bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Act up? Act out? ACT!
Authors: Smith Richard M.
Published: April 2017

Some of you will have heard of plain old cognitive therapy (CT) and rational emotive therapy (RET), dating back to the pathbreaking work of Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis. Most of you will have heard of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), an enhancement of cognitive therapy alone (and why RET later became REBT). But I suspect many fewer readers know as much about acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT—proponents prefer it to be pronounced ‘act,’ not ‘A‐C‐T’), a newer kid on the block but growing rapidly, and with an extensive research base. What is it and how does it add to our therapeutic armamentarium?
When children are removed from their families
Authors: Fritz Gregory K.
Published: April 2017

On any given day, over 400,000 children and adolescents in the United States are removed from their families by social welfare agencies. Who cares for these children and where they live is remarkably variable from state to state. The Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF) tracks these data, and their publications shine needed light on policies that have a huge impact on this group of very vulnerable kids.
Electrochemical Water Oxidation Catalyzed by an In Situ Generated α‐Co(OH)2 Film on Zeolite‐Y Surface
Authors: Bose Suranjana , Debgupta Joyashish , Ramsundar Rani M. , Das Samar K.
Published: April 2017

The design and synthesis of an efficient and robust water‐oxidation catalyst with inexpensive materials remains an important challenge in the context of artificial photosynthesis. Herein, a simple but unique technique is reported to in situ generate a thin‐film of α‐Co(OH)2 on the surface of zeolite‐Y [hereafter referred to as Y‐α‐Co(OH)2] that acts as an efficient and stable catalyst for electrochemical water oxidation in alkaline medium. Catalyst Y‐α‐Co(OH)2 is so stable that it retains its catalytic activity even after 2000 cyclic voltammetric cycles of water oxidation. Expectedly, the chemical composition of α‐Co(OH)2 on the surface of zeolite‐Y remains same as that of parent Y‐α‐Co(OH)2 after 2000 electrocatalytic cycles. A Tafel slope as low as 59 mV decade−1 in 0.1 m KOH (pH 13) suggests faster oxygen evolution kinetics (overpotential=329 mV; turnover frequency=0.35 mol O2 (mol Co)−1 s−1 at 1 mA cm−2) than the existing α‐Co(OH)2‐based electrocatalysts operating in alkaline medium.
One‐Step Fabrication of Monolithic Electrodes Comprising Co9S8 Particles Supported on Cobalt Foam for Efficient and Durable Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Xiong Dehua , Zhang Qingqing , Thalluri Sitaramanjaneya Mouli , Xu Junyuan , Li Wei , Fu Xiuli , Liu Lifeng
Published: April 2017

A very easy and cost‐effective approach to the fabrication of monolithic Co9S8 water oxidation electrodes (Co@Co9S8), fabricated by one‐step hydrothermal treatment of commercially available cobalt foam in the presence of thiourea, is reported. The morphology, crystal structure, microstructure, and composition of as‐fabricated Co@Co9S8 electrodes were examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and their electrochemical properties were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronopotentiometry (CP), chronoamperometry (CA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). When used to catalyze the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline solution, the Co@Co9S8 electrode with an optimal Co9S8 loading exhibits outstanding catalytic activity, requiring a low overpotential of 350 mV to deliver an anodic current density of 10 mA cm−2 and showing fast kinetics for OER with a small Tafel slope (55 mV dec−1) and charge‐transfer resistance (0.44 Ω cm−2), which outperforms many sulfide‐based OER catalysts and some state‐of‐the‐art noble metal catalysts recently reported in the literature. Importantly, the electrodes show excellent long‐term stability, and are capable of operating at both a low current density and a high current density relevant to industrial water electrolysis up to 100 hours.
Thermo‐Chromium: A Contactless Optical Molecular Thermometer
Authors: Otto Sven , Scholz Norman , Behnke Thomas , Resch‐Genger Ute , Heinze Katja
Published: April 2017

The unparalleled excited‐state potential‐energy landscape of the chromium(III)‐based dye [1]3+ ([Cr(ddpd)2]3+; ddpd=N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐dipyridin‐2‐yl‐pyridin‐2,6‐diamine) enables a strong dual emission in the near infrared region. The temperature dependence of this dual emission allows the use of [1]3+ as an unprecedented molecular ratiometric thermometer in the 210–373 K temperature range in organic and in aqueous media. Incorporation of [1]3+ in biocompatible nanocarriers, such as 100 nm‐sized polystyrene nanoparticles and solutol micelles, provides nanodimensional thermometers operating under physiological conditions.
Synthesis of l‐threitol‐based crown ethers and their application as enantioselective phase transfer catalyst in Michael additions
Authors: Rapi Zsolt , Nemcsok Tamás , Pálvölgyi Ádám , Keglevich György , Grün Alajos , Bakó Péter
Published: April 2017

A few new l‐threitol‐based lariat ethers incorporating a monoaza‐15‐crown‐5 unit were synthesized starting from diethyl l‐tartrate. These macrocycles were used as phase transfer catalysts in asymmetric Michael addition reactions under mild conditions to afford the adducts in a few cases in good to excellent enantioselectivities. The addition of 2‐nitropropane to trans‐chalcone, and the reaction of diethyl acetamidomalonate with β‐nitrostyrene resulted in the chiral Michael adducts in good enantioselectivities (90% and 95%, respectively). The substituents of chalcone had a significant impact on the yield and enantioselectivity in the reaction of diethyl acetoxymalonate. The highest enantiomeric excess (ee) values (99% ee) were measured in the case of 4‐chloro‐ and 4‐methoxychalcone. The phase transfer catalyzed cyclopropanation reaction of chalcone and benzylidene‐malononitriles using diethyl bromomalonate as the nucleophile (MIRC reaction) was also developed. The corresponding chiral cyclopropane diesters were obtained in moderate to good (up to 99%) enantioselectivities in the presence of the threitol‐based crown ethers.
Quantitative segmental analysis of myocardial perfusion to differentiate stress cardiomyopathy from acute myocardial infarction: A myocardial contrast echocardiography study
Authors: Min Sun‐Yang , Song Jong‐Min , Shin Yewon , Sin Min‐Jung , Kim Dae‐Hee , Kang Duk‐Hyun , Song Jae‐Kwan
Published: April 2017

Background

Both stress cardiomyopathy (SCMP) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) present with similar clinical symptoms and signs, and apical akinesis.

Hypothesis: Quantitative segmental analysis of myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) helps to differentiate AMI from SCMP.

Methods

Real‐time MCE was performed in 33 consecutive patients who presented with an acute symptom/sign and a new apical akinesis on echocardiography. In 18 left ventricular (LV) myocardial segments, a replenishment curve was obtained in each segment to measure peak plateau myocardial contrast intensity (MCI) (A) and the replenishment curve slope (β). The calibrated MCI was also measured in each segment.

Results

Among 33 patients, 22 were diagnosed with SCMP and 11 were diagnosed with AMI according to comprehensive diagnostic criteria. A, β, Aβ, and the calibrated MCI were lower in akinetic than in normokinetic segments in both the SCMP and AMI groups. In the akinetic segments, A, β, Aβ, and the calibrated MCI in SCMP patients were each higher than those in AMI patients. In patient‐based analyses, areas under the ROC curves of A, β, Aβ, and the calibrated MCI for diagnosing AMI were 0.769, 0.607, 0.822, and 0.934, respectively. The optimal cutoff values to diagnose AMI were Aβ < 3.7 dB/sec (sensitivity 82%, specificity 82%) and a calibrated MCI < −23 dB (sensitivity 91%, specificity 95%).

Conclusions

Although myocardial perfusion is relatively reduced in the akinetic segments of SCMP, a quantitative segmental analysis of myocardial perfusion using MCE helps to discriminate AMI from SCMP.
Synthesis of aragonite CaCO3 nanocrystals by reactive crystallization in a high shear mixer
Authors: Yang Chao , Zhang Jinli , Li Wei , Shang Shanshan , Guo Cuili
Published: April 2017

Aragonite CaCO3 nanoparticles were prepared in an in‐line high shear mixer (HSM)‐aided crystallizer involving the gas‐liquid‐solid (G‐L‐S) multiphase reactive crystallization between CO2 gas and the aqueous slurry of Ca(OH)2. High crystalline purity aragonite CaCO3 with the average width of 50 nm and the length/width ratio of 10 were prepared in the HSM‐aided crystallizer. Major factors including temperature, CO2 flow rate and high shear rates had been studied to adjust the polymorph and the morphology of CaCO3 nanoparticles. The results indicate that the high rotor rates of HSM generate sufficient micro‐mixing level in the reactive crystallization, beneficial to the formation of metastable crystal CaCO3. Such HSM‐aided crystallizer is superior to adjust the micro‐mixing environment in the multiphase reactive crystallization, providing a facile pathway to modulate the morphology and crystal growth of metastable crystals.
The modulation mechanism of growth atmosphere on composition and phase transition behavior in barium calcium titanate crystal
Authors: Xu Tianxiang , Wang Yicheng , Lu Dazhi , Pan Zhongben , Yu Haohai , Zhang Huaijin , Wang Jiyang
Published: April 2017

Barium calcium titanate (Ba1‐xCaxTiO3, BCT), which can be used as a three‐dimensional nonlinear photonic crystal, is an anomalous ferroelectric with tremendous electromechanical response. Its phase transition behavior depends closely on the Ca content. In particular, the rhombohedral‐orthorhombic and orthorhombic‐tetragonal transitions can disappear at two contents: x = 0.18 and 0.23, respectively, which is important to study a wide range of physical phenomena including the alluring quantum effects. In this work, based on the natural differences of the affinity of oxygen atoms on Ba and Ca atoms, we developed a growth atmosphere modulating mechanism to control the Ca content in BCT crystals aiming at achievement of the desired compositions (x = 0.18 and 0.23). With the same polycrystalline material (Ba0.773Ca0.227TiO3), BCT single crystals with x = 0.189 and x = 0.225 were obtained under N2 and air atmospheres, respectively. The structural and dielectric properties of the as‐grown crystals were investigated and the differences were discussed. Besides, the influence of Ti3+ imperfections on the diffused phase transition was studied, and the specific heats and transition enthalpies were also measured for characterizing the different phase transition properties.
Simplified electrical modelling of power LEDs for DC–DC converter analysis and simulation
Authors: Osorio R. , Alonso J.M. , Pinto S.E. , Martínez G. , Vázquez N. , Ponce‐Silva M. , Martínez A.J.
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a model of power light emitting diodes (LEDs) based on electrical variables and considering the concept of LED ‘equivalent resistance’, which has previously been used in discharge lamp modelling and is suitable to achieve fast simulations of LED converter systems. The model can be obtained with only some simple electrical measurements, thus making its implementation quite straightforward. The proposed model is oriented to the electronic engineering area, and it has special application for the simulation of the electrical behaviour of LEDs and dc–dc converter systems by using software like Simulink. In addition, the proposed model can also be employed for the theoretical analysis and design of LED drivers. Experimental and simulation results are obtained proving the feasibility of the proposed model. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Report shows community colleges' contributions to student success
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: April 2017

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System measures persistence and completion rates for first‐time, full‐time students. The story that data tell about community colleges is incomplete, given the diverse populations of full‐ and part‐time students the colleges serve and the students' goals for enrolling.
The effects of cognitive‐behavioral therapy for eating disorders on quality of life: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Linardon Jake , Brennan Leah
Published: April 2017

Objective

Meta‐analyses have documented the efficacy of cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) for reducing symptoms of eating disorders. However, it is not known whether CBT for eating disorders can also improve quality of life (QoL). This meta‐analysis therefore examined the effects of CBT for eating disorders on subjective QoL and health‐related quality of life (QoL).

Method

Studies that assessed QoL before and after CBT for eating disorders were searched in the PsycInfo and Medline database. Thirty‐four articles met inclusion criteria. Pooled within and between‐groups Hedge's g were calculated at post‐treatment and follow‐up for treatment changes on both subjective and HRQoL using a random effects model.

Results

CBT led to significant and modest improvements in subjective QoL and HRQoL from pre to post‐treatment and follow‐up. CBT led to greater subjective QoL improvements than inactive (i.e., wait‐list) and active (i.e., a combination of bona fide therapies, psychoeducation) comparisons. CBT also led to greater HRQoL improvements than inactive, but not active, comparisons. Prepost QoL improvements were larger in studies that delivered CBT individually and by a therapist or according to the cognitive maintenance model of eating disorders (CBT‐BN or CBT‐E); though this was not replicated at follow‐up

Conclusions

Findings provide preliminary evidence that CBT for eating disorders is associated with modest improvements in QOL, and that CBT may be associated with greater improvements in QOL relative to comparison conditions.
Reindeer habitat use in relation to two small wind farms, during preconstruction, construction, and operation
Authors: Skarin Anna , Alam Moudud
Published: April 2017

Worldwide there is a rush toward wind power development and its associated infrastructure. In Fennoscandia, large‐scale wind farms comprising several hundred windmills are currently built in important grazing ranges used for Sámi reindeer husbandry. In this study, reindeer habitat use was assessed using reindeer fecal pellet group counts in relation to two relatively small wind farms, with 8 and 10 turbines, respectively. In 2009, 1,315 15‐m2plots were established and pellet groups were counted and cleaned from the plots. This was repeated once a year in May, during preconstruction, construction, and operation of the wind farms, covering 6 years (2009–2014) of reindeer habitat use in the area. We modeled the presence/absence of any pellets in a plot at both the local (wind farm site) and regional (reindeer calving to autumn range) scale with a hierarchical logistic regression, where spatial correlation was accounted for via random effects, using vegetation type, and the interaction between distance to wind turbine and time period as predictor variables. Our results revealed an absolute reduction in pellet groups by 66% and 86% around each wind farm, respectively, at local scale and by 61% at regional scale during the operation phase compared to the preconstruction phase. At the regional, scale habitat use declined close to the turbines in the same comparison. However, at the local scale, we observed increased habitat use close to the wind turbines at one of the wind farms during the operation phase. This may be explained by continued use of an important migration route close to the wind farm. The reduced use at the regional scale nevertheless suggests that there may be an overall avoidance of both wind farms during operation, but further studies of reindeer movement and behavior are needed to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms behind this suggested avoidance.
Population structure and regeneration dynamics ofQuercus variabilisalong latitudinal and longitudinal gradients
Authors: Gao Wen‐Qiang , Ni Yan‐Yan , Xue Ze‐Min , Wang Xiao‐Fei , Kang Feng‐Feng , Hu Jun , Gao Zhong‐Hai , Jiang Ze‐Ping , Liu Jian‐Feng
Published: April 2017

The upcoming climatic variability is expected to influence the population dynamics of tree species, but few empirical studies have been performed over broad geographical scales, which may be more convincing to address tree range shift under climate change. In the present study, the population structure and regeneration dynamics ofQuercus variabiliswere investigated along latitudinal and longitudinal gradients over its full range in China. The size structure, density, mortality rate (b), conversion rate (CR), initial recruitment (y0), and survival from birth to the highest class of regeneration (survival rate [SR]) were analyzed. The results showed the following: (1) The population structure ofQ. variabilisexhibited an inverse‐J shape throughout the latitudinal gradient, and the relative seedling density was significantly higher in the middle populations than in the north and the south. In addition, they0andSRexhibited the highest values in the middle, but no significant differences in the density and total basal area of adults were found across latitudes. (2) Along the longitudinal gradient, an inverse‐J‐type population structure was present in the west populations, but was not observed in the east due to the scarcity of individuals in regenerated populations. The total basal area and density of adults were similar across longitudes, but both the seedling density and the relative seedling density, along with they0andSR, were higher in the middle than in the east and the west. Thebof adults was lower in the middle‐longitude populations than in the west and the east. (3) Climate (annual average temperature) was identified as the primary factor affecting regeneration. In addition, local factors, including the soil and stand conditions, were also found to play a significant role in determining the regeneration dynamics. Based on these results, we speculate that populations ofQ. variabilisat the range edges would decline in the context of climate change, particularly in the south and the east.
Fire regimes and environmental gradients shape vertebrate and plant distributions in temperate eucalypt forests
Authors: Kelly Luke T. , Haslem Angie , Holland Greg J. , Leonard Steven W. J. , MacHunter Josephine , Bassett Michelle , Bennett Andrew F. , Bruce Matthew J. , Chia Evelyn K. , Christie Fiona J. , Clarke Michael F. , Di Stefano Julian , Loyn Richard , McCarthy Michael A. , Pung Alina , Robinson Natasha , Sitters Holly , Swan Matthew , York Alan
Published: April 2017

Fire is a global driver of ecosystem structure, function, and change. Problems common to fire scientists and managers worldwide include a limited knowledge of how multiple taxonomic groups within a given ecosystem respond to recurrent fires, and how interactions between fire regimes and environmental gradients influence biodiversity. We tested six hypotheses relating to fire regimes and environmental gradients in forest ecosystems using data on birds (493 sites), mammals (175 sites), and vascular plants (615 sites) systematically collected in dry eucalypt forests in southeastern Australia. We addressed each of these hypotheses by fitting species distribution models which differed in the environmental variables used, the spatial extent of the data, or the type of response data. We found (1) as predicted, fire interacted with environmental gradients and shaped species distributions, but there was substantial variation between species; (2) multiple characteristics of fire regimes influenced the distribution of forest species; (3) common to vertebrates and plants was a strong influence of temperature and rainfall gradients, but contrary to predictions, inter‐fire interval was the most influential component of the fire regime on both taxonomic groups; (4) mixed support for the hypothesis that fire would be a stronger influence on species occurrence at a smaller spatial extent; only for vertebrates did scale have an effect in the direction expected; (5) as predicted, vertebrates closely associated with direct measures of habitat structure were those most strongly influenced by fire regimes; and (6) the modeled fire responses for birds were sensitive to the use of either presence–absence or abundance data. These results underscore the important insights that can be gained by modeling how fire regimes, not just fire events, influence biota in forests. Our work highlights the need for management of fire regimes to be complemented by an understanding of the underlying environmental gradients and key elements of habitat structure that influence resource availability for plants and animals. We have demonstrated that there are general patterns in biotic responses to fire regimes and environmental gradients, but landscape management must continue to carefully consider species, scale, and the quality of biodiversity data to achieve biodiversity conservation in fire‐prone forests.
Mutualism between ribbed mussels and cordgrass enhances salt marsh nitrogen removal
Authors: Bilkovic Donna Marie , Mitchell Molly M. , Isdell Robert E. , Schliep Matthew , Smyth Ashley R.
Published: April 2017

Salt marsh ecosystems have declined globally and are increasingly threatened by erosion, sea level rise, and urban development. These highly productive, physically demanding ecosystems are populated by core species groups that often have strong trophic interactions with implications for ecosystem function and service provision. Positive interactions occur between ribbed mussels (Geukensia demissa) and cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora). Mussels transfer particulate nitrogen from the water column to the marsh sediments, which stimulates cordgrass growth, and cordgrass provides predator and/or heat stress refuge for mussels. Here, we test mussel facilitation of two functions in salt marshes that relate to N removal: microbial denitrification and water filtration. Microcosm experiments revealed that the highest rates of N2 production and nitrification occurred when mussels were present with marsh vegetation, suggesting that mussels enhanced coupling of the nitrification–denitrification. Surveys spanning the York River Estuary, Chesapeake Bay, showed that the highest densities of mussels occurred in the first meter for all marsh types with mainstem fringing (1207 ± 265 mussels/m2) being the most densely populated. The mussel population was estimated to be ~197 million animals with a water filtration potential of 90–135 million L/hr. Erosion simulation models demonstrated that suitable marsh habitat for ribbed mussels along the York River Estuary would be reduced by 11.8% after 50 years. This reduction in mussel habitat resulted in a projected 15% reduction in ribbed mussel abundance and filtration capacity. Denitrification potential was reduced in conjunction with projected marsh loss (35,536 m2) by 205 g N/hr, a 16% reduction. Because of the predominant occurrence of ribbed mussels at the marsh seaward edge and because the highest proportional loss will occur for fringing marshes (20%), shoreline management practices that restore or create fringing marsh may help offset these projected losses.
Topographically driven differences in energy and water constrain climatic control on forest carbon sequestration
Authors: Swetnam Tyson L. , Brooks Paul D. , Barnard Holly R. , Harpold Adrian A. , Gallo Erika L.
Published: April 2017

Mountains are vital to ecosystems and human society given their influence on global carbon and water cycles. Yet the extent to which topography regulates montane forest carbon uptake and storage remains poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we compared forest aboveground carbon loading to topographic metrics describing energy balance and water availability across three headwater catchments of the Boulder Creek Watershed, Colorado, USA. The catchments range from 1800 to 3500 m above mean sea level with 46–102 cm/yr mean annual precipitation and −1.2° to 12.3°C mean annual temperature. In all three catchments, we found mean forest carbon loading consistently increased from ridges (27 ± 19 Mg C ha) to valley bottoms (60 ± 28 Mg C ha). Low topographic positions held up to 185 ± 76 Mg C ha, more than twice the peak value of upper positions. Toe slopes fostered disproportionately high net carbon uptake relative to other topographic positions. Carbon storage was on average 20–40 Mg C ha greater on north to northeast aspects than on south to southwest aspects, a pattern most pronounced in the highest elevation, coldest and wettest catchment. Both the peak and mean aboveground carbon storage of the three catchments, crossing an 11°C range in temperature and doubling of local precipitation, defied the expectation of an optimal elevation‐gradient climatic zone for net primary production. These results have important implications for models of forest sensitivity to climate change, as well as to predicted estimates of continental carbon reservoirs.
Heart failure is associated with depletion of core intestinal microbiota
Authors: Luedde Mark , Winkler Thorben , Heinsen Femke‐Anouska , Rühlemann Malte C. , Spehlmann Martina E. , Bajrovic Amer , Lieb Wolfgang , Franke Andre , Ott Stephan J. , Frey Norbert
Published: April 2017

Aims

In spite of current medical treatment approaches, mortality of chronic heart failure (HF) remains high and novel treatment modalities are thus urgently needed. A recent theory proposes a possible impact of the intestinal microbiome on the incidence and clinical course of heart failure. This study sought to systematically investigate, if there are specific changes of the intestinal microbiome in heart failure patients.

Methods and results

The intestinal microbiome of 20 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction due to ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy was investigated by applying high‐throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Microbial profiles were compared to those of matched controls in which heart failure was ruled out by clinical assessment and NT‐proBNP serum levels (n = 20). According to the Shannon diversity index (which measures the intra‐individual alpha‐diversity) based on the distribution of operational taxonomic units (OTUs), HF cases showed a nominally significantly lower diversity index compared to controls (Pnom. = 0.01), and testing for genera abundance showed a tendency towards a decreased alpha diversity of HF patients. Beta‐diversity measures (inter‐individual diversity) revealed a highly significant separation of HF cases and controls, (e.g. Pweighted UniFracv = 0.004). Assessing the individual abundance of core measurable microbiota (CMM), a significant decrease of Coriobacteriaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae and Ruminococcaceae was observed on the family level. In line with that, Blautia, Collinsella, uncl. Erysipelotrichaceae and uncl. Ruminococcaceae showed a significant decrease in HF cases compared to controls on the genus level.

Conclusions

Heart failure patients showed a significantly decreased diversity of the intestinal microbiome as well as a downregulation of key intestinal bacterial groups. Our data point to an altered intestinal microbiome as a potential player in the pathogenesis and progression of heart failure.
Heterodimetallaboranes of Group 4 and 9 Metals: Analogues of Pentaborane(11) and Hexaborane(12)
Authors: Roy Dipak Kumar , De Anangsha , Prakash Rini , Barik Subrat Kumar , Ghosh Sundargopal
Published: April 2017

Several early–late heterodimetallaborane clusters have been isolated and structurally characterized through spectroscopic and crystallographic analysis. The thermolysis of [Cp2Zr(BH4)2] (Cp = η5‐C5H5) with [Cp*IrB3H9] (Cp* = η5‐C5Me5) and [(Cp*Rh)2B2H6] yielded arachno‐[(Cp2Zr)(Cp*Ir)B3H9] (2) and arachno‐[(Cp2Zr)(Cp*Rh)B4H10] (4), respectively. In a similar fashion, the reaction of [Cp2Hf(BH4)2] was performed with the same set of group 9 metallaboranes that led to the formation of arachno‐[(Cp2Hf)(Cp*M′)B4H10] (5: M′ = Ir; 6: M′ = Rh). To the best of our knowledge, 2 is the first structurally characterized pentaborane(11) analogue containing zirconium, while the clusters 5 and 6 are the first examples with Hf in a hexaborane(12) core. The bonding between the Zr atoms and the boron ring was studied computationally by DFT methods, and 2 can be defined as a dimetallic analogue of arachno‐B5H11 on the basis of the combined experimental and computational results.
High‐Spin Nitrosyl–Iron(II) Compounds
Authors: Wolf Markus , Aas Bianca M. , Klüfers Peter
Published: April 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Peter Klüfers from Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität München, Germany. The cover image shows a laboratory‐scale bubble column, which was used for the nitrosation of a dissolved ferrous edta complex to obtain the nitrosyl complex shown at the top left.
Effects of dielectrophoresis on thrombogenesis in human whole blood
Authors: Kinio Steven , Mills James K.
Published: April 2017

Thrombogenesis (blood clot formation) is a major barrier to the development of biomedical devices that interface with blood. Although state‐of‐the‐art chemically and pharmacologically mediated clot mitigation strategies are effective, some limitations of such approaches include depletion of active agents, or adverse reactions in patients. Increased clotting protein adsorption and platelet adhesion, which occur when artificial surfaces are exposed to blood result in enhanced clot formation on artificial surfaces. It is hypothesized that repelling proteins and platelets using dielectrophoresis (DEP), a contact‐free particle manipulation technique, will reduce clot formation in biomedical devices. In this paper, the effect of DEP on thrombogenesis in human blood is investigated. Undiluted whole blood from human donors is pumped through microchannels at a physiological shear rate (400 s−1). Experiments are performed by applying 0 V, 0.5 Vrms, 2 Vrms, and 3 Vrms to electrodes in the channel. Clot formation is observed to decrease in experiments in which DEP electrodes are active (average of 6% coverage @ 0V reduced to 0.08% coverage @ 3 Vrms). Repulsion is more effective at higher voltages. DEP causes a quantifiable reduction in microscopic and macroscopic clot formation in PDMS microchannels.
Investigation of bacterial viability from incubated saliva by application of flow cytometry and hyphenated separation techniques
Authors: Buszewski Bogusław , Milanowski Maciej , Ligor Tomasz , Pomastowski Paweł
Published: April 2017

The aim of the study was determination of bacterial viability in saliva samples and finding a correlation between microbiological and volatile profiles of saliva depending on incubation time. Bacteria colonizing healthy oral cavities were also identified. Twelve healthy adults donated unstimulated saliva samples. Flow cytometry, optical density measurements and colony‐forming unit (CFU) counting method were employed for analyses of native and inoculated saliva after 0, 1, 2, 24, and 48 h of incubation. Volatile profiles were acquired using headspace‐solid phase microextraction‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC/MS). Oral bacteria were the most viable within 2 h after collection of saliva. Extension of incubation time to 48 h caused considerable decrease in live bacteria counts and sharp increase in dead bacteria counts. The most prevalent strain was Sphingomonas paucimobilis (26.67%). The number of volatiles raised from 5 to 27 with incubation time and most of them were putrefaction products, such as methanethiol, indole and pyrrole. HS‐SPME‐GC/MS method is insufficient for volatile profiling of “fresh” saliva and should be directed rather to investigation of bacterial metabolites.
Hydrothermal liquefaction of laboratory cultivated and commercial algal biomass into crude bio‐oil
Authors: Liang Shaobo , Wei Liqing , Passero Maxine L. , Feris Kevin , McDonald Armando G.
Published: April 2017

This study investigated the production of crude bio‐oils from three laboratory cultivated and two commercial grade algal biomass sources via hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) process. Results demonstrated the crude bio‐oils generated from laboratory cultivated algae fed 5% anaerobic digestion effluent as sole nutrient source have similar thermochemical characteristics as comparison with that of derived from commercial algae. The HTL conditions were optimized (300°C for 20 min) and the generated bio‐oils were characterized by gas chromatography mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry analyses and simulated distillation by thermogravimetric analysis. The bio‐oil yields were between 28 and 41%. The bio‐oils were mainly comprised of fatty acids and alkanes. These bio‐oils can be further upgraded and refined into value added transportation fuels and chemicals. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 781–787, 2017
Reliability‐based control algorithms for nonlinear hysteretic systems based on enhanced stochastic averaging of energy envelope
Authors: El‐Khoury Omar , Shafieezadeh Abdollah
Published: April 2017

Current reliability‐based control techniques have been successfully applied to linear systems; however, incorporation of stochastic nonlinear behavior of systems in such control designs remains a challenge. This paper presents two reliability‐based control algorithms that minimize failure probabilities of nonlinear hysteretic systems subjected to stochastic excitations. The proposed methods include constrained reliability‐based control (CRC) and unconstrained reliability‐based control (URC) algorithms. Accurate probabilistic estimates of nonlinear system responses to stochastic excitations are derived analytically using enhanced stochastic averaging of energy envelope proposed previously by the authors. Convolving these demand estimates with capacity models yields the reliability of nonlinear systems in the control design process. The CRC design employs the first‐level and second‐level optimizations sequentially where the first‐level optimization solves the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation and the second‐level optimization searches for optimal objective function parameters to minimize the probability of failure. In the URC design, a single optimization minimizes the probability of failure by directly searching for the optimal control gain. Application of the proposed control algorithms to a building on nonlinear foundation has shown noticeable improvements in system performance under various stochastic excitations. The URC design appears to be the most optimal method as it reduced the probability of slight damage to 8.7%, compared with 11.6% and 19.2% for the case of CRC and a stochastic linear quadratic regulator, respectively. Under the Kobe ground motion, the normalized peak drift displacement with respect to stochastic linear quadratic regulator is reduced to 0.78 and 0.81 for the URC and CRC cases, respectively, at comparable control force levels. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interpreting sediment yield scaling
Authors: Church Michael
Published: April 2017

Terrestrial sediment yield – often measured as suspended sediment load in stream channels – commonly scales with drainage area within homogeneous land surface regions. But the effect of drainage area has not usually been recognized in comparative sediment yield analyses, rendering most comparisons of sediment yield from disparate source areas invalid. The procedure to discount scale differences for comparative purposes is presented. Mathematical scaling varies according to landscape condition and provides a physical interpretation of that condition. The results open the way for rational construction of a ‘sediment delivery ratio’. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Vision and Speech Features for Automated Prediction of Performance Metrics in Multimodal Dialogs
Authors: Ramanarayanan Vikram , Lange Patrick , Evanini Keelan , Molloy Hillary , Tsuprun Eugene , Qian Yao , Suendermann‐Oeft David
Published: April 2017

Predicting and analyzing multimodal dialog user experience (UX) metrics, such as overall call experience, caller engagement, and latency, among other metrics, in an ongoing manner is important for evaluating such systems. We investigate automated prediction of multiple such metrics collected from crowdsourced interactions with an open‐source, cloud‐based multimodal dialog system in the educational domain. We extract features from both the audio and video signals and examine the efficacy of multiple machine learning algorithms in predicting these performance metrics. The best performing audio features consist of multiple low‐level audio descriptors—intensity, loudness, cepstra, pitch, and so on—and their functionals, extracted using theOpenSMILEtoolkit, while the video features are bags of visual words that use3DScale‐Invariant Feature Transform descriptors. We find that our proposed methods outperform the majority vote classification baseline in predicting variousUXmetrics rated by both the user and experts. Our results suggest that such automated prediction of performance metrics can not only inform the qualitative and quantitative analysis of dialogs but also be potentially incorporated into dialog management routines for positively impactingUXand other metrics during the course of the interaction.
Further Ahead with Electrochemical Energy Technology
Authors: Turpin C. , Yousfi‐Steiner N. , Bultel Y. , Hissel D.
Published: April 2017

No abstract.
Daily crying prevalence and associated factors in older adult persons living in nursing homes: findings from a regional study
Authors: Palese Alvisa , Simeoni Arianna , Zuttion Antonio Ranieri , Ferrario Barbara , Ponta Sandra , Ambrosi Elisa
Published: April 2017

Objectives

The study aims to evaluate the prevalence of nursing home (NH) resident crying and associated factors at the individual and NH levels.

Design

A regional retrospective study design has been used.

Participants and setting

A total of 8875 residents, living in 105 NHs, were included.

Measurements

The occurrence of an episode of crying on at least a daily basis in the last month was the dependent variable; independent variables were set at individual and at the NH levels as reported in the Val.Graf regional database.

Results

A total of 1,443 (16.3%) residents reported daily episodes of crying over the last month. Several individual variables were significantly associated with crying; female gender (odds ratio [OR] 2.535, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.069–3.107); sad, pained or worried facial expressions (OR 1.885, 95% CI 1.785–2.021); negative thoughts (OR 1.650, 95% CI 1.508–1.804); unrealistic fears (OR 1.410, 95% CI 1.295–1.534); anger with self or others (OR 1.141, 95% CI 1.043–1.248); repetitive anxious complaints/concerns (OR 1.136, 95% CI 1.045–1.235); clinical instability (OR 1.186, 95% CI 1.018–1.381); pain (OR 1.183, 95% CI 1.058–1.323); night restlessness (OR 1.180, 95% CI 1.100–1.267); communication problems (OR 1.169, 95% CI 1.051–1.300); and cognitive impairment (OR 1.086, 95% CI 1.019–1.156); all increased the likelihood of crying. Conversely, sociability (OR 0.866, 95% CI 0.805–0.932) and being involved in social based activities (OR 0.882, 95% CI 0.811–0.960) were protective against crying. However, the previously mentioned variables have explained only 35.9% of variance in daily crying.

Conclusions

Around one out of six residents living in NH cries on a daily basis, and the reasons are also at the individual level. Residents seem to cry for attachment and clinical needs and to express stress and unhappiness; more research is needed, aiming at discovering other factors associated with resident's daily crying. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
White matter microstructure variations contribute to neurological soft signs in healthy adults
Authors: Hirjak Dusan , Thomann Philipp A. , Wolf Robert C. , Kubera Katharina M. , Goch Caspar , Hering Jan , Maier‐Hein Klaus H.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Neurological soft signs (NSS) are core features of psychiatric disorders with significant neurodevelopmental origin. However, it is unclear whether NSS correlates are associated with neuropathological processes underlying the disease or if they are confounded by medication. Given that NSS are also present in healthy persons (HP), investigating HP could reveal NSS correlates, which are not biased by disease‐specific processes or drug treatment. Therefore, we used a combination of diffusion MRI analysis tools to provide a framework of specific white matter (WM) microstructure variations underlying NSS in HP.

Method

NSS of 59 HP were examined on the Heidelberg Scale and related to diffusion associated metrics. Using tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS), we studied WM variations in fractional anisotropy (FA) as well as radial (RD), axial (AD), and mean diffusivity (MD). Using graph analytics (clustering coefficient—CC, local betweenness centrality —BC), we then explored DTI‐derived structural network variations in regions identified by previous MRI studies on NSS.

Results

NSS scores were negatively associated with RD, AD and MD in corpus callosum, brainstem and cerebellum (P < 0.05, corr.). NSS scores were negatively associated with CC and BC of the pallidum, the superior parietal gyrus, the precentral sulcus, the insula, and the cingulate gyrus (P < 0.05, uncorr.).

Conclusion

The present study supports the notion that WM microstructure variations in subcortical and cortical sensorimotor regions contribute to NSS expression in young HP. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3552–3565, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The structural connectome of children with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Königs Marsh , van Heurn L. W. Ernest , Bakx Roel , Vermeulen R. Jeroen , Goslings J. Carel , Poll‐The Bwee Tien , van der Wees Marleen , Catsman‐Berrevoets Coriene E. , Oosterlaan Jaap , Pouwels Petra J. W.
Published: April 2017

This study aimed to investigate the impact of mild to severe pediatric TBI on the structural connectome. Children aged 8–14 years with trauma control (TC) injury (n = 27) were compared to children with mild TBI and risk factors for complicated TBI (mildRF+, n = 20) or moderate/severe TBI (n = 16) at 2.8 years post‐injury. Probabilistic tractography on diffusion tensor imaging data was used in combination with graph theory to study structural connectivity. Functional outcome was measured using neurocognitive tests and parent and teacher questionnaires for behavioral functioning. The results revealed no evidence for an impact of mildRF+ TBI on the structural connectome. In contrast, the moderate/severe TBI group showed longer characteristic path length (P = 0.022, d = 0.82) than the TC group. Furthermore, longer characteristic path length was related to poorer intelligence and poorer working memory in children with TBI. In conclusion, children have abnormal organization of the structural connectome after moderate/severe TBI, which may be implicated in neurocognitive dysfunction associated with pediatric TBI. These findings should be interpreted in the context of our exploratory analyses, which indicate that the definition and weighting of connectivity (e.g., streamline density, fractional anisotropy) influence the properties of the reconstructed connectome and its sensitivity to the impact and outcome of pediatric TBI. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3603–3614, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hypervalent Iodine Reagents: Thiol Derivatization with a Tetrafluoroethoxy Coumarin Residue for UV Absorbance Recognition
Authors: Commare Bruno , Togni Antonio
Published: April 2017

A new hypervalent iodine reagent (5) based on 1,2‐dihydro‐3,3‐dimethyl‐1,2‐benziodoxole containing a 4‐methyl‐7‐tetrafluoroethoxycoumarin unit as a specific UV absorber was prepared and fully characterized, including X‐ray crystal structural analysis. The high reactivity of this compound towards thiols has been exploited for the selective tagging of several targets with the UV chromophore coumarin, including e.g. glutathione.
Age‐related health care disparities in multiple myeloma
Authors: Puyade Mathieu , Defossez Gautier , Guilhot François , Leleu Xavier , Ingrand Pierre
Published: April 2017

Age is a well‐known factor in solid tumours linked to lower adherence to guidelines. Scarce data exist for haematologic malignancies such as multiple myeloma (MM). The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships among age, adherence to guidelines in MM, and overall survival (OS).The Poitou‐Charentes cancer registry has exhaustively registered incident cases of MM from 2008 to 2010. Diagnosis, staging, prognosis, and first‐line treatment were compared to the international guidelines. Three hundred and sixty‐seven patients aged 36 to 93 years were included. Compliance to diagnostic procedure was 98%, staging 62%, prognosis 30%, and first‐line treatment 89%. Cytogenetic analysis was compliant in 37%. Younger age was the strongest factor associated with compliant provision of care (odds ratio 14.4 [6.1‐33.8] for <66 years and 2.3 [0.9‐6.1] for 66‐74 years; P < .0001). The second independent factor was active versus smouldering myeloma (odds ratio 3.5 [1.6‐7.3]; P = .0009). Adherence to guidelines is related with OS in multivariate analysis hazard ratio: 1.6 [1.0‐2.5]; P = .03. Age is linked with inadequate provision of care in myeloma, particularly prognosis and first‐line treatment. Compliance to guidelines seems to be related to OS taking into account the main prognostic factors. Future guidelines should stress the point that age and frailty need to be taken into account in myeloma care.
Economies of diversification in the US credit union sector
Authors: Malikov Emir , Zhao Shunan , Kumbhakar Subal C.
Published: April 2017

Significant scale economies have been recently cited to rationalize a dramatic growth in the US retail credit union sector over the past few decades. In this paper, we explore another plausible supply‐side explanation for the growth of the industry, namely economies of diversification. We focus on the fact that credit unions differ among themselves in the range of financial services they offer to their members. Since larger credit unions tend to offer a more diversified financial service menu than credit unions of a smaller size, the incentive to grow in size may be fueled not only by present scale economies but also by economies of diversification. This paper provides the first robust estimates of such economies of diversification for the credit union sector. We estimate a flexible semiparametric smooth coefficient quantile panel data model with correlated effects that is capable of accommodating a four‐way heterogeneity among credit unions. Our results indicate the presence of non‐negligible economies of diversification in the industry. We find that as many as 27–91% (depending on the type and the cost quantile) of diversified credit unions enjoy substantial economies of diversification; the cost of most remaining credit unions is invariant to the scope of services. We also find overwhelming evidence of increasing returns to scale in the industry.