bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D‐Ordered Mesoporous Chromium‐Doped Titania Thin Films: The Effect of Metal Dopant on the Microstructure, Mesoporous Symmetry, Hydrophobicity, and Surface Properties
Authors: Imani Amin , Oveisi Hamid
Published: May 2018

Attention to the mesoporous metal doped titania thin films has been increased significantly due to its wide potential applications, especially in photocatalytic activities. Determining the effect of surface property, mesoporous symmetry and metal dopant in mesoporous thin films materials have rarely reported, in particular, there are essential factors determining the performance of these materials. Herein, Cr@mesoporous titania thin films prepared by the sol‐gel approach. The surface properties of the thin films, as well as crystal structure, mesoporous symmetry, hydrophobicity, and surface morphology, were deeply discussed. Power spectral density and bearing analysis were calculated using atomic force microscopy. The results confirm that the thickness of all films was completely uniform without flooding, made by randomly oriented fine grains, and mesoporous structure. The Cr particles act as a porous site eliminator and increased the lattice mismatch in mesoporous titania thin films. The surface roughness, power spectral density, bearing area, and water contact angle of the films were significantly affected by Cr content. As the Cr content is increased, the porosities shrunk together and denser films were obtained. The roughness values display that the presence of Cr increases the homogeneity and the smoothness of the thin film surface with small grain size.
Role of Anion and Cation in the 1‐Methyl‐3‐butyl Imidazolium Ionic Liquids BMImX: The Knoevenagel Condensation
Authors: Pandolfi Fabiana , Feroci Marta , Chiarotto Isabella
Published: May 2018

1‐Methyl‐3‐butylimidazolium ionic liquids BMImX (X anions: Ac−, HCO3−, Cl−, BF4−, PF6−, I−, CF3CO2−, (CF3SO2)2N−, CF3SO3−) were used as catalysts in the Knoevenagel condensation reaction. The catalytic activity was compared with that of the inorganic salts NaAc, NaHCO3, NaCl. Whereas it is quite important to select suitable cation and anion depending on the purpose, the basicity of the anion X− and the ability of the counter‐ion BMIm+ to avoid the ion pairing with anion X− was investigated. 1‐Methyl‐3‐butyl imidazolium acetate [BMImAc] and 1‐methyl‐3‐butyl imidazolium hydrogen carbonate [BMImHCO3] show the most significant catalytic power and their catalytic effect was studied on a wide range of aromatic, heteroaromatic or aliphatic aldehydes or ketones with active methylene compounds. The corresponding substituted alkenes were obtained in excellent yields (up to 98%) in the absence of any solvent at room temperature within short times. The interesting feature of this study includes explanation on role of the cation BMIm+ as proton donor (versus anions Ac− or HCO3−), in ion pair formation (with anion X−) and activator of the aldehyde structure.
Self‐Assembly of Anionic Gemini‐Surfactant‐Assisted Fabrication of Copper Oxide Nanostructures
Authors: Liao Xueming , Gao Zhinong , Xia Yan , Zhai Wenzhong , Pan Chenchen , Zhang Yingfang , Yan Saisai , Han Jia
Published: May 2018

A series of anionic gemini surfactants(AGS) were synthesized from N, N‐dimethylaminoethanol(DMEA) and tetracarboxylic acid diester(TAD). TAD was derived from the reactant of 3,3’,4,4’‐biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride with long alkyl alcohol. The surface properties and self‐assembly behaviors of these novel AGS were investigated. These AGS displayed super low critical micelle concentration(cmc) and excellent self‐assembly ability. By changing solution concentration, surfactant molecules self‐assemble into different micellar morphologies, including spherical micelles, threadlike micelles, dendritic micelles and vesicles. Tunable micellar morphology of AGS, which directed the orientated growth of nanocrystals, assisted fabricating copper oxide nanostructures(nano‐CuO). Through reaction, diverse shapes (spherical, linear, branch and multilayer) of nano‐CuO were obtained and confirmed.
Triethylamine‐Mediated One‐Pot Synthesis of Benzo[f]chromene Derivatives
Authors: Bhattacharjee Suchandra , Gattu Radhakrishna , Khan Abu T.
Published: May 2018

The synthesis of benzo[f]chromene was accomplished by a one‐pot three‐component condensation reaction between β‐naphthol, trans‐β‐nitrostyrene and 37% formalin solution in the presence of triethylamine under 80 °C. The formation of product occurs through a 1,2‐naphthoquinone‐1‐methide reactive intermediate. The attractive features of this protocol are: use of simple reaction procedure, high bond‐forming efficiency, good yield, and environmentally benign reaction conditions.
Water‐Assisted Formation of Supramolecular Self‐Assembly Systems Based on Distyrylbenzene Derivative
Authors: Cao Xinhua , Ding Qianqian , Li Yiran , Gao Aiping , Chang Xueping
Published: May 2018

Two new π‐conjugated distyrylbenzene derivatives (1O and 1S) were synthesized and carefully characterized through the reaction between 2‐furaldehyde or 2‐thiophenecarboxaldehyde and p‐phenylenediacetonitrile. Organogels 1O and 1S could be obtained in some mixed solvents through addition of water and further balance the solubility. Compounds 1O and 1S had different self‐assembly behavior even if only the difference of one atom in their molecular structures. Organogels 1O and 1S could emit yellow light with the large red‐shift comparing with that of solution state. The emission properties of compounds 1O and 1S in single molecule and dimmer mode were further verified through theoretical calculation. From the UV‐vis absorption spectra, fluorescence emission spectra, FTIR and XRD experiments results, π‐π stacking interaction and strong intermolecular secondary bonding interaction were the main driving force for organogel formation. The different structure from willow leaf‐shaped structure constructed by micron piece to micron fibers structure could be observed through the self‐assembly of molecules 1O and 1S in mixed solvents which exhibited different degrees of hydrophobicity with contact angles of 92°‐135°. This self‐assembly behavior could be tuned via different atom in terminal group of gelator molecule structure. This research would provide a new sample for designing functional π‐conjugated supramolecular self‐assembly system.
Polyethylene Glycol‐Bonded Tetraethyl Ammonium Hydroxide ([PEG‐TEA]OH): A New Surfactant‐Combined Base Catalyst for the Synthesis of 2,3‐Dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones in Water
Authors: Safaei Hamid Reza , Shekouhy Mohsen , Ghorbanzadeh Somayeh
Published: May 2018

The polyethylene glycol‐bonded tetraethyl ammonium hydroxide [PEG‐TEA]OH was synthesized and characterized as a new reusable biodegradable surfactant‐combined base catalyst. The obtained catalyst was successfully applied for the synthesis of 2‐substituted‐2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones in water via a newly reported synthetic reaction that is the condensation of 2‐aminobenzonitrile and carbonyl compounds. Using this method, a broad range of carbonyl compounds (aromatic as well as aliphatic aldehydes and ketones) were successfully reacted with 2‐aminobnzonitrile in water as a benign and completely nontoxic reaction medium and corresponding products were obtained in good to excellent yields in very short period of time.
β‐Lactam‐Synthon Interceded Diastereoselective Synthesis of 2‐Azido‐γ‐amino Alcohols with Subsequent Transformations to Functionally Enriched Heterocycles
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Sharma Bharvi , Sachdeva Divya , Mehra Vishu , Singh Pardeep , Kumar Vipan
Published: May 2018

The present manuscript explicates Boron‐dimethylsulfide‐promoted diastereoselective synthesis of 2‐azido‐γ‐amino alcohols using β‐lactam synthon protocol along with its utilization in the formation of diversely functionalized heterocycles having biological relevance. The developed protocol has the potential to surpass the typical drawbacks of conventional protocols.
Mo2C and Its Composites Derived from Egg White for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction at All pH Range
Authors: He Qingqing , He Daiping , Zhang Yun , Luo Xue , Hu Lianzhe , Jiang Ping
Published: May 2018

Searching for biomass‐derived electrocatalyst with high activity and durability for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at all pH range is extremely desirable but remains a significant challenge. Mo2C and its nanocomposites have been controlly synthesized by pyrolyzing the mixture of molybdenum salt and egg white (EW) that served as low‐cost but environmental‐friendly carbon source. When utilized as hydrogen evolution cathode, Mo2C and its nanocomposites exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity and stability in acidic, neutral and alkaline mediums.
Microwave‐Assisted, Solvent‐Free, Three‐Component Domino Protocol: Efficient Synthesis of Polysubstituted‐2‐Pyridone Derivatives
Authors: Bai Hairui , Sun Rongrong , Chen Xuebing , Yang Lijuan , Huang Chao
Published: May 2018

Microwave assisted highly efficient synthesis of polysubstituted‐2‐pyridone derivatives via a three‐component domino reaction of 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds, diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate and amines is established. The main advantages of this protocol are short reaction time, good functional group compatibility, high bond‐forming efficiency, being solvent‐ free, availability of starting materials and simple experimental procedure. Furthermore, a postulated reaction pathway included imine‐enamine tautomerism/ condensation/ aza‐ene reaction/ intramolecular cyclization processes for this three‐component domino protocol is also discussed.
Benzoxazole Derivatives as Promising Antitubercular Agents
Authors: Šlachtová Veronika , Brulíková Lucie
Published: May 2018

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused predominantly by bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). The increasing prevalence of multidrug‐resistant MTB necessitates the discovery and development of alternative drugs against tuberculosis with a new mechanism of action. Over the past years, several benzoxazole derivatives have been synthesized and screened for their biological activity. Interestingly, some of them had promising antitubercular activity. Despite that, none of the benzoxazole derivatives has entered the phase of the preclinical hit‐to‐lead optimization step in anti‐TB research. In this review, we are summarizing recently published articles that evaluate the potency of benzoxazole heterocycle in the development of novel anti‐TB agents and outlined the future aspects of this promising heterocycle.
Novel 2‐Arylbenzothiazoles: Selective Chromogenic and Fluorescent Probes for the Detection of Picric Acid
Authors: Chaudhary Shweta , Sharma Himshikha , Milton Marilyn D.
Published: May 2018

A series of 2‐arylbenzothiazoles has been designed and synthesized as chromogenic and fluorescent probes for the detection of picric acid (PA) over other nitro analytes. A straightforward condensation of a variety of aryl nitriles with 2‐aminobenzenethiol under metal‐ and base‐free conditions afforded the corresponding products in 26–98% yields. All 2‐arylbenzothiazoles could efficiently sense PA at micromolar levels. The highly sensitive compound 2‐(4‐((2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl)phenyl)benzo[d]thiazole (3c) showed 95% fluorescence quenching on addition of 1.0 eq of PA which can be attributed to hydrogen bonding and ground state charge transfer complex formation with a detection limit of 19.0 μM. The high sensitivity of 3 c for PA detection was also established by test strips experiment. The sensing mechanism was explored by 1H NMR titrations and Job's plot.
Structural, Optical, Electrical and Electrocatalytic Activity Properties Of Luminescent Organic Carbon Quantum Dots
Authors: Karatutlu Ali , Patil Bhushan , Seker İsa , Istengir Sumeyra , Bolat Atilla , Yildirim Osman , Sevgen Yaşar N. , Bakış Yakup , Ortaç Bülend , Yilmaz Eda , Sapelkin Andrei
Published: May 2018

Carbon is an essential element in human life and recently becoming technologically prominent due to the emerging field of “Carbononics”. We demonstrate organic carbon quantum dots (qdots) containing nitrile bonded (C≡N bond) d‐glucose‐like traces in various sizes obtained from wheat flour to be promising for imaging applications and to possess a relaxor ferroelectric property and an enhanced electrocatalytic activity that could reduce the cost of energy devices and simple to scale up for the commercialization. The secondary electron microscopy (SEM) imaging shows that the particle size of carbon qdots can be controlled via the sonication exposure time. Elemental analysis and vibrational spectroscopy results show that carbon qdots are sensitive to N2 gas in the atmosphere and could weaken its “carbogenic” property by making a stable C≡N bond at ambient atmosphere. Rietveld analysis and HR‐TEM studies demonstrate that the structure of the C qdots was found to fit best with an acentric primitive orthorhombic lattice. The laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) images show enhancement of the light emission when reducing the size and characteristic excitation wavelength‐dependent light emission of C qdots. The photoluminescence and UV‐Vis absorption spectroscopy techniques show surface dominant emission and absorption upon the nitrile bonding.
A Dinculear Rhenium Complex with a Proton Responsive Ligand in the Electrochemical‐Driven CO2‐Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Wilting Alexander , Siewert Inke
Published: May 2018

Herein, we present a detailed study on a dinuclear Re complex bearing an α‐diimine‐tricarbonyl motif and a proton responsive ligand in the electrochemical CO2 reduction catalysis. The complex exhibits a pyrazole‐pyridine entity as α‐diimine unit and a phenol moiety as internal proton relay, which show non‐innocent behaviour under reductive conditions. Initial two electron reduction leads to NH bond cleavage forming the deprotonated ligand LH−2. Further two electron reduction at considerable negative potential induces OH bond cleavage and ligand reduction. In the presence of CO2, the reduced species reacts with CO2 forming CO. The complex shows a moderate Faraday efficiency and the activity is similar to the mononuclear derivative [Re(bpy)(CO)3(py)]+ (py=pyridine, bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine).
Ultrathin Wall (1 nm) and Superlong Pt Nanotubes with Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction Performance
Authors: Tao Lu , Yu Dan , Zhou Junshuang , Lu Xiong , Yang Yunxia , Gao Faming
Published: May 2018

The synthesis of Pt nanotubes catalysts remains a substantial challenge, especially for those with both sub‐nanometer wall thickness and micrometer‐scale length characteristics. Combining techniques of insulin fibril template with Pd nanowire template, numerous Pt nanotubes with diameter of 5.5 nm, tube‐length of several micrometers, and ultrathin wall thickness of 1 nm are assembled. These tubular catalysts with both open ends deliver electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of 91.43 m2 gpt−1 which results from multiple Pt atoms exposed on the inner and outer surfaces that doubled Pt atoms can participate in catalytic reactions, further with enhanced electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The ultrafine Pt nanotubes represent a class of hollow nanostructure with increased Pt‐utilization and large ECSA, which is regarded as a type of cost‐effective catalysts for ORR.
Flexible Cationic Nanoparticles with Photosensitizer Cores for Multifunctional Biomedical Applications
Authors: Wu Rui , Ding Xiaokang , Qi Yu , Zeng Qiang , Wu Yu‐Wei , Yu Bingran , Xu Fu‐Jian
Published: May 2018

One challenge for multimodal therapy is to develop appropriate multifunctional agents to meet the requirements of potential applications. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is proven to be an effective way to treat cancers. Diverse polycations, such as ethylenediamine‐functionalized poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGED) with plentiful primary amines, secondary amines, and hydroxyl groups, demonstrate good gene transfection performances. Herein, a series of multifunctional cationic nanoparticles (PRP) consisting of photosensitizer cores and PGED shells are readily developed through simple dopamine‐involving processes for versatile bioapplications. A series of experiments demonstrates that PRP nanoparticles are able to effectively mediate gene delivery in different cell lines. PRP nanoparticles are further validated to possess remarkable capability of combined PDT and gene therapy for complementary tumor treatment. In addition, because of their high dispersities in biological matrix, the PRP nanoparticles can also be used for in vitro and in vivo imaging with minimal aggregation‐caused quenching. Therefore, such flexible nanoplatforms with photosensitizer cores and polycationic shells are very promising for multimodal tumor therapy with high efficacy.
Hydrodynamically Formed Uniform Thick Coatings on Microspheres
Authors: Liang Shuaishuai , Li Jiang , Xu Qinda , Man Jia , Chen Haosheng
Published: May 2018

Forming uniform thick coatings on microspheres remains a significant challenge in various surface modification and drug delivery applications. In this work, a hydrodynamic method is demonstrated for centering microspheres in droplets with sizes ranging from tens to hundreds of micrometers. The core microspheres stay at the center of the droplets due to the hydrodynamic pressure generated in the surrounding liquid shells, despite the significant density difference between the core microsphere and the liquid shell. Therefore, by using polymerizable liquids that can be solidified thermally or by illumination as the shell layer, core–shell particles with gas, liquid, or solid cores can be surrounded with uniform coatings using the present method.
Engineering Microstructure with Evaporation‐Induced Self‐Assembly of Microdroplets
Authors: Zhu Pingan , Kong Tiantian , Zhou Chunmei , Lei Leyan , Wang Liqiu
Published: May 2018

Natural systems have exceptional capabilities of constructing structures across multiple length scales for remarkable performances from limited choices of building blocks. However, simultaneous control over structures at both the macroscopic and microscopic length scales is restricted by the high requirements in the type and property of building blocks. Here, directed self‐assembly of microdroplets in an evaporating liquid is harnessed to fabricate large‐scale ordered films with precisely controlled microstructures. Evaporation‐induced variations in liquid confinement allow microdroplets to reassemble for large‐scale ordered patterns. Deformation of microdroplets into different shapes accurately defines multiple topographical structures at the microdroplet level. The fabrication process is facile and scalable, and works with various materials for manufacturing functional films with tunable properties. These results suggest a facile yet effective strategy for engineering microstructures by combining directed self‐assembly with manipulation of the property of building components for both structural fidelity and diversity.
Charge Photogeneration and Recombination in Mesostructured CuSCN‐Nanowire/PC70BM Solar Cells
Authors: Firdaus Yuliar , Seitkhan Akmaral , Eisner Flurin , Sit Wai‐Yu , Kan Zhipeng , Wehbe Nimer , Balawi Ahmed H. , Yengel Emre , Karuthedath Safakath , Laquai Frédéric , Anthopoulos Thomas D.
Published: May 2018

Fullerene‐based materials are widely used as electron acceptors in organic bulk‐heterojunction solar cells; yet, they have rarely been used as the only photoactive component due to their low absorbance and limited charge generation efficiency. However, blending the wide‐bandgap p‐type material copper (I) thiocyanate (CuSCN) with [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC70BM) leads to the formation of a unique mesostructured p‐n like heterointerface between CuSCN and PC70BM and solar cells with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 5.4%. Here, we examine in detail the reasons for the surprisingly good device performance and elucidate the charge photogeneration and recombination mechanisms in CuSCN‐based devices with PC70BM as the exclusive light‐absorbing material. Our studies clearly demonstrate that a substantial fraction of the photocurrent in the CuSCN‐based devices results from improved dissociation of fullerene excitons and efficient charge transfer at the CuSCN:PC70BM interface combined with reduced geminate and nongeminate charge recombination losses. Our results have implications beyond the fullerene‐based devices studied here, as they demonstrate that careful selection of a mesostructured p‐type transparent semiconductor paves the path to a new type of efficient single photoactive material solar cells.
Effect of hangekobokuto for amelioration of aggressiveness and social behavior in socially isolated mice
Authors: Harada Yoshinao , Yamaguchi Takuji , Hu Ailing , Otani Satoru , Han Cheolsun , Kurihara Yumiko , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Arai Hajime
Published: May 2018

Aim

Hangekobokuto, a kampo medicine, is considered effective against anxiety neurosis, amnesia, insomnia, and neurotic gastritis. The mechanism of action and verification of effect, however, remain to be confirmed. The aim of this study was therefore to confirm the effect of hangekobokuto for amelioration of aggressiveness and social behavior in a mouse stress model.

Methods

Four‐week‐old male ddY mice were socially stressed by isolated rearing for 4 weeks. The control group was reared in a social group. Hangekobokuto was then given orally in drinking water to the isolation‐reared mice at a dose of 0% (purified water), 0.25% and 0.5% for 2 weeks. The socially reared control group was not given any treatment. Aggressiveness and social behavior were evaluated. Blood samples were obtained after the test, and serum corticosterone and interleukin (IL)‐6 were measured. The prefrontal region of the brain and the brainstem region were enucleated, and serotonin, dopamine and IL‐6 were measured.

Results

Hangekobokuto dose‐dependently controlled the aggressive behavior induced by isolation stress, and the effect disappeared on 5HT1A receptor antagonist treatment. Blood corticosterone, increased by isolation stress, decreased with hangekobokuto treatment. Serotonin and dopamine in the prefrontal region, decreased by isolation stress, increased with hangekobokuto treatment. IL‐6 in the brainstem, increased by isolation stress, decreased dose dependently on hangekobokuto treatment.

Conclusion

Hangekobokuto ameliorates aggressiveness induced by anxiety caused by stress. Furthermore, the mechanism of effect involves the serotonin system.
Wound‐induced cell proliferation during animal regeneration
Authors: Ricci Lorenzo , Srivastava Mansi
Published: May 2018

Many animal species are capable of replacing missing tissues that are lost upon injury or amputation through the process of regeneration. Although the extent of regeneration is variable across animals, that is, some animals can regenerate any missing cell type whereas some can only regenerate certain organs or tissues, regulated cell proliferation underlies the formation of new tissues in most systems. Notably, many species display an increase in proliferation within hours or days upon wounding. While different cell types proliferate in response to wounding in various animal taxa, comparative molecular data are beginning to point to shared wound‐induced mechanisms that regulate cell division during regeneration. Here, we synthesize current insights about early molecular pathways of regeneration from diverse model and emerging systems by considering these species in their evolutionary contexts. Despite the great diversity of mechanisms underlying injury‐induced cell proliferation across animals, and sometimes even in the same species, similar pathways for proliferation have been implicated in distantly related species (e.g., small diffusible molecules, signaling from apoptotic cells, growth factor signaling, mTOR and Hippo signaling, and Wnt and Bmp pathways). Studies that explicitly interrogate molecular and cellular regenerative mechanisms in understudied animal phyla will reveal the extent to which early pathways in the process of regeneration are conserved or independently evolved.

This article is categorized under:

Comparative Development and Evolution > Body Plan Evolution

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Regeneration

Comparative Development and Evolution > Model Systems
Integration of genomics and metabolomics for prioritization of rare disease variants: a 2018 literature review
Authors: Graham Emma , Lee Jessica , Price Magda , Tarailo‐Graovac Maja , Matthews Allison , Engelke Udo , Tang Jeffrey , Kluijtmans Leo A. J. , Wevers Ron A. , Wasserman Wyeth W. , van Karnebeek Clara D. M. , Mostafavi Sara
Published: May 2018

Many inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) are amenable to treatment; therefore, early diagnosis and treatment is imperative. Despite recent advances, the genetic basis of many metabolic phenotypes remains unknown. For discovery purposes, whole exome sequencing (WES) variant prioritization coupled with clinical and bioinformatics expertise is the primary method used to identify novel disease‐causing variants; however, causation is often difficult to establish due to the number of plausible variants. Integrated analysis of untargeted metabolomics (UM) and WES or whole genome sequencing (WGS) data is a promising systematic approach for identifying disease‐causing variants. In this review, we provide a literature‐based overview of UM methods utilizing liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‐MS), and assess approaches to integrating WES/WGS and LC‐MS UM data for the discovery and prioritization of variants causing IEMs. To embed this integrated ‐omics approach in the clinic, expansion of gene‐metabolite annotations and metabolomic feature‐to‐metabolite mapping methods are needed.
Severe ichthyosis in MPDU1‐CDG
Authors: Thiel Christian , Wortmann Saskia , Riedhammer Korbinian , Alhaddad Bader , Mayatepek Ertan , Prokisch Holger , Distelmaier Felix
Published: May 2018

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) have a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. They can affect multiple organ systems, including skin and subcutaneous tissue. We report on an infant with severe ichthyosis caused by MPDU1 mutations. The case illustrates that skin manifestations are an important feature of CDG syndromes. Therefore, metabolic investigations should be included in the workup of infantile ichthyosis disorders.
Corporate Essence and Identity in Criminal Law
Authors: Diamantis Mihailis E.
Published: May 2018

How can we know whether we are punishing the same corporation that committed some past crime? Though central to corporate criminal justice, legal theorists and philosophers have yet to address the basic question of how corporate identity persists through time. Simple cases, where crime and punishment are close in time and the corporation has changed little, can mislead us into thinking an answer is always easy to come by. The issue becomes more complicated when corporate criminals undergo any number of transformations—rebranding, spinning-off a division, merging, changing ownership, changing management, swapping lines of business, etc. These changes are common among all corporations, including those trying to conceal or limit liability for past crimes. This article takes a first step toward developing a workable and philosophically satisfying theory of corporate personal identity and discusses its prospects for fulfilling the retributive, rehabilitative, and deterrent purposes of criminal law.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Isolated Redundant Foramen Ovale: A Case Report
Authors: Devadasan Shyama , Batra Meenu , Balakrishnan Bijoy , Sreeja P. S. , Patil Swapneel N. , Gopinathan K. K.
Published: May 2018

Redundant foramen ovale (RFO) is defined as an abnormally redundant foramen ovale flap that extends at least halfway across the left atrium. The exact pathogenesis is unknown. Premature, isolated, in utero RFO is rare. The prevalence in general population is unknown as it may be easily ignored on routine fetal echocardiography. The reported frequency in fetuses referred for echocardiographic examination is 0.6–1.7%. It can cause right ventricular volume overload leading to fetal hydrops and subsequent cardiac failure. In such cases, prompt delivery depending on fetal gestational age may be instrumental for the survival of the neonate. 67% can develop cardiac arrhythmias which generally resolves at birth. The most common is premature atrial contractions though rarely, supraventricular tachycardia can also occur. RFO usually occurs in isolation but when associated with congenital heart disease, it carries a poor prognosis. Several series have reported redundant foramen ovale in echocardiographic and autopsy findings in children and adults but only few reports on the antenatal detection of isolated RFO has been described. We discuss two prenatal cases of isolated redundant foramen ovale diagnosed in the third trimester. They were followed up two weekly without development of any complications and delivered at term. After delivery, the infants had no history or symptoms of cardiac distress. Echocardiography showed a structurally normal heart. Hence, if there are no associated anomalies in a case of redundant foramen ovale, the prenatal management need not be altered.
Penile Wobble Effect: Proximal Corporal Deformities as a Cause of Penile Prosthesis Failure
Authors: Rajih Emad , Burnett Arthur L.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Penile structural defects can contribute toward penile prosthesis (PP) surgical complications and suboptimal outcomes. Despite modern improvements in techniques of inflatable PP (IPP) surgeries, suboptimal outcomes arise secondary to unrecognized proximal corporal abnormalities.

Aim

To describe a new observation of IPP failure (wobbly penis) secondary to proximal corporal deformities.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of the Johns Hopkins institutional database of patients who had IPP surgery from May 2006 to March 2017. All cases requiring surgical revisions secondary to proximal corporal deformities were identified. Exclusion criteria included patients who had incidentally discovered proximal corporal deformities intraoperatively or were documented preoperatively to have had a corporal defect.

Main Outcome Measures

Successful reimplantation of a functionally intact PP device.

Results

On clinical grounds, we identified 5 patients with properly cycling but unstable prosthetic devices that were associated with proximal corporal dilatation (proximally from the penoscrotal junction). All patients underwent reduction corporoplasty with prosthesis replacements consisting of controlled expansion IPPs. 3 patients had undergone previous device replacements because of intact cycling but unstable and unusable IPP devices, whereas 2 had a single previous device insertion. Mean age at revision was 67 years. Median IPP duration was 17 years. Median number of previous IPP surgeries was 3. All patients reported IPP stability and satisfaction after revision (median follow-up = 6 months).

Conclusions

Proximal corporal deformities could account for IPP failure. This condition can be under-recognized as observed in the present cases of multiple revisions with a normally cycling device that was not usable. Proper recognition of this problem allows the opportunity for surgical correction with reduction corporoplasty.
Demographic and lifestyle determinants of time spent in physical activity among Malaysian adolescents
Authors: Cheah Yong Kang , Lim Hock Kuang , Kee Chee Cheong
Published: May 2018

Background and objectives:

The objective of the present study is to examine factors affecting time spent in physical activity among adolescents in Malaysia.

Patients and methods:

A nationally representative data of adolescents that consists of 25399 respondents is used. The demographic (age, gender, education) and lifestyle (fruits and vegetables consumption, carbonated soft drink consumption, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, sex behaviour, participation in physical education class, obesity) determinants of physical activity are assessed using binomial regression.

Results:

The results show that age is negatively associated with time spent in physical activity. However, being male and education levels are positively related to time spent in physical activity. Having unhealthy lifestyle and being obese are associated with low levels of physical activity. Physical education seems to promote participation in physical activity.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, demographic and lifestyle factors play an important role in determining levels of physical activity among adolescents. In order to reduce the prevalence of physically inactive adolescents, policy makers should focus primarily on late adolescents, females, adolescents who engage in unhealthy lifestyle and seldom attend physical education classes, as well as obese adolescents.
Proximal Corporal Perforation During Penile Prosthesis Surgery: Prevention, Recognition, and Review of Historical and Novel Management Strategies
Authors: Pearlman Amy M. , Terlecki Ryan P.
Published: May 2018

Background

Proximal corporal perforation at time of dilation, although rare, may occur due to factors related to patient anatomy, presence of intra-cavernosal fibrosis, and/or surgical technique.

Aim

To describe tools and techniques designed to prevent and identify proximal corporal perforation, and maneuvers to minimize the risk of subsequent cylinder migration once proximal perforation has been recognized, such that the operation may proceed and result in an acceptable outcome.

Methods

We discuss tips for prevention, recognition, and management of proximal corporal perforation by presenting a review of the literature as well as our preferences based on a high-volume experience with penile prosthesis surgery.

Outcomes

Described techniques aim to minimize risk of cylinder migration in the absence of true proximal repair.

Results

Although proximal perforation may be obvious at times, particularly with a sudden loss of resistance during dilation, discrepant corporal measurements and/or dissimilar proximal deflection of the dilator should also increase the index of suspicion. Numerous techniques have been employed to theoretically reduce the risk of cylinder migration in the setting of proximal corporal perforation. These include formal corporal repair (historical), windsock repairs with non-absorbable grafts, absorbable plugs, and suture fixation of the rear tip extender or shod material covering implant tubing.

Clinical Translation

Intra-operative recognition of proximal corporal perforation, coupled with understanding of surgical strategies to minimize the risk of future device migration, may allow completion of an operation that still results in an optimal outcome.

Conclusions

Techniques described to prevent proximal migration are not strongly evidence-based, but rooted in logic and supported by high-volume implanters. Intra-operative perforation of the proximal corpora, although rare, can threaten the success of penile implant surgery, though the techniques described herein have been developed to mitigate the potential for subsequent device migration, allowing surgery to proceed and to achieve the desired clinical result.
Governing through Killing: The War on Drugs in the Philippines
Authors: JOHNSON David T. , FERNQUEST Jon
Published: May 2018

This article focuses on the war on drugs in the Philippines in order to explore issues related to extra-judicial killing, which remains common in many countries that have abolished the death penalty and in many more that retain it but seldom carry out judicial executions. In the first year of Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency (2016–17), thousands of people were killed by police or by vigilantes who were encouraged to prosecute his war on drugs. At a time when democracy is in retreat in many parts of the world, this case illustrates how popular harsh punishment can be in states that have failed to meet their citizens’ hopes for freedom, economic growth, and security.
Cost-Benefit and Fiscal Impact Analysis of Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit (OHPTC)
Authors: Guzman Tatyana
Published: May 2018

The federal government and over thirty states nationwide offer a tax credit in lieu of certain expenditures incurred as part of historic rehabilitation projects. Several economic impact studies have shown the positive effect of the credit on job creation, property values, and environmental friendly behavior in Louisville, KY (Gilderbloom, Hanka & Ambrosius, 2009) and in the state of Maryland (Frizzell & Mitchell, 2002). Most of the studies of historic preservation credits are, however, nonempirical and evaluate only the economic impact of the credit. The societal benefit-cost analysis conducted in this manuscript is the first study of its kind of the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit (OHPTC) program. In addition, this study provides an OHPTC fiscal impact analysis (benefit-cost analysis from the government perspective).

The data for the analysis come from the county auditors’ offices, and multiple proprietary sources, including administrative estimates provided by the agencies managing the OHPTC program, and online survey of the developers. The sensitivity analysis accounts for the differences in discount rates and other factors. The study finds that the overall societal benefits will outweigh overall societal costs by 2023. From the fiscal perspective, the program begins to pay for itself in 2025, but the overall program costs will remain higher than overall benefits during the considered study period (until 2030).
Lessons Learnt From Exercise Celestial Navigation: The Application of a Geographic Information System to Inform Legionnaires’ Disease Control Activity
Authors: Quinn Emma , Hsiao Kai , Truman George , Rose Nectarios , Broome Richard
Published: May 2018

Geographic information systems (GIS) have emerged in the past few decades as a technology capable of assisting in the control of infectious disease outbreaks. A Legionnaires’ disease cluster investigation in May 2016 in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia, demonstrated the importance of using GIS to identify at-risk water sources in real-time for field investigation to help control any immediate environmental health risk, as well as the need for more staff trained in the use of this technology. Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit (PHU) subsequently ran an exercise (based on this investigation) with 11 staff members from 4 PHUs across Sydney to further test staff capability to use GIS across NSW. At least 80% of exercise participants reported that the scenario progression was realistic, assigned tasks were clear, and sufficient data were provided to complete tasks. The exercise highlighted the multitude of geocoding applications and need for inter-operability of systems, as well as the need for trained staff with specific expertise in spatial analysis to help assist in outbreak control activity across NSW. Evaluation data demonstrated the need for a common GIS, regular education and training, and guidelines to support the collaborative use of GIS for infectious disease epidemiology in NSW. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:372–374)
Mendoza et al. v. Argentina (Inter-Am. Ct. H.R.)
Authors: Cerna Christina M.
Published: May 2018

The United States stands alone in its refusal to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, a treaty ratified by every other member state of the United Nations, which currently has 196 states parties. Article 37(a) of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states: “Neither capital punishment nor life imprisonment without possibility of release shall be imposed for offences committed by persons below eighteen years of age.”
Reyes v. Al-Malki and Another (U.K. Sup. Ct.)
Authors: Webb Philippa
Published: May 2018

On October 18, 2017, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom delivered an important judgment on diplomatic immunity. It was the first time the Supreme Court had considered the implications of human trafficking for the scope of diplomatic immunity. As Lord Sumption noted, “[s]ince there is some evidence that human trafficking under cover of diplomatic status is a recurrent problem, this is a question of some general importance.”
Low-Frequency Carbon Recombination Lines in the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex
Authors: Tremblay Chenoa D. , Jordan Christopher H. , Cunningham Maria , Jones Paul A. , Hurley-Walker Natasha
Published: May 2018

We detail tentative detections of low-frequency carbon radio recombination lines from within the Orion molecular cloud complex observed at 99–129 MHz. These tentative detections include one alpha transition and one beta transition over three locations and are located within the diffuse regions of dust observed in the infrared at 100 μm, the Hα emission detected in the optical, and the synchrotron radiation observed in the radio. With these observations, we are able to study the radiation mechanism transition from collisionally pumped to radiatively pumped within the H ii regions within the Orion molecular cloud complex.
Handedness and the neurocognitive foundations of public attitudes about international laws and norms
Authors: Grillo Michael C. , Pupcenoks Juris , Lyle Keith B.
Published: May 2018

Whether Geneva Conventions (GC) rights should apply to terrorists is a contentious question that has received little attention in public opinion research. Both personality and contextual factors may be important. We queried participants’ support for applying the GC to alleged terrorists, but first we measured participants’ authoritarianism and presented them with a scenario concerning an alleged terrorist. We manipulated whether (1) the scenario contained examples of GC rights and (2) the alleged terrorist’s religious affiliation was Muslim or non-Muslim. Support for applying the GC to alleged terrorists was high and unaffected by providing examples of GC provisions, but it was negatively related to authoritarianism. Support was reduced by priming with a Muslim terrorist, but only among participants exhibiting a behavioral marker for limited interhemispheric interaction — consistent-handedness. Consistent-handers in our sample expressed greater authoritarianism, suggesting that limited interhemispheric interaction promotes greater authoritarianism, which decreases support for applying the GC to alleged terrorists.
Nudging toward a stable retirement
Authors: Kroncke Charles
Published: May 2018

The classical economics perspective is that public policy should be used to allow, not hinder, economic freedom. In some cases it may be possible for government to gently nudge individuals to change their behavior without hindering freedom. One example is a change from the default on pension program enrollment forms from “not contribute” to “contribute.” This is generally viewed as a good nudge that gets people to do what the majority of people view as generally the correct behavior. However, a choice to contribute to a pension fund is not always in the individual’s best interest — thus, it is a nudge, not a mandate. To maintain personal liberty, individuals should be fully informed about the consequences of their choice and the motives of the political authority. Saving for retirement is a complex issue, and pension contribution decisions are often made with little foresight or information. Pension contribution nudges may not always be freedom preserving because of complexity and unintended consequences. The benefits, risks, and limitations of default contribution pension nudges are discussed.
The rock shelter Abrigo del Molino (Segovia, Spain) and the timing of the late Middle Paleolithic in Central Iberia
Authors: Kehl Martin , Álvarez-Alonso David , de Andrés-Herrero María , Díez-Herrero Andrés , Klasen Nicole , Rethemeyer Janet , Weniger Gerd-Christian
Published: May 2018

The timing of the late Middle Paleolithic and late disappearance of Neanderthals in the Iberian Peninsula are hotly debated subjects in Paleolithic archeology. Several studies suggested a late survival in South and Central Iberia until about 32 ka, but were probably subject to significant age underestimation due to contamination of dating samples, undiagnostic lithic assemblages, and/or lack of stratigraphic integrity. We conducted a radiocarbon and luminescence-dating study backed by detailed sedimentological and micromorphological investigations at the newly discovered rock shelter sequence of Abrigo del Molino (Central Spain). Accumulation of the sediment sequence was rapid. It started with deposition of paleoflood slack-water deposits at around 48 ka and continued until about 41 ka with deposition of colluvial and detrital sediments. These contain two Mousterian levels, which place the latest Neanderthal occupation at around 45 to 41 ka, i.e., between Heinrich Stadials 5 and 4, and probably during a time of climate amelioration. Abrigo del Molino thus provides a detailed and chronologically well-constrained record of Late Neanderthal presence and morphodynamic change in Central Iberia during times of millennial-scale climate changes. The site gives further evidence for an early disappearance of Neanderthals in Central Iberia.
The Perils of Proximity: Rivalries and conflicts in the making of a neighbourhood in Bombay City in the twentieth century
Authors: CHANDAVARKAR RAJNARAYAN
Published: May 2018

Rajnarayan Chandavarkar—Fellow of Trinity College and Reader in History at the University of Cambridge—passed away on 23 April 2006. In addition to a rich legacy of books and articles that were published in his lifetime, he left behind an enormous amount of manuscript material, much of which was ready for publication. A selection of this material was published in his posthumousHistory, Culture and the Indian City(Cambridge University Press, 2009), but new manuscripts continue to come to light. His wife, Jennifer Davis, recently found this essay among his effects. There is good reason to believe that Raj felt it was ready for publication. Therefore, we publish this essay almost exactly as it appears in his typescript, only correcting typos and minor errors, and adding a map. The editors would like to thank David Washbrook and Jennifer Davis for proofing this article, Uttara Shahani and Binney Hare for researching and adapting the map, and Francoise Davis for the photograph of Raj.
Status of Weed Science–A Worlds' Perspective
Authors: Fryer J. D.
Published: May 2018

Before I try to paint a broad canvas as a background to this evening's discussion I think we should be clear what we mean by ‘discipline of weed science’. The word ‘discipline’ according to the Oxford English Dictionary means ‘a department of knowledge’ or ‘the art of war’. This latter 15th Century definition might seem appropriate to our struggle against weeds! What, though, is meant by ‘weed science’?
Bud Development in Excised Roots of Rush Skeletonweed(Chondrilla juncea)
Authors: Schirman Roland , Zamora B. A.
Published: May 2018

No differences in the anatomy or bud pattern development were observed between young tap and lateral roots of rush skeletonweed(Chondrilla junceaL.). Shoots and lateral roots arise from meristemic zones that originate from a continuous pericyclic ring. Incubation of excised root segments resulted in rapid development of stem buds which showed geotropic response in 24 h. The development of identifiable leaf initials occurred prior to emergence through the epidermis in 8 days.