bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Micro–Macro Link in Social Networks
Authors: Stadtfeld Christoph
Published: December 2018

Important questions in the social sciences are concerned with the link between micro‐level behavior and aggregate macro‐level outcomes. This essay proposes that studies of the micro–macro link in social systems can utilize conceptual representations and analytical strategies from the field of social networks. In particular, statistical network models and research strategies from agent‐based network modeling can be combined to investigate dynamics and the emergence of structure. An empirical case study illustrates how stochastic actor‐oriented models can be applied as empirically calibrated agent‐based simulations. The fruitfulness of this approach is demonstrated by a Schelling‐inspired case study on the emergence of segregation in social networks. It is shown that even individuals without homophilous preferences may find themselves in segregated structures due to the complex interaction of different network mechanisms. The example thereby illustrates how social networks can serve as a conceptual and analytical framework to study the micro–macro link in dynamic, interdependent, and multi‐mechanistic social systems.
The Good, the Bad, and the Long‐Term Implications of Social Diversity
Authors: Ramos Miguel R. , Hewstone Miles
Published: December 2018

Demographic trends reveal that modern societies have become more heterogeneous in terms of their ethnic composition. Concerns about social diversity and its implications have received critical scholarly attention, and it has become a prominent topic in several social sciences. The recent but already impressive amount of published research has examined the impact of social diversity (e.g., ethnic, religious diversity) on societal variables such as economic performance and neighborhood trust. However, results from this body of work have been contradictory and a lack of consensus in diversity research has undermined the impact of science on policy. To address this concern, we propose a time‐focused perspective in which seemingly contradictory theoretical perspectives can be integrated to provide a coherent account as to why social diversity can potentially yield both negative and positive outcomes. This perspective is discussed in light of its implications for diversity politics. A successful management and planning of these unprecedented demographic changes will dictate the quality of people's lives.
Disability
Authors: Iarskaia‐Smirnova Elena
Published: December 2018

Disability is a part of the human condition but it is also a contested field of various definitions and policies. Various approaches to understanding and treatment of disabilities are referred to as models of disability. The two main, opposing, approaches are social and medical models. In the medical model, disability is considered as a personal problem, caused by a trauma, an illness, or some other health condition, thus calling for a need for medical cure and care. In contrast with the medical model, which claims the necessity of curing the impairments, the social model views disability as a consequence of an unjust social order and insists on the correction of the society that disables a person. Social views on disability and disability activism mutually influenced each other and contributed to legislative changes. Disability models are embodied and reinforced in welfare policies. Contemporary disability scholarship tries to overcome the dichotomy between medical and social models and takes into account complex issues of body, pain, sexuality and reproduction, intimate experiences and emotions, gender, and age.
Isomorphism
Authors: Farquharson Karen
Published: December 2018

Isomorphism refers to the process whereby organizations become increasingly similar over time. There are two main approaches to understanding isomorphism: competitive and institutional. Competitive isomorphism refers to the isomorphism that occurs due to competition between organizations in a system for survival. There are three forms of institutional isomorphism: coercive, mimetic, and normative. Once fields become established, these processes of isomorphism lead to homogenization of the organizations in the field over time.
Rejuvenative Medicine
Authors: Gilleard Chris , Higgs Paul
Published: December 2018

Rejuvenative or antiaging medicine is concerned with reversing the aging process through medical means. It is a form of aspirational medicine, promising more than it has delivered. In contrast to regenerative medicine it resides on the periphery of mainstream medicine. Even if viewed merely as a symptom of an increasingly somatic society, these promises add to the problematization of the body and the life course as sources of stable identity.
Queer Theology
Authors: Kalveks Tatiana
Published: December 2018

Queer theology is an application of queer theory within the field of theology, with roots in liberation theology and its consequent contextual offshoots (such as feminist theologies and theologies of race). It is properly thought of as a critical methodology, seeking to subvert normative theologies, rather than posing any specific content itself, and is premised on the malleable construction of knowledge. Queer theology is limited by the problem of its own communication without reifying a normative mode of queer theology, and maintains a tension with other intersectional identity categories, such as race or class.
Sustainable Development
Authors: Tennberg Monica
Published: December 2018

Originally, sustainable development was a policy concept formulated to emphasize the importance of rational use of natural resources in meeting basic human needs and to foster environmentally responsible economic development. Today, the concept continues to be widely used in both policy development and international cooperation circles, where its scope now extends beyond environmental issues. Academic interest in sustainable development has evolved into “sustainability science” and studying the social dimensions of sustainable development continues to pose a theoretical and analytical challenge. This entry draws on a case study from the Arctic illustrating multiple dimensions of socially sustainable development.
Agenda‐Setting
Authors: McCombs Maxwell
Published: December 2018

Agenda‐setting theory identifies specific elements in the news coverage of public issues and other topics that influence the formation of public opinion. Other theoretical aspects include factors shaping news coverage, consequences of agenda‐setting for the holding and direction of opinions, and the underlying psychology of agenda‐setting.
Intertextuality
Authors: Aly Ramy M.K.
Published: December 2018

Intertextuality postulates that all texts are intrinsically entangled with other texts. Texts are a form of translinguistic semiotic practice and, in being permutations of other texts, are both destructive and constructive of language, genre, style, norms, and meaning. In this sense, they are bothproductiveandredistributiveof meaning while never being authoritative, bounded, or foreclosing interpretation by readers. Furthermore, texts always reflect the structures of dominance and marginality in society.
Marital Power/Resource Theory
Authors: Ko Chyong‐fang
Published: December 2018

In terms of decision‐making and the sharing of domestic chores, marital power is associated with relative spousal resources and is frequently mediated by gender role ideology. With increasing liberalization, women's resource advantages are gradually being transformed into power advantages. However, other factors, such as level of involvement, are at play – individuals with less involvement and emotional investment generally have greater control over decisions to remain in marital relationships.
P
oulantzas,
N
icos (1936–1979)
Authors: Bruff Ian
Published: December 2018

Nicos Poulantzas occupies a distinctive position within the rich and diverse heritage of Marxism in the twentieth century. Caught in between earlier generations of western Marxism and later postmodern forms of social theory, he was a restless sociologist whose arguments evolved, sometimes markedly, across his work. For instance, the relative autonomy of the state from the capital–labor relation shifted from being a key structural characteristic of capitalist society in the late 1960s (in dialogue with Althusser) to meaning, by the late 1970s, that the state is a crucial terrain upon and through which social struggles play out (engaging with Foucault, and moving closer to Gramsci). Poulantzas's later work on authoritarian statism is presently of the greatest contemporary relevance, but his inevitably incomplete legacy is replete with potential which can be utilized and expanded upon in a range of new ways by present‐day scholars.
Atomically Thin 2D‐Arsenene by Liquid‐Phased Exfoliation: Toward Selective Vapor Sensing
Authors: Beladi‐Mousavi Seyyed Mohsen , Pourrahimi Amir Masoud , Sofer Zdeněk , Pumera Martin
Published: December 2018

Phosphorene and antimonene, single‐ or few‐layered (FL) semiconductor materials, have recently attracted enormous attention due to their unique properties, provided by their extreme thinness. Here, a liquid‐phase exfoliation (LPE) procedure to prepare FL arsenene, another member of pnictogens, assisted by sonication and without any additional surfactant is reported. The exfoliation process is performed in various solvents. Among those, N‐methylpyrrolidone is found to provide the highest concentration of stable arsenene sheets. Spectroscopic and microscopic analyses confirm the formation of high‐quality few‐layer arsenene nanosheets with large lateral dimensions. An application of this material for construction of vapor sensor based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is demonstrated. The device detects selectively methanol or acetone vapors depending on the selected resonance frequency. The results are highly reproducible, and the vapor sensor has long‐term stability.
Semisacrificial Template Growth of Self‐Supporting MOF Nanocomposite Electrode for Efficient Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation
Authors: Cao Changsheng , Ma Dong‐Dong , Xu Qiang , Wu Xin‐Tao , Zhu Qi‐Long
Published: December 2018

Herein, the authors report, for the first time, the semisacrificial template growth of a self‐supporting metal–organic framework (MOF) nanocomposite electrode composed of ultrasmall iron‐rich Fe(Ni)‐MOF cluster‐decorated ultrathin Ni‐rich Ni(Fe)‐MOF nanosheets from the NiFe alloy foam, in which the Fe(Ni)‐MOF clusters are uniform with a particle size of 2–5 nm, while the thickness of the Ni(Fe)‐MOF nanosheets is only about 1.56 nm. When directly used as a self‐supported working electrode for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), it can afford an impressive electrocatalytic performance with required overpotentials of 227 and 253 mV to achieve current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively, much outperforming the benchmark of RuO2 and most state‐of‐the‐art noble‐metal‐free catalysts. Characterizations demonstrated that the combination of the unique nanostructure of the catalyst and the strong coupling effect between Ni and Fe active sites should be responsible for its excellent OER performance. Remarkably, when coupled with a Pt electrode in an overall water splitting system, they only needed 1.537 V to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2. The facile and economical methodology represents a new way to design and prepare high‐performance self‐supporting MOF electrocatalysts for highly efficient electrochemical processes.
Excellent Nanofiber Adhesion for Hybrid Polymer Materials with High Toughness Based on Matrix Interdiffusion During Chemical Conversion
Authors: Daelemans Lode , Van Paepegem Wim , D'hooge Dagmar R. , De Clerck Karen
Published: December 2018

One of the challenges for multiphase materials is the improvement of the interconnectivity of their separate phases. A promising route toward excellent adhesion is molecular interdiffusion, in which molecules are transferred to enable physical interaction. In the present work, a novel straightforward and direct method is developed to tune the adhesion between electrospun nanofibers and their matrix, starting from fundamental insights on molecular diffusion and considering in situ chemical formation of one of the polymer phases to effectively regulate interdiffusion. Proof‐of‐concept is provided for the adhesion of a thermoplastic phase (poly(ε‐caprolactone)) to a thermoset matrix (epoxy) during the cured‐induced formation of the latter. For isothermal curing, only an intermediate temperature (50 °C) allows the production of nanofiber hybrid materials with good adhesion between the constituents and preservation of the nanomorphology. Moreover, excellent adhesion properties are obtained in case a two‐step curing (25 °C/80 °C), or coaxial electrospinning (polyamide 6/poly(ε‐caprolactone)) toward core–shell nanomorphologies is applied. Improvements in toughness of the optimized interdiffused materials with G values over 600 J m−2 (up to 65% improvement) are recorded due to excellent bonding of the thermoplastic nanofibers with the matrix.
Probing Energy Migration through Precise Control of Interfacial Energy Transfer in Nanostructure
Authors: Zhou Bo , Huang Jinshu , Yan Long , Liu Xuelong , Song Nan , Tao Lili , Zhang Qinyuan
Published: December 2018

A novel mechanistic strategy for probing the energy migration through constructing the interfacial energy transfer (IET) in a core–shell–shell nanostructure is reported. In this design, the trilayer nanostructure is composed of a sensitizing core, a migratory interlayer, and a detective shell layer that interact with each other only by IET and the latter two shell layers are nonresponsive to the incident irradiation. This model is well applied in investigating the energy migration over the Tb, Gd, and Yb sublattices, and the results show that the Gd sublattice holds the best energy migratory performance. Moreover, the finding of energy migration over the Yb sublattice enables the 808 nm excited long‐lived upconversion of Tb3+ and Eu3+, which exhibits unique time‐gating performance for information security. The results provide a facile and powerful nanosized model for an in‐depth understanding of the fundamentals involving lanthanide interactions, which will further help excite new chances for the frontier applications of lanthanide‐based luminescent materials.
Proton Conductivity of Composite Polyelectrolyte Membranes with Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Escorihuela Jorge , Narducci Riccardo , Compañ Vicente , Costantino Ferdinando
Published: December 2018

The study of proton conductivity processes has gained intensive attention in the past decades due to their potential applications in chemical sensors, electrochemical devices, and energy generation. The scientific community has focused its efforts on the development of high‐performing polymeric membranes as proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for fuel cell (FC) applications. In particular, high conductivity at different humidity and temperature and enhanced chemical and mechanical stability under operative conditions are considered the main goals to be reached. The design of mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) based on conductive polymers and inorganic fillers is an approach commonly used for achieving materials with improved conductive and mechanical properties. In the last five years, the use of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) as fillers for conductive MMMs has rapidly grown for their intrinsic stability and structural versatility. The recent progress around the proton conductivity of MOF based composite membranes on PEMs for FC applications is critically reviewed.
The Role of Humidity in Tuning the Texture and Electrical Properties of Cu2O Thin Films Deposited via Aerosol‐Assisted CVD
Authors: Liu Hongjun , Nguyen Viet Huong , Roussel Hervé , Gélard Isabelle , Rapenne Laetitia , Deschanvres Jean‐Luc , Jiménez Carmen , Muñoz‐Rojas David
Published: December 2018

A study on the effect of carrier gas (CG) humidity on the texture and the resulting electronic properties of Cu2O thin films deposited using aerosol‐assisted chemical vapor deposition (AA‐CVD) at low temperatures (<365 °C) is reported. By increasing the CG humidity, the preferred orientation of the films can be tuned from [110] to [111]. By studying the initial stages of film deposition, a different growth mode is found for dry and humid conditions, which in turn directs the final texture of the films. The analysis of the electric properties of the films by Hall effect shows that carrier concentration remains in the order of 1015 cm−3 when using both dry and humid conditions. Converselly, Cu2O samples deposited with humid CG generally present a higher mobility, up to 17 cm2 V−1 s−1. [111]‐textured Cu2O films with high mobility were used to fabricate a diode by depositing a ZnO layer on top using atmospheric pressure spatial atomic layer deposition (AP‐SALD). The diode shows an excellent rectifying behavior with a high asymmetry close to 104 between −1 and +1 V.
Environment‐Dependent Adhesion Energy of Mica Nanolayers Determined by a Nanomanipulation‐Based Bridging Method
Authors: Yu Bowen , Hou Lizhen , Wang Shiliang , Huang Han
Published: December 2018

Mica nanolayers have great potential for applications in the future flexible electronics due to their excellent flexibility and dielectric properties. Characterization of the adhesion behaviors of mica nanolayers is thus essential, as they would substantially affect the reliability of the electronic devices. In this work, a new delamination method is developed based on the optical microscopic nanomanipulation for measuring the adhesion energy of mica nanolayers. In particular, the tests are performed under different environmental conditions with relative humidity varying from 10% to 90% and temperature ranging from 25 to 300 °C. The average surface energy of mica nanolayers is 221.5 ± 25.4 mJ m−2 measured at the room temperature of 25 °C and decreases with the increase in relative humidity or temperature. The finding of the environmentally dependent adhesion is of importance for the design of flexible electronics products based on mica nanolayers.
Liquid‐Crystal High‐Frequency Microwave Technology: Materials and Characterization
Authors: Zografopoulos Dimitrios C. , Ferraro Antonio , Beccherelli Romeo
Published: December 2018

Ever since the advent of microwave technology, tunable devices, such as phase shifters, resonators, and antennas, have been indispensable in applications requiring radiofrequency signal filtering, beam shaping, or steering. This necessity becomes even more relevant in view of a new era in high‐bandwidth wireless communications in 5G networks, satellite links, and advanced radars for sensing and safety. As the operating frequency is pushed toward the millimeter‐wave range or beyond, the performance of traditional microwave tunable elements, such as PIN diodes, micro‐electromechanical system switches, ferrites, or ferroelectric films, degrades, while their fabrication complexity and cost increases. In this respect, liquid crystals present a promising solution, as they provide continuous tuning, low dielectric constants, moderate losses, low dispersion, and potentially low cost. Here, a comprehensive overview of the available microwave liquid crystal materials is provided, including their key application‐relevant properties, and the techniques employed for their characterization, focusing on the spectrum above 1 GHz. Their performance metrics in terms of dielectric constant tunability, response speed, insertion losses are discussed and guidelines for their selection in different microwave applications are provided. Moreover, the differences observed in the experimental data regarding their characterization are highlighted and possible sources of the observed discrepancies are discussed.
A Concentrated Ternary‐Salts Electrolyte for High Reversible Li Metal Battery with Slight Excess Li
Authors: Qiu Feilong , Li Xiang , Deng Han , Wang Di , Mu Xiaowei , He Ping , Zhou Haoshen
Published: December 2018

Li metal can potentially deliver much higher specific capacity than commercially used anodes. Nevertheless, because of its poor reversibility, abundant excess Li (usually more than three times) is required in Li metal batteries, leading to higher costs and decreased energy density. Here, a concentrated lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI)–lithium nitrate (LiNO3)–lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) ternary‐salts electrolyte is introduced to realize a high stable Li metal full‐cell with only a slight excess of Li. LiNO3 and LiFSI contribute to the formation of stable Li2O–LiF‐rich solid electrolyte interface layers, and LiTFSI helps to stabilize the electrolyte under high concentration. Li metal in the electrolyte remains stable over 450 cycles and the average Coulombic efficiency reaches 99.1%. Moreover, with 0.5 × excess Li metal, the Coulombic efficiency of Li metal in the LiTFSI–LiNO3–LiFSI reaches 99.4%. The electrolyte also presents high stability to the LiFePO4 cathode, the capacity retention after 500 cycles is 92.0% and the Coulombic efficiency is 99.8%. A Li metal full‐cell with only 0.44 × excess Li is also assembled, it remains stable over 70 cycles and 83% of the initial capacity is maintained after 100 cycles.
The application of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound for the characterization of hepatic tumors: An assessment focusing on hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kuo Ming‐Jeng , Mo Lein‐Ray
Published: December 2018

There are only limited applications of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in Taiwan. We aimed to report our initial experience of CEUS in the diagnosis of hepatic tumors, focusing on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). From September 2015 to January 2017, 126 patients were recruited for CEUS using Definity at Tainan Municipal Hospital for the evaluation of hepatic tumors. Of the 126 patients with 64 pathology‐proven liver lesions, 61 were studied. The enhancement patterns of the liver nodules were evaluated according to the 2012 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology and European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB‐EFSUMB) guidelines. The diagnostic value of CEUS was assessed using histopathological results as reference standards and was compared with those of dynamic computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values of CEUS in the HCC diagnosis were 73.6%, 90.9%, 76.6%, and 97.5% and 41.7%, respectively. In terms of diagnostic accuracy of HCC, the discordance between CEUS and dynamic CT/MRI was not statistically significant (P = 0.76). Higher body mass index (>25 kg/m2) showed a significantly negative association with the typical HCC enhancement pattern on CEUS (P = 0.017). No adverse events related to the ultrasound contrast agent were found in the study. From researchers' initial experience, CEUS with Definity contrast agent can be safely and effectively applied in the diagnosis of HCC. Further investigations based on more cases of liver tumors are still warranted.
Higher hepatitis C virus‐viral loads and complex sexual partners in hepatitis C virus‐human immunodeficiency virus coinfected injection drug users: A case‐control study
Authors: Yu Chia‐Ying , Chen Yi‐Chih , Hu Ching‐Chih , Chien Cheng‐Hung , Yeh Chau‐Ting , Lin Chih‐Lang , Chien Rong‐Nan
Published: December 2018

Injection drug users (IDUs) are likely contributors to hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. However, little is known about the HCV viral loads of IDUs with HCV‐HIV coinfection. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the HCV viral loads among IDUs with HCV infection, HCV‐HIV coinfection, and HCV‐HBV coinfection. Among the 45 IDUs recruited to the study, 27 were HCV monoinfected; 9 were HCV‐HIV coinfected; 7 were HCV‐HBV coinfected; and 2 were seronegative for HCV, HBV, or HIV infection. A control group of 180 age‐ and gender‐matched chronic HCV‐infected patients were enrolled using the propensity score method. A standardized case record form was used to collect demographic, clinical, laboratory, and virological data. The HCV RNA levels in IDUs with HCV‐HIV coinfection were significantly higher than those in the control group, IDUs with HCV monoinfection, and IDUs with HCV‐HBV coinfection (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). The HCV‐RNA levels in the control group were higher than those in IDUs with HCV monoinfection and HCV‐HBV coinfection (P = 0.04 and P = 0.039, respectively). After analyzing the risk factors related to these viral infections in IDUs, a complex sexual partner was more prevalent among IDUs with HCV‐HIV coinfection than those with HCV monoinfection or HCV‐HBV coinfection (P = 0.02 and P = 0.035, respectively). IDUs with HCV‐HIV coinfection demonstrated extremely high HCV‐RNA levels. Antiviral therapy, especially in the directly acting antiviral era, is indicated. In addition, IDUs with a complex sexual partner had a significantly higher risk of HIV infection. Therefore, the measure to curb this transmission is more important for infectious control.
Keep scalpel sheathed: A metastatic invasive ductal carcinoma mimics primary linitis plastica
Authors: Chen Po‐Chun , Fang Kuan‐Chieh , Su Chien‐Wei , Chen Ping‐Hsien , Wang Yen‐Po , Hou Ming‐Chih , Lin Han‐Chieh
Published: December 2018

Though differentiating gastric metastasis of breast cancer from primary gastric cancer is challenging, it is of paramount importance because the treatments to these two diseases are completely different. A wrong diagnosis could lead the patient to unnecessary gastrectomy. It is more challenging for gastric metastasis of invasive ductal carcinoma given its rarity. Here we reported a case whose diagnosis was made correctly with complementary lab studies, clinically well‐informed Pathologist and special immunohistochemical staining. Correct diagnosis and following treatment saved the patient from gastrectomy and prolonged her survival.
Synchrotron X‐ray imaging of a dichasium cupule of Castanopsis from Eocene Baltic amber
Authors: Sadowski Eva‐Maria , Hammel Jörg U. , Denk Thomas
Published: December 2018

Premise of the Study

The Eocene Baltic amber deposit represents the largest accumulation of fossil resin worldwide, and hundreds of thousands of entrapped arthropods have been recovered. Although Baltic amber preserves delicate plant structures in high fidelity, angiosperms of the “Baltic amber forest” remain poorly studied. We describe a pistillate partial inflorescence of Castanopsis (Fagaceae), expanding the knowledge of Fagaceae diversity from Baltic amber.

Methods

The amber specimen was investigated using light microscopy and synchrotron‐radiation‐based X‐ray micro‐computed tomography (SRμCT).

Key Results

The partial inflorescence is a cymule, consisting of an involucre of scales that surround all four pistillate flowers, indicating a dichasium cupule. Subtending bracts are basally covered with peltate trichomes. Flowers possess an urecolate perianth of six nearly free lobes, 12 staminodia hidden by the perianth, and a tri‐locular ovary that is convex‐triangular in cross section. The exceptional three‐dimensional preservation suggests that the fossil belongs to the extant East Asian genus Castanopsis. The amber inclusion represents the first record of Castanopsis from Baltic amber and the first pistillate inflorescence of Fagaceae from Eurasia.

Conclusions

The partial female inflorescence reported here provides an important addition to acorns of Castanopsis described from middle Eocene strata of Europe. Furthermore, the intercontinental distribution of Castanopsis in the Eocene is confirmed. The amber fossil also broadens the picture of the Baltic amber source area, indicating oligotrophic, sandy, bog‐like habitats. Finally, this study underscores the great benefit of SRμCT as a powerful tool to investigate plant inclusions from amber in a nondestructive way.
Reproductive consequences of variation in flowering phenology in the dry forest tree Enterolobium cyclocarpum in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Authors: Rocha Oscar J. , Gómez Carlos , Hamrick James L. , Trapnell Dorset W. , Smouse Peter E. , Macaya Gabriel
Published: December 2018

Premise of the Study

Flowering initiation, duration and magnitude, and degree of flowering synchrony within a population can affect the reproductive fitness of individuals. We examined the flowering phenology within a population of the tropical dry forest Guanacaste tree (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) to gauge the impact of phenological variation among trees on fruit production and progeny vigor.

Methods

We monitored the flowering phenology of 93 trees weekly during 2005, 2006, and 2007, using a scale based on the percentage of the crown with open flowers. We also monitored fruit production for each tree in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008. Finally, we evaluated the relationship between phenological variation and progeny performance.

Key Results

Ten measures of flowering phenology and synchrony among flowering trees, based on the number of weeks when anthesis of the crown exceeded 50%, were used to develop four phenological profiles. These profiles were correlated with significant differences in fruit production and progeny vigor. Trees with flowers in >50% of their crown for at least 2 weeks produced more fruits and more vigorous progeny than trees with other profiles. Trees also tended to produce the same phenological profile among years than predicted by chance.

Conclusions

Guanacaste trees vary significantly in the initiation of anthesis, duration and magnitude of flowering, and degree of synchrony among trees. Trees also tend to maintain the same flowering profile among years. Finally, the flowering behavior of E. cyclocarpum leads to significant differences in fruit and seed production, germination, and early progeny growth.
The relationship between physical fitness and occupational injury in emergency responders: A systematic review
Authors: Lentz Liana , Randall Jason R. , Gross Douglas P. , Senthilselvan Ambikaipakan , Voaklander Don
Published: December 2018

Background

Emergency responders have jobs with physical demands that put them at risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

Objectives

This paper systematically reviews existing literature examining the relationship between fitness and occupational injury in this group.

Methods

Comprehensive electronic searches were conducted using key words relating to musculoskeletal injury, fitness, and emergency responders.

Results

Eleven articles included in the review provided limited evidence for the relationship between physical fitness test scores and injury risk. There appears to be a correlation between better aerobic fitness and decreased risk of injury.

Conclusions

Evidence of the relationship between aspects of physical fitness and occupational injury in emergency responders is extremely limited. More research is required to expand the knowledge in this area and to draw more definitive conclusions.
Chan‐Lam Coupling: Synthesis of N‐alkylated Derivatives of ϵ‐Caprolactams from Bicyclic Amidine DBU
Authors: Surendra Babu Gogu V. , Srinivas Keesara , Mohan Rao Mandapati , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Sai Prathima Parvathaneni
Published: December 2018

The reactivity of bicyclic amidine 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐8‐ene (DBU) with phenyl boronic acid forming N‐alkylated derivatives represents an advanced example to the existing classical Chan‐Lam Cross Coupling of amines. The conversion of DBU to important heterocyclic scaffolds, in which DBU is acting as a nucleophile forming N‐alkylated derivatives of ϵ‐caprolactam is described. This copper‐catalyzed reaction of DBU with phenylboronic acids represents a new paradigm of Chan‐Lam amination. This type of transformation has opened up a new direction for the synthesis of 1‐(3(phenyl amino) propyl)azepan‐2‐ones directly from the diimide, DBU in a single synthetic operation. The reaction was compatible with bicyclic amidines, 1,5‐diazabicyclo‐[4.3.0]non‐5‐ene (DBN) and 1,5,7 triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene (TBD), providing a robust system to access valuable bioactive ϵ‐caprolactams.
Bioinspired Engineering of a Multivalent Aptamer‐Functionalized Nanointerface to Enhance the Capture and Release of Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Song Yanling , Shi Yuanzhi , Huang Mengjiao , Wang Wei , Wang Yang , Cheng Jie , Lei Zhichao , Zhu Zhi , Yang Chaoyong
Published: December 2018

Circulating tumor cell (CTC)‐enrichment by using aptamers has a number of advantages, but the issue of compromised binding affinities and stabilities in real samples hinders its wide applications. Inspired by the high efficiency of the prey mechanism of the octopus, we engineered a deterministic lateral displacement (DLD)‐patterned microfluidic chip modified with multivalent aptamer‐functionalized nanospheres (AP‐Octopus‐Chip) to enhance capture efficiency. The multivalent aptamer–antigen binding efficiency improves 100‐fold and the capture efficiency is enhanced more than 300 % compared with a monovalent aptamer‐modified chip. Moreover, the captured cancer cells can be released through a thiol exchange reaction with up to 80 % efficiency and 96 % viability, which is fully compatible with downstream mutation detection and CTC culture. Using the chip, we were able to find CTCs in all cancer samples analyzed.
Intrinsic Correlation between Electronic Structure and Degradation: From Few‐Layer to Bulk Black Phosphorus
Authors: Kim Minju , Kim Han‐gyu , Park Soohyung , Kim Jin Sung , Choi Hyoung Joon , Im Seongil , Lee Hyunbok , Kim Taekyeong , Yi Yeonjin
Published: December 2018

Black phosphorus (BP) has received much attention owing to its fascinating properties, such as a high carrier mobility and tunable band gap. However, these advantages have been overshadowed by the fast degradation of BP under ambient conditions. To overcome this obstacle, the exact degradation mechanisms need to be unveiled. Herein, we analyzed two sequential degradation processes and the layer‐dependent degradation rates of BP in the dark by scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKPM) measurements and theoretical modeling. The layer‐dependent degradation was successfully interpreted by considering the oxidation model based on the Marcus–Gerischer theory (MGT). In the dark, the electron transfer rate from BP to oxygen molecules depends on the number of layers as these systems have different carrier concentrations. This work not only provides a deeper understanding of the degradation mechanism itself but also suggest new strategies for the design of stable BP‐based electronics.
Proton Relays in Molecular Catalysis of Electrochemical Reactions: Origin and Limitations of the Boosting Effect
Authors: Savéant Jean‐Michel
Published: December 2018

Homogeneous catalysis of electrochemical reactions, related to contemporary energy challenges, often involves proton‐coupled electron transfer sequences. The idea rapidly emerged that installing the proton donor (for reductions, or acceptor for oxidations) inside the catalyst molecule should be beneficial in terms of efficiency, as it would then be closer to the nerve center of the process (usually the metal in the case of transition metal complex catalysts). If this proton relay has indeed done the job, it has lost its proton at the end of each catalytic loop, and must therefore be reprotonated (for reductions, or deprotonated for oxidations) from acid (or base) from the solution before a new catalytic loop can start. The impression may thus be that there is a zero‐sum game. The conditions under which this is not the case may entail, in contrast, a considerable boosting of catalysis. This will also allow explain why the proton is such a specifically appropriate agent for this task.
Biomimetic and Biocatalytic Synthesis of Bruceol
Authors: Day Aaron J. , Lee Joel H. Z. , Phan Quang D. , Lam Hiu C. , Ametovski Adam , Sumby Christopher J. , Bell Stephen G. , George Jonathan H.
Published: December 2018

The first total synthesis of bruceol has been achieved using a biomimetic cascade cyclization initiated by a stereoselective Jacobsen–Katsuki epoxidation (and kinetic resolution) of racemic protobruceol‐I. A bacterial cytochrome P450 monooxygenase was also found to catalyze the conversion of protobruceol‐I into bruceol. The first full analysis of the NMR data of natural bruceol suggested that “isobruceol” was a previously unrecognized natural product also isolated from Philotheca brucei. This was confirmed by the re‐isolation, synthesis, and X‐ray analysis of isobruceol. In total, eight stereoisomers and structural isomers of bruceol have been synthesized in a highly divergent approach.
A Fluorogenic Probe for Cell Surface Phosphatidylserine Using an Intramolecular Indicator Displacement Sensing Mechanism
Authors: Zwicker Vincent E. , Oliveira Bruno L. , Yeo Jia Hao , Fraser Stuart T. , Bernardes Gonçalo J. L. , New Elizabeth J. , Jolliffe Katrina A.
Published: December 2018

The detection of externalized phosphatidylserine (PS) on the cell surface is commonly used to distinguish between living, apoptotic, and necrotic cells. The tools of choice for many researchers to study apoptosis are annexin V‐fluorophore conjugates. However, the use of this 35 kDa protein is associated with several drawbacks, including temperature sensitivity, Ca2+ dependence, and slow binding kinetics. Herein, a fluorogenic probe for cell surface PS, P‐IID, is described, which operates by an intramolecular indicator displacement (IID) mechanism. An intramolecularly bound coumarin indicator is released in the presence of cell surface PS, leading to a fluorescence “turn‐on” response. P‐IID demonstrates superior performance when compared to annexin V, for both fluorescence imaging and flow cytometry. This allows P‐IID to be used in time‐lapse imaging of apoptosis using confocal laser scanning microscopy and demonstrates the utility of the IID mechanism in live cells.
Affect regulation and consumer behavior
Authors: Chen Charlene Y. , Pham Michel Tuan
Published: December 2018

This article provides a critical review of what is known about affect regulation in relation to consumption behavior. Based on numerous findings from psychology, communication research, and consumer research, we identify a core set of general principles of affect regulation in consumer behavior. First, we define affect regulation, clarify its relations to the concepts of coping and compensatory consumption, and refine the emerging concept of “displaced coping.” We then review the generic strategies used in the regulation of general negative affective states. Next, we synthesize evidence that distinct negative emotions are regulated by emotion‐specific strategies, and propose an overarching explanatory principle: the “part‐regulation principle.” We then review the main strategies used in the regulation of positive affective states. Finally, important contingencies in affect regulation are identified, including the asymmetric regulation of positive versus negative affective states, triggers of downward affect regulation, and key moderators of affect regulation.
Far‐Red/Near‐Infrared Emissive (1,3‐Dimethyl)barbituric Acid‐Based AIEgens for High‐Contrast Detection of Metastatic Tumors in the Lung
Authors: Gao Heqi , Bao Pingping , Dai Shuxin , Liu Ruihua , Ji Shenglu , Zeng Sheng , Shen Jing , Liu Qian , Ding Dan
Published: December 2018

Despite of the enthusiastic research in aggregation‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) in recent years, the ones that can be smoothly used for sophisticated biomedical applications such as in vivo bioimaging of pulmonary metastatic tumors during surgery are still limited. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a new series of far‐red/near‐infrared (FR/NIR) fluorescent AIEgens that consist of methoxy‐substituted tetraphenylethene (TPE) as the electron‐donating moiety, (1,3‐dimethyl)barbituric acid as the electron‐withdrawing moiety, and different π‐bridge units. As compared to benzene or 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene, using thiophene as the π‐conjugation unit between the donor and acceptor results in a relatively higher absolute fluorescence quantum yield (14.5 %) in water when formulating the corresponding AIEgens into nanoparticles (AIE dots) with an amphiphilic co‐polymer as the doping matrix. The highly FR/NIR‐emissive thiophene‐based AIE dots are demonstrated to be potent for intraoperative detection of pulmonary metastatic tumors, particularly the micro‐sized ones, with excellent signal‐to‐background ratio.
Museumsstück oder Verkehrsbauwerk – Aspekte zur Instandsetzung der Steinernen Brücke in Regensburg
Authors: Egermann Ralph
Published: December 2018

Die älteste noch nutzbare Steinbogenbrücke Deutschlands ist seit 2010 behutsam instand gesetzt und im Juni 2018 wieder komplett zur Nutzung freigegeben worden. Aufbauend auf Voruntersuchungen und Musterinstandsetzungen mussten bei der Planung zum einen die baurechtlichen und verkehrspolitischen Anforderungen an eine innerstädtische Verkehrsverbindung berücksichtigt werden. Zum anderen waren bei der Bauausführung die Bau‐ und Zierelemente von der Erbauungszeit zwischen 1135 und 1146 über erste Sanierungsphasen bis hin zu Kriegszerstörungen und verkehrstechnischen Ertüchtigungen angemessen zu bewahren. Der Bericht gibt einen Überblick über die Voruntersuchungen, die Planungen und ihre Randbedingungen sowie die daraus resultierenden Instandsetzungsarbeiten an einem nach wie vor genutzten Verkehrsbauwerk, das als Bestandteil des Denkmalensembles der historischen Altstadt von Regensburg zwischenzeitlich zu den Welterbestätten der UNESCO zählt.
Der Einsatz einer fugenlosen Fahrbahnübergangskonstruktion bei der Satzengrabenbrücke
Authors: Eichwalder Bernhard , Kleiser Michael , Fritsch Michael , Veit‐Egerer Robert , Kollegger Johann
Published: December 2018

Der Bau von integralen Brücken erfreut sich immer größer werdender Beliebtheit. Durch den Entfall der wartungsintensiven Lager und Dehnfugen können sehr langlebige und wartungsarme Tragwerke realisiert werden. Auch wenn eine Vielzahl der Tragwerke im Spannweitenbereich unter 20 m Länge liegt, werden vermehrt auch längere Brücken integral ausgeführt. Dabei gelten Brücken bis ca. 70 m Länge als unproblematisch. Bei längeren Tragwerken treten vermehrt Probleme mit der Dilatation auf. Dabei kommt es öfter zu Hebungen bzw. Setzungen hinter den Widerlagern sowie zu Belagsrissen im Fahrbahnaufbau infolge der jahreszeitlich bedingten Längenänderungen. Aufgrund dieser Schwierigkeiten wird seit einigen Jahren intensiv daran geforscht, die Problemstellen im Widerlagerbereich in den Griff zu bekommen. Am Institut für Tragkonstruktionen der TU Wien konnte in den letzten Jahren eine neue Fahrbahnübergangskonstruktion für lange integrale Brücken entwickelt und in mehreren Ländern patentiert werden. Die Konstruktion wurde in Kooperation mit der ASFINAG anhand eines Prototyps erstmals erprobt und in weiterer Folge in einem Pilotprojekt an einer der längsten integralen Brücken in Österreich mit 112 m Länge umgesetzt. Ein umfangreiches Monitoringsystem ist bei der Brücke installiert worden. Die ersten Ergebnisse zeigen eine gute Übereinstimmung des realen Verhaltens mit den theoretischen Überlegungen. Nicht zuletzt durch die äußere Form stellt die Satzengrabenbrücke einen Meilenstein im integralen Brückenbau dar.
Multiple imputation approach for interval‐censored time to HIV RNA viral rebound within a mixed effects Cox model
Authors: Alarcón‐Soto Yovaninna , Langohr Klaus , Fehér Csaba , García Felipe , Gómez Guadalupe
Published: December 2018

We present a method to fit a mixed effects Cox model with interval‐censored data. Our proposal is based on a multiple imputation approach that uses the truncated Weibull distribution to replace the interval‐censored data by imputed survival times and then uses established mixed effects Cox methods for right‐censored data. Interval‐censored data were encountered in a database corresponding to a recompilation of retrospective data from eight analytical treatment interruption (ATI) studies in 158 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) suppressed individuals. The main variable of interest is the time to viral rebound, which is defined as the increase of serum viral load (VL) to detectable levels in a patient with previously undetectable VL, as a consequence of the interruption of cART. Another aspect of interest of the analysis is to consider the fact that the data come from different studies based on different grounds and that we have several assessments on the same patient. In order to handle this extra variability, we frame the problem into a mixed effects Cox model that considers a random intercept per subject as well as correlated random intercept and slope for pre‐cART VL per study. Our procedure has been implemented in R using two packages: truncdist and coxme, and can be applied to any data set that presents both interval‐censored survival times and a grouped data structure that could be treated as a random effect in a regression model. The properties of the parameter estimators obtained with our proposed method are addressed through a simulation study.
Anharmonic Stretching Frequencies of Local OH Bonds in Water Dimer: Ab Initio Potential Energy and Discrete Variable Representation
Authors: Jeon Kiyoung , Yang Mino
Published: December 2018

The fundamental and first overtone transition frequencies of local OH bonds of the hydrogen bond donor molecule in a water dimer were calculated by numerically solving one‐dimensional Schrödinger equation with anharmonic potential energies obtained by ab initio quantum chemical methods at the near basis set limit. Among the various ab initio theories considered, the coupled cluster theory is found to give the most accurate frequencies in comparison with experiments, and the quadratic configuration interaction theory exhibits a similar accuracy. The calculated frequencies of the free and hydrogen‐bonded OH bonds excellently agree with experimental frequencies of a gaseous dimer. It was found that the anharmonicity of the fundamental transition frequency is influenced by hydrogen bonding to a larger extent than the anharmonicity of the 1–2 transition frequency.
Cross‐talk of healthy and impaired human tissues for dissection of disease pathogenesis
Authors: Zoso Alice , Zambon Alessandro , Gagliano Onelia , Giulitti Stefano , Prevedello Luca , Fadini Gian Paolo , Luni Camilla , Elvassore Nicola
Published: December 2018

Systemic diseases affect multiple tissues that interact with each other within a network difficult to explore at the body level. However, understanding the interdependences between tissues could be of high relevance for drug target identification, especially at the first stages of disease development. In vitro systems have the advantages of accessibility to measurements and precise controllability of culture conditions, but currently have limitations in mimicking human in vivo systemic tissue response. In this work, we present an in vitro model of cross‐talk between an ex vivo culture of adipose tissue from an obese donor and a skeletal muscle in vitro model from a healthy donor. This is relevant to understand type 2 diabetes mellitus pathogenesis, as obesity is one of its main risk factors. The human adipose tissue biopsy was maintained as a three‐dimensional culture for 48 h. Its conditioned culture medium was used to stimulate a human skeletal muscle‐on‐chip, developed by differentiating primary cells of a patient's biopsy under topological cues and molecular self‐regulation. This system has been characterized to demonstrate its ability to mimic important features of the normal skeletal muscle response in vivo. We then found that the conditioned medium from a diseased adipose tissue is able to perturb the normal insulin sensitivity of a healthy skeletal muscle, as reported in the early stages of diabetes onset. In perspective, this work represents an important step toward the development of technological platforms that allow to study and dissect the systemic interaction between unhealthy and healthy tissues in vitro. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2766, 2019.