bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Manganese(III)‐Iodosylarene Act as an Oxidant Alongside High‐Valent Manganese(V)‐Oxo Complexes?
Authors: Kang Yiran , Wang Fang , Reinhard Fabián G. Cantú , Xia Chungu , de Visser Sam P. , Wang Yong
Published: April 2018

Metalloenzymes often utilize a high‐valent metal‐oxo species in their catalytic cycle that is formed through a combination of reduction/proton transfer steps from O2. In biomimetic chemistry, by contrast, the use of molecular oxygen is challenging and instead addition of iodosylarenes as terminal oxidants generates these high‐valent metal‐oxo intermediates. There has been controversy in the literature for many years, whether the iodosylarene (or one of its side‐products in a reaction with a metal center) can act as an active oxidant. Herein, we present a comprehensive theoretical study on the thioanisole oxidation by a range of possible oxidants originating from a reaction mixture of a Mn(III) complex with iodosylbenzene. We show here that actually there are multiple isomeric iodosylarene complexes in solution and a number of those react with substrates with rate‐determining barriers at par with high‐valent metal‐oxo species. In particular, the [MnIII(PhIO)], [MnV(O)(PhIO)] and [MnIV(O)‐I(Ph)‐O•] complexes are identified as competitive oxidants and as such care should be taken with interpreting experimental rate constants.
Organocatalytic Three‐Component, One‐Pot Reaction of Highly Substituted Tetrahydropyrano[2, 3‐c]pyrazoles
Authors: Wu Chia‐Yu , Chen Kwunmin
Published: April 2018

We have developed an efficient synthetic method for the production of substituted tetrahydropyrano[2, 3‐c]pyrazoles using (E)‐2‐nitro‐1,3‐enynes, 1‐aryl‐3‐substituted pyrazolones and methyl vinyl ketone. The sequential, one‐pot reaction proceeded smoothly to give the desired products in high to excellent yields and stereoselectivities in the presence of a quinine‐derived squaramide organocatalyst.
Size effect of ultra‐high performance fiber reinforced concrete composite beams in shear
Authors: Hussein Luaay , Amleh Lamya
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a finite element model (FEM) based on a concrete damage‐plasticity approach was developed to investigate the size effect of ultra‐high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) and normal‐strength concrete or high‐strength concrete (NSC/HSC) composite beams. The material behavior of UHPFRC was modeled by introducing a suitable tension stiffening model to simulate the behavior of UHPFRC beams in tension. Specimens containing UHPFRC with different fiber volume content that have an overall height between 300 and 1,200 mm, a constant shear span‐effective depth ratio of 3 and no stirrups were investigated. The validity of the proposed model was established through comparisons between the experimental test results and those obtained in other studies. The results revealed that the size effect of UHPFRC members was diminished for fiber volume content higher than 1.5% due to the high ductility of UHPFRC material.
Shear behavior of concrete beams reinforced exclusively with longitudinal glass fiber reinforced polymer bars: Experimental research
Authors: Kaszubska Monika , Kotynia Renata , Barros Joaquim A. O. , Baghi Hadi
Published: April 2018

This paper aims to investigate the shear failure mechanisms in beams exclusively reinforced with longitudinal glass fiber reinforced polymer bars and to propose a design‐based approach to predict the shear capacity of this type of beams. An experimental program composed of seven T cross section shaped concrete beams was executed to analyze the influence of the flexural reinforcement configuration on the shear capacity and deformability of the beams. Three values of the flexural reinforcement ratio (
ρ
l), 1%, 1.4%, and 1.80% were adopted. Digital image correlation technique was used to better capture and analyze the cracking process up to the formation of the shear failure crack. Test results indicated that the shear capacity was not dependent of
ρ
l up to a limit of around 1.4%, but a tendency of the shear capacity to increase with
ρ
l was registered above this limit due to a more pronounced favorable contribution of aggregate interlock and dowel effect.
Role of CT colonography for primary colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Corr Alison , Obaro Anu , Burling David
Published: April 2018

Screening for colorectal cancer was introduced in the UK in 2007. It is proving effective, but uptake is relatively low in some parts of the country. In this article the authors describe the rationale behind screening and discuss the potential role for CT colonography as a screening tool.
Retracted: Analysis of blade fragment risk at a wind energy facility
Authors: Larwood Scott , Simms David
Published: April 2018

The above article, published online on 6 April 2018 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief, Prof. Simon Watson and John Wiley and Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed due to an error in the conclusion, which used the analysis of NREL's wind site for evaluation of wind turbine setbacks in general. The assumptions and results do not apply to commercial wind energy sites, as the conclusion suggests, and are therefore not suitable for setback recommendations in other locations.
Full‐field XRF instrument for cultural heritage: Application to the study of a Caillebotte painting
Authors: Walter Philippe , Sarrazin Philippe , Gailhanou Marc , Hérouard Dominique , Verney Antoine , Blake David
Published: April 2018

A novel full‐field X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer developed for cultural heritage applications is presented. Named “CartiX,” it was designed for routine deployment in the field (museum, archeological site) and uses a concept under development at NASA for planetary exploration. CartiX utilizes 2 miniature X‐ray tubes, a square pore Micro‐channel Plate X‐ray Optic, and a direct‐illumination CCD camera to collect spatially resolved X‐ray fluorescence data from an area of 13 x 13 mm2. We report here the application of CartiX to the analysis of a Gustave Caillebotte painting directly in the exhibition room. The Impressionists are renowned for their painting technique and their approach in capturing the effects of light in nature through a new use of color. They adopted innovative artistic practices consisting of short brushstrokes of unmixed colors that barely convey forms and give an effect of spontaneity and effortlessness that masks their often carefully constructed compositions. Here, we use high spatial resolution chemical data measured with CartiX to reveal the artist's complex use of pigments and the formation of alteration products and to help in the interpretation of the artist's choice of materials and their manipulation with small and thin brushstrokes.
Distinguishing Mentoring, Coaching, and Advising for Leadership Development
Authors: Hastings Lindsay J. , Kane Cindy
Published: April 2018

Mentoring, coaching, and advising are often confused as similar interactions with developmental intent, yet their scope, purpose, and utility in leadership development are distinct. The purpose of this chapter is to provide clarity as to what constitutes mentoring, coaching, and advising for leadership development and to compare and contrast each relationship type.
Cultural Competence and Inclusivity in Mentoring, Coaching, and Advising
Authors: Vaccaro Annemarie , Camba‐Kelsay Melissa J.
Published: April 2018

This chapter asserts that effective mentors, coaches, and advisors must be culturally competent in order to engage in inclusive practice with emerging leaders. Specific recommendations are provided.
The Effect of House Ads on Multichannel Sales
Authors: Goic Marcel , Álvarez Rodolfo , Montoya Ricardo
Published: April 2018

Similar to in-store displays in brick-and-mortar stores, house ads promote a set of specific products for customers who have reached the website. In contrast to general display advertising whose primary goal is to bring traffic to the website, these self-promotional ads are aimed to highlight specific products and enhance conversion. We analyzed more than 300 house ad campaigns to study the effect of this type of promotional display on customer behavior across channels. We included not only direct effects on SKU sales in all channels, but also the promotional effect at the category level. Our model uses aggregated data that are easy to collect for most multichannel retailers, facilitating its implementation in similar settings. We found that (1) despite observing positive cross-channel effects, the primary effect occurs on online sales, (2) the effects are usually short-lived, and (3) there are no spillover effects on the corresponding category. We characterize the effects that house ads have on the whole system in terms of design variables such as type of display, and scope and duration of the campaign. Our evidence suggests that the effectiveness depends on the product category and that regular banners are the most effective in generating traffic. Interestingly, the depth of the promotion plays no role on the effect of the house ads’ effectiveness. Based on the results, we provide suggestions for improving routine promotional planning.
Dynamic Sonographic Visualization of an Occult Posterior Lateral Meniscocapsular Separation: A Case Report
Authors: Schroeder Allison , Musahl Volker , Urbanek Christopher , Onishi Kentaro
Published: April 2018

Meniscocapsular separation describes detachment of the meniscus from the knee joint capsule. Diagnosis is challenging with conventional examination and imaging methods. We report a case of an 18‐year‐old female softball catcher with unrevealing magnetic resonance imaging despite continued left knee locking and discomfort with deep squatting. Meniscocapsular separation was revealed only on dynamic sonographic examination, where knee flexion revealed a 3.1‐mm gap that developed between the capsule and peripheral meniscus. Arthroscopy confirmed the sonographic findings, and repair resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. This case highlights the utility of dynamic diagnostic sonography in a rare case of posterior lateral meniscocapsular separation.

Level of Evidence

V
Comparing the Effects of Dual‐Task Gait Testing in New and Established Ambulators With Lower Extremity Amputations
Authors: Frengopoulos Courtney , Payne Michael W.C. , Holmes Jeffrey D. , Viana Ricardo , Hunter Susan W.
Published: April 2018

Background

Gait is a complex process that involves coordinating motor and sensory systems through higher‐order cognitive processes. Walking with a prosthesis after lower extremity amputation challenges these processes. However, the factors that influence the cognitive‐motor interaction in gait among lower extremity amputees has not been evaluated. To assess the interaction of cognition and mobility, individuals must be evaluated using the dual‐task paradigm.

Objective

To investigate the effect of etiology and time with prosthesis on dual‐task performance in those with lower extremity amputations.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Outpatient and inpatient amputee clinics at an academic rehabilitation hospital.

Participants

Sixty‐four individuals (aged 58.20±12.27 years; 74.5% male) were stratified into 3 groups; 1 group of new prosthetic ambulators with transtibial amputations (NewPA) and 2 groups of established ambulators: transtibial amputations of vascular etiology (TTA‐vas), transtibial amputations of nonvascular etiology (TTA‐nonvas).

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Time to complete the L Test measured functional mobility under single and dual‐task conditions. A serial arithmetic task (subtraction by 3s) was paired with the L Test to create the dual‐task test condition. Single‐task performance on the cognitive arithmetic task was also recorded. Dual‐task costs (DTCs) were calculated for performance on the cognitive and gait tasks. Analysis of variance determined differences between groups. A performance‐resource operating characteristic (POC) graph was used to graphically display DTCs.

Results

Gait performance was worse under dual‐task conditions for all groups. Gait was significantly slower under dual‐task conditions for the TTA‐vas (P < .001), TTA‐nonvas (P < .001), and NewPA groups (P < .001). However, there was no between‐group difference for gait DTC. The 3 groups tested did not differ in the amount of cognitive DTC (DTCcog). Dual‐task conditions also had a negative impact on cognitive task performance for the TTA‐nonvas (P = .02) and NewPA groups (P < .001). The TTA‐vas group had a slight improvement during dual‐task conditions and has a positive DTCcog as a result (P = .04). However, no between‐group differences were seen for DTCcog. The POC graph demonstrated that many individuals had a decrease in performance on both tasks; however, the gait task was prioritized for the majority (56.2%) of participants.

Conclusions

Cognitive distractions while walking pose challenges to individuals regardless of etiology, level of amputation, or time with the prosthesis. These findings highlight that individuals are at risk for adverse events when performing multiple tasks while walking.

Level of Evidence

II
Benefits of Hippotherapy and Horse Riding Simulation Exercise on Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hilliere Camille , Collado‐Mateo Daniel , Villafaina Santos , Duque‐Fonseca Paulo , Parraça José A.
Published: April 2018

Objective

To provide an up‐to‐date research analysis on equine‐assisted therapies and horse riding simulation exercise in older adults, and to suggest future directions in clinical practice and research.

Type

Systematic review.

Literature Survey

A comprehensive search of studies was performed in 4 electronic databases (Cochrane, PubMed, PEDro, and Web of Science) regarding the effects of equine‐assisted therapies and horse riding simulation exercise in older adults. Eight articles were selected, 5 of them focused on hippotherapy, 2 on horse riding simulation, and a single article that used the 2 types of therapy.

Methodology

PRISMA guidelines were followed for the data extraction process.

Synthesis

The studies were all randomized controlled trials, but not double‐blind, so they were classified as level of evidence B. Duration of hippotherapy programs ranged from 8‐12 weeks. Sessions lasted between 15 and 60 minutes and were performed 2‐5 times per week. Interventions using a horse simulator spanned 8 weeks and were conducted for 20 minutes 5 times per week.

Conclusions

Results indicate that hippotherapy might improve balance, mobility, gait ability, and muscle strength, as well as could induce hormonal and cerebral activity changes in healthy older adults. Benefits of horse riding simulation could be limited to physical fitness and muscular activity.

Level of Evidence

I
A comparison of work stressors in higher and lower resourced emergency medicine health settings
Authors: de Haan Sebastian , Lamprecht Hein , Howlett Michael K. , Fraser Jacqueline , Sohi Dylan , Adisesh Anil , Atkinson Paul R.
Published: April 2018

Objectives

The study compares experiences of workplace stressors for emergency medicine trainees and specialists in settings where the specialty is relatively well resourced and established (Canada), and where it is newer and less well resourced (South Africa, (SA)).

Methods

We conducted an online cross-sectional survey of emergency medicine trainees and physicians in both countries for six domains (demands, role, support, change, control, and relationships) using the validated Management Standards Indicator Tool (MSIT, Health, and Safety Executive, United Kingdom).

Results

74 SA and 430 Canadian respondents were included in our analysis. SA trainees (n=38) reported higher stressors (lower MSIT scores) than SA specialists (n=36) for demands (2.2 (95%CI 2.1-2.3) vs. 2.7 (2.5-2.8)), control (2.6 (2.4-2.7) vs. 3.5 (3.3-3.7)) and change (2.4 (2.2-2.6) vs. 3.0 (2.7-3.3)). In Canada, specialists (n=395) had higher demands (2.6 (2.6-2.7) vs. 3.0 (2.8-3.1)) and manager support stressors (3.3 (3.3-3.4) vs. 3.9 (3.6-4.1)) than trainees (n=35). Canadian trainees reported higher role stressors (4.0 (95%CI 3.8-4.1) vs. 4.2 (4.2-4.3)) than Canadian specialists. SA trainees had higher stressors on all domains than Canadian trainees. There was one domain (control) where Canadian specialists scored significantly lower than SA specialists, whereas SA specialists had significantly lower scores on peer support, relationships and role.

Conclusions

Work related stressor domains were different for all four groups. Perceived stressors were higher in all measured domains among SA trainees compared with Canadian trainees. The differences between the SA and Canadian specialists may reflect the developing nature of the specialty in SA, although the Canadian specialists reported less control over their work than SA counterparts.
Infectious Complications of Cryoablation and Microwave Ablation in Metastatic Solid Tumors
Authors: Bhargava Ashish , Banavasi Harsha V. , Chandrasekar Pranatharthi H.
Published: April 2018

Cryoablation and microwave ablation are commonly used techniques to reduce tumor burden in unresectable neoplasms. This retrospective study demonstrated low risk for infectious complications (1.4%) following these invasive procedures. Abscess formation was the most common infection around the ablation sites. All infections were successfully treated with imaging-guided drainage and antibiotics.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:723–726
Sparse reduced-order modelling: sensor-based dynamics to full-state estimation
Authors: Loiseau Jean-Christophe , Noack Bernd R. , Brunton Steven L.
Published: April 2018

We propose a general dynamic reduced-order modelling framework for typical experimental data: time-resolved sensor data and optional non-time-resolved particle image velocimetry (PIV) snapshots. This framework can be decomposed into four building blocks. First, the sensor signals are lifted to a dynamic feature space without false neighbours. Second, we identify a sparse human-interpretable nonlinear dynamical system for the feature state based on the sparse identification of nonlinear dynamics (SINDy). Third, if PIV snapshots are available, a local linear mapping from the feature state to the velocity field is performed to reconstruct the full state of the system. Fourth, a generalized feature-based modal decomposition identifies coherent structures that are most dynamically correlated with the linear and nonlinear interaction terms in the sparse model, adding interpretability. Steps 1 and 2 define a black-box model. Optional steps 3 and 4 lift the black-box dynamics to a grey-box model in terms of the identified coherent structures, if non-time-resolved full-state data are available. This grey-box modelling strategy is successfully applied to the transient and post-transient laminar cylinder wake, and compares favourably with a proper orthogonal decomposition model. We foresee numerous applications of this highly flexible modelling strategy, including estimation, prediction and control. Moreover, the feature space may be based on intrinsic coordinates, which are unaffected by a key challenge of modal expansion: the slow change of low-dimensional coherent structures with changing geometry and varying parameters.
Axisymmetric inertial modes in a spherical shell at low Ekman numbers
Authors: Rieutord M. , Valdettaro L.
Published: April 2018

We investigate the asymptotic properties of axisymmetric inertial modes propagating in a spherical shell when viscosity tends to zero. We identify three kinds of eigenmodes whose eigenvalues follow very different laws as the Ekman number$E$becomes very small. First are modes associated with attractors of characteristics that are made of thin shear layers closely following the periodic orbit traced by the characteristic attractor. Second are modes made of shear layers that connect the critical latitude singularities of the two hemispheres of the inner boundary of the spherical shell. Third are quasi-regular modes associated with the frequency of neutral periodic orbits of characteristics. We thoroughly analyse a subset of attractor modes for which numerical solutions point to an asymptotic law governing the eigenvalues. We show that three length scales proportional to$E^{1/6}$,$E^{1/4}$and$E^{1/3}$control the shape of the shear layers that are associated with these modes. These scales point out the key role of the small parameter$E^{1/12}$in these oscillatory flows. With a simplified model of the viscous Poincaré equation, we can give an approximate analytical formula that reproduces the velocity field in such shear layers. Finally, we also present an analysis of the quasi-regular modes whose frequencies are close to$\sin (\unicode[STIX]{x03C0}/4)$and explain why a fluid inside a spherical shell cannot respond to any periodic forcing at this frequency when viscosity vanishes.
Contextualizing comprehensive board diversity and firm financial performance: Integrating market, management and shareholder’s perspective
Authors: Hassan Rohail , Marimuthu Maran
Published: April 2018

The study investigates demographic diversity, cognitive diversity and internal diversity within Islam among top-level management of firms and their impacts on the financial performance of Malaysian-listed companies. In addition, Muslim and non-Muslim women and Islamic religious diversity on corporate boards are investigated. Even though numerous organisations desire to be socially diverse, the significance of diversity for organisational performance remains uncertain. Are profitable companies inclined to improve board diversity or do other characteristics of the company contribute to firm performance? Does the participation of Muslim and non-Muslim women on corporate boards affect firm performance? Does internal diversity within Islam affect firm performance? Data from 330 Malaysian-listed companies in eleven full fledged sectors were used for the period from 2009 to 2013. This study employed econometrics methodology from panel data analysis to fill the research gap in the current management literature. This study used the interaction approach to examine empirically diverse corporate boards and their impacts on firm performance. This discussion included: (1) a combination of gender diversity and ethnic diversity and (2) a combination of gender diversity and foreign participation. The findings suggest that demographic, cognitive and internal diversity within Islam are significant predictors of a firm’s financial performance. Ethnic women on boards have a significant and negative impact on firm performance. Hence, companies having high profits are more accountable for encouraging diversity among top-level management.
Taxonomic reassessment ofClevosaurus latidensFraser, 1993 (Lepidosauria, Rhynchocephalia) and rhynchocephalian phylogeny based on parsimony and Bayesian inference
Authors: Herrera-Flores Jorge A. , Stubbs Thomas L. , Elsler Armin , Benton Michael J.
Published: April 2018

The Late Triassic rhynchocephalianClevosaurus latidensFraser, 1993 is known from the fissure deposits of Cromhall Quarry, England. Many studies have questioned its referral to the genusClevosaurusSwinton, 1939 and some phylogenetic analyses suggest a close relationship with herbivorous rhynchocephalians. We re-examine the type specimens and referred material ofC. latidensto elucidate its taxonomic identity. Additionally, we provide new phylogenetic analyses of the Rhynchocephalia using both parsimony and Bayesian approaches. Our taxonomic review and both phylogenetic analyses reveal thatC. latidensis not referable toClevosaurus, but represents a new genus. We reassessC. latidensand provide an amended diagnosis forFraserosphenodonnew genus. Both parsimony and Bayesian analyses recover similar topologies and we propose formal names for two higher clades within Rhynchocephalia: Eusphenodontia new infraorder and Neosphenodontia new clade.

UUID:http://zoobank.org/65f29bd1-47e3-4a73-af8c-9181c19319e4
Historical Truth in the Hermeneutics of T. S. Eliot
Authors: Holston Ryan R.
Published: April 2018

A small number of scholars have noted T. S. Eliot's anticipation of the hermeneutical theory later articulated by the philosopher Hans-Georg Gadamer. Eliot similarly concerns himself with the epistemological assumptions of positivism in the human sciences and the implications of objectivizing texts and other cultural phenomena by adopting the attitude of the scientific observer. For both thinkers, this represents an approach to social life which either distorts or altogether misses the truth claims of those whose ideas are to be interpreted. Furthermore, Eliot develops a theory of understanding that is similar to the historicizing of interpretation that one finds later in Gadamer's philosophical hermeneutics. However, among those who have observed these affinities, a key difference has been neglected. In his effort to confront such secularizing forces in the human sciences, Eliot comes to embrace an intellectualist philosophy of history, which relies on a tenuous dualism between the metaphysical and the physical, while Gadamer's philosophy of history collapses the dichotomy between the world of ideas and the existential realm. Thus, Eliot ultimately identifies what transcends history exclusively with the realm of the spirit. This essay argues that as the mature Eliot struggled with the empirically reductive tendencies of the human sciences and aimed to save religious truth from their deterministic assaults, he increasingly retreated to an intellectualism that misconceived the ultimate basis of religious truth. Consequently, the existing literature neglects the intellectualism that defines Eliot's understanding of truth within history and the more concrete understanding of that encounter that one finds in Gadamer's thinking.
American Sympathizers: Confessing Illicit Feeling from the Civil War to the Vietnam War
Authors: SILLIN SARAH
Published: April 2018

Portraits of sympathizers recur across American literature, from nineteenth-century narratives by Edward Everett Hale Jr., Loreta Velazquez, and Walt Whitman to Viet Thanh Nguyen's twenty-first-century novel. Together, their texts elucidate why this understudied trope remains provocative. Whereas nineteenth-century literature often imagines how sympathy fosters national cohesion, feeling for the enemy threatens such stability and prompts government efforts to regulate sentiment. Sympathizers may perform loyalty to claim the authority associated with white masculinity. Yet they also gain power by confessing to criminal sentiments. This figure thus embodies fantasies of rebellion, fears of national dissolution, and the state's affective power.
Genetic predilections and predispositions for the development of shamanism
Authors: Fiala Jacob A. , Coolidge Frederick L.
Published: April 2018

Singh's cultural evolutionary theory of shamanism provides a valuable framework for understanding shamanism. We argue, however, that a full understanding of shamanism should incorporate the psychological predilections and genetic predispositions commonly found in individual shamans. In other words, only a small subset of individuals in a culture is prone or attracted to shamanistic practices, regardless of the evolutionary value of those practices.
The cultural evolution of war rituals
Authors: Glowacki Luke
Published: April 2018

The cultural evolutionary processes outlined by Singh illuminate why ritualized behaviors aimed at controlling unseen forces and overcoming fear are common in warfare among many small-scale societies. They also suggest an explanation for the development of ritual specialists for war who are distinct from war leaders.
Shamanism and the psychosis continuum
Authors: Ross Robert M. , McKay Ryan
Published: April 2018

Singh's cultural evolutionary theory of shamanism is impressive, but it does not explain why some people become shamans while others do not. We propose that individual differences in where people lie on a “psychosis continuum” could play an important causal role.
Why is there shamanism? Developing the cultural evolutionary theory and addressing alternative accounts
Authors: Singh Manvir
Published: April 2018

The commentators endorse the conceptual and ethnographic synthesis presented in the target article, suggest extensions and elaborations of the theory, and generalize its logic to explain apparently similar specializations. They also demand clarity about psychological mechanisms, argue against conclusions drawn about empirical phenomena, and propose alternative accounts for why shamanism develops. Here, I respond.
SHARP BOUNDS FOR SURVIVAL PROBABILITY WHEN AGEING IS NOT MONOTONE
Authors: Khan Ruhul Ali , Mitra Murari
Published: April 2018

We exploit a novel bounding argument to obtain sharp bounds for survival functions belonging to the Increasing initially then Decreasing Mean Residual Life (IDMRL) class introduced by Guess, Hollander and Proschan (1986) [8]. The bounds obtained are in terms of the mean, change point and pinnacle of the mean residual life function. The bounds for the monotonic ageing classes Decreasing Mean Residual Life (DMRL) and Increasing Mean Residual Life (IMRL) are obtained as special cases. Discussions on the bounds as well as two concrete illustrative examples are included.
The importance of wetlands for the Greater Spotted Eagle Clanga clanga wintering in the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: MACIOROWSKI GRZEGORZ , GALANAKI ANTONIA , KOMINOS THEODOROS , DRETAKIS MICHALIS , MIRSKI PAWEŁ
Published: April 2018

The Greater Spotted Eagle is an extremely rare species which is strongly associated with wetlands during the breeding period. The winter habitats of this vulnerable species have not been extensively studied so far, although eagles spend over one third of the year there, and these are therefore also crucial for the conservation of the species. We investigated the distribution of Greater Spotted Eagle wintering grounds in the Mediterranean Basin on the basis of telemetry data from individuals caught in breeding grounds, detailed species counts during wintering in Greece, and a literature search. We found that at least 300–400 individuals (c.15% of the European population) winter in the Mediterranean Basin, sometimes numbering a few dozen in particular river valleys. Individuals used on average 89.7 km2 home ranges for wintering. The Maxent model of wintering habitats performed with high reliability, indicating that most of the coastline along the Mediterranean Sea and some parts of the Black Sea are suitable for the wintering of this species. The distribution of coastal marshes was the most informative for the model. Compositional analyses done for home ranges of GPS tracked individuals and wintering sites in Greece showed the highest preference for salines and salt marshes but also a high preference for coastal lagoons and water courses. We link wetland preference with the availability of medium size prey, optimal for this species, and prey specialisation common to breeding sites.
Climate, crops, and forests: a pan-tropical analysis of household income generation
Authors: Wunder Sven , Noack Frederik , Angelsen Arild
Published: April 2018

Rural households in developing countries depend on crops, forest extraction and other income sources for their livelihoods, but these livelihood contributions are sensitive to climate change. Combining socioeconomic data from about 8,000 smallholder households across the tropics with gridded precipitation and temperature data, we find that households have the highest crop income at 21°C temperature and 2,000 mm precipitation. Forest incomes increase on both sides of this agricultural maximum. We further find indications that crop income declines in response to weather shocks while forest income increases, suggesting that households may cope by reallocating inputs from agriculture to forests. Forest production may thus be less sensitive than crop production to climatic fluctuations, gaining comparative advantage in extreme climates and under weather anomalies. This suggests that well-managed forests might help poor rural households to cope with and adapt to future climate change.
Cathepsin S is associated with degradation of collagen I in abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Klaus Veronika , Schmies Fadwa , Reeps Christian , Trenner Matthias , Geisbüsch Sarah , Lohoefer Fabian , Eckstein Hans-Henning , Pelisek Jaroslav
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Background: Cathepsins have been described in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), their exact role, especially in collagen degradation, is still unclear. The aim of the present study was therefore to analyse relevant cathepsins in human AAA tissue samples in relation to collagen I, III, and their degradation products. Materials and methods: Samples from 37 AAA patients obtained from elective open surgical repair and eight healthy non-aneurysmatic aortas from kidney donors were included. Expression of cathepsins B, D, K, L, S, cystatin C, collagen I and III, their degraded products C-Telopeptide of type 1 and 3 collagen (CTX-I, CTX-III), cellular markers for leukocytes (CD45), T cells (CD3), macrophage scavenger receptor-1 (MSR-1), synthetic, and contractile smooth muscle cells (SMCs) (smoothelin: SMTH, collagen I and III, myosin heavy chain: MHC, embryonic smooth muscle myosin heavy chain: SMemb) were determined at messenger RNA (mRNA) level, using SYBRGreen-based quantitative PCR and at protein level using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Expression of cathepsins B, D, L, and S at mRNA level was significantly elevated in AAA compared to control aorta (1.7-fold, p = 0.025; 2.5-fold, p = 0.002; 2.6-fold, p = 0.034; and 7.0-fold, p = 0.003). Expression of cathepsin S correlated significantly with leukocytes and macrophages (ρ = 0.398, p = 0.033 and ρ = 0.422, p = 0.020), synthetic SMCs were significantly associated with cathepsins B, D, and L (ρ = 0.522, p = 0.003; ρ = 0.431, p = 0.015 and ρ = 0.467, p = 0.008). At protein level, cathepsins B and S were elevated in AAA compared to controls (5.4-fold, p = 0.001 and 7.3-fold, p < 0.001). Significant correlations were observed between collagen I, its degraded product, and cathepsin S (r = –0.350, p = 0.034 and r = +0.504, p < 0.001). Expression of cathepsin B was associated with SMCs, expression of cathepsin S with inflammatory cells. Conclusions: Particularly cathepsin S was associated with the degradation product of collagen I and thus might be involved in the progression of AAA. Furthermore, cathepsin S correlated with inflammatory cells.
Increasing Radiation Levels May Challenge Space Exploration
Authors: Shultz David
Published: April 2018

New research shows that solar radiation levels are growing 10% faster than previously believed and that the radiation environment in space will worsen with time.
How Heavy Oxygen Ions Escape Earth’s Gravity
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: April 2018

A new study reveals that low-frequency electromagnetic waves accompany intense heating events at low altitudes.
Multispectral light scattering endoscopic imaging of esophageal precancer
Authors: Qiu Le , Chuttani Ram , Pleskow Douglas K , Turzhitsky Vladimir , Khan Umar , Zakharov Yuri N , Zhang Lei , Berzin Tyler M , Yee Eric U , Sawhney Mandeep S , Li Yunping , Vitkin Edward , Goldsmith Jeffrey D , Itzkan Irving , Perelman Lev T
Published: April 2018

Esophageal adenocarcinoma is the most rapidly growing cancer in America. Although the prognosis after diagnosis is unfavorable, the chance of a successful outcome increases tremendously if detected early while the lesion is still dysplastic. Unfortunately, the present standard-of-care, endoscopic surveillance, has major limitations, since dysplasia is invisible, often focal, and systematic biopsies typically sample less than one percent of the esophageal lining and therefore easily miss malignancies. To solve this problem we developed a multispectral light scattering endoscopic imaging system. It surveys the entire esophageal lining and accurately detects subcellular dysplastic changes. The system combines light scattering spectroscopy, which detects and identifies invisible dysplastic sites by analyzing light scattered from epithelial cells, with rapid scanning of the entire esophageal lining using a collimated broadband light beam delivered by an endoscopically compatible fiber optic probe. Here we report the results of the first comprehensive multispectral imaging study, conducted as part of routine endoscopic procedures performed on patients with suspected dysplasia. In a double-blind study that characterized the system’s ability to serve as a screening tool, 55 out of 57 patients were diagnosed correctly. In addition, a smaller double-blind comparison of the multispectral data in 24 patients with subsequent pathology at locations where 411 biopsies were collected yielded an accuracy of 90% in detecting individual locations of dysplasia, demonstrating the capability of this method to serve as a guide for biopsy.
Protein docking refinement by convex underestimation in the low-dimensional subspace of encounter complexes
Authors: Zarbafian Shahrooz , Moghadasi Mohammad , Roshandelpoor Athar , Nan Feng , Li Keyong , Vakli Pirooz , Vajda Sandor , Kozakov Dima , Paschalidis Ioannis Ch.
Published: April 2018

We propose a novel stochastic global optimization algorithm with applications to the refinement stage of protein docking prediction methods. Our approach can process conformations sampled from multiple clusters, each roughly corresponding to a different binding energy funnel. These clusters are obtained using a density-based clustering method. In each cluster, we identify a smooth “permissive” subspace which avoids high-energy barriers and then underestimate the binding energy function using general convex polynomials in this subspace. We use the underestimator to bias sampling towards its global minimum. Sampling and subspace underestimation are repeated several times and the conformations sampled at the last iteration form a refined ensemble. We report computational results on a comprehensive benchmark of 224 protein complexes, establishing that our refined ensemble significantly improves the quality of the conformations of the original set given to the algorithm. We also devise a method to enhance the ensemble from which near-native models are selected.
Evidence of exposure of domestic pigs to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in Nigeria
Authors: Meseko Clement , Globig Anja , Ijomanta Jeremiah , Joannis Tony , Nwosuh Chika , Shamaki David , Harder Timm , Hoffman Donata , Pohlmann Anne , Beer Martin , Mettenleiter Thomas , Starick Elke
Published: April 2018

Avian influenza viruses (AIV) potentially transmit to swine as shown by experiments, where further reassortment may contribute to the generation of pandemic strains. Associated risks of AIV inter-species transmission are greater in countries like Nigeria with recurrent epidemics of highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) in poultry and significant pig population. Analysis of 129 tracheal swab specimens collected from apparently healthy pigs at slaughterhouse during presence of HPAI virus H5N1 in poultry in Nigeria for influenza A by RT-qPCR yielded 43 positive samples. Twenty-two could be determined by clade specific RT-qPCR as belonging to the H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1c and confirmed by partial hemagglutinin (HA) sequence analysis. In addition, 500 swine sera were screened for antibodies against influenza A virus nucleoprotein and H5 HA using competition ELISAs and hemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests. Serologically, 222 (44.4%) and 42 (8.4%) sera were positive for influenza A virus NP and H5 antibodies, respectively. Sera reacted to H5N1 and A/H1N1pdm09 strains by HI suggesting exposure of the Nigerian domestic pig population to these viruses. We report for the first time in Nigeria, exposure of domestic pigs to H5N1 virus. This poses potential public health and pandemic risk due to interspecies transmission of avian and human influenza viruses.
Impact of dissolved carbon dioxide concentration on the process parameters during its conversion to acetate through microbial electrosynthesis
Authors: Mohanakrishna Gunda , Vanbroekhoven Karolien , Pant Deepak
Published: April 2018

The reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) released from industry can help to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to the atmosphere while at the same time producing value-added chemicals and contributing to carbon fixation.
Towards optimised drug delivery: structure and composition of testosterone enanthate in sodium dodecyl sulfate monolayers
Authors: Saaka Yussif , Allen Daniel T. , Luangwitchajaroen Yuvared , Shao Yanan , Campbell Richard A. , Lorenz Christian D. , Lawrence M. Jayne
Published: April 2018

Specular neutron reflectivity and molecular dynamic simulations have been used to study the interfacial structure and composition of monolayers of SDS containing a low-dose, poorly soluble drug, testosterone enanthate.
Electrochemical detection of Cu(ii) using amino-functionalized MgFe2O4/Reduced graphene oxide composite
Authors: Xu Juncui , Li Zhenyu , Yue Xianming , Xie Fazhi , Xiong Shiquan
Published: April 2018

An amino-functionalized MgFe2O4/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was prepared by the combination of MgFe2O4/rGO and 1,6-hexanediamine, and employed for the electrochemical detection of Cu(ii) ions.
Supported ionic liquid phase (SILP) facilitated gas-phase enzyme catalysis – CALB catalyzed transesterification of vinyl propionate
Authors: Lee Changhee , Sandig Bernhard , Buchmeiser Michael R. , Haumann Marco
Published: April 2018

The supported ionic liquid phase (SILP) technology has been used to immobilizeCandida Antarctica Lipase B(CALB) within a hybrid monolith.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 1,3-diarylpyrazoles as cyclooxygenase inhibitors, antiplatelet and anticancer agents
Authors: Inceler Nazan , Ozkan Yesim , Turan Nilufer Nermin , Kahraman Deniz Cansen , Cetin-Atalay Rengul , Baytas Sultan Nacak
Published: April 2018

(E)-3-[3-(Pyridin-3/4-yl)-1-(phenyl/sulfonylmethylphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]acrylamides were synthesized and their COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory, antiplatelet and cytotoxic activities were evaluated.
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles induced hepatotoxicity via NLRP3 inflammasome activation and caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis
Authors: Zhang Xuyao , Luan Jingyun , Chen Wei , Fan Jiajun , Nan Yanyang , Wang Yichen , Liang Yanxu , Meng Guangxun , Ju Dianwen
Published: April 2018

Novel insights into mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN)-induced hepatotoxicity and the underlying mechanism, facilitating an increase of the biosafety of MSNs.
Facile access to 2-acyloxy-, aryloxy- and alkenyloxy-2H-azirinesviaan SN2′–SN2′ cascade in 2-halo-2H-azirines
Authors: Rostovskii Nikolai V. , Smetanin Ilia A. , Agafonova Anastasiya V. , Sakharov Pavel A. , Ruvinskaya Julia O. , Khlebnikov Alexander F. , Novikov Mikhail S.
Published: April 2018

A convenient method of synthesis of 2-oxygen-substituted 2H-azirinesviathe unusual SN2′–SN2′ cascade halogen substitution in 2-halo-2H-azirines is developed.
Tuning the hydrophobic cores of self-immolative polyglyoxylate assemblies
Authors: Fan Bo , Yardley Rebecca E. , Trant John F. , Borecki Aneta , Gillies Elizabeth R.
Published: April 2018

Amphiphilic block copolymers containing different self-immolative polyglyoxylates were synthesized and self-assembled to provide drug carriers with variable celecoxib loading capacities and release rates, as well as different in vitro toxicities.
Preparation and physicochemical characterization of camptothecin conjugated poly amino ester–methyl ether poly ethylene glycol copolymer
Authors: Fattahi Ali , Karimi Nadia , Rahmati Fatemeh , Shokoohinia Yalda , Sadrjavadi Komail
Published: April 2018

In the present study, camptothecin grafted poly amino ester-methyl ether polyethylene glycol (CPT-PEA-MPEG) as a novel copolymer was synthesized by Michael reaction at different ratios of MPEG and CPT (60 : 40 and 80 : 20).
Hierarchical Ag nanostructures on Sn-doped indium oxide nano-branches: super-hydrophobic surface for surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Min Kyungchan , Choi Kyoung Soon , Jeon Wook Jin , Lee Dong Kyu , Oh Sein , Lee Jouhahn , Choi Jae-Young , Yu Hak Ki
Published: April 2018

Herein, we fabricated a super-hydrophobic SERS substrate using Sn-doped indium oxide (Indium-tin-oxide: ITO) nano-branches as a template.
Evidence for cardiotoxicity associated with sertraline in rats
Authors: Ilgin Sinem , Kilic Volkan , Baysal Merve , Aydogan-Kilic Gozde , Ucarcan Seyda , Dermenci Begum , Atli Ozlem
Published: April 2018

Sertraline is an antidepressant that is frequently prescribed to treat depression, obsessive–compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and anxiety.
Biological role of site-specific O-glycosylation in cell adhesion activity and phosphorylation of osteopontin
Authors: Oyama Midori , Kariya Yoshinobu , Kariya Yukiko , Matsumoto Kana , Kanno Mayumi , Yamaguchi Yoshiki , Hashimoto Yasuhiro
Published: April 2018

Osteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular glycosylated phosphoprotein that promotes cell adhesion by interacting with several integrin receptors. We previously reported that an OPN mutant lacking five O-glycosylation sites (Thr134/Thr138/Thr143/Thr147/Thr152) in the threonine/proline-rich region increased cell adhesion activity and phosphorylation compared with the wild type. However, the role of O-glycosylation in cell adhesion activity and phosphorylation of OPN remains to be clarified. Here, we show that site-specific O-glycosylation in the threonine/proline-rich region of OPN affects its cell adhesion activity and phosphorylation independently and/or synergistically. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we found that OPN mutants with substitution sets of Thr134/Thr138 or Thr143/Thr147/Thr152 had decreased and increased cell adhesion activity, respectively. In contrast, the introduction of a single mutation into the O-glycosylation sites had no effect on OPN cell adhesion activity. An adhesion assay using function-blocking antibodies against αvβ3 and β1 integrins, as well as αvβ3 integrin-overexpressing A549 cells, revealed that site-specific O-glycosylation affected the association of OPN with the two integrins. Phosphorylation analyses using phos-tag and LC–MS/MS indicated that phosphorylation levels and sites were influenced by the O-glycosylation status, although the number of O-glycosylation sites was not correlated with the phosphorylation level in OPN. Furthermore, a correlation analysis between phosphorylation level and cell adhesion activity in OPN mutants with the site-specific O-glycosylation showed that they were not always correlated. These results provide conclusive evidence of a novel regulatory mechanism of cell adhesion activity and phosphorylation of OPN by site-specific O-glycosylation.