bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of Catalytic Systems Formed by Palladium and Acyl‐Substituted Imidazolium Salts
Authors: Gisbert Patricia , Trillo Paz , Pastor Isidro M.
Published: January 2018

Amino amides, which are readily accessible from amino acids, were used in the preparation of both monoamido and diamido functionalized imidazolium salts in very straightforward protocols. Different catalytic systems formed with palladium(II) acetate and acyl functionalized imidazolium salts were tested in the Matsuda‐Heck reaction. The comparative study revealed that the presence of one carbamoyl moiety in the N‐heterocyclic carbene precursor is more beneficial during the catalytic process. Thus, better activity was observed with the catalytic system formed using 3‐benzyl‐1‐(N‐phenylcarbamoylmethyl)imidazolium chloride in a 1:1 metal/ligand ratio. Moreover, this fact was evidenced by means of UV/vis studies.
Chitosan‐Derived NiO‐Mn2O3/C Nanocomposites as Non‐Precious Catalysts for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Chhetri Bijay P. , Parnell Charlette M. , Wayland Hunter , RanguMagar Ambar B. , Kannarpady Ganesh , Watanabe Fumiya , Albkuri Yahya M. , Biris Alexandru S. , Ghosh Anindya
Published: January 2018

NiO‐Mn2O3/C nanocomposite was synthesized from chitosan, a renewable biopolymer, NiO and MnO2 and pyrolyzed at 500 °C under nitrogen. The morphology of material was characterized with various microscopic analyses. The graphitic carbon showed metal nanoparticles dispersed on the nanocomposite that could be clearly differentiated. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated the Mn species reduced from +4 to +3 oxidation state, while Ni species remained as NiO, which was further supported by X‐ray diffraction. The electrochemical behavior of NiO‐Mn2O3/C toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline medium was investigated via cyclic voltammetry (CV). CVs revealed a ORR peak at 0.67 V vs. RHE with significantly high current density. Hydrodynamic studies indicated that NiO‐Mn2O3/C catalyzed ORR via a four‐electron reduction pathway. A high rate constant in the order of magnitude of 106 mol−1s−1 was obtained for ORR. This low‐cost, environmentally friendly and stable ORR catalyst derived from chitosan and doped with metal oxides proved to be a promising electrocatalyst for ORR and could alternatively find its application in alkaline fuel cells (AFCs).
Preparation and Structure Analysis of Three New Copper Complexes of Mellitic Acid With 4,4′‐Bipyridine and 1,3‐bis(4‐pyridyl)Propane
Authors: Shimpi Manishkumar R. , Giri Lopamudra , Pedireddi Venkateswara Rao
Published: January 2018

Coordination complexes, [Cu2(H2L)(bpy)2]⋅2H2O, (1 a), [Cu(H3L)2(H2O)4]⋅(H2bpypa)2⋅6H2O, (2 a) and [Cu(H3L)4][Cu(H2O)6]⋅(H2bpypa)4⋅20H2O, (2 b), of mellitic acid, H6L, with 4,4′‐bipyrdine, (bpy), and 1,3‐bis(4‐pyridyl)propane, (bpypa), have been prepared and the three‐dimensional structures are established by single crystal X‐ray diffraction unequivocally. The complex 1 a was prepared following hydrothermal method, while the complexes 2 a and 2 b were obtained concomitantly from an aqueous solution at room temperature. In the crystals of 1 a, both acid and the aza‐donors form coordination bonds with metal ions, while in 2 a and 2 b coordination bonding prevails between metal and acid molecules only, with aza‐donor molecules remain intact without coordinating to metal species. Further, 1 a and 2 b are noted to be yielding a host‐guest network, whereas 2 a forms planar sheets that are stacked in three‐dimensional arrangement.
“A Tale of Two Structures”: The Stacks and Ts of Borazine and Benzene Hetero and Homo Dimers
Authors: Verma Kanupriya , Viswanathan K. S.
Published: January 2018

The heterodimers of borazine and benzene were studied using matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy and ab initio calculations, for an eventual comparison with the corresponding homodimers of the submolecules. The homo and hetero dimers are expected to show the stacked and T‐shaped structures as a general class of geometries; a study which promises to present an interesting comparison of the landscape of the homo and the heterodimers. Computations on the heterodimers were performed at the MP2 and M06‐2X levels of theory using aug‐cc‐pVDZ basis set. The heterodimer manifested both the T‐shaped and stacked structures, with the former being the global minimum. The T‐shaped structure itself showed two isoenergetic variations: one was the T‐NH structure, where the N−H of borazine pointed towards the center of the benzene ring and the second was the NH…C structure, where the N−H pointed towards a carbon atom of benzene; in short, the borazine formed the stem and the benzene formed cap of the T. We were able to discern both the T‐shaped structures in our matrix isolation experiments. A third geometry, the parallel displaced stacked structure, was indicated to be a local minimum, which however was not observed in our experiments. AIM, LMO‐EDA and NBO analysis was carried out to explore the nature of interactions in the various structures.
Wind‐induced fatigue of large HAWT coupled tower–blade structures considering aeroelastic and yaw effects
Authors: Ke Shitang , Wang Tongguang , Ge Yaojun , Wang Hao
Published: January 2018

An efficient approach for predicting wind‐induced fatigue in large horizontal axis wind turbine coupled tower–blade structures subject to aeroelastic and yaw effects is presented. First, aerodynamic loads under yaw conditions are simulated based on the harmonic superposition method and modified blade element momentum theory, in which wind shear, tower shadow, tower–blade interactions, aeroelastic, and rotational effects are taken into account. Then, a nonlinear time‐history of wind‐induced responses under simulated aerodynamic loads is obtained. Finally, based on these results, wind‐induced fatigue damage and lifespan are predicted according to linear cumulative damage theory. For completeness, the influences of mean wind speed, aeroelasticity, and yaw angle on horizontal axis wind turbine fatigue life are discussed. The results indicate that the aerodynamic loads and residual fatigue life can be estimated accurately by the proposed model, which can be used to simulate the 3D wind fields of wind turbines under given wind conditions. The wind energy of the wind turbine blade is mainly concentrated at its edge and is weaker at the hub. Estimation of wind turbine fatigue life is therefore suggested to be based on the component with the shortest life, being the blade root. Furthermore, yaw conditions significantly shorten fatigue life and should not be ignored. Fatigue life is also rather sensitive to mean wind speed.
History of genome editing in yeast
Authors: Fraczek Marcin G. , Naseeb Samina , Delneri Daniela
Published: January 2018

For thousands of years humans have used the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the production of bread and alcohol; however, in the last 30–40 years our understanding of the yeast biology has dramatically increased, enabling us to modify its genome. Although S. cerevisiae has been the main focus of many research groups, other non‐conventional yeasts have also been studied and exploited for biotechnological purposes. Our experiments and knowledge have evolved from recombination to high‐throughput PCR‐based transformations to highly accurate CRISPR methods in order to alter yeast traits for either research or industrial purposes. Since the release of the genome sequence of S. cerevisiae in 1996, the precise and targeted genome editing has increased significantly. In this ‘Budding topic’ we discuss the significant developments of genome editing in yeast, mainly focusing on Cre‐loxP mediated recombination, delitto perfetto and CRISPR/Cas.
Trade and the Spillovers of Transnational Terrorism
Authors: de Sousa José , Mirza Daniel , Verdier Thierry
Published: January 2018

We examine the impact of transnational terrorism diffusion on security and international trade. To counter the diffusion of transnational terrorism, targeted governments implement security measures against countries where terror could potentially diffuse. Since security measures raise trade costs, we argue that countries, close enough to those from where terror originates, should experience negative spillovers on their trade. We find evidence for this hypothesis in our data. We show that the closer a country is to a source of terrorism, the higher the negative spillovers on its trade.
Who opposes immigrants’ integration into the labor market? The Swiss case
Authors: Müller Tobias , Tai Silvio H. T.
Published: January 2018

First, we spell out a political-economy model, based on segmented labor markets, which explains why a guest-worker system is preferred to a non-discriminatory immigration regime and why measures to improve the integration of low-skill immigrants tend to be opposed subsequently. The model also predicts that attitudes towards the integration of immigrants are positively related to education. Second, we examine the empirical evidence on attitudes towards the integration of immigrants. Our findings from Swiss data are consistent with the prediction of the theoretical model. Both economic and non-economic factors seem to matter in the positive relationship between attitudes and education.
The cycle of development in Africa: A story about the power of economic ideas
Authors: Paldam Martin
Published: January 2018

During the last 60 years development in Sub-Sahara Africa has had three main phases — P1, P2 and P3 — divided by kinks in 1972 and in 1994. P1 and P3 had fairly satisfactory growth, but P2 had negative growth. This cyclical growth path has to be explained by variables with a similar path. A set of socio-economic variables representing 11 hypotheses is considered. Some of these hypotheses have been proposed to explain the low growth of Africa, while most are meant to explain the growth tragedy of P2. Most of the variables have paths with no relation to the cycle, but the path corresponds to the shifts in the dominating development strategy. At the end of P1 the main policy-package in Africa became the one of African socialism. It led to large scale rent seeking, inefficiency and economic regression. At the end of P2 policies were adjustment towards a more market based system and growth resumed.
Free mobility with the EU and immigration of North American brains to Switzerland: What consequences?
Authors: Gross Dominique M.
Published: January 2018

In 2002, Switzerland started to implement free mobility with the European Union and simultaneously immigration rules for citizens from the rest of the world became more stringent. Only skilled workers could be hired from third countries and employers had to give priority in hiring to Swiss and European skilled applicants. This paper shows that the new legislation has strongly adversely affected the size of high-skill immigration from North America. Also, incentives to leave those countries have changed as North Americans are more inclined to consider home professional networks and financial opportunities. The consequence is less geographical heterogeneity in immigrants which may decrease Swiss firms’ ability to gain information about non-European markets and increase their entry cost into those markets.
Demand for reserves and the central bank’s management of interest rates
Authors: Kraenzlin Sébastien , Schlegel Martin
Published: January 2018

The implementation of monetary policy is prevalently done by interest rate targeting with a short term market rate serving as operational target. The instruments for achieving the operational target are the provision of reserves and the interest rate charged in these transactions. This paper presents a model for the estimation of the demand curve for reserves, derived from the central bank’s fixed rate tender auction and the interbank money market. Using data from Switzerland, the slope of the demand curve is estimated. Furthermore, properties of the demand curve such as the slope patterns in the course of a maintenance period and the slope in different monetary regimes are assessed. We find a steeper demand curve towards the end of the maintenance period and an increasing slope when the general interest rate level is high. Further, we investigate the role of the Swiss National Bank’s (SNB) interest rate in the fixed rate tender auctions. There is evidence that the SNB uses its auction rate to guide the interbank market rate.
Spatial and genetic structure of directly‐transmitted parasites reflects the distribution of their specific amphibian hosts
Authors: Gustafson Kyle D. , Newman Robert A. , Rhen Turk , Tkach Vasyl V.
Published: January 2018

Parasite distributions depend on the local environment in which host infection occurs, and the surrounding landscape over which hosts move and transport their parasites. Although host and landscape effects on parasite prevalence and spatial distribution are difficult to observe directly, estimation of such relationships is necessary for understanding the spread of infections and parasite–habitat associations. Although parasite distributions are necessarily nested within host distributions, direct environmental influences on local infection or parasite effects on host dispersal could lead to distinct landscape or habitat relationships relative to their hosts. Our aim was to determine parasite spatial structure across a contiguous prairie by statistical modeling of parasite–landscape relationships combined with analysis of population genetic structure. We sampled northern leopard frogs (Lithobates pipiens) and wood frogs (L. sylvaticus) for host‐specific lung nematodes (Rhabdias ranae and R. bakeri; respectively) across the Sheyenne National Grassland in southeastern North Dakota and developed primers for 13 microsatellite loci for Rhabdias. The two Rhabdias species exhibited different correlations with landscape characteristics that conformed with that of their hosts, indicating transmission is driven by host ecology, probably density, and not directly by the environment. There was evidence for localized, patchy spatial genetic structure, but no broader‐scale geographic patterns, indicating no barriers to host and parasite dispersal. Nematodes cohabitating in an individual frog were most genetically similar. Worms within the same wetland were also genetically similar, indicating localized transmission and resulting wetland‐scale patchiness are not completely obscured by broad‐scale host–parasite dispersal. Beyond individual wetlands, we found no evidence of genetic isolation‐by‐distance or patchiness at the landscape‐scale.
Class III bacteriocin Helveticin-M causes sublethal damage on target cells through impairment of cell wall and membrane
Authors: Sun Zhilan , Wang Xiaomeng , Zhang Xinxiao , Wu Haihong , Zou Ye , Li Pengpeng , Sun Chong , Xu Weimin , Liu Fang , Wang Daoying
Published: January 2018

Helveticin-M, a novel Class III bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus crispatus exhibited an antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, S. saprophyticus, and Enterobacter cloacae. To understand how Helveticin-M injured target cells, Helveticin-M was cloned and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. Subsequently, the cell wall organization and cell membrane integrity of target cells were determined. The mechanism of cellular damage differed according to bacterial species. Based on morphology analysis, Helveticin-M disrupted the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria and disorganized the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, therefore, altering surface structure. Helveticin-M also disrupted the inner membrane, as confirmed by leakage of intracellular ATP from cells and depolarization of membrane potential of target bacteria. Based on cell population analysis, Helveticin-M treatment caused the increase of cell membrane permeability, but the cytosolic enzymes were not influenced, indicating that it was the sublethal injury. Therefore, the mode of Helveticin-M action is bacteriostatic rather than bactericidal.
Constructing the Identity of the Thai Judge: Virtue, Status, and Power
Authors: SOMANAWAT Kitpatchara
Published: January 2018

A central aspect of Thai legal consciousness since the mid-twentieth century, widely shared among the general population, has been a perception that judges have an exalted status entitling them to make broad-ranging pronouncements about social and political issues as well as legal matters. Popular legal consciousness of the Thai judge has to a large extent been shared by the judges themselves, as well as by their families and followers. The power and authority of Thai judges go far beyond the limited formal role they are given in Thailand’s civil-law system. This article suggests that the exceptional status of the Thai judge derives from a process of identity construction, emphasizing four traits that set the ideal judge apart from ordinary people. The first is that a Thai judge must be a “khon di” (good person), with specific reference to the traditions of Thai Buddhism. The second is that a Thai judge must be polite, kind, and socially refined—a “phudi” (proper gentleman). The third characteristic of the ideal Thai judge is that he or she must be highly educated and knowledgeable about the law—a “phuru” (learned and wise person). The fourth trait is that a Thai judge must be a “phupakdi” (loyal servant of the king), not only loyal to the monarchy as an institution, but to the late King Rama IX as a person. When the identity of the Thai judge is constructed from these four constituent elements, the pronouncements of the judge acquire legitimacy, even when they range beyond the narrow letter of the law. The article explores this central aspect of Thai legal consciousness by analyzing the construction of judges’ identities through a distinctive set of historical documents—the cremation volumes (nangsue ngan sop) that are published and distributed at the funerals of noted public figures. These volumes contain a wealth of biographical information as well as related legal and historical material that shed light on the life and work of Thailand’s most prominent judges during the past 50 years.
Open-design: A state of the art review
Authors: Boisseau Étienne , Omhover Jean-François , Bouchard Carole
Published: January 2018

The ‘open approach’ is rooted in the open-source and free-software movements. Its application has spread to more fields than computer engineering. Product design is impacted as well: we observe new stakeholders and practices challenging current structured design processes and leading to industrial successes. Open-design appears to be promising yet disruptive. Moreover, its distinctive features remain unclear.

This paper aims to popularize this new concept, as well as to give both researchers and practitioners an overview of current research on open-design, and its consequences on design. For this, we conducted a systematic quantitative bibliometric analysis of 624 entries corresponding to the keyword ‘open-design’ in theScopusdatabase. This supports a qualitative synthesis of scientific literature, enabling us to summarize practices falling under the umbrella term ‘open-design’. As such, this paper traces the evolution of product design and the open approach. It also analyzes the impact of open-design on the design process as presented in the scientific literature. Finally, this paper develops a typology of open-design of tangible artifacts that distinguishes among three currently reported varieties of practice:do-it-yourself,meta-design, andindustrial ecosystems. As the major contribution of this paper, this typology is developed as a final discussion.
One-sided almost specification and intrinsic ergodicity
Authors: CLIMENHAGA VAUGHN , PAVLOV RONNIE
Published: January 2018

We define a new property called one-sided almost specification, which lies between the properties of specification and almost specification, and prove that it guarantees intrinsic ergodicity (i.e. uniqueness of the measure of maximal entropy) if the corresponding mistake function $g$ is bounded. We also show that uniqueness may fail for unbounded $g$ such as $\log \log n$. Our results have consequences for almost specification: we prove that almost specification with $g\equiv 1$ implies one-sided almost specification (with $g\equiv 1$) and hence uniqueness. On the other hand, the second author showed recently that almost specification with $g\equiv 4$ does not imply uniqueness.
Exploring links between common mental health problems, alcohol/substance use and perpetration of intimate partner violence: A rapid ethnographic assessment with men in urban Kenya
Authors: Schafer A. , Koyiet P.
Published: January 2018

Introduction:

Kenya has some of the highest rates of gender-based violence (GBV) in the world, particularly intimate partner violence. World Vision completed a rapid ethnographic assessment to explore common problems faced by men and local perspectives about the links between men, mental health, alcohol use and GBV.

Methods:

Data from community free-listing surveys (n = 52), four focus group discussions and two key informant interviews formed the basis for thematic analysis and findings.

Results:

Lack of jobs, ‘idleness’ and finances were viewed as top priority concerns facing men; however, alcohol and substance use were equally prioritised. Family problems, crime and general psychosocial issues (e.g., high stress, low self-esteem) were also reported. Men withdrawing socially, changing behaviour and increasing alcohol consumption were described as signs that men were experiencing mental health challenges. The community observed alcohol use as the biggest cause of GBV, believing men resorted to drinking because of having ‘too much time’, marital conflict, psychosocial issues and access to alcohol. The findings theorise that a circular link between unemployment, alcohol and crime is likely contributing to familial, psychosocial and gender concerns, and that men's mental health support may assist to re-direct a trajectory for individuals at risk of perpetrating GBV.

Conclusions:

Data confirmed that GBV is a major concern in these Kenya communities and has direct links with alcohol use, which is subsequently linked to mental health and psychosocial problems. Attempting to disrupt progression to the perpetration of violence by men, via mental health care interventions, warrants further research.
Accuracy of Provider-Selected Indications for Antibiotic Orders
Authors: Heil Emily L. , Pineles Lisa , Mathur Poonam , Morgan Daniel J. , Harris Anthony D. , Srinivasan Arjun , Thom Kerri A. ,   the CDC Prevention Epicenters
Published: January 2018

Documentation of antibiotic indication provides helpful information for antimicrobial stewardship, but accuracy is not understood. Review of 396 antibiotic orders in a pediatric ICU and adult medicine step-down unit found 90% agreement between provider-selected indication and independent review. Prompts to enter antibiotic indication during order entry provide largely accurate information.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2018;39:111–113
On the interaction of an internal wavepacket with its induced mean flow and the role of streaming
Authors: Fan Boyu , Kataoka T. , Akylas T. R.
Published: January 2018

The coupled nonlinear interaction of three-dimensional gravity–inertia internal wavepackets, in the form of beams with nearly monochromatic profile, with their induced mean flow is discussed. Unlike general three-dimensional wavepackets, such modulated nearly monochromatic beams are not susceptible to modulation instability from their inviscid, purely modulation-induced mean flow. However, streaming – the induced mean flow associated with the production of mean potential vorticity via the combined action of dissipation and nonlinearity – can cause cross-beam bending, transverse broadening and increased along-beam decay of the beam profile, in qualitative agreement with earlier laboratory experiments. For wavepackets with general three-dimensional modulations, by contrast, streaming does arise, but plays a less prominent role in the interaction dynamics.
Affective Reactions Among Students Belonging to Ethnic Groups Engaged in Prior Conflict
Authors: Ramdhani Neila , Thontowi Haidar Buldan , Ancok Djamaludin
Published: January 2018

The study aimed at investigating any bias in the perceptions of young people from two ethnic groups who were not directly involved in an ethnic conflict. Assuming that such perception bias only happens in the members of ethnic groups who were involved in the conflict and in those who became the victims of the other group's transgression. Therefore, we predicted that the subjects from the Dayaknese group would evaluate the photos of their own group members more positively compared to their perception of the Madurese photos. Meanwhile, there would be no bias among Madurese students in evaluating both Dayak and Madura photos. An experimental approach was carried out using photos of neutral faces of Dayaknese and Madurese people. Each photo was presented with negative or positive words. The participants of the study comprised 111 students who represented Madurese and Dayaknese ethnic groups, as well as Javanese who had not been involved in the conflict serving as the control group. They were asked to evaluate the photos in terms of the negativity and positivity of each picture. A two-way ANOVA supported the hypothesis that the Dayaknese evaluated their own groups better than the other ethnic groups, while the Madurese did not.
Using double logistic equation to describe the growth of winter rapeseed
Authors: Shabani A. , Sepaskhah A. R. , Kamgar-Haghighi A. A. , Honar T.
Published: January 2018

There are many parameters in agriculture that change over time in a sigmoid pattern. In the current study, the double logistic function was used to describe and simulate dry matter (DM) variation of winter rapeseed plant and to explain the growth rate under water stress. Irrigation treatments were full irrigation at all growth stages, water stress during the vegetative stage in early spring, water stress at flowering and podding stages, water stress at grain filling stage and rain-fed treatment with supplemental irrigation at time of planting. A high value for the goodness of fit (0.996) and low value for normalized root mean square error (0.085) showed that the double logistic function can describe and simulate DM variation of rapeseed accurately. DM predicted by the double logistic equation based on growing degree day was slightly closer to the measured DM compared with the DM predicted by the double logistic equation based on days after planting. Results showed that growth rate before the winter cold period was lower than that after this period. There were two maximum growth rates for winter rapeseed: the first occurred before cold period and another after.
Could seasonal allergy be a risk factor for acute rhinosinusitis in children?
Authors: Leo G , Incorvaia C , Cazzavillan A , Consonni D , Zuccotti G V
Published: January 2018

Objective:

To evaluate the incidence of acute rhinosinusitis in children with grass pollen induced rhinitis during the period of grass pollinosis.

Methods:

Children with nasal symptoms from grass pollen induced rhinitis but without rhinosinusitis symptoms were selected. Their parents were asked to complete a diary during pollen exposure to report nasal symptoms and drugs used daily. When rhinosinusitis was suspected, the confirmatory diagnosis of acute rhinosinusitis was made by fibro-endoscopy. Children without inhalant allergy served as controls.

Results:

Seventeen out of 242 children (7.0 per cent) had a diagnosis of acute rhinosinusitis, confirmed by fibro-endoscopy, during grass pollination, compared to 3 out of 65 (4.6 per cent) in the control group (p = 0.49). Among allergic children, those with acute rhinosinusitis had symptoms for a greater number of days and/or a higher symptoms score than children without acute rhinosinusitis.

Conclusion:

Children with grass pollen induced rhinitis during exposure to pollen have an incidence of endoscopically confirmed acute rhinosinusitis comparable to non-allergic children. This suggests that grass pollen induced rhinitis is a negligible risk factor for acute rhinosinusitis.
Nonlinear energy transfer and current sheet development in localized Alfvén wavepacket collisions in the strong turbulence limit
Authors: Verniero J. L. , Howes G. G. , Klein K. G.
Published: January 2018

In space and astrophysical plasmas, turbulence is responsible for transferring energy from large scales driven by violent events or instabilities, to smaller scales where turbulent energy is ultimately converted into plasma heat by dissipative mechanisms. The nonlinear interaction between counterpropagating Alfvén waves, denoted Alfvén wave collisions, drives this turbulent energy cascade, as recognized by early work with incompressible magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations. Recent work employing analytical calculations and nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations of Alfvén wave collisions in an idealized periodic initial state have demonstrated the key properties that strong Alfvén wave collisions mediate effectively the transfer of energy to smaller perpendicular scales and self-consistently generate current sheets. For the more realistic case of the collision between two initially separated Alfvén wavepackets, we use a nonlinear gyrokinetic simulation to show here that these key properties persist: strong Alfvén wavepacket collisions indeed facilitate the perpendicular cascade of energy and give rise to current sheets. Furthermore, the evolution shows that nonlinear interactions occur only while the wavepackets overlap, followed by a clean separation of the wavepackets with straight uniform magnetic fields and the cessation of nonlinear evolution in between collisions, even in the gyrokinetic simulation presented here which resolves dispersive and kinetic effects beyond the reach of the MHD theory.
Parsi theatrical networks in Southeast Asia: The contrary case of Burma
Authors: Hansen Kathryn
Published: January 2018

Rangoon circa 1900 was known as ‘one of the best show towns in the East’. As the capital city of Burma, then ruled from Calcutta as a province of India, it was home to more Indian nationals than Burmese. In this cosmopolitan context, two vernacular arts complexes — the Parsi theatre of India and the popularzat-pweof Burma — flourished, competed, and converged. This article documents the 55-year long engagement of Parsi theatre in Burma within the larger history of global theatrical flows in the Indian Ocean. It highlights the story of Dosabhai Hathiram, a theatre man who rooted himself in Rangoon his entire life. And it asks, why was Parsi theatre celebrated elsewhere in Southeast Asia as a vector of modernity, and yet in Burma it left scarcely a trace behind?
Establishing the Itombwe Natural Reserve: science, participatory consultations and zoning
Authors: Kujirakwinja D. , Plumptre A.J. , Twendilonge A. , Mitamba G. , Mubalama L. , Wasso J.D.D. , Kisumbu O. , Shamavu B. , Ayebare S. , Bitomwa O. , Tshombe R.
Published: January 2018

Biological surveys starting in the 1950s provided clear evidence that the Itombwe Massif, located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is one of the most important areas for conservation in Africa. Further surveys in the mid 1990s and early 2000s showed key species were still present and could be conserved. Following a report on these surveys the Ministry of Environment established the Itombwe Reserve in 2006 without consulting local communities who have legitimate customary rights to reside within the area and use the region's natural resources. Although creating the Reserve was within the government's legal authority, its establishment violated the rights of the people there. Here we report over a decade of work by a consortium of international and national human rights and conservation NGOs, the local communities and the protected areas authority (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature), to remediate this taking of customary rights. Starting in 2008 these partners began a participatory process with all 550 villages within and around the boundary of the Reserve. Using a community resource use mapping approach, developed from best practices, the team helped communities determine the boundary of the Reserve, and then pilot participatory zoning to identify zones for settlements, agriculture, hunting, gathering of non-timber forest products, and conservation. This process secured the customary rights of long-term residents in the Reserve and protected their lands from being taken by non-rights holders. As a result of this work the use rights of communities were largely restored and the communities agreed on 23 June 2016 to formalize the boundaries of the renamed Itombwe Nature Reserve.
Mechanisms underlying the occurrence of species in complex modified tropical landscapes: a case study of amphibians in the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Authors: Matlaga Tanya J. Hawley
Published: January 2018

The mechanisms underlying occupancy patterns of species in modified tropical landscapes are poorly understood. The presence of adults in a modified habitat may not necessarily indicate the quality of the habitat for sub-adult stages. These issues were addressed by examining patterns in breeding-site use by adult frogs and tadpole performance across a pasture-forest gradient in the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. The use of artificial pools by adult frogs for breeding activity was quantified along three transects, with a pool located at the edge (0 m) and 10, 30 and 50 m into forest and pasture. Next, survival, size at metamorphosis and time to metamorphosis were quantified for tadpoles of Engyptomops pustulosus and Dendrobates auratus in artificial pools at the edge, pasture and forest. Adult frogs used breeding pools non-randomly; two species used pools only in pasture, whereas three species used pools only in forest. In addition, Smilisca phaeota used pools in pasture and at the edge while E. pustulosus used pools across the pasture-forest gradient. The habitat where adults used breeding pools generally also yielded high performance of their tadpoles, with some exceptions. Tadpole survival to metamorphosis was low in pastures (<5%) and higher in edge and forest (>18%) for D. auratus; in contrast, survival of E. pustulosus was over 80% in each habitat. Metamorphs of D. auratus were largest in edges but larval period did not differ among habitats. Metamorphs of E. pustulosus were 18% larger and larval period was 27% shorter in pastures compared with forest. These results suggest that modified habitats represent an ecological jackpot for some species, such that offspring performance is enhanced compared with that in forest habitat. Populations of other species may be restricted to forest habitat because of intolerable abiotic conditions in modified habitats. The results of this study indicate that adult breeding site use and tadpole performance contribute to mechanisms that underlie patterns of species occupancy in modified tropical landscapes.
From Theory to Practice: Bentham's Reception of Helvétius
Authors: HOESCH MATTHIAS
Published: January 2018

It is widely accepted that Bentham was influenced by the thought of Helvétius. But the fact that Bentham copied some elements from Helvétius leads to the question of how he changed the Helvétian ideas, and in what respects he aspired to go further than Helvétius. Taking as a starting point Bentham's claim that Helvétius was the Bacon of moral science, whereas he himself was to be the Newton, I argue for the following. First, Bentham's theory can be understood as an attempt to work out in detail the theoretical programme that Helvétius outlined in order to reform moral philosophy. Second, in contrast to Helvétius, Bentham's theory is guided by considerations of feasibility, and this leads to claims that are more moderate than Helvétius's claims. Third, whereas Helvétius did not indicate how utilitarian principles should enter political decisions, in Bentham's approach the citizens, and especially philosophers, are considered active political agents.
A new approach of three-dimensional guidance in paediatric cath lab: segmented and tessellated heart models for cardiovascular interventions in CHD
Authors: Ehret Nicole , Alkassar Muhannad , Dittrich Sven , Cesnjevar Robert , Rüffer André , Uder Michael , Rompel Oliver , Hammon Matthias , Glöckler Martin
Published: January 2018

Background

Optimal imaging is essential for catheter-based interventions in CHD. The three-dimensional models in volume-rendering technique currently in use are not standardised. This paper investigates the feasibility and impact of novel three-dimensional guidance with segmented and tessellated three-dimensional heart models in catheterisation of CHD. In addition, a nearly radiation-free two- to three-dimensional registration and a biplane overlay were used.

Methods and results

We analysed 60 consecutive cases in which segmented tessellated three-dimensional heart models were merged with live fluoroscopy images and aligned using the tracheal bifurcation as a fiducial mark. The models were generated from previous MRI or CT by dedicated medical software. We chose the stereo-lithography format, as this promises advantage over volume-rendering-technique models regarding visualisation. Prospects, potential benefits, and accuracy of the two- to three-dimensional registration were rated separately by two paediatric interventionalists on a five-point Likert scale. Fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, and contrast dye consumption were evaluated. Over a 10-month study period, two- to three-dimensional image fusion was applied to 60 out of 354 cases. Of the 60 catheterisations, 73.3% were performed in the context of interventions. The accuracy of two- to three-dimensional registration was sufficient in all cases. Three-dimensional guidance was rated superior to conventional biplane imaging in all 60 cases. We registered significantly smaller amounts of used contrast dye (p<0.01), lower levels of radiation dose (p<0.02), and less fluoroscopy time (p<0.01) during interventions concerning the aortic arch compared with a control group.

Conclusions

Two- to three-dimensional image fusion can be applied successfully in most catheter-based interventions of CHD. Meshes in stereo-lithography format are accurate and base for standardised and reproducible three-dimensional models.
A NOTE ON BUSINESS-CYCLE PROPERTIES IN FRICTIONAL LABOR MARKETS
Authors: Lu Chia-Hui
Published: January 2018

This paper builds a standard search model with flexible prices and wages, and extensive and intensive labor adjustments. Money is introduced into the model through a cash-in-advance constraint in which only consumption is cash constrained. The model reproduces labor-market dynamics under a productivity shock and/or a monetary shock. I can replicate the Beveridge and Phillips curves that are observed in the data, and do not need to rely on the New Keynesian model or real wage rigidity. I find that the nonexistence of an extensive margin and different money mechanisms, such as cash constraints on investment and money in the utility function, do not change the above replications. Furthermore, I can still replicate the Beveridge curve even without money or with rigid prices.
Subclinical inflammation affects iron and vitamin A but not zinc status assessment in Senegalese children and Cambodian children and women
Authors: Fiorentino Marion , Perignon Marlène , Kuong Khov , Chamnan Chhoun , Berger Jacques , Wieringa Frank T
Published: January 2018

Objective

To assess the impact of the acute-phase response (APR) during inflammation on Fe, Zn and vitamin A biomarkers to allow accurate evaluation of micronutrient status in populations.

Design

Ferritin (FER), soluble transferrin receptor (TfR), retinol-binding protein (RBP), Zn, α1-acid glycoprotein and C-reactive protein concentrations were measured. Correction factors (CF) for each biomarker were calculated as the ratio for groups at different stages of inflammationv. the reference group without inflammation.

Setting/Subjects

Senegalese (n594) and Cambodian schoolchildren (n2471); Cambodian women of reproductive age (n2117).

Results

TfR was higher during the incubation phase (CF=1·17) and lower during early and late convalescence (CF=0·87 and 0·78). FER was higher during all phases (CF=0·83, 0·48 and 0·65, respectively). RBP was higher during incubation (CF=0·88) and lower during early convalescence (CF=1·21). No effect of inflammation on Zn status was found.

Conclusions

Inflammation led to overestimation of Fe status and underestimation of vitamin A status. The response of the biomarker for vitamin A status to inflammation depended on the vitamin A status of the populations. Surprisingly, the assessment of Zn status was hardly affected by inflammation. Different phases of the APR had opposite effects on the assessment of Fe status using TfR. More research is needed to define the correct methods to adjust for inflammation in nutritional studies.
Association between household food security and infant feeding practices in urban informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Macharia T. N. , Ochola S. , Mutua M. K. , Kimani-Murage E. W.
Published: January 2018

Studies in urban informal settlements show widespread inappropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and high rates of food insecurity. This study assessed the association between household food security and IYCF practices in two urban informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. The study adopted a longitudinal design that involved a census sample of 1110 children less than 12 months of age and their mothers aged between 12 and 49 years. A questionnaire was used to collect information on: IYCF practices and household food security. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between food insecurity and IYFC practices. The findings showed high household food insecurity; only 19.5% of the households were food secure based on Household Insecurity Access Score. Infant feeding practices were inappropriate: 76% attained minimum meal frequency; 41% of the children attained a minimum dietary diversity; and 27% attained minimum acceptable diet. With the exception of the minimum meal frequency, infants living in food secure households were significantly more likely to achieve appropriate infant feeding practices than those in food insecure households: minimum meal frequency (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.26,P=0.530); minimum dietary diversity (AOR=1.84,P=0.046) and minimum acceptable diet (AOR=2.35,P=0.008). The study adds to the existing body of knowledge by demonstrating an association between household food security and infant feeding practices in low-income settings. The findings imply that interventions aimed at improving infant feeding practices and ultimately nutritional status need to also focus on improving household food security.
Stefan Rahmstorf Receives 2017 Climate Communication Prize
Authors:   AGU
Published: January 2018

Stefan Rahmstorf was awarded the 2017 Climate Communication Prize at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 13 December 2017 in New Orleans, La. The Climate Communication Prize is funded by Nature’s Own, a purveyor of fossils, minerals, and handcrafted jewelry in Boulder, Colo. The prize honors an “AGU member-scientist for the communication of climate science, and highlights the importance of promoting scientific literacy, clarity of message, and efforts to foster respect and understanding of science-based values as they relate to the implications of climate change.”
Rising Ocean Temperatures Threaten Carbon-Storing Sea Grass
Authors: Lanese Nicoletta
Published: January 2018

A new model predicts that as ocean temperatures rise, carbon-storing sea grass may disappear and even go extinct in some ecosystems.
FEZF1-AS1/miR-107/ZNF312B axis facilitates progression and Warburg effect in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ye Huilin , Zhou Quanbo , Zheng Shangyou , Li Guolin , Lin Qing , Ye Liangtao , Wang Yingxue , Wei Lusheng , Zhao Xiaohui , Li Wenzhu , Fu Zhiqiang , Liu Yimin , Li Zhihua , Chen Rufu
Published: January 2018

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a pivotal role in pathological processes. However, little information has been published regarding the underlying functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A novel lncRNA FEZF1-AS1 and its sense-cognate gene ZNF312B were found to be highly expressed in human PDAC tissues and cell lines, which is associated with disease progression and predicts clinical outcome in PDAC patients. Of note, bioinformatics analysis, luciferase assays and RNA immunoprecipitation assays indicated that FEZF1-AS1 may act as an endogenous sponge by competing for miR-107, thereby modulating the derepression of ZNF312B. Downregulation of FEZF1-AS1 or ZNF312B significantly inhibited proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of PDAC cells in vitro, whereas the miR-107 inhibitor abrogated the effect of dow-regulation of FEZF1-AS1 or ZNF312B in reducing oncogenic capacities of PDAC cells. In addition, FEZF1-AS1/miR-107/ZNF312B axis-induced promotion of PDAC cells proliferation appeared to be mediated by modulation of the apoptosis and the G1-S checkpoint. Furthermore, downregulation of FEZF1-AS1 repressed tumor growth in mouse xenograft models. In particular, our results highlight the contribution of FEZF1-AS1/miR-107/ZNF312B axis to Warburg effect maintenance of PDAC cells. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that the FEZF1-AS1/miR-107/ZNF312B axis regulatory network might provide a potential new therapeutic strategy for PDAC.
Sensitizing tumor cells to conventional drugs: HSP70 chaperone inhibitors, their selection and application in cancer models
Authors: Lazarev Vladimir F. , Sverchinsky Dmitry V. , Mikhaylova Elena R. , Semenyuk Pavel I. , Komarova Elena Y. , Niskanen Sergey A. , Nikotina Alina D. , Burakov Anton V. , Kartsev Viktor G. , Guzhova Irina V. , Margulis Boris A.
Published: January 2018

Hsp70 chaperone controls proteostasis and anti-stress responses in rapidly renewing cancer cells, making it an important target for therapeutic compounds. To date several Hsp70 inhibitors are presented with remarkable anticancer activity, however their clinical application is limited by the high toxicity towards normal cells. This study aimed to develop assays to search for the substances that reduce the chaperone activity of Hsp70 and diminish its protective function in cancer cells. On our mind the resulting compounds alone should be safe and function in combination with drugs widely employed in oncology. We constructed systems for the analysis of substrate-binding and refolding activity of Hsp70 and to validate the assays screened the substances representing most diverse groups of chemicals of InterBioScreen library. One of the inhibitors was AEAC, an N-amino-ethylamino derivative of colchicine, which toxicity was two-orders lower than that of parent compound. In contrast to colchicine, AEAC inhibited substrate-binding and refolding functions of Hsp70 chaperones. The results of a drug affinity responsive target stability assay, microscale thermophoresis and molecular docking show that AEAC binds Hsp70 with nanomolar affinity. AEAC was found to penetrate C6 rat glioblastoma and B16 mouse melanoma cells and reduce there the function of the Hsp70-mediated refolding system. Although the cytotoxic and growth inhibitory activities of AEAC were minimal, the compound was shown to increase the antitumor efficiency of doxorubicin in tumor cells of both types. When the tumors were grown in animals, AEAC administration in combination with doxorubicin exerted maximal therapeutic effect prolonging animal survival by 10–15 days and reducing tumor growth rate by 60%. To our knowledge, this is the first time that this approach to the high-throughput analysis of chaperone inhibitors has been applied, and it can be useful in the search for drug combinations that are effective in the treatment of highly resistant tumors.