bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circadian Patterns of Ingestion and Rumination in Ruminants: A Chronophysiological Review
Authors: Nikkhah Akbar
Published: May 2019

Grazing occurs mainly around sunrise and sunset. The time spent eating during the dusk grazing bout appears to be longer than that during the dawn and afternoon bouts. The rumen fill has likely a more significant role in regulating the dusk feed intake compared to dawn and afternoon feed intakes. The evening instead of morning feed delivery in once daily fed lactating dairy cows has increased eating rate and the amount of feed ingested within 3-h post-feeding substantively. Evidently, feeding strategies and systems regulate feed intake through altering circadian rhythms of feed intake in high-producing ruminants. The large evening meals in grazing cows have partly been linked to an optimal foraging strategy. Ruminants attempt to optimize their nutrient intake profile by filling the rumen in the evening because usually little grazing occurs overnight. Turning lights on and off seems to act as an inducer, thus stimulating eating activity. Dairy cows fed once daily at 2100 vs. 0900 h have experienced a larger rumen volume. The greater rumen contents or greater rumen fiber load may stimulate bolus formation required for rumination. The greater rumen contents or greater rumen fiber load may stimulate bolus formation required for rumination. Future research is warranted to quantify how different managements can manipulate eating and ruminating patterns in dairy and beef ruminants undergoing varying physiological states.
Animal welfare as preventative medicine
Authors: Dawkins MS
Published: May 2019

Antimicrobial resistance is a major threat to both human and animal health, but reduction of use raises issues of how standards of animal health and welfare can be maintained without them. This turns the spotlight onto the role of good management and higher standards of animal welfare as drug-free ways of improving immune function and increasing resistance to infection. Research is urgently needed into the relationship between animal welfare, immunity, gut microbiota and disease and we are not yet in a position to claim that improving welfare will improve resistance to disease. ‘Boosting’ the immune system is not straightforward and an interdisciplinary approach is needed.
Do social factors related to allostatic load affect stereotypy susceptibility? Management implications for captive social animals
Authors: Nagy-Reis MB , Mendonça-Furtado O , Resende B
Published: May 2019

Stereotypies are frequently associated with sub-optimal captive environments and are used as welfare indicators. However, susceptibility to stereotypy can vary across individuals of the same group. As such, identifying which individuals are more susceptible to this behaviour may be helpful in managing this issue. We have investigated which sex-age class of semi-captive capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp) is more susceptible to stereotypic behaviours and evaluated whether or not they are also more affected by the social factors that typically influence and increase allostatic load. To accomplish this, we used instantaneous sampling to collect data on a group of capuchins kept on an island in an urban park in São Paulo, Brazil. We found that sub-adult males were the only sex-age class to display stereotypic behaviours and they all displayed pacing. Furthermore, 33% of sub-adult males also exhibited a second stereotypic behaviour associated with their pacing. Compared to the other sex-age classes, sub-adult males had a higher participation in social conflicts and experienced higher social isolation. Sub-adult males also demonstrated a lower level of positive social interactions. All of these factors typically increase allostatic load. We suggest that distal causation of the observed pacing behaviour would be the ecological/evolutionary need of sub-adult males to disperse from their natal group and that the proximal causation would relate to the high allostatic load from social sources. We recommend that managers of zoos and other facilities monitor changes in the social composition of captive groups and evaluate individuals’ age so that necessary alterations may be made, where appropriate, to reduce allostatic load and generate better welfare at individual and group levels.
Preference for heights of feeding troughs in mares: a pilot study
Authors: Luz MPF , Maia CM , Arruda LAS , Delagracia MF , Filho JNPP
Published: May 2019

Preferences for the height of feeding troughs of seven mares were evaluated and, as awareness of surroundings when feeding is adaptive for horses, the relationship between preference responses and attention behaviours was also assessed. First, feeding troughs at four heights (0, 25, 50, and 75 cm) were provided for 16 days, and the amount of time animals ate from each height option was measured daily. These data were used to determine the preferred/non-preferred options for each individual. An overall preference for heights of 50 and 75 cm was detected, but responses showed significant individual variation The same animals were subsequently observed, when feeding from preferred (four days) or non-preferred (four days) trough heights, while their behaviours were recorded. Moving ears/head (attention behaviours) occurred more frequently when feeding from preferred heights of feeding troughs. We concluded that to ensure better welfare conditions for the mares in this study, it was important to consider the individual variation of such preferences if possible, however, by using troughs positioned at 50 or 75 cm, the general preference could be assured. Moreover, when feeding from their preferred heights, the study mares paid more attention to their surroundings than when feeding from their non-preferred height and thus it is likely that they defended their preferred options more. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the generalisability of these findings. We have demonstrated a methodology to assess mares’ preferences and provided some preliminary data on the relationship between preferences/non-preferences and the possible emotional states of mares.
OBRAZOVANJEM DO NOVIH STRATEGIJA AGRARNOG RAZVOJA U REPUBLICI SRBIJI
Authors: Karavidić Slavko , Cogoljević Dušan , Jovančević Dragica
Published: May 2019

Obrazovanje je snažan činilac razvoja, a obrazovni nivo stanovništvanezaobilazan je pokazatelj dostignutog stepena društveno-ekonomskog razvoja usvakoj društvenoj zajednici. U ovom radu sintetizovani su zaključci brojnih studija outicaju obrazovanja na agrarni razvoj sa dva aspekta: 1) društvenih saznanja, sciiljem, da se razviju i podstiču sveže misli i saznanja naučnog značaja za razvojagrara i njihov doprinos razvoju, pri čemu obrazovanje povećava socijalnuuključenost i utiče na smanjenje regionalnih disproporcija i 2) uticaj obrazovnognivoa poljoprivrednika na njihovu produktivnost. Glavni izazov budućeg perioda jeostvarivanje strukturnih promena agrarnog razvoja kroz kreativno i sinergijskokorišćenje resursa, a pre svega kompetitivnog znanja.
GLOBALNI ASPEKTI FINANSIRANJA NEPROFITNOG SEKTORA
Authors: Mitić Branislav
Published: May 2019

Za rad neprofitnih organizacija, jasna misija i vizija su od izuzetnog značaja, štoje potpuno očigledno kada se posmatra kako hiljade volonterskih organizacijafunkcionišu sa relativno skromnim raspoloživima sredstvima. Finansiranje, međutim,ipak igra odlučujuću ulogu u funkcionisanju neprofitnog sektora, imajući u vidu dačak i organizacije od opšte, društvene koristi ne bi bile sposobne da bez sredstavaprofesionalno obavljaju svoju delatnost. Izvor finansiranja može biti svaka institucijaili pojedinac koji su spremni da finansiraju razvojne programe, a koji spadaju udomen njihovog interesovanja. U ovom radu se pomoću korelacione analize utvrđujeveza između izdvajanja finansijskih sredstava u dobrotvorne svrhe i nivoa razvijenostipojedinih zemalja. U fokusu su aktuelni trendovi u domenu finansiranja neprofitnogsektora na globalnom nivou, imajući pre svega u vidu reperkusije velike svetskeekonomske krize krajem prošle decenije.
EKOLOŠKO OPOREZIVANJE U REPUBLICI SRPSKOJ – STANJE I PERSPEKTIVA
Authors: Jović Ljiljana , Maksimović Ljiljana
Published: May 2019

Ekološki porezi kao odraz načela zagađivač-plaća zauzimaju značajno mjesto uokviru mjera ekonomske prirode koje se preduzimaju u cilju zaštite prirodne sredine.Zemlje Evropske unije, čijem priključenju BiH teži, pripadaju vodećim u svijetu kadaje primjena ekoloških poreza u pitanju. Republika Srpska, u čijoj je nadležnosti uokviru BiH zaštita prirodne sredine, u ovom smislu se još uvijek oslanja više naregulatorne a manje na ekonomske mjere. U radu se prevashodno izlažu vrsteekoloških poreza koji su uvedeni u Evropskoj Uniji, analizira se njihov fiskalnikapacitet, te daje kratak pregled koraka koji su od strane nadležnih tijela najavljeni ubudućnosti. Središnji dio rada daje pregled institucionalnog i regulatornog okvira kojise odnosi na zaštitu prirodne sredine u Republici Srpskoj, pri čemu je posebanakcenat stavljen na javne prihode koji se naplaćuju u vezi sa zagađivanjem okoline ieksploatacijom prirodnih resursa. Analizom navedenih instrumenata došli smo dozaključka da ekološka poreska reforma tek predstoji, budući da postojeće instrumente,takse i naknade kao i „ozelenjavanje“ tradicionalnih poreskih oblika, možemoposmatrati samo kao ekološke poreze u širem smislu. Pri ovome treba imati u vidu dase mora ozbiljnije pristupiti statističkom praćenju i statističkom izvještavanju kakoparametara zagađivanja, budući da se kod Pigovijanskih poreza koristi specifičnaporeska osnovica, tako i sredstava koja se prikupe primjenom postojećihinstrumenata. Tek pošto ovaj zahtjev bude ispunjen, može se pristupiti ozbiljnijojanalizi mogućnosti i analizi efekata ekoloških poreza na životnu sredinu i na rasporedukupnog poreskog tereta na pojedinačne ekonomske aktere.
UTICAJ PRESUDE MUSLIJA PROTIV BOSNE I HERCEGOVINE NA USKLAĐIVANJE PRAVNOG SISTEMA I VLADAVINU PRAVA
Authors: Jokić Darko
Published: May 2019

Bosna i Hercegovina je, postavši punopravna članica Savjeta Evrope, preuzelaobavezu ispunjenja obaveza koje nameće proces evropskih integracija, a pod tim se,pored ostalog, podrazumijeva sveobuhvatno prilagođavanje pravnog sistema idostizanje evropskih standarda. Proces pravne harmonizacije i prihvatanje evropskihstandarda implicira opsežne unutrašnje reforme u cilju ostvarenja osnovnih ličnih idemokratskih prava i sloboda izraženih u Evropskoj konvenciji za zaštitu ljudskihprava i osnovnih sloboda, ali i odlukama Evropskog suda za ljudska prava. U ovomradu se daje kraći osvrt na uticaj presude Evropskog suda za ljudska prava u predmetuMuslija protiv Bosne i Hercegovine na reformisanje bosankohercegovačkihprekršajnih zakona i njihove harmonizacije sa krivičnim zakonima. U tom cilju autorocjenjuje postojeće stanje u bosanskohercegovačkoj legislativi i judikaturi i predlažemjere koje je potrebno preduzeti radi usklađivanja cjelokupnog kaznenopravnog(krivičnog i prekršajnog) sistema sa zahtjevima iz navedene presude i prakseEvropskog suda za ljudska prava u pogledu primjene načela ne bis in idem.
LOBIRANJE U FUNKCIJI KREIRANJA IMIDŽA BOSNE I HERCEGOVINE
Authors: Rajaković Jelena
Published: May 2019

U radu smo identifikovali ključna pitanja o zastupljenosti, načinima i ciljevimalobiranja u promociji politika BiH koje se sprovode na entitetskom ili državnomnivou, i efektima takvog lobiranja na imidž zemlje, te ukazali na prepreke formiranjuzajedničkih ciljeva Bosne i Hercegovine kao preduslova za usaglašavanjespoljnopolitičkih ciljeva. Pošto su sukobi političkih koncepcija unutar BiH uglavnomi etnički sukobi, proizilazi da se i lobiranje može okarakterisati kao dominantnoetničko. Potpuna dominacija unutrašnjopolitičkih ciljeva ne predstavlja dobru osnovuza lobiranje u inostranstvu, gdje se lobira u konkurenciji ostalih država, što senegativno odražava na imidž Bosne i Hercegovine i u međunarodnim političkimkrugovima i u međunarodnoj javnosti.
РЕГУЛАТОРНИ ОКВИР КОРПОРАТИВНОГ УПРАВЉАЊА
Authors: Дошеновић Драгана
Published: May 2019

Како се помоћу корпоративног управљања обезбјеђује структура путем којесе одређују циљеви предузећа, као и средства за постизање тих циљева ипраћење резултата, може се рећи да добро корпоративно управљање представљаизвор конкурентске предности и ефикасности, обезбјеђује профитабилност,успјешност и дуготрајан раст предузећа. Управо из тог разлога тема овог радајесте корпоративно управљање, са посебним фокусом на значај који оно има завелике, сложене пословне системе. Сврха овог рада јесте да опише овај процесуправљања, као и да укаже на његове бројне предности. Обзиром на значај иулогу коју велики, сложени пословни системи имају за привреду сваке земље, уовом раду изложиће се значај корпорација као најчешћег облика организовањавеликих система. Подаци о броју акционарских друштава указују да посматранисектор чини стуб привреде Републике Српске. На основу извршене анализе ипроведеног истраживања, у раду се дошло до бројних закључака на основукојих је доказано да добро корпоративно управљање има бројне предности запословне системе, чиме се апострофира његов значај.
INTERNET PROMOCIJA
Authors: Milić Mladen , Đuranović Dragan , Ivić Mladen
Published: May 2019

Internet promocija u poslednje vrijeme sve je važnija za organizacije koje svoje proizvode i usluge žele plasirati potencijalnim potrošačima. Zapravo, iole ozbiljne organizacije obavezno proizvode i usluge iz svoje ponude promovišu putem interneta. U strahovito brzom napretku društva na informatičko-tehnološkom polju, iza nas je već fraza „gledajte i kupu-jte iz fotelje“. Danas živimo u svijetu gdje nam organizacije jednostavno šalju ponude proizvoda i usluga na našu e-mail adresu u vidu reklamnih poruka ili na profila ukoliko smo korisnik neke od mnoštva društvenih mreža. Te reklamne ponude nisu bilo kakve, to su upravo ponude proizvoda i usluga koji su iz sfere našeg interesovanja. Nesumnjiv je značaj internet promocije za svaku organizaciju ogleda se u realizaciji marketing planova organizacija bez kojih sasvim sigurno ne može biti ostvaren projektovani profit, zatim za njen razvoj i savre-meno poslovanje na globalnom tržištu uz nastojanjeza obezbeđenje što šireg kruga obuhvata potencijalnih potrošača. Banja Vrućica je upravo jedna od organizacija za koju je veoma bitno da ima što širi krug obu-hvata potencijalnih potrošača i zbog toga je njena internet promocija jednostavno nezaobilazna u nastojanjima za ostvarenje njenih marketing i poslovnih ciljeva.
BIH I RS NA GEOEKONOMSKOJ MAPI EVROAZIJSKOG PODRUČJA
Authors: Marić Borislav
Published: May 2019

Predmet istraživanja ovog rada su potencijalne šanse i perspektive Bosne i Hercegovine za postizanje boljih ekonomskih i političkih performansi, a koje se ogledaju kroz saradnju sa evroazijskim tržištem. S tim u vezi, akcenat se stavlja na sam Evroazijski ekonomski savez i zemlje koje ga čine, te naravno i Kinu, koja je nezaobilazni faktor kada su međunarodna saradnja i trgovina u ovom dijelu svijeta u pitanju. Osim uzroka i procesa na svjetskoj geoekonomskoj i političkoj sceni koji su doveli do stvaranja pomenutog saveza, nastoji se predstaviti što realnija slika odnosa zemalja evroazijskog područja sa regionom zapadnog Balkana, sa posebnim osvrtom na Bosnu i Hercegovinu i Republiku Srpsku.
The effect of external lateral stabilization on the control of mediolateral stability in walking and running
Authors: Mahaki Mohammadreza , Bruijn Sjoerd M , H. van Dieën Jaap
Published: May 2019

It is still unclear how humans control mediolateral (ML) stability in walking and even more so for running. Here, foot placement strategy as a main mechanism to control ML stability was compared between walking and running. Moreover, to verify the role of foot placement as a means to control ML stability in both modes of locomotion, this study investigated the effect of external lateral stabilization on foot placement control. Ten young adults participated in this study. Kinematic data of the trunk (T6) and feet (heels) were recorded during walking and running on a treadmill in normal and stabilized conditions. Correlation between ML trunk CoM state and subsequent ML foot placement, step width, and step width variability were assessed. Paired t-tests (either SPM1d or normal) were used to compare aforementioned parameters between normal walking and running. Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs (either SPM1d or normal) were used to test for effects of walking vs. running and of normal vs. stabilized condition. We found a stronger correlation between ML trunk CoM state and ML foot placement and significantly higher step width and step width variability in walking than in running. The correlation between ML trunk CoM state and ML foot placement, step width, and step width variability were significantly decreased by external lateral stabilization in walking and running, and this reduction was stronger in walking than in running. We conclude that ML foot placement is coordinated to ML trunk CoM state to stabilize both walking and running and this coordination is stronger in walking than in running and independent of speed in running.
The deforestation of Easter Island (SE Pacific): a review
Authors: Rull Valentí
Published: May 2019

Easter Island deforestation has traditionally been viewed as an abrupt island-wide event caused by the prehistoric Rapanui civilization, which precipitated its own cultural collapse. This view emerges from earlier paleoecological analyses of lake sediments showing a sudden and total replacement of palm by grass pollen shortly after Polynesian settlement (800-1200 CE). However, further paleoecological research has challenged this view showing that the apparent abruptness and island-wide synchroneity of forest removal was an artifact due to the occurrence of a sedimentary gap of several millennia that prevented a detailed record the replacement of palm-dominated forests by grass meadows. During the last decade, several continuous and chronological coherent sediment cores encompassing the last millennia have been retrieved and analyzed, showing a very different picture. According to these analyses, deforestation was not abrupt but gradual and took place at different times and at different rates, depending on the site. Regarding causes, humans were not the only responsible for forest clearing as climatic droughts, as well as climate-human-landscape feedbacks and synergies, also played a role. In summary, the deforestation of Easter Island was a complex process, heterogeneous in time and space, which took place under the action of both natural and anthropogenic drivers and their interactions. In addition, archaeological evidence shows that the Rapanui civilization was resilient to deforestation and remained healthy until European contact, which contradicts the occurrence of a cultural collapse. Further research should be aimed at obtaining new continuous cores and make use of recently developed biomarker analyses to advance towards a holistic view of the patterns, causes and consequences of Easter Island deforestation.
Schedule feasibility and workflow for additive manufacturing of titanium plates for cranioplasty reconstruction in canine skull tumors
Authors: James Jordan , Oblak Michelle L , zur Linden Alex , James Fiona MK , Parkes Matt , Phillips John
Published: May 2019

Additive manufacturing has allowed for the creation of a patient-specific custom solution that can resolve many of the limitations previously reported for canine cranioplasty. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the schedule feasibility and workflow in manufacturing patient-specific titanium implants for canines undergoing cranioplasty immediately following craniectomy. Computed tomography scans from patients with tumors of the skull were considered and 3 cases were selected. Images were imported into OsiriX MD image processing software and tumor margins were determined based on agreement between a board-certified veterinary radiologist and veterinary surgical oncologist. Virtual surgical planning was performed and a 5mm bone margin was selected. A defect was created to simulate the intraoperative defect. Stereolithography format files of the skulls were imported into Renishaw Additive-manufacture for Design-led Efficient Patient Treatment (ADEPT) software. In collaboration with medical solution center, Additive Design in Surgical Solutions (ADEISS), a custom titanium plate was designed with the input of an applications engineer and veterinary surgical oncologist. Plates were printed in titanium and postprocessed at ADEISS. Total planning time was approximately 2 hours with a manufacturing time of 2 weeks. Based on the findings of this study, with access to an advanced 3D metal printing medical solution center that can provide advanced software and printing, patient-specific additive manufactured titanium implants can be planned, created, processed, shipped and sterilized for patient use within a 3-week turnaround.
Molecular epidemiology of coagulase-negativeStaphylococcusspecies isolated at different lactation stages from dairy cattle in the United States
Authors: Jenkins Stephen N. , Okello Emmanuel , Rossitto Paul V. , Lehenbauer Terry W. , Champagne John , Penedo Maria C.T. , Arruda Andréia G. , Godden Sandra , Rapnicki Paul , Gorden Patrick J. , Timms Leo L. , Aly Sharif S.
Published: May 2019

Background

Coagulase negativeStaphylococcus(CNS) species are currently the most prevalent intra-mammary pathogens causing subclinical mastitis and occasional clinical mastitis or persistent infection in lactating dairy cattle. More than 10 CNS species have been identified, but they are generally managed as one group on most dairies in the United States. However, improved management decisions and treatment outcomes may be achieved with better understanding of the prevalent species, pathogenicity and strain diversity within and across dairies.

Methodology

A total of 604 CNS isolates were cultured from milk samples collected during a dry-cow treatment clinical trial conducted on 6 dairy herds in 4 states in the US. All the study cows were randomized to receive 1 of the 3 different intra-mammary antimicrobial infusions (Quatermaster, Spectramast DC or ToMorrow Dry Cow) at dry-off. Milk samples were collected at dry-off, calving (0–6 days in milk, DIM), post-calving (7–13 DIM) and at mastitis events within the first 100 DIM. The CNS isolates were identified to species level by partial sequencing of therpoβgene, and genetic relatedness within species was investigated by phylogenetic analysis of the pulse-field gel electrophoresis profiles of the isolates.

Results

The major CNS species identified wereS. chromogenes(48.3%),S. haemolyticus(17.9%),S. simulansandS. epidermidis(each at 6.5%). Other CNS species identified at lower frequencies includedS. hominis,S. auricularis,S. sciuri,S. sppKS-SP,S. capitis,S. cohnii,S. warneri,S. pasteuri, S. xylosus, S. hyicus, S. equorum, S. microti, S. rostri, S. gallinarum, S. saprophyticusandS. succinus. Phylogenetic analyses of the major species types demonstrated an association between genetic relatedness and epidemiological distributions ofS. chromogenes, S. simulans, S. haemolyticusandS. auricularis.Additionally, identical strains ofS. chromogenesandS. simulanswere isolated from the same udder quarter of several cows at consecutive sample stages. The rest of the minor species had no deducible genetic-epidemiological link.

Discussion

The observed association between genetic and epidemiological distributions indicated animal-adapted nature of four CNS species, suggesting possible host-adapted and environmental transmission of these species. Multi-stage isolation of the same udder quarter strain was evidence for chronic intra-mammary infection.

Conclusion

The different CNS species and strains circulating on US dairy herds were genetically diverse. Four species identified were likely udder-adapted pathogens, 2 of which caused persistent infection. Our findings are important in guiding the design of effective mastitis control strategies.
Child Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking
Authors: Reid Joan A. , Strauss Julia E.
Published: May 2019

Child sexual exploitation is deemed to be an exceptionally inexcusable form of human trafficking due to the inherent vulnerability of children. In some developing countries the prostitution of children in the form of child sex tourism contributes significantly to the gross national product, and the well‐being of children is traded for short‐term economic benefit. The US Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act (TVPA) classified the exploitation of minors in any form of commercial sexual activity as a severe form of trafficking regardless of whether force, fraud, or coercion is used to facilitate minors' involvement. Since the passing of the TVPA, the identification and treatment of minors involved in commercial sex acts have incrementally changed from juvenile delinquents to victims of sex trafficking deserving protection rather than prosecution. Despite legislative and judiciary progress, many complexities face those who are charged with providing treatment and services to sexually exploited minors.
Synthesis of Indoles through Domino Reactions of 2‐Fluorotoluenes and Nitriles
Authors: Mao Jianyou , Wang Zhiting , Xu Xinyu , Liu Guoqing , Jiang Runsheng , Guan Haixing , Zheng Zhipeng , Walsh Patrick J.
Published: May 2019

Indoles are essential heterocycles in medicinal chemistry, and therefore, novel and efficient approaches to their synthesis are in high demand. Among indoles, 2‐aryl indoles have been described as privileged scaffolds. Advanced herein is a straightforward, practical, and transition‐metal‐free assembly of 2‐aryl indoles. Simply combining readily available 2‐fluorotoluenes, nitriles, LiN(SiMe3)2, and CsF enables the generation of a diverse array of indoles (38 examples, 48–92 % yield). A range of substituents can be introduced into each position of the indole backbone (C4 to C7, and aryl groups at C2), providing handles for further elaboration.
Space‐Confined Seeded Growth of Cu Nanorods with Strong Surface Plasmon Resonance for Photothermal Actuation
Authors: Chen Jinxing , Feng Ji , Yang Fan , Aleisa Rashed , Zhang Qiao , Yin Yadong
Published: May 2019

Herein, we show that copper nanostructures, if made anisotropic, can exhibit strong surface plasmon resonance comparable to that of gold and silver counterparts in the near‐infrared spectrum. Further, we demonstrate that a robust confined seeded growth strategy allows the production of high‐quality samples with excellent control over their size, morphology, and plasmon resonance frequency. As an example, copper nanorods (CuNRs) are successfully grown in a limited space of preformed rod‐shaped polymer nanocapsules, thereby avoiding the complex nucleation kinetics involved in the conventional synthesis. The method is unique in that it enables the flexible control and fine‐tuning of the aspect ratio and the plasmonic resonance. We also show the high efficiency and stability of the as‐synthesized CuNRs in photothermal conversion and demonstrate their incorporation into nanocomposite polymer films that can be used as active components for constructing light‐responsive actuators and microrobots.
Spontaneous trans‐Selective Transfer Hydrogenation of Apolar Boron–Boron Double Bonds
Authors: Dömling Michael , Arrowsmith Merle , Schmidt Uwe , Werner Luis , Castro Abril C. , Jiménez‐Halla J. Oscar C. , Bertermann Rüdiger , Müssig Jonas , Prieschl Dominic , Braunschweig Holger
Published: May 2019

The transfer hydrogenation of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐supported diborenes with dimethylamine borane proceeds with high selectivity for the trans‐1,2‐dihydrodiboranes. DFT calculations, supported by kinetic studies and deuteration experiments, suggest a stepwise proton‐first‐hydride‐second reaction mechanism via an intermediate μ‐hydrodiboronium dimethylaminoborate ion pair.
Structural investigation of selective binding dynamics for the pheromone‐binding protein 1 of the grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana
Authors: Venthur Herbert , Machuca Juan , Godoy Ricardo , Palma‐Millanao Rubén , Zhou Jing‐Jiang , Larama Giovanni , Bardehle Leonardo , Quiroz Andrés , Ceballos Ricardo , Mutis Ana
Published: May 2019

The European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller), is a serious pest in vineyards in North and South America. Mating disruption techniques have been used to control and monitor L. botrana on the basis of its sexual communication. This needs a well‐tuned olfactory system, in which it is believed that pheromone‐binding proteins (PBPs) are key players that transport pheromones in the antennae of moths. In this study, the selectivity of a PBP, named as LbotPBP1, was tested by fluorescence binding assays against 11 sex pheromone components and 6 host plant volatiles. In addition, its binding mechanism was predicted on the basis of structural analyses by molecular docking and complex and steered molecular dynamics (SMD). Our results indicate that LbotPBP1 binds selectively to sex pheromone components over certain host plant volatiles, according to both in vitro and in silico tests. Thus, chain length (14 carbon atoms) and functional groups (i.e., alcohol and ester) appear to be key features for stable binding. Likewise, residues such as Phe12, Phe36, and Phe118 could participate in unspecific binding processes, whilst Ser9, Ser56, and Trp114 could participate in the specific recognition and stabilization of sex pheromones instead of host plant volatiles. Moreover, our SMD approach supported 11‐dodecenyl acetate as the best ligand for LbotPBP1. Overall, the dynamics simulations, contact frequency analysis and SMD shed light on the binding mechanism of LbotPBP1 and could overcome the imprecision of molecular docking, supporting the in vitro binding assays. Finally, the role of LbotPBP1 in the chemical ecology of L. botrana is discussed.
Preprocedural P2Y12 inhibition and decrease in platelet count following transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Ibrahim Homam , Vapheas Eleonora , Shah Binita , AlKhalil Ahmad , Querijero Michael , Jilaihawi Hasan , Neuburger Peter , Staniloae Cezar , Williams Mathew R.
Published: May 2019

Background

Thrombocytopenia after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Whether preprocedural P2Y12 inhibition prevents postprocedural thrombocytopenia is uncertain.

Methods

This retrospective analysis identified consecutive patients (n = 266) undergoing TAVR between November 2016 and July 2017. Preprocedure clopidogrel load ≥300 mg or maintenance P2Y12 inhibitor therapy defined preprocedural P2Y12 inhibition. Patients who did not consent for the registry (n = 8), with baseline severe thrombocytopenia (<90 × 103 platelets/μL; n = 14), or without baseline platelet count (n = 4) were excluded. The primary outcome was proportion of patients who developed >20% decrease in platelet count from baseline to day 1 post‐TAVR.

Results

Patients with (n = 134) versus without (n = 106) preprocedural P2Y12 inhibition had no differences in platelet count at baseline. Patients with preprocedural P2Y12 inhibition had a significantly lower proportion of the primary outcome (34.3% vs. 57.5%, p = .001) and a lower absolute decrease in platelet count (32.8 × 103 vs. 45.8 × 103 platelet/μL, p = .01). Of patients without baseline thrombocytopenia (n = 198), a numerically lower rate of patients with versus without preprocedural P2Y12 inhibition developed thrombocytopenia on day 1 post‐TAVR (25.5% vs. 36.4%, p = .1).

Conclusion

Patients who received preprocedural P2Y12 inhibition prior to TAVR were less likely to demonstrate a decrease in platelet count after TAVR. Prospective studies to further understand the clinical implication of these findings are warranted.
Tuning the Microenvironment of Gold Nanoparticles Encapsulated within MIL‐101(Cr) for the Selective Oxidation of Alcohols with O2: Influence of the Amino Terephthalate Linker
Authors: Santiago‐Portillo Andrea , Cabrero‐Antonino María , Álvaro Mercedes , Navalón Sergio , García Hermenegildo
Published: May 2019

This manuscript reports a comparative study of the catalytic performance of gold nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated within MIL‐101(Cr) with or without amino groups in the terephthalate linker. The purpose is to show how the amino groups can influence the microenvironment and catalytic stability of incorporated gold nanoparticles. The first influence of the presence of this substituent is the smaller particle size of Au NPs hosted in MIL‐101(Cr)‐NH2 (2.45±0.19 nm) compared with the parent MIL‐101(Cr)‐H (3.02±0.39 nm). Both materials are highly active to promote the aerobic alcohol oxidation and exhibit a wide substrate scope. Although both catalysts can achieve turnover numbers as high as 106 for the solvent‐free aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol, Au@MIL‐101(Cr)‐NH2 exhibits higher turnover frequency values (12 000 h−1) than Au@MIL‐101(Cr)‐H (6800 h−1). Au@MIL‐101(Cr)‐NH2 also exhibits higher catalytic stability, being recyclable for 20 times with coincident temporal conversion profiles, in comparison with some decay observed in the parent Au@MIL‐101(Cr)‐H. Characterization by transmission electron microscopy of the 20‐times used samples shows a very minor particle size increase in the case of Au@MIL‐101(Cr)‐NH2 (2.97±0.27 nm) in comparison with the Au@MIL‐101(Cr)‐H analog (5.32±0.72 nm). The data presented show the potential of better control of the microenvironment to improve the performance of encapsulated Au nanoparticles.
Concise Construction of the ACDE Ring System of Calyciphylline A Type Alkaloids by a [5+2] Cycloaddition
Authors: Nakamura Hugh , Kawakami Manami , Tsukano Chihiro , Takemoto Yoshiji
Published: May 2019

A concise route for construction of the ACDE ring skeleton in calyciphylline A type alkaloids was developed using an intramolecular [5+2] cycloaddition reaction of an oxidopyrylium species bearing a tetrasubstituted olefin. Key to the success of this reaction was the combination of acid and base, which accelerated the construction of this skeleton containing a spiro ring and vicinal quaternary carbon centers. The resultant tricyclic ADE ring compound was converted to an ACDE ring model through C−H oxidation and an aza‐Wittig reaction.
A high‐performance FPGA‐based BWA‐MEM DNA sequence alignment
Authors: Pham‐Quoc Cuong , Kieu‐Do Binh , Thinh Tran Ngoc
Published: May 2019

Over the last decades, Bioinformatics has been being in its honeymoon phase with more and more new algorithms as well as their improvements proposed. In Bioinformatics, the sequence alignment step is considered as an integral part that directly contributes to the DNA, RNA, or protein identifications. Despite the undeniable enhancements from the provided algorithms and computing architectures in the recent years, it is still far more to state that sequence alignment has already achieved the ideal performance. In this work, we focus on one of the most perfect justifiable steps in a state‐of‐the‐art DNA/RNA alignment algorithm, the seed extension step in the BWA‐MEM algorithm. We propose a high‐speed and less power consumption FPGA‐based IP core that is designed in a pipeline model under various FPGA technologies. Our core is able to operate at more than 200 MHz in almost all FPGA architectures and even up to 529 MHz on a Xilinx Virtex 6 FPGA device. The core can provide speed‐ups by up to 350× when compared with an Intel Core i5 general purpose processor.
Quantitative Assessment of B−B−B, B−Hb−B, and B−Ht Bonds: From BH3 to B12H122−
Authors: Sethio Daniel , Daku Latévi Max Lawson , Hagemann Hans , Kraka Elfi
Published: May 2019

We report the thermodynamic stabilities and the intrinsic strengths of three‐center‐two‐electron B−B−B and B−Hb−B bonds (
: bridging hydrogen), and two‐center‐two‐electron B−Ht bonds (
: terminal hydrogen) which can be served as a new, effective tool to determine the decisive role of the intermediates of hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reactions of borohydride. The calculated heats of formation were obtained with the G4 composite method and the intrinsic strengths of B−B−B, B−Hb−B, and B−Ht bonds were derived from local stretching force constants obtained at the B3LYP‐D2/cc‐pVTZ level of theory for 21 boron‐hydrogen compounds, including 19 intermediates. The Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) was used to deepen the inside into the nature of B−B−B, B−Hb−B, and B−Ht bonds. We found that all of the experimentally identified intermediates hindering the reversibility of the decomposition reactions are thermodynamically stable and possess strong B−B−B, B−Hb−B, and B−Ht bonds. This proves that thermodynamic data and intrinsic B−B−B, B−Hb−B, and B−Ht bond strengths form a new, effective tool to characterize new (potential) intermediates and to predict their role for the reversibility of the hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reactions.
A cross‐national comparison of transparency signaling in corporate social responsibility reporting: The United States, South Korea, and China cases
Authors: Rim Hyejoon , Kim Jisu , Dong Chuqing
Published: May 2019

In response to growing public scrutiny of ethical business practices, corporations have become actively engaged in reporting their social and environmental performances publicly. Drawing on the institutional theory to explain the growing diffusion of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting on a global, yet distinctively specific level of adoption, this study examines the level of transparency signaling in CSR reports in three countries: the United States, South Korea, and China. In addition, within each country, the study compares the level of transparency signaling between environmentally sensitive and nonsensitive industries. Using a computer‐aided content analysis program, DICTION 7.0, the study analyzed 181 CSR reports from 2014 to 2017. Results show that the three dimensions of transparency signaling—participation, substantial information, and accountability—in CSR reports varied across different countries. Firms in the United States and South Korea showed higher scores in the participation and accountability dimensions than China, whereas firms in China showed relatively high scores in the substantial information dimension. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Mechanistic Study of In Situ Generation and Use of Methanesulfonyl Azide as a Diazo Transfer Reagent with Real‐Time Monitoring by FlowNMR
Authors: Lynch Denis , O'Mahony Rosella M. , McCarthy Daniel G. , Bateman Lorraine M. , Collins Stuart G. , Maguire Anita R.
Published: May 2019

The mechanistic pathway by which the hazardous diazo transfer reagent methanesulfonyl azide can be formed in situ, from methanesulfonyl chloride and aqueous sodium azide, has been investigated using real‐time reaction monitoring by FlowNMR. In the presence of triethylamine, rapid generation of methanesufonyl azide is observed, via a mechanistic pathway consistent with involvement of a sulfene or methanesulfonyl triethylammonium intermediate. Accordingly, it is possible to generate and use methanesulfonyl azide in a single synthetic step for a diazo transfer process.
Are financial analysts eager postmen of bubble psychology? Evidence in the United Kingdom
Authors: Forbes William P. , Murphy Áine , O'Keeffe Cormac , Su Chen
Published: May 2019

This paper examines the investment value of financial analysts' advice (earnings forecasts and stock recommendations) to shareholders around two recent bubble periods in the United Kingdom: the dot‐com bubble period and the credit bubble period. We find that analysts' advice is valuable at the firm level, as reflected in their recommendations for high‐tech stocks before and after the dot‐com bubble burst. However, at the aggregate level, in neither bubble period do we uncover a stable relation between average stock returns and analysts' advice. The key to the lack of predictive power of analysts' advice does not seem to be their predictable nature, as the responsiveness of returns to such news, predicted or not, varies widely around the bubble periods studied.
An integrated mRNA‐lncRNA signature for relapse prediction in laryngeal cancer
Authors: Xiang Yuandi , Li Chunli , Liao Yong , Wu Juan
Published: May 2019

Patients with laryngeal cancer with early relapse usually have a poor prognosis. In this study, we aimed to identify a multi‐gene signature to improve the relapse prediction in laryngeal cancer. One microarray data set GSE27020 (training set, N = 109) and one RNA‐sequencing data set (validation set, N = 85) were included into the analysis. In the training set, the microarray expression profile was re‐annotated into an mRNA‐long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) biphasic profile. Then, LASSO Cox regression model identified nine relapse‐related RNA (eight mRNA and one lncRNA), and a risk score was calculated for each sample according to the model coefficients. Patients with high‐risk showed poorer relapse‐free survival than patients with low risk (hazard ratios (HR): 6.189, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.075‐12.460, P < 0.0001). The risk score demonstrated good accuracy in predicting the relapse (area under time‐dependent receiver‐operating characteristic (AUC): 0.859 at 1 year, 0.822 at 3 years, and 0.815 at 5 years). The results were validated in the validation set (HR: 3.762, 95% CI: 1.594‐8.877, P = 0.011; AUC: 0.770 at 1 year, 0.769 at 3 years, and 0.728 at 5 years). The multivariate analysis reached consistent results after adjustment by multiple confounders. When compared with a 27‐gene signature, a 2‐lncRNA signature, and Tumor‐Node‐Metastasis stage, the risk score also showed better performance (P < 0.05). In conclusion, we successfully developed a robust mRNA‐lncRNA signature that can accurately predict the relapse in laryngeal cancer.
Oxidative stability of virgin olive oil: evaluation and prediction with an adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS)
Authors: Arabameri Majid , Nazari Roshanak Rafiei , Abdolshahi Anna , Abdollahzadeh Mohammad , Mirzamohammadi Solmaz , Shariatifar Nabi , Barba Francisco J , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin
Published: May 2019

Background

An adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was employed to predict the oxidative stability of virgin olive oil (VOO) during storage as a function of time, storage temperature, total polyphenol, α‐tocopherol, fatty acid profile, ultraviolet (UV) extinction coefficient (K268), and diacylglycerols (DAGs).

Results

The mean total quantities of polyphenols and DAGs were 1.1 and 1.9 times lower in VOOs stored at 25 °C than in the initial samples, and the mean total quantities of polyphenols and DAGs were 1.3 and 2.26 times lower in VOOs stored at 37 °C than in the initial samples, respectively. In a single sample, α‐tocopherol was reduced by between 0.52 and 0.91 times during storage, regardless of the storage temperature. The mean specific UV extinction coefficients (K268) for VOO stored at 25 and 37 °C were reported as 0.15 (ranging between 0.06–0.39) and 0.13 (ranging between 0.06–0.35), respectively. The ANFIS model created a multi‐dimensional correlation function, which used compositional variables and environmental conditions to assess the quality of VOO. The ANFIS model, with a generalized bell‐shaped membership function and a hybrid learning algorithm (R2 = 0.98; MSE = 0.0001), provided more precise predictions than other algorithms.

Conclusion

Minor constituents were found to be the most important factors influencing the preservation status and freshness of VOO during storage. Relative changes (increases and reductions) in DAGs were good indicators of oil oxidative stability. The observed effectiveness of ANFIS for modeling oxidative stability parameters confirmed its potential use as a supplemental tool in the predictive quality assessment of VOO. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
MicroRNA‐26a‐5p inhibits breast cancer cell growth by suppressing RNF6 expression
Authors: Huang Zi‐Ming , Ge Heng‐Fa , Yang Chen‐Chen , Cai Yong , Chen Zhen , Tian Wen‐Ze , Tao Jia‐Li
Published: May 2019

MicroRNA‐26a‐5p (miR‐26a‐5p) has been reported to be involved in the tumorigenesis of several tumors, but its function in breast cancer is still unknown. In this study, miR‐26a‐5p was found significantly downregulated in both of the breast cancer tissues and cell lines, and low expression of miR‐26a‐5p predicted a poor prognosis for breast cancer patients. Overexpression of miR‐26a‐5p could significantly inhibit breast cancer cell growth. Further studies revealed that overexpression of miR‐26a‐5p downregulated the protein levels of Cyclin D1, CDK4, and CDK6, but upregulated the expression levels of p21, p27, and p53. In mechanism, miR‐26a‐5p targeted the 3′UTR of ring finger protein 6 (RNF6) mRNA and inhibited RNF6 expression in breast cancer cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐26a‐5p inhibited RNF6/ERα/Bcl‐xL axis in breast cancer cells. In contrast, inhibiting miR‐26a‐5p upregulated RNF6/ERα/Bcl‐xL axis. Further studies indicated that miR‐26a‐5p mediated RNF6/ERα/Bcl‐xL axis through regulating the stability of ERα protein. Collectively, downregulation of miR‐26a‐5p plays essential roles in breast cancer by mediating RNF6/ERα/Bcl‐xL axis, which might provide important implications for the therapeutics of breast cancer.
Phage therapy: Current status and perspectives
Authors: Górski Andrzej , Międzybrodzki Ryszard , Węgrzyn Grzegorz , Jończyk‐Matysiak Ewa , Borysowski Jan , Weber‐Dąbrowska Beata
Published: May 2019

The spread of antimicrobial resistant bacterial pathogens combined with the lack of new drug classes in the antibiotic pipeline causes a resurgence of the use of bacterial viruses (phages) to treat bacterial infections (phage therapy [PT]). There has been a substantial increase in patients subjected to this experimental therapy and emergence of new PT centers in Europe and the United States paralleled by one clinical trial completed in accord with good medical practice (GMP) requirements and a few others underway. What is more, evidence has been accumulating to suggest that phages can also exert anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory action which opens new pathways for the development of novel targets for PT. Here we present the status quo of the PT, recent regulatory, and clinical developments as well as new perspectives for its wider application in clinical medicine.
QSPRs for Molecular Diffusion Coefficients in Polymeric Passive Samplers: A Comparison of Simple Molecular and Quantum‐mechanical Sigma‐moment Descriptors
Authors: Lampic Alina M. , Mackay Donald , Parnis J. Mark
Published: May 2019

Linear quantitative structure‐property relationships (QSPRs) for the prediction of diffusion coefficients (log Dp) were developed for organic contaminants in two common passive sampler materials, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE). Literature data was compiled for both PDMS and LDPE resulting in final data sets of 196 and 79 compounds, respectively. Data sets contained compounds with log Dp values that ranged over about 5 log units and 3 log units for PDMS and LDPE, respectively. The quality of log Dp prediction using either simple molecular descriptors or quantum‐chemical based COSMO‐RS sigma moment descriptors was compared for both materials. For PDMS, the sigma moment descriptor QSPR had the best predictivity with a correlation coefficient of R2=0.85 and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.36 for log Dp. The molecular descriptor QSPR resulted in a correlation coefficient of R2=0.78 and RMSE of 0.45 for log Dp. For LDPE, the molecular descriptor QSPR had the best predictivity, with the final correlation coefficient of R2=0.86 and RMSE of 0.21 for log Dp. The sigma moment descriptor QSPR resulted in a correlation coefficient of R2=0.66 and RMSE of 0.33 for log Dp. The purely electronic structure‐based sigma moments are therefore shown to be a viable option for descriptors compared to the more commonly used molecular descriptors for organic contaminants in PDMS. The significance of the descriptors in each QSPR is discussed.