bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetotelluric Imaging of Lower Crustal Melt and Lithospheric Hydration in the Rocky Mountain Front Transition Zone, Colorado, USA
Authors: Feucht D. W. , Sheehan A. F. , Bedrosian P. A.
Published: November 2017

We present an electrical resistivity model of the crust and upper mantle from two‐dimensional (2‐D) anisotropic inversion of magnetotelluric data collected along a 450 km transect of the Rio Grande rift, southern Rocky Mountains, and High Plains in Colorado, USA. Our model provides a window into the modern‐day lithosphere beneath the Rocky Mountain Front to depths in excess of 150 km. Two key features of the 2‐D resistivity model are (1) a broad zone (~200 km wide) of enhanced electrical conductivity (<20 Ωm) in the midcrust to lower crust that is centered beneath the highest elevations of the southern Rocky Mountains and (2) hydrated lithospheric mantle beneath the Great Plains with water content in excess of 100 ppm. We interpret the high conductivity region of the lower crust as a zone of partially molten basalt and associated deep‐crustal fluids that is the result of recent (less than 10 Ma) tectonic activity in the region. The recent supply of volatiles and/or heat to the base of the crust in the late Cenozoic implies that modern‐day tectonic activity in the western United States extends to at least the western margin of the Great Plains. The transition from conductive to resistive upper mantle is caused by a gradient in lithospheric modification, likely including hydration of nominally anhydrous minerals, with maximum hydration occurring beneath the Rocky Mountain Front. This lithospheric “hydration front” has implications for the tectonic evolution of the continental interior and the mechanisms by which water infiltrates the lithosphere.
Dioctahedral Phyllosilicates Versus Zeolites and Carbonates Versus Zeolites Competitions as Constraints to Understanding Early Mars Alteration Conditions
Authors: Viennet Jean‐Christophe , Bultel Benjamin , Riu Lucie , Werner Stephanie C.
Published: November 2017

Widespread occurrence of Fe,Mg‐phyllosilicates has been observed on Noachian Martian terrains. Therefore, the study of Fe,Mg‐phyllosilicate formation, in order to characterize early Martian environmental conditions, is of particular interest to the Martian community. Previous studies have shown that the investigation of Fe,Mg‐smectite formation alone helps to describe early Mars environmental conditions, but there are still large uncertainties in terms of pH range, oxic/anoxic conditions, etc. Interestingly, carbonates and/or zeolites have also been observed on Noachian surfaces in association with the Fe,Mg‐phyllosilicates. Consequently, the present study focuses on the dioctahedral/trioctahedral phyllosilicate/carbonate/zeolite formation as a function of various CO2 contents (100% N2, 10% CO2/90% N2, and 100% CO2), from a combined approach including closed system laboratory experiments for 3 weeks at 120°C and geochemical simulations. The experimental results show that as the CO2 content decreases, the amount of dioctahedral clay minerals decreases in favor of trioctahedral minerals. Carbonates and dioctahedral clay minerals are formed during the experiments with CO2. When Ca‐zeolites are formed, no carbonates and dioctahedral minerals are observed. Geochemical simulation aided in establishing pH as a key parameter in determining mineral formation patterns. Indeed, under acidic conditions dioctahedral clay minerals and carbonate minerals are formed, while trioctahedral clay minerals are formed in basic conditions with a neutral pH value of 5.98 at 120°C. Zeolites are favored from pH ≳ 7.2. The results obtained shed new light on the importance of dioctahedral clay minerals versus zeolites and carbonates versus zeolites competitions to better define the aqueous alteration processes throughout early Mars history.
Temperature Dependence of Apparent Respiratory Quotients and Oxygen Penetration Depth in Contrasting Lake Sediments
Authors: Sobek Sebastian , Gudasz Cristian , Koehler Birgit , Tranvik Lars J. , Bastviken David , Morales‐Pineda María
Published: November 2017

Lake sediments constitute an important compartment in the carbon cycle of lakes, by burying carbon over geological timescales and by production and emission of greenhouse gases. The degradation of organic carbon (OC) in lake sediments is linked to both temperature and oxygen (O2), but the interactive nature of this regulation has not been studied in lake sediments in a quantitative way. We present the first systematic investigation of the effects of temperature on the apparent respiratory quotient (RQ, i.e., the molar ratio between carbon dioxide (CO2) production and O2consumption) in two contrasting lake sediments. Laboratory incubations of sediment cores of a humic lake and an eutrophic lake across a 1–21°C temperature gradient over 157 days revealed that both CO2production and O2consumption were positively, exponentially, and similarly dependent on temperature. The apparent RQ differed significantly between the lake sediments (0.63 ± 0.26 and 0.99 ± 0.28 in the humic and the eutrophic lake, respectively; mean ± SD) and was significantly and positively related to temperature. The O2penetration depth into the sediment varied by a factor of 2 over the 1–21°C temperature range and was significantly, negatively, and similarly related to temperature in both lake sediments. Accordingly, increasing temperature may influence the overall extent of OC degradation in lake sediments by limiting O2supply to aerobic microbial respiration to the topmost sediment layer, resulting in a concomitant shift to less effective anaerobic degradation pathways. This suggests that temperature may represent a key controlling factor of the OC burial efficiency in lake sediments.
Short‐Term Changes in Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil Charcoal Support Enhanced Landscape Mobility
Authors: Pyle Lacey A. , Magee Kate L. , Gallagher Morgan E. , Hockaday William C. , Masiello Caroline A.
Published: November 2017

Charcoal is a major component of the stable soil organic carbon reservoir, and the physical and chemical properties of charcoal can sometimes significantly alter bulk soil properties (e.g., by increasing soil water holding capacity). However, our understanding of the residence time of soil charcoal remains uncertain, with old measured soil charcoal ages in apparent conflict with relatively short modeled and measured residence times. These discrepancies may exist because the fate of charcoal on the landscape is a function not just of its resistance to biological decomposition but also its physical mobility. Mobility may be important in controlling charcoal landscape residence time and may artificially inflate estimates of its degradability, but few studies have examined charcoal vulnerability to physical redistribution. Charcoal landscape redistribution is likely higher than other organic carbon fractions owing to charcoal's low bulk density, typically less than 1.0 g/cm3. Here we examine both the physical and chemical properties of soil and charcoal over a period of two years following a 2011 wildfire in Texas. We find little change in properties with time; however, we find evidence of enhanced mobility of charcoal relative to other forms of soil organic matter. These data add to a growing body of evidence that charcoal is preferentially eroded, offering another explanation for variations observed in its environmental residence times.
Simulation of the Unexpected Photosynthetic Seasonality in Amazonian Evergreen Forests by Using an Improved Diffuse Fraction‐Based Light Use Efficiency Model
Authors: Yan Hao , Wang Shao‐Qiang , da Rocha Humberto R. , Rap Alexandru , Bonal Damien , Butt Nathalie , Coupe Natalia Restrepo , Shugart Herman H.
Published: November 2017

Understanding the mechanism of photosynthetic seasonality in Amazonian evergreen forests is critical for its formulation in global climate and carbon cycle models. However, the control of the unexpected photosynthetic seasonality is highly uncertain. Here we use eddy‐covariance data across a network of Amazonian research sites and a novel evapotranspiration (E) and two‐leaf‐photosynthesis‐coupled model to investigate links between photosynthetic seasonality and climate factors on monthly scales. It reproduces the GPP seasonality (R2 = 0.45–0.69) with a root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of 0.67–1.25 g C m−2 d−1 and a Bias of −0.03–1.04 g C m−2 d−1 for four evergreen forest sites. We find that the proportion of diffuse and direct sunlight governs the photosynthetic seasonality via their interaction with sunlit and shaded leaves, supported by a proof that canopy light use efficiency (LUE) has a strong linear relationship with the fraction of diffuse sunlight for Amazonian evergreen forests. In the transition from dry season to rainy season, incident total radiation (Q) decreased while LUE and diffuse fraction increased, which produced the large seasonal increase (~34%) in GPP of evergreen forests. We conclude that diffuse radiation is an important environmental driver of the photosynthetic seasonality in tropical Amazon forests yet depending on light utilization by sunlit and shaded leaves. Besides, the GPP model simulates the precipitation‐dominated GPP seasonality (R2 = 0.40–0.69) at pasture and savanna sites. These findings present an improved physiological method to relate light components with GPP in tropical Amazon.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Under Different Drainage and Flooding Regimes of Cultivated Peatlands
Authors: Hu Jing , VanZomeren Christine M. , Inglett Kanika S. , Wright Alan L. , Clark Mark W. , Reddy K. R.
Published: November 2017

Globally, approximately 10–20% of peatlands have been drained for agricultural purposes. A strategy to protect peatlands and mitigate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, while continuing agricultural production, is the use of intermittent flooding and drainage. A potential drawback of this strategy could be increases in methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. The objective of this study was to compare greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from peatlands under various flooding–drainage cycles. A laboratory study was performed using intact soil cores subjected to different durations of flooding and drainage for 6 months. Average daily emissions of CO2 and N2O were significantly higher (P < 0.001) under drained (667 ± 37 mg CO2–C m−2 d−1 and 135 ± 19 μg N2O–N m−2 d−1) than flooded conditions (86 ± 6 mg CO2–C m−2 d−1 and 48 ± 2 μg N2O–N m−2 d−1). Methane emissions were not influenced by drained/flooded conditions, with an average rate of 116 ± 11 μg CH4–C m−2 d−1. Peaks of CH4 and N2O emissions were observed after flooding events and lasted less than 24 h. The peak emissions were approximately 8 and 19 times higher than the mean CH4 and N2O emissions, respectively. Carbon dioxide was the dominant component of GHGs, irrespective of hydrologic regime, accounting for more than 92% of overall global warming potential. Global warming potential was inversely proportional to the flooding period, indicating that prolonging the flooding period of peatlands would help mitigate soil oxidation and GHG emissions and enhance sustainability of these agricultural peatlands.
Kinship and Inbreeding
Authors: Fernando Rohan L , Habier David
Published: November 2017

The kinship coefficient quantifies the genetic similarity between two individuals by the probability that randomly sampled homologous genes from the two individuals are identical by descent (IBD) given their pedigree‐based relationship. Inbreeding is the probability that the two genes at a locus are IBD. These probabilities played a key role in modelling genetic covariances between relatives, which provided the theoretical foundation for the quantitative genetic analyses of polygenic traits. At present, genotypes are becoming available at the trait loci or at the loci closely linked to them. Given such genotypic information, analyses that are based on genetic covariances between relatives conditional on pedigree are becoming obsolete together with pedigree‐based coefficients of kinship and inbreeding.

Key Concepts

Before the availability of genotype information, covariance between relatives conditional on pedigree information provided the theoretical foundation for the quantitative analyses of polygenic traits.

Kinship and inbreeding coefficients played a key role in modelling genetic covariances between relatives.

Analyses that are conditional on genotypes are more informative than those conditional on pedigrees.

Pedigree‐based analyses are being replaced by genotype‐based analyses.
Modelling Plant Cell Growth
Authors: Liu Junli , Moore Simon , Lindsey Keith
Published: November 2017

Plants are sessile organisms and they must adapt their growth to a changing environment. Understanding plant growth requires to study the interplay of turgor, cellular hydrodynamics, mechanical properties of cell walls and addition of materials to cell walls, as well as the actions of phytohormones. Mathematical modelling is a useful tool for tackling the complexity in plant growth. The scope of this article is to discuss the fundamental aspects of modelling plant cell growth. In order for a plant cell to grow, the cell wall must expand, water must enter the cell and turgor pressure must be able to provide mechanical support. During cell growth, the relative change in the water volume and the relative change in cell wall chamber volume are approximately equal. Mathematical equations for modelling plant cell growth are described to establish how cell volume and turgor can be calculated. Mathematical equations for ion transport are introduced to establish how osmotic pressure can be calculated. Combination of those equations formulates a method for modelling plant cell growth. Modelling of auxin dynamics, which play a key role in controlling cell expansion, is also described. One of the future challenges is to model the interplay between plant growth and auxin dynamics.

Key Concepts

The plant cell is surrounded by the cell wall.

In order for a plant cell to grow, the cell wall must expand, water must enter the cell and turgor pressure must be able to provide mechanical support.

Turgor and cell volume are calculated using the mathematical equations, which describe that the relative change in the water volume and the relative change in cell wall chamber volume are approximately equal during the cell growth.

Cellular ion concentrations and osmotic pressure are calculated using the equations that describe reversal potentials and voltage gating.

The phytohormone auxin plays an essential role in many aspects of plant growth and development.

Auxin concentration in the cells is a function of multiple factors including biosynthesis, degradation and conjugation, and transport.

Modelling auxin dynamics needs to appropriately formulate the equations including auxin biosynthesis, degradation and transport.

To model the role of auxin in plant cell growth, it is necessary to establish how auxin is related to the key factors for plant cell growth including turgor, cellular hydrodynamics, mechanical properties of cell wall materials and addition of materials to the cell wall.
Molecular Genetics of
U
sher Syndrome: Current State of Understanding
Authors: Slijkerman Ralph WN , Kremer Hannie , van Wijk Erwin
Published: November 2017

Usher syndrome affects hearing, vision and balance. The syndrome is genetically heterogeneous and mutations in ten genes have been identified to be disease causing. Proteins encoded by these genes cofunction with each other and with other proteins, composing an Usher interactome with diverse functions including structural support, transport and potentially signalling at different subcellular locations in hair cells of the inner ear and in photoreceptors of the retina. In hair cells, Usher proteins mainly contribute to the formation of fibrous links, including the tip link, that connect stereocilia and stereocilia to the kinocilium. In addition, Usher proteins are found in the synaptic region where they might contribute to signal transduction by regulating the cell surface levels of Ca
v
1.3 Ca
2+
channels and exocytosis. In photoreceptor cells, the Usher proteins are seen in the region of the connecting cilium including the periciliary region, the basal body, accessory centriole and calyceal processes. Also here, Usher proteins are present in the synaptic region. Although the function of Usher proteins in photoreceptors and hair cells is not yet fully understood, promising therapeutic developments are ongoing to alleviate the phenotypic burden resulting from mutations in any of the Usher genes.

Key Concepts

Usher syndrome is clinically and genetically heterogeneous.

Usher syndrome type I (USH1) and type II (USH2) proteins interact and form highly dynamic protein networks.

Usher protein networks fulfil a role in providing structural support, play a role in intracellular transport mechanisms and are suggested to be involved in cellular signalling cascades.

A range of cellular and animal models are used to unravel the molecular pathogenesis of Usher syndrome and to evaluate promising therapeutic strategies.

Promising progress in the development of (pre)clinical genetic (i.e. gene augmentation, splice modulation, translational read‐through and gene editing) and nongenetic (i.e. small compounds, neurotrophic factors and cell replacement) therapeutic strategies have been published for Usher syndrome.
Protein Conformational Disease: Visit the Facts at a Glance
Authors: Peng Yunhui , Alexov Emil
Published: November 2017

Proteins perform their function for adopting a particular 3D structure, referred as native structure, and failure to fold into the native structure has profound deleterious effects, frequently causing diseases. Such diseases, termed as protein conformational diseases, are a large group of disorders that arise from protein adopting abnormal conformational states. In the past two decades, it has been shown that conformational diseases affect large fraction of human population and present significant challenges to human health. Many protein conformational diseases are multifactorial diseases and result from very complicated molecular mechanisms. The most prominent disease‐associated phenomena of protein conformational diseases are toxic gain of function, loss of function, improper degradation and improper localisation. Furthermore, recent promising therapeutic approaches are developed for treating conformational disease.

Key Concepts

A remarkable relationship exists between the protein's functionality and specific three‐dimensional structure.

The energy landscape in protein folding resembles a rough funnel and proteins could be trapped in the intermediate states, resulting in misfolded proteins.

Protein conformational disease refers to the pathology that a protein adopts abnormal conformational states, disturbing the normal role of a protein in the cell.

Multiple phenomena including loss of function, toxic gain of function, improper degradation and localisation are associated with protein conformational diseases.

Protein conformational disease affects large human populations and developing therapeutic approach is a priority task for better public health.
Neurobiology of Circadian and Interval Timing
Authors: Agostino Patricia V , Acosta Julieta , Meck Warren H
Published: November 2017

Temporal processing in the brain is fundamental to environmental adaptation in humans and other animals. Biological timing ranges from the microsecond scale (e.g. sound localisation) to seasonal frequencies (such as reproductive cycles). Two of the main scales of biological timing ubiquitous in most organisms are interval timing (seconds‐to‐minutes range) and circadian timing (24 h range). Interval timing is crucial to learning, memory, decision‐making and other cognitive tasks, whereas circadian timing is essential for the regulation of several physiological and behavioural functions. Several brain areas, circuits and neuromodulators that are critical to temporal processing have now been identified. However, with the exception of the circadian system, the genetic and molecular machinery that regulates biological clocks has not been systematically examined. As a consequence, the molecular basis of these two temporal mechanisms is currently the subject of intense research, as well as their possible relationship.

Key Concepts

Biological timing (from microseconds to seasonal cycles) is fundamental for survival and optimal goal reaching in humans and other animals.

Circadian timing (24 h) and interval timing (hundreds of milliseconds to minutes) are ubiquitous in nature and are required for normal physiology and behaviour.

Dopamine metabolism in the striatum is critical for interval timing, and it is also the subject of circadian control.

Circadian and interval timing may share some common pathways, including dopamine metabolism.

Circadian and interval timing are seriously disrupted in human pathologies with dopamine dysfunction.
MittelfeldPhenomena: Scrambling in Germanic
Authors: Haider Hubert
Published: November 2017

Mittelfeld(MF; literally, ‘mid‐field’) is a handy, theory‐neutral, descriptive term for addressing the non‐peripheral portion of an OV‐type clause, that is, a clause with a head‐final VP. MF refers to what is in between the clause‐initial C‐position and the clause‐final V‐positions. MF phenomena are clause‐internal phenomena since the left and the right boundaries belong to the same simple clause structure.

The MF core issues are (i) the serialization variation in the MF (scrambling) and (ii) the particular serialization options for pronouns at the beginning of the MF (in German) as a unique phenomenon that contrasts with scrambling of full DPs on the one hand and clitic placement on the other hand (in cliticizing languages).

MF phenomena are a challenge for the grammar theory (especially with respect to languages like German). Word order variation is optional, and descriptively, the syntactic behavior of MF elements is that of VP‐internal elements. Mainstream grammar theory, however, models the MF of OV languages as a derivational continuation of a head‐initial VP known from VO languages. Consequently, the MF is characterized as a derived head‐final VP plus several functional layers above a basic head‐initial VP and below C°. Movement (with hitherto unclear trigger conditions) is invoked for arriving at a head‐final organization after starting from an English‐like clause structure. However, central predictions of this approach are not fulfilled. The cumulative empirical evidence points into a different direction. Syntactic structures that successfully cover VO language structures do not straightforwardly cover OV. Head‐final and head‐initial structures seem to be alternative options, with collateral syntactic effects, that go well beyond mere serialization differences.
Embedded Root Phenomena
Authors: Heycock Caroline
Published: November 2017

This chapter presents some of the most‐discussed syntactic examples of embedded root phenomena – syntactic configurations that are restricted to root clauses and a subset of embedded environments. It discusses the different types of embedded environments that have been argued to license such phenomena: a subset of complement clauses and adverbial clauses, and non‐restrictive relatives. It then provides a critical overview of different current approaches – semantico‐pragmatic and syntactic – to explaining this distribution. The chapter includes a discussion of embedded Verb Second in different varieties of Germanic as a case study exemplifying the concepts discussed.
Syntactic Haplology
Authors: Neeleman Ad , van de Koot Hans
Published: November 2017

It has frequently been observed that languages exhibit a resistance against accidental repetition of morphemes, a phenomenon reminiscent of the Obligatory Contour Principle in phonology. While languages vary in the strategies they exhibit in dealing with accidental repetition of free morphemes, these strategies consistently take the form of filters that mention both phonological and syntactic properties of the relevant structure. The minimal phonological condition is adjacency, but often partial or complete identity of form plays a role as well. The minimal syntactic condition specifies the syntactic category of the elements in question, but often shared features are mentioned as well. Given these characteristics, the conclusion seems warranted that avoidance strategies form part of the PF interface. Moreover, this interface must provide a mapping from morphosyntactic to morphophonological representations of the type assumed in realizational models of grammar. For most cases of haplology involving free forms, a purely syntactic analysis is unsatisfactory, primarily because it cannot express the generalizations that seem to underlie the data. For example, it cannot but treat the relevance of adjacency as an epiphenomenon.
Co‐Constructed Interview
Authors: Patti Chris J. , Ellis Carolyn
Published: November 2017

Co‐constructed interviewing is a relational method of in‐depth, interactive, and open‐ended interviewing which is emerging in many fields, most notably communication studies and oral history, as a way to co‐construct more collaborative, dialogic, and mutually influential research relationships. Rich, multivocal representations can result from co‐constructed interviews, which highlight complexities of human relationships, emotions, experiences, and meaning‐making processes central to dialogic interaction.
Cognitive Interview
Authors: Schlütz Daniela M.
Published: November 2017

The cognitive interview is a pretesting technique for questionnaires. It is a systematic yet flexible approach comparable to qualitative interviewing in terms of sampling, administration, and analysis. Usually it is conducted prior to a field pretest. Its emphasis is on the respondent's assessment of the instrument rather than on the interviewer's perception. Applying a psychological approach, the cognitive interview focuses on the cognitive aspects of survey methodology. Two cognitive interview techniques are employed: the think‐aloud method and verbal probing. Both aim at producing comprehensible reports of respondents' thoughts while answering a questionnaire.
Communication Focus Groups
Authors: Lederman Linda Costigan
Published: November 2017

Communication focus groups
, more accurately referred to as focus group interviews (
FGI
), is a form of qualitative data collection used to generate and analyze thick, rich data about a specific topic of focus. The groups consist of participants specifically selected to talk on a topic of focus about which they have something in common.
FGI
generate data that can be used in and of themselves or as the basis of hypothesis‐testing quantitative studies.
Electrocardiography (
ECG
)
Authors: Wise Kevin
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this entry is to introduce the reader to the use of heart rate in media research. It begins with a basic introduction of key terms and methodological concerns, followed by a selective historical overview of research employing cardiac measures. It then discusses how this research contributed to a shifting in how media are defined that focuses more on structure and the psychological nature of specific content than genre or medium. Because heart rate is often used as an indicator of cognitive resource allocation, some time is spent providing a conceptualization of attention in the context of heart rate. This entry concludes with some suggestions for further reading.
Harking
Authors: Mayrhofer Mira
Published: November 2017

Hypothesizing after the results are known (commonly termed “HARKing”) is a questionable practice when reporting scientific results of quantitative studies. It consists of presenting a post hoc hypothesis as if it were an a priori hypothesis. HARKing harms scientific progress by promoting narrow or disconfirmable theory, consequently hindering the advancement of unexpected findings and eroding trust in the scientific community. Replication of studies, the destigmatization of exploratory designs, pre‐registration of studies, as well as incorporation of HARKing in professional codes of conduct and improved education on questionable research techniques are discussed as remedies.
Measurement of Affect/Emotion
Authors: Bolls Paul D.
Published: November 2017

Scientifically valid and reliable measurement of affect/emotion is critical to advancing knowledge of communication processes and effects. All communication episodes are infused with emotional experiences. Emotional experience is arguably the very foundation from which any effect of communication stimuli will emerge. Communication researchers must gain a solid conceptual and operational understanding of emotional responses and processes if they are to advance scientific understanding of communication effects. The objective of this entry is to provide a resource researchers can use to begin to gain this understanding. Theoretical perspectives on emotion are reviewed, specific measures of emotional responses are presented, and methodological considerations for research on emotional responses elicited by communication episodes are discussed.
Panel Research Methods
Authors: Longhi Simonetta
Published: November 2017

Longitudinal data are made of repeated observations for each unit of interest such as individuals, households, schools, or firms. Such data can be collected for different purposes, using different data collection techniques, and may have different features.

This entry briefly discusses the main advantages of using longitudinal data compared to cross‐section data and highlights the main differences between longitudinal and panel data. It also describes the main aspects of panel surveys, such as who is interviewed and how many times, as well as issues of data collection such as nonresponse and attrition. This is followed by a brief overview of the most commonly used panel data surveys collected around the world.
Standardization
Authors: Scherer Helmut , Geber Sarah
Published: November 2017

Standardization is a strategy used in science to increase validity and reliability of research. In this entry, we concentrate on standardization in data collection and distinguish two levels of standardization: “within‐study standardization” and “between‐study standardization.” Within‐study standardization deals with the consistency of the measurement within a data collection; between‐study standardization denotes the establishment of operationalization and methods across various data collections as standard methods. Both reference frames will be used to discuss the potentials and limits of standardization.
Flupirtine and diazepam combination terminates established status epilepticus: results in three rodent models
Authors: Zhang Terry , Todorovic Marko S. , Williamson John , Kapur Jaideep
Published: November 2017

Objective

Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency requiring rapid termination of seizures. New treatment choices are needed for benzodiazepine‐refractory SE or established SE (ESE). Previous studies have demonstrated that the potassium‐channel opener flupirtine terminates seizures in neonatal animals. However, its effectiveness in adult ESE has not been tested. We tested whether flupirtine alone or in combination with the benzodiazepine diazepam would terminate ESE in three animal models.

Methods

SE was induced by administration of lithium followed by pilocarpine, by electrical stimulation of the hippocampus or by diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) administration. Seizures were assessed by EEG recorded from the hippocampus and cortex.

Results

Flupirtine alone did not terminate ESE within 60 min of administration in any of the three models of ESE. A combination of flupirtine and diazepam terminated ESE within 60 min in all the three models. The drug combination shortened the duration of ESE in all three models. Drug responsiveness was distinct between each model.

Conclusion

A combination of the potassium channel opener flupirtine and diazepam is a potential therapy for ESE.
Consensus Treatment Plans for Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis Refractory to Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs and/or With Active Spinal Lesions
Authors: Zhao Yongdong , Wu Eveline Y. , Oliver Melissa S. , Cooper Ashley M. , Basiaga Matthew L. , Vora Sheetal S. , Lee Tzielan C. , Fox Emily , Amarilyo Gil , Stern Sara M. , Dvergsten Jeffrey A. , Haines Kathleen A. , Rouster‐Stevens Kelly A. , Onel Karen B. , Cherian Julie , Hausmann Jonathan S. , Miettunen Paivi , Cellucci Tania , Nuruzzaman Farzana , Taneja Angela , Barron Karyl S. , Hollander Matthew C. , Lapidus Sivia K. , Li Suzanne C. , Ozen Seza , Girschick Hermann , Laxer Ronald M. , Dedeoglu Fatma , Hedrich Christian M. , Ferguson Polly J. ,   the Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis/Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis Study Group and the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Scleroderma, Vasculitis, Autoinflammatory and Rare Diseases Subcommittee
Published: November 2017

Objective

To develop standardized treatment regimens for chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO), also known as chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO), to enable comparative effectiveness treatment studies.

Methods

Virtual and face‐to‐face discussions and meetings were held within the CNO/CRMO subgroup of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA). A literature search was conducted, and CARRA membership was surveyed to evaluate available treatment data and identify current treatment practices. Nominal group technique was used to achieve consensus on treatment plans for CNO refractory to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) monotherapy and/or with active spinal lesions.

Results

Three consensus treatment plans (CTPs) were developed for the first 12 months of therapy for CNO patients refractory to NSAID monotherapy and/or with active spinal lesions. The 3 CTPs are methotrexate or sulfasalazine, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors with optional methotrexate, and bisphosphonates. Short courses of glucocorticoids and continuation of NSAIDs are permitted for all regimens. Consensus was achieved on these CTPs among CARRA members. Consensus was also reached on subject eligibility criteria, initial evaluations that should be conducted prior to the initiation of CTPs, and data items to collect to assess treatment response.

Conclusion

Three consensus treatment plans were developed for pediatric patients with CNO refractory to NSAIDs and/or with active spinal lesions. Use of these CTPs will provide additional information on efficacy and will generate meaningful data for comparative effectiveness research in CNO.
Effect of Laser Shock Peening on the Microstructures and Properties of Oxide‐Dispersion‐Strengthened Austenitic Steels
Authors: Yan Xueliang , Wang Fei , Deng Leimin , Zhang Chenfei , Lu Yongfeng , Nastasi Michael , Kirk Marquis A. , Li Meimei , Cui Bai
Published: November 2017

Oxide‐dispersion‐strengthened (ODS) austenitic steels are promising materials for next‐generation fossil and nuclear energy systems. In this study, laser shock peening (LSP) has been applied to ODS 304 austenitic steels, during which a high density of dislocations, stacking faults, and deformation twins are generated in the near surface of the material due to the interaction of laser‐driven shock waves and the austenitic steel matrix. The dispersion particles impede the propagation of dislocations. The compressive residual stress generated by LSP increases with successive LSP scans and decreases along the depth, with a maximum value of −369 MPa. The hardness on the surface can be improved by 12% using LSP. In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) irradiation studies reveal that dislocations and incoherent twin boundaries induced by LSP serve as effective sinks to annihilate irradiation defects. These findings suggest that LSP can improve the mechanical properties and irradiation resistance of ODS austenitic steels in nuclear reactor environments.
Stable and Reusable Palladium Nanoparticles‐Catalyzed Conjugate Addition of Aryl Iodides to Enones: Route to Reductive Heck Products
Authors: Parveen Naziya , Saha Rajib , Sekar Govindasamy
Published: November 2017

An efficient, binaphthyl‐backbone‐stabilized palladium nanoparticles (Pd‐BNP) catalyst for the 1,4‐addition of aryl halides to enones has been developed. The scope of the reaction has been studied with various substituted and sterically hindered aryl halides and enones to afford the conjugate addition products in good to excellent yields. The catalyst has been recovered and reused up to five times without any appreciable change in particle size or reactivity.

magnified image
Palladium‐catalysed O‐Allylation of α‐Hydroxyphosphonates: An Expedient Entry into Phosphono‐oxaheterocycles
Authors: Kerim Mansour Dolé , Cattoen Martin , Fincias Nicolas , Dos Santos Aurélie , Arseniyadis Stellios , El Kaïm Laurent
Published: November 2017

We report here an unprecedented palladium‐catalysed O‐allylation of α‐hydroxyphosphonates. The method was eventually included in a sequential Pudovik/Tsuji‐Trost type O‐allylation/Ring‐Closing Metathesis to afford a variety of phosphorylated heterocycles of various sizes ranging from 5 to 16 starting from readily available aldehydes.

magnified image
Computationally‐Led Ligand Modification using Interplay between Theory and Experiments: Highly Active Chiral Rhodium Catalyst Controlled by Electronic Effects and CH–π Interactions
Authors: Korenaga Toshinobu , Sasaki Ryo , Takemoto Toshihide , Yasuda Toshihisa , Watanabe Masahito
Published: November 2017

A chiral ligand for the rhodium‐catalyzed asymmetric 1,4‐addition of an arylboronic acid to a coumarin substrate that could markedly reduce catalyst loading was developed using interplay between theoretical and experimental approaches. Evaluation of the transition states for insertion and for hydrolysis of intermediate complexes (which were emphasized in response to the experimental results) using DFT calculations at the B97D/6‐31G(d) level with the LANL2DZ basis set for rhodium revealed that: (i) the electron‐poor nature of the ligands and (ii) CH–π interactions between the ligand and coumarin substrates played significant roles in both acceleration of insertion and inhibition of ArB(OH)2 decomposition (protodeboronation). The computationally‐designed ligand, incorporating the above information, enabled a decrease in the catalyst loading to 0.025 mol% (S/C=4,000), which is less than one one‐hundredth relative to past catalyst loadings of typically 3 mol%, with almost complete enantioselectivity. Furthermore, the gram‐scale synthesis of the urological drug, (R)‐tolterodine (l)‐tartrate, was demonstrated without the need of intermediate purification.

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Interface Engineering for Highly Efficient and Stable Planar p‐i‐n Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Bai Yang , Meng Xiangyue , Yang Shihe
Published: November 2017

Organic‐inorganic halide perovskite materials have become a shining star in the photovoltaic field due to their unique properties, such as high absorption coefficient, optimal bandgap, and high defect tolerance, which also lead to the breathtaking increase in power conversion efficiency from 3.8% to over 22% in just seven years. Although the highest efficiency was obtained from the TiO2 mesoporous structure, there are increasing studies focusing on the planar structure device due to its processibility for large‐scale production. In particular, the planar p‐i‐n structure has attracted increasing attention on account of its tremendous advantages in, among other things, eliminating hysteresis alongside a competitive certified efficiency of over 20%. Crucial for the device performance enhancement has been the interface engineering for the past few years, especially for such planar p‐i‐n devices. The interface engineering aims to optimize device properties, such as charge transfer, defect passivation, band alignment, etc. Herein, recent progress on the interface engineering of planar p‐i‐n structure devices is reviewed. This review is mainly focused on the interface design between each layer in p‐i‐n structure devices, as well as grain boundaries, which are the interfaces between polycrystalline perovskite domains. Promising research directions are also suggested for further improvements.
Prospect and Reality of Ni‐Rich Cathode for Commercialization
Authors: Kim Junhyeok , Lee Hyomyung , Cha Hyungyeon , Yoon Moonsu , Park Minjoon , Cho Jaephil
Published: November 2017

The layered nickel‐rich cathode materials are considered as promising cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high reversible capacity and low cost. However, several significant challenges, such as the unstable powder properties and limited electrode density, hindered the practical application of the nickel‐rich cathode materials with the nickel content over 80%. Herein, important stability issues and in‐depth understanding of the nickel‐rich cathode materials on the basis of the industrial electrode fabrication condition for the commercialization of the nickel‐rich cathode materials are reviewed. A variety of factors threatening the battery safety such as the powder properties, thermal/structural stability are systemically investigated from a material point of view. Furthermore, recent efforts for enhancing the electrochemical stability of the nickel‐rich cathode materials are summarized. More importantly, critical key parameters that should be considered for the high energy LIBs at an electrode level are intensively addressed for the first time. Current electrode fabrication condition has a difficulty in increasing the energy density of the battery. Finally, light is shed on the perspectives for the future research direction of the nickel‐rich cathode materials with its technical challenges in current state by the practical aspect.
Rational Assembly of Hollow Microporous Carbon Spheres as P Hosts for Long‐Life Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yao Shanshan , Cui Jiang , Huang Jiaqiang , Huang Jian‐Qiu , Chong Woon Gie , Qin Lei , Mai Yiu‐Wing , Kim Jang‐Kyo
Published: November 2017

This paper reports the rational assembly of novel hollow porous carbon nanospheres (HPCNSs) as the hosts of phosphorous (P) active materials for high‐performance sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). The vaporization‐condensation process is employed to synthesize P/C composites, which is elucidated by both theories and experiments to achieve optimized designs. The combined molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations indicate that the morphologies of polymeric P4 and the P loading in the P/C composites depend mainly on the pore size and surface condition of carbon supports. Micropores of 1–2 nm in diameter and oxygenated functional groups attached on carbon surface are essential for achieving high P loading and excellent structural stability. In light of these findings, HPCNS/amorphous red phosphorus composites with enhanced structural/functional features are synthesized, which present an extremely low volume expansion of ≈67.3% during cycles, much smaller than the commercial red P's theoretical value of ≈300%. The composite anodes deliver an exceptional sodium storage capacity and remarkable long‐life cyclic stability with capacity retention over 76% after 1000 cycles. This work signifies the importance of rational design of electrode materials based on accurate theoretical predictions and sheds light on future development of cost‐effective P/C composite anodes for commercially viable SIBs.
AgSbF6‐Catalyzed Tandem Reaction of 2‐Alkynylanilines with Cyclic Enynones: Efficient access to 3‐Furo[3,2‐c]chromenylindoles and Related Scaffolds
Authors: Dagar Anuradha , Guin Soumitra , Samanta Sampak
Published: November 2017

A simple, mild, catalytic and efficient method for the straightforward synthesis of an interesting class of a range of 2‐aryl/alkyl‐substituted‐3‐(2‐aryl/alkyl‐4H‐furo[3,2‐c]chromen‐4‐yl)‐1H‐indoles in good to high yields is reported for the first time. This atom‐efficient method proceeds via AgSbF6‐catalyzed one‐pot sequential intramolecular hydroamination (C−N bond formation) of 2‐alkynylanilines followed by Friedel–Crafts alkylation/oxa‐cyclization (creation of new C−C and C−O bonds) reaction between in situ generated 2‐substituted indoles and several cyclic enynones.
More from the Employers' Side on the Supreme Court Class Waivers‐Arbitration Battle
Authors: Denny Nicholas , Cipolla Angela , Cayirli Hilal Gulseven , Bleemer Russ
Published: November 2017

Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court opened the 2017‐2018 term with its most important focus on alternative dispute resolution in decades.
Biocompatible, stimuli‐responsive hydrogel of chemically crosslinked β‐cyclodextrin as amoxicillin carrier
Authors: Roy Arpita , Maity Priti Prasanna , Dhara Santanu , Pal Sagar
Published: November 2017

A novel pH‐responsive, chemically crosslinked hydrogelator (cl‐β‐CD/pVP) has been fabricated using β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and N‐vinyl pyrollidone (N‐VP) in presence of diurethane dimethacrylate (DUDMA) crosslinker/azobisisobutyronitrile initiator through free radical polymerization. Various grades of cl‐β‐CD/pVP have been synthesized and the best grade has been considered with higher crosslinking density, higher gel strength, and lower % swelling ratio. The hydrogelator has been characterized by FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, TGA, and FESEM analyses. The hydrogelator demonstrates pH‐responsive behavior, which has been confirmed by swelling behavior and gel characteristics at various pH (at 37 °C). Using hen egg lysozyme, degradation experiment has been performed, which confirms the biodegradable nature of the hydrogel. The in vitro cytotoxicity study and live–dead assay suggest that the hydrogelator is cytocompatible toward MG‐63 cells. Finally, the hydrogelator shows excellent efficacy as an antibiotic (amoxicillin) carrier. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45939.
How Does Sustainable Development of Supply Chains Make Firms Lean, Green and Profitable? A Resource Orchestration Perspective
Authors: Wong Christina W.Y. , Wong Chee Yew , Boon‐itt Sakun
Published: November 2017

This paper theorizes and tests the effects of sustainable development of supply chains on cost‐reduction (lean), environmental (green) and financial (profitable) performance. Based on the resource orchestration theory, we argue that internal, supplier and customer sustainable development each orchestrate different types of resource and therefore their effects vary. Structural equation modeling of data from a survey of 203 Thai manufacturers was used to test a new theoretical model. Results confirm that financial performance was achieved through cost reduction created by customer sustainable development supported by internal and supplier sustainable development. On the other hand, better environmental performance created by internal sustainable development generated no financial gains. However, internal, supplier and customer sustainable development positively affected each other, and by acting together they made firms lean, green and profitable. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment