bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rigor in Qualitative Research
Authors: Löblich Maria
Published: November 2017

Rigor is conceptualized as quality in this entry. Quality criteria help researchers to decide about all the issues that are crucial in the course of a study and serve readers to evaluate the quality of these decisions. From a sociology of science perspective, quality criteria define what is accepted as good research in a scientific community. This entry considers the strong quantitative research context within which qualitative research has developed and which has led to a variety of conflicting quality concepts. Four positions are distinguished according to their relation to quantitative research. Drawing on these positions, one understanding of quality is developed, including a set of criteria (reliability, validity, transferability, freedom from value judgment) as well as corresponding strategies (proximity to the object under study, provide evidence with contextualized quotes, documentation of the research process, self‐reflection, reflection of the study's development, interpretation in groups).
Sampling, Online
Authors: Von Pape Thilo
Published: November 2017

Online sampling is the extraction of units from populations through the means of online communication with the objective of investigating the populations through the study of these units. In communication research, these populations are mostly constituted by persons, entities of content, or organizations, but they can also be constituted by other types of units such as relations (e.g., hyperlinks, communicational ties), behaviors, experiences, or other types of units. This entry presents various means to employ online sampling in surveys, but also in content analysis and in the analysis of observational data. It discusses the extent and relevance of coverage and sampling error in these different contexts as well as more general challenges and potentials of online sampling.
Sampling, Random
Authors: Saldaña Magdalena
Published: November 2017

Random sampling is the procedure in which all members of a population have a known, nonzero chance of being selected. When samples are randomly chosen, researchers can use sample data to make educated guesses about the population. Likewise, random samples allow the calculation of sampling errors with a certain level of confidence. Simple random sampling, systematic random sampling, stratified random sampling, and cluster sampling are the most common random sampling designs.
Scale Types
Authors: Keene Justin Robert
Published: November 2017

The ability to inquire into an individual's feelings, attitudes, and opinions is a nontrivial assumption in communication research. One of the most commonly used methods for such inquiry is the scalar measure. This entry focuses on three scale types that are ubiquitous in communication research: simple ratings, Likert and Likert‐type scales, and semantic differential scales. The strengths and weaknesses of each scale type are discussed. Finally, potential issues with data integrity are discussed within the framework of scalar measures.
Social Network Analysis
Authors: Friemel Thomas N.
Published: November 2017

Social network analysis (SNA) encompasses a large set of methodological, statistical, and theoretical approaches that are developed for the analysis of relational data. Since the subject of communication is relational by definition, SNA is gaining increasing importance to study the structure of communication infrastructure, content, actors, and processes. Subjects of analysis typically are the positions of specific nodes in a network, detection of generalized positions (e.g., opinion leaders), the overall structure of a network (e.g., density), tendencies of clustering of nodes in subsets such as cliques, as well as dynamic processes (e.g., selection and influence/diffusion). SNA allows to bridge the gap between micro‐ and macro‐level by analyzing the relation between specific local patterns and the emergence of complex structures. Hereby, visualization of network data in sociograms is an inherent part of analysis and for reporting results.
Statistics, Inferential
Authors: Naab Thorsten
Published: November 2017

Statistical inference attempts to make generalizations about a population based on the data of an observed sample. Several paradigms are concerned with the question of how the procedures of inference should be justified and conducted. In the field of communication research, frequentist inference and Bayesian inference are the most common approaches. The propositions of statistical inference include point estimation, interval estimation, and hypothesis testing.
Survey Methods, Online
Authors: Hooker Catherine M. , DE Zúñiga Homero Gil
Published: November 2017

This entry seeks to contextualize survey methodology as a means of advancing social scientific work. In particular, the entry focuses on online survey methodology. It explores the opportunities and perils of relying on online survey methods to collect people's attitudes and behaviors. A brief comparison of alternative types of survey data collection is also offered.
Survey Methods, Traditional, Public Opinion Polling
Authors: Elmelund‐Præstekær Christian , Hopmann David Nicolas , Pedersen Rasmus Tue
Published: November 2017

Traditional public opinion polls are surveys in which a random sample of a given population is asked questions about their attitudes, knowledge, or behavior. If conducted properly, the answers from such surveys are approximately representative of the entire population. Traditional public opinion polling is typically based on four different methods of data gathering, or combinations hereof: face‐to‐face, postal surveys, phone surveys, and web surveys. Given that opinion polls are based on a sample, we cannot be sure that the sample reflects public opinion perfectly, however—even if randomness is perfect. Moreover, responses may be highly dependent on the contextual information provided with the question. Also, it may be difficult to capture past or complex causes of attitudes or behavior. In short, surveys are a precise way of measuring public opinion, but they do not come without challenges.
Types of Observers
Authors: Scott Cliff , Medaugh Melissa
Published: November 2017

Qualitative observers may play any number of roles during field data collection that vary according to the purposes of their research projects, the nature of the setting in which observations are performed, and the level of access granted by site gatekeepers and human subjects committees. Most qualitative studies that include observational data describe how field observers related to the human activities they studied with one of the following field role categories: complete participant, participant as observer, observer as participant, and complete observer. These field role categories are not just helpful in describing what researchers have done but also prescribe methodological choices and put boundaries around the type of interaction in which observers should and should not engage. Each role type can be considered a distinct field data collection tool with a characteristic set of behaviors that vary in terms of (a) the level of interaction between observers and study participants, and (b) the degree to which participants are aware they are being observed for the purposes of research.
Holistic Ethnography
Authors: Cunningham Breede Deborah
Published: November 2017

Holistic ethnography situates itself among many disciplines and curls around social, natural, and applied sciences through the humanities, arts, and liberal studies. Theorized separatisms of mind, body, and spirit are increasingly challenged as some researchers define “health” and its subsequent conceptualizations of human behavior with methodologies that integrate human complexities and allow for the study of emotion, compassion, empathy, embodiment, and the corporeal arising out of and resulting in holistic approaches to the complexities of interrogating human behavior generally, and in this entry more specifically, human communication.
Implicit Methods
Authors: Ellithorpe Morgan E.
Published: November 2017

Implicit measures are used in contexts where explicit measures are likely to be influenced by respondent motivational biases or when respondents are not expected to be able to report accurately. Implicit measures can be useful in assessing attention, memory, arousal, accessibility, attitudes, and norms. There are a variety of measures to choose from, each with their own considerations and assumptions.
Polymerase I Transcription
Authors: Sáez‐Vásquez Julio , Echeverría Manuel
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Organization ofrRNAGenes

RibosomalRNATranscription and the Nucleolus

rRNAGene Promoters and Transcription Factors

RNApolIHoloenzymes: Evidence and Controversies

CouplingrDNATranscription and Processing of Pre‐rRNA

Growth and Hormonal Control ofRNApolITranscription

Nucleolar Dominance

Final Remarks

Acknowledgment
Networks of Transcriptional Regulation Underlying Plant Defense Responses toward Phytopathogens
Authors: Somssich Imre E.
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Defense Transcriptome

Regulatory Sequences Mediating Defense Gene Expression

Transcription Factors Involved in Defense Gene Regulation

Transcriptional Networks

Defense Gene Suppression by Pathogens

Summary and Outlook

Acknowledgments
Modulation of Transcriptional Networks in Crop Plants
Authors: Zhu Tong
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Genes, Regulatory Factors, Regulatory Pathways, Regulatory Nodes, and Regulatory Networks

Functional Characterization of Transcription Factor Genes

Reverse Engineering of Transcription Regulatory Network

Transcription Network in Crop Plants

Transcription Factors as Gene Switches for Genetic Engineering

Perspectives
Cryptochromes
Authors: Batschauer Alfred , Banerjee Roopa , Pokorny Richard
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Cryptochrome Genes and Their Evolution

Cryptochrome Domains, Chromophores and Structure

Cryptochrome Biochemistry and Spectroscopy

Expression and Biological Activity of Cryptochromes

Cryptochrome Signalling

Acknowledgements
Phytochrome‐Interacting Factors
Authors: Quail Peter H.
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Methodology

phỳ‐Interactors

Pre‐Selected Interaction Targets

Perspective

Acknowledgements
Phosphorylation/Dephosphorylation in Photoreceptor Signalling
Authors: Lillo Cathrine , Allen Trudie , Møller Simon Geir
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Phytochromes

Cryptochromes

Phototropins

Is Phosphorylation/Dephosphorylation Important for Downstream Events?

Conclusions
UV‐BPerception and Signal Transduction
Authors: Jenkins Gareth I. , Brown Bobby A.
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

UV‐Bin the Environment

Plant Responses toUV‐B

UV‐BPerception and Signal Transduction

Genetic Approach

Concluding Remarks

Acknowledgements
Photocontrol of Flowering
Authors: Devlin Paul
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Internal Cues

External Cues

Convergence of the Flowering Pathways

Conclusion
Photoreceptor Biotechnology
Authors: Hudson Matthew
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction and Background

Approaches to Modification of Photomorphogenic Responses in Crop Plants

Modification of Photomorphogenesis Using Genetic Transformation – The State of the Art

Modification of Photomorphogenesis by Utilizing Genetic Diversity

Photoreceptor Biotechnologyex planta

Future Directions in Photoreceptor Biotechnology

Acknowledgments
Light‐Quality Manipulation by Horticulture Industry
Authors: Rajapakse Nihal C. , Shahak Yosepha
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Regions of Light Spectrum Important for Plant Growth and Development

Plant Responses to Quality of Light

Light Manipulation by Horticulture Industry

Future Prospects
Mitochondrial Dynamics: The Control of Mitochondrial Shape, Size, Number, Motility, and Cellular Inheritance
Authors: Scott Iain , Logan David C.
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Endosymbiosis and Mitochondrial Evolution

Chondriome Structure and Organisation – The Discontinuous Whole

Control of Mitochondrial Number, Size, and Gross Morphology

Mitochondrial Movement and Cellular Inheritance

Other Plant Mitochondrial Dynamics Mutants

Metabolic Control of Mitochondrial Morphology and Motility

Concluding Remarks

Acknowledgements
Expression of the Plant Mitochondrial Genome
Authors: Gagliardi Dominique , Binder Stefan
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Identification of the Pentatricopeptide Repeats Protein Family: A Key Discovery toward the Understanding of Plant Mitochondrial Gene Expression

Transcription in Higher Plant Mitochondria

Splicing

Exchange of Nucleotide Identity byRNAEditing

5′ and 3′ Processing of Plant Mitochondrial Transcripts

Stabilization and Degradation ofRNA

Translation and Posttranslational Control

Concluding Remarks

Acknowledgements
Mitochondrial Respiratory Complex Biogenesis: Communication, Gene Expression and Assembly
Authors: Giegé Philippe
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Biogenesis of Prosthetic Groups Essential for Respiration

Mitochondrial Respiratory Complexes Assembly

Gene Expression for the Biogenesis of Mitochondrial Respiratory Complexes

Mitochondria–Nucleus Cross Talk

Concluding Remarks

Acknowledgements
Supramolecular Structure of the Oxidative Phosphorylation System in Plants
Authors: Heinemeyer Jesco , Dudkina Natalya V. , Boekema Egbert J. , Braun Hans‐Peter
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Structure and Function ofOXPHOSComplexesI–V

Supramolecular Organization of theOXPHOSSystem

Concluding Remarks

Acknowledgements
The Growing Family of Plant Cyclin‐Dependent Kinases with Multiple Functions in Cellular and Developmental Regulation
Authors: Dudits Dénes , Cserháti Mátyás , Miskolczi Pál , Horváth Gábor V.
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Structural Diversity in the Family of Plant
CDKs

Expression Profiles of
CDK
Genes: Structures and Functions of Promoters

Diverse Functions of
CDK
Protein Complexes in Multiple Regulatory Mechanisms

Developmental Consequences of Altered
CDK
Functions

Perspectives

Acknowledgments
CDKInhibitors
Authors: Wang Hong , Zhou Yongming , Acosta Juan Antonio Torres , Fowke Larry C.
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

PlantCDKInhibitors and Sequence Uniqueness

Expression

Interactions with Cell Cycle Proteins andCDKInhibition

Protein Stability and Modifications

Cellular Localization

CDKInhibitors and Plant Growth and Development

Cell Cycle Phase Transitions

Cell Cycle Exit and Endoreduplication

Concluding Remarks

Notes Added at Proofing Stage

Acknowledgments
E2F–DP
Transcription Factors
Authors: Ramirez‐Parra Elena , del Pozo Juan Carlos , Desvoyes Bénédicte , de la Paz Sanchez María , Gutierrez Crisanto
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

E2F–DP
Transcription Factors: A Historical Perspective

Domain Organization of
E2F–DP
Proteins

Transcriptional and Post‐Translational Regulation of
E2F

E2F–DP
Target Genes

Functional Relevance of
E2F–DP
in Development

E2F
and Epigenetic Regulation of Gene Expression

Concluding Remarks: Complexity of
E2F
‐Dependent Regulation of Gene Expression

Acknowledgments
Function of the Retinoblastoma‐Related Protein in Plants
Authors: Gruissem Wilhelm
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Retinoblastoma Proteins and the Tumor Suppressor Concept

The Retinoblastoma Pathway is Conserved in Animals and Plants

Retinoblastoma Proteins form Complexes with
E2F
Transcription Factors to Control Entry into the Cell Cycle

G1
Restriction Point Control is Mediated by Retinoblastoma Protein Phosphorylation

Animal and Plant
DNA
Viruses Target Retinoblastoma Proteins to Induce Host
DNA
Replication

Information on Retinoblastoma Protein Function in Animal Development is Still Incomplete

Retinoblastoma Proteins may have Conserved Functions in Germline Development

Retinoblastoma Proteins Connect Stem Cell Maintenance to Cell Proliferation and Differentiation

Perturbation of
RBR
during Leaf Development Affects Cell Proliferation and Control of
DNA
Replication

Roles of Retinoblastoma Proteins in Transcription Activation and Repression

Retinoblastoma Proteins Interact with Polycomb Group Complexes in Controlling Gene Expression

Conclusion

Acknowledgments
Physiological Relevance and Molecular Control of the Endocycle in Plants
Authors: Vlieghe Kobe , Inzé Dirk , Veylder Lieven De
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Occurrence and Physiological Role of Endoreduplication in Nature

Molecular Control of the Endocycle

Environmental and Hormonal Control of the Endocycle

Outlook

Acknowledgments
One‐Pot Domino Synthesis of Diarylalkynes/1,4‐Diaryl‐1,3‐diynes by [9,9‐Dimethyl‐4,5‐bis(diphenylphosphino)xanthene] (Xantphos)–Copper(I) Iodide–Palladium(II) Acetate‐Catalyzed Double Sonogashira‐Type Reaction
Authors: Qiu Shaozhong , Zhang Caiyang , Qiu Rui , Yin Guodong , Huang Jinkun
Published: November 2017

The low loading combination of the complex [9,9‐dimethyl‐4,5‐bis(diphenylphosphino)xanthene] (Xantphos)copper(I) iodide and simple ligand‐free palladium(II) acetate was found to be efficient for the domino synthesis of diarylalkynes by the reaction of aryl halides with trimethylsilylethynylene or bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene in a single‐step procedure. The unsymmetrical diarylalkynes can be obtained through a one‐pot two‐step approach. The reactions of aryl bromides with 1,4‐bis(trimethylsilyl)butadiyne also furnished the corresponding 1,4‐diaryl‐1,3‐diynes in a similar fashion. This route to diarylalkynes and 1,4‐diaryl‐1,3‐diynes is complementary to previously reported synthetic procedures.

magnified image
Toward Aerogel Electrodes of Superior Rate Performance in Supercapacitors through Engineered Hollow Nanoparticles of NiCo2O4
Authors: Li Jianjiang , Chen Shuai , Zhu Xiaoyi , She Xilin , Liu Tongchao , Zhang Huawei , Komarneni Sridhar , Yang Dongjiang , Yao Xiangdong
Published: November 2017

A biomass‐templated pathway is developed for scalable synthesis of NiCo2O4@carbon aerogel electrodes for supercapacitors, where NiCo2O4 hollow nanoparticles with an average outer diameter of 30–40 nm are conjoined by graphitic carbon forming a 3D aerogel structure. This kind of NiCo2O4 aerogel structure shows large specific surface area (167.8 m2 g−1), high specific capacitance (903.2 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1), outstanding rate performance (96.2% capacity retention from 1 to 10 A g−1), and excellent cycling stability (nearly without capacitance loss after 3000 cycles at 10 A g−1). The unique structure of the 3D hollow aerogel synergistically contributes to the high performance. For instance, the 3D interconnected porous structure of the aerogel is beneficial for electrolyte ion diffusion and for shortening the electron transport pathways, and thus can improve the rate performance. The conductive carbon joint greatly enhances the specific capacity, and the hollow structure prohibits the volume changes during the charge–discharge process to significantly improve the cycling stability. This work represents a giant step toward the preparation of high‐performance commercial supercapacitors.
Environment‐Adaptive Coassembly/Self‐Sorting and Stimulus‐Responsiveness Transfer Based on Cholesterol Building Blocks
Authors: Xing Pengyao , Tham Huijun Phoebe , Li Peizhou , Chen Hongzhong , Xiang Huijing , Zhao Yanli
Published: November 2017

Manipulating the property transfer in nanosystems is a challenging task since it requires switchable molecular packing such as separate aggregation (self‐sorting) or synergistic aggregation (coassembly). Herein, a unique manipulation of self‐sorting/coassembly aggregation and the observation of switchable stimulus‐responsiveness transfer in a two component self‐assembly system are reported. Two building blocks bearing the same cholesterol group give versatile topological structures in polar and nonpolar solvents. One building block (cholesterol conjugated cynanostilbene, CCS) consists of cholesterol conjugated with a cynanostilbene unit, and the other one (C10CN) is comprised of cholesterol connected with a naphthalimide group having a flexible long alkyl chain. Their assemblies including gel, crystalline plates, and vesicles are obtained. In gel and crystalline plate phases, the self‐sorting behavior dominates, while synergistic coassembly occurs in vesicle phase. Since CCS having the cyanostilbene group can respond to the light irradiation, it undergoes light‐induced chiral amplification. C10CN is thermally responsive, whereby its supramolecular chirality is inversed upon heating. In coassembled vesicles, it is interestingly observed that their responsiveness can be transferred by each other, i.e., the C10CN segment is sensitive to the light irradiation, while CCS is thermoresponsive. This unprecedented behavior of the property transfer may shine a light to the precise fabrication of smart materials.
Synthesis of ternary distillation process structures featuring minimum utility cost using the IDEAS approach
Authors: Takase Hiroshi , Hasebe Shinji
Published: November 2017

A synthesis method for ternary distillation process structures is proposed on the basis of the infinite‐dimensional state‐space (IDEAS) approach. The proposed synthesis procedure consists of two steps. At the first step, the utility cost is minimized. The result of the first step contains many tiny flows among the modules because the number of flows is not included in the objective function. Then, at the second step, an evolutionary procedure for process simplification is executed. In this step, the weighted sum of flow rates is minimized recursively while updating the weights at each iteration. The practical process structure is finally determined from the result of the second simplification step. The developed synthesis procedure was applied to the separation problem of a ternary mixture consisting of benzene, toluene, and o‐xylene. It demonstrated that the proposed procedure provides a process whose liquid composition profile is quite similar to that of a Petlyuk column. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 1285–1294, 2018
School Sense of Community, Teacher Support, and Students’ School Safety Perceptions
Authors: Lenzi Michela , Sharkey Jill , Furlong Michael J. , Mayworm Ashley , Hunnicutt Kayleigh , Vieno Alessio
Published: November 2017

Highlights

The association between school climate and students’ perceptions of unsafety at school was examined.

School climate (SoC and teacher support) was measured both at the individual and at the school level.

At the individual level, sense of community and teacher support were negatively associated with unsafety.

At the school level, sense of community was negatively associated with unsafe feelings.

Findings support the need to implement interventions promoting a cohesive school climate.
Complicating Narratives: Defining and Deconstructing Ethical Challenges in Community Psychology
Authors: Campbell Rebecca , Morris Michael
Published: November 2017

In this concluding essay, we review the case studies presented in this Special Issue and examine whether community psychology has a distinctive approach to defining and resolving the core ethical canons of the Belmont Report (1979): Respect for Persons, Beneficence, and Justice. For two of these Principles—Respect for Persons and Beneficence—community psychologists elaborate upon and extend their definitions to consider their meaning in community‐based, social justice‐oriented research. The field's approach to Respect for Persons is multilevel in nature; in addition to respecting individuals and their diverse identities, we also have obligations to respect our community partnerships, the communities with whom we work, and the populations and cultures represented in our work. Similarly, for community psychologists, Beneficence is a multilevel construct that considers risks and benefits at the group, community, and cultural levels of analysis. With respect to Justice, community psychologists’ views of our ethical responsibilities are qualitatively different in meaning from the original Belmont Report and from disciplinary‐specific interpretations of this principle in ethical guidance documents from psychology, sociology, and evaluation. Our valuing of social change demands that we contribute to individual and group empowerment and liberation, and in so doing, that we avoid collusion with oppressive systems. Thus, we define our ethical responsibilities for promoting Justice as more action‐oriented than do other disciplines. The essay closes with an exploration of future directions for developing a comprehensive ethical framework for community psychology.
Engineering of a DNA Polymerase for Direct m6A Sequencing
Authors: Aschenbrenner Joos , Werner Stephan , Marchand Virginie , Adam Martina , Motorin Yuri , Helm Mark , Marx Andreas
Published: November 2017

Methods for the detection of RNA modifications are of fundamental importance for advancing epitranscriptomics. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant RNA modification in mammalian mRNA and is involved in the regulation of gene expression. Current detection techniques are laborious and rely on antibody‐based enrichment of m6A‐containing RNA prior to sequencing, since m6A modifications are generally “erased” during reverse transcription (RT). To overcome the drawbacks associated with indirect detection, we aimed to generate novel DNA polymerase variants for direct m6A sequencing. Therefore, we developed a screen to evolve an RT‐active KlenTaq DNA polymerase variant that sets a mark for N6‐methylation. We identified a mutant that exhibits increased misincorporation opposite m6A compared to unmodified A. Application of the generated DNA polymerase in next‐generation sequencing allowed the identification of m6A sites directly from the sequencing data of untreated RNA samples.
The impact of land use and land cover changes on East Asian summer monsoon precipitation using the WRF‐mosaic approach
Authors: Zhao Deming , Wu Jian
Published: November 2017

Based on satellite‐derived land surface data, the impact of land use and land cover (LULC) changes between the 1980s and 2010s on the monsoon‐related circulation and precipitation over East Asia was explored using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) regional climate model with the mosaic approach, which could consider subgrid‐scale LULC characteristics and the corresponding changes. Simulated results using the satellite‐based LULC data show that the monsoon‐related precipitation and rain belt movement could be well reproduced, whereas the precipitation was generally overestimated. In terms of the general effect of LULC changes between the 1980s and 2010s, the precipitation decreased in the north and increased in the south. Significant subregional characteristics are apparent in China, especially with respect to East Asian summer monsoon (EASM)‐related precipitation. The increased roughness induced weakened near‐surface wind speeds in the southern part of the EASM region, while the decreased roughness resulted in intensified values in the northern part. Meanwhile, the impacted EASM‐related circulation and moisture flux, which could be well explained by the LULC changes induced, influenced the pressure gradient and temperature gradient at low to middle latitudes, resulting in a weakened moisture flux from the southwest and the southeast, whereas it intensified from the South China Sea and at middle to high latitudes. In general, with weakened moisture flux at low to high latitudes, the EASM‐related rain belt's northward movement was restrained. Although the enhanced westerly currents contributed to the increased moisture flux at middle to high latitudes, the precipitation there decreased due to the stronger weakened northward moisture flux.
Cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in patients with intermittent claudication and critical limb ischaemia
Authors: van Haelst S T W , Koopman C , den Ruijter H M , Moll F L , Visseren F L , Vaartjes I , de Borst G J
Published: November 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate absolute mortality risks and to determine whether changes in mortality risk occurred in patients with intermittent claudication (IC) or critical limb ischaemia (CLI) in the Netherlands between 1998 and 2010.

Methods

Data for patients treated between 1998 and 2010 were obtained from Dutch nationwide registers: the Hospital Discharge Register, Population Register and Cause of Death Register. The registers were used to obtain information regarding IC and CLI hospitalizations, co-morbidities, demographic factors, and date and cause of death. The cohort was split into two time intervals for comparison: 1998–2004 (period 1) and 2005–2010 (period 2). Thirty-day mortality was excluded to eliminate per-admission complications. One- and 5-year cardiovascular and all-cause mortality rates were compared with those of a representative sample of the general Dutch population (28 494 persons) by Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Some 47 548 patients were included, 34 078 with IC and 13 470 with CLI. In patients with IC, the age-adjusted 5-year mortality risk for cardiovascular disease decreased significantly in period 2 (14·1 per cent) compared with that in period 1 (16·1 per cent) in men only (5-year adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0·76, 95 per cent c.i. 0·69 to 0·83; P < 0·001). In patients with CLI, the cardiovascular mortality risk decreased significantly only in women, with the 5-year risk reducing from 31·2 per cent in period 1 to 29·2 per cent in period 2 (adjusted HR 0·84, 0·74 to 0·94; P = 0·004). Compared with the general population, the mortality risk in patients with IC was increased between 1·70 (1·58 to 1·83) and 3·20 (2·69 to 3·81) times, and in those with CLI the risk was increased between 2·24 (2·09 to 2·40) and 5·19 (4·30 to 6·26) times.

Conclusion

The risk of premature death in patients with IC and CLI declined significantly in the Netherlands, in a sex-specific manner, over the period from 1998 to 2010. The absolute risk of cardiovascular mortality remains high in these patients.
Mathematical Model for Numerical Simulation of Organic Compound Recovery Using Membrane Separation
Authors: Pelalak Rasool , Heidari Zahra , Soltani Hadi , Shirazian Saeed
Published: November 2017

A novel methodology in design and simulation of membrane‐based purification of organic solvents is proposed. A solution of water and alcohol served as model feed. Mass transfer and momentum transfer equations were derived and solved numerically to obtain the process output as function of process parameters. Water was taken as penetrant throughout the simulations. The studied process was pervaporation in which a nonporous polymeric membrane is used for purification of ethanol. Feed inlet concentration and velocity were considered as process input, water outlet concentration and removal efficiency as output. The Maxwell‐Stefan mass transfer approach was applied for estimation of diffusion, the finite element approach for numerical simulation of the process. A lower feed velocity increased the water removal efficiency.
Nitrogen‐Doped Hierarchically Porous Carbon Materials with Enhanced Performance for Supercapacitor
Authors: Zeng Rong , Tang Xiannong , Huang Bingyu , Yuan Kai , Chen Yiwang
Published: November 2017

Hierarchical porous carbon (HPC) with a high specific surface area is a promising material for supercapacitors, owing to its effective ion diffusion paths and low transport resistance. Herein, a nitrogen‐doped hierarchical porous carbon (NHPC) material was successfully synthesized from a gelatin and graphene oxide composite through a combined solvation volatilization/nano‐CaCO3 template/KOH activation method. The obtained NHPC exhibits a large surface area (SBET=1091 m2 g−1) as well as a combination of electrical double layer capacitance and pseudocapacitance behavior. Benefiting from the advanced synergistic effect of the nitrogen‐doped property and the hierarchically porous structure, NHPC shows a specific capacitance of 234 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 in a three‐electrode system. Moreover, a supercapacitor based on NHPC exhibits an excellent cycle life (retaining>98 % after 5000 cycles) and a high energy density up to 9.43 Wh kg−1.
Single Cylindrical Nanopore Electrodes: Surface Functionalization, Unusual Voltammetry, and Size‐Exclusion Properties
Authors: Qian Yuanyuan , Zhu Jiahui , Li Yongxin
Published: November 2017

Nanopore electrodes have been proved useful tools for fundamental electrochemical research and real applications. In this work, single cylindrical gold nanopore electrodes (SCAuNEs) were fabricated through a laser‐assisted pulling and electrochemical etching method, and then characterized by scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and finite‐element simulations. Our results showed that the electrochemical response of the nanopore electrode corresponds to the diffusion of redox species passing through the nanopore to the underlying gold electrode: surface functionalization of the interior nanopore led to the conversion of surface charge, which could introduce pH‐dependent ion selectivity by electrostatic interaction between redox species and surface functional groups inside the nanopores. It is interesting to find the unusual voltammetric behavior at low concentrations of supporting electrolyte by using single cylindrical nanopore electrodes: the voltammetric limiting current was increased significantly with decreasing supporting electrolyte concentration, but the shift of E1/2 was dependent on the charge change of the redox species. In addition, the distinct size exclusion of two biomolecules, ferritin (ca. 12 nm) and cytochrome C (ca. 3 nm), passing through nanopores at different diameters could be obtained by monitoring the direct electrochemical signals of two biomolecules. This work is important for fundamental electrochemistry and the real applications for counting or separating biomolecules inside cylindrical nanopores.
A Superior Synthesis of Longitudinally Twisted Acenes
Authors: Clevenger Robert G. , Kumar Bharat , Menuey Elizabeth M. , Lee Gene‐Hsiang , Patterson Dustin , Kilway Kathleen V.
Published: November 2017

Seven longitudinally twisted acenes (an anthracene, two tetracenes, three pentacenes, and a hexacene) have been synthesized by the addition of aryllithium reagents to the appropriate quinone precursors, followed by SnCl2‐mediated reduction of their diol intermediates, and several of these acenes have been crystallographically characterized. The new syntheses of the three previously reported twisted acenes, decaphenylanthracene (1), 9,10,11,20,21,22‐hexaphenyltetrabenzo[a,c,l,n]pentacene (2), and 9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16‐octaphenyldibenzo[a,c]tetracene (14), resulted in a reduction of the number of synthetic steps. As a consequence their overall yields were increased by factors of 50‐, 24‐, and 66‐fold, respectively. All of the twisted acene syntheses reported here are suitable for the synthesis of at least gram quantities of these remarkable hydrocarbon materials.
A simultaneous approach for the synthesis of multiperiod heat exchanger network using particle swarm optimization
Authors: Silva Gercio P. , Miranda Camila B. , Carvalho Esdras P. , Ravagnani Mauro A. S. S.
Published: November 2017

In the present paper an approach for the synthesis of multiperiod heat exchanger networks (HEN) using particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed, wherein all variables are optimized simultaneously. The model uses a stage‐wise superstructure in which stream splitting is considered. The HEN is synthesized for each period individually and a timesharing scheme procedure is used to integrate all the structures of different periods automatically in a unique step. The HEN is able to operate in all the considered conditions and heat transfer devices can be used for different streams in different periods. Two case studies from the literature were used to test the developed model and results for the total annual costs were better than those found in the literature.
Nitrogen Treatment Efficiency of a Large Onsite Wastewater System in Relation to Water Table Dynamics
Authors: Humphrey Charles P. , Iverson Guy , O'Driscoll Michael
Published: November 2017

The objective of this study is to determine if the nitrogen treatment efficiency of a large onsite wastewater system (OSW) in the coastal plain of North Carolina is influenced by changes in the elevation of the water table. Groundwater readings including depth to water, pH, temperature, specific conductance, and dissolved oxygen are recorded eight times over a 15‐month period (May 2013–August 2014) encompassing typically “wet” (two sampling events) and “dry” (three sampling events) seasons, and a water table fluctuation of 1.7 m. Groundwater from piezometers (n = 7) near the OSW and septic tank effluent samples are collected for analyses of total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) during each field visit to determine if the TDN treatment efficiency is influenced by the water table elevation. The treatment efficiency of the OSW is directly correlated with wastewater strength (r = 0.882; p = 0.004) and inversely correlated to water table elevation (r = −0.754; p = 0.031). The TDN treatment efficiency at this site decreases with increases in water table elevation, and groundwater TDN concentrations beneath the OSW are typically higher when wastewater concentrations of TDN are higher. Sea level rise and climate change are projected to increase groundwater levels and therefore may have negative effects on water quality adjacent to OSW. Ensuring that OSW are installed with the maximum practical vertical separation to groundwater and setback distances to surface waters, designed with long trenches and oriented perpendicular to the dominant groundwater flow direction will help to maximize TDN treatment.
Serum cytokine profile and clinicopathological findings in oral lichen planus, oral lichenoid lesions and stomatitis
Authors: Larsen Kristine Roen , Johansen Jeanne Duus , Reibel Jesper , Zachariae Claus , Pedersen Anne Marie Lynge
Published: November 2017

The objective of this study was to examine if clinical and histopathological variables in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP), oral lichenoid lesions (OLL), and generalized stomatitis display different cytokine profiles and if concomitant contact allergy influences this profile. Forty‐nine patients and 29 healthy age‐ and gender‐matched subjects were included. Demographic and clinical data immunohistochemical findings in mucosal specimens, results of contact allergy testing, and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interferon‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12p40, and IL‐12p70 were analyzed and compared between groups. Nineteen patients had OLP, primarily with ulcerative lesions on the buccal mucosa, 19 patients had OLL, and 11 patients had generalized stomatitis. All patients had oral symptoms, mainly stinging and burning. Nineteen patients and 10 healthy subjects had contact allergies, primarily to fragrance ingredients. Patient groups did not differ with regard to oral symptoms, clinical pattern of the lesions, or contact allergy. Serum cytokine levels did not differ between the different patient groups and were not related to histopathological findings. The patients had higher levels of IL‐6 than the healthy subjects. Interferon‐γ, IL‐12p40, and IL‐12p70 were below detection limit. Our findings indicate that OLP, OLL, and generalized stomatitis cannot be discriminated by means of the selected serum cytokines, and that the presence of concomitant contact allergy does not influence the cytokine expression.
Quantifying overlap and fitness consequences of migration strategy with seasonal habitat use and a conservation policy
Authors: Dinkins Jonathan B. , Lawson Kirstie J. , Smith Kurt T. , Beck Jeffrey L. , Kirol Christopher P. , Pratt Aaron C. , Conover Michael R. , Blomquist Frank C.
Published: November 2017

Our study aimed to delineate seasonal habitats and assess differential fitness related to migration strategy and seasonal habitat use of greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus, hereafter “sage‐grouse”). In addition, we evaluated benefits gained for sage‐grouse through the implementation of the Wyoming Core Area Strategy relative to protection of habitat and differences in nest, brood, and annual female survival. We compared the proportion of seasonal habitats that were within or outside Core Areas as delineated with 75% and 95% kernel density contours (KDE). The proportion of summer and winter habitats (95% KDE) that overlapped Core Areas was 0.69 of summer and 0.50 of winter habitat within a Core Area. We found no differences in nest or brood survival among migration strategies or within and outside Core Areas. However, females that did not migrate out of their respective winter habitat had lower risk of death, which highlighted year‐round benefits of winter habitat. Females had lower risk of death during winter with the lowest risk occurring during winter in Core Areas. Higher temperature and lower snow water equivalent during the breeding season and fall were detrimental to female survival, whereas neither had an effect on winter survival. Although Core Areas encompassed a large proportion of winter habitat, our results indicate that Core Areas (as delineated) were not the most direct way to protect winter habitat for sage‐grouse. During winter, sage‐grouse gathered within habitat conducive to winter survival, indicating that disturbances within these winter habitats may have broad consequences for sage‐grouse populations.
Lipids in Eating and Appetite Regulation – A Neuro‐Cognitive Perspective
Authors: Borg Saskia , Seubert Janina
Published: November 2017

Foods high in dietary fat provide a particularly energy‐rich source of nutrition. A preferred food choice in humans, their intake is thought to contribute substantially to the current obesity epidemic. Fat has recently been proposed to constitute a basic taste; yet, its diverse sensory properties in the olfactory and somatosensory domain, as well as its postingestive effects have made the exact attributes that make its consumption so appealing difficult to disentangle. Recent scientific advances have shed light on the different molecular mechanisms underlying the sensory detection of fat in the periphery, and described their relevance for perceptual experience and eating behavior. However, these different analysis levels are to date poorly integrated, both within each sensory modality, and from a multisensory perspective.

The current Highlight Article aims to integrate current knowledge concerning the molecular mechanisms of the different sensory modalities contributing to fat perception, as well as their cortical neuroanatomical correlates and their behavioral and clinical relevance for fat intake. In doing so, we would like to highlight the evidence for cortical integration among the different sensory domains as a driving mechanism for the emotional evaluation of fatty foods, and point out gaps in the current literature, which should be addressed to complete the picture of fat perception from a cognitive neuroscience perspective.
Flexible particle flow‐focusing in microchannel driven by droplet‐directed induced‐charge electroosmosis
Authors: Ren Yukun , Liu Xianyu , Liu Weiyu , Tao Ye , Jia Yankai , Hou Likai , Li Wenying , Jiang Hongyuan
Published: November 2017

We report herein a novel microfluidic particle concentrator that utilizes constriction microchannels to enhance the flow‐focusing performance of induced‐charge electroosmosis (ICEO), where viscous hemi‐spherical oil droplets are embedded within the mainchannel to form deformable converging‐diverging constriction structures. The constriction region between symmetric oil droplets partially coated on the electrode strips can improve the focusing performance by inducing a granular wake flow area at the diverging channel, which makes almost all of the scattered sample particles trapped within a narrow stream on the floating electrode. Another asymmetric droplet pair arranged near the outlets can further direct the trajectory of focused particle stream to one specified outlet port depending on the symmetry breaking in the shape of opposing phase interfaces. By fully exploiting rectification properties of induced‐charge electrokinetic phenomena at immiscible water/oil interfaces of tunable geometry, the expected function of continuous and switchable flow‐focusing is demonstrated by preconcentrating both inorganic silica particles and biological yeast cells. Physical mechanisms responsible for particle focusing and locus deflection in the droplet‐assisted concentrentor are analyzed in detail, and simulation results are in good accordance with experimental observations. Our work provides new routes to construct flexible electrokinetic framework for preprocessing on‐chip biological samples before performing subsequent analysis.
Bivariate Gaussian mixture–based equivalent linearization method for stochastic seismic analysis of nonlinear structures
Authors: Yi Sang‐ri , Wang Ziqi , Song Junho
Published: November 2017

To address challenges in stochastic seismic analysis of nonlinear structures, this paper further develops a recently proposed Gaussian mixture–based equivalent linearization method (GM‐ELM). The GM‐ELM uses a Gaussian mixture distribution model to approximate the probabilistic distribution of a nonlinear system response. Using properties of the Gaussian mixture model, GM‐ELM can decompose the non‐Gaussian response of a nonlinear system into multiple Gaussian responses of linear single–degree of freedom oscillators. With the set of the equivalent linear systems identified by GM‐ELM, response statistics as crossing rate and first‐passage probability can be computed conveniently using theories of linear random vibration analysis. However, the original version of GM‐ELM may lead to an inaccurate estimate because of the heuristic parameters of the linear system introduced to supplement insufficient information. To overcome this limitation and define unique equivalent linear systems, this paper proposes a further developed version of GM‐ELM, which uses a mixture of bivariate Gaussian densities instead of univariate models. Moreover, to facilitate the use of elastic response spectra for estimating the mean peak responses of a nonlinear structure, a new response spectrum combination rule is proposed for GM‐ELM. Two numerical examples of hysteretic structural systems are presented in this paper to illustrate the application of the bivariate GM‐ELM to nonlinear stochastic seismic analysis. The analysis results obtained by the bivariate GM‐ELM are compared with those obtained by the univariate GM‐ELM, the conventional equivalent linearization method, the tail equivalent linearization method, and Monte Carlo simulation. The supporting source code and data are available for download at https://github.com/yisangri/GitHub‐bGM‐ELM‐code.git