bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research Methodology in Business: A Starter’s Guide
Authors: Ragab Mohamed AF , Arisha Amr
Published: December 2017

A cardinal requisite of successful research lies in the proper selection of the research methodology applied to achieveresearch objectives using the available resources. In addition to acquiring sufficient knowledge of their specificresearch topic, researchers are urged to develop good understanding of alternative research methodologies at theirdisposal to be able to identify the best-suited methods to address the research question. This, however, often poses achallenge for novice researchers who face difficulty in grasping the vast methodology landscape and itsencompassing array of debates. The purpose of this paper is to provide new researchers with a comprehensiveoverview of the main elements of research methodology, particularly in the business domain. After a briefintroduction, the paper introduces the principles of research philosophy, approaches, and methods, and explains thedifferent paradigmatic stances adopted by researchers in the field. A number of mixed methods designs are thendiscussed to highlight the different means by which qualitative and quantitative research are combined. The finalsection presents sampling techniques then explores the most prominent data-collection tools employed in business,including interviews, questionnaires, and case studies. The paper aims to offer business postgraduate studentsembarking on their research journeys with a useful summary that would guide in them navigating the methodologicalaspect of their research work.
Factors Affecting Consumer Attitude towards Financial Adverts in Ghana’s Banking Industry
Authors: Joseph Mbawuni , Simon Nimako Gyasi
Published: December 2017

This paper examines consumer attitude towards financial adverts in an emerging economy context, using Ghana as the research context. Drawing from financial marketing literature, a conceptual framework was developed and tested using data from a sample of 246 customers of financial institutions in Ghana. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that consumer attitude towards financial adverts is influenced by credibility, information, entertainment, irritation and participation in financial adverts. Theoretically, this paper confirms existing research regarding the positive effect of advert content on bank customers’ behaviour towards financial services. It also adds new knowledge to existing literature by focusing on a developing country context and by providing empirical evidence linking bank customers’ participation in financial ads to their attitude. Managerially, this study informs bank managers regarding effective management of financial advert contents in order to influence bank customer’s attitude towards financial adverts.
Physical Properties, Antioxidant Content and Anti-Oxidative Activities of Malaysian Stingless Kelulut (Trigona spp.) Honey
Authors: Keng Chan Boon , Haron Hasnah , Abdul Talib Ruzita , Subramaniam Ponnusamy
Published: December 2017

Honey produced by stingless bee of Trigona spp. is popularly known as Kelulut honey (KH) in Malaysia. Even though KH has been increasingly accepted by Malaysians, information relating to its physical and antioxidant properties is still limited. This study aimed to determine the physical properties, antioxidant content and anti-oxidative properties of KH collected from different regions in Peninsular Malaysia. Physical properties of KH including total soluble solids, pH, moisture, ash content, and colour were determined. Antioxidant content namely total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant content (AEAC) and quercetin equivalent antioxidant content (QEAC) were also quantified. Anti-oxidative potential of KH was assayed using DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP assays. KH has pH of 3.29-3.71, total soluble solids (66.23-73.70 °Brix), 21.40-31.59% moisture and 0.22-0.41% ash content. Colour measurement showed KH from the northern region was lightest (L = 39.32) while KH from east coast (b = -5.06) and central (a = 5.65) regions were more pronounce in blue and red colours. KH from east coast region showed highest values for phenolics (1169.36±51.11 mg GAE/kg), flavonoids (79.13±0.49 mg QE/kg), carotenoids (4.61±0.38 mg/kg), AEAC (146.20±5.56 mg/kg) and QEAC (177.08±5.54 mg/kg). In line with the antioxidant content, honey from the east coast region also had strongest anti-oxidative activities indicated in its lowest IC50 value of DPPH radicals (15.07±1.05 mg/mL) and highest FRAP value (7477.03±48.80 uMFe(II)/kg). The KH collected from different regions showed varied physical and antioxidant attributes which may due to variety source of floral origin.
Composting kinetics for mixture of poultry manure and wheat straw based on volatile solids content
Authors: Karić Ervin , Petrić Ivan , Mustafić Nesib
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the composting kinetics for mixture ofpoultry manure and wheat straw based on the volatile solids content.Experimental data was fitted with the first-order and the nth-order kinetic model.The nth-order kinetic model showed better prediction performance than the firstorderkinetic model. For the first-order kinetic model, maximum and meandifferences between experimental and simulation results for the content ofvolatile solids were 5.43% and 3.00%, for the first reactor, and 4.68% and2.12% for the second reactor, respectively, for the nth-order kinetic model,maximum and mean differences were 4.92% and 1.68%, for the first reactor,and 4.09% and 1.42% for the second reactor, respectively.
Compatibility of slideway oils with water soluble metal working fluids
Authors: Dugić Marica , Despotović Branko , Damjanović Novak , Dugić Pero
Published: December 2017

Slideway oils have application in many industries, such as automotive, food, beverage, packaging, and considerable amount is used in small machinery workshops. Market analyses have shown that most common viscosity grade is ISO VG 68, followed by ISO VG 220. Because water soluble metal working fluids come in contact with slideway oils, purpose of this research was to test the influence of water soluble fluids on most commonly used viscocity grades of slideway oils. Compatibility of slideway oils with water soluble metal working fluids is very important for effective funcioning of slideway machines, and for life span of slideway oil itself. Compatibility was tested with specially adjusted demulsivity tests, regarding the capability of separating specific amount of water soluble metal working flud from slideway oil. Different formulations of cooling and lubricating fluid and slideway oil give different times and ratios of separated oil and water on modified test. Test results can be used in development of new formulations of these products, and with selection of emulsifying fluids for metal working and oils for slideways for some applications.
Causes of increased concentration of fluorides in groundwater in Srebrenica municipality
Authors: Jolović Boban , Stevanović Andrijana , Nogić Maja
Published: December 2017

Groundwater, as the mainresource of drinking water in the Republic of Srpska, is sometimes neglected regarding quality monitoring. It is especiallya characteristic of rural water supply sources as autonomous waterworks, individual intakes and wells. For the first time comprehensive analyses of the groundwater quality in rural areas of Srebrenica municipality have been provided in 2010. The results are more than interesting. Beside some standard problems in physic-chemical properties like increased turbidity, iron and manganese, there was emerged problem of increased fluoride concentration in more than one third samples of groundwater. The study of fluoride concentration, given in this paper, includes the causes of this phenomena and possible health impacts. It defines geological setting, or precisely mineralogical properties of the rocks and their interaction with groundwater, as a key factor of the problem. Further, analyses include recommendations regarding future exploration areas with probably same effect of the geological setting on groundwater quality in the territory of the Republic of Srpska. It is very important because the problems related to the long-term consumption of groundwater with fluoride concentration above 1.2 mg/L could be a trigger for very serious diseases like dental and skeletal fluorosis, diseases of pineal gland, kidneys, urinary bladder, thyroid gland, gastro-intestinal tract etc.
The possibility of application of xanthan in removal of metal ions from wastewaters
Authors: Zahović Ida , Rončević Zorana , Dodić Jelena , Grahovac Jovana , Dodić Siniša
Published: December 2017

Biopolymers have the ability to absorb large amounts of water or biological fluids. They are swelling and forming hydrogels. Thanks to this, they have found a variety of applications, and among others they can be used to remove some metal ions from the water. Due to its unique structure and exceptional rheological characteristics, microbiological biopolymer, xanthan, can also be used for purification of wastewater because structures formed in the presence of metals can be easily separated.Therefore, the research from this paper was carried out in order to examine the possibilities of crosslinking the xanthan with different metal ions. Based on the successful crosslinking and stability of the formed crosslinked structures, it has been estimated that with the use of this biopolymer it is possible to remove ions of lead and iron from wastewaters.
Co-crystal explosives-explosives improved characteristics
Authors: Mićin Saša
Published: December 2017

Explosive substances are very important compounds from the point of manufacture, storage, transport and use. Research and development of secondary explosives in the previous time is intensified in order to obtain improved explosive materials is physical, chemical and explosive characteristics. One of the directions of development are research in the field of co-crystals. In this paper, present the literature results of previous studies of co-crystals of modern conventional explosives. The co-crystal of the compound represented CL-20, octogen (HMX), TKX-50, trotyl (TNT) and certain compounds of explosive to be used to a minor extent. Analysis of test results of crystal structure, intermolecular interactions, mechanical sensitivity, thermal decomposition, reaction mechanisms creation products and explosion characteristics indicate improved explosives properties in relationship to components that make it.
A Comparative Study: The Folktale of Jaka Tarub (Indonesia) and Tanabata (Japan)
Authors: Wardarita Ratu , Puspo Negoro Guruh
Published: December 2017

A folktale owned by one country can also be found in another country with either the same theme or motive. As there is numerous folktale around the world, it turns out that folktales from Indonesia have many similarities to folktales from Japan, one of which is Jaka Tarub folktale from Central Java and Tanabata folktale from Japan. This research aimed to discover the similarities and differences of the story structure and cultural element of the two folktales. In analyzing, the researcher employed three approaches, namely Greimas narratology structuralism approach to analyzing the story structure, cultural approach to analyze the cultural element and comparative literature approach. The result of this study indicated that there was both similarities and differences of story structure and cultural element. However, both Jaka Tarub and Tanabata did not influence each other as they represented their own characteristics which were descriptions of the society where they came from.
An Investigation of Classroom Practices in Teaching Listening Comprehension at English Education Program
Authors: Siregar Nurhafni
Published: December 2017

The objective of this study is to investigate how the classroom practice in teaching listening comprehension at English Education Program of STKIP Tapanuli Selatan in 2016/2017 Academic Year is. The informants of this research were all of second semester students of STKIP Tapanuli Selatan in 2016/2017 academic year and a lecturer of listening comprehension at STKIP Tapanuli Selatan (63 students and one lecturer). A descriptive study was used to achieve the objective of the study. The sample was taken by cluster sampling. The data were collected by using interview to know how the lecturer carried out the teaching practice of listening, and questionnaire  for the students and observation were used to find out how the calssroom activities were conducted. The descriptive analysis was used to anayse the data. Based on the data analysis, it was found that: (1) the lecturer carried out listening activities into four parts, they are preparation, prediction stage, listening, and post listening, and (2) the practice of teaching listening was effective related to the teaching pedagogical procedures in teaching listening comprehension. although there were some points that should be practice further. Based on the findings, it was recomended that the lecturer and the students may apply the less activities that had not been done.
Deconstruction, Literature, and Wittgenstein’s Privileging of Showing
Authors: Segal Alex
Published: December 2017

Wittgenstein’s distinction between saying and showing involves a privileging of the latter. This privileging, which is both ethical and aesthetic, emerges in Wittgenstein’s attitudes to literature. Involving the metaphysics of presence and an oppositional hierarchy, it seems to be a possible target of Derrida’s deconstruction. Indeed, in Wittgenstein, Derrida sees an effacement of theory, an effacement that Derrida criticises and that can be construed as part and parcel of Wittgenstein’s privileging of showing. For theory belongs to saying rather than to showing. Focusing on commentators of Wittgenstein who affirm the privileging of showing, this essay explores a tension between Wittgenstein and Derrida that pertains to this privileging.
Pragmatics of Ostensible Invitations in Iraqi Arabic: Function Analysis
Authors: Jubair Kadhim Basim , Hameed Al-Hindawi Fareed
Published: December 2017

This paper deals with the pragmatic functions of ostensible invitations as used by Iraqi Arabic speakers. Iraqi society is known of the traditions in which pragmatic language is highly considered that Iraqi Arabic speakers use speech acts in order to pay compliments among each other. The issuance of various ostensible speech acts is to convey other purposes than those conveyed by the genuine ones. It is believed that it is vital to dig deep in the functions of the speech act of invitation as this speech act is mostly used by the Iraqi Arabic speakers in an ostensible manner. So, depending on a test formulated and administered to Iraqi Arabic speakers represented by college students, data have been collected and analyzed to show the strategies and functions used peculiarly by Iraqi Arabic speakers in addition to those stipulated by Clark and Isaac whose model is adapted in the analysis. In terms of the strategies used in addition to the seven ones mentioned in the model, new ones emerged and are believed to be peculiar to the Iraqi  Arabic speakers, for they are strongly related to the social norms of the Iraqi society. On the level of pragmatic functions, Iraqi Arabic speakers tend to use ostensible speech act of invitation for various purposes; chief among them are compliment, polite strategy, mitigation devices and others.
The Mythical Context of Magic as an influential power on the plot development in Thomas Malory's Le Morte Darthur
Authors: Jamil Bani-Khair Baker Mohammad
Published: December 2017

This paper studies the mythical context of magic in Thomas Malory's Le Morte Darthur through a critical lens that focuses the light on plot development and the use of suspense throughout the novel. The study places the emphasis on a major character named "Merlyn" who seems to have a great influence on the plot and actions of the novel through his devilish and mythical prophecies about characters and places. The context of magic is quite essential in understanding the nature and structure of fantasies that all yield a huge amount of suspense, in addition to its historical, social, and traditional significance.
Real and Fictional Home: Constructing James Joyce’s Identity in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
Authors: Baradaran Jamili Leila , Arshadi Razie
Published: December 2017

The present paper sheds new light on the prominent role of man’s home whether real or fictional on the construction of his identity in James Joyce’s (1882-1941) A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (1916). One of the most pressing issues and cultural contradictions of modern world is the fate of individual identity in city life. A person is defined based on his cultural identity; and when the loss of that identity is imagined, one is confronted with the thought that he will lose his sense of self and cease to be what he is. The identity involves a repression that leads to a construction of stability and security that might not exist in reality. Peter J. Burke and Jane E. Stets declare that identity means ‘who you are’. Thus, to investigate one’s identity one has to find a way to the cultural context that the person is brought up in it. Michael Ryan (1946- ) asserts that culture is a set of unstated rules by which men live. It allows men to live together in communities by giving them shared signs and signals. Semiology, according to Roland Barthes (1915-1980), is the scientific way of deciphering the cultural signs and codes that pave the way to look into a distinct culture. Thus, it is impossible to know Joyce’s characters, in particular Stephen Dedalus, without enough knowledge of Dublin as Joyce’s home. Stephen metaphorically maps his home through which he can wander to shape and reshape his real self.
Base‐Promoted Tandem Cyclization for the Synthesis of Benzonitriles by C−C Bond Construction
Authors: Zhu Cheng‐Zhi , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: December 2017

A facile synthesis of benzonitriles via a base‐promoted tandem cyclization reaction of α,β‐unsaturated enones having electron‐withdrawing group (EWG) and 2‐acyl‐acrylonitriles was developed. This new synthetic method to access benzonitriles is suitable for a wide range of substrates. A plausible reaction mechanism is proposed on the basis of previous literature and our own investigations.

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Synthesis of 2‐(Trifluoromethyl)‐dibenzopyranones with Rhodium(III)‐catalyzed Formal anti‐Michael Addition as Key Step
Authors: Pan Ling , Dong Jinhuan , Xie Di , Li Yifei , Liu Qun
Published: December 2017

A novel rhodium(III)‐catalyzed synthesis of 2‐(trifluoromethyl)‐dibenzopyranones from easily available 4‐(trifluoromethyl)‐p‐quinols and N‐methoxyarylamides is described. Rhodium(III)‐catalyzed formal anti‐Michael addition was proposed to be a crucial step in this [3+3] annulation with N‐methoxyarylamides as effective 1,3‐dipoles, providing a concise and efficient approach for the construction of trifluoromethyl‐containing dibenzopyranones under mild reaction conditions.

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Tertiary‐Alcohol‐Directed Functionalization of Remote C(sp3)−H Bonds by Sequential Hydrogen Atom and Heteroaryl Migrations
Authors: Wu Xinxin , Wang Mingyang , Huan Leitao , Wang Dongping , Wang Jinwei , Zhu Chen
Published: December 2017

Reported for the first time is a tertiary‐alcohol‐guided heteroarylation of remote C(sp3)−H bonds. The mild and direct generation of alkoxyl radicals from alcohols is enabled by visible‐light photocatalysis. A remote hydrogen atom and heteroaryl migration sequence are involved in the reaction. Many sensitive groups remain intact in the reaction, thus illustrating wide functional‐group compatibility. This protocol provides a practical strategy for the late‐stage modification of alkyl ketones.
Engineering Multifunctional RNAi Nanomedicine To Concurrently Target Cancer Hallmarks for Combinatorial Therapy
Authors: Liu Yanlan , Ji Xiaoyuan , Tong Winnie W. L. , Askhatova Diana , Yang Tingyuan , Cheng Hongwei , Wang Yuzhuo , Shi Jinjun
Published: December 2017

Cancer hallmarks allow the complexity and heterogeneity of tumor biology to be better understood, leading to the discovery of various promising targets for cancer therapy. An amorphous iron oxide nanoparticle (NP)‐based RNAi strategy is developed to co‐target two cancer hallmarks. The NP technology can modulate the glycolysis pathway by silencing MCT4 to induce tumor cell acidosis, and concurrently exacerbate oxidative stress in tumor cells via the Fenton‐like reaction. This strategy has the following features for systemic siRNA delivery: 1) siRNA encapsulation within NPs for improving systemic stability; 2) effective endosomal escape through osmotic pressure and/or endosomal membrane oxidation; 3) small size for enhancing tumor tissue penetration; and 4) triple functions (RNAi, Fenton‐like reaction, and MRI) for combinatorial therapy and in vivo tracking.
Stereoselective Construction of Halogenated Quaternary Carbon Centers by Brønsted Base Catalyzed [4+2] Cycloaddition of α‐Haloaldehydes
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhou Liang , Shen Xu‐Dong , Yang Kai‐Chuan , Zhang Xiang , Dai Qing‐Song , Leng Hai‐Jun , Li Qing‐Zhu , Li Jun‐Long
Published: December 2017

Asymmetric construction of halogenated quaternary carbon centers under mild reaction conditions remains challenging. Reported here is an unprecedented and highly stereoselective Brønsted base catalyzed [4+2] cycloaddition between either α‐chloro‐ or α‐bromoaldehydes and cyclic enones. The key intermediate, an α‐halogenated enolate, is susceptible to dehalogenation and can be stabilized and stereochemically controlled using bifunctional tertiary amines. This method provides facile access to a collection of optically pure bicyclic dihydropyrans having three contiguous stereocenters, including a halogen‐bearing quaternary carbon center. Of note, the product can be transformed in situ into densely functionalized spirocyclopropanes in a highly efficient and stereoselective manner.
Tandem Molecular Self‐Assembly in Liver Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhan Jie , Cai Yanbin , He Shuangshuang , Wang Ling , Yang Zhimou
Published: December 2017

We herein describe the tandem molecular self‐assembly of a peptide derivative (1) that is controlled by a combination of enzymatic and chemical reactions. In phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), compound 1 self‐assembles first into nanoparticles by phosphatase and then into nanofibers by glutathione. Liver cancer cells exhibit higher concentrations of both phosphatase and GSH than normal cells. Therefore, the tandem self‐assembly of 1 also occurs in the liver cancer cell lines HepG2 and QGY7703; compound 1 first forms nanoparticles around the cells and then forms nanofibers inside the cells. Owing to this self‐assembly mechanism, compound 1 exhibits large ratios for cellular uptake and inhibition of cell viability between liver cancer cells and normal liver cells. We envision that using both extracellular and intracellular reactions to trigger tandem molecular self‐assembly could lead to the development of supramolecular nanomaterials with improved performance in cancer diagnostics and therapy.
Metalation Control of Open‐Shell Character in meso‐meso Linked Porphyrin meso‐Oxy Radical Dimers
Authors: Jun‐i Yuta , Fukui Norihito , Furukawa Ko , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: December 2017

Control of open‐shell character of meso‐meso linked porphyrin meso‐oxy radical dimers has been demonstrated by core metalation. Namely, NiII‐porphyrin dimer 6Ni exhibits a clear 1H NMR spectrum and a distorted but rather coplanar quinonoidal structure consisting of two ruffled porphyrin rings, in accordance with the previous report. Freebase dimer 6H2 shows a similar quinonoidal structure in the solid state but displays slightly broader and temperature‐dependent 1H NMR spectra, indicating a partial diradical character in solution that increases at high temperature. In sharp contrast, bis‐imidazole‐coordinated ZnII‐porphyrin dimer 6ZnIm2 exhibits a perpendicular structure consisting of two planar ZnII‐porphyrins and has been characterized as a distinct open‐shell diradical on the basis of its non‐observable 1H NMR signals, a clear ESR signal, and a characteristic absorption spectrum reaching about 1700 nm. Despite the distinct diradical character, 6ZnIm2 is an extremely stable molecule.
Mechanistic Insights into Hydrogen Activation by Frustrated N/Sn Lewis Pairs
Authors: Das Shubhajit , Mondal Sukanta , Pati Swapan K.
Published: December 2017

The mechanism of H2 activation by recently reported N/Sn Lewis pairs is unravelled using the representative iPr3SnOTf/DABCO combination. Computations provide evidence for weak intermolecular associations between Lewis acid and Lewis base (LA/LB) in which the counteranion to cationic LA fragment plays a critical role. Two frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) are observed; an unprecedented counteranion‐mediated noncovalent LA/LB association is characterised along with the usual FLP structure. Both the FLPs are shown to be capable of H2 activation through cooperative electron transfer processes involving the LA/LB centres. Overall, computed results are in good agreement with the experimental findings and account for the observed reactivity. Insights obtained in this study are fundamentally important for the rational design of Sn‐based alternative FLP LAs. The present findings could also provide a general mechanistic framework for H2 activation by FLPs having an ion pair LA component.
Nanographene Aerogels: Size Effect of the Precursor Graphene Oxide on Gelation Process and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Kudo Akira , Campbell Patrick G. , Biener Juergen
Published: December 2017

Improving the electrochemical properties of graphene aerogels (GAs) without doping or making composites is an attractive synthetic strategy. In this work we report some effects of graphene sheet dimensions on the properties of GAs. Nanographene aerogels (nG‐AGs) were synthesized using nanographene oxide (nGO) powder with a mean platelet diameter of 90 nm. In‐situ Fourier tranformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy during gelation revealed a longer fast‐gelation regime for nG‐AGs than for standard graphene aerogels (stdG‐AGs). The surface‐area‐normalized capacitance of nG‐AGs calculated from cyclic voltammetry is 16% higher than that of stdG‐AGs, and the onset of hydrogen evolution is observed at a lower over‐potential. These observations can be attributed to an increased density of edge sites and defects in nanographene sheets. Our results indicate that the diameter of the precursor graphene sheets can be used as a parameter to optimize the electrochemical properties of GAs depending on the application.
An Esculetin–Cobalt(III) Archetype for Redox‐Activated Drug Delivery Platforms with Hypoxic Selectivity
Authors: Batista Renata Crispim , da Silva Miranda Fabio , Pinheiro Carlos Basílio , Lanznaster Mauricio
Published: December 2017

The motivation of this work was to probe whether coordination of esculetin to cobalt(III) could lead to a complex with the required properties to function as a redox‐activated drug delivery platform, selective for hypoxic environments. The complex [Co(esc)(py2en)]ClO4·(CH3OH)2 (1) was obtained and fully characterized by CHN elemental analysis, single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometry, UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, and ESI mass spectrometry. The redox behavior of 1 was evaluated by cyclic and square wave voltammetry analyses in MeCN and PBS buffer, which revealed distinct potentials for the Co3+/Co2+ processes in aqueous and organic solutions. In PBS, the potential is within the accepted ideal range (–0.2 to –0.4 V vs. SHE) for reduction in biological systems. Thus, a selective release of the coumarin ligand in a hypoxic environment upon reduction was simulated by investigating reactions of 1 with sodium dithionite in argon‐, air‐, and O2‐saturated atmospheres. An [O2]‐dependent dissociation of esculetin was monitored over a 72 h period at 25 °C by UV/Vis spectroscopy and confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy and ESI‐MS data. These results provide strong evidence of a hypoxia‐selective, redox‐activated mechanism for the release of esculetin from this cobalt(III) complex.
3,4‐Diaminomaleimide Dyes – Simple Luminophores with Efficient Orange‐Red Emission in the Solid State
Authors: Imoto Hiroaki , Fujii Ryosuke , Naka Kensuke
Published: December 2017

Maleimides have been utilized from materials science to biochemistry. In particular, maleimide‐based luminescent dyes have attracted much attention. Recently, we reported arylaminomaleimide dyes that exhibit effective blue‐green emission in the solid state. In this work, 3,4‐diaminomaledimides were synthesized by simple and facile routes, and the obtained dyes show orange‐red emission due to the two amino groups. Notably, the dyes possess very simple structures, which are composed of only C, H, N, and O and minimal aromatic rings. Additionally, their emission intensities were enhanced in the solid state compared with those in solution. Theoretical calculations and X‐ray diffraction analyses supported our understanding of the emission behavior.
Highly Efficient Copper‐Catalyzed Amidation of Benzylic Hydrocarbons Under Neutral Conditions
Authors: Howard Eva‐Louise , Guzzardi Norman , Tsanova Viliyana G. , Stika Angeliki , Patel Bhaven
Published: December 2017

A ligand free method has been developed for the amidation of benzylic hydrocarbons. A range of benzylic amides has been prepared with the use of dicumyl peroxide and a copper catalyst in good to excellent yields.
Low Circulating Levels of Neurotensin in Women with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Associated with Severe Obesity
Authors: Auguet Teresa , Aragonès Gemma , Berlanga Alba , Martínez Salomé , Sabench Fàtima , Aguilar Carmen , Villar Beatriz , Sirvent Joan Josep , Del Castillo Daniel , Richart Cristóbal
Published: December 2017

Objective

This study was performed to investigate neurotensin plasma levels in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associated with severe obesity.

Methods

The plasma levels of neurotensin in 20 women with normal weight and 51 women with morbid obesity (MO) were measured, and women were subclassified according to their hepatic histology as having MO without NAFLD (n = 18) or MO with NAFLD (n = 33). The NAFLD group included 15 women with simple steatosis (SS) and 18 women with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). To quantify neurotensin in plasma, a multiplex sandwich immunoassay with a Luminex magnetic bead–based platform was used.

Results

Neurotensin levels were significantly decreased (P = 0.001) in women with MO and NAFLD (3.62 ± 0.85 ng/mL), compared with women with MO and normal liver function (11.65 ± 1.95 ng/mL; P = 0.001) and women with normal weight (13.68 ± 2.58 ng/mL; P = 0.001). There was no difference in levels between women with SS and women with NASH (P = 0.415).

Conclusions

Circulating levels of neurotensin were decreased in women with NAFLD associated with MO.
Preparation of sulfide solid electrolytes in the Li2S–P2S5 system by a liquid phase process
Authors: Calpa Marcela , Rosero-Navarro Nataly Carolina , Miura Akira , Tadanaga Kiyoharu
Published: December 2017

Structure and ionic conductivity of sulfide solid electrolytes in the Li2S–P2S5 system obtained by a liquid phase process.
Synthesis of benzannulated spiroketals with gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization/spiroketalization cascade
Authors: Teng Qi , Qi Jialin , Zhou Ling , Xu Zhenghu , Tung Chen-Ho
Published: December 2017

An unprecedented gold-catalyzed cascade reaction of alkynyl alcohol and quinone monoimines to diverse 5,5-benzannulated spiroketals has been successfully developed.
High-resolution IR absorption spectroscopy of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the 3 μm region: role of hydrogenation and alkylation
Authors: Maltseva Elena , Mackie Cameron J. , Candian Alessandra , Petrignani Annemieke , Huang Xinchuan , Lee Timothy J. , Tielens Alexander G. G. M. , Oomens Jos , Buma Wybren Jan
Published: December 2017

Aim. We aim to elucidate the spectral changes in the 3 μm region that result from chemical changes in the molecular periphery of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with extra hydrogens (H-PAHs) and methyl groups (Me-PAHs).

Methods. Advanced laser spectroscopic techniques combined with mass spectrometry were applied on supersonically cooled 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene, 9,10-dihydroanthracene, 9,10-dihydrophenanthrene, 1,2,3,6,7,8-hexahydropyrene, 9-methylanthracene, and 9,10-dimethylanthracene, allowing us to record mass-selective and conformationally selective absorption spectra of the aromatic, aliphatic, and alkyl CH-stretches in the 3.175 − 3.636 µm region with laser-limited resolution. We compared the experimental absorption spectra with standard harmonic calculations and with second-order vibrational perturbation theory anharmonic calculations that use the SPECTRO program for treating resonances.

Results. We show that anharmonicity plays an important if not dominant role, affecting not only aromatic, but also aliphatic and alkyl CH-stretch vibrations. The experimental high-resolution data lead to the conclusion that the variation in Me- and H-PAHs composition might well account for the observed variations in the 3 μm emission spectra of carbon-rich and star-forming regions. Our laboratory studies also suggest that heavily hydrogenated PAHs form a significant fraction of the carriers of IR emission in regions in which an anomalously strong 3 μm plateau is observed.
Delayed Metallic Embolization of a Cor-Knot Fastener
Authors: Garrett H.
Published: December 2017

Background The Cor-Knot device is a titanium fastener which is widely used in cardiac valve procedures. Adverse events associated with use of the device have been rare.

Case Description A patient underwent robotic mitral valve repair using the Cor-Knot fastener. Five years later, he suffered a cerebral vascular accident secondary to embolization of a metallic foreign body. He had had no other medical procedures which could account for a source of metallic embolization.

Conclusion Long-term surveillance after use of the Cor-Knot fastener is limited. Metallic embolization may be possible with this device and warrants awareness within the medical community.
Overutilization of Cross-Sectional Imaging in the Lower Extremity Trauma Setting
Authors: Protack Clinton , Wengerter Brian , Jean Raymond , Liu Shirley , Mojibian Hamid , Sumpio Bauer , Dardik Alan , Maung Adrian , Erben Young
Published: December 2017

Objective In an era of managed care and cost savings, we are faced with the question of whether another test is necessary to confirm our clinical suspicion. We hypothesized that a few computed tomography angiographies (CTAs) are necessary to identify lower extremity vascular injuries (LEVIs). We reviewed our trauma center's experience in the management of LEVI.

Methods A retrospective review of all trauma patients between 2012 and 2016 was performed. Four-thousand nine-hundred fourteen trauma patients were evaluated with 46 suspected LEVIs (either with cross-sectional imaging and/or operative exploration). Our primary end point was the utility of CTA in the setting of LEVI. Receiver operating characteristic curves were performed to evaluate sensitivity and specificity for hard signs and CTA identification of LEVI.

Results Out of the initial 46 patients with suspected LEVI, 41 (89%) had a CTA as part of their initial evaluation. Sixteen patients (35%) with LEVI were due to penetrating injuries. Seventeen patients (41%) had a CTA with LEVI. Fourteen of the 17 patients (82%) with injury on CTA also had hard signs of LEVI. Twenty-two patients (48%) underwent operative exploration: three had no LEVI that was previously believed to be on CTA; operative exploration identified two missed injuries not observed on CTA. Seven of forty-one (17%) CTA studies provided a false assumption of the presence/absence of LEVI. One patient (2%) underwent operative exploration and was found to have LEVI in the absence of hard signs, but with a CTA identifying LEVI.

Conclusion The recognition of hard signs through physical examination is paramount to assessing need for operative intervention with suspicion of LEVI. CTA should be reserved as an adjunct for identification of LEVI in patients with high clinical suspicion and absence of hard signs, rather than utilizing CTA as an initial screening tool for the identification of LEVI.
Social Relations and Technology: Continuity, Context, and Change
Authors: Antonucci Toni C , Ajrouch Kristine J , Manalel Jasmine A
Published: December 2017

Social relations, although basic to human nature, health and well-being, have become increasingly complicated as a result of changing population demography and technology. In this essay, we provide a historical overview of social relations, especially as they affect older people. We briefly review the evolution of theory and measurement surrounding social relations as well as early empirical evidence. We consider how social relations have changed over time as well as continuity and change regarding basic characteristics of social relations. Of special interest is the emerging influence of technology on how people maintain contact, especially the changing ways people can use technology to increase, decrease, maintain, or avoid social relations. We consider both negative and positive aspects of these new technologies and their influence on health and well-being. Finally, we conclude that new and emerging technologies hold great promise for the future by overcoming traditional barriers to maintaining social contact, support exchange, and information acquisition. Nevertheless, we caution that these new technologies can have the dehumanizing effect of distance thus creating the potential for insensitivity and increased negativity. In sum, we are cautiously optimistic about the promise of technology to expand, but not replace, traditional forms of social contact.
Coadapted genomes and selection on hybrids: Fisher’s geometric model explains a variety of empirical patterns
Authors: Simon Alexis , Bierne Nicolas , Welch John J.
Published: December 2017

Natural selection plays a variety of roles in hybridization, speciation and admixture. Most research has focused on two extreme cases: crosses between closely-related inbred lines, where hybrids are fitter than their parents, or crosses between effectively isolated species, where hybrids suffer severe breakdown. Many natural populations must fall into intermediate regimes, with multiple types of gene interaction, but these are more difficult to study. Here, we develop a simple fitness landscape model, and show that it naturally interpolates between previous modeling approaches, involving mildly deleterious recessives, or discrete hybrid incompatibilities. The model yields several new predictions, which we test with genomic data fromMytilusmussels, and published data from plants (Zea, PopulusandSenecio) and animals (Mus, TeleogryllusandDrosophila). The predictions are generally supported, and the model explains surprising empirical patterns that have been observed in both extreme regimes. Our approach enables novel and complementary uses of genome-wide datasets, which do not depend on identifying outlier loci, or “speciation genes” with anomalous effects. Given its simplicity and flexibility, and its predictive successes with a wide range of data, the approach should be readily extendable to other outstanding questions in the study of hybridization.
Upper Limit for Angular Compounding Speckle Reduction
Authors: Winetraub Yonatan , Wu Chris , Chu Steven , de la Zerda Adam
Published: December 2017

Previous studies of angular compounding for speckle reduction in optical coherence tomography may not have fully accounted for optical aberrations, which produce unintended spatial averaging and concomitant loss of spatial resolution. We accounted for such aberrations by aligning our system and measuring distortions in the images, and found that speckle reduction by angular compounding was limited. Our theoretical analysis using Monte Carlo simulations indicates that “pure” angular compounding over 13° (our full numerical aperture) can improve the signal-to-noise ratio by no more than a factor of 1.5, significantly lower than values reported in literature. Analysis suggests that illuminating only part of the lens to further reduce speckle also involves a trade-off with resolution roughly equivalent to spatial averaging. We conclude that angular compounding provides substantially less benefit than previously expected.
A complex performance landscape for suction-feeding reveals constraints and adaptations in a population of reef damselfish
Authors: Keren Tal , Kiflawi Moshe , Martin Christopher H , China Victor , Mann Ofri , Holzman Roi
Published: December 2017

The ability to predict how multiple traits interact in determining performance is key to understanding the evolution of complex functional systems. Similar to Simpson’s adaptive landscape, which describes the fitness consequences of varying morphological traits, performance landscapes depict the performance consequences of varying morphological traits. Mapping the population’s location with respect to the topographic features of the landscape could inform us on the selective forces operating on the traits that underlie performance. Here, we used a mechanistic model derived from first principles of hydrodynamics to construct a hypothetical performance landscape for zooplankton prey capture using suction feeding. We then used the landscape to test whether a population of Chromis viridis, a coral reef zooplanktivore, is located on a performance peak or ridge based on measurements of kinematic variables recorded in-situ during undisturbed foraging. Observed trait combinations in the wild population closely matched regions of high feeding performance in the landscape, however the population was not located on a local performance peak. This sub-optimal performance was not due to constraints stemming from the observed trait correlations. The predominant directions of variation of the phenotypic traits was tangent to the ‘path of steepest ascent’ that points towards the local peak, indicating that the population does not reside on a “performance ridge”. Rather, our analysis suggests that feeding performance is constrained by stabilizing selection, possibly reflecting a balance between selection on feeding performance and mechanical or genetic constraints.
Sprays of isotropic curvature
Authors: Li Benling , Shen Zhongmin
Published: December 2017

In this paper, a new notion of isotropic curvature for sprays is introduced. We show that for a spray of scalar curvature, it is of isotropic curvature if and only if the non-Riemannian quantity [Formula: see text] vanishes. In fact, it is the first geometric quantity to show the spray of isotropic curvature even in the Finslerian case. How to determine a spray is induced by a Finsler metric or not is an interesting inverse problem. We study this problem when the spray is of isotropic curvature and show that a spray of zero curvature can be induced by a group of Finsler metrics. Further, an efficient way is given to construct a family of sprays of isotropic curvature which cannot be induced by any Finsler metric.
Structural and electronic properties transitions induced by different pressures in crystalline nalidixic acid
Authors: Guo Ying , Ding Yongcun , Zhao Xingqiang , Liu Qingqing
Published: December 2017

In this work, a detailed study of the structural, electronic and absorption properties of crystalline 1-ethyl-1,4-dihydro-7-methyl-4-oxo-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid (nalidixic acid) in the pressure range 0–300[Formula: see text]GPa is performed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The detail analysis of the variation tendencies of the lattice constants, bond lengths and bond angles with increasing pressures shows that complex transformations occur in nalidixic acid under compression. In addition, it can be see that the [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-axes are much stiffer than the [Formula: see text]-direction in the structure of nalidixic acid, suggesting the crystal is anisotropic. In the pressure range 90–250[Formula: see text]GPa, repeated formations and disconnections of covalent bonds between C6 (P1 or P4) and O1 (P4 or P1) occur several times, and a new eight-atom ring forms at 90, 160, 190 and 230[Formula: see text]GPa, respectively. Then, the analysis of the bandgap and density of states (DOS) of nalidixic acid indicates that its electronic character changes at 230[Formula: see text]GPa into an excellent insulator, but the electron transition is much easier at several pressure regions for the bandgap closing to 0[Formula: see text]eV. Moreover, as the pressure increases relatively high optical activity of nalidixic acid is seen from the absorption spectra, and two obvious structural transformations are also observed at 200 and 230[Formula: see text]GPa, respectively.
Hydrogen storage in the TiCo and TiNi alloys
Authors: Mubarak A. A. , Hamioud Farida
Published: December 2017

This is an ab initio study based on the density functional theory that uses GGA-PBE as the exchange–correlation potential. The energetic, electronic, magnetic properties, and optical conductivity of the cubic [Formula: see text] of TiCo and TiNi alloys with and without the hydrogen atom are performed. The present alloys are found to be thermodynamically stable and can be created. It can be deduced that the octahedral site has higher energetic stability absorption for the hydrogen atoms compared to the bridge and tetrahedral sites in the TiCo and TiNi alloys. The absorption energy at octahedral site is found to be 2.37[Formula: see text]eV for TiCo and 2.32[Formula: see text]eV for TiNi. Hydrogen absorption expands and brittles the host alloy. Hydrogen storage in more than one site in the host alloy is found to be energetically stable and can be formed. The chemical bonding between the constituent atoms of the present alloys is mainly ionic with some covalent bonding. The hydrogen absorption has a clear effect on the magnetic, and electrical conductivity relative to the relaxation time and optical conductivity of the present alloys. Beneficial optical applications can be assumed for the present alloys due to their high optical conductivity.