bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mid‐Fusiform Sulcus (sulcus sagittalis gyri fusiformis)
Authors: Weiner Kevin S.
Published: November 2018

In the human brain, the mid‐fusiform sulcus (MFS; sulcus sagittalis gyri fusiformis) divides the fusiform gyrus (FG) into lateral and medial partitions. Recent studies show that the MFS is identifiable in every hemisphere and is a landmark that identifies (a) cytoarchitectonic transitions among four areas of the FG, (b) functional transitions in many large‐scale maps, and (c) the location of fine‐scale functional regions. Thus, simply identifying the MFS in a person's brain provides researchers with knowledge regarding: (a) how cells are organized across layers within a particular cortical location, (b) how functional representations will be laid out in cortex, and (c) the precise location of functional regions from cortical folding alone. The predictive power of the MFS can guide future studies examining the anatomical‐functional organization of the FG, as well as the development of translational applications for different patient populations. Nevertheless, progress has been slow in incorporating the MFS into the broader anatomical community and into neuroanatomical reference sources. For example, even though the MFS is a rare structural–functional landmark in human association cortex as just described, it is not recognized in the recently published Terminologia Neuroanatomica (TNA). In this review, I collate the anatomical and functional details of the MFS in one place for the first time. Together, this article serves as a comprehensive reference regarding the anatomical and functional details of the MFS, as well as provides a growing number of reasons to include the MFS as a recognized neuroanatomical structure in future revisions of the TNA. Anat Rec, 302:1491–1503, 2019. © 2018 American Association for Anatomy
Plaintiffs respond to Harvard's attempt to dismiss web access complaint
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: November 2018

Earlier this year, Harvard University filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings in the complaint filed by the National Association of the Deaf on behalf of its members, private individuals on behalf of themselves, and a proposed class of similarly situated individuals brought pursuant to Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act against Harvard for failure to provide full and equal access for deaf and hard of hearing individuals to the audio and audiovisual content Harvard makes available online to the general public by not providing captioning.
Were university's actions ‘extreme and outrageous’?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: November 2018

After serving Sacred Heart University for seven years as its head football coach, the school promoted the coach to director of its William H. Pitt Health and Recreation Center and Athletic Facilities in 1997.
Gram‐Scale Synthesis of Isolated Monodisperse Gold Nanorods
Authors: Khanal Bishnu P. , Zubarev Eugene R.
Published: November 2018

Although gold nanorods (AuNRs) have strong potential applications in nanotechnology, plasmonics, and sensing, the scale‐up synthesis of isolated AuNRs in gram quantities remains a challenge. Nearly all previously reported methods produce aqueous solutions of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)‐coated AuNRs in milligram quantities with yields of approximately 20–30 % in terms of AuI to Au0 conversion. In addition, it is difficult to remove the CTAB bilayer from the surface of AuNRs and yet make them soluble and functionalized for further processing and chemical modification. This report describes the synthesis of monodisperse functionalized AuNRs (standard deviation, σ≈5 %) in gram quantities. Our approach involved increasing the concentration of HAuCl4⋅3 H2O in the growth solution to produce larger quantities of starting AuNRs and further reducing the remaining AuI ions onto the surface of AuNRs. The slow and controlled addition of ascorbic acid as a reducing agent continued the conversion of AuI into Au0 (through a disproportionation reaction) onto the surface of the nanorods, which maintained their uniform morphology without creating any unwanted impurities of various shapes. In addition, this approach significantly narrowed the size distribution owing to continuous growth of the partially grown AuNRs during the initial stage of the synthesis. To isolate a 1 g quantity of the AuNRs and to make them functionalized for further chemical reactions, a ligand‐exchange approach was utilized, in which the CTAB surfactant was replaced with 4‐mercaptophenol. The thiol group from 4‐mercaptophenol formed a covalent bond with the surface of the AuNRs, leaving free functional OH groups available for further chemical coupling reactions. For the ligand‐exchange process, a concentrated solution of 4‐mercaptophenol in tetrahydrofuran solution was introduced into the AuNRs solution. Pure AuNRs functionalized with 4‐mercaptophenol were isolated by dispersion and rinsing with an excess amount of THF, followed by centrifugation.
Exposure to the Fungicide Captan Induces DNA Base Alterations and Replicative Stress in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Fernandez‐Vidal Anne , Arnaud Liana C. , Maumus Manon , Chevalier Marianne , Mirey Gladys , Salles Bernard , Vignard Julien , Boutet‐Robinet Elisa
Published: November 2018

The classification of the fungicide captan (CAS Number: 133–06‐2) as a carcinogen agent is presently under discussion. Despite the mutagenic effect detected by the Ames test and carcinogenic properties observed in mice, the genotoxicity of this pesticide in humans is still unclear. New information is needed about its mechanism of action in mammalian cells. Here, we show that Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells exposed to captan accumulate Fpg‐sensitive DNA base alterations. In CHO and HeLa cells, such DNA lesions require the XRCC1‐dependent pathway to be repaired. Captan also induces a replicative stress that activated the ATR signaling response and resulted in double‐strand breaks and micronuclei. The replicative stress is characterized by a dramatic decrease in DNA synthesis due to a reduced replication fork progression. However, impairment of the XRCC1‐related repair process did not amplify the replicative stress, suggesting that the fork progression defect is independent from the presence of base modifications. These results support the involvement of at least two independent pathways in the genotoxic effect of captan that might play a key role in carcinogenesis. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 60:286–297, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Remodeling of cholinergic input to the hippocampus after noise exposure and tinnitus induction in Guinea pigs
Authors: Zhang Liqin , Wu Calvin , Martel David T. , West Michael , Sutton Michael A. , Shore Susan E.
Published: November 2018

Here, we investigate remodeling of hippocampal cholinergic inputs after noise exposure and determine the relevance of these changes to tinnitus. To assess the effects of noise exposure on the hippocampus, guinea pigs were exposed to unilateral noise for 2 hr and 2 weeks later, immunohistochemistry was performed on hippocampal sections to examine vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) expression. To evaluate whether the changes in VAChT were relevant to tinnitus, another group of animals was exposed to the same noise band twice to induce tinnitus, which was assessed using gap‐prepulse Inhibition of the acoustic startle (GPIAS) 12 weeks after the first noise exposure, followed by immunohistochemistry. Acoustic Brainstem Response (ABR) thresholds were elevated immediately after noise exposure for all experimental animals but returned to baseline levels several days after noise exposure. ABR wave I amplitude‐intensity functions did not show any changes after 2 or 12 weeks of recovery compared to baseline levels. In animals assessed 2‐weeks following noise‐exposure, hippocampal VAChT puncta density decreased on both sides of the brain by 20–60% in exposed animals. By 12 weeks following the initial noise exposure, changes in VAChT puncta density largely recovered to baseline levels in exposed animals that did not develop tinnitus, but remained diminished in animals that developed tinnitus. These tinnitus‐specific changes were particularly prominent in hippocampal synapse‐rich layers of the dentate gyrus and areas CA3 and CA1, and VAChT density in these regions negatively correlated with tinnitus severity. The robust changes in VAChT labeling in the hippocampus 2 weeks after noise exposure suggest involvement of this circuitry in auditory processing. After chronic tinnitus induction, tinnitus‐specific changes occurred in synapse‐rich layers of the hippocampus, suggesting that synaptic processing in the hippocampus may play an important role in the pathophysiology of tinnitus.
Doppler ultrasonographic assessment of fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dantas Andrea M.A. , Palmieri Andrea B.S. , Vieira Mariana R. , Souza Matheus L.R. , Silva Jean C.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To compare Doppler ultrasonographic measurements of the fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA PSV) among women with or without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among pregnant women who presented for prenatal care at a single hospital in Brazil between September 11, 2015, and January 6, 2017. Patients were stratified into a group with GDM and a control group without GDM. One Doppler ultrasonographic assessment was performed per participant. This measurement was made after diagnosis but before the start of treatment among women in the GDM group. Fetal ultrasonographic and biometric variables assessed included MCA PSV, MCA pulsatility index, umbilical artery pulsatility index, the MCA–to‐umbilical artery ratio, abdominal circumference, and weight.

Results

The study included 238 women: 115 in the GDM group and 123 in the control group. The median MCA PSV was 1.02 in the GDM group and 1.08 in the control group (P=0.036). No statistically significant between‐group differences were found for the other fetal ultrasonographic variables or for the fetal biometric variables assessed. None of the maternal or fetal parameters assessed displayed a linear correlation with MCA PSV.

Conclusion

Doppler ultrasonographic measurements of MCA PSV were lowered among the fetuses of women diagnosed with GDM.
IR and Vendors: Selecting the Right Product
Authors: Ferland Christopher , Flachbarth Justin
Published: November 2018

The market is full of vendors selling products each designed to solve institutional problems. But how does one choose the right tool for their institution and situation? Topics addressed in this chapter include: how to gauge institutional needs, how to evaluate products, and understand the available institutional resources (current and future). The chapter concludes by offering six suggestions for IR offices (and professionals) when they start to consider vendor products.
Effects of organic loading rates on microbial communities and biogas production from water hyacinth: a case of mono‐ and co‐digestion
Authors: Nkuna Rosina , Roopnarain Ashira , Adeleke Rasheed
Published: November 2018

Background

Anaerobic digestion is a microbial driven process, which results in biogas production. Although important, the relative abundance of microbial communities can be affected by disturbances such as feeding rates. In this study, the effects of irregular organic loading rates on anaerobic digestion of water hyacinth (mono‐ and co‐digestion) as well as on bacterial and archaeal communities were investigated. The process was conducted at different feeding stages during which the process stability, biogas production, composition and microbial community structure were monitored.

Results

Bacterial communities were more influenced by irregular organic loading rates in comparison with archaeal communities. Although microbial community shifts were observed in both mono‐ and co‐digestion, the shift was more prevalent in co‐digestion. Moreover, process stability was evidenced in some stages of mono‐digestion, where the FOS/TAC ratio was within the optimal range. However, for co‐digestion, the low FOS/TAC ratio showed process instability.

Conclusion

Overall, irregularity in organic loading rates affected the microbial community composition as well as their CH4 production. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A new statistical correction strategy to improve long‐term dynamical prediction
Authors: Lee Joonlee , Ahn Joong‐Bae
Published: November 2018

In this study, a new statistical strategy to improve the long‐term prediction skill of a numerical model was developed. This new strategy begins by finding the major principal time series (PTs) in the observations using the self‐organizing map (SOM) method. Next, values at the model grid points that are highly correlated with the observational PTs for each ensemble member (EM) are combined to yield a modelled PT. Finally, the model prediction is corrected using the model PTs from the previous step. As the predictors for correction are objectively selected from among the signals found in model prediction, automatically considering their statistical correlation with predictands, the correction strategy is relatively free from the problem of selecting the proper predictor compared to conventional statistical correction methods. In addition, SOM shows a better performance in classifying nonlinear complex patterns than conventional data analysis methods, while both SOM and conventional methods such as the empirical orthogonal function show a comparable performance when classifying linear patterns. The new strategy is applied to the 12‐month‐lead sea surface temperatures hindcasted by the Pusan National University coupled general circulation model. After correction using the new strategy, temporal correlation coefficients and the hit rate are increased while normalized root mean square errors and the false alarm rate are decreased for each season and each lead time. The correction becomes more effective as the lead time increases. In particular, this correction effect is large over the region where the prediction skill without correction is apparently low, which implies that the biases leading to poor prediction skills are effectively reduced by the new strategy. Additionally, the prediction skill is steadily improved for all lead times as the number of EMs is increased, whereas it reaches a plateau when the number of neurons in the output layer of the SOM method exceeds a certain threshold.
Hazardous non‐cytotoxic medicines: uncertainty around safe handling? A new workplace guideline for hospital staff
Authors: Booth Jane , Keith Claire , Tanner Francine , Siderov Jim , Aminian Parnaz
Published: November 2018

Hazardous medicines have the potential to cause harm via occupational exposure. We describe the development of a guideline to clarify the risks of occupational handling of non‐cytotoxic hazardous medicines, and provide practical advice for frontline staff in the hospital setting. Nurses and pharmacists in Victorian hospitals were surveyed to capture their experience, whilst a literature review located 14 national or jurisdictional guidance documents. Nurses and pharmacists reported variance in practices when handling an example medicine (mycophenolate). Many found existing guidance around hazardous non‐cytotoxic medicines unclear or confusing. Medicines were categorised into four groups: cytotoxic medicines; hazardous non‐cytotoxic medicines; medicines that primarily pose a risk to men and women actively trying to conceive and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding; and medicines that are irritants to mucous membranes or airways. An institutional guideline was developed, with recommendations synthesised into a single‐page chart for quick reference at the point of care.
Investigation of the Brillouin effect in highly nonlinear hafnium bismuth erbium doped fiber
Authors: Ahmad Aminah , Cheng Xiau S. , Paul Mukul C. , Dhar Anirban , Das Shyamal , Ahmad Harith , Harun Sulaiman W.
Published: November 2018

This paper demonstrates the generation of the Brillouin fiber laser (BFL) with 0.5 m long hafnium bismuth erbium doped fiber (HBEDF) as a hybrid gain medium. As the gain medium is pumped by a 980 nm laser diode at the power of 170 mW, a stable Stokes is observed at the output power of −2.96 dBm with Brillouin pump (BP) power of 3 dBm. The laser operates at wavelength shifted by 0.09 nm from the BP. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a compact BFL without employing any lengthy SMF, which features a simple cavity configuration.
A fast, linear Boltzmann transport equation solver for computed tomography dose calculation (Acuros CTD)
Authors: Wang Adam , Maslowski Alexander , Wareing Todd , Star‐Lack Josh , Schmidt Taly Gilat
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To improve dose reporting of CT scans, patient‐specific organ doses are highly desired. However, estimating the dose distribution in a fast and accurate manner remains challenging, despite advances in Monte Carlo methods. In this work, we present an alternative method that deterministically solves the linear Boltzmann transport equation (LBTE), which governs the behavior of x‐ray photon transport through an object.

Methods

Our deterministic solver for CT dose (Acuros CTD) is based on the same approach used to estimate scatter in projection images of a CT scan (Acuros CTS). A deterministic method is used to compute photon fluence within the object, which is then converted to deposited energy by multiplying by known, material‐specific conversion factors.

To benchmark Acuros CTD, we used the AAPM Task Group 195 test for CT dose, which models an axial, fan beam scan (10 mm thick beam) and calculates energy deposited in each organ of an anthropomorphic phantom. We also validated our own Monte Carlo implementation of Geant4 to use as a reference to compare Acuros against for other common geometries like an axial, cone beam scan (160 mm thick beam) and a helical scan (40 mm thick beam with table motion for a pitch of 1).

Results

For the fan beam scan, Acuros CTD accurately estimated organ dose, with a maximum error of 2.7% and RMSE of 1.4% when excluding organs with <0.1% of the total energy deposited. The cone beam and helical scans yielded similar levels of accuracy compared to Geant4. Increasing the number of source positions beyond 18 or decreasing the voxel size below 5 × 5 × 5 mm3 provided marginal improvement to the accuracy for the cone beam scan but came at the expense of increased run time. Across the different scan geometries, run time of Acuros CTD ranged from 8 to 23 s.

Conclusions

In this digital phantom study, a deterministic LBTE solver was capable of fast and accurate organ dose estimates.
Recent Advances in Phthalan and Coumaran Chemistry
Authors: Ilya Efimov , Kulikova Larisa , Van der Eycken Erik V. , Voskressensky Leonid
Published: November 2018

Oxygen‐containing heterocycles are common in biologically active compounds. In particular, phthalan and coumaran cores are found in pharmaceuticals, organic electronics, and other useful medical and technological applications. Recent research has expanded the methods available for their synthesis. This Minireview presents recent advances in the chemistry of phthalans and coumarans, with the goal of overcoming synthetic challenges and facilitating the applications of phthalans and coumarans.
Impact of environmentally friendly processing solvents on the properties of blade‐coated polymer solar cells
Authors: Bouzid Hamza , Prosa Mario , Bolognesi Margherita , Chehata Nadia , Gedefaw Desta , Albonetti Cristiano , Andersson Mats R. , Muccini Michele , Bouazizi Abdelaziz , Seri Mirko
Published: November 2018

High‐performance polymer solar cells (PSCs) are typically fabricated by spin coating in inert atmosphere from toxic halogenated solvents such as 1,2‐dichlorobenzene (o‐DCB) and chlorobenzene. This fabrication process is potentially hazardous for both the humans and the environment and dramatically impacts the possibility for the organic photovoltaic technology to be adopted at large scale. In this work, efficient PSCs blade coated in air using nonhalogenated 1,2,4‐trimethylbenzene (TMB) as processing solvent are demonstrated. The active layer, based on a previously synthesized benchmark polymer PFQ2T‐benzodithiophene blended with [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM), showed an enhanced solid‐state aggregation induced by the use of TMB. Compared to o‐DCB‐processed devices, the solar cells fabricated from TMB resulted 10% more efficient with a power conversion efficiency of 4.20%. Interestingly, the improved photovoltaic performance resulted from the combination of synergic effects promoted by a more favorable film morphology, such as high exciton dissociation efficiency and lower bimolecular recombinations resulting in higher charge collection efficiency at the electrodes. The positive effect of TMB, compared to that of commonly employed halogenated solvents, confirms the great potential of this approach for the development of efficient PSCs for practical applications with reduced environmental impact. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 487–494
Caregiver Communication About Cancer: Development of a mhealth resource to support family caregiver communication burden
Authors: Wittenberg Elaine , Xu Jiayun , Goldsmith Joy , Mendoza Yesenia
Published: November 2018

Objective

The aim of this study is to illustrate an evidence‐based and theoretically informed mhealth resource (smartphone app) designed to provide communication support for informal cancer caregivers (friends or family members).

Methods

An eight‐step process was conducted: (a) review of existing print resources, (b) selection of theoretical framework for content development, (c) integration of stakeholder feedback and literacy assessment into an alpha print model, (d) review of existing mhealth resources, (e) development of prototype, (f) assessment of caregiver acceptability (n = 5), (g) assessment of quality and perceived impact by cancer providers (n = 26), and (h) acceptability testing with caregivers (n = 6).

Results

Key stakeholders were integrated throughout development and user testing of this iOS smartphone app. The smartphone app consists of talking tips and resources for caregiver communication with the patient, family, far away family, and health care providers, as well as general information sharing features.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates feasibility and development of an evidence‐based and theory‐driven mhealth resource to support caregiver communication about cancer. This is the first theory‐driven mhealth application created to support the communication burden experienced by cancer caregivers. A larger study is needed to establish the efficacy of the app as an intervention for caregivers.
Inverse analysis to estimate site‐specific parameters of a mathematical model for simulating pesticide dissipations in paddy test systems
Authors: Kondo Kei , Wakasone Yoshiki , Iijima Kazuaki , Ohyama Kazutoshi
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

In Japan, while experimental data for the dissipation behavior of paddy pesticides under a standardized test system are available, the application of a mathematical model is limited. This paper proposes a new model calibration procedure for inversely deriving the model parameters from the experimental data. This procedure is tested in the open software R by running an improved Pesticide Concentration in Paddy Field‐1 (PCPF‐1) model with R packages to analyze the dissipation of simetryn and molinate in flooded lysimeters and paddy fields.

RESULTS

The model fitting was performed by a random minimization routine. Furthermore, the uncertainties of the model parameters envisioned by the global sensitivity analysis were successfully reduced using the Markov chain Monte Carlo technique. The calibrated simulation was validated at each test plot by confirming multiple statistical indices (i.e. Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency 0.88–1.00, percent bias <±5%). The dissipation pathways of two herbicides were quantitatively clarified by the mass balance of calibrated simulations and the effect of the unexpected herbicide runoff was quantified. The case study showed that the adjustment of daily percolation rate in the lysimeter experiment is the key to simulate the actual paddy field condition more accurately, especially in a case where pesticides show higher water solubility and soil mobility.

CONCLUSION

The developed procedure can analyze the experimental data with acceptable accuracy and extract the unobservable information quantitatively. Our approach is applicable to the optimization of not only the model but also future experimental design. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Laplace transform integration of a baroclinic model
Authors: Harney Eoghan , Lynch Peter
Published: November 2018

A time integration scheme based on the Laplace transform (LT) has been implemented in a baroclinic primitive equation model. The LT scheme provides an attractive alternative to the popular semi‐implicit (SI) scheme. Analysis shows that it is more accurate than SI for both linear and nonlinear terms of the equations. Numerical experiments confirm the superior performance of the LT scheme. The algorithmic complexity of the LT scheme is comparable with SI, with just an additional transformation to vertical eigenmodes each time step, and it provides the possibility of improving weather forecasts at comparable computational cost.
Master‐slave motion alignment for an open surgical console
Authors: Wang Weidong , Song Huajian , Zhang Zelin , Du Zhijiang
Published: November 2018

Background

Open surgical consoles widely employed in minimally invasive surgery have better ergonomics than closed consoles. To enhance surgical robots' ergonomics, operational efficiency, and safety, an effective master‐slave motion alignment model should be established.

Methods

The kinematic model of the robot system based on laparoscopic camera coordinate system is built in the first place. Then, the relative pose between the operator's eyes and the display is measured by Tobii Eye Tracking Sensor and is subsequently used to improve the master‐slave motion alignment model.

Results

Robot threading experiments are conducted by two doctors and three testers to verify the kinematic model. As a result, in contrast to the original model, the improved model reduces both operation time and the number of collisions.

Conclusions

The improved master‐slave motion alignment model, in which the transformation matrix between the operator's eyes and the display is employed, raises the ergonomics, operational efficiency, and safety.
Synthesis of Surface‐Controlled CePO4 and Its Application for Catalyzed Decarbonylation of Lactic Acid to Acetaldehyde
Authors: Pang Jun , Li Xinli , Zou Weixin , Tang Congming , Wang Yu , Dong Lin
Published: November 2018

CePO4 materials were prepared via reaction of cerous nitrate with phosphates such as Na3PO4, Na4P2O7, Na5P3O10 and (NH4)xH3‐xPO4 (x=2, and 3) in aqueous solution, followed by calcination at 550oC under the air atmosphere. It was found that the uniform CePO4 indexed to JCPDS NO. 83‐0650 was achieved no matter what the phosphates varied in the screened phosphate precursors. However, compared with relative intensity in the standard patterns with R(012)/(120) value of 0.715 (R(012)/(120), Intensity ratio between face (012) and face (120)), some samples obtained from Na4P2O7 and (NH4)xH3‐xPO4 displayed an enhanced diffraction peak at 2θ = 31.1o, which ascribes to plane (012), while others obtained from Na3PO4 and Na5P3O10 were in good agreement with the standard sample (JCPDS NO. 83‐0650, CePO4). Correlation between the crystal plane (012) and activity revealed that the enhanced crystal plane favored an enhancement of activity for decarbonylation of lactic acid to acetaldehyde. Effect of aqueous ammonia on catalytic performance of samples was also investigated. It was clearly seen that the sample obtained from Na4P2O7 offered an enhanced activity for decarbonylation of lactic acid as it was treated with aqueous ammonia while others almost remained unchanged or even decreased slightly. XRD patterns for the obtained sample from Na4P2O7 treated with aqueous ammonia disclosed that the diffraction peak at 2θ = 31.1o increased, further demonstrating that crystal face (012) relates to activity of samples for decarbonylation of lactic acid. NH3 (CO2)‐Temperature Programmed Desorption experiments suggested that the surface acid‐base properties of catalysts related to the ratios of (012)/(120). Varying the catalyst preparation conditions such as calcination temperature and aqueous ammonia can control R(012)/(120) values, thus adjusting acid‐base properties of catalysts. Stability experiments show that the catalyst has an acceptable durability, and the activity of the deactivated catalyst can be recovered by a simple calcination at 550 oC in air.
Preparation of a Highly Effective Organic Tanning Agent with Wide Molecular Weight Distribution from Bio‐Renewable Sodium Alginate
Authors: Ding Wei , Yi Yudan , Wang Ya‐nan , Zhou Jianfei , Shi Bi
Published: November 2018

Dialdehyde sodium alginate (DSA) with wide molecular weight distribution was prepared by periodate oxidation without alcohol‐precipitation. Its tanning properties in fur processing were investigated. It was found that this DSA could endow fur with high shrinkage temperature (Ts, 89 °C) and area yield (107%), showing better tanning properties than conventional dialdehyde sodium alginate product that was prepared by repeated alcohol‐precipitation process and thus had narrow molecular weight distribution. Low molecular weight components in DSA mainly contributed to crosslinkage and dispersion of the collagen fiber network, viz. tanning effect, while high molecular weight DSA components contributed to filling performance. SEM analysis illustrated that satisfactory dispersion of skin matrix and intact scale layer of wool were achieved by DSA tanning. The DSA tanned fur exhibited reasonable resistance to oxidation bleaching and presented a better performance in physical properties compared with traditional chrome tanned fur after fatliquoring. Besides, the DSA tanning system led to a better treatability of tanning and post‐tanning wastewaters in view of chrome‐free and higher biodegradability. The DSA with wide molecular weight distribution is a potential sustainable tanning agent in terms of both preparation and tanning processes.
Sol‐Gel Preparation of Perovskite Oxides Using Ethylene Glycol and Alcohol Mixture as Complexant and Its Catalytic Performances for CO Oxidation
Authors: Wang Shan , Zhang Yibo , Zhu Junjiang , Tang Duihai , Zhao Zhen , Yang Xiangguang
Published: November 2018

We reported an updated sol‐gel method for the preparation of perovskite oxide using ethylene glycol and alcohol mixture as complexant. Relative to that prepared by sol‐gel method using citric acid as complexant, the sample prepared by this updated method showed porous structure, higher surface area, more oxygen vacancies and stronger reducibility, due to a two‐step combustion process. By comparing the phase transformation temperature of perovskite oxides using different transition metals, it was inferred that the electron distribution in the 3d orbit is a crucial factor influencing the formation of perovskite structure. The easier the electrons to be excited, the easier the perovskite structure to be formed. Catalytic results showed that the sample (e. g., LaCoO3‐EM) prepared by the updated method is more active for CO oxidation than that prepared by citric acid method, with full CO conversion obtained at 135 °C and no activity loss is observable either by long‐term (30 h) or by cycling (3 times) stability tests. Effect of the chain length of alcohols on the properties of LaCoO3 was also studied.
Including Electronic Screening in Classical Force Field of Zinc Ion for Biomolecular Simulations
Authors: Del Frate Gianluca , Nikitin Alexei
Published: November 2018

We present a new force field for zinc ion to be used in classical Molecular Dynamics. Such model has been developed according to an optimization procedure by fitting experimental quantities taken from the literature. The metal ion electrostatic charge has been scaled by a factor 0.75, according to a recently proposed polarization model which considers the electronic screening effects due to the surrounding environment. Zinc interatomic interactions have been modeled by means of the Waldman‐Hagler combination rule. It is demonstrated that the proposed force field for zinc is transferable from water solution to protein catalytic sites, offering in both the considered cases good performances in the reproduction of experimental quantities usually addressed in soft matter computer simulations.
Effective Room Temperature Hydrogenation of Alkenes by X‐Ray Characterized Salicylaldimine‐Rhodium(I) Complex
Authors: Ünver Hakan
Published: November 2018

In the study, a mononuclear X‐ray characterized Rh(I) complex with salicylidene (salhyd) and cyclooctadiene (cod) ligands was synthesized. The synthesized complex was used as homogenous hydrogenation catalyst of styrene, 1‐octene and cyclohexene in several organic solvents at ambient temperature. Up to 400 ns/ncat ratio and 521 TON/TOF values were obtained with 100 % product formation for styrene and 96.7 % n‐octane and isomers (2‐octene and 3‐octene) at room temperature in one‐hour reaction time. Molecular hydrogen was used as hydrogen source, and the best activity was observed in dimethyl sulfoxide. Due to the high effectivity of synthesized catalyst at room temperature, the designed system became attractive on homogenous hydrogenation for selected olefins.
Aerobic Oxidation of Methyl‐substituted β‐Carbolines Catalyzed by N‐Hydroxyphthalimide and Metal Catalyst
Authors: Qiu Hongda , Liang Weida , Zhang Gongjun , Lin Miaoman , Liu Wanmin , Gao Zhanghua , Wei Wenting , Tang Chunlan , Jin Haixiao , Liang Hongze , Yan Xiaojun
Published: November 2018

Carboxylic functionalized β‐carbolines were successfully synthesized in good to excellent yields and high selectivity under mild conditions by aerobic oxidation in the presence of NHPI and transition metal salt using molecular oxygen as an oxidizing agent. A variety of derivatives of fascaplysin thus are available for structure‐bioactivity investigations.
Skyrmions from calorons
Authors: Cork Josh
Published: November 2018

Abstract

We derive a one-parameter family of gauged Skyrme models from Yang-Mills theory on S
1 × ℝ3, in which skyrmions are well-approximated by calorons and monopoles. In particular we study the spherically symmetric solutions to the model with two distinct classes of boundary conditions, and compare them to calorons and monopoles. Calorons interpolate between instantons and monopoles in certain limits, and we observe similar behaviour in the constructed gauged Skyrme model in the weak and strong coupling limits. This comparison of calorons, monopoles, and skyrmions may be a way to further understand the apparent relationships between skyrmions and monopoles on ℝ3.
6d SCFTs and U(1) flavour symmetries
Authors: Lee Seung-Joo , Regalado Diego , Weigand Timo
Published: November 2018

Abstract

We study the behaviour of abelian gauge symmetries in six-dimensional N = (1,0) theories upon decoupling gravity and investigate abelian flavour symmetries in the context of 6d N = (1, 0) SCFTs. From a supergravity perspective, the anomaly cancellation mechanism implies that abelian gauge symmetries can only survive as global symmetries as gravity is decoupled. The flavour symmetries obtained in this way are shown to be free of ABJ anomalies, and their ’t Hooft anomaly polynomial in the decoupling limit is obtained explicitly. In an F-theory realisation the decoupling of abelian gauge symmetries implies that a mathematical object known as the height pairing of a rational section is not contractible as a curve on the base of an elliptic Calabi-Yau threefold. We prove this prediction from supergravity by making use of the properties of the Mordell-Weil group of rational sections. In the second part of this paper we study the appearance of abelian flavour symmetries in 6d N = (1, 0) SCFTs. We elucidate both the geometric origin of such flavour symmetries in F-theory and their field theoretic interpretation in terms of suitable linear combinations of geometrically massive U(1)s. Our general results are illustrated in various explicit examples.
Forward charm-production models and prompt neutrinos at IceCube
Authors: Bhattacharya Atri , Cudell J. R.
Published: November 2018

Abstract

We investigate the prompt neutrino background at IceCube, as determined from forward charm. We consider the role of intrinsic charm and of a recombination model and show that the contribution of these mechanisms is at most a factor two.
Selecting near‐native protein structures from ab initio models using ensemble clustering
Authors: Li Li , Yan Huanqian , Lu Yonggang
Published: November 2018

Background

Ab initio protein structure prediction is to predict the tertiary structure of a protein from its amino acid sequence alone. As an important topic in bioinformatics, considerable efforts have been made on designing the ab initio methods. Unfortunately, lacking of a perfect energy function, it is a difficult task to select a good near‐native structure from the predicted decoy structures in the last step.

Methods

Here we propose an ensemble clustering method based on k‐medoids to deal with this problem. The k‐medoids method is run many times to generate clustering ensembles, and then a voting method is used to combine the clustering results. A confidence score is defined to select the final near‐native model, considering both the cluster size and the cluster similarity.

Results

We have applied the method to 54 single‐domain targets in CASP‐11. For about 70.4% of these targets, the proposed method can select better near‐native structures compared to the SPICKER method used by the I‐TASSER server.

Conclusions

The experiments show that, the proposed method is effective in selecting the near‐native structure from decoy sets for different targets in terms of the similarity between the selected structure and the native structure.
A typology of lexicographical tools based on information needs and user types
Authors: Bergenholtz Henning , Agerbo Heidi
Published: November 2018

The focus of this article is dictionary typology and the purpose of developing dictionary typologies. Our main argument is that each new dictionary concept should be conceptualised based on a typology developed specifcally for that purpose, i.e., that the primary use of a dictionary typology should be the development of new lexicographical tools. A typology can also be used to describe existing lexicographical tools from a specifc viewpoint, but this should not be the point of departure for developing a typology. The frst section discusses the distinction between classifcation and typology. In the following section, we present and discuss some of the dictionary typologies and approaches to developing dictionary typologies suggested over time. In the third section, we suggest a typology of information needs as the point of departure for a typology of lexicographical tools. The fourth and fnal section frstly presents a discussion of the concept of lexicographical tool, and secondly, it presents an example of a function-based typology developed to be applied in the production of six planned lexicographical tools. This function-based typology is a two-step typology structured around a combination of users’ information needs and user types.
Religious Epistemology
Authors: McNabb Tyler Dalton
Published: November 2018

If epistemology is roughly the study of knowledge, justification, warrant, and rationality, then religious epistemology is the study of how these epistemic concepts relate to religious belief and practice. This Element, while surveying various religious epistemologies, argues specifically for Plantingian religious epistemology. It makes the case for proper functionalism and Plantinga's AC models, while it also responds to debunking arguments informed by cognitive science of religion. It serves as a bridge between religious epistemology and natural theology.
What Specific Costs and Risks Do We Face from Climate Change?
Authors: Jay Alexa , Barrie Daniel , DeAngelo Benjamin , Reidmiller David
Published: November 2018

A new U.S. government report finds that climate change is already increasing risks to health, the economy, and ecosystems across the United States. These risks are expected to grow in the coming decades.
Recombinant human BMP-2 accelerates the migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cellsviathe CDC42/PAK1/LIMK1 pathwayin vitroandin vivo
Authors: Liu Shuhao , Liu Yang , Jiang Libo , Li Zheng , Lee Soomin , Liu Changsheng , Wang Jing , Zhang Jian
Published: November 2018

BMP-2-induced migration of BMSCs can be inhibited by silencing CDC42in vitroandin vivo.
Asymmetric surface modification of yeast cells for living self-assembly
Authors: Liang Jing , Zhou Mengcheng , Zhou Ding , Li Bao , Chen Zhijun , Zhang Hao , Wu Lixin
Published: November 2018

Janus yeasts were firstly prepared through selective modification in surface voids and further used to construct molecule-like living self-assemblies.
Bioinspired radical cyclization of tryptamines: synthesis of peroxypyrroloindolenines as potential anti-cancer agents
Authors: Li Yan , Li Longjie , Lu Xunbo , Bai Yulong , Wang Yufan , Wu Yuzhou , Zhong Fangrui
Published: November 2018

Inspired by the heme iron-catalyzed radical insertion of dioxygen to the tryptophan indole ring, herein we utilize alkylperoxy radical species as a coupling partner to trigger a peroxycyclization of readily accessible tryptophan derivatives and enable the first synthesis of peroxypyrroloindolenines.
An unusual cuprous iodide polymer incorporating I−, I2and I3−structural units
Authors: Hu Jun , Zhou Jian , Cao Shumei
Published: November 2018

The interconnection of 1-D unsaturated cuprous coordination polymers [Cu2(μ4-L)]nand 1-D [(I−)·2I2·(I3)−]npolyiodide ribbons gives an unprecedented 3-D cuprous polyiodide network.
Discovery of monoamine oxidase inhibitors by medicinal chemistry approaches
Authors: Hong Renyuan , Li Xun
Published: November 2018

Schematic overview of the varied strategies for the discovery of monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
Nano-crater morphology in hybrid electron-collecting buffer layers for high efficiency polymer:nonfullerene solar cells with enhanced stability
Authors: Seo Jooyeok , Nam Sungho , Kim Hwajeong , Bradley Donal D. C. , Kim Youngkyoo
Published: November 2018

The nano-crater morphology, which is created in the ZnO:PEOz hybrid layers at 150 °C, improves the efficiency and stability of polymer:nonfullerene solar cells.
A liquid metal-based self-adaptive sulfur–gallium composite for long-cycling lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Zhu Mengqi , Li Songmei , Li Bin , Yang Shubin
Published: November 2018

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have been regarded as a promising candidate for energy storage owing to their ultrahigh theoretical capacity and low cost.
Continuous amination of aryl/heteroaryl halides using aqueous ammonia in a Teflon AF-2400 tube-in-tube micro-flow reactor
Authors: Xue Chengwen , Li Jiesheng , Lee Jin Ping , Zhang Ping , Wu Jie
Published: November 2018

Aqueous ammonia was applied as the ammonia source in the continuous amination of aromatic and heteroaromatic halides assisted by a Teflon AF-2400 tube-in-tube reactor to generate densely substituted aryl/heteroaryl amines in high yields.
Low complexity decoding of Reed–Solomon codes over magnetic recording channels
Authors: Fang Zequn , Ma Zheng , Karagiannidis George K. , Xiao Ming , Fan Pingzhi
Published: November 2018

A low complexity soft‐decision decoding technique is presented for Reed–Solomon codes, over magnetic recording channels (MRC), by considering symbol and bit reliability, jointly. A symbol detection scheme for burst error scenarios has been put forward for the iterative error‐and‐erasure decoding algorithm (IEED), which is based on multiple trials, and is a combination of the generalised minimum distance and Chase‐2 decoding schemes. In order to decrease complexity, the decoding test patterns are used in a certain order, while the stopping criteria is also discussed. Simulations show that the proposed algorithms can achieve almost the same performance as that of IEED for the additive white Gaussian noise channel and slightly better performance in MRC, but with significantly less complexity.
Micro‐Doppler characteristics of streamlined ballistic target
Authors: Xu Zhiming , Ai Xiaofeng , Wu Qihua , Zhao Feng , Xiao Shunping
Published: November 2018

Micro‐Doppler (mD) characteristics of the ballistic targets have attracted great attention due to the potential in target discrimination. However, current investigations mainly focus on blunt‐nosed cone and cone‐cylinder‐shaped targets. In practical applications, ballistic targets are always designed as the streamlined shape due to smaller aerodynamic resistance and lower detectability. In this Letter, the mD characteristics of streamlined ballistic targets are analysed. Owing to the unique mD signatures, the sliding scattering centre induced by the reflection from the streamlined curved surface is particularly focused. Finally, simulation results via the electromagnetic computation verify the correctness of the analysis.
Plasmonic device for spectral analysis
Authors: Pelzman C. , Chanover N. , Voelz D. , Cho S.‐Y.
Published: November 2018

The authors present an experimental demonstration of a fluidic‐based plasmonic device for spectral analysis. The demonstrated device is based on the modification of surface plasmon resonance in periodically coupled metallic nanostructures using external refractive index perturbation for spectral analysis. The refractive index perturbation alters the resonance condition of the internal surface plasmon waves and introduces a spectral shift in the transmission band for spectral sampling. In this demonstration, precise control of the centre wavelength of the surface plasmon resonance was achieved by changing the local environment of the nanostructures via microfluidic channels. The fluidic‐based approach has a great impact on existing resonance‐based spectral analysis devices by offering an efficient way to acquire a very large number of spectral sampling.
Power efficient dual‐dependent pilots' channel estimation for filter bank multi‐carrier with offset quadrature amplitude modulation
Authors: Yu Xiang , Li Yangyang , Duan Sirui
Published: November 2018

The channel estimation for a filter bank multi‐carrier with offset quadrature amplitude modulation has been considered an attractive scheme alternative to the conventional cyclic prefix (CP)‐orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing. However, all the advantages come at the price of the real‐field orthogonality conditions, which gives rise to the intrinsic imaginary. Especially the channel estimation algorithm with a scattered‐pilot structure, which neutralises the interference by increasing power or reducing spectrum efficiency to get accurate channel estimation coefficients. In this work, dual‐dependent pilot (DDP) channel estimation algorithm is studied. By analysing the interference at the pilot position and pilot power, the authors propose an improved power efficient scattered DDP channel estimation method. The proposed method regards the interference as a part of the pilot rather than cancelling it. Moreover, in order to fully utilise intrinsic interference, phase ambiguity is introduced into predefined pilots to adapt to different intrinsic interference values, combined with the reference pilot and DFT iteration to solve phase ambiguity problems at the receiver. Theoretical analysis shows that the improved method can effectively improve the power efficiency. Furthermore, numerical results show the validity of the theoretical analysis and the reliability of the new method.