bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Student Movements
Authors: Rootes Christopher
Published: December 2017

Student movements are social movements comprised wholly or mainly of students, especially university or college students. Student movements have attracted the interest of sociologists primarily since the emergence of student protests in the 1960s. Student movements appear across modern societies, engaging in political action through protest and campaigning. They have an important place in the development of social movement theory.
Validity, Qualitative
Authors: Lather Patti
Published: December 2017

This entry tracks the shifts in how scientific knowledge is made credible in contemporary qualitative research. From standardized, regulatory practices to postepistemic discourses, it surveys new imaginaries that are situated and socially grounded. Continuing the work against the claims of scientism, it concludes with the validity‐to‐come given the “ontological turn.”
A Journey into Collaborative Leadership: Moving Toward Innovation and Adaptability
Authors: Otter Ken , Paxton Doug
Published: December 2017

This case study explores the journey of an executive leadership team seeking to become more collaborative, innovative, and adaptive in their approach to organizational leadership, using a values‐based collaborative leadership program.
Band Structure and Photoelectric Characterization of GeSe Monolayers
Authors: Zhao Hongquan , Mao Yuliang , Mao Xin , Shi Xuan , Xu Congshen , Wang Chunxiang , Zhang Shangmin , Zhou Dahua
Published: December 2017

Germanium selenide monolayer is promising in photoelectric applications for its natural p‐type semiconductor and complicated band structures. Basic experimental investigations of few‐to‐monolayer germanium selenide are still absent; major scientific challenge is to develop of techniques for controllably thinned monolayers. In this study laser thinned monolayer germanium selenide on SiO2/Si substrates is demonstrated. A broad photoluminescence spectrum with eight continues peaks is observed from visible to infrared wavebands centered at ≈589, 655, 737, 830, 1034, 1178, 1314, and 1456 nm, respectively. First‐principle calculations based on density functional theory illuminate the band structures of few‐to‐monolayer germanium selenide. Photoluminescence investigation combined with first‐principle calculations indicates that the indirect to direct bandgap transition happens at few layers of N = 3. Current–voltage and photoresponse characteristics of monolayer based devices show 3.3 times the photosensitivity and much faster falling edges compared with those of the pristine nanosheet based devices. The present results provide useful insight into deep understanding of thickness dependent performances of germanium selenide monocrystalline.
Synthesis of Sulfonated Benzo[d][1,3]oxazines by Merging Photoredox Catalysis and Insertion of Sulfur Dioxide
Authors: Liu Tong , Zheng Danqing , Li Zhenhua , Wu Jie
Published: December 2017

A photocatalytic reaction of N‐(2‐vinylphenyl)amides, DABCO⋅(SO2)2 and arenediazonium tetrafluoroborates for the synthesis of 4‐((arylsulfonyl)methyl)‐4H‐benzo[d][1,3]oxazines under mild conditions is reported. This synthetic approach is enabled by merging photoredox catalysis and insertion of sulfur dioxide via a radical process. The specific role of photoredox catalysis in this transformation is supported by mechanistic investigations and theoretical calculations.

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Brønsted Acid‐Mediated Formal [3+3] Annulation Between Propargylic Alcohols and 1,3‐Diketones
Authors: Han Ya‐Ping , Li Xue‐Song , Zhu Xin‐Yu , Sun Zhou , Li Ming , Wang Yu‐Zhao , Liang Yong‐Min
Published: December 2017

A Brønsted acid‐mediated formal [3+3] cascade annulation of propargylic alcohols with 1,3‐diketones proceeds through a sequential Meyer−Schuster rearrangement/1,2‐addition. This protocol, which has a wide scope and is conducted under an ambient atmosphere, enables access to a broad array of valuable chromenone derivatives related to many natural products in satisfactory yields under mild conditions. This method could be scaled up to the gram scale, which highlights the latent applicability of this transformation.

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Progress of Nanostructured Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors
Authors: Jiang Jiangmin , Zhang Yadi , Nie Ping , Xu Guiyin , Shi Minyuan , Wang Jiang , Wu Yuting , Fu Ruirui , Dou Hui , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: December 2017

Supercapacitors, as a type of energy storage system, bridge the power/energy gap between conventional capacitors and batteries due to attractive properties such as high power density, long cycle lifespan, and large temperature range. However, the low energy density of supercapacitors compared to lithium‐ion batteries has hindered their general application. In general, the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors is closely related to the structure of their electrode materials, electrolytes, and device design. The main materials used in electrochemical double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs) are carbon materials with various architectures. This is due to their high surface area, good electric conductivity, and intrinsic stability. In this review, recently reported carbon‐based nanostructured electrode materials with 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D structures are systematically reviewed. The effect of nanostructuring on the properties of supercapacitors including specific capacitance, rate capability, and cycle stability is explored, the details of which may serve as a guide to electrode design for the next generation of EDLCs.
A novel process for processing aqueous insoluble 3,4‐propylenedioxythiophene
Authors: Sikder Bikash Kumar
Published: December 2017

The present article discusses the development of aqueous dispersions of 3,4‐propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT) with polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) for the first time in literature. Unlike 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT), ProDOT is solid and insoluble in water, and hence requires specific reaction condition such as acidic media and sonication to polymerize through emulsion polymerization technique to form PProDOT:PSS complex. PProDOT:PSS aqueous dispersion was characterized and studied using UV‐vis spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope. Particle size distribution, stability, and ion content of the dispersion were determined using dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, and inductive coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometry studies, respectively. Effect of organic solvents such as ethylene glycol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP), and sorbitol on the conductivity and morphology of PProDOT:PSS films was investigated.
Characterization and mechanical properties of cellulose acetate/carbon nanotube composite nanofibers
Authors: Salama Ahmed , Mohamed Alaa , Aboamera Nada M. , Osman Tarek , Khattab Aly
Published: December 2017

Cellulose acetate/carbon nanotube composite nanofibers were prepared using electrospinning technique. The morphology, crystalline, and mechanical properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and tensile test. The result indicated that the CA with 0.5 wt% CNT shows better mechanical properties among the other sample which contains lower or higher percent of CNT. In addition, the diameter of the average fibers was 415 ± 45 nm and shows good dispersions of CNT into the nanofibers. Moreover, tensile strength and Young's modulus were enhanced with an average of 67% and 78%, respectively.
Rationally Designed Hierarchically Structured Tungsten Nitride and Nitrogen‐Rich Graphene‐Like Carbon Nanocomposite as Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalyst
Authors: Zhu Yanping , Chen Gao , Zhong Yijun , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: December 2017

Practical application of hydrogen production from water splitting relies strongly on the development of low‐cost and high‐performance electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The previous researches mainly focused on transition metal nitrides as HER catalysts due to their electrical conductivity and corrosion stability under acidic electrolyte, while tungsten nitrides have reported poorer activity for HER. Here the activity of tungsten nitride is optimized through rational design of a tungsten nitride–carbon composite. More specifically, tungsten nitride (WNx) coupled with nitrogen‐rich porous graphene‐like carbon is prepared through a low‐cost ion‐exchange/molten‐salt strategy. Benefiting from the nanostructured WNx, the highly porous structure and rich nitrogen dopant (9.5 at%) of the carbon phase with high percentage of pyridinic‐N (54.3%), and more importantly, their synergistic effect, the composite catalyst displays remarkably high catalytic activity while maintaining good stability. This work highlights a powerful way to design more efficient metal–carbon composites catalysts for HER.
Natural Mentors, Social Class, and College Success
Authors: Reynolds John R. , Parrish Michael
Published: December 2017

Natural mentors provide advice, moral support, and assistance to adolescents who aspire to obtain a postsecondary degree, but past studies of the benefits of having an informal adult mentor have yet to resolve several issues. Our analyses of a national sample of high school graduates test three hypotheses: (H1) natural mentoring increases the odds of college attendance and completion, (H2) guidance and career advice are more important for college success than encouragement or role modeling, and (H3) students from poor and working‐class families benefit more from mentoring than students from middle‐ and upper‐class families. Hypotheses 1 and 3 are clearly supported when examining the odds of attending college, while Hypothesis 2 was not supported—encouragement and role modeling boost attendance, not advice or practical help. None of the hypotheses is supported when predicting degree completion among those who matriculated. As natural mentors do not appreciably increase the odds of completing college, we conclude past studies have overstated the postsecondary educational benefits of natural mentors.
NDIS Self‐Management Approaches: Opportunities for choice and control or an Uber‐style wild west?
Authors: David Christina , West Raelene
Published: December 2017

This article examines the emerging challenges and opportunities presented by self‐management options in Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We examine the three different ways in which NDIS participants can opt to self‐manage their funding and services, including direct employment and emerging Uber‐style online platforms, and explore the potential implications of these options for NDIS participants, service providers and the disability support workforce. In particular, we focus on these options in relation to the transition to a marketised services landscape being developed alongside the NDIS, and examine both the risks and opportunities for each stakeholder group. Through this analysis, we identify implications for policy and practice, in particular around regulatory mechanisms and the role of government within this emerging market economy and transforming service landscape.
CPR News
Authors: Bleemer Russ
Published: December 2017

The CPR Institute has launched the new website for its 2018 Annual Meeting, to be held on March 8‐10 in Atlanta.
Sonnengetriebene Wasserstofferzeugung aus Lignocellulose
Authors: Kuehnel Moritz F. , Reisner Erwin
Published: December 2017

Die photokatalytische Reformierung Lignocellulose‐haltiger Biomasse ist eine aufstrebende Methode zur Produktion von erneuerbarem H2. Dieser Prozess verbindet Photooxidation von Biomasse mit photokatalytischer Wasserstoffentwicklung bei Raumtemperatur und Atmosphärendruck. Die Umsetzung von Biomasse ist weniger energieaufwändig als Wasserspaltung und liefert dabei hochreinen H2, ohne dass sich O2 bildet. Die direkte Reformierung von unbehandelter Rohbiomasse birgt das Potenzial, weltweit lokal verfügbares Material als kostengünstige Energiequelle zu nutzen.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Cyclization of O,ω‐Unsaturated Alkoxyamines: Formation of Oxygen‐Containing Heterocycles
Authors: Escudero Julien , Bellosta Véronique , Cossy Janine
Published: December 2017

O,ω‐Unsaturated N‐tosyl alkoxyamines undergo unexpected RhIII‐catalyzed intramolecular cyclization by oxyamination to produce oxygen‐containing heterocycles. Mechanistic studies show that an aziridine intermediate seems to be responsible for the formation of the heterocycles, possibly via a RhV species.
Solar Hydrogen Generation from Lignocellulose
Authors: Kuehnel Moritz F. , Reisner Erwin
Published: December 2017

Photocatalytic reforming of lignocellulosic biomass is an emerging approach to produce renewable H2. This process combines photo‐oxidation of aqueous biomass with photocatalytic hydrogen evolution at ambient temperature and pressure. Biomass conversion is less energy demanding than water splitting and generates high‐purity H2 without O2 production. Direct photoreforming of raw, unprocessed biomass has the potential to provide affordable and clean energy from locally sourced materials and waste.
Photocatalytic Aerobic Phosphatation of Alkenes
Authors: Depken Christian , Krätzschmar Felix , Rieger Rene , Rode Katharina , Breder Alexander
Published: December 2017

A catalytic regime for the direct phosphatation of simple, non‐polarized alkenes has been devised that is based on using ordinary, non‐activated phosphoric acid diesters as the phosphate source and O2 as the terminal oxidant. The title method enables the direct and highly economic construction of a diverse range of allylic phosphate esters. From a conceptual viewpoint, the aerobic phosphatation is entirely complementary to traditional methods for phosphate ester formation, which predominantly rely on the use of prefunctionalized or preactivated reactants, such as alcohols and phosphoryl halides. The title transformation is enabled by the interplay of a photoredox and a selenium π‐acid catalyst and involves a sequence of single‐electron‐transfer processes.
Pd‐NHC catalysed Carbonylative Suzuki coupling reaction and its application towards the synthesis of biologically active 3‐aroylquinolin‐4 (1H)‐one and acridone scaffolds
Authors: Ghosh Prasanjit , Ganguly Bhaskar , Das Sajal
Published: December 2017

We have unfolded a convenient and mild protocol for the synthesis of diaryl ketones via Pd‐ NHC catalysed carbonylative Suzuki coupling reaction. Notably, this method offers advantages like no use of toxic CO gas, shorter reaction time, high yield, and broad substrate scope. Several sensitive functional groups (like‐COMe, ‐COOMe, ‐F, ‐Cl, ‐Br, ‐NH2, ‐CN) are well tolerated in this reaction. In addition, we have also demonstrated a new efficient route for the synthesis of biologically active and pharmaceutically important 2‐substituted 3‐Aroylquinolin‐4(1H)‐ones and acridone scaffolds.
Sonochemical synthesis, structural inspection and semiconductor behavior of three new nano sized Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) chelates based on tri‐dentate NOO imine ligand as precursors for metal oxides
Authors: Abdel Rahman Laila H. , Abu‐Dief Ahmed M. , El‐Khatib Rafat M. , Abdel‐Fatah Shimaa Mahdy , Adam A.M. , Ibrahim E.M.M.
Published: December 2017

Three novel nanosized Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes of imine ligand attained from the condensation of 2‐amino‐3‐hydroxypyridine and 3‐methoxysalicylaldehyde have been prepared and investigated using diverse chemical methods such as NMR, CHN analysis, conductance, IR, Spectral studies, TGA and magnetic moment measurements. The obtained data confirmed that the synthesized complexes have metal: ligand ratio of 1:1 and octahedral geometry for Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes. Interestingly, The complexes are used as precursors for producing CuO, Co2O3 and NiO nanoparticles by calcination at 500 °C and their structures were described by powder x‐ray and transmittance electron microscopy. Furthermore, to investigate the feasibility of using the synthesized materials for semiconductor based nanodevices, the electrical properties of the prepared imine complexes and their corresponding metal oxides were investigated by measuring the electrical conductivity over a temperature range 373‐593 K. The data confirm that the materials are semiconductor. The electrical conduction process in the complexes is governed by intermolecular and intramolecular transfer of the charge carriers. But, the conduction mechanism arises from the contribution of the phonon‐assisted small polaron hopping in NiO nanoparticles and charge carrier hopping in CuO and Co2O3 nanoparticles. The results indicate that the complexes under study are promising candidates for wide scale of organic based semiconducting devices.
Properties of polythiourethanes prepared by thiol–isocyanate click reaction
Authors: Shin Junghwan , Lee Joonmo , Jeong Han Mo
Published: December 2017

Polythiourethane networks with systematic compositional variations of thiol [ethoxylated trimethylol‐propane tri(3‐mercapto‐propionate), ETTMP1300 and pentaerythritol tetra(3‐mercapto‐propionate), PETMP] and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), i.e., IPDI/ETTMP1300/PETMP = 100/100/0, 100/80/20, 100/60/40, 100/40/60, 100/20/80, and 100/0/100, were prepared by base catalyzed thiol–isocyanate click type reaction where the base catalyst (tributylamine, TBA) was photolytically generated using photolatent amine (TBA·tetraphenylborate salt, TBA·HBPh4). The kinetics of the polythiourethane network formation investigated using real‐time infrared indicates that the thiol–isocyanate coupling reaction was successfully triggered photolytically and the conversion of both thiol and isocyanate reached near 100% in a matter of minutes. The Tg of the polythiourethane networks progressively increases (–8 to 143 °C by DMTA) as a function of the PETMP content due to the higher extent of crosslinks, also resulting in enhanced rubbery modulus. Very narrow full width at half maximum (15–28 °C) of tan δ peak was obtained for all six sets of polythiourethane networks, which is induced by the highly uniform and dense structures of thiol‐based polymeric network. Energy damping performance of polythiourethane networks measured by nondestructive impact testing exhibited remarkably high (∼95%) and the relationship with temperature was in accordance with tan δ peak. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46070.
Stability and spinnability of modified melamine–formaldehyde resin solution for centrifugal spinning
Authors: Xiong Chengdong , Li Xianglong , Hou Teng , Yang Bin
Published: December 2017

Melamine microfibers were first prepared by centrifugal spinning. The stability and spinnability of a melamine–formaldehyde (MF) resin solution were improved as expected by adding various modifier combinations. Considering the storage stability of solutions characterized by visual inspection, turbidity tests, and viscosity measurements and combined with the fiber morphology, the optimal modifier combination was obtained. The spun fibers manifested a good morphology and thermal stability as measured by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Moreover, microfibers prepared by three spinning methods (centrifugal spinning, electrospinning, and centrifugal electrostatic spinning) were compared to choose the suitable spinning method for different fields in the future. This work provides systematic and scientific guidance on the synthesis of MF resin solutions and rapid mass production of melamine microfibers and also demonstrates that centrifugal spinning of melamine microfiber is a promising candidate for flame retardance and CO2 adsorption at elevated temperature. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46072.
Long‐term effects of primary schools on mathematics achievement of students at age 17
Authors: Vanwynsberghe Griet , Vanlaar Gudrun , Van Damme Jan , De Fraine Bieke
Published: December 2017

In the field of educational effectiveness research, school effects are generally studied in the short term (i.e. during the same phase of schooling). The aim of this study is to investigate long‐term primary school effects on students’ achievement in mathematics at the end of secondary education. We also investigate which primary school characteristics are of importance in the long term. Data from the longitudinal SiBO project, in which a cohort of 6,000 Flemish pupils were intensively followed from kindergarten to grade 7, was used. At the age of 17, the same cohort participated in follow‐up data collection. Cross‐classified multilevel models showed small continuing effects of primary school on the mathematics achievement of students (i.e. over and above what had been reached at the end of primary education). No long‐term effect was found of the proportion of high‐risk students at primary school. Students coming from a primary school with a higher effectiveness obtained higher mathematics results at age 17, but when the mathematics achievement of students at the end of primary school was taken into account, this effect disappeared. We also observed that students coming from Catholic primary schools performed better in mathematics at age 17 compared with students coming from public schools. The implications of the findings are discussed.
Simultaneous determination and validation of emtricitabine, rilpivirine and tenofovir from biological samples using LC and CE methods
Authors: Gumustas Mehmet , Caglayan Mehmet Gokhan , Onur Feyyaz , Ozkan Sibel A.
Published: December 2017

A combination of antiretroviral agents is frequently used in effective treatment of the human immunodeficiency virus infection. In this study, two different separation methods are presented for the simultaneous determination of emtricitabine, rilpivirine and tenofovir from raw materials and urine samples. Developed liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis methods were thoroughly optimized for high analytical performances. Optimization of multiple variables at the same time by performing a minimum number of experiments was achieved by the Box–Behnken design, which is an experimental design in response surface methodology, in capillary electrophoresis. The results of the experimental design ensure minimum analysis time with well‐separated analytes. Separation conditions, such as different stationary phases, pH level, organic modifiers and temperatures in liquid chromatography method, were also optimized. In particular, among stationary phases, the core–shell column especially enhanced the effectiveness of separation in liquid chromatography. Both methods were fully validated and applied to real samples. The main advantage of the developed methods is the separation of the drug combination in a short time with high efficiency and without any time‐consuming steps.
Meeting the Challenges of Expanding Missions Through Strategic Planning
Authors: Hellmich David M. , Feeney Greg J.
Published: December 2017

This chapter advises community college leaders how to achieve mission balance by using strategic planning to make mission‐critical decisions and take decisive action.
Making Sense of Multiple Missions
Authors: Amey Marilyn J.
Published: December 2017

This chapter highlights key ideas about multiple and competing community college missions and the leadership required to address them.
Incidental finding of arteria lusoria during transradial coronary catheterization: Significance in interventional cardiology
Authors: Rafiq Arsalan , Chutani Surendra , Krim Nassim R.
Published: December 2017

Arteria lusoria is the most common anomaly of the aortic arch with an incidence of 0.5%–2.5%. It is mostly diagnosed incidentally while performing imaging for evaluation of other unrelated medical conditions. The aberrant right subclavian artery arises beyond the origin of the left subclavian artery from the aortic arch. This results in a complex right‐subclavian‐aortic anatomy which leads to difficulty in transradial coronary angiography. This can lead to prolonged procedure time and increased use of catheters by unaware interventionists. This is even more important if this is encountered in the setting of an acute myocardial infarction. Our review takes into account clinical significance of this uncommon anomaly in the field of interventional cardiology.
Highly Dispersed Bimetallic Nanoparticles Supported on Titanium Carbides for Remarkable Hydrogen Release from Hydrous Hydrazine
Authors: Liu Tong , Wang Qingtao , Yuan Jingzhi , Zhao Xue , Gao Guanhui
Published: December 2017

The catalytic decomposition of hydrous hydrazine (N2H4⋅H2O) is considered a promising candidate for the fuel‐cell field, but sluggish reaction kinetics dramatically impede its practical application. In this study, bimetallic RhNi nanoparticles were successfully anchored on titanium carbides (MXene) by a one‐step wet‐chemical method to build superior catalysts for the decomposition of hydrous hydrazine (N2H4⋅H2O), a compound that can be used for chemical hydrogen storage. The synthesized RhNi/MXene catalysts were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. As a result of the particles size and a synergistic effect, the Rh0.8Ni0.2/MXene nanocatalyst demonstrated 100 % selectivity to H2, excellent stability, and high reaction kinetics with a turnover frequency of 857 h−1 for the decomposition of N2H4⋅H2O in alkaline solution.
“Yes, I Can”: Testing an Intervention to Increase Middle School Students’ College and Career Self‐Efficacy
Authors: Glessner Karin , Rockinson‐Szapkiw Amanda J. , Lopez Mercedes L.
Published: December 2017

Middle school is the appropriate time for students to begin exploring careers and improving self‐efficacy; however, empirically supported career and college readiness interventions for U.S. middle school students are limited. Examining the effect of an intervention that combined a virtual experience and a local college visit on middle school students (99 girls, 74 boys), the authors found that participating students had higher levels of college and career self‐efficacy than did nonparticipating students. The study shows that a workshop of the online Florida CHOICES program coupled with a campus visit increased middle school student career and college self‐efficacy. Future research should include longitudinal studies and use of diverse populations to improve generalizability of study results.
An Analysis of Peer Feedback Exchanged in Group Supervision
Authors: Wahesh Edward , Kemer Gulsah , Willis Ben T. , Schmidt Christopher D.
Published: December 2017

The authors examined the peer feedback exchanged in 2 supervision groups of counselors‐in‐training (CITs). CITs generated 169 statements grouped into 10 clusters representing 5 regions of peer feedback: counselor focus and engagement, insight‐oriented skills, exploratory skills, therapeutic alliance, and intervention activities. Both positive and corrective peer feedback was exchanged on topics ranging from counselor performance skills to case conceptualization.
Polycrystalline CoP/CoP2 Structures for Efficient Full Water Splitting
Authors: Li Shanpeng , Zhang Gong , Tu Xinman , Li Jinghong
Published: December 2017

Transition‐metal phosphides (TMPs) have attracted extensive attention for use in the field of full water splitting. Various methods have been investigated to obtain high catalytic activity, but in these synthetic processes other active materials are inevitably introduced to modify or load onto the surface of the TMP to further improve the catalytic performance. Herein, we describe a novel approach for preparing CoP/CoP2 structures (650 °C) by pyrolysis of a complex formed from Co ions crosslinked with phytic acid (PA) using 2‐methylimidazole (MeIM). The integration of CoP2 and CoP in the structures can enhance the intrinsic electrical conductivity, and facilitate electron transfer from solution to the electrode. Overpotentials of only 250 and 239 mV were required to support the current densities of 10 and 20 mA cm−2 for the oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction, respectively, demonstrating the potential of the novel material for practical overall water splitting.
Evidence for a Cooperative Mechanism Involving Two Palladium(0) Centers in the Oxidative Addition of Iodoarenes
Authors: Perego Luca Alessandro , Payard Pierre‐Adrien , Haddou Baptiste , Ciofini Ilaria , Grimaud Laurence
Published: December 2017

Oxidative addition of iodoarenes (ArI) to Pd0 ligated by 1‐methyl‐1H‐imidazole (mim) in polar solvents leads to cationic arylpalladium(II) complexes [ArPd(mim)3]+. Kinetic analyses evidence that this reaction is second order with respect to the concentration of Pd0, and a mechanism involving the cooperative intervention of two Pd0 centers has been postulated to explain this finding. This unusual behavior is also observed with other nitrogen‐containing ligands and it is general for iodobenzenes substituted with electron‐donating or weakly electron‐withdrawing groups. In contrast, bromoarenes and electron‐poor iodoarenes display first‐order kinetics with respect to Pd0. Theoretical calculations performed at the density functional theory (DFT) level suggest the existence of mim‐ligated ArI‐Pd0 complexes, in which the iodoarene is bound to the metal in a halogen‐bond‐like fashion. Coordination weakens the C−I bond and facilitates the oxidative insertion of another Pd0 center across this C−I bond. This conceptually novel mechanism, involving the cooperative participation of two distinct metal centers, allows a full explanation of the experimentally observed kinetics.
Humic and Fulvic Acids as Potentially Toxic Metal Reducing Agents in Water
Authors: Lalas Stavros , Athanasiadis Vasilios , Dourtoglou Vassilis G.
Published: December 2017

Industrial activity has contributed to potentially toxic metal pollution in various ecosystems throughout the world. In this study, the ability of humic and fulvic acids (isolated from lignite with a simple, rapid, and inexpensive method) to reduce toxic metals’ concentration of contaminated water is examined. More specifically, the effect of these compounds is tested on water contaminated (at various concentrations) with Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb. The determination is performed by inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry. The maximum binding capacity is presented by fulvic acids in the following order Cr>Pb>Ni>Cu>Cd (97.8, 96.5, 95.4, 95.1, and 83.3%, respectively), while for humic acids it is Pb>Ni>Cr>Cu>Cd (81.3, 70.7, 68.6, 67.0, and 66.8%, respectively). The binding activity is also tested on water contaminated with two metals simultaneously. In these cases, the existence of two metals in water changes the reduction ability of humic and fulvic acids (positively or negatively).
Liver cancer survival in the United States by race and stage (2001‐2009): Findings from the CONCORD‐2 study
Authors: Momin Behnoosh R. , Pinheiro Paulo S. , Carreira Helena , Li Chunyu , Weir Hannah K.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, liver cancer is a leading cause of death for both men and women. The number of Americans who are diagnosed with and die of liver cancer has been rising slowly each year. Using data from the CONCORD‐2 study, this study examined population‐based survival by state, race, and stage at diagnosis.

METHODS

Data from 37 statewide registries, which covered 81% of the US population, for patients diagnosed during 2001‐2009 were analyzed. Survival up to 5 years was adjusted for background mortality (net survival) with state‐ and race‐specific life tables, and it was age‐standardized with the International Cancer Survival Standard weights.

RESULTS

Liver cancer was diagnosed overall more often at the localized stage, with blacks being more often diagnosed at distant and regional stages than whites. 5‐year net survival was 12.2% in 2001‐2003 and 14.8% in 2004‐2009. Whites had higher survival than blacks in both calendar periods (11.7% vs 9.1% and 14.3% vs 11.4%, respectively). During 2004‐2009, 5‐year survival was 25.7% for localized‐stage disease, 9.5% for regional‐stage disease, and 3.5% for distant‐stage disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Some progress has occurred in survival for patients with liver cancer, but 5‐year survival remains low, even for those diagnosed at the localized stage. Efforts directed at controlling well‐established risk factors such as hepatitis B may have the greatest impact on reducing the burden of liver cancer in the United States. Cancer 2017;123:5059‐78. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Rectal cancer survival in the United States by race and stage, 2001 to 2009: Findings from the CONCORD‐2 study
Authors: Joseph Djenaba A. , Johnson Chris J. , White Arica , Wu Manxia , Coleman Michel P.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

In the first CONCORD study, 5‐year survival for patients with diagnosed with rectal cancer between 1990 and 1994 was <60%, with large racial disparities noted in the majority of participating states. We have updated these findings to 2009 by examining population‐based survival by stage of disease at the time of diagnosis, race, and calendar period.

METHODS

Data from the CONCORD‐2 study were used to compare survival among individuals aged 15 to 99 years who were diagnosed in 37 states encompassing up to 80% of the US population. We estimated net survival up to 5 years after diagnosis correcting for background mortality with state‐specific and race‐specific life table. Survival estimates were age‐standardized with the International Cancer Survival Standard weights. We present survival estimates by race (all, black, and white) for 2001 through 2003 and 2004 through 2009 to account for changes in collecting the data for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Summary Stage 2000.

RESULTS

There was a small increase in 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year net survival between 2001‐2003 (84.6%, 70.7%, and 63.2%, respectively), and 2004‐2009 (85.1%, 71.5%, and 64.1%, respectively). Black individuals were found to have lower 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year survival than white individuals in both periods; the absolute difference in survival between black and white individuals declined only for 5‐year survival. Black patients had lower 5‐year survival than whites at each stage at the time of diagnosis in both time periods.

CONCLUSIONS

There was little improvement noted in net survival for patients with rectal cancer, with persistent disparities noted between black and white individuals. Additional investigation is needed to identify and implement effective interventions to ensure the consistent and equitable use of high‐quality screening, diagnosis, and treatment to improve survival for patients with rectal cancer. Cancer 2017;123:5037‐58. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Disparities in breast cancer survival in the United States (2001‐2009): Findings from the CONCORD‐2 study
Authors: Miller Jacqueline W. , Smith Judith Lee , Ryerson A. Blythe , Tucker Thomas C. , Allemani Claudia
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Reducing breast cancer incidence and achieving equity in breast cancer outcomes remains a priority for public health practitioners, health care providers, policy makers, and health advocates. Monitoring breast cancer survival can help evaluate the effectiveness of health services, quantify inequities in outcomes between states or population subgroups, and inform efforts to improve the effectiveness of cancer management and treatment.

METHODS

We analyzed breast cancer survival using individual patient records from 37 statewide registries that participated in the CONCORD‐2 study, covering approximately 80% of the US population. Females were diagnosed between 2001 and 2009 and were followed through December 31, 2009. Age‐standardized net survival at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years after diagnosis was estimated by state, race (white, black), stage at diagnosis, and calendar period (2001‐2003 and 2004‐2009).

RESULTS

Overall, 5‐year breast cancer net survival was very high (88.2%). Survival remained remarkably high from 2001 through 2009. Between 2001 and 2003, survival was 89.1% for white females and 76.9% for black females. Between 2004 and 2009, survival was 89.6% for white females and 78.4% for black females.

CONCLUSIONS

Breast cancer survival was more than 10 percentage points lower for black females than for white females, and this difference persisted over time. Reducing racial disparities in survival remains a challenge that requires broad, coordinated efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. Monitoring trends in breast cancer survival can highlight populations in need of improved cancer management and treatment. Cancer 2017;123:5100‐18. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Population‐based cancer survival in the United States: Data, quality control, and statistical methods
Authors: Allemani Claudia , Harewood Rhea , Johnson Christopher J. , Carreira Helena , Spika Devon , Bonaventure Audrey , Ward Kevin , Weir Hannah K. , Coleman Michel P.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Robust comparisons of population‐based cancer survival estimates require tight adherence to the study protocol, standardized quality control, appropriate life tables of background mortality, and centralized analysis. The CONCORD program established worldwide surveillance of population‐based cancer survival in 2015, analyzing individual data on 26 million patients (including 10 million US patients) diagnosed between 1995 and 2009 with 1 of 10 common malignancies.

METHODS

In this Cancer supplement, we analyzed data from 37 state cancer registries that participated in the second cycle of the CONCORD program (CONCORD‐2), covering approximately 80% of the US population. Data quality checks were performed in 3 consecutive phases: protocol adherence, exclusions, and editorial checks. One‐, 3‐, and 5‐year age‐standardized net survival was estimated using the Pohar Perme estimator and state‐ and race‐specific life tables of all‐cause mortality for each year. The cohort approach was adopted for patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2003, and the complete approach for patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2009.

RESULTS

Articles in this supplement report population coverage, data quality indicators, and age‐standardized 5‐year net survival by state, race, and stage at diagnosis. Examples of tables, bar charts, and funnel plots are provided in this article.

CONCLUSIONS

Population‐based cancer survival is a key measure of the overall effectiveness of services in providing equitable health care. The high quality of US cancer registry data, 80% population coverage, and use of an unbiased net survival estimator ensure that the survival trends reported in this supplement are robustly comparable by race and state. The results can be used by policymakers to identify and address inequities in cancer survival in each state and for the United States nationally. Cancer 2017;123:4982‐93. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Prostate cancer survival in the United States by race and stage (2001‐2009): Findings from the CONCORD‐2 study
Authors: Steele C. Brooke , Li Jun , Huang Bin , Weir Hannah K.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

The 5‐year relative survival for prostate cancers diagnosed between 1990 and 1994 in the United States was very high (92%); however, survival in black males was 7% lower compared with white males. The authors updated these findings and examined survival by stage and race.

METHODS

The authors used data from the CONCORD‐2 study for males (ages 15‐99 years) who were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 37 states, covering 80% of the US population. Survival was adjusted for background mortality (net survival) using state‐specific and race‐specific life tables and was age‐standardized. Data were presented for 2001 through 2003 and 2004 through 2009 to account for changes in collecting SEER Summary Stage 2000.

RESULTS

Among the 1,527,602 prostate cancers diagnosed between 2001 and 2009, the proportion of localized cases increased from 73% to 77% in black males and from 77% to 79% in white males. Although the proportion of distant‐stage cases was higher among black males than among white males, they represented less than 6% of cases in both groups between 2004 and 2009. Net survival exceeded 99% for localized stage between 2004 and 2009 in both racial groups. Overall, and in most states, 5‐year net survival exceeded 95%.

CONCLUSIONS

Prostate cancer survival has increased since the first CONCORD study, and the racial gap has narrowed. Earlier detection of localized cancers likely contributed to this finding. However, racial disparities also were observed in overall survival. To help understand which factors might contribute to the persistence of this disparity, states could use local data to explore sociodemographic characteristics, such as survivors’ health insurance status, health literacy, treatment decision‐making processes, and treatment preferences. Cancer 2017;123:5160‐77. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Disparities in ovarian cancer survival in the United States (2001‐2009): Findings from the CONCORD‐2 study
Authors: Stewart Sherri L. , Harewood Rhea , Matz Melissa , Rim Sun Hee , Sabatino Susan A. , Ward Kevin C. , Weir Hannah K.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. This study reports ovarian cancer survival by state, race, and stage at diagnosis using data from the CONCORD‐2 study, the largest and most geographically comprehensive, population‐based survival study to date.

METHODS

Data from women diagnosed with ovarian cancer between 2001 and 2009 from 37 states, covering 80% of the US population, were used in all analyses. Survival was estimated up to 5 years and was age standardized and adjusted for background mortality (net survival) using state‐specific and race‐specific life tables.

RESULTS

Among the 172,849 ovarian cancers diagnosed between 2001 and 2009, more than one‐half were diagnosed at distant stage. Five‐year net survival was 39.6% between 2001 and 2003 and 41% between 2004 and 2009. Black women had consistently worse survival compared with white women (29.6% from 2001‐2003 and 31.1% from 2004‐2009), despite similar stage distributions. Stage‐specific survival for all races combined between 2004 and 2009 was 86.4% for localized stage, 60.9% for regional stage, and 27.4% for distant stage.

CONCLUSIONS

The current data demonstrate a large and persistent disparity in ovarian cancer survival among black women compared with white women in most states. Clinical and public health efforts that ensure all women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer receive appropriate, guidelines‐based treatment may help to decrease these disparities. Future research that focuses on the development of new methods or modalities to detect ovarian cancer at early stages, when survival is relatively high, will likely improve overall US ovarian cancer survival. Cancer 2017;123:5138‐59. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Characterization of retinal ganglion cell, horizontal cell, and amacrine cell types expressing the neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase Ret
Authors: Parmhans Nadia , Sajgo Szilard , Niu Jingwen , Luo Wenqin , Badea Tudor Constantin
Published: December 2017

We report the retinal expression pattern of Ret, a receptor tyrosine kinase for the glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands (GFLs), during development and in the adult mouse. Ret is initially expressed in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), followed by horizontal cells (HCs) and amacrine cells (ACs), beginning with the early stages of postmitotic development. Ret expression persists in all three classes of neurons in the adult. Using RNA sequencing, immunostaining and random sparse recombination, we show that Ret is expressed in at least three distinct types of ACs, and ten types of RGCs. Using intersectional genetics, we describe the dendritic arbor morphologies of RGC types expressing Ret in combination with each of the three members of the POU4f/Brn3 family of transcription factors. Ret expression overlaps with Brn3a in 4 RGC types, with Brn3b in 5 RGC types, and with Brn3c in one RGC type, respectively. Ret+ RGCs project to the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), pretectal area (PTA) and superior colliculus (SC), and avoid the suprachiasmatic nucleus and accessory optic system. Brn3a+ Ret+ and Brn3c+ Ret+ RGCs project preferentially to contralateral retinorecipient areas, while Brn3b+ Ret+ RGCs shows minor ipsilateral projections to the olivary pretectal nucleus and the LGN. Our findings establish intersectional genetic approaches for the anatomic and developmental characterization of individual Ret+ RGC types. In addition, they provide necessary information for addressing the potential interplay between GDNF neurotrophic signaling and transcriptional regulation in RGC type specification.
A multithreading and hashing technique for indexing Target‐Decoy peptides databases
Authors: Maabreh Majdi , Irshid Hafez , Gupta Ajay , Alasmadi Izzat
Published: December 2017

Target‐Decoy database is currently the method of choice to assess the quality of Proteins' search engines. Decoy versions of real peptides are generated and injected to the same database of real ones with different labels. Quality of search engines results is assessed based on the number of decoys retrieved as hits. In Crux‐Tide search engine, which is one of the fastest search engines currently available, the process of indexing and generating decoys is computationally expensive. In this paper, we analyze the serial algorithm in detail and show improvement possibilities, and then describe a parallel‐shared memory solution using OpenMP. To completely break up the dependency in the serial algorithms, a clever hashing technique is utilized to localize the process. The parallel solution and the hashing technique together are able to reduce the computation cost by approximately 70‐80% using few threads. Besides the parallelization, we redesign part of the serial code so that the memory consumption becomes more efficient. The parallel version can index the same files using around two‐third of the memory space that the serial version consumes. This solution could impact and support future distributed developments of Crux‐Tide searching phase, where each parallel unit could rank the observed spectra independently.
Phosphasalen vs. Salen Ligands: What Does the Phosphorus Change?
Authors: Marín Irene Mustieles , Auffrant Audrey
Published: December 2017

Phosphasalen ligands can be viewed as the phosphorus analogues of salen, in which the imine functions were replaced by iminophosphoranes (P=N). Their divergent stereoelectronic properties compared to salen, namely larger electron‐donation, higher flexibility, and larger steric hindrance due to the presence of two substituents on the tetrahedral phosphorus atoms, were exploited in coordination chemistry and catalysis. They were proven to be able to stabilize metals in unusual oxidation states; square planar copper(III) and nickel(III) complexes were isolated. Because of the redox non‐innocent character of these ligands, the electronic structure of the one‐electron oxidized complexes was studied in depth to determine the metallic vs. ligand contribution in the overall delocalization. In addition, the catalytic activity of different phosphasalen complexes was proven for the ring opening polymerization of lactide, and rare‐earth phosphasalen complexes were shown to be powerful, rapid, controlled, and stereoselective initiators. Importantly, the stereochemical outcome of the reaction can be tuned by changing the ligand structure or the metal. In particular, efficient iso‐selective initiators were developed.