bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Drug Trafficking and Insurgency Correlation: Case Study of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Region
Authors: Shah Mohammadi Mohammad Naji , Mat Basir Salawati , Sobatian Elmira
Published: September 2016

ECO member states are among a big producer of opium and heroin in the world and all trafficking routes used for trafficking illicit drugs to the world pass through ECO countries. On the other hand many insurgent groups are actively involved in illicit drug trafficking. ECO’s Main objective is economic development in its region and directly unproductive profit seeking activities such as drug trafficking and insurgency is tight barrier to reach this goal. The aim of this research is to investigate the correlation between drug trafficking and insurgency in ECO region and identify the reasons for this connection to cope with this problem. There are various theories, which attempt to explain the relationship between drug trafficking and insurgency. Generally speaking, it appears that it is not sensible to lump organized crime groups, who conduct drug trafficking, and terrorist groups together in ECO area. Although there are some links between them, they have essential motivational and operational discrepancies.

 

 
Pursuit of Truth in Doris Lessing’s Shikasta: Plato and Nagarjuna in Conversation
Authors: Shaerpooraslilankrodi Shaereh , Hashim Ruzy Suliza
Published: September 2016

In Doris Lessing’s novels, obtaining Truth to transcend the soul has been notably emphasized. Similarly, in Shikasta, the necessity to acquire genuine awareness has been focused as the mere way to self-transcendence. The detailed inspection of the novel explicates how human species live in amnesia, unable to remember their authentic reality and trapped in the disease of individuation. While the novel does not reject reason as the mean to “remember” the Truth, it mainly regards mindfulness and intuitive knowledge as a tool to achieve authenticity. The facets of amnesia and illusionary conception of the world make the novel a satisfactory text under both Plato’s and Nagarjuna’s interpretation of visionary world. However, its tilt towards non-dual patterns to attain Truth makes Nagarjuna’s approach a contribution to Plato’s rational manner in this regard. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to apply Plato and Nagarjuna’s pursuit of Truth to examine Lessing’s elucidation of authentic knowledge in Shikasta. The methodology appropriated in the paper entails depiction of visible world as an illusion of the Real pointed in Plato’s allegory of Cave and Nagarjuna’s Mundane Truth. We clarify emotion as the main motivator of such illusionary status stressed in both Plato and Nagarjuna’s thoughts. We argue that while the importance of reason and eradicating emotion cannot be ignored, what adjoins people to Truth is mindfulness and intuitive knowledge which is close to Nagarjuna’s non-dual patterns. By examining ordinary life as the illusion of Real, and emotion as the main obstacle to achieve the Truth emphasized in both Nagarjuna and Plato’s trends, we depart from other critics who undermine the eminence of essentialist trace in Lessing’s works and examine her approach towards Truth merely under postmodern lens. This departure is significant since we clarify while essentialism has been abandoned to a large extent and supporters of Plato have become scarce, amalgamation of his thoughts with spiritual trends opens a fresh way to earn authenticity in Lessing’s novel. 
Exploring Instructors’ Rationale and Perspectives in Using Blogs as a Tool for Teaching English as a Second Language
Authors: Hussin Supyan , Aboswider Rehab Omar Salem , Ismail Noriah , Yoke Soo Kum
Published: September 2016

Embedding web-based learning systems in education has drawn increasing popularity and growing interest among the contemporary language education community in recent time. In particular, blogs have become a profound phenomenon in the present landscape of online education. However, research addressing the instructor’s perspective about the engagement of blog technology in second language education is still lagging behind. The current study seeks to explore and survey the perspectives of six Malaysian academicians on the use of blogs in teaching English as second language to Malaysian students at higher education institutions. A qualitative approach was adopted to collect responses from the participants via a semi-structured interview. In addition, a checklist of features of the blog was used to investigate the blogging activities in the courses conducted by the participants. The collected data from the interview were analyzed qualitatively, whereas the blog checklist data were analyzed quantitatively. The obtained results indicated that the surveyed instructors had a positive reflection on using blogs in the teaching and learning of the English as second language.
Investigating the Leadership Style Effect on the Technology Transfer Effectiveness: A Proposed New Model (An Applied Study on the Dairy Manufacturing Sector in Egypt)
Authors: Farouk Soliman Amal
Published: September 2016

Purpose: Different leadership styles' effects on technology transfer effectiveness have not been implied in the literature. This study seeks to theoretically investigate the effect of five leadership styles; Classified according to personal authority of the leader; On technology transfer effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach: This study identifies five leadership styles which affect technology transfer effectiveness including transformational leadership, transactional leadership, visionary leadership, charismatic leadership and culture based leadership. This study associates these five leadership styles to technology transfer effectiveness. A conceptual model is tested using a survey data collected from a sample of manufacturing plants in the dairy manufacturing sector in Egypt.

Findings: The results indicate that only four leadership styles significantly affect technology transfer effectiveness. Visionary leadership style has the strongest significant effect on technology transfer effectiveness, followed by culture based leadership style, then charismatic leadership style then transactional leadership. Transformational leadership does not significantly affect technology transfer effectiveness.

Research Limitation/Implications: Transformational leadership has been observed to have no significant effect on technology transfer effectiveness. A set of refined transformational leadership measures should be developed in future studies.

Practical Implications: This paper identifies the importance of leadership styles in achieving the success of technology transfer.

Originality/value: This study provides a theoretical foundation for the effect of the leadership styles on technology transfer effectiveness in the dairy manufacturing plants. This study is one of the first efforts that empirically examine the effect of leadership styles on technology transfer effectiveness.

 
Organization Strategies & Innovative Leadership Management
Authors: Rahman Md. Ashiqur
Published: September 2016

For sustainable competitive advantages companies need innovation. However, for very few organizations innovation is a part of their DNA and for the most of companies it is a crisis element of “Constructive Destruction.” However, the recent economic crisis and evolution of business organization demand for innovative leaders who can do the miracle (innovation) in the organization. Like any new phenomenon, innovative leadership idea is blurry among different people and also experts are divided in their opinion. This paper tries to solve these puzzles by integrating the thought in a clear understandable picture. To solve the puzzle this paper first stated about creativity, innovations and leadership to better understand about innovative leadership process. Then it discussed in detail about the innovative leadership process followed by two examples of best practice and worst practice.
Innovative leadership is the combination of four elements: emotional intelligence, management innovations, innovative organization and interaction with stakeholders. These are interrelated part that enforce each other to foster innovations. Emotional intelligence make the leader effective in performance because he can build trust and make people committed towards the goal; it becomes easy for him to do management innovations, develop innovative culture and interact with the stakeholders. Management innovations set the goal, principles and policy to guide the innovations and innovative culture foster to do the miracle by the employees. When inside is ready for the innovations the innovative leader interacts with the stakeholders for ideas and feedback. However, the innovative leader needs to apply sense when to be innovative and when not to be.
Possibility of Applying Arabian Management Theory
Authors: Al-Kasasbeh Mohammed Mufaddy
Published: September 2016

The research aims at examining the possibility of applying Arabian management theory by measuring the impact of Arabian management theory pillars (service concept, counseling concept, and justice concept) on employees' performance. A survey questionnaire was distributed to 385 employees at private, public, civil society, and regional organizations in 22 Arabian countries by e-mail to collect the relevant data about research constructs, and test the study hypotheses, where 202 valid questionnaires were retrieved from 14 Arabian countries (Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, UAE, and Yemen); which represents 52.47% from distributed questionnaires and 63.64% from Arabian countries.

The study has detected the following findings:

- The perceptions of respondents about all items of Arabian management theory pillars (service concept, counseling concept, and justice concept) are high.

- There is a statistical impact of Arabian management theory pillars (service concept, counseling concept, and justice concept) on employees' performance.

- There are no statistically differences at significant P-value < 0.05 in perceptions of respondents towards Arabian management theory pillars (service concept, counseling concept, and justice concept) attributable to nature of organization.

- There are no statistically differences at significant P-value < 0.05 in perceptions of respondents towards Arabian management theory pillars (service concept, counseling concept, and justice concept) attributable to their countries.
Based on the findings of the study, private, public, civil society, and Arab regional organizations in Arab world are advised to apply Arabian management theory pillars in order to enhance its role in employees' performance through recruiting and hiring leaders who believe in Islamic values and Arab culture. Future studies could be conducted in terms of Arabian management theory on job satisfaction and other related constructs.
Earnings Management, Annual Report Patch and Accounting Comparability
Authors: Yang Zhonghai , Su Roger , Zhou Shasha , Li Yingmei
Published: September 2016

Using the Chinese A-share listed firms over the period from 2005 to 2012, this paper examines the relationships between earnings management, annual report patch and accounting comparability. The empirical results indicate that Chinese listed companies tend to release their annual report patch after implementing accrual earnings management, but the Chinese listed companies are not likely to release their annual report patch after implementing real earnings management. Disclosing an annual report patch after implementing earnings management may have a positive impact on accounting comparability. This result indicates that an annual report patch published by sample firms may rectify disclosed errors or earnings management of a previous annual report, as a result accounting information quality will be improved.
The Impact of Voluntary and Mandatory IAS/IFRS Adoption: A Review
Authors: Fera Pietro
Published: September 2016

Several studies examined the capital market effects and the impact on accounting quality after the mandatory IAS/IFRS adoption. Two different approaches have been widely adopted: the pro-standard and the pro-incentive. According to the former, the IAS/IFRS standards have a positive impact as a result of their higher quality, compared to local GAAP. On the other hand, the pro-incentive approach emphasizes the importance of incentives, especially ones related to the institutional settings, and predicts greater effects in countries characterized by strong legal systems and effective enforcement mechanisms. The most recent empirical evidence seems to support the pro-incentive approach. This literature review underlines the evolution of this research stream, stressing the different used approaches, in order to explain their mixed results, and trying to explain the implied reasons why recent papers move to a different approach which seems to provide a finer and more dynamic interpretation of the pro-incentive hypothesis, weakening the presumed influence of the preexisting legal systems and underlining the role played by firms’ incentives per se and by changes in enforcement mechanisms.
Shelf Life of Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oils Cv. Arbequina and Coratina from Uruguay
Authors: Irigaray Bruno Alejandro , Martínez Natalia I. , Feller Camila , Amarillo Miguel , Grompone Maria Antonia
Published: September 2016

Two monovarietal extra virgin olive oils (Arbequina and Coratina), produced in Uruguay, were studied over a period of 12 months storage in amber bottles at 30 ºC. Peroxide index, K232, K270, ∆K, OSI induction time did not exceed the maximum limits set by the International Olive Council (IOC) during the entire period. However, the content of ethyl esters increased with storage time and it is in relation with the shelf life. The International Olive Council (IOC) establishes the limits in the content of ethyl esters ≤ 35 ppm. The Coratina oil ceased to be extra virgin quality after 6 months of storage due to its content of ethyl esters (46 ppm), and the Arbequina oil after 9 months (52 ppm).Taking into consideration their content of ethyl esters, both the Arbequina and Coratina oils showed a very short shelf life less than six months. The determination of ethyl ester content proved to be a sensitive method for determining the loss of quality of extra virgin olive oils.
Super Lehmer-3 Mean Labeling
Authors: Somasundaram S. , Sandhya S. S. , Pavithra T. S.
Published: September 2016

Let f:V(G)->{1,2,.....p+q} be an injective function .The induced edge labeling f*(e=uv) is defined by ,f*(e)=[(f(u)^3+f(v)^3)/(f(u)^2+f(v)^2 )] (or) [(f(u)^3+f(v)^3)/(f(u)^2+f(v)^2 )], then f is called Super Lehmer-3 mean labeling, if {f (V(G))} U {f(e)/e ∈ E(G)}={1,2,3,.....p+q}, A graph which admits Super Lehmer-3 Mean labeling is called Super Lehmer-3 Mean graph.
In this paper we prove that Path, Comb, Ladder, Crown are Super Lehmer-3 mean graphs.
Investigating the effect of the reality gap on the human psychophysiological state in the context of human-swarm interaction
Authors: Podevijn Gaëtan , O’Grady Rehan , Fantini-Hauwel Carole , Dorigo Marco
Published: September 2016

The reality gap is the discrepancy between simulation and reality—the same behavioural algorithm results in different robot swarm behaviours in simulation and in reality (with real robots). In this paper, we study the effect of the reality gap on the psychophysiological reactions of humans interacting with a robot swarm. We compare the psychophysiological reactions of 28 participants interacting with a simulated robot swarm and with a real (non-simulated) robot swarm. Our results show that a real robot swarm provokes stronger reactions in our participants than a simulated robot swarm. We also investigate how to mitigate the effect of the reality gap (i.e., how to diminish the difference in the psychophysiological reactions between reality and simulation) by comparing psychophysiological reactions in simulation displayed on a computer screen and psychophysiological reactions in simulation displayed in virtual reality. Our results show that our participants tend to have stronger psychophysiological reactions in simulation displayed in virtual reality (suggesting a potential way of diminishing the effect of the reality gap).
Mafic Plinian eruptions: Is fast ascent required?
Authors: Szramek Lindsay Ann
Published: September 2016

It has been hypothesized that for a Plinian eruption of mafic magma to occur, that magma must ascend rapidly from the chamber to cause it to fragment into a jet containing juvenile and nonjuvenile tephra. To determine how fast mafic Plinian magmas need to travel to the level of fragmentation, a number of decompression experiments were carried out on two hydrous mafic magmas, and the results are compared to the products of two well‐documented mafic Plinian eruptions: the basaltic andesite Fontana eruption of Masaya (Nicaragua) and the hawaiite 122 B.C. eruption of Etna (Italy). Comparison of natural and experimental textures shows that the Fontana eruption can be replicated in the lab at decompression rates between 0.1 MPa s−1 and 0.2 MPa s−1. This decompression rate is faster than any previously determined experimentally rate for more silicic eruptions. The hawaiite was unable to be reproduced in the lab. The natural groundmass is highly crystalline, which would have raised the viscosity of the initial melt by 1–2 orders of magnitude, which may not be enough to cause fragmentation.
Identification and classification of very low frequency waves on a coral reef flat
Authors: Gawehn Matthijs , van Dongeren Ap , van Rooijen Arnold , Storlazzi Curt D. , Cheriton Olivia M. , Reniers Ad
Published: September 2016

Very low frequency (VLF, 0.001–0.005 Hz) waves are important drivers of flooding of low‐lying coral reef‐islands. In particular, VLF wave resonance is known to drive large wave runup and subsequent overwash. Using a 5 month data set of water levels and waves collected along a cross‐reef transect on Roi‐Namur Island in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the observed VLF motions were categorized into four different classes: (1) resonant, (2) (nonresonant) standing, (3) progressive‐growing, and (4) progressive‐dissipative waves. Each VLF class is set by the reef flat water depth and, in the case of resonance, the incident‐band offshore wave period. Using an improved method to identify VLF wave resonance, we find that VLF wave resonance caused prolonged (∼0.5–6.0 h), large‐amplitude water surface oscillations at the inner reef flat ranging in wave height from 0.14 to 0.83 m. It was induced by relatively long‐period, grouped, incident‐band waves, and occurred under both storm and nonstorm conditions. Moreover, observed resonant VLF waves had nonlinear, bore‐like wave shapes, which likely have a larger impact on the shoreline than regular, sinusoidal waveforms. As an alternative technique to the commonly used Fast Fourier Transformation, we propose the Hilbert‐Huang Transformation that is more computationally expensive but can capture the wave shape more accurately. This research demonstrates that understanding VLF waves on reef flats is important for evaluating coastal flooding hazards.
Remote sources for year‐to‐year changes in the seasonality of the Florida Current transport
Authors: Domingues Ricardo , Baringer Molly , Goni Gustavo
Published: September 2016

The seasonal variability of the Florida Current (FC) transport is often characterized by the presence of an average annual cycle (8% of the variance) of ∼3 Sv range peaking in boreal summer. However, the seasonality displayed by the FC transport in any individual year may have very distinct characteristics. In this study, the analysis focuses on seasonal changes (73–525 day frequency band) in the FC transport that are associated with a variable annual phase, which is defined as the transient seasonal component (FCt, 27% of the variance). It is shown that the FCt is largely modulated by westward propagating sea height anomaly (SHA) signals that are formed in the eastern North Atlantic 4–7 years earlier than observed at 27°N in the Florida Straits. These westward propagating SHA signals behave approximately like first baroclinic Rossby waves that can modulate changes in the FC seasonal variability upon arrival at the western boundary. The main finding from this study is that changes in coastal sea‐level between 25°N and 42°N linked with westward propagating signals account for at least 50% of the FCt. The integrated changes in the coastal sea‐level between 25°N and 42°N, in turn, drive adjustments in the geostrophic transport of the FC at 27°N. Results reported here provide an explanation for previously reported year‐to‐year changes in the FC seasonality, and suggest that large sea‐level variations along the coast of Florida may be partially predictable, given that these Rossby‐wave‐like signals propagate approximately at fixed rates in the open ocean along 27°N.
Preparation of Mg/Nano‐HA Composites by Spark Plasma Sintering Method and Evaluation of Different Milling Time Effects on Their Microhardness, Corrosion Resistance, and Biocompatibility
Authors: Guo Pushan , Cui Zeqin , Yang Lijing , Cheng Linxin , Wang Wenxian , Xu Bingshe
Published: September 2016

Herein, Mg/nano‐HA composites (10 wt% nano‐HA) are prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. Indeed, hydroxyapatite (HA) is used as reinforcement material in order to maintain biocompatibility and bioactivity. The influence of high energy ball milling time are considered by different methods. The study finds that an appropriate time (5 h) during high energy ball milling process effectively can eliminate the prior particle boundary (PPB). Furthermore, the Mg/nano‐HA composites milled for 5 h has appropriate microhardness, stable corrosion resistant, and excellent biocompatibility, which can act as a potential candidate for orthopedic implants.
Impact of Mixing Method on Rheological Instability for Binary Mixture of Linear Low‐Density Polyethylene
Authors: Seemork Jiraporn , Itoh Tomoki , Sako Takumi , Wiwattananukul Rujirek , Nobukawa Shogo , Sasaki Hiroko , Satoh Yasuo , Yamaguchi Masayuki
Published: September 2016

The impact of different mixing methods on flow instability in capillary extrusion was examined using binary mixtures of linear low‐density polyethylene with different molecular weights. The polymers were blended using a single‐screw extruder, a twin‐screw extruder, and a twin‐screw mixer. The onset of flow instability changed depending on the mixing method used, even though their linear viscoelastic properties were almost identical. The mixtures that were subjected to mixing methods with weak mixing capability exhibit sharkskin failure even at low shear stress and low values of the maximum draw ratio without rupture in the molten state. The results suggested that mechanically weak points were present, which led to cohesive failure at the strand surface following abrupt stretching at the die exit (i.e., sharkskin failure). In contrast, the mixture that was subjected to thorough mixing exhibited smooth surface at high shear stress and a large maximum draw ratio.
Changes in the bacterial microbiome of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis after endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Jain Ravi , Hoggard Michael , Biswas Kristi , Zoing Melissa , Jiang Yannan , Douglas Richard
Published: September 2016

Background

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) improves symptoms for many chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients by enlarging the size of sinus ostia, improving mucociliary clearance, and facilitating access for topical therapies. However, the effect of surgery on the sinonasal microbiota remains poorly understood. This study examined changes in bacterial communities in CRS patients before and after surgery.

Methods

Swab samples were taken from the middle meatus of 23 patients undergoing ESS. Follow‐up swabs were taken in clinic (mean 120 days postsurgery). Symptom scores and antibiotic use were recorded. Bacterial communities were characterized using 16s ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene‐targeted amplicon sequencing and bacterial abundance was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Coexisting asthma, aspirin sensitivity, antibiotic use, and presence of polyps were controlled for.

Results

Unpredictable shifts in bacterial community composition were seen postoperatively. ESS was associated with increased bacterial richness. Many taxa had changes in average relative abundance and prevalence. Staphylococcus was the only dominant taxa to increase significantly in relative abundance (p = 0.002). Changes in bacterial communities were driven more by intersubject variability (p = 0.007) than other study factors. Finegoldia, a minority taxon, was associated with a reduction in abundance following ESS, increases in patients with higher symptoms scores, and reductions in patients with reduced total bacterial burden.

Conclusion

This study documented changes in bacterial composition and abundance in the middle meatus following ESS. The complexity of these changes reflects the variability between patients. Modern molecular techniques highlight the currently limited knowledge of the impact of therapies on the microbiology of CRS.
Elektrophile Aktivierung von Silicium‐Wasserstoff‐ Bindungen in katalytischen Hydrosilierungen
Authors: Lipke Mark C. , Liberman‐Martin Allegra L. , Tilley T. Don
Published: September 2016

Hydrosilierungsreaktionen repräsentieren eine wichtige Klasse von chemischen Umwandlungen, und somit besteht ein erhebliches Interesse, den Umfang dieser Reaktionen durch die Entwicklung neuer Katalysatoren zu erweitern. Ein Hauptanliegen, das aus diesen Untersuchungen erwächst, ist die Entwicklung von Katalysatoren mit elektrophilem Charakter, die mittels Si‐H‐Aktivierung die Elektrophilie auf Silicium übertragen. Dieser Mechanismustyp wurde für Katalysatoren vorgeschlagen, die sich von den Übergangsmetallen der 4. Gruppe bis hin zu Hauptgruppenelementverbindungen der 15. Gruppe erstrecken. Zudem sind andere elektrophile Siliciumspezies wie Silylenkomplexe und η3‐H2SiRR′‐Komplexe als Intermediate in Hydrosilierungsreaktionen identifiziert worden. In diesem Aufsatz werden unterschiedliche Typen von Katalysatoren verglichen, um die enorme Breite an Hydrosilierungsmechanismen aufzuzeigen, die über elektrophile Siliciumzentren verlaufen. Die Bedeutung dieser Katalysatoren für die Entwicklung neuer Hydrosilierungsreaktionen wird diskutiert.
Template‐based Synthesis of a Formate Metal–Organic Framework/Activated Carbon Fiber Composite for High‐performance Methane Adsorptive Separation
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Wei , Hu Jiang‐Liang , Sun Tian‐Jun , Guo Ya , Bennett Thomas D. , Ren Xin‐Yu , Wang Shu‐Dong
Published: September 2016

Simultaneous improvement in adsorption selectivity and capacity for single adsorbents is challenging but counting for much in adsorptive separations. To this end, a formate metal–organic framework and activated carbon fiber composite was synthesized in our work by a simple two‐step process, involving homogeneous precipitation of a MOF precursor on an activated carbon fiber and subsequent template replication. The resultant core–shell composite, ACF@[Ni3(HCOO)6], exhibited optimized adsorption performance both in selectivity and capacity for the separation of CH4/N2 to most of state‐of‐the‐art adsorbents.
N‐Nitrosarcosine: An Economic Precursor for the Synthesis of New Energetic Materials
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Krumm Burkhard , Scharf Regina
Published: September 2016

New energetic compounds have been synthesized starting from the readily available N‐(cyanomethyl)‐N‐methylamine. From this, N‐nitrosarcosine was prepared in few steps, which serves as a starting material for the synthesis of oxygen‐rich compounds. The compounds were thoroughly characterized including multinuclear NMR and vibrational spectroscopy and also molecular structures by single X‐ray diffraction were obtained. Their energetic properties were determined including the sensitivities towards impact and friction, their heat of formations were calculated and the detonation and combustion parameters were predicted using EXPLO5 V6.02.
Rhodium/Silver‐Cocatalyzed Transannulation of N‐Sulfonyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles with Vinyl Azides: Divergent Synthesis of Pyrroles and 2 H‐Pyrazines
Authors: Zhang Lin , Sun Ge , Bi Xihe
Published: September 2016

The first cyclization reaction between vinyl azides and N‐sulfonyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles is reported. A Rh/Ag binary metal catalyst system proved to be necessary for the successful cyclization. By varying the structure of vinyl azides, such reaction allows the divergent synthesis of pyrroles and 2H‐pyrazines. The cyclization reactions feature a broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, high reaction efficiency, and good to high product yields.
IrIII‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Cascade Synthesis of Pentacyclic‐Fused Carbazoles from Indoles and Diazoes
Authors: Li Shuai‐Shuai , Xia Ying‐Qi , Hu Fang‐Zhi , Liu Chen‐Fei , Su Fu , Dong Lin
Published: September 2016

A highly efficient IrIII‐catalyzed cascade cyclization of indoles and diazoes giving access to unique pentacyclic‐fused carbazoles has been developed. This novel strategy expanded the application scope of coupling partners to take diazo compounds as a C2 source, and two new cycles, three new C−C and one new C−N bonds were formed in one‐pot.
Metabolic profile of 1,5‐diaminopentane producing Corynebacterium glutamicum under scale‐down conditions: Blueprint for robustness to bioreactor inhomogeneities
Authors: Limberg Michael H. , Schulte Julia , Aryani Tita , Mahr Regina , Baumgart Meike , Bott Michael , Wiechert Wolfgang , Oldiges Marco
Published: September 2016

Performance losses during scale‐up are described since decades, but are still one of the major obstacles for industrial bioprocess development. Consequently, robustness to inhomogeneous cultivation environments is an important quality of industrial production organisms. Especially, Corynebacterium glutamicum was proven to have an outstanding resistance against rapid changes of oxygen and substrate availability as occurring in industrial scale bioreactors. This study focuses on the identification of metabolic key mechanisms for this robustness to get a deeper insight and provide future targets for process orientated strain development. A 1,5‐diaminopentane producing C. glutamicum strain was cultivated in a two compartment scale‐down device to create short‐term environmental changes simulating industrial scale cultivation conditions. Using multi omics based methods, it is shown, that central metabolism is flexibly rearranged under short‐term oxygen depletion and carbon source excess to overcome shortage in NAD+ recycling. In order to balance the redox state, key enzymes for the non‐oxygen dependent fermentative NAD+ regeneration were significantly up‐regulated while parts of non‐essential pathways were down‐regulated. The transfer of the cells back into the well aerated zones with low substrate concentration triggers an additional upregulation of genes for the re‐assimilation of previously formed side products, showing L‐lactate forming and utilizing reactions being active at the same time. Especially L‐lactate as reversible and flexible external buffer for carbon and redox equivalents puts C. glutamicum in a robust position to deal with inhomogeneity in large scale processes. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 560–575. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Find innovative ways to educate students about sexual assault and relationship violence
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: September 2016

Carol Branch wears many hats at the Otis College of Art and Design. The official Title IX coordinator, a lecturer, and the director of student services, Branch also holds a Ph.D. in mythology and folklore from the University of California, Los Angeles. The position at Otis gave her the opportunity to pursue her interest in student success and safety as the Title IX coordinator while maintaining her academic career. Faced with the task of educating incoming students about relationship violence and sexual assault on a campus recently expanded to provide housing, Branch shares her tips for engaging your students in mandatory training.
Review tips for helping search committees create positive perceptions during Skype interviews
Authors: Fatzinger Jim B.
Published: September 2016

At a time when phone interviews are being replaced with face‐to‐face Skype interviews, search committees could benefit from practical guidance to help them make the most of this relatively new tool in their hiring process.
Follow 10 steps to conduct an effective campus climate survey
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: September 2016

The reasons for conducting a campus climate survey have become more convincing than ever. Many campuses lack objective data needed to shape effective campus response and programming to address sexual assault, dating violence, and gender‐based stalking.
Prey positions as consumers' behavioural patterns: Exploratory evidence from anfMRI study
Authors: Mesly Olivier
Published: September 2016

The present article reviews some of the tenets of the Consolidated Model of Financial Predation (CMFP). The CMFP is used to explain how investors behave as either predators or prey in the financial markets, for example, during the 2008 predatory‐mortgages crisis. The article tests one of its key assumptions: that is, that people adopt different levels of prey positions. In the last four years, a number of articles have been published on the CMFP, which states that people adopt either a predator or a prey position (PPP), or else a mixture of both. The model has emerged as a result of a five‐year study and has found various applications, in particular, in the field of behavioural finance. According to this model, consumers of financial products tend to position themselves as either predators or prey. In the latter case, this causes them to judge the relationship in negative terms and to experience it as less rewarding, if not punishing altogether. This has two effects: first, perceived predation tends to gain in power and second, purchasing decisions may not be optimal. Results from an exploratory functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study aimed at generating prey positions in minimal stress conditions are presented; they show that there is a significant difference between at least two prey positions, labelled “known predator–prey position” (KPPP) and “unknown predator–prey position” (UPPP). This means that consumers of financial products could potentially face two levels of apprehension (perceived predation): a high one under uncertainty and a lower one when conditions are volatile. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Potential of Na–Air Batteries
Authors: Yin Wen‐Wen , Fu Zheng‐Wen
Published: September 2016

Sodium–air batteries (SABs) have attracted wide attention in the chemistry society owing to their high energy density, abundant precursor sources, inexpensive materials and reduced manufacture costs, and environmental benignity. This review summarizes the research and progress of the rechargeable SABs based on nonaqueous and aqueous electrolytes. The effects of gas atmosphere, environmental pressure, catalysts, and architectures of the electrodes on the distribution and morphology of discharge products in SABs are also included. The complex and rich sodium electrochemistry of air electrodes is presented, and many electrochemical reaction mechanisms based on the structure design of air electrodes with various catalysts and electrolytes are also summarized. They involve the reversible formation/decomposition reactions of NaO2, Na2O2, Na2CO3, NaHCO3, Na2C2O4, and NaOH. It is a great challenge to seek for highly efficient electrocatalysts, and more stable and less volatile electrolytes to improve the cyclability of nonaqueous SABs. Internal resistance of the cell could be efficiently improved by developing solid electrolytes with high ion conductivity and optimizing the structures of the cells for the high power density of aqueous SABs. How to effectively control the growth and decomposition of discharged products at three‐phase boundary reaction zones by the integration of highly stable electrolytes and optimization of air electrodes is the next challenge urgently needing to be addressed; only then can we realize practical high performance nonaqueous SABs for daily use.
A Thiosemicarbazone–Nickel(II) Complex as Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Straistari Tatiana , Fize Jennifer , Shova Sergiu , Réglier Marius , Artero Vincent , Orio Maylis
Published: September 2016

We report herein the synthesis and characterization of a new mononuclear nickel complex based on a thiosemicarbazone ligand that exhibits an electrocatalytic behavior for H2 evolution in DMF using trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as the proton source. Catalysis is observed at quite small overpotential values and a maximum turnover frequency (TOFmax) of 3080 s−1 was extrapolated for 1 m proton concentration using the foot‐of‐the wave analysis of cyclic voltammetry data. Gas analysis during controlled potential electrolysis experiments confirmed the catalytic nature of the process and production of dihydrogen with 80 % faradaic yield. Quantum chemical calculations indicate that the catalytic mechanism involves first ligand‐based reduction and protonation steps followed by metal‐centered processes.
Unraveling the Phase‐Transfer Catalysis Mechanism of Oxygen Reduction Catalyzed by Iron(III) meso‐tetra‐(4‐N‐Methyl‐pyridyl) Porphine at the Liquid/Liquid Interface
Authors: Huang Xiao , Xuan Yaofang , Xie Lisiqi , Su Bin
Published: September 2016

We report an investigation of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyzed by FeIII meso‐tetra‐(4‐N‐methyl‐pyridyl) porphine (FeIIITMPyP) at the polarized water/1,2‐dichloroethane (DCE) interface. FeIIITMPyP is a water soluble pentavalent cation, which has a standard Galvani transfer potential of +0.19 V at the water/DCE interface. By four‐electrode cyclic voltammetry and shake‐flask biphasic reactions controlled by chemical polarization at the macroscale water/DCE interface, we demonstrated that FeIIITMPyP can catalyze the reduction of O2 by electron donors (e.g., ferrocene and 1,1′‐dimethylferrocene). Further, based on voltammetry at the free‐standing silica nanochannel membrane (SNM) supported nano‐ITIES (interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions) array where the transfer of FeIIITMPyP is physically blocked owing to the size‐exclusion effect, we proved that the overall reaction proceeds through a phase‐transfer catalysis (PTC) process, namely the heterogeneous ion transfer of FeIIITMPyP from water to DCE followed by the homogeneous catalyzed ORR in DCE.
9H‐Quinolino[3,2,1‐k]phenothiazine: A New Electron‐Rich Fragment for Organic Electronics
Authors: Poriel Cyril , Rault‐Berthelot Joëlle , Thiery Sébastien , Quinton Cassandre , Jeannin Olivier , Biapo Urelle , Tondelier Denis , Geffroy Bernard
Published: September 2016

A new electron‐rich fragment, namely the quinolinophenothiazine (QPTZ) is reported. The QPTZ fragment incorporated in spiroconfigured materials leads to higher performance in blue Phosphorescent OLEDs than structurally related phenylacridine and indoloacridine based materials (increasing the HOMO energy level, modulating the spin‐orbit coupling, etc.) and leads to highly efficient blue phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes, indicating the strong potential of this new molecular fragment in organic electronics.
Splice form‐dependent regulation of axonal arbor complexity by FMRP
Authors: Zimmer Stephanie E. , Doll Steven G. , Garcia A. Denise R. , Akins Michael R.
Published: September 2016

The autism‐related protein Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is an RNA binding protein that plays important roles during both nervous system development and experience dependent plasticity. Alternative splicing of the Fmr1 locus gives rise to 12 different FMRP splice forms that differ in the functional and regulatory domains they contain as well as in their expression profile among brain regions and across development. Complete loss of FMRP leads to morphological and functional changes in neurons, including an increase in the size and complexity of the axonal arbor. To investigate the relative contribution of the FMRP splice forms to the regulation of axon morphology, we overexpressed individual splice forms in cultured wild type rat cortical neurons. FMRP overexpression led to a decrease in axonal arbor complexity that suggests that FMRP regulates axon branching. This reduction in complexity was specific to three splice forms—the full‐length splice form 1, the most highly expressed splice form 7, and splice form 9. A focused analysis of splice form 7 revealed that this regulation is independent of RNA binding. Instead this regulation is disrupted by mutations affecting phosphorylation of a conserved serine as well as by mutating the nuclear export sequence. Surprisingly, this mutation in the nuclear export sequence also led to increased localization to the distal axonal arbor. Together, these findings reveal domain‐specific functions of FMRP in the regulation of axonal complexity that may be controlled by differential expression of FMRP splice forms. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 738–752, 2017
Structural and Electronic Properties of Fluoride Complexes of NbV, TaV, and PaV: The Influence of Relativistic Effects on Group V Elements
Authors: Wilson Richard E. , De Sio Stéphanie , Vallet Valerie
Published: September 2016

Aqueous fluorido complexes of niobium and tantalum were studied by using synchrotron‐based extended X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS) as model systems for comparison of the structural and coordination chemistry of the group V metals Nb, Ta, and their pseudo‐homologue PaV. The EXAFS measurements indicate differences in the coordination chemistry of Nb and Ta in these systems that were not intuitively based on their similar charge and ionic radii. The Ta speciation is dominated by six‐ and seven‐coordinate fluorido complexes, while the chemical speciation of Nb under the same conditions is dominated by its hydrolyzed oxyfluoride complexes. Quantum chemical computations were performed to more fully describe these observations, and these results are compared to our earlier study on the fluorido complexes of protactinium. Computations performed with and without the inclusion of scalar relativistic effects reveal that the differences in chemistry among the group V elements and their pseudo‐homologue protactinium are due to the increasing influence of relativistic effects asZincreases from niobium to protactinium.
Fenton oxidation of pesticide methyl parathion in aqueous solution: kinetic study of the degradation
Authors: Saini Roli , Kumar Mondal Monoj , Kumar Pradeep
Published: September 2016

The treatment of methyl parathion (MP) aqueous solution with the application of Fenton oxidation using catalyst (Fe2+) was investigated under batch mode of operation. The aims of this study are to evaluate the COD removal and removal efficiency of MP from aqueous solution by Fenton reagent and investigate the role of different parameters such as concentration of initial pH, Fe2+ dosage, H2O2 dosage, initial concentration of MP, temperature, and reaction time. The initial COD value was 440 mg/L for MP concentration of 11.4 × 10−5 M. It was observed that removal was faster at acidic pH and maximum COD and MP removal were 64.54 and 74%, respectively, at pH value 3. When vary the doses of H2O2, maximum COD and MP removal of 79 and 92%, respectively, were achieved at H2O2 concentration of 6.53 × 10−1 M, Fe2+ concentration 8.99 × 10−3 M and pH 3. Regarding degradation kinetics of MP, Behnajady–Modirshahla–Ghanbery model showed high correlation coefficient (R2) as compared with first‐order and second‐order models at different operating conditions using Fenton oxidation. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 420–427, 2017
Fear and Fear Memory
Authors: Pape Hans‐Christian
Published: September 2016

It's a worrying fact that one in five people will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. This makes it all the more important to understand the cellular basis and molecular mechanisms of these emotions. Neurophysiology research is providing some illuminating answers.
Cod, Herring and Sprat
Authors: Quaas Martin F.
Published: September 2016

Joining forces, not fragmentation: a wide range of research areas can contribute to sustainable fisheries, from marine biology to economics and law. The Cluster of Excellence “The Future Ocean” is seeking to establish a dialogue.
Increasing use of nonsurgical therapy in advanced‐stage oral cavity cancer: A population‐based study
Authors: Cannon Richard B. , Sowder Justin C. , Buchmann Luke O. , Hunt Jason P. , Hitchcock Ying J. , Lloyd Shane , Grossman Kenneth F. , Monroe Marcus M.
Published: September 2016

Background

National guidelines support surgical‐based treatment and offer nonsurgical therapy as an alternative for advanced‐stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). There are limited data evaluating current utilization of these therapies and their survival outcomes.

Methods

A total of 5856 patients were found in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 1988 to 2008 with resectable advanced‐stage oral cavity SCC tumors. Outcomes were disease‐specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Surgical therapy had significantly improved mean DSS and OS (115 and 71 months, respectively) compared to nonsurgical therapy (63 and 35 months, respectively; p < .001). The use of nonsurgical therapy was significantly associated with the hard palate, and patients who were single, divorced, and black, with T3, T4, and N3 tumors, and the percent utilization has significantly increased from 12% to 20% (p < .05).

Conclusion

Utilization of nonsurgical therapy for advanced‐stage oral cavity SCC is increasing and is independently associated with a reduction in survival, as well as patient factors traditionally associated with reduced access to medical care and advanced T and N classifications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 82–91, 2017
Preferential association of hepatitis C virus with CD19+ B cells is mediated by complement system
Authors: Wang Richard Y. , Bare Patricia , De Giorgi Valeria , Matsuura Kentaro , Salam Kazi Abdus , Grandinetti Teresa , Schechterly Cathy , Alter Harvey J.
Published: September 2016

Extrahepatic disease manifestations are common in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The mechanism of HCV‐related lymphoproliferative disorders is not fully understood. Recent studies have found that HCV in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from chronically infected patients is mainly associated with cluster of differentiation 19‐positive (CD19+) B cells. To further elucidate this preferential association of HCV with B cells, we used in vitro cultured virus and uninfected peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy blood donors to investigate the necessary serum components that activate the binding of HCV to B cells. First, we found that the active serum components were present not only in HCV carriers but also in HCV recovered patients and HCV‐negative, healthy blood donors and that the serum components were heat‐labile. Second, the preferential binding activity of HCV to B cells could be blocked by anti‐complement C3 antibodies. In experiments with complement‐depleted serum and purified complement proteins, we demonstrated that complement proteins C1, C2, and C3 were required to activate such binding activity. Complement protein C4 was partially involved in this process. Third, using antibodies against cell surface markers, we showed that the binding complex mainly involved CD21 (complement receptor 2), CD19, CD20, and CD81; CD35 (complement receptor 1) was involved but had lower binding activity. Fourth, both anti‐CD21 and anti‐CD35 antibodies could block the binding of patient‐derived HCV to B cells. Fifth, complement also mediated HCV binding to Raji cells, a cultured B‐cell line derived from Burkitt's lymphoma. Conclusion: In chronic HCV infection, the preferential association of HCV with B cells is mediated by the complement system, mainly through complement receptor 2 (CD21), in conjunction with the CD19 and CD81 complex. (Hepatology 2016;64:1900‐1910).