bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of Twisted β‐Sheet Tapes from a Self‐Complementary Peptide Based on Novel Pillararene‐GCP Host–Guest Interaction with Gene Transfection Properties
Authors: Hu Xiao‐Yu , Ehlers Martin , Wang Tingting , Zellermann Elio , Mosel Stefanie , Jiang Hao , Ostwaldt Jan‐Erik , Knauer Shirley K. , Wang Leyong , Schmuck Carsten
Published: May 2018

Small peptides capable of assembling into well‐defined nanostructures have attracted extensive attention due to their interesting applications as biomaterials. This work reports the first example of a pillararene functionalized with a guanidiniocarbonyl pyrrole (GCP)‐conjugated short peptide segment. The obtained amphiphilic peptide 1 spontaneously self‐assembles into a supramolecular β‐sheet in aqueous solution based on host–guest interaction between pillararene and GCP unit as well as hydrogen‐bonding between the peptide strands. Interestingly, peptide 1 at low concentration shows transitions from small particles to “pearl necklace” assemblies, and finally to branched fibers in a time‐dependent process. At higher concentration, it directly assembles into twisted β‐sheet tapes. Notably, without pillararene moiety, the control peptide A forms α‐helix structure with morphology changing from particles to bamboo‐like assemblies depending on concentration, indicating a significant role of the pillararene‐GCP host‐guest interaction for the secondary structure formation. Moreover, peptide 1 can serve as an efficient gene transfection vector.
The Influence of Binding Site Geometry on Anion‐Binding Selectivity: A Case Study of Macrocyclic Receptors Built on the Azulene Skeleton
Authors: Lichosyt Dawid , Wasiłek Sylwia , Dydio Paweł , Jurczak Janusz
Published: May 2018

An understanding of host–guest noncovalent interactions lies at the very heart of supramolecular chemistry. Often a minute change to the structure of a host molecule's binding site can have a dramatic impact on a prospective host–guest binding event, changing the relative selectivity for potential guest molecules. With the overall goal of aiding the rational design of selective and effective receptors for anions, we have studied the influence of small perturbations in binding site geometry for a series of five closely related 20‐membered macrocyclic tetra‐amide receptors, constructed from two building blocks from a pool of azulene‐5,7‐bisamide, azulene‐1,3‐bisamide, and dipicolinic bisamide units. The solid‐state structures revealed that the conformational preferences of the free receptors are driven by the inherent preferences of the building blocks, yet in some cases the macrocyclic topology is able to over‐ride these to promote pre‐organized conformations favorable for anion binding. The solid‐state structures of the chloride complexes of these receptors revealed that although all the receptors can adapt to binding to the challenging small Cl− guest with all the NH groups, only receptors containing azulene‐5,7‐bisamide units form short and linear, and therefore strong, hydrogen‐bonding interactions. These conclusions are further supported by studies in solution. Although all the receptors showed high affinities toward a series of anions (H2PO4−, PhCO2−, Cl−, and Br−), even in a highly competitive polar medium (DMSO/25 % MeOH), only receptors containing azulene‐5,7‐bisamide units exhibited non‐inherent selectivity for Cl− over PhCO2−, breaking the Hofmeister trend of selectivity. The data presented herein highlight the privileged properties of the azulene‐5,7‐bisamide building block for binding to chloride anions and provide guidelines for the construction of selective and efficient anion receptors with prospective practical applications.
Fluorescent pH‐Responsive Probes Based on Water‐Soluble Boron‐Dipyrromethene (BODIPY) Derivatives, Featuring Long‐Wavelength Emission
Authors: Sutter Alexandra , Elhabiri Mourad , Ulrich Gilles
Published: May 2018

We describe here the synthesis of water‐soluble red/NIR‐emissive, boron‐dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivatives displaying optical (absorption and emission) responses in pH range of 4–8. Substitution close to the tertiary aniline or the phenol subunits selected as the proton‐sensitive sites allowed us to finely tune the pH ranges. Furthermore, the introduction of sulfobetaine functions at the boron centre of these pH‐responsive BODIPYs afforded valuable fluorescent dyes in the red/NIR region in aqueous media, for which the steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsions prevent their non‐emissive aggregation. All the absorption and emission studies, as well as the protonation properties were investigated in aqueous, ethanolic and saline solutions (mimicking physiological conditions). Interestingly, the systems present a fluorescent ratiometric protonation response in EtOH, but the non‐protonated form is almost a non‐fluorescent species under quasi‐physiological conditions (saline aqueous solutions) due to the fading of the emissive character of the low‐lying charge‐transfer transition in the presence of a supporting electrolyte.
Star‐Shaped Cyanostilbene‐Based Dyads: Synthesis, Self‐Assembly and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Zhao Jing , Chen Weiben , Liu Jingjuan , Guo Hong , Lu Fanli , Chen Long
Published: May 2018

Three cyanostilbene‐based π‐conjugated dyads with different aromatic cores (TFB‐CS, TPA‐CS, TPE‐CS) have been designed and synthesized. Distinctive photophysical properties and different self‐assembly behaviors were observed for these dyads. For example, TPA‐CS exhibits pronounced solvent‐dependent fluorescence. TFB‐CS presents clear photoinduced Z/E‐isomerization of the cyanostilbene moiety upon UV irradiation, concomitant with dramatically increased emission. While TPE‐CS showcases pronounced aggregation‐induced emission enhancement phenomenon. Moreover, different architectures of the three dyads such as nanospheres and microwires could be easily obtained by solution processing. We demonstrate here a facile “two in one” strategy of integrating different chromophores in one molecule to explore novel organic functional materials.
Blowup Solutions to the Semilinear Wave Equation with a Stylized Pyramid as a Blowup Surface
Authors: Merle Frank , Zaag Hatem
Published: May 2018

We consider the semilinear wave equation with subconformal power nonlinearity in two space dimensions. We construct a finite‐time blowup solution with an isolated characteristic blowup point at the origin and a blowup surface that is centered at the origin and has the shape of a stylized pyramid, whose edges follow the bisectrices of the axes in ℝ2. The blowup surface is differentiable outside the bisectrices. As for the asymptotic behavior in similarity variables, the solution converges to the classical one‐dimensional soliton outside the bisectrices. On the bisectrices outside the origin, it converges (up to a subsequence) to a genuinely two‐dimensional stationary solution, whose existence is a by‐product of the proof. At the origin, it behaves like the sum of four solitons localized on the two axes, with opposite signs for neighbors.

This is the first example of a blowup solution with a characteristic point in higher dimensions, showing a really two‐dimensional behavior. Moreover, the points of the bisectrices outside the origin give us the first example of noncharacteristic points where the blowup surface is nondifferentiable. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficient Adsorption Characteristics of Pristine and Silver‐Doped Graphene Oxide Towards Contaminants: A Potential Membrane Material for Water Purification?
Authors: Panigrahi Puspamitra , Dhinakaran Ashok Kumar , Sekar Yuvaraj , Ahuja Rajeev , Hussain Tanveer
Published: May 2018

In this work, we have investigated the potential of pristine and silver (Ag)‐functionalized graphene oxide monolayers GO (GO−Ag) as efficient membranes for water filtration. Our first principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) reveal the hydrophilic nature of GO surfaces. The phonon frequency calculations within density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) confirmed the stability of GO sheets in aqueous media. Van der Waals‐corrected binding energies of GO sheet towards heavy metals suggest that even pristine GO sheets are completely impermeable to various heavy metals like arsenic (As) and lead (Pb). However, compared to GO, the GO−Ag sheets have a much higher affinity towards the three amino acids histidine, phenyl‐alanine and tyrosine, which are the main component of a bacteria cell wall. The GO−Ag sheet is found to be extremely efficient for bacteria inactivation.
Exploiting Photochemical Processes in Multi‐Step Continuous Flow: Derivatization of the Natural Product Clausine C
Authors: Parisien‐Collette Shawn , Collins Shawn K.
Published: May 2018

The synthesis and derivatization of carbazoles based upon the natural product clausine C has been accomplished using two different two‐step continuous processes. The resulting carbazoles (9 examples, 33–74 % yield) were prepared by means of a continuous flow set‐up integrating a UV‐mediated transformation employing a purple LED reactor (λ=394 nm) as the first step in the multi‐step sequence. The second derivatization step involved cross‐coupling through Pd‐catalyzed Suzuki cross‐coupling or Ni‐catalyzed metallophotoredox cross‐coupling with potassium trifluoroborate salts. The latter represents the first example of using sequential photochemical reactors, at different wavelengths, in a continuous flow process.
Optimization of turbulence reduced model free parameters based on L‐mode experiments and 2D transport simulations
Authors: Baschetti Serafina , Bufferand Hugo , Ciraolo Guido , Fedorczak Nicolas , Ghendrih Philippe , Serre Eric , Tamain Patrick
Published: May 2018

In this paper, a κ−ϵ transport model is presented as a turbulence reduction tool for a typical ohmic L‐mode discharge plasma in a divertor‐configurated tokamak. Taking a Tokamak à configuration variable (TCV) study case, a feedback loop procedure is performed using the SolEdge2D code to acquire plasma diffusivity at the outer mid‐plane. The κ−ϵ model is calibrated through its free parameters with the aim of recovering the diffusivity calculated in the feedback procedure. Finally, it is shown that the model can self‐consistently calculate diffusivity in the whole domain, recovering the poloidal asymmetries due to interchange instabilities.
A resource‐tuned QoS multicast routing protocol
Authors: Sheikh W.
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a novel framework for quality‐of‐service (QoS) multicast routing with resource allocation that represents QoS parameters, jitter delay, and reliability, as functions of adjustable network resources, bandwidth, and buffer, rather than static metrics. The particular functional form of QoS parameters depends on rate‐based service disciplines used in the routers. This allows intelligent tuning of QoS parameters as functions of allocated resources during the multicast tree search process, rather than decoupling the tree search from resource allocation. The proposed framework minimizes the network resource utilization while keeping jitter delay, reliability, and bandwidth bounded. This definition makes the proposed QoS multicast routing with resource allocation problem more general than the classical minimum Steiner tree problem. As an application of our general framework, we formulate the QoS multicast routing with resource allocation problem for a network consisting of generalized processor sharing nodes as a mixed‐integer quadratic program and find the optimal multicast tree with allocated resources to satisfy the QoS constraints. We then present a polynomial‐time greedy heuristic for the QoS multicast routing with resource allocation problem and compare its performance with the optimal solution of the mixed‐integer quadratic program. The simulation results reveal that the proposed heuristic finds near‐optimal QoS multicast trees along with important insights into the interdependency of QoS parameters and resources.
Numerical electric field analysis of capacitance and potential in space for estimation of permittivity distribution
Authors: Yamanobe Hiroshi , Ohchi Masashi
Published: May 2018

We have been studying on measuring capacitance and potential using long‐distance electrode for estimating a permittivity distribution. The estimating method of permittivity distribution was proposed using finite element method (FEM) and genetic algorithm. However, the measurement accuracy was not reviewed. In this paper, we carried out numerical analysis using FEM in case of change of diameter, position, and permittivity of a rod of dielectric and discussed the measurement accuracy of capacitance and potential.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes of Cp*–Aluminum Triflate
Authors: Wang Chen‐Hao , Lin Ya‐Fan , Tseng Hsi‐Ching , Lee Gene‐Shiang , Peng Shie‐Ming , Chiu Ching‐Wen
Published: May 2018

To prepare the half‐metallocene complex of aluminum strong σ‐donating NHC ligands were allowed to react with [Cp*Al(OTf)2]2 to afford the corresponding Cp*Al(NHC)(OTf)2 compound (3). The neutral Al complexes turned out to be more acidic than B(C6F5)3 on the Gutmann–Beckett scale and highly reactive towards chloroform, acetonitrile and nitromethane. With the unsaturated IMes ligand, the nitromethane insertion complex occurred via carboalumination of Cp*–Al across the N=O bond was obtained and structurally characterized. Similar addition product could also be observed in the reaction of Cp*Al(IMes)(OTf)2 with CO2.
A Chiral‐at‐Metal Iridium Catalyst with Two Simple but Sterically Demanding Cyclometalated N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands
Authors: Tan Yuqi , Harms Klaus , Meggers Eric
Published: May 2018

A new member of the family of chiral‐at‐metal, bis‐cyclometalated iridium(III) catalysts featuring exclusively metal‐centered chirality is introduced, which emphasizes the simplicity of the organic ligand design. The catalyst is built from readily available 1,3‐bis(p‐tolyl)imidazolium chloride, which, upon double deprotonation, serves as a cyclometalated N‐heterocyclic carbene. The resulting configurationally stable, enantiomerically pure Λ‐ and Δ‐iridium complexes possess excellent catalytic properties for the enantioselective Michael addition of nitromethane to α,β‐unsaturated 2‐acyl imidazoles, providing the C–C bond formation products with up to 98 % yield and 99 % ee.
Polyphosphazenes – Synthetically Versatile Block Copolymers (“Multi‐Tool”) for Self‐Assembly
Authors: Carriedo Gabino A. , de la Campa Raquel , Soto Alejandro Presa
Published: May 2018

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of AlejandroàPresa Soto from Universidad de Oviedo, Spain. The cover image shows the synthesis of polyphosphazene block copolymers and the nanostructured morphologies created by their self‐assembly.
Irreversible Magnetic Behaviour Caused by the Thermosalient Phenomenon in an Iron(III) Spin Crossover Complex
Authors: Martins Frederico F. , Joseph Abhinav , Diogo Hermínio P. , Minas da Piedade Manuel E. , Ferreira Liliana P. , Carvalho Maria Deus , Barroso Sónia , Romão Maria João , Calhorda Maria José , Martinho Paulo N.
Published: May 2018

The new iron(III) complex [Fe(5‐I‐salEen)2]ClO4 exhibits both spin crossover, with hysteresis, between 304 K and 320 K (16 K hysteresis loop), and thermosalient phenomena. After a symmetry‐breaking phase transition between 120 and 130 K, confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and the fragmentation of the crystals around 312 K, confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry and hot stage microscopy, the hysteresis loop disappears. This is the first example where the explicitly reported thermosalient effect modifies the magnetic properties of a given spin crossover crystal.
Synthesis of 6,6′‐Bis(O‐4‐arylethynylbenzoyl)‐α,α‐Trehaloses and Their Utilization as Fluorescent Probes for Cellular Imaging
Authors: Kobayashi Kurumi , Saito Rumiko , Udagawa Kaori , Miyano‐Kurosaki Naoko , Asano Naoto , Iwanaga Tetsuo , Teramoto Naozumi , Shimasaki Toshiaki , Shibata Mitsuhiro
Published: May 2018

A series of 6,6′‐bis(O‐4‐arylethynylbenzoyl)‐α,α‐trehaloses (aryl groups; 1a: 1‐pyrenyl, 1b: 9‐anthryl, 1c: phenyl) were synthesized and fully characterized. Their photophysical properties were investigated by UV/Vis/fluorescence spectroscopy, and were rationalized by TDDFT calculations. Moreover, the emission maxima of 1a and 1b in THF/H2O considerably shifted to a longer wavelength region with increasing H2O fraction owing to the formation of excimers. The pyrenyl derivative 1a was efficiently taken into HeLa CD4+ human cervical cancer cells and emitted bright green fluorescence.
One‐Pot Sequential Bromination and Fluorination to Access 3‐Fluoroimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines from Arylketones
Authors: Udavant Rohini N. , Yadav Ashok R. , Shinde Sandip S.
Published: May 2018

3‐Fluoro‐2‐arylimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines were selectively synthesised in one‐pot from acetophenones and 2‐aminopyridines under mild conditions. The sequence of reactions involved bromination, condensation, and late‐stage fluorination. Two halogenating reagents play key roles in the process. We found that tetrabutylammonium tribromide and SelectfluorTM gave excellent yields of the desired products in the one‐pot sequential reaction.
Quality of life after spinal cord injury: The impact of pain
Authors: Burke D. , Lennon O. , Fullen B.M.
Published: May 2018

Background

Pain is a common complication after spinal cord injury (SCI). A mixture of nociceptive and neuropathic pain (NP) can present. Limited studies have investigated the impact of different pain phenotypes on quality of life (QoL) post‐SCI.

Methods

Members registered to a national support group for those with SCIs were surveyed (n = 1574). The survey comprised questions relating to demographics and SCI characteristics, The Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) (interview), the International SCI Pain Basic Data Set recording the worst pain and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL‐BREF). An ANCOVA model with post hoc analysis explored between group factors of pain type and intensity of pain categories on QoL, controlling for additional confounding variables. Significance was set p < 0.05. A linear regression explored whether pain intensity, type or interference best predicted QoL.

Results

The response rate was 41% (n = 643), 70% (n = 447) were male. The mean age of respondents was 52 years (SD 14.2) and mean time from SCI was 17 years (SD 12.4). In the previous week, 71% (n = 458) experienced pain, 37% (n = 236) of which had NP as defined in the study. Respondents experiencing NP demonstrated significantly poorer QoL than those without pain (p < 0.001) or nociceptive pain (p < 0.05). Those reporting high pain intensity had significantly lower QoL than those with moderate or no pain (p < 0.001). Pain interference consistently and best‐predicted domains of QoL (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

High‐intensity pain and NP negatively impacts QoL post‐SCI. However pain interference more than intensity or type best explains the variance in QoL reported.

Significance

Neuropathic pain type and severe pain intensities negatively impact QoL after SCI. Pain interference items better predict reported QoL than either pain type or intensity, suggesting better pain management strategies are warranted.
An accurate bacterial DNA quantification assay for HTS library preparation of human biological samples
Authors: Seashols‐Williams Sarah , Green Raquel , Wohlfahrt Denise , Brand Angela , Tan‐Torres Antonio Limjuco , Nogales Francy , Brooks J Paul , Singh Baneshwar
Published: May 2018

Sequencing and classification of microbial taxa within forensically relevant biological fluids has the potential for applications in the forensic science and biomedical fields. The quantity of bacterial DNA from human samples is currently estimated based on quantity of total DNA isolated. This method can miscalculate bacterial DNA quantity due to the mixed nature of the sample, and consequently library preparation is often unreliable. We developed an assay that can accurately and specifically quantify bacterial DNA within a mixed sample for reliable 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) library preparation and high throughput sequencing (HTS). A qPCR method was optimized using universal 16S rDNA primers, and a commercially available bacterial community DNA standard was used to develop a precise standard curve. Following qPCR optimization, 16S rDNA libraries from saliva, vaginal and menstrual secretions, urine, and fecal matter were amplified and evaluated at various DNA concentrations; successful HTS data were generated with as low as 20 pg of bacterial DNA. Changes in bacterial DNA quantity did not impact observed relative abundances of major bacterial taxa, but relative abundance changes of minor taxa were observed. Accurate quantification of microbial DNA resulted in consistent, successful library preparations for HTS analysis.
The glacial landsystem of a tropical glacier: Charquini Sur, Bolivian Andes
Authors: Małecki Jakub , Lovell Harold , Ewertowski Wojciech , Górski Łukasz , Kurczaba Tomasz , Latos Beata , Miara Michał , Piniarska Dorota , Płocieniczak Jacek , Sowada Tomasz , Spiralski Marcin , Warczachowska Anna , Rabatel Antoine
Published: May 2018

The geomorphological signature of tropical glaciers has the potential to provide important information on the response of ice masses in high‐mountain environments to climate warming. This study investigates the glacial geomorphology of Charquini Sur, Bolivia. Detailed geomorphological mapping was conducted both in the field and from satellite imagery in order to produce a 1:4000 scale geomorphological map of the glacier foreland. Sedimentological analyses (description of physical characteristics, clast shape and roundness, particle‐size distribution) provided additional insight into the landform–sediment assemblage. Glacial landforms are well preserved and include up to 11 moraine ridge suites, seven of which are cross‐valley frontal moraine arcs. These can be linked to an existing lichenometric chronology from previous work and record glacier recession since the local Little Ice Age (LIA) maximum in the late‐1600s. Lateral moraine ridges also record continuous thinning of the glacier over this time period. Smaller groups of parallel ridges are interpreted as annual moraines formed during recession. Intermorainic areas consist of flutings and a typically thin sediment cover of subglacial, supraglacial and glaciofluvial origin, with prominent ice‐moulded bedrock protuberances in places. Analysis of the landform–sediment assemblage provides an insight into the main controls on landform genesis in the basin and implies there have been temporal changes in ice‐marginal dynamics since the LIA. We present the first landsystem model for a tropical cirque glacier, documenting its behaviour since the LIA and providing an indication of glacier response in rapidly‐warming high‐mountain environments. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Food preservation by Larrea divaricata extract: participation of polyphenols
Authors: Peralta Ignacio , Marrassini Carla , Filip Rosana , Alonso Maria R. , Anesini Claudia
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and protease inhibitor capacities on eggs and milk protein of a nor‐dihydroguaiaretic (NDGA)‐standardized aqueous extract of Larrea divaricata (AE) and to analyze the participation of polyphenols as NDGA in these actions. NDGA was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography; flavonoids and polyphenols were quantified by spectrophotometric methods as well as inhibition of lipid peroxidation, proteinase inhibitor capacity, advanced glycation end products (AGES) formation, and inhibition of albumin denaturation. The extract protected food for oxidative damage by preventing malondialdehyde formation in egg yolk and by preventing AGE formation in completely cooked eggs, also impeded albumin denaturation, and casein hydrolysis induced by trypsin and heat. Polyphenols, especially flavonoids and NDGA, were involved in these actions.
Geochronology and geochemistry of late Mesozoic volcanic rocks in the Wenkutu area, Great Xing'an Range, China
Authors: Lu Sheng , Wang Ke‐Yong , Zhao Huan‐Li , Deng Chang‐Zhou
Published: May 2018

This paper reports on the petrography, geochemistry, and geochronology of late Mesozoic volcanic rocks in the Wenkutu area of the northern Great Xing'an Range, North‐east China, and discusses the formation age, petrogenesis, and tectonic environment of the Manketouebo, Manitu, Baiyingaolao, and Meiletu formations. Results of Zircon U–Pb dating show that the volcanic rocks in the Wenkutu area were formed during the Early Cretaceous (Manketouebo Formation at 145 ± 1 Ma, Manitu Formation at 141.3 ± 1.7 Ma, Baiyingaolao Formation at 128.7 ± 1.1 Ma, and Meiletu Formation at 129 ± 1 Ma). The Manketouebo, Manitu, and Baiyingaolao formations are dominated by intermediate to acid volcanic rocks that belong to the high‐K calc‐alkaline series, with Eu/Eu* values of 0.38–0.84.They are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE) and depleted in heavy rare earth elements (HREE). The Meiletu Formation is dominated by intermediate to basic volcanic rocks, belongs to the high‐K calc‐alkaline series, has Eu/Eu* values of 0.89–0.97, and is enriched in Ba, K, Th, U, La, Ce, Sr, Nd, and Hf but relatively depleted in Nb, Ta, Zr, P, and Ti, with no obvious fractionation of LREE and HREE. Results indicate that the magma of the Manketouebo, Manitu, and Baiyingaolao formations had a crustal origin, whereas the Meiletu Formation was sourced from the mantle and subsequently contaminated by crustal materials. The late Mesozoic volcanic rocks in the study area were formed during an orogenic stage, and the compressional environment was caused by subduction of the paleo‐Pacific Plate below the Asian continental plate.
Reducing preference reversals: The role of preference imprecision and nontransparent methods
Authors: Pinto‐Prades José Luis , Sánchez‐Martínez Fernando Ignacio , Abellán‐Perpiñán José María , Martínez‐Pérez Jorge E.
Published: May 2018

Preferences elicited with matching and choice usually diverge (as characterised by preference reversals), violating a basic rationality requirement, namely, procedure invariance. We report the results of an experiment that shows that preference reversals between matching (Standard Gamble in our case) and choice are reduced when the matching task is conducted using nontransparent methods. Our results suggest that techniques based on nontransparent methods are less influenced by biases (i.e., compatibility effects) than transparent methods. We also observe that imprecision of preferences influences the degree of preference reversals. The preference reversal phenomenon is less strong in subjects with more precise preferences.
Altruistic leadership and affiliative humor's role on service innovation: Lessons from Spanish public hospitals
Authors: Salas‐Vallina Andrés , Ferrer‐Franco Anna , Fernández Guerrero Rafael
Published: May 2018

Despite literature identifies aspects that might promote innovation, the relationship between the leadership style and nurses' innovative behavior still remains unclear, and little research has provided evidence of this. To help advance in knowledge of effects of leadership on nurses' innovative behavior, we researched the effect of altruistic leadership on nurses' innovative behavior. In addition, the mediating role of affiliative humor in the relationship between altruistic leadership and nurses' innovative behavior was examined. Questionnaire survey method was followed with a sample of 324 nurses working in public hospitals in Spain. We used structural equation models, to check the research hypotheses. This research reveals that affiliative humor partially mediates the relationship between altruistic leadership and nurses' innovative behavior. Thus, unselfish leaders are crucial to promoting innovative behaviors among nurses, and affiliative humor plays a fundamental role to explain how altruistic leaders enhance nurses' innovative behavior.
Regulation of access to the hospital care network for children in Ceará, Brazil
Authors: Monteiro Maria de Fátima Vasques , Vertamatti Maria Auxiliadora F. , Alves Maria Nina Morais , Carvalho Amanda Cordeiro de Oliveira , Alves Maria Nizete Tavares , Barbosa Caio Parente
Published: May 2018

Regulation is a state management tool to ensure that networked health services and goods comply with the principles of universality of access and integrality of care in the Unified Health System. To describe the regulatory actions of access to children's health services in the hospital setting, a descriptive, documentary study was performed to address data on the regulation of access to hospital health‐care points for children from January to October 2015. The sample consisted of 2485 hospitalization procedures and regulated transfers in children between 0 and 15 years old living in the Juazeiro do Norte Health Region in the State of Ceará. The children's health‐care network in the referenced region includes 8 hospitals that together provide care for 105 163 children in the surgical, emergency, and intensive care areas. These hospitals have a total of 176 beds, of which 118 are pediatric clinics, 7 are surgical pediatric units, and 51 are neonatal and intensive care units. In the medical clinics, 2279 children were hospitalized for local admissions, and 206 (8.9%) were transferred to intensive care units. Most children were under 1 year old (43.6%). The regulation of access to the hospitals' health‐care network seems to guarantee local and regional access to 6 municipalities in the region. However, a high waiting time for intensive care beds was observed.
Impacts of forest conversion and agriculture practices on water pathways in Southern Brazil
Authors: Robinet Jérémy , Minella Jean P. G. , de Barros Cláudia A. P. , Schlesner Alexandre , Lücke Andreas , Ameijeiras-Mariño Yolanda , Opfergelt Sophie , Vanderborght Jan , Govers Gerard
Published: May 2018

Land‐use/cover change (LUCC), and more specifically deforestation and multidecadal agriculture, is one of the various controlling factors of water fluxes at the hillslope or catchment scale. We investigated the impact of LUCC on water pathways and stream stormflow generation processes in a subtropical region in southern Brazil. We monitored, sampled and analysed stream water, pore water, subsurface water, and rainwater for dissolved silicon concentration (DSi) and 18O/16O (δ18O) signature to identify contributing sources to the streamflow under forest and under agriculture. Both forested and agricultural catchments were highly responsive to rainfall events in terms of discharge and shallow groundwater level. DSi versus δ18O scatter plots indicated that for both land‐use types, two run‐off components contributed to the stream discharge. The presence of a dense macropore network, combined with the presence of a compact and impeding B‐horizon, led to rapid subsurface flow in the forested catchment. In the agricultural catchment, the rapid response to rainfall was mostly due to surface run‐off. A 2‐component isotopic hydrograph separation indicated a larger contribution of rainfall water to run‐off during rainfall event in the agricultural catchments. We attributed this higher contribution to a decrease in topsoil hydraulic conductivity associated with agricultural practices. The chemical signature of the old water component in the forested catchment was very similar to that of the shallow groundwater and the pore soil water: It is therefore likely that the shallow groundwater was the main source of old water. This is not the case in the agricultural catchments where the old water component had a much higher DSi concentration than the shallow groundwater and the soil pore water. As the agricultural catchments were larger, this may to some extent simply be a scale effect. However, the higher water yields under agriculture and the high DSi concentration observed in the old water under agriculture suggest a significant contribution of deep groundwater to catchment run‐off under agriculture, suggesting that LUCC may have significant effects on weathering rates and patterns.
Groundwater evolution and mean water age inferred from hydrochemical and isotopic tracers in a tropical confined aquifer
Authors: Villegas Pedro , Paredes Vanesa , Betancur Teresita , Taupin Jean D. , Toro Luis E.
Published: May 2018

The coastal confined aquifer in the Gulf of Urabá (Colombia) is an important water source for the banana agro‐industry as well as for urban and rural communities. However, the main processes controlling recharge and mixing in the aquifer are still poorly understood. Hydrochemical analyses and stable isotope monitoring were conducted to (a) determine groundwater recharge origin, mean groundwater age, and the main processes governing groundwater chemistry and the potential mixing of marine water and the influence of diffusive processes from the two surrounding aquitard layers. Hydrochemical data indicate that the main processes affecting the dissolved chemical composition include cation exchange, dissolution of carbonated and CO2, and silicate weathering. δ18O and δ2H compositions combined with 14C data highlight the differences in climatic conditions between the recharge zone and the confined section of the aquifer, which is close to the Atlantic Ocean. Groundwater samples with 14C ages from recent to 28,300 years BP show a depleted isotopic trend ranging from −6.43‰ to −9.14‰ in δ18O and from −43.2‰ to −65.7‰ in δ2H. The most depleted δ18O and δ2H compositions suggest a cooler recharge climate than the current conditions (corresponding to the last glacial period of the late Pleistocene). Depleted δ13C values in the total dissolved inorganic carbon indicate the existence of organic material oxidation processes within the geologic formation. These results can be used or transferred to enhance groundwater modelling efforts in other confined coastal aquifers of South America where scarcity of long‐term monitoring data limits water resources planification under a changing climate.
Behavioral contrast: Research and areas for investigation
Authors: Boyle Megan A. , Hoffmann Audrey N. , Lambert Joseph M.
Published: May 2018

Behavioral contrast occurs when a change in reinforcement rate in one context results in a change in behavior in the opposite direction in an unchanged context. Despite decades of study by basic researchers, behavioral contrast has remained largely an unstudied phenomenon among applied researchers. The purpose of this paper is to occasion translational and applied research on behavioral contrast with the aim of predicting and controlling socially significant behavior in unchanged contexts. We present a brief history of contrast and related definitions, review research with human and nonhuman subjects, and suggest future directions for applied and translational researchers.
T‐cell tracking using Cerenkov and radioluminescence imaging
Authors: Boschi Federico , De Sanctis Francesco , Ugel Stefano , Spinelli Antonello E.
Published: May 2018

Cancer immunotherapy is a promising strategy based on the ability of the immune system to kill selected cells. In the development of an effective T‐cell therapy, the noninvasive cell tracking methods play a crucial role. Here, we investigate the potentialities of T‐cell marked with radionuclides in order to detect their localization with imaging techniques in small animal rodents. A protocol to label T‐cells with 32P‐ATP was tested and evaluated. The homing of 32P‐ATP labeled T lymphocytes was investigated by Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) and radioluminescence imaging (RLI). The first approach relies on the acquisition of Cerenkov photons produced by the beta particles emitted by the 32P internalized by lymphocytes; the second one on the detection of photons coming from the conversion of radioactive energy in light done by scintillator crystals layered on the animals. The results show that T‐cell biodistribution can be optically observed by both CLI and RLI in small animal rodents in in vivo and ex vivo acquisitions. T‐cell localization in the tumor mass was definitively confirmed by flow cytometry.
The Free Hormone Hypothesis: Is Free Serum 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D a Better Marker for Bone Mineral Density in Older Women?
Authors: Michaëlsson Karl , Rasmusson Annica , Wolk Alicja , Byberg Liisa , Mitchell Adam , Melhus Håkan
Published: May 2018

It is presently unclear whether free serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (S‐25(OH)D) better reflects bone health than total S‐25(OH)D. We have previously shown that summer total S‐25(OH)D values are more useful to predict bone mineral density (BMD) than winter values. Our objective was therefore to compare the relative importance of free and total S‐25(OH)D for BMD by season. BMD was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 5002 Swedish women (mean age 68 years) randomly selected from a large population‐based longitudinal cohort study. Free S‐25(OH)D was analyzed by a commercial ELISA and total S‐25(OH)D by HPLC–tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Free and total S‐25(OH)D co‐varied with season, with 26% and 29% higher values in August compared with those in January–March (nadir). There were no differences in mean BMD between categories of free or total S‐25(OH)D in samples collected during winter. Women with higher total S‐25(OH)D measured during summer had higher BMD at the total hip. Compared with women who had total S‐25(OH)D values above 80 nmol/L during summer, adjusted BMD at the total hip was 6% (95% CI, 1% to 11%) lower for S‐25(OH)D concentrations between 30 and 40 mmol/L, and 11% (95% CI, 3% to 19%) lower for those with total S‐25(OH)D <30 nmol/L. In contrast, free S‐25(OH)D measured during summer was not associated with BMD. Compared with women who had highest free S‐25(OH)D measured during summer (>8.8 pmol/L), those with intermediate (2.4–3.5 pmol/L) and lowest (<2.4 pmol/L) free S‐25(OH)D during summer did not have lower total hip BMD values (3% [95% CI, −2% to 7%] and −2% [95% CI, −8% to 4%]). In addition, we found no added value for the prediction of BMD with the combined measurement of total and free S‐25(OH)D during summer or winter. We conclude that vitamin D status assessed by direct measurements of free S‐25(OH)D does not reflect BMD better than total S‐25(OH)D. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Violence as a health disparity: Adolescents’ perceptions of violence depicted through photovoice
Authors: Irby Megan Bennett , Hamlin DeWanna , Rhoades Lynn , Freeman Nathan Ross , Summers Phillip , Rhodes Scott D , Daniel Stephanie
Published: May 2018

Violence is a public health issue that disproportionately affects adolescents from historically marginalized communities. In response to growing concerns of local violence, our community–academic partnership explored adolescents’ perspectives about violence, including perceptions of its causes, consequences, and potential solutions. Ten adolescents participated in a 12‐week photovoice project. They received training in basic research methodologies, documented representations of violence through digital photography and creative writing, engaged in empowerment‐based photo‐discussions, and presented their work to influential advocates in a community forum. Adolescents and staff conducted a thematic analysis of photographs and narratives from which 10 themes emerged across 3 domains: a culture of violence and oppression, structural violence, and mental and physical health. Adolescents presented their work to community stakeholders in a public forum to foster additional discussions regarding violence in the community. This photovoice project yielded rich qualitative insight into adolescents’ experiences with and perceptions of violence.
An efficient and facile synthesis of deuterium‐labeled anticancer agent bendamustine hydrochloride
Authors: Liu Baomin , Qin Hui , Zhang Yinsheng
Published: May 2018

Bendamustine hydrochloride is an alkylating agent that was developed for the treatment of various human cancers. The stable isotope‐labeled bendamustine was required to support clinic studies. An effective and operationally simple method for the synthesis of [D6] bendamustine hydrochloride was developed using DCl as a catalyst and D2O as a deuterium source. Under the present condition, regioselectively deuterated bendamustine hydrochloride with high deuterium incorporation is achieved.
Sonochemical and mechanical stirring synthesis of liquid metal nanograss structures for low‐cost SERS substrates
Authors: Chen Xiaojun , Chen Qinnan , Wu Dezhi , Zheng Yuekun , Zhou Zhou , Zhang Kunpeng , Lv Wenlong , Zhao Yang , Lin Liwei , Sun Daoheng
Published: May 2018

Micro‐nanofabrication technologies are frequently used to prepare surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)‐active substrates with specially shaped microstructures, whose characteristics of high sensitivity and good reproducibility are our unswerving pursuit of the goal. However, these techniques suffer from high cost and low throughput, which limits the fabrication of large‐area SERS substrates and restricts their practical application in detection analysis. Therefore, a low‐cost, facile, and environmentally friendly fabrication strategy for SERS‐active substrates by sonochemical treatment in conjunction with mechanical stirring without surfactants is proposed for the detection of low concentrations of molecules. Liquid metal alloys were employed as SERS‐active substrate materials and are easily oxidized to form an oxide film in air, resulting in good dispersion of the nanoparticles. In addition, nanograss consisting of rod‐like structures and nanogaps formed on the micro/nanoparticle surface, providing numerous SERS‐active sites. The shape, size, and surface nanostructure of the micro/nanoparticles could be tuned by controlling the ultrasonication time and the stirring speed. The performance of the SERS substrate coated with Au film was evaluated by using rhodamine 6G as a probe. The resulting limit of rhodamine 6G detection for the optimized nanograss‐structured substrate by Raman analysis was as low as 10−7 M, and the standard deviation was 8–15.5%, which meets the requirements for the trace detection of analytes. This facile, large‐scale, low‐cost, and green synthesis of a liquid metal nanograss‐structured substrate with high SERS activity and sensitivity makes it a perfect choice for practical SERS detection applications.
Determinants of wheat noodle color
Authors: Morris Craig F
Published: May 2018

Noodles are a leading food in the world, and color is a key determinant of consumer acceptance. In this review the two prominent forms of wheat noodles are considered: white salted and alkaline. Many of the preparation and evaluation strategies are the same for both, with prominence placed on ‘brightness’ (L*) or a lack of discoloration (ΔL*), and the absence of ‘specks.’ All raw noodles darken over time. Increasing the protein content of flours almost always translates into darker noodles. Greater discoloration is also associated with higher flour extraction rates, higher ash contents, and higher starch damage. Increasing storage time, dough water absorption, and temperature all often lead to greater discoloration. There is a large range in noodle color variation, and much of this variation is associated with genetics. Consequently, much research has been devoted to methods of screening germplasm, either as whole seeds, meals, flours, or noodle sheets. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is a primary culprit in noodle discoloration and has guided much of the research on noodle color. It is now possible to select germplasm with very low levels of PPO through the use of efficacious phenotype screens and the use of molecular markers. The success of this research has provided the opportunity to select wheat breeding lines with nil PPO activity, and to combine favorable alleles at multiple PPO loci. Yet, when noodles are prepared, we continue to observe discoloration. As our ability to minimize PPO activity increases, this ‘non‐PPO’ discoloration has become more important. Perhaps the ‘holy grail’ is a noodle that never discolors, and has the ‘perfect’ level of a* (redness, zero?) and b* (yellowness/creaminess). Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Effect of elevated [CO2] on yield, intra‐plant nutrient dynamics, and grain quality of rice cultivars in eastern India
Authors: Jena Usha R , Swain Dillip K , Hazra Kali K , Maiti Mrinal K
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Climate models predict an increase in global temperature in response to a doubling of atmospheric [CO2]. This may affect future rice production and quality. In this study, the effect of elevated [CO2] on yield, nutrient acquisition and utilization, and grain quality of rice genotypes was investigated in the subtropical climate of eastern India (Kharagpur). Three environments (open field, ambient, and elevated [CO2]) were tested using four rice cultivars of eastern India.

RESULTS

Under elevated [CO2] (25% higher), the yield of high‐yielding cultivars (HYCs) viz IR 36, Swarna, and Swarna sub1 was significantly reduced (by 11–13%), whereas the yield increased (by 6–9%) for Badshabhog, a low‐yielding aromatic cultivar. Elevated [CO2] significantly enhanced K uptake (by 14–21%), but did not influence the uptake of total N and P. The nutrient harvest index and use efficiency values in HYCs were reduced under elevated [CO2] indicating that nutrient translocation from source to sink (grain) was significantly reduced. An increase in alkali spreading value (10%) and reduction in grain protein (2–3%) and iron (5–6%) was also observed upon [CO2] elevation.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the importance of nutrient management (increasing N rate for HYCs) and selective breeding of tolerant cultivars in minimizing the adverse effects of elevated [CO2] on rice yield and quality. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of liquid–liquid microextraction for the effective separation and simultaneous determination of 11 pharmaceuticals in wastewater samples using high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Diuzheva Alina , Balogh József , Jekő József , Cziáky Zoltán
Published: May 2018

A dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method for the simultaneous determination of 11 pharmaceuticals has been developed. The method is based on a microextraction procedure applied to wastewater samples from different regions of Hungary followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. The effect of the nature of the extractant, dispersive solvent, different additives, and extraction time were examined on the extraction efficiently of the dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method. Under optimal conditions, the linearity for determining the pharmaceuticals was in the range of 1–500 ng/mL, with the correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9922 to 0.9995. The limits of detection and limits of quantification were in the range of 0.31–6.65 and 0.93–22.18 ng/mL, respectively.