of plasticity, we ectopically expressed C. elegans CHE-1, a terminal selector of ASE sensory neuron identity. In undifferentiated cells, ectopic expression of CHE-1 results in activation of ASE neuron type-specific effector genes. Once cells differentiate, their plasticity is restricted and ectopic expression of CHE-1 no longer results in activation of ASE effector genes. In striking contrast, removal of the respective terminal selectors of other sensory, inter-, or motor neuron types now enables ectopically expressed CHE-1 to activate its ASE-specific effector genes, indicating that terminal selectors not only activate effector gene batteries but also control the restriction of cellular plasticity. Terminal selectors mediate this restriction at least partially by organizing chromatin. The chromatin structure of a CHE-1 target locus is less compact in neurons that lack their resident terminal selector and genetic epistasis studies with H3K9 methyltransferases suggest that this chromatin modification acts downstream of a terminal selector to restrict plasticity. Taken together, terminal selectors activate identity-specific genes and make non-identity-defining genes less accessible, thereby serving as a checkpoint to coordinate identity specification with restriction of cellular plasticity.
Floral pathway integrator gene expression mediates gradual transmission of environmental and endogenous cues to flowering time
Authors: van Dijk Aalt D.J. , Molenaar Jaap
Published: April 2017

The appropriate timing of flowering is crucial for the reproductive success of plants. Hence, intricate genetic networks integrate various environmental and endogenous cues such as temperature or hormonal statues. These signals integrate into a network of floral pathway integrator genes. At a quantitative level, it is currently unclear how the impact of genetic variation in signaling pathways on flowering time is mediated by floral pathway integrator genes. Here, using datasets available from literature, we connectArabidopsis thalianaflowering time in genetic backgrounds varying in upstream signalling components with the expression levels of floral pathway integrator genes in these genetic backgrounds. Our modelling results indicate that flowering time depends in a quite linear way on expression levels of floral pathway integrator genes. This gradual, proportional response of flowering time to upstream changes enables a gradual adaptation to changing environmental factors such as temperature and light.
Piecing together the aggression puzzle: Testing the mediating variables linking early to later aggression
Authors: Barlett Christopher P. , Helmstetter Kaitlyn M. , Kowalewski Douglas A. , Pezzillo Logan
Published: April 2017

Results from several studies show that early aggression predicts later aggression; however, few studies have examined the mediating mechanisms in these relations. The paucity of research that has tested mediation found that aggressive motives and hostile attributions are important causal processes. This past work is limited by not measuring aggression multiple times throughout the study to test aggression change over time and the variables that mediate such change. The current study had participants (N = 90) interact with a same‐sex confederate on a modified version of the Tangram Task—our measure of aggressive behavior—for three trials. At each trial, participants completed a measure of aggressive motivations, assigned tangram puzzles for their partner to solve, were provoked (or not) by their ostensible partner, and then completed an assessment of aggressive attributions regarding their partner's behavior. Results showed that, for provoked participants, the relation between Time 1 aggressive attributions predicted Time 3 aggressive behavior through the following temporal mediated pathway: Time 2 aggressive attributions, Time 2 aggressive behavior, and Time 3 aggressive motivations.
Results of a 10‐year survey of workload for 10 treatment vaults at a high‐throughput comprehensive cancer center
Authors: Saleh Ziad H. , Jeong Jeho , Quinn Brian , Mechalakos James , St. Germain Jean , Dauer Lawrence T.
Published: April 2017

The workload for shielding purposes of modern linear accelerators (linacs) consists of primary and scatter radiation which depends on the dose delivered to isocenter (cGy) and leakage radiation which depends on the monitor units (MUs). In this study, we report on the workload for 10 treatment vaults in terms of dose to isocenter (cGy), monitor units delivered (MUs), number of treatment sessions (Txs), as well as, use factors (U) and modulation factors (CI) for different treatment techniques. The survey was performed for the years between 2006 and 2015 and included 16 treatment machines which represent different generations of Varian linear accelerators (6EX, 600C, 2100C, 2100EX, and TrueBeam) operating at different electron and x‐ray energies (6, 9, 12, 16 and 20 MeV electrons and, 6 and 15 MV x‐rays). An institutional review board (IRB) approval was acquired to perform this study. Data regarding patient workload, dose to isocenter, number of monitor units delivered, beam energies, gantry angles, and treatment techniques were exported from an ARIA treatment management system (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, Ca.) into Excel spreadsheets and data analysis was performed in Matlab. The average (± std‐dev) number of treatment sessions, dose to isocenter, and number of monitor units delivered per week per machine in 2006 was 119 ± 39 Txs, (300 ± 116) × 102 cGys, and (78 ± 28) × 103 MUs respectively. In contrast, the workload in 2015 was 112 ± 40 Txs, (337 ± 124) × 102 cGys, and (111 ± 46) × 103 MUs. 60% of the workload (cGy) was delivered using 6 MV and 30% using 15 MV while the remaining 10% was delivered using electron beams. The modulation factors (MU/cGy) for IMRT and VMAT were 5.0 (± 3.4) and 4.6 (± 1.6) respectively. Use factors using 90° gantry angle intervals were equally distributed (~0.25) but varied considerably among different treatment techniques. The workload, in terms of dose to isocenter (cGy) and subsequently monitor units (MUs), has been steadily increasing over the past decade. This increase can be attributed to increased use of high dose hypo‐fractionated regimens (SBRT, SRS) and the increase in use of IMRT and VMAT, which require higher MUs per cGy as compared to more conventional treatment (3DCRT). Meanwhile, the patient workload in terms of treatment sessions per week remained relatively constant. The findings of this report show that variables used for shielding purposes still fall within the recommendation of NCRP Report 151.
Stereoselective Vicinal Difunctionalization of Alkynes through a Three‐Component Reaction of Alkynes, Sodium Sulfinates, and Togni Reagent
Authors: Xiang Yuanchao , Li Yuewen , Kuang Yunyan , Wu Jie
Published: April 2017

Stereoselective vicinal difunctionalization of alkynes through trifluoromethylation and sulfonylation via a three‐component reaction of alkynes, sodium sulfinates, and Togni reagent under catalyst‐ and additive‐free conditions has been realized. This reaction proceeds at room temperature in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), providing (E)‐β‐trifluoromethylvinyl sulfones in moderate to good yields. The advantages of this tandem radical process include extremely mild conditions, excellent stereoselectivity, and easy experimental operation.

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On the possibility of helicity oscillations in the saturation of the Tayler instability
Authors: Bonanno Alfio , Guarnieri Filippo
Published: April 2017

Recent numerical results of current‐driven instabilities at low magnetic Prandtl number and high Hartmann number support the possibility of a saturation state characterized by helicity oscillations. We investigate the underlying mechanism by analyzing this possibility using a higher order Landau–Ginzburg effective Lagrangian for the weakly nonlinear amplitude dynamics, where the magnetic and velocity perturbations are linearly dependent. We find that, if the mirror symmetry between left‐ and right‐handed modes is spontaneously broken, it is impossible to achieve an oscillating helical state. We argue that the result is likely to hold also for adding higher order terms and in the presence of an explicit symmetry breaking. We conclude that an oscillating saturating state for the Tayler instability is unlikely to depend on the interaction of chiral modes.
Ein kreativer Kunst‐Stoff
Authors: Latzke Ute
Published: April 2017

Beton ist für die Baubranche längst unverzichtbar und seine Flexibilität ermöglicht Architekten größte gestalterische Freiheiten. Auch Künstler und Bildhauer favorisieren das Allroundtalent zunehmend, um ihre kreativen Entwürfe zu realisieren. Was dabei entsteht – ob als Kunst am Bau, in Form attraktiver Betonfassaden, Skulpturen, Designobjekten und sogar Möbeln oder Schmuckstücken – beindruckt wegen seiner Vielfalt und der raffinierten Ausführung. Der Artikel präsentiert eine Auswahl und erhebt keineswegs den Anspruch auf Vollständigkeit.
Quantum dots‐based fluorescence resonance energy transfer biosensor for monitoring cell apoptosis
Authors: Gu Chunchuan
Published: April 2017

The development of advanced methods for accurately monitoring cell apoptosis has extensive significance in the diagnostic and pharmaceutical fields. In this study, we developed a rapid, sensitive and selective approach for the detection of cell apoptosis by combining the site‐specific recognition and cleavage of the DEVD–peptide with quantum dots (QDs)‐based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Firstly, biotin‐peptide was conjugated on the surface of AuNPs to form AuNPs‐pep through the formation of an Au‐S bond. Then, AuNPs–pep–QDs nanoprobe was obtained through the connection between AuNPs–pep and QDs. FRET is on and the fluorescence of QDs is quenched at this point. The evidence of UV–vis spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy revealed that the connection was successful. Upon the addition of apoptosis cell lysis solution, peptide was cleaved by caspase‐3, and AuNPs was dissociated from the QDs. At this time, FRET is off, and thus the QDs fluorescence was recovered. The experimental conditions were optimized in terms of ratio of peptide to AuNPs, buffer solution, and the temperature of conjugation and enzyme reaction. The biosensor was successfully applied to distinguishing apoptosis cells and normal cells within 2 h. This study demonstrated that the biosensor could be utilized to evaluate anticancer drugs.
Enhanced chemiluminescence for trazodone trace analysis based on acidic permanganate oxidation in concurrent presence of rhodamine 6G
Authors: Fujimori Keiichi , Sakata Yuta , Moriuchi‐Kawakami Takayo , Shibutani Yasuhiko
Published: April 2017

A new sensitized chemiluminescence method by acidic permanganate oxidation was developed for the sensitive determination of trazodone. A fluorescent dye as used rhodamine 6G to increase a chemiluminescence intensity. Under optimum conditions, the liner range of the calibration curve was obtained for 1–5000 nmol/L. The limit of detection was calculated from 3σ of a blank was 0.23 nmol/L. The coexistent ions and substances had no interference with the chemiluminescence measurement. The chemiluminescence spectra were measured to elucidate a possible mechanism for the system. The present method was satisfactorily used in the determination of the drugs in pharmaceutical samples and animal serums.
New insights into the morphogenesis of the gubernaculum testis and the inguinal canal
Authors: Bouzada Jose , Vázquez Teresa , Duran Manuel , Delmas Vincent , Larkin Theresa , Cuesta Miguel A. , SañUDO Jose
Published: April 2017

There is no consensus about the role of the gubernaculum testis (GT). Nineteen human embryos (Carnegie stages 15–23), 36 fetuses (9 weeks to term), and eight neonates were examined. All the embryos and 25 fetuses (from weeks 9–16) were processed for paraffin wax histology and serially sectioned at 10 µm thickness. The remaining 11 fetuses and the eight neonates were fresh specimens that were dissected under a surgical microscope. The GT appeared during the embryonic period (stages 17–23) with a horseshoe‐shaped mesenchyme condensation of the superior concavity, which was observed in four different topographical regions sequentially through development. The GT was not attached at either of its ends in any of the specimens, not to the gonad or in the scrotal sac. The inguinal canal differentiates around the inguinal portion of the GT during the late embryonic period. After stage 21, the GT appears enveloped by an evagination of the peritoneal cavity. It has few striate muscular fibers and vessels. Although the GT does not appear to have the role traditionally attributed to it, it is still an essential structure and indirectly facilitates the descent of the testes. It contributes to the formation of the inguinal canal and then forges the pathway that the testes will subsequently take through the inguinal canal as they migrate from the abdominal cavity into the scrotal sac. Clin. Anat. 30:599–607, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Designed ZnO@ZIF‐8 Core–Shell Nanorod Film as a Gas Sensor with Excellent Selectivity for H2 over CO
Authors: Wu Xiaonan , Xiong Shunshun , Mao Zhenghao , Hu Sheng , Long Xinggui
Published: April 2017

The development of H2 gas sensors is important for H2 production as a fuel. In this work, a ZnO@ZIF‐8 core–shell nanorod film is designed and synthesized as a gas sensor through a facile solution deposition process. This film shows an excellent selective response for H2 over CO. By fine‐tuning the reaction conditions, a ZnO@ZIF‐8 core–shell structure with a thin, fine‐grain, porous ZIF‐8 shell is obtained. Owing to the facile H2 penetration through the ZIF‐8 thin shell (≈110 nm) and the increased oxygen vacancies for the complex film, the ZnO@ZIF‐8 nanorod film shows a higher H2 sensitivity than a raw ZnO nanorod film. More importantly, the ZnO@ZIF‐8 nanorod film shows no response for CO at 200 °C. Because of the fine‐grain confinement of the porous ZIF‐8 shell (<140 nm), the molecular sieving effect is strengthened, which allows the effective separation of H2 over CO. This work provides a promising strategy for the design of high‐performance H2 sensors.
Assembling Porphyrins into Extended Network Structures by Employing Aromatic Dicarboxylates: Synthesis, Metal Exchange, and Heterogeneous Catalytic Studies
Authors: Dutta Gargi , Jana Ajay Kumar , Natarajan Srinivasan
Published: April 2017

Three new metal–organic porphyrinic framework compounds of zinc and 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(4‐pyridyl)porphyrin (TPyP) have been synthesized under solvothermal conditions. The compounds [Zn5(C40H24N8)(C8H4O4)2(NO3)6(DMA)2] (DMA)3(H2O)8 (1; DMA=dimethylacetamide), [Zn3(C40H24N8)(C8H4O4)2(DMF)](DMF)5(H2O)12 (2), and [Zn3(C40H24N8)(C12H6O4)2(DMA)2](H2O)7 (3) have two (1) and three dimensionally (2 and 3) extended structures. All the three structures contain porphyrinic units connected through the carboxylate linkers. The nitrates bind the metal centers and are not hydrogen bonded. The different binding modes of nitrate in the structure of 1 are observed for the first time in a porphyrin‐based MOF. The openness of the structure allowed us to explore metal exchange through a room‐temperature metathetic route. Compound 2 undergoes 100 % exchange with copper, whereas compound 3 exchanges 70 % with copper. The copper‐exchanged compounds Cu∈2 and Cu∈3 were observed to be good heterogeneous catalysts for many important organic reactions. The chemo and regioselective enamination of β‐ketoesters, preparation of propargylamine derivatives as well as regioselective cycloadditions of alkyne and azide (click reactions) have been carried out with good yields and selectivity. All the compounds have been characterized by PXRD, IR, UV/Vis, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (for Cu exchange).
A New Approach to Models of the 4,5‐Dihydroxycyclopentenone Core of the Kodaistatins A–D: Elucidation of the Diol Configuration in Kodaistatin A
Authors: Peter David , Brückner Reinhard
Published: April 2017

The kodaistatins A–D are strongly anti‐diabetic natural products from Aspergillus terreus that hold some promise of a novel diabetes cure. However, considerations of that kind face two drawbacks: 1) The kodaistatins A–D contain a heavily substituted pulvinone/cyclopentenone combination; 2) they are 1,2‐diols, the 3D structures of which have not been assigned yet. However, we can exclude two of the four possible stereostructures. We conclude that kodaistatin A is a trans‐, not a cis‐diol from NMR comparisons with a pair of cis, trans‐isomeric kodaistatin models, which we synthesized in 11 and 12 steps, respectively. The stereocenters of the diol moiety arose from stereocomplementary, highly diastereoselective aldol additions of a lithium enolate or the corresponding silyl ketene acetal. The cyclopentenone moieties stemmed from intramolecular aldol additions and ensuing dehydrations. The requisite enolates were obtained by the reduction of α‐bromoketones with samarium diiodide.
Highly Enantioselective Allylation of Ketones: An Efficient Approach to All Stereoisomers of Tertiary Homoallylic Alcohols
Authors: Brauns Marcus , Mantel Marvin , Schmauck Julie , Guder Marian , Breugst Martin , Pietruszka Jörg
Published: April 2017

An optimized protecting group for allylboronates allowed the use of ketones in order to synthesize all isomers of quaternary homoallylic alcohols with high enantioselectivities. All symmetric isomers of the allylboronate were prepared in high yields and diastereoselectivities using Sn2′ reactions. The improved reactivity of the novel protecting group was verified by following the reaction kinetics with 1H NMR spectroscopy. Mechanistic studies using DFT calculations were conducted to investigate the new findings. Thus, the stereochemical outcome and enhanced reactivity can be rationalized.
Liquid and subcritical fluid chromatographic enantioseparation of Nα‐Fmoc proteinogenic amino acids on Quinidine‐based zwitterionic and anion‐exchanger type chiral stationary phases. A comparative study
Authors: Lajkó Gyula , Grecsó Nóra , Tóth Gábor , Fülöp Ferenc , Lindner Wolfgang , Ilisz István , Péter Antal
Published: April 2017

Stereoselective high‐performance liquid chromatographic and subcritical fluid chromatographic separations of 19 Nα‐Fmoc proteinogenic amino acid enantiomers were carried out by using Quinidine‐based zwitterionic and anion‐exchanger‐type chiral stationary phases Chiralpak ZWIX(−) and QD‐AX. For optimization of retention and enantioselectivity, the ratio of bulk solvent components (MeOH/MeCN, H2O/MeOH, or CO2/MeOH) and the nature and concentration of the acid and base additives (counter‐ and co‐ions) were systematically varied. The effect of column temperature on the enantioseparation was investigated and thermodynamic parameters were calculated from the van't Hoff plots ln α vs. 1/T. The thermodynamic parameters revealed that the enantioseparations were enthalpy‐driven. The elution sequence was determined in all cases and with the exception of Fmoc‐Cys(Trt)‐OH, it was identical on both chiral stationary phases whereby the L‐enantiomers eluted before the D‐enantiomers.
High Performance Supercapacitors from Hierarchical Porous Carbon Aerogels Based on Sliced Bread
Authors: Hao Pin , Cui Guanwei , Shi Xifeng , Xie Junfeng , Xia Xinyuan , Sang Yuanhua , Wong C. P. , Liu Hong , Tang Bo
Published: April 2017

Supercapacitor electrodes with porous structure based on renewable, eco‐friendly and cost‐effective materials have caused extensive concern in energy storage fields. Sliced bread, the common food ingredient, mainly containing glucose polymers, can be a promising candidate to fabricate porous supercapacitor electrodes. Highly porous carbon aerogels by using sliced bread as the raw material were synthesized through a carefully controlled aerogel carbonization‐activation process. Interestingly, the specific surface area and the pore size distribution of the porous carbon were controlled by the activation temperature, which result in the varied performance of the carbon aerogel as a supercapacitor. Electrochemical investigation measurements revealed that the hierarchical porous carbon aerogel shows an excellent capacitor behavior for construction of a symmetric supercapacitor, which demonstrated a high specific capacitance of 229 F•g−1 at discharge current of 0.2 A•g−1. In addition, the fabricated supercapacitor displayed excellent capacitance retention of 95.5% over 5000 cycles.
Targeting DNA‐Dependent Protein Kinase for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Harnor Suzannah J. , Brennan Alfie , Cano Céline
Published: April 2017

The catalytic activity of DNA‐dependent protein kinase (DNA‐PK) is critical to its ability to repair lethal DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs). This includes repair of DSB lesions resulting from oxidative stress, oncogene‐induced transcription, or following therapeutic treatment of cancer cells. Armed with this knowledge, many attempts have been made to identify small‐molecule inhibitors of DNA‐PK activity as an approach to induce tumour chemo‐ and radiosensitisation. This review examines the structures of known reversible and irreversible inhibitors, including those based on chromen‐4‐one, arylmorpholine, and benzaldehyde scaffolds. DNA‐PK catalytic inhibitors, such as VX‐984 (8‐[(1S)‐2‐[[6‐(4,6‐dideuterio‐2‐methylpyrimidin‐5‐yl)pyrimidin‐4‐yl]amino]‐1‐methylethyl]quinoline‐4‐carboxamide) and M3814 ((S)‐[2‐chloro‐4‐fluoro‐5‐(7‐morpholinoquinazolin‐4‐yl)phenyl]‐(6‐methoxypyridazin‐3‐yl)methanol), have now progressed into clinical development which should help to further advance our understanding of whether this approach is a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer.
Facilitating the development of stencil applications using the Heterogeneous Programming Library
Authors: Viñas Moisés , Fraguela Basilio B. , Andrade Diego , Doallo Ramón
Published: April 2017

Stencil computations are very common in scientific codes. Heterogeneous systems achieve good results solving these problems, but their programming is complex because of the ghost regions required in multi‐device implementations and the difficulty to properly exploit their hardware. The Heterogeneous Programming Library (HPL) is a recent framework that improves the programmability of heterogeneous devices. This paper describes two extensions of HPL focused on stencil computations. The first one allows to automatically update the ghost regions they involve. The second one automates the implementation of the computational kernels of these algorithms. In our evaluation, the first mechanism reduces on average the number of lines of code and the Halstead programming effort of the host code of comparable HPL baselines by 34% and 64.2%, respectively, while the second contribution reduces these metrics by 72% and 79% in the computational kernels, respectively. Also, the first technique has negligible performance overheads, while the second one matches the performance of manually developed kernels. As an added benefit, the facilitation of the development of these codes thanks to these techniques helps programmers experiment with optimizations suited for this applications such as the ghost cell expansion technique, which provides speedups of up to 13% in our experiments.
Breaks in MODIS time series portend vegetation change: verification using long‐term data in an arid grassland ecosystem
Authors: Browning Dawn M. , Maynard Jonathan J. , Karl Jason W. , Peters Debra C.
Published: April 2017

Frequency and severity of extreme climatic events are forecast to increase in the 21st century. Predicting how managed ecosystems may respond to climatic extremes is intensified by uncertainty associated with knowing when, where, and how long effects of extreme events will be manifest in an ecosystem. In water‐limited ecosystems with high inter‐annual variability in rainfall, it is important to be able to distinguish responses that result from seasonal fluctuations in rainfall from long‐term directional increases or decreases in precipitation. A tool that successfully distinguishes seasonal from directional biomass responses would allow land managers to make informed decisions about prioritizing mitigation strategies, allocating human resource monitoring efforts, and mobilizing resources to withstand extreme climatic events. We leveraged long‐term observations (2000–2013) of quadrat‐level plant biomass at multiple locations across a semiarid landscape in southern New Mexico to verify the use of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time series derived from 250‐m Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data as a proxy for changes in aboveground productivity. This period encompassed years of sustained drought (2000–2003) and record‐breaking high rainfall (2006 and 2008) followed by subsequent drought years (2011 through 2013) that resulted in a restructuring of plant community composition in some locations. Our objective was to decompose vegetation patterns derived from MODIS NDVI over this period into contributions from (1) the long‐term trend, (2) seasonal cycle, and (3) unexplained variance using the Breaks for Additive Season and Trend (BFAST) model. BFAST breakpoints in NDVI trend and seasonal components were verified with field‐estimated biomass at 15 sites that differed in species richness, vegetation cover, and soil properties. We found that 34 of 45 breaks in NDVI trend reflected large changes in mean biomass and 16 of 19 seasonal breaks accompanied changes in the contribution to biomass by perennial and/or annual grasses. The BFAST method using satellite imagery proved useful for detecting previously reported ground‐based changes in vegetation in this arid ecosystem. We demonstrate that time series analysis of NDVI data holds potential for monitoring landscape condition in arid ecosystems at the large spatial scales needed to differentiate responses to a changing climate from responses to seasonal variability in rainfall.
Selecting habitat to what purpose? The advantage of exploring the habitat–fitness relationship
Authors: Uboni Alessia , Smith Douglas W. , Stahler Daniel R. , Vucetich John A.
Published: April 2017

Measures of reproductive success have been recognized in many fields as essential tools to assess the status of populations, species, and communities. However, difficulties in gathering data on reproductive success often prevent researchers from taking advantage of the information offered by those measures. For example, most of habitat selection studies do not include reproductive success in their analysis even though doing so would highly improve our understanding of the habitat selection process. In our study, we aimed to assess to what extent habitat selection choices made by adult individuals are directed to increase their annual reproductive success. We tested this idea by first developing habitat selection models and then relating the results of those models to two measures of reproductive success. Using wolves,Canis lupus, as the study species, we determined that not all habitat selection choices performed by adult wolves were related to their annual reproductive success. The results varied also in relation to the measure of reproductive success used in the analysis and other individual‐, group‐, and population‐level factors. Likely, adult female wolves select habitat characteristics to increase not only their annual reproductive success but also their lifetime reproductive success, for example, by ensuring their own survival and reproductive abilities in subsequent years. Our study suggests that a variety of motivations may govern habitat choices performed by adult individuals and including different measures of fitness in habitat selection studies can improve our understanding of these complex processes.
Ultrasensitive Label‐free Electrochemical Immunosensors for Multiple Cell Surface Biomarkers on Liver Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Eissa Shimaa , Chinnappan Raja , Zourob Mohammed
Published: April 2017

Liver cancer is one of the most widely spread cancers in the world. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of liver cancer cells that are thought to be responsible for relapse of cancer and the resistance to chemotherapy. Detection of CSCs is highly demanded for screening patients who are at high risk for developing metastatic cancers. However, the current methodologies for CSCs detection are sophisticated, expensive and not reliable. Here, we report the development of a label‐free impedance immunosensors for liver CSC quantification using four established CSC surface biomarkers (CD44, CD90, CD133/2 and OV‐6). The immunosensors were simply fabricated by the covalent attachment of four biomarkers specific antibodies on gold electrodes using cysteamine/phenylene isothiocyanate linker. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was employed to detect the binding of the cells to the immunosensors. The binding of the CSCs to the gold electrode surface retards the access of ferri‐ferrocyanide redox molecules to the electrode leading to enhancement in the charge transfer resistance (Rct) which represents the basis of the detection signal. The developed electrochemical immunosensors showed high sensitivity and selectivity for CSC detection with a wide linear range from 1 × 101 to 1× 104 cells/mL with a limit of detection of 1 cell/ml. This work represents a new, accurate, simple and low cost method for the detection of liver CSC that might help in the early diagnosis of metastatic disease and cancer relapse.
Computing the force distribution on the surface of complex, deforming geometries using vortex methods and Brinkman penalization
Authors: Verma Siddhartha , Abbati Gabriele , Novati Guido , Koumoutsakos Petros
Published: April 2017

The distribution of forces on the surface of complex, deforming geometries is an invaluable output of flow simulations. One particular example of such geometries involves self‐propelled swimmers. Surface forces can provide significant information about the flow field sensed by the swimmers and are difficult to obtain experimentally. At the same time, simulations of flow around complex, deforming shapes can be computationally prohibitive when body‐fitted grids are used. Alternatively, such simulations may use penalization techniques. Penalization methods rely on simple Cartesian grids to discretize the governing equations, which are enhanced by a penalty term to account for the boundary conditions. They have been shown to provide a robust estimation of mean quantities, such as drag and propulsion velocity, but the computation of surface force distribution remains a challenge. We present a method for determining flow‐induced forces on the surface of both rigid and deforming bodies, in simulations using remeshed vortex methods and Brinkman penalization. The pressure field is recovered from the velocity by solving a Poisson's equation using the Green's function approach, augmented with a fast multipole expansion and a tree‐code algorithm. The viscous forces are determined by evaluating the strain‐rate tensor on the surface of deforming bodies, and on a “lifted” surface in simulations involving rigid objects. We present results for benchmark flows demonstrating that we can obtain an accurate distribution of flow‐induced surface forces. The capabilities of our method are demonstrated using simulations of self‐propelled swimmers, where we obtain the pressure and shear distribution on their deforming surfaces.
Unified gas kinetic scheme combined with Cartesian grid method for intermediate Mach numbers
Authors: Ragta Lokesh Kumar , Srinivasan Balaji , Sinha Sawan S.
Published: April 2017

We develop a method to seamlessly simulate flows over a wide range of Knudsen numbers past arbitrarily shaped immersed boundaries. To achieve seamless computation, ie, not use any zone division to distinguish between continuum and non‐continuum regions, we use the unified gas kinetic scheme (UGKS), which is based on the Bhatnagar‐Groos‐Krook (BGK) approximation of the Boltzmann equation. We combine UGKS with an appropriately designed Cartesian grid method (CGM) to allow us to compute flows past arbitrary boundaries. The CGM we use here satisfies boundary conditions at the wall by using a constrained least square interpolation procedure. However, it differs from the usual, continuum CGMs in 2 ways. Firstly, to allow us capture non‐continuum effects at the boundaries, the CGM used herein interpolates the microscopic velocity distribution function in addition to the macroscopic variables. Secondly, even for the macroscopic variables, we use a gas kinetic method–based density interpolation procedure at the boundaries that allows the CGM to interface well with the UGKS method. We demonstrate the robustness and efficacy of the method by testing it on stationary immersed boundaries at various Knudsen numbers ranging from continuum to transition regimes.
The impact of maternal employment on children's adiposity: Evidence from China's labor policy reform
Authors: Jo Young , Wang Qing
Published: April 2017

Background

China has experienced a rapid growth in childhood adiposity in recent years. Although a large number of studies examine the effect of maternal employment on children's adiposity in developed countries, only a few studies investigate the issue in developing countries. Moreover, existing studies tend to suffer from a potential endogeneity issue.

Aims

We provide new evidence on the causal effect of maternal employment on children's adiposity in China.

Materials and methods

We employ a difference‐in‐difference strategy that takes advantage of China's 1995 legislative change to labor regulations, which reduced the number of workdays from 6 to 5 days per week. Using longitudinal data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), we compare children whose mothers are wage‐earning employees to those whose mothers are self‐employed because the reform only affected the former.

Results

Although maternal employment and childhood obesity in China exhibits the same positive association as in the United States, our difference‐in‐difference estimates present a different picture. We find that a reduction in the maternal labor supply led to children's weight gain. Further investigation reveals that the effect was stronger among children who were male, younger, in urban areas, and from households with low socioeconomic status.

Discussion

Our evidence suggests that a change in maternal behaviors was likely responsible for children's weight gain. In particular, a greater proportion of treatment group mothers cooked and also devoted more time to cooking after the reform, which led to an increased caloric intake by their children. Such weight gain was beneficial for children who were previously underweight but harmful to those who became overweight.

Conclusion

The finding implies that additional maternal time at home likely has a different effect in China compared to the United States.
Sofosbuvir‐based regimens for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in severe renal dysfunction
Authors: Cox‐North Paula , Hawkins Kelsey L. , Rossiter Sean T. , Hawley Marie N. , Bhattacharya Renuka , Landis Charles S.
Published: April 2017

Sofosbuvir (SOF) is a nonstructural 5B polymerase inhibitor with activity in all hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and is the backbone of many anti‐HCV drug regimens. SOF is converted into inactive metabolites that undergo renal excretion. Patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 30 mL/minute/1.73 m2 may experience increased drug exposure and thus potential toxicities along with decreased efficacy due to dose reduction or drug discontinuation. This is a single‐center study evaluating safety and effectiveness of SOF‐based regimens in patients with severe renal dysfunction, defined as eGFR <30 mL/minute/1.73 m2, including those receiving concurrent hemodialysis. Data were collected from patients with HCV and severe renal dysfunction who started full‐dose (400 mg) SOF‐based antiviral therapy ± ribavirin between April 2014 and February 2016. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, medical history, laboratory, radiologic imaging, echocardiography, transplant status, and liver pathologic findings. Twenty‐nine patients were identified; 12 had cirrhosis and 4 of those had decompensated cirrhosis. Fourteen patients had undergone transplantation of liver and/or kidney and were on calcineurin inhibitors, with 42% requiring dose increases or decreases while on therapy. All patients attained viral suppression on treatment, and 97% had a sustained viral response at 12 weeks posttreatment. There were no early treatment discontinuations. One death occurred posttreatment from a non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction in a patient with a history of coronary artery disease and ischemic cardiomyopathy. Conclusion: SOF‐based regimens appear safe in a broad range of patients with severe renal dysfunction, including those with decompensated cirrhosis and liver transplant. To confirm these retrospective findings, prospective studies that include SOF and SOF metabolite measurements coupled with prospective serial monitoring of electrocardiograms and echocardiograms are needed. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:248‐255)