bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Flexibility and Pro–Environmental Behaviour: A Multimethod Approach
Authors: Lange Florian , Dewitte Siegfried
Published: June 2019

While cognitive flexibility has been hypothesized to relate to adaptive, long–term–oriented behaviour, empirical support for such a relationship is scarce. In the present article, we examine the role of cognitive flexibility as a correlate of long–term–oriented behaviour in the domain of environmental conservation. In a first study ( N = 143), we explored potential associations between multiple self–report scales and performance–based measures of cognitive flexibility and pro–environmental behaviour. Based on its results, we conducted a pre–registered confirmatory study ( N = 264) focusing on the most promising correlations found in our exploratory study. This study generated conclusive support for a positive medium–sized correlation between cognitive flexibility and pro–environmental behaviour. Exploratory hierarchical regression analyses further revealed that cognitive flexibility accounted for a small portion of variance in pro–environmental behaviour above and beyond the Big Five. While appearing robust on the level of self–reports, the relationship between cognitive flexibility and pro–environmental behaviour did not reliably extend to the level of performance tasks, possibly because of their relatively specific scope. These results illustrate the contribution of cognitive flexibility to understanding individual differences in long–term–oriented, pro–environmental behaviour. © 2019 European Association of Personality Psychology
Let There be Variance: Individual Differences in Consecutive Self–Control in A Laboratory Setting and Daily Life
Authors: Wenzel Mario , Rowland Zarah , Zahn Daniela , Kubiak Thomas
Published: June 2019

The large body of research used to support ego–depletion effects is currently faced with conceptual and replication issues, leading to doubt over the extent or even existence of the ego–depletion effect. By using within–person designs in a laboratory (Study 1; 187 participants) and an ambulatory assessment study (Study 2; 125 participants), we sought to clarify this ambiguity by investigating whether prominent situational variables (such as motivation and affect) or personality traits can help elucidate when ego depletion can be observed and when not. Although only marginal ego–depletion effects were found in both studies, these effects varied considerably between individuals, indicating that some individuals experience self–control decrements after initial self–control exertion and others not. However, neither motivation nor affect nor personality traits such as trait self–control could consistently explain this variability when models were applied that controlled for variance due to targets and the depletion manipulation (Study 1) or days (Study 2) as well as for multiple testing. We discuss how the operationalization and reliability of our key measures may explain these null effects and demonstrate that alternative metrics may be required to study the consequences of the consecutive exertion of self–control. © 2019 European Association of Personality Psychology
Investigation on the UV spectra of the supermolecular system involving silver nanoparticles–substituted N‐(phenyl‐ethylene)‐anilines
Authors: Cao Chao‐Tun , Liu Junlan , Cao Chenzhong
Published: June 2019

The ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectra of the supermolecular system involving silver nanoparticles–substituted N‐(phenyl‐ethylene)‐anilines were investigated. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and 77 kinds of substituted N‐(phenyl‐ethylene)‐anilines ZArC (Me)═NArY (ZPEAY, including 40 compounds 2‐H‐XPEAY without ortho‐hydroxyl and 37 compounds 2‐OH‐XPEAY with ortho‐hydroxyl) were prepared. The size of AgNPs was measured with transmission electron microscopy. To study the effect of substituents X and Y on the UV spectra of the supermolecular system of AgNPs‐ZPEAY, the authors measured the UV absorption spectra of AgNPs, ZPEAY, and AgNPs‐ZPEAY solutions. The experimental results show that (a) the size of AgNPs increases in AgNPs‐ZPEAY solution compared with that in AgNPs solution, due to the absorption of ZPEAY molecules on the surface of AgNPs; (b) the UV absorption wavelength of ZPEAY changes in AgNPs‐ZPEAY solution and there is a limitation for the wavelength shift (λWSL) between ZPEAY and AgNPs‐ZPEAY system; (c) there is a quantitative correlation between the wavenumber ΔνWSL of λWSL and the substituent constants (Hammett constant σ and excited‐state substituent constant
) of substituents X and Y; (d) the intramolecular hydrogen bonding in 2‐OH‐XPEAY makes the ΔνWSL a red shift in AgNPs‐ZPEAY system.
Between a ROC and a hard place: Teaching prevalence plots to understand real world biomarker performance in the clinic
Authors: Lendrem B. Clare , Lendrem Dennis W. , Pratt Arthur G. , Naamane Najib , McMeekin Peter , Ng Wan‐Fai , Allen A. Joy , Power Michael , Isaacs John Dudley
Published: June 2019

The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and the Area Under the Curve (AUC) of the ROC curve are widely used in discovery to compare the performance of diagnostic and prognostic assays. The ROC curve has the advantage that it is independent of disease prevalence. However, in this note, we remind scientists and clinicians that the performance of an assay upon translation to the clinic is critically dependent upon that very same prevalence. Without an understanding of prevalence in the test population, even robust bioassays with excellent ROC characteristics may perform poorly in the clinic. While the exact prevalence in the target population is not always known, simple plots of candidate assay performance as a function of prevalence rate give a better understanding of the likely real‐world performance and a greater understanding of the likely impact of variation in that prevalence on translation to the clinic.
Arctium lappa contributes to the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus by regulating glucose homeostasis and improving oxidative stress: A critical review of in vitro and in vivo animal‐based studies
Authors: Annunziata Giuseppe , Barrea Luigi , Ciampaglia Roberto , Cicala Carla , Arnone Angela , Savastano Silvia , Nabavi Seyed Mohammad , Tenore Gian Carlo , Novellino Ettore
Published: June 2019

Diabetes is a metabolic disease highly widespread worldwide, and the most common form is the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A large number of synthetic drugs are currently available for the treatment of diabetes; however, they present various side effects and, for this reason, people are increasingly inclined to search natural alternative treatments. Among these, Arctium lappa (A. lappa) has interesting anti‐diabetic activities, exerted by improving glucose homeostasis and reducing insulin‐resistance. In addition, A. lappa exerts a marked antioxidant activity, an effect known to play a pivotal role in the treatment of T2DM. The purpose of this review is to analyse scientific evidence in order to evaluate the role of A. lappa and its bioactive compounds in management of T2DM. The literature search performed provided only in vitro and animal‐based studies. No clinical studies have been conducted in order to investigate the effect of A. lappa on T2DM patients. However, available literature provides evidence for further clinical trials in order to confirm these claimed activities on humans.
Bentonite ‐ Clay ‐ Supported Cuprous Iodide Nanoparticles (BENT‐ CuI NPs): A New Heterogeneous Catalyst in Diversity ‐ Oriented Synthesis of 1, 2, 3‐ Triazoles in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Chavan Pramod V. , Charate Shrinivas P. , Desai Uday V. , Rode Chandrashekhar V. , Wadgaonkar Prakash P.
Published: June 2019

Bentonite clay supported cuprous iodide nanoparticles (BENT‐CuI NPs) were prepared and demonstrated for the first time as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst in diversity oriented, green synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazoles by one‐pot, three component reaction between alkyl halides, arylboronic acids, or epoxides with alkynes and sodium azide in aqueous medium. The catalyst was characterized by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP‐AES), Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy(EDS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X‐Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) as well as Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) techniques and was found to be reusable for five consecutive runs without significant loss of activity.
Mechanistic Understanding of the Effect of Surface Composition of Pt‐Ru Bimetallic Alloy Electrocatalysts on HCOOH Oxidation Pathways at Acid Electrochemical Interface
Authors: Ou Lihui , Zhao Kexin , Chen Yuandao , Jin Junling
Published: June 2019

The effect of surface composition of Pt−Ru bimetallic alloy electrocatalysts on HCOOH oxidation mechanisms are first studied systematically at acid electrochemical interface based on DFT in this work. The present studies indicate that the growth of Pt on Ru may be not an optimal electrocatalyst. Instead, the alloying of Pt with Ru can notably enhance the direct electrooxidation activity of HCOOH. The appropriate Ru contents play an important role in determining HCOOH electrooxidation activity and Pt−Ru alloys with low Ru contents are efficient alloy catalysts. The higher Ru contents hinder CO removal and lead to CO poisonous effect on surface active sites, thereby going against HCOOH oxidation. It is also concluded that on Pt−Ru alloys the experimentally observed enhanced oxidation kinetics may be ascribed to improved direct pathways, rather than enhancement of CO tolerance. Two possible descriptors that can scale HCOOH oxidation activity are proposed based on the origin of electrocatalytic activity, which will provide theoretical guidelines for rational design of Pt‐based alloy catalysts with appropriate surface composition.
Subcritical Water Extraction of Phenolic Compounds and Analysis of Inorganic Elements from Erigeron breviscapus
Authors: Meng Fansheng , Cheng Yan
Published: June 2019

Subcritical water extraction of 13 phenolic compounds from Erigeron breviscapus has been studied using statically single factor experimental design. Results indicate high yields of the phenolic compounds except scutellarein and apigenine obtained at temperatures ranging from 100 to 140 °C. Box–Behnken experimental design (BBD) on three levels and three significant variables was used for optimization of total flavonoids and the antioxidant activities measured by a free radical method (DPPH). The amounts of total flavonoids were higher than that using methanol and ethanol extraction and the extraction efficiency using subcritical water was much higher. Moreover, the contents of macro–element K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, and trace element Cu, Mn, Zn, Cr, Ni, Co, Sr, Mo, Sn, Sb, Ba, Bi, V, Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni in three different parts of Erigeron breviscapus were determined by ICP–AES and ICP–MS.
Non‐Mercury Catalytic Acetylene Hydration over Bimetallic Cu–Zn Catalysts for Acetaldehyde Production in Gas‐Liquid System
Authors: Yang Lu , Xiao Furong , Zhang Qiang , Xu Caixia , Dai Bin
Published: June 2019

The reactivity of several Cu‐based bimetallic catalysts toward acetylene hydration for acetaldehyde production in gas‐liquid system was investigated. The addition of ZnCl2 obviously increased the activity of the catalyst with minimal effect on selectivity. The best catalytic conditions achieved a 47.55% conversion of acetylene with an acetaldehyde selectivity of 87.75%. The addition of ZnCl2 was found to stabilize the catalytically active Cu+ species and inhibit the reduction of Cu+ to Cu0 during acetylene hydration. Characterizations based on X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X‐ray excited Auger electron spectroscopy were performed, confirming the role of ZnCl2 on the enhanced activity of the Cu‐based catalysts.
Rubidium Cerium (IV) Iodates with High UV‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Efficiency
Authors: Tang Changcheng , Jiang Xingxing , Yin Wenlong , Chen Fang , Guo Shu , Song Gaomin , Liu Lijuan , Huang Hongwei , Xia Mingjun , Lin Zheshuai , Wang Xiaoyang
Published: June 2019

Two new rubidium cerium (IV) iodates, namely RbCeI5O15 and RbCeI5O15⋅H2O, have been synthesized through hydrothermal reactions. Both compounds are composed of [CeO8], [RbO8] polyhedrons, and [IO3] umbrella‐like groups, with RbCeI5O15⋅H2O having an additional [H2O] group attached to the Ce atom. UV‐vis‐NIR diffuse reflectance spectrum indicates that the band gap of RbCeI5O15⋅H2O is 2.76 eV. RbCeI5O15⋅H2O shows high photocatalytic reactivity in the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under UV light irradiation.
Fe3O4@SiO2/EP.EN.EG.Cu as a Highly Efficient and Recoverable Catalytic System for Synthesis of 1,4‐Disubstituted 1,2,3‐Triazole Derivatives via the Click Reaction
Authors: Ebadi Amin , Rajabzadeh Maryam , Khalifeh Reza
Published: June 2019

A magnetic nanostructured core–shell Fe3O4@SiO2/EP.EN.EG.Cu has used as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazole derivatives through click reaction, under mild reaction conditions. A variety of epoxides, alkyl or benzyl halides was used to afford the corresponding 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles. The catalyst could be easily separated by using an external magnet from the reaction mixture and reused seven times without significant loss of catalytic activity.
Progressive Freezing Method for Concentrating Tetrahydrofuran (THF) Remained in Grignard Reagent Wastewater
Authors: Chen Peng , Wang Lidong , Chen Xiaoyuan , de Lourdes Mendoza María , Liu Yongdi , Cai Lankun , Zhang Lehua
Published: June 2019

Progressive freezing technology was developed as a promising method to concentrate tetrahydrofuran (THF) remained in Grignard reagent wastewater. Effects of freezing temperature, ice formation rate, and seeding ice on ice purity were characterized. Results indicated the peak removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD) with the concentration of 3,050 mg⋅L−1 occurred at the lowest ice formation rate of 20% and −4.0°C. The minimal ice electrical conductivity happened at −6.0°C with the ice formation rate of 40%. Seeding ice improved ice purity in the range of −0.5 to −1.0°C. Subsequent test ran in plant revealed the potential application of this approach to concentrate THF from Grignard reagent wastewater. COD removal efficiency peaked at 98.09% at the stirring rate of 200 rpm and the cooling gear of 1 block. Moreover, the theoretical energy consumption was 38.26 kW⋅h per one ton of wastewater.
Carbon Soot/n–carboxylic Acids Composites As Form‐stable Phase Change Materials For Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Wang Chengjun , Liang Weidong , Chen Pinsong , An Junru , Zhu Zhaoqi , Sun Hanxue , Li An
Published: June 2019

Spongy carbon soot (s‐CS) was prepared and used as novel host material of the form‐stable composite phase change materials (PCMs). The s‐CS was constructed by the interconnected and compact large agglomerates of the soot particles with an average size of 25–60 nm. The average pore diameter of the s‐CS was measured to be 15.3 nm. Owing to capillary forces of s‐CS, n‐carboxylic acids can be easily absorbed into the pores and stay stable without leakage. The PCMs/s‐CS composite present a high heat storage capacity between 83.42 J g−1 and 99.63 J g−1, corresponding to the mass fraction of n‐carboxylic acids between 50.10% and 53.20%. The effects of the supporting material on thermal stability and thermal conductivity of composites were investigated by means of thermogravimetry and flash thermal conductivity testing. The PCM/spongy CS composites exhibit excellent thermal stability and durability, and may have great potential for renewable energy saving applications.
Catalyst‐Free One‐Pot Regioselective Synthesis of Spiropyrrolizines Using 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Reaction
Authors: Gupta Shruti , Khurana Jitender M.
Published: June 2019

Synthesis of functionalized spiro[acenaphthylene‐1,3′‐pyrrolizin]‐2‐ones and spiroindeno[1,2‐b]quinoxaline‐11,3′‐pyrrolizines has been reported by one‐pot condensation of active carbonyl compounds, L‐proline/L‐thioproline and 3‐methyl‐4‐nitro‐5‐styrylisoxazoles in MeOH under reflux. This multicomponent strategy afforded corresponding spiro products in 94–98% yield with high diastereo‐ and regioselectivity. The structure has been further confirmed by X‐ray analysis of single crystal of one of the compounds. The striking feature of this work is avoidance of usage of toxic catalysts for this one‐pot synthesis.
Kinetics of Reactions of CHF2CF2CH2OH with Cl Atoms and CHF2CF2CHO with OH Radicals and Atmospheric Degradation Pathways of CHF2CF2CH2OH: A Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Baidya Bidisha , Lily Makroni , Chandra Asit K.
Published: June 2019

The H‐abstraction reaction between CHF2CF2CH2OH and Cl atoms has been systematically investigated using ab initio CCSD(T)//MP2/6‐311++G(d,p) method along with kinetic calculations using conventional transition state theory and Eckart's tunelling corrections. The rate coefficients for the titled reaction are reported over a temperature range of 250–500 K and found to agree quite well with the available experimental values. The computed thermochemical data and branching ratios indicate that H‐abstraction from the –CH2– site is the most favorable reaction channel. The atmospheric oxidative degradation pathways for CHF2CF2CH2OH has been explored for the first time using (P)MP2/6‐311++G(d,p) method. The reaction of the primary oxidation product CHF2CF2CHO, generated from the reaction of CHF2CF2CHOH radical with atmospheric O2, with OH radical has also been investigated for the first time using the same techniques. The calculated rate coefficient for CHF2CF2CHO +OH reaction agrees quite well with the value estimated from the structure‐reactivity relationship. Effective atmospheric lifetime and Global Warming Potential (GWP) of CHF2CF2CH2OH and CHF2CF2CHO are also reported.
Synthesis of β3‐Aryl‐Alaninyl Derivatives by sp3 C‐H Activation with Pd(OAc)2 Catalyst/Pivalic Acid in DCE and Their Structural Studies in Solid State
Authors: Mohanlal Smitha , Sharma Nagendra K.
Published: June 2019

Aryl‐β‐amino acid derivatives are structural constituents of various bioactive natural products, and their peptides have unique folding features for the formation of secondary structure. The substituted β3‐amino acids are mostly prepared from α‐amino acid by Arndt‐Eistert homologation of α‐amino acids, conjugate addition and Mannich reactions synthetic methods. Now sp3 C−H activation is an emerging elegant synthetic method, and employed for the syntheses of various β‐substituted α‐amino acids using Pd(OAc)2 catalyst. This report describes the regioselctive mono arylation of β‐alanine at β3‐postion (adjacent to N‐atom) by sp3 C−H activation methods using Pd(OAc)2 catalyst. Further β3‐phenyl alanine is coupled with α‐(2 S)‐phenyl alanine derivative which produced diasteriomeric hybrid di‐/tri‐peptides. These diastereisomers are purified into optically pure hybrid di‐/tri‐peptides by HPLC. We have explored the role of β3‐phenyl alanine residues in the formation of peptide based supramolecular self‐assembly structures. Hence β3‐aryl alanine and their peptides could be applied for construction of diverse peptidomimics.
Supramolecular Systems as an Alternative for Enzymatic Degradation of 1‐Naphthyl Methylcarbamate (Carbaryl) Pesticide
Authors: Gomez Rodríguez Esteban I. , Falcone R. Darío , Beassoni Paola R. , Moyano Fernando , Correa N. Mariano
Published: June 2019

Reverse micelles (RMs) are considered as versatile nanoreactors because they can create a unique microenvironment, to carry out biochemical and chemical reactions of interest. Thus, in this contribution we propose them to be used as a new approach to hydrolyze a powerful and widely used pesticide: 1‐naphthyl methylcarbamate (Carbaryl), using the enzyme α‐Chymotrypsin (α‐CT) encapsulated in the water pool.
Rectification of Mobile Leidenfrost Droplets by Planar Ratchets
Authors: Li Jing , Zhou Xiaofeng , Zhang Yujie , Hao Chonglei , Zhao Fuwang , Li Minfei , Tang Hui , Ye Wenjing , Wang Zuankai
Published: June 2019

The self‐transportation of mobile Leidenfrost droplets with well‐defined direction and velocity on millimetric ratchets is one of the most representative and spectacular phenomena in droplet dynamics. Despite extensive progress in the ability to control the spatiotemporal propagation of droplets, it remains elusive how the individual ratchet units, as well as the interactions within their arrays, are translated into the collective droplet dynamics. Here, simple planar ratchets characterized by uniform height normal to the surface are designed. It is revealed that on planar ratchets, the transport dynamics of Leidenfrost droplets is dependent not only on individual units, but also on the elegant coordination within their arrays dictated by their topography. The design of planar ratchets enriches the fundamental understanding of how the surface topography is translated into dynamic and collective droplet transport behaviors, and also imparts higher applicability in microelectromechanical system based fluidic devices.
Ultraefficient Conversion of CO2 into Morphology‐Controlled Nanocarbons: A Sustainable Strategy toward Greenhouse Gas Utilization
Authors: Liang Chu , Pan Liangbin , Liang Sheng , Xia Yang , Liang Zhiqiang , Gan Yongping , Huang Hui , Zhang Jun , Zhang Wenkui
Published: June 2019

The ability to efficiently convert CO2 into nanocarbons at low temperatures is highly desirable, as it would enable the environmentally benign utilization of greenhouse gases, yet this remains a considerable challenge. Herein, a one‐step, ultrafast, and scalable strategy is demonstrated to efficiently convert CO2 into morphology‐controlled nanocarbons at low temperatures. The conversion reactions between CO2 and LiH are achieved in less than 30 s at moderate conditions by introducing a very small amount of water, ball milling, or heating. Nanocarbons featuring wildly tunable morphology with characteristic dimensions ranging from nanoscale to macroscale are successfully synthesized by controlling the CO2 pressure and the synthesis routes. The gas blowing velocity and its distribution are revealed as the main reasons for the CO2 pressure and synthesis route dependent morphology and porosity of nanocarbons. Moreover, a two closed‐loop reaction process including five‐stage reactions is proposed for nanocarbons synthesis and LiH regeneration. The strategy provides a new opportunity for efficient and environmentally benign nanocarbons synthesis.
Leaking supervisory controls and data acquisition commands over unpadded TCP/IP encryption through differential packet size analysis
Authors: Stergiopoulos George , Kapetanas Nick , Vasilellis Efstratios , Gritzalis Dimitris
Published: June 2019

MODBUS is the most common protocol in industrial control systems for relaying commands and fetching data. Still, the protocol has zero built‐in security. Thus, modern implementations want to control remote units through the internet to maximize utility, they often implement MODBUS over TCP/IP connections. To cope with the inherent vulnerabilities, trending implementations of MODBUS‐TCP utilize encryption on TCP packets to protect the commands and data being transferred. Still, side characteristics can be exploited to break the confidentiality of these command executions. In this article, we present attacks that leak what is being executed on a real‐world Supervisory Controls and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system running MODBUS, even if commands are encrypted over a TCP/IP channel. Presented scenario attacks use network traffic sniffed from a hardware‐in‐the‐loop simulated Power Grid Industrial Control System. We also show that command execution can be leaked no matter when the attacker starts sniffing traffic, provided he has some prior knowledge on how the SCADA system works. Only restriction is that the configuration must use unpadded encryption; something that proved to be more common than expected.
Dissipation, risk assessment, half‐life period and method validation of carbendazim and triazophos in green pea by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Wani Ashraf A. , Dar Alamgir A. , Jan Ishrat , Sofi Khurshid A. , Sofi Javid A. , Dar Irshad H.
Published: June 2019

Herein, the simultaneous quantification, dissipation, risk assessment, half‐life period and method validation of carbendazim and triazophos by high‐performance liquid chromatography has been described. The developed method was validated as per the sante guidelines 2017. All calibration curves showed a good linear relationship (r > 0.99) within test range. Precision was assessed by intra‐ and inter‐day tests with relative standard deviations less than 5%. Recovery was observed within acceptable limit. The residue level of carbendazim and triazophos residues were observed upto the third day and reached below the detection limit on green pea on the fifth day after treatment with carbendazim and triazophos formulation at recommended dosages. Based on the findings, waiting period of 5 days is recommended for consumption of green pea. The presented study would be helpful for safe usage of carbendazim and triazophos on green pea and to prevent any health risk to consumers. The developed method is simple, easy, sensitive and repeatable with a short run time, and can be extended for residues based standardisation of pesticide formulations containing green pea and its use in pesticide industries.
Rhynchophyllin attenuates neuroinflammation in Tourette syndrome rats via JAK2/STAT3 and NF‐κB pathways
Authors: Hongyan Long , Mengjiao Zhang , Chunyan Wang , Yaruo Huang
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was designed to investigate the effects of rhynchophyllin (RH) on neuroinflammation in Tourette syndrome (TS) rats. TS model was established in rats by the injection of selective 5‐HT2A/2C agonist 1‐(2, 5‐dimethoxy‐4‐iodophenyl)‐2‐aminopropane (DOI). Behavior in DOI‐induced rats was tested. Inflammatory cytokines levels such as interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in serum and striatum were detected. The expression levels of janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and transcription activator 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor (NF)‐κB pathways in striatum were measured by Western blot. Data indicated that RH can significantly reduce the numbers of nodding experiment of TS rats. RH significantly decreased IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α in serum and striatum of TS rats, with altered expression of P‐JAK2, P‐STAT3, P‐NF‐κBp65, and P‐IκBα in TS rats, as evidenced by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry, suggesting that the regulation of JAK2/STAT3 and NF‐κB pathways might be involved in the mechanism of RH on TS.
Cauchy and other shrinkage priors for logistic regression in the presence of separation
Authors: Ghosh Joyee
Published: June 2019

In recent years, the choice of prior distributions for Bayesian logistic regression has received considerable interest. It is widely acknowledged that noninformative, improper priors have to be used with caution because posterior propriety may not always hold. As an alternative, heavy‐tailed priors such as Cauchy prior distributions have been proposed by Gelman et al. (2008). The motivation for using Cauchy prior distributions is that they are proper, and thus, unlike noninformative priors, they are guaranteed to yield proper posterior distributions. The heavy tails of the Cauchy distribution allow the posterior distribution to adapt to the data. Thus Gelman et al. (2008) suggested the use of these prior distributions as a default weakly informative choice, in the absence of prior knowledge about the regression coefficients. While these prior distributions are guaranteed to have proper posterior distributions, Ghosh, Li, and Mitra (2018), showed that the posterior means may not exist, or can be unreasonably large, when they exist, for datasets with separation. In this paper, we provide a short review of the concept of separation, and we discuss how common prior distributions like the Cauchy and normal prior perform in data with separation. Theoretical and empirical results suggest that lighter tailed prior distributions such as normal prior distributions can be a good default choice when there is separation.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Modeling Methods Statistical Models
Application of Kβ/Kα in selecting calibration standards for X‐ray fluorescence analysis
Authors: She Xiaomeng , Zhu Zhixiu , Gao Jie , Qian Rong , Sheng Cheng , Shen Ruxiang , Zhuo Shangjun
Published: June 2019

A method for improving the accuracy in X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy analysis with pressed pellets was established through matching the calibration standards by the Kβ/Kα ratios. The Kβ/Kα ratios of four major elements (Al, Si, Ca, and Fe) were measured in 14 certified reference materials (CRMs) for geochemistry. The deviation of the biggest Kβ/Kα values relative to the smallest ones for the same element was from 1.52% (Si) to 20.98% (Al) when pressed pellets were used. The relative deviation of Kβ/Kα values for Ca was as high as 3.56% even for two soil CRMs (GBW07404 and GBW07408). X‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the Ca elements in the two CRMs were in distinct phases, thereby leading to the different Kβ/Kα values. The Fundamental Parameter Method (FPM) results of two calibration strategies were compared. When one of the 14 CRMs was selected as unknown sample whereas the other 13 CRMs were used for calibration to determine Al2O3, SiO2, CaO, and Fe2O3, the relative errors were 10.80%, 8.77%, 8.33%, and 10.91%, respectively. Another strategy, where only one CRM was used for calibration of samples with large errors, was adopted by matching Kβ/Kα values. The results of calibrating using CRM with similar Kβ/Kα values were more accurate than those with different Kβ/Kα values.
Results and techniques for higher order calculations within the gradient-flow formalism
Authors: Artz Johannes , Harlander Robert V. , Lange Fabian , Neumann Tobias , Prausa Mario
Published: June 2019

Abstract

We describe in detail the implementation of a systematic perturbative approach to observables in the QCD gradient-flow formalism. This includes a collection of all relevant Feynman rules of the five-dimensional field theory and the composite operators considered in this paper. Tools from standard perturbative calculations are used to obtain Green’s functions at finite flow timetat higher orders in perturbation theory. The three-loop results for the quark condensate at finitetand the conversion factor for the “ringed” quark fields to the$$ \overline{\mathrm{MS}} $$MS¯scheme are presented as applications. We also re-evaluate an earlier result for the three-loop gluon condensate, improving on its accuracy.
Mild hydrothermal pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse enhances the production of holocellulases by Aspergillus niger
Authors: de Oliveira Gorgulho Silva Caio , de Castro Moreira dos Santos Júnior Agenor , Santana Renata Henrique , Krüger Ricardo Henrique , Fontes Wagner , de Sousa Marcelo Valle , Ricart Carlos André Ornelas , Filho Edivaldo Ximenes Ferreira
Published: June 2019

Holocellulase production by Aspergillus niger using raw sugarcane bagasse (rSCB) as the enzyme-inducing substrate is hampered by the intrinsic recalcitrance of this material. Here we report that mild hydrothermal pretreatment of rSCB increases holocellulase secretion by A. niger. Quantitative proteomic analysis revealed that pretreated solids (PS) induced a pronounced up-regulation of endoglucanases and cellobiohydrolases compared to rSCB, which resulted in a 10.1-fold increase in glucose release during SCB saccharification. The combined use of PS and pretreatment liquor (PL), referred to as whole pretreated slurry (WPS), as carbon source induced a more balanced up-regulation of cellulases, hemicellulases and pectinases and resulted in the highest increase (4.8-fold) in the release of total reducing sugars from SCB. The use of PL as the sole carbon source induced the modulation of A. niger’s secretome towards hemicellulose degradation. Mild pretreatment allowed the use of PL in downstream biological operations without the need for undesirable detoxification steps.
“I Am the Eternal Green Man”: Holistic Ecology in Reading Patrick Ness’s A Monster Calls
Authors: Yarova Aliona
Published: June 2019

Holistic ecology considers nature and society as a whole, viewing humans and the environment as interdependent and interconnected. This article takes the lens of holistic ecology to examine the representation of human–nature relationships in Patrick Ness’s A Monster Calls (2011) and explores how the novel guides the child reader to an environmental mind-set beyond overt didacticism. The article focuses on two aspects of the bond between the magical tree and the human characters in the novel: how the powerful tree empowers humans and how the human characters contribute to the tree’s expressions of power. The eternal Green Man—as the tree introduces itself—embodies this bond by being simultaneously tree-like and human-like, a complex merger of “the Green” (nature) and “the Man” (humanity). The monster-tree fulfils several powerful and empowering roles, such as monster and storyteller, destructive force and powerful healer, savage and philosopher, nightmare and escape. Importantly, it always keeps the shape of a yew tree. As such, A Monster Calls can contribute to children’s environmental education by illustrating the connection between the natural environment and humans: the eternal bond between “the Green” and “the Man.”
Dynamic Behaviour of a High-Strength Structural Steel at Low Temperatures
Authors: Perez-Martin M. J. , Holmen J. K. , Thomesen S. , Hopperstad O. S. , Børvik T.
Published: June 2019

The main objective of this experimental study is to determine the effect of low temperatures on the mechanical behaviour of Strenx 960 Plus high-strength structural steel at different strain rates and stress triaxialities. For this purpose, a comprehensive experimental campaign was designed to characterise the material at a wide range of temperatures and loading rates. The stress triaxiality was varied by testing specimens with different geometry. First, to determine the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature, instrumented Charpy V-notch impact tests were carried out at a range of temperatures from + 20 °C down to − 90 °C. The impact energy dropped gradually with decreasing temperature, but a clear transition temperature could not be identified. A fractography study exhibited a clear dimple structure, revealing predominantly ductile fracture at all temperatures. Then, uniaxial tension tests on smooth and pre-notched axisymmetric specimens under both quasi-static and dynamic loading rates were carried out at room temperature and low temperatures. These tests were conducted to characterise the rate-dependence of the stress–strain behaviour and the failure strain. The results revealed that under quasi-static conditions the flow stress increased with decreasing temperature, while the failure strain was nearly independent of the temperature. Dynamic tensile tests using the same specimen geometries were conducted in a split Hopkinson tension bar at + 20 °C and − 40 °C. The material exhibited a positive strain rate sensitivity at all investigated temperatures. This experimental study reveals that the Strenx 960 Plus steel retains its ductility at temperatures as low as − 40 °C. Brittle failure could not be observed even with combined high strain rate, high stress triaxiality and low temperature.
Adoption of Cover Crops by U.S. Soybean Producers
Authors: Lee Seungyub , McCann Laura
Published: June 2019

Using cover crops can be beneficial not only for soil health but also for the environment. However, relatively few farmers have adopted cover crops, so understanding the barriers to adoption is necessary. We used a probit model with data on 1,712 soybean producers from the 2012 USDA Agricultural Resource Management Survey to identify factors affecting adoption of cover crops. We found that more precipitation was positively correlated with adoption, as was more hired labor. Adoption was also positively correlated with crop diversification and no-till adoption, which may relate to equipment availability.
Shared Responsibility for Cyber Operations
Authors: Boutin Berenice
Published: June 2019

When the responsibility of more than one state is engaged in relation to a wrongful cyber operation, the relevant states share responsibility for it. Shared responsibility can arise, for instance, when multiple states jointly conduct a cyber operation or when one state is involved in the cyber operation of another state (e.g., by providing assistance or exercising control). In view of the persistent difficulties associated with attribution of cyber conduct, shared responsibility can be a useful analytical framework to broaden the net of possible responsible states in relation to a cyber operation.
Attribution by Indictment
Authors: Keitner Chimène I.
Published: June 2019

The challenges of attributing malicious cyber activity—that is, identifying its authors and provenance with a sufficient degree of certainty—are well documented. This essay focuses on a phenomenon that I call “attribution by indictment.” Since 2014, the United States has issued more than a dozen indictments that implicate four foreign states in malicious cyber activity: China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea. Ten of these indictments were issued in 2018, suggesting that this practice is likely to continue and even intensify in the near term. Attribution by indictment uses domestic criminal law, enforced transnationally, to define and enforce certain norms of state behavior in cyberspace. This essay analyzes the U.S. practice of attribution by indictment as a response to malicious cyber activity.
Thermally induced icequakes detected on blue ice areas of the East Antarctic ice sheet
Authors: Lombardi Denis , Gorodetskaya Irina , Barruol Guilhem , Camelbeeck Thierry
Published: June 2019

Over a year of seismic observations, ~5000 short duration icequakes were detected by a permanent broadband station installed at the Princess Elisabeth base, located ~180 km inland in eastern Dronning Maud Land, East-Antarctica. Icequake detection via seismic waveform pattern recognition indicates the presence of two dominating clusters of events, totalizing ~1500 icequakes. The corresponding icequake locations point towards two distinct zones of outcropping blue ice areas (BIAs) located respectively at 4 and 1 km from the seismic station, both on the leeward side of a nunatak protruding through the ice sheet. The temporal occurrence of these icequakes suggests a close genetic link with thermal contraction of ice caused by significant surface cooling controlled, in summer by variations in diurnal solar radiation and in winter by strong cooling during cold katabatic regimes. Further analysis demonstrates the dependence of these icequakes on the absolute surface temperature and on its temporal change. Besides providing information on the ice fracture mechanics and rheology, investigations of thermal icequakes may be regarded as a ground-based proxy for the monitoring of the thermal state of BIAs, and characterization of ice-sheet ablation zones.
Measuring the experience of consumers: reliability and factorial structure of the Take Two stakeholder survey
Authors: Frederico Margarita , Cox Allison , Hameed Mohajer A.
Published: June 2019

The service user experience of children, their families and other stakeholders in a therapeutic program should inform quality of care, practice and organisation of services. Children referred to Take Two are clients of Child Protection for whom abuse and neglect have been substantiated. This paper aims to describe the development of the Take Two Stakeholder Survey, as well as to examine the reliability and factorial structure of the survey. In addition, the experience of consumers utilising the service will be described together with recommendations for clinical practice improvements and enhanced consumer engagement.
Harnessing the power of cultural health narratives when working with parents of young children
Authors: Rogers Marg
Published: June 2019

Narratives are a powerful tool for transferring knowledge and culture. They have a profound effect on our psyche and our attitudes to messages and teachings. The transfer of information through traditional teaching and lectures is often less effective in changing a belief or understanding than using narrative. In this discussion paper, I explore this phenomenon and examine the persuasive effect of cultural narratives. The discussion also considers the impacts of cultural narrative as an educative tool on parental attitudes towards childhood immunisation. I explore the changing nature of the way parents with young children communicate and seek information and early childhood educators’ roles in their lives within the Australian context. Understanding the way humans are drawn to narrative may be beneficial to health workers, early childhood educators, family workers and those who plan health education programmes. To effectively target their messages, it would be of benefit to public health officials to have knowledge about how parents with young children inform themselves and develop health beliefs, and the extent to which parents’ ideas become fixed.
Imaging Improves Efficacy of Vertebroplasty – A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shankar Jai Jai Shiva , Merdad Roah , Finitsis Stefanos , Parker Robin
Published: June 2019

Background:

Clinical trials with percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) for intractable pain from vertebral compression fractures (VCF) have shown variable results. Variation in the outcomes may be related to poor patient selection on imaging.

Objective:

To assess if PVA augmentation for osteoporotic VCF results in better improvement in pain when patients were selected based on clinical examination plus imaging vs clinical examination only.

Results:

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched from 2000 to May 2018. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data to identify randomised control trials (RCTs) on PVA for osteoporotic VCF and assessed the risk of bias. Standard systematic review and meta-analysis methods were advocated by the Cochrane Collaboration and PRISMA Statement. A total of 12 RCTs with 1110 participants met the inclusion criteria. Eight of the 10 studies (938 participants) that used imaging to confirm oedema in the target vertebral bodies showed PVA (compared to nonsurgical treatment) was effective in reducing pain (immediate term: mean difference (MD) of −1.89; 95% confidence interval −1.93 to −1.85, p < 0.001; short term: MD of −1.68; 95% CI −1.82 to −1.54, p < 0.001; intermediate term: MD of −2.04; 95% CI −2.15 to −1.94, p < 0.001 and long term: MD of −1.88; 95% CI −1.95 to −1.80, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

RCTs using imaging to confirm marrow oedema in the index vertebra showed an improved size effect compared to RCTs using no imaging. This benefit was observed in the immediate, short, intermediate and long term.
Ensuring On-site Ebola Patient Monitoring and Follow-up: Development of a Laboratory Structure Embedded in an Ebola Treatment Center
Authors: Williams Anita , Amand Mathieu , Van den Bergh Rafael , De Clerck Hilde , Antierens Annick , Chaillet Pascale
Published: June 2019

The capacity to rapidly distinguish Ebola virus disease from other infectious diseases and to monitor biochemistry and viremia levels is crucial to the clinical management of suspected Ebola virus disease cases. This article describes the design and practical considerations of a laboratory straddling the high- and low-risk zones of an Ebola treatment center to produce timely diagnostic and clinical results for informed case management of Ebola virus disease in real-life conditions. This innovation may be of relevance for actors requiring flexible laboratory implementation in contexts of high-communicability, high-lethality disease outbreaks.
The Future of International Law is Cognitive—International Law, Cognitive Sociology and Cognitive Pragmatics
Authors: Pirker Benedikt , Smolka Jennifer
Published: June 2019

Scholars today discuss international law from various methodological angles. This Article aims to add perspectives from cognitive science, namely cognitive sociology and cognitive linguistics, or, to be more precise, cognitive pragmatics. It briefly elaborates on these fields’ respective approaches, benefits, and limits. To clearly delineate the usefulness of the methodologies, this Article separately applies both approaches to the same example of a process of interpretation in international law. This Article concludes that the two cognitive approaches can help lawyers better understand and implement international law. This not only provides a description of the process of interpretation, but will hopefully enable a better practice of international law.
Responsibility and Rights
Authors: Dellavalle Sergio
Published: June 2019

A new era of responsibility seems poised to overshadow the human rights discourse in international law. On the one hand, introducing the perspective of responsibility must result in an added value when compared to the former predominant approach. In fact, some justifications are inconsistent, and the most radical interpretations jeopardize the very core of the modern theory of social and legal order—namely, the centrality of the individual. On the other hand, the incorporation of responsibility into the discourse on rights may help to overcome some of its most evident shortcomings. Nonetheless, despite some positive outcomes which the new attention on responsibility may bring about, the concept is flawed by at least two major deficits. First, the reference to responsibility tends to presuppose the possibility of taking the position of a privileged observer. This implicitly rejects the idea that the moral and legal community is essentially constituted by human individuals who freely recognize each other as equal members and rightful holders of entitlements. The second deficit is instead related to the intrinsically particularistic character of responsibility, which makes it rather difficult to apply to the field of international law and relations. An analysis shows that we are confronted with a conflict: while responsibility can, in fact, be assumed to bring an added value, the costs for this are exceedingly high, because they amount to no less than the abandonment of the core concept of modern moral and political philosophy. By recurring to the communicative paradigm of rationality and social order, a possible solution is outlined according to which responsibility is reinterpreted in the sense of a time, space, composition, and content-related expansion of mutual recognition.
Advances in the prevention and management of central-line–associated bloodstream infections: The role of chelator-based catheter locks
Authors: Chaftari Anne-Marie , Viola George M. , Rosenblatt Joel , Hachem Ray , Raad Issam
Published: June 2019

The proper functioning of central lines is imperative for the management of patients with cancer or on hemodialysis. However, these lifelines can become infected and can malfunction.

Chelators such as citrate and EDTA have been widely studied alone or in combination with other antimicrobial agents in catheter lock solutions to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections and to maintain catheter patency. Given their anticoagulation, antiplatelet aggregation, antibiofilm, antimicrobial activity, safety profile, as well as their low cost, chelators have long been considered alternatives to heparin and a vital component of catheter lock solutions. In this review, we present a detailed summary of the properties of chelators and in vitro and in vivo studies of chelator-containing lock solutions.