bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Om vegetasjonsforstyrrelser: Konsekvenser for bevaringen av arkeologisk kontekstinformasjon i norske jordsmonn
Authors: Jørgensen Erlend Kirkeng
Published: November 2017

Regarding vegetation disturbances: The consequences for the preservation of archaeological contextual information in Norwegian soilsThis paper presents a general overview of tree root disturbances of archaeological contexts in Norwegian soils. The aim is to synthesize current knowledge on root action and particularly tree throw disturbances within general formation theory, in order to raise awareness of its potential impact on archaeological deposits and soil stratigraphy. The proposed need to pay minute attention to floral turbation in Norwegian archaeology is substantiated by presenting cases and illustrations from Norwegian development-led excavations. The paper discusses three central topics: 1) What properties may be expected to characterize floralinduced soil turbation? 2) What are the general causes and properties of tree throw? 3) How may floral turbation be identified in archaeological contexts? The paper ends by presenting some minor methodological propositions in the hope of easing the identification of floral turbation in archaeology. It is argued that by implementing low-cost stratigraphic investigations as part of the normal procedure of excavation, we may become more successful in controlling for post-depositional disturbances, accumulate a better understanding of site formation processes and ultimately achieve more realistic and interesting cultural interpretations of the archaeological record.
Rheological study on CO2 hydrate slurries for secondary refrigeration
Authors: Salehy Yasmine , Clain Pascal , Boufares Amokrane , Osswald Véronique , Delahaye Anthony , Fournaison Laurence
Published: November 2017

To help the fight against climate change, the Kigali deal has planned to eliminate hydrofluorocarbon’s use (HFC) in industrial systems. HFCs are powerful greenhouse gases with a high global warming potential. Moreover, HFCs are commonly used as a refrigerant within secondary refrigeration processes for cold production. A solution to limit their negative environmental impact would be to reduce the amount of HFC by using a phase change slurries (PCS) in the secondary loop. A PCS is composed of solid phase change particles (solid-liquid) in a liquid transportation phase. Clathrate hydrates are crystalline particles where gas molecules are trapped in water cages. Due to their high energy densities, hydrate slurries, in particular CO2 hydrates, are relevant twophase secondary fluids because they enhance the energy efficiency of secondary refrigeration systems. In this study, the rheological behaviour of CO2 hydrate slurries in various experimental conditions on a dynamic loop for cold distribution was investigated. An exhaustive state-of-the-art rheological study of hydrate slurries in aqueous solution has pointed out that hydrate slurries are non-Newtonian fluids. However, the rheological behaviour could be different for the same kind of hydrate slurry according to the literature. Moreover, the literature review also highlighted that the most used measurement method for the apparent viscosity is the capillary viscometer. We used a semi-empirical Herschel-Bulkley’s model for determining the apparent viscosity of the CO2 hydrate slurry as a function of the hydrate slurry fraction. This work is primordial for designing and sizing a new efficient refrigeration system based on this innovative material.
The influence of different nitrogen forms and application time on winter wheat
Authors: Smalstienė Vita , Pranckietienė Irena , Dromantienė Rūta , Šidlauskas Gvidas
Published: November 2017

The research was carried out at the Experimental Station of Aleksandras Stulginskis University during 2015–2016 on medium textured loamy carbonaceous leached soil – Cal(ca)ri-Epihypogleyic Luvisols. The soil of the experimental field was the following: pHKCl 6.8–7.2; phosphorus (P2O5) – 423– 429 mg kg–1; potassium (K2O) – 157–163 mg kg–1; humus – 2.47–2.82%. The researchers explored the winter wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.) variety ‘Skagen’ fertilized with amide (N-NH2), ammonium (N-NH4) and nitrate (N-NO3) forms of nitrogen fertilizers in different tillering stages (BBCH 21–29).
7 days after winter wheat was fertilized, the level of mineral nitrogen in the soil was on average 23.9% higher using ammonium–nitrate nitrogen form fertilizers than using amide nitrogen form ones. The index of chlorophyll and the area of leafs were essentially higher when ammonium– nitrate and amide forms of nitrogen fertilizers were used. The biggest effect on the index of chlorophyll and the area of leafs was achieved 16 days after the start of vegetation when plants were fertilized with ammonium–nitrate fertilizers. Plants fertilized with ammonium–nitrate fertilizers gave the biggest yield 4 days after the start of vegetation. Data of the experiment showed strong and statistically reliable bonds of the correlation between the grain yield and the time of fertilization with nitrogen fertilizers (ήamide nitrogen fertilizers = 0.850* and ήammonium–nitrate fertilizers = 0.878*).
Evaluation of biodegradability and stability of biodiesel fuel and its mixtures
Authors: Kazanceva Irina , Sendžikienė Eglė , Sendžikaitė Ieva
Published: November 2017

Global warming has forced humanity to care for greenhouse gas emission reductions, at the same time the production and use of biofuels. One of the positive environmental properties of biofuels is fast biological degradation. Biological degradability of pure rapeseed oil fatty acid butyl esters (RBE) within 28 days is 70% and such product meets the requirements for biofuel. During the same period, only 26% of mineral diesel fuel (D) is decomposed. Multi-component fuel containing up to 30% biofuel is less biodegradable and specified as a partially biodegradable material. The peroxide and acid number of pure biodiesel is growing rapidly when aging compared to that of mineral diesel and multicomponent fuel mixtures. The acid number of pure rapeseed oil fatty acid methyl esters (RME) was higher than the standard requirements after 3 weeks of storage. The acid number of mixtures containing 15% RME (RME15B15D70) and RBE (RBE15B15D70 and RBE25B25D50) was less than 0.5 mg KOH/g–1 after 8 weeks of storage. Multi-component fuel is more resistant to oxidation than pure biodiesel fuel.
El patrimonio fenicio-púnico. Claves para su socialización, puesta en valor y uso didáctico.
Authors: Jiménez Vialás Helena
Published: November 2017

Este trabajo reivindica el patrimonio fenicio-púnico como una parte esencial del legado cultural europeo, subrayando el vínculo indisoluble del sur de Europa con el resto de países de la cuenca mediterránea. Mediante la caracterización de los rasgos históricos de este pueblo y el análisis de una serie de ejemplos relacionados con la educación, el medioambiente y el turismo, se pretende ilustrar sobre el potencial del patrimonio fenicio-púnico para la promoción, tanto en el ámbito de la educación formal como no formal, de valores cívicos y ambientales.

This paper vindicates the role of Phoenician-Punic heritage as an important part of the European cultural legacy, since it embodies the link between our continent and the rest of Mediterranean countries. By means of historical analyses and practical examples related to teaching, environment and tourism, I intend to show its potential in the transmission of different experiences and democratic values such as diversity, innovation and environmental adaptation.
Acquérir, évaluer et conserver des photographies dans un milieu de santé et de services sociaux
Authors: Gadoury Nancy
Published: November 2017

Nancy Gadoury, bibliothécaire et archiviste au Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Lanaudière, nous présente les étapes qui ont mené à la diffusion de photographies conservées au fil des années par les différentes entités composant le centre. À la suite d’une réorganisation administrative des établissements de santé et de services sociaux, un projet de gestion des documents administratifs a été mis en branle, projet qui comprenait, en plus de la révision des outils de gestion documentaire et du réaménagement des locaux, le traitement et la diffusion de la collection de photographies. L’auteure survole donc les moyens mis en oeuvre pour atteindre cet objectif, dans un contexte où les ressources sont limitées. La collection comprenant plus de 11000 photographies, dont certaines conservées dans des conditions mettant en danger leur conservation à long terme, le travail a été organisé en tenant compte du contexte particulier des milieux de santé. Ce contexte a notamment eu un impact sur les critères de tri ainsi que sur la façon de classer et de décrire les pièces. L’équipe en charge de ce projet a dû faire appel à de nombreux employés actuels et retraités afin de procéder à l’indexation des photographies de façon plus précise. Ce texte expose les réussites ainsi que les difficultés rencontrées dans ce processus et dresse un bilan somme toute positif de l’expérience compte tenu du potentiel évocateur des images et de la lumière différente qu’elles jettent sur les services de santé qui sont souvent perçus négativement par le public.
T2N as a new tool for robust electrophysiological modeling demonstrated for mature and adult-born dentate granule cells
Authors: Beining Marcel , Mongiat Lucas Alberto , Schwarzacher Stephan Wolfgang , Cuntz Hermann , Jedlicka Peter
Published: November 2017

Compartmental models are the theoretical tool of choice for understanding single neuron computations. However, many models are incomplete, built ad hoc and require tuning for each novel condition rendering them of limited usability. Here, we present T2N, a powerful interface to control NEURON with Matlab and TREES toolbox, which supports generating models stable over a broad range of reconstructed and synthetic morphologies. We illustrate this for a novel, highly detailed active model of dentate granule cells (GCs) replicating a wide palette of experiments from various labs. By implementing known differences in ion channel composition and morphology, our model reproduces data from mouse or rat, mature or adult-born GCs as well as pharmacological interventions and epileptic conditions. This work sets a new benchmark for detailed compartmental modeling. T2N is suitable for creating robust models useful for large-scale networks that could lead to novel predictions. We discuss possible T2N application in degeneracy studies.
Interpreting Impoliteness: Interpreters’ Voices
Authors: Felberg Tatjana Radanović , Šarić Ljiljana
Published: November 2017

Interpreters in the public sector in Norway interpret in a variety of institutional encounters, and the interpreters evaluate the majority of these encounters as polite. However, some encounters are evaluated as impolite, and they pose challenges when it comes to interpreting impoliteness. This issue raises the question of whether interpreters should take a stance on their own evaluation of impoliteness and whether they should interfere in communication. In order to find out more about how interpreters cope with this challenge, in 2014 a survey was sent to all interpreters registered in the Norwegian Register of Interpreters. The survey data were analyzed within the theoretical framework of impoliteness theory using the notion of moral order as an explanatory tool in a close reading of interpreters’ answers. The analysis shows that interpreters reported using a variety of strategies for interpreting impoliteness, including omissions and downtoning. However, the interpreters also gave examples of individual strategies for coping with impoliteness, such as interrupting and postponing interpreting. These strategies border behavioral strategies and conflict with the Norwegian ethical guidelines for interpreting. In light of the ethical guidelines and actual practice, mapping and discussing different strategies used by interpreters might heighten interpreters’ and interpreter-users’ awareness of the role impoliteness can play in institutional interpreter– mediated encounters.
(Im)politeness between copy-editors and translators: Working from different islands?
Authors: Solum Kristina
Published: November 2017

This article addresses the nature of the interaction between translators and copy-editors in the process preceding the publication of literary translations in Norway. The copy-editing of translations is here understood as a potentially face-threatening act. The aim of the article is to take copy-editors’ politeness strategies and translators’ experiences with impoliteness and relate them to the professional role of copy-editors. The material for the study consists of nine translation drafts with copy-editors’ comments and changes, and 14 semi-structured qualitative interviews with copy-editors, translators and publishing editors. The study employs quantitative and qualitative analyses and compares data from the translation drafts, described in positive terms by those who produced it, with accounts of negative experiences from the copy-editing process, as accounted for in the qualitative interviews. I argue that both copy-editors and translators are well aware of the potential for conflict in the copy-editing process. Experienced copy-editors therefore tend to be very polite, which can be regarded as an aspect of their acquired communicative competence. I also argue that some of the negative experiences of copy-editors and translators may be linked to the overall low degree of professionalization of Norwegian copy-editors as an occupational group.
Assessment of brain functional connectome alternations and correlation with depression and anxiety in major depressive disorders
Authors: Chen Vincent Chin-Hung , Shen Chao-Yu , Liang Sophie Hsin-Yi , Li Zhen-Hui , Hsieh Ming-Hong , Tyan Yeu-Sheng , Lu Mong-Liang , Lee Yena , McIntyre Roger S. , Weng Jun-Cheng
Published: November 2017

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly prevalent, recurrent, and associated with functional impairment, morbidity, and mortality. Herein, we aimed to identify disruptions in functional connectomics among subjects with MDD by using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Sixteen subjects with MDD and thirty health controls completed resting-state fMRI scans and clinical assessments (e.g., Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)). We found higher amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) bilaterally in the hippocampus and amygdala among MDD subjects when compared to healthy controls. Using graph theoretical analysis, we found decreased clustering coefficient, local efficiency, and transitivity in the MDD patients. Our findings suggest a potential biomarker for differentiating individuals with MDD from individuals without MDD.
Approaches to Female Congenital Genital Tract Anomalies and Complications
Authors: Ince Emine , Oğuzkurt Pelin , Ezer Semire Serin , Temiz Abdülkerim , Gezer Hasan Özkan , Demir Şenay , Hiçsönmez Akgün
Published: November 2017

Objective:

Female congenital genital tract anomalies may appear with quite confusing and deceptive complications. This study aims to evaluate the difficulties in diagnosis and treatment of female congenital genital tract anomalies that frequently present with complications.

During a 10-year period, we evaluated 20 female patients with congenital genital tract anomalies aged between 3 days and 16 years. All patients were retrospectively analyzed in terms of the results of diagnostic studies, surgical intervention, and treatment.

Methods:

Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed hydromucocolpos or hematocolpometra, imperforate hymen, distal vaginal atresia, didelphys uterus, an obstructed right hemivagina, uterovaginal atresia, a unicornuate uterus with a noncommunicating rudimentary horn, a vesicovaginal fistula, a utero-rectal fistula, intraabdominal collection, and a vaginal calculus.

Results:

Two patients had Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome and 6 patients had obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly syndrome. Definitive surgical interventions were hymenotomy, vaginal pull-through, vaginovaginostomy, and vesicovaginal fistula repair using a transvesical approach. In conclusion, female congenital genital tract anomalies may appear with a wide range of complications.

Conclusions:

There is a potential to do significant harm, if the patient's anatomic problems are not understood using detailed imaging. Revealing the anatomy completely and defining the complications that have already developed are critical to tailor the optimal treatment strategies and surgical approaches.
Biphase Cobalt–Manganese Oxide with High Capacity and Rate Performance for Aqueous Sodium‐Ion Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Shan Xiaoqiang , Charles Daniel S. , Xu Wenqian , Feygenson Mikhail , Su Dong , Teng Xiaowei
Published: November 2017

Manganese‐based metal oxide electrode materials are of great importance in electrochemical energy storage for their favorable redox behavior, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, their storage capacity and cycle life in aqueous Na‐ion electrolytes is not satisfactory. Herein, the development of a biphase cobalt–manganese oxide (CoMnO) nanostructured electrode material is reported, comprised of a layered MnO2⋅H2O birnessite phase and a (Co0.83Mn0.13Va0.04)tetra(Co0.38Mn1.62)octaO3.72 (Va: vacancy; tetra: tetrahedral sites; octa: octahedral sites) spinel phase, verified by neutron total scattering and pair distribution function analyses. The biphase CoMnO material demonstrates an excellent storage capacity toward Na‐ions in an aqueous electrolyte (121 mA h g−1 at a scan rate of 1 mV s−1 in the half‐cell and 81 mA h g−1 at a current density of 2 A g−1 after 5000 cycles in full‐cells), as well as high rate performance (57 mA h g−1 a rate of 360 C). Electrokinetic analysis and in situ X‐ray diffraction measurements further confirm that the synergistic interaction between the spinel and layered phases, as well as the vacancy of the tetrahedral sites of spinel phase, contribute to the improved capacity and rate performance of the CoMnO material by facilitating both diffusion‐limited redox and capacitive charge storage processes.
High‐Performance Ultrathin Flexible Solid‐State Supercapacitors Based on Solution Processable Mo1.33C MXene and PEDOT:PSS
Authors: Qin Leiqiang , Tao Quanzheng , El Ghazaly Ahmed , Fernandez‐Rodriguez Julia , Persson Per O. Å. , Rosen Johanna , Zhang Fengling
Published: November 2017

MXenes, a young family of 2D transition metal carbides/nitrides, show great potential in electrochemical energy storage applications. Herein, a high performance ultrathin flexible solid‐state supercapacitor is demonstrated based on a Mo1.33C MXene with vacancy ordering in an aligned layer structure MXene/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS) composite film posttreated with concentrated H2SO4. The flexible solid‐state supercapacitor delivers a maximum capacitance of 568 F cm−3, an ultrahigh energy density of 33.2 mWh cm−3 and a power density of 19 470 mW cm−3. The Mo1.33C MXene/PEDOT:PSS composite film shows a reduction in resistance upon H2SO4 treatment, a higher capacitance (1310 F cm−3) and improved rate capabilities than both pristine Mo1.33C MXene and the nontreated Mo1.33C/PEDOT:PSS composite films. The enhanced capacitance and stability are attributed to the synergistic effect of increased interlayer spacing between Mo1.33C MXene layers due to insertion of conductive PEDOT, and surface redox processes of the PEDOT and the MXene.
Pristine Metal–Organic Frameworks and their Composites for Energy Storage and Conversion
Authors: Liang Zibin , Qu Chong , Guo Wenhan , Zou Ruqiang , Xu Qiang
Published: November 2017

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a new class of crystalline porous organic–inorganic hybrid materials, have recently attracted increasing interest in the field of energy storage and conversion. Herein, recent progress of MOFs and MOF composites for energy storage and conversion applications, including photochemical and electrochemical fuel production (hydrogen production and CO2 reduction), water oxidation, supercapacitors, and Li‐based batteries (Li‐ion, Li–S, and Li–O2 batteries), is summarized. Typical development strategies (e.g., incorporation of active components, design of smart morphologies, and judicious selection of organic linkers and metal nodes) of MOFs and MOF composites for particular energy storage and conversion applications are highlighted. A broad overview of recent progress is provided, which will hopefully promote the future development of MOFs and MOF composites for advanced energy storage and conversion applications.
Alkene 1,2‐Difunctionalization by Radical Alkenyl Migration
Authors: Tang Xinjun , Studer Armido
Published: November 2017

Transition‐metal‐free radical α‐perfluoroalkylation with the accompanying vicinal β‐alkenylation of unactivated alkenes is presented. These radical cascades proceed by means of 1,4‐ or 1,5‐alkenyl migration by electron catalysis on readily accessed allylic alcohols. The reactions comprise a regioselective perfluoroalkyl radical addition with subsequent alkenyl migration and concomitant deprotonation to generate a ketyl radical anion that sustains the chain as a single‐electron‐transfer reducing reagent.
Epoxy composite foams with excellent electromagnetic interference shielding and heat‐resistance performance
Authors: Pan Jingkai , Xu Yu , Bao Jianjun
Published: November 2017

Epoxy composite foams with improved heat‐resistant property and efficient electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) were fabricated through a two‐step foaming technique. A sort of novel and untraditional expandable microspheres was adopted to reduce the density of prepared materials. A multiscale conductive network system composed of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and nickel‐plated carbon fibers (NiCFs) was introduced in these foams. Benefitting from the synergistic effect between NiCFs and MWCNTs, the multiscale epoxy foam with best comprehensive performance achieved a greatly enhanced Tg at 178.3 °C and an exceptional specific EMI SE ranging from 52.8 to 72.6 dB cm3 g−1 in X band (8.2–12.4 GHz) at low filler loading. These properties are greatly better than original epoxy foam with a Tg of 157.8 °C and specific EMI SE of 1.0–6.4 dB cm3 g−1. Their shielding mechanisms were discussed and the results showed that reflection is dominating. The effects of microspheres content, foaming temperature, NiCFs content, and length were investigated. In general, we provided a feasible, convenient and cost‐effective method to fabricate light‐weight, heat‐resistant thermosetting epoxy foams with sufficient EMI shielding performance which has a potential to be applied in aerospace or electronic devices. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46013.
Simultaneous determination and method validation of clethodim and its metabolites clethodim sulfoxide and clethodim sulfone in tobacco by LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Wang Fei , Yang Guoqiang , Xu Jin , Yu Weiwei , Shi Lihong , Zeng Song , Chen Lingzhu , Hu Deyu , Zhang Kankan
Published: November 2017

A simple method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of clethodim, clethodim sulfoxide, and clethodim sulfone in soil and tobacco by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The three target compounds were extracted from tobacco and soil with acetonitrile, and the extracts were purified using octadecyl silane. The proposed method showed satisfactory linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9973) for the target compounds. The limits of detection and quantitation of the three analytes in all matrices were 0.024−0.06 and 0.08−0.2 mg/kg, respectively. The recovery was tested in blank soil and tobacco leaf samples and calculated to be 74.8–104.4% with relative standard deviations of 1.9–12.1%. The developed method was successfully applied to the analysis of residues of clethodim, clethodim sulfoxide and clethodim sulfone in real soil and tobacco samples. The results indicated that the developed method can meet the requirements for the analysis of trace amounts of all three analytes in soil and tobacco.
Statistical optimization of an RP‐HPLC method for the determination of selected flavonoids in berry juices and evaluation of their antioxidant activities
Authors: Ciric Andrija , Jelikic‐Stankov Milena , Cvijovic Milica , Djurdjevic Predrag
Published: November 2017

An isocratic RP‐HPLC method for the separation and identification of selected flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside, kaempferol and kaempferol‐3‐O‐glucoside) in commercial berry juices (blackcurrant, blueberry, red raspberry and cherry) was developed with the aid of central composite design and response surface methodology. The optimal separation conditions were a mobile phase of 85:15 (% v/v) water–acetonitrile, pH 2.8 (adjusted with formic acid), flow rate 0.5 mL min−1 and column temperature 35°C. The obtained levels of bioflavonoids (mg per 100 mL of juice) were as follows: for quercetin, ca. 0.21–5.12; for kaempferol, ca. 0.05–1.2; for rutin, ca. 0.4–6.5; for luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside, ca. 5.6–10.2; and for kaempferol‐3‐O‐glucoside, ca. 0.02–0.12. These are considerably lower than the values in fresh fruits. Total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents were determined spectrophotometrically. Total flavonoid content varied as follows: blackcurrant > blueberry > red raspberry > cherry. The antioxidant activity of juice extracts (DPPH and ABTS methods) expressed as IC50 values varied from 8.56 to 14.05 mg L−1. These values are ~2.5–3 times lower than quercetin, ascorbic acid and Trolox®, but compared with rutin and butylhydroxytoluene, berries show similar or better antioxidant activity by both the DPPH and ABTS methods.
Comparative Study of Fatty Acids Profile in Eleven Wild Mushrooms of Boletacea and Russulaceae Families
Authors: Dimitrijevic Marija V. , Mitic Violeta D. , Jovanovic Olga P. , Stankov Jovanovic Vesna P. , Nikolic Jelena S. , Petrovic Goran M. , Stojanovic Gordana S.
Published: November 2017

Eleven species of wild mushrooms which belong to Boletaceae and Russulaceae families were examined by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis for the presence of fatty acids. As far as we know, the fatty acid profiles of B. purpureus and B. rhodoxanthus were described for the first time. Twenty‐six fatty acids were determined. Linoleic (19.5 – 72%), oleic (0.11 – 64%), palmitic (5.9 – 22%) and stearic acids (0.81 – 57%) were present in the highest contents. In all samples, unsaturated fatty acids dominate. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering was used to display the correlation between the fatty acids and their relationships with the mushroom species. Based on the fatty acids profile in the samples, the mushrooms can be divided into two families: Boletaceae and Russulaceae families, using cluster analysis.
Nitrogen Reduction to Ammonia on a Biomimetic Mononuclear Iron Centre: Insights into the Nitrogenase Enzyme
Authors: Kaczmarek Monika A. , Malhotra Abheek , Balan G. Alex , Timmins Amy , de Visser Sam P.
Published: November 2017

Nitrogenases catalyse nitrogen fixation to ammonia on a multinuclear Fe‐Mo centre, but their mechanism and particularly the order of proton and electron transfer processes that happen during the catalytic cycle is still unresolved. Recently, a unique biomimetic mononuclear iron model was developed using tris(phosphine)borate (TPB) ligands that was shown to convert N2 into NH3. Herein, we present a computational study on the [(TPB)FeN2]− complex and describe its conversion into ammonia through the addition of electrons and protons. In particular, we tested the consecutive proton transfer on only the distal nitrogen atom or alternated protonation of the distal/proximal nitrogen. It is found that the lowest energy pathway is consecutive addition of three protons to the same site, which forms ammonia and an iron‐nitrido complex. In addition, the proton transfer step of complexes with the metal in various oxidation and spin states were tested and show that the pKa values of biomimetic mononuclear nitrogenase intermediates vary little with iron oxidation states. As such, the model gives several possible NH3 formation pathways depending on the order of electron/proton transfer, and all should be physically accessible in the natural system. These results may have implications for enzymatic nitrogenases and give insight into the catalytic properties of mononuclear iron centres.
Isolation of Cp*CoIII–Alkenyl Intermediate in Efficient Cobalt‐Catalyzed C−H Alkenylation with Alkynes
Authors: Sen Malay , Rajesh Nimmakuri , Emayavaramban Balakumar , Premkumar J. Richard , Sundararaju Basker
Published: November 2017

A general and efficient procedure for C−H alkenylation of arenes with a broad substrate scope catalyzed by Cp*CoIII was demonstrated with alkynes. A highly selective mono‐alkenylation and sequential bis‐C−H bond functionalization was displayed to exemplify the versatility of the cobalt catalyst. Isolation of cationic Cp*CoIII–alkenyl intermediate was achieved under identical catalytic conditions to further establish the proposed pathway.
Peroxygenase‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Sulfoxidations
Authors: Bassanini Ivan , Ferrandi Erica Elisa , Vanoni Marta , Ottolina Gianluca , Riva Sergio , Crotti Michele , Brenna Elisabetta , Monti Daniela
Published: November 2017

The performances of the unspecific peroxigenase from Agrocybe aegerita (AaeUPO) in the asymmetric sulfoxidation of substituted aryl alkyl sulfides were here investigated. A small library of differently substituted aryl alkyl sulfoxides was successfully synthesized from the corresponding sulfides in the presence of AaeUPO and H2O2. All the sulfoxides were obtained as (R)‐enantiomers, regardless the substitution pattern both on the aromatic ring and the alkyl chain, in up to > 99 % conversion and > 99 % ee. An overview about the biocatalytic entries to chiral sulfoxides is also presented here in form of a comparison between the results obtained with AaeUPO and performances of the chloroperoxidase from Caldariomyces fumago, and three different Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenases. To the best our knowledge, this is the first example of a systematic investigation of the AaeUPO synthetic potential in the asymmetric oxidation of hetero atoms, i.e., the pro‐stereogenic sulfur of sulfides.
Constrained Cyclic β,γ‐Diamino Acids from Glutamic Acid: Synthesis of Both Diastereomers and Unexpected Kinetic Resolution
Authors: Wan Yang , Auberger Nicolas , Thétiot‐Laurent Sophie , Bouillère Francelin , Zulauf Anaïs , He Jiefang , Courtiol‐Legourd Stéphanie , Guillot Régis , Kouklovsky Cyrille , Cote des Combes Sylvain , Pacaud Christophe , Devillers Ingrid , Alezra Valérie
Published: November 2017

We describe here an efficient synthesis of both diastereomers of cyclic β,γ‐diamino acids starting from l‐glutamic acid, based on the Blaise reaction. We show that by changing the protecting group, we can access either the five‐membered‐ring lactam, which can be used as a β‐amino acid, or the six‐membered‐ring lactam, as a γ‐amino acid. We also discovered an interesting kinetic resolution during the synthesis that allowed easier separation of diastereomers. The products can be easily used in peptide synthesis, and a tetramer with alternating trans cyclic γ‐amino acid and AIB (2‐aminoisobutyric acid) residues was synthesized.
The function of contactin‐2/TAG‐1 in oligodendrocytes in health and demyelinating pathology
Authors: Zoupi Lida , Savvaki Maria , Kalemaki Katerina , Kalafatakis Ilias , Sidiropoulou Kyriaki , Karagogeos Domna
Published: November 2017

The oligodendrocyte maturation process and the transition from the pre‐myelinating to the myelinating state are extremely important during development and in pathology. In the present study, we have investigated the role of the cell adhesion molecule CNTN2/TAG‐1 on oligodendrocyte proliferation, differentiation, myelination, and function during development and under pathological conditions. With the combination of in vivo, in vitro, ultrastructural, and electrophysiological methods, we have mapped the expression of CNTN2 protein in the oligodendrocyte lineage during the different stages of myelination and its involvement on oligodendrocyte maturation, branching, myelin‐gene expression, myelination, and axonal function. The cuprizone model of central nervous system demyelination was further used to assess CNTN2 in pathology. During development, CNTN2 can transiently affect the expression levels of myelin and myelin‐regulating genes, while its absence results in reduced oligodendrocyte branching, hypomyelination of fiber tracts and impaired axonal conduction. In pathology, CNTN2 absence does not affect the extent of de‐ and remyelination. However during remyelination, a novel, CNTN2‐independent mechanism is revealed that is able to recluster voltage gated potassium channels (VGKCs) resulting in the improvement of fiber conduction.
Functional connectivity changes following interpersonal reactivity
Authors: Krause A. L. , Colic L. , Borchardt V. , Li M. , Strauss B. , Buchheim A. , Wildgruber D. , Fonagy P. , Nolte T. , Walter M.
Published: November 2017

Attachment experiences substantially influence emotional and cognitive development. Narratives comprising attachment‐dependent content were proposed to modulate activation of cognitive‐emotional schemata in listeners. We studied the effects after listening to prototypical attachment narratives on wellbeing and countertransference‐reactions in 149 healthy participants. Neural correlates of these cognitive‐emotional schema activations were investigated in a 7 Tesla rest‐task‐rest fMRI‐study (23 healthy males) using functional connectivity (FC) analysis of the social approach network (seed regions: left and right Caudate Nucleus, CN). Reduced FC between left CN and bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) represented a general effect of prior auditory stimulation. After presentation of the insecure‐dismissing narrative, FC between left CN and bilateral temporo‐parietal junction, and right dorsal posterior Cingulum was reduced, compared to baseline. Post‐narrative FC‐patterns of insecure‐dismissing and insecure‐preoccupied narratives differed in strength between left CN and right DLPFC. Neural correlates of the moderating effect of individual attachment anxiety were represented in a reduced CN‐DLPFC FC as a function of individual neediness‐levels. These findings suggest specific neural processing of prolonged mood‐changes and schema activation induced by attachment‐specific speech patterns. Individual desire for interpersonal proximity was predicted by attachment anxiety and furthermore modulated FC of the social approach network in those exposed to such narratives.
Influence of ventral tegmental area input on cortico‐subcortical networks underlying action control and decision making
Authors: Richter Anja , Gruber Oliver
Published: November 2017

It is argued that the mesolimbic system has a more general function in processing all salient events, including and extending beyond rewards. Saliency was defined as an event that is unexpected due to its frequency of occurrence and elicits an attentional‐behavioral switch. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), signals were measured in response to the modulation of salience of rewarding and nonrewarding events during a reward‐based decision making task, the so called desire‐reason dilemma paradigm (DRD). Replicating previous findings, both frequent and infrequent, and therefore salient, reward stimuli elicited reliable activation of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and ventral striatum (vStr). When immediate reward desiring contradicted the superordinate task‐goal, we found an increased activation of the VTA and vStr when the salient reward stimuli were presented compared to the nonsalient reward stimuli, indicating a boosting of activation in these brain regions. Furthermore, we found a significantly increased functional connectivity between the VTA and vStr, confirming the boosting of vStr activation via VTA input. Moreover, saliency per se without a reward association led to an increased activation of brain regions in the mesolimbic reward system as well as the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Finally, findings uncovered multiple increased functional interactions between cortical saliency‐processing brain areas and the VTA and vStr underlying detection and processing of salient events and adaptive decision making.
External validation of the ITA.LI.CA prognostic system for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Borzio Mauro , Dionigi Elena , Rossini Angelo , Marignani Massimo , Sacco Rodolfo , De Sio Ilario , Bertolini Emanuela , Francica Giampiero , Giacomin Anna , Parisi Giancarlo , Vicari Susanna , Toldi Anna , Salmi Andrea , Boccia Sergio , Mitra Mario , Fornari Fabio
Published: November 2017

Several staging systems for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been developed. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system is considered the best in predicting survival, although limitations have emerged. Recently, the Italian Liver Cancer (ITA.LI.CA) prognostic system, integrating ITA.LI.CA tumor staging (stages 0, A, B1‐3, C) with the Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh score, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, and alpha‐fetoprotein with a strong ability to predict survival, was proposed. The aim of our study was to provide an external validation of the ITA.LI.CA system in an independent real‐life occidental cohort of HCCs. From September 2008 to April 2016, 1,508 patients with cirrhosis and incident HCC were consecutively enrolled in 27 Italian institutions. Clinical, tumor, and treatment‐related variables were collected, and patients were stratified according to scores of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system, ITA.LI.CA prognostic system, Hong Kong Liver Cancer system, Cancer of the Liver Italian Program, Japanese Integrated System, and model to estimate survival in ambulatory patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Harrell's C‐index, Akaike information criterion, and likelihood‐ratio test were used to compare the predictive ability of the different systems. A subgroup analysis for treatment category (curative versus palliative) was performed. Median follow‐up was 44 months (interquartile range, 23‐63 months), and median overall survival was 34 months (interquartile range, 13‐82 months). Median age was 71 years, and patients were mainly male individuals and hepatitis C virus carriers. According to ITA.LI.CA tumor staging, 246 patients were in stage 0, 472 were in stage A, 657 were in stages B1/3, and 133 were in stage C. The ITA.LI.CA prognostic system showed the best discriminatory ability (C‐index = 0.77) and monotonicity of gradients compared to other systems, and its superiority was also confirmed after stratification for treatment strategy. Conclusion: This is the first study that independently validated the ITA.LI.CA prognostic system in a large cohort of Western patients with incident HCCs. The ITA.LI.CA system performed better than other multidimensional prognostic systems, even after stratification by curative or palliative treatment. This new system appears to be particularly useful for predicting individual HCC prognosis in clinical practice. (Hepatology 2018;67:2215‐2225)
Sex differences in children's toy preferences: A systematic review, meta‐regression, and meta‐analysis
Authors: Todd Brenda K. , Fischer Rico A. , Di Costa Steven , Roestorf Amanda , Harbour Kate , Hardiman Paul , Barry John A.
Published: November 2017

From an early age, most children choose to play with toys typed to their own gender. In order to identify variables that predict toy preference, we conducted a meta‐analysis of observational studies of the free selection of toys by boys and girls aged between 1 and 8 years. From an initial pool of 1788 papers, 16 studies (787 boys and 813 girls) met our inclusion criteria. We found that boys played with male‐typed toys more than girls did (Cohen's d = 1.03, p < .0001) and girls played with female‐typed toys more than boys did (Cohen's d = −0.91, p < .0001). Meta‐regression showed no significant effect of presence of an adult, study context, geographical location of the study, publication date, child's age, or the inclusion of gender‐neutral toys. However, further analysis of data for boys and girls separately revealed that older boys played more with male‐typed toys relative to female‐typed toys than did younger boys (β = .68, p < .0001). Additionally, an effect of the length of time since study publication was found: girls played more with female‐typed toys in earlier studies than in later studies (β = .70, p < .0001), whereas boys played more with male‐typed toys (β = .46, p < .05) in earlier studies than in more recent studies. Boys also played with male‐typed toys less when observed in the home than in a laboratory (β = −.46, p < .05). Findings are discussed in terms of possible contributions of environmental influences and age‐related changes in boys' and girls' toy preferences.

Highlights

Gender differences in toy choice exist and appear to be the product of both innate and social forces.

Despite methodological variation in the choice and number of toys offered, context of testing, and age of child, the consistency in finding sex differences in children's preferences for toys typed to their own gender indicates the strength of this phenomenon and the likelihood that has a biological origin.

The time playing with male‐typed toys increased as boys got older, but the same pattern was not found in girls; this indicates that stereotypical social effects may persist longer for boys or that there is a stronger biological predisposition for certain play styles in boys.
ARHGEF19 interacts with BRAF to activate MAPK signaling during the tumorigenesis of non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Li Yingchang , Ye Zhihua , Chen Shuai , Pan Zhiwen , Zhou Qianghua , Li Yi‐Zhuo , Shuai Wen‐di , Kuang Chun‐Mei , Peng Qi‐Hua , Shi Wei , Mao Xueli , Liu Ran‐Yi , Huang Wenlin
Published: November 2017

Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs) are proteins that activate Rho GTPases in response to extracellular stimuli and regulate various biologic processes. ARHGEF19, one of RhoGEFs, was reported to activate RhoA in the Wnt‐PCP pathway controlling convergent extension in Xenopus gastrulation. The goal of our study was to identify the role and molecular mechanisms of ARHGEF19 in the tumorigenesis of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). ARHGEF19 expression was significantly elevated in NSCLC tissues, and ARHGEF19 levels were significantly associated with lymph node status, distant metastasis and TNM stage; Patients with high ARHGEF19 levels had poor overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS). Our investigations revealed that ARHGEF19 overexpression promoted the cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis of lung cancer cells, whereas knockdown of this gene inhibited these processes. Mechanistically, ARHGEF19 activated the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in a RhoA‐independent manner: ARHGEF19 interacted with BRAF and facilitated the phosphorylation of its downstream kinase MEK1/2; both the Dbl homology (DH) and Pleckstrin homology (PH) domains of ARHGEF19 were indispensable for the phosphorylation of MEK1/2. Furthermore, downregulation of miR‐29b was likely responsible for the increased expression of ARHGEF19 in lung cancer tissues and, consequently, the abnormal activation of MAPK signaling. These findings suggest that ARHGEF19 upregulation, due to the low expression of miR‐29 in NSCLC tissues, may play a crucial role in NSCLC tumorigenesis by activating MAPK signaling. ARHGEF19 could serve as a negative prognostic marker as well as a therapeutic target for NSCLC patients.
Experimental and theoretical electron density of intermediates in palladium‐phenanthroline catalyzed carbonylation of amines and reductive carbonylation of nitroarenes
Authors: Macchi Piero , Ragaini Fabio , Casati Nicola , Krawczuk Anna , Sironi Angelo
Published: November 2017

The accurate electron density distribution in Pd(Neoc)Cl2(CO) (Neoc = 2,9‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline) was measured and calculated to investigate the chemical bonding features, the electrostatic forces and the polarizable bonds in this complex, which is a prototype of the proposed intermediate in the catalytic carbonylation of amines and nitroarenes. The quantum theory of atoms in molecules enables to investigate the nature of the elusive fifth coordination in the complex, which is approximately intermediate between a bypiramid penta‐coordination and a square planar tetra‐coordination. The analysis of the electrostatic potential and of the distributed atomic polarizabilities enables to address the sites that are more prompt to react, in particular in the context of the catalytic cycle. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MMP‐3 (–1171 5A/6A; Lys45Glu) variants affect serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐3 and correlate with severity of COPD: A study of MMP‐3, MMP‐7 and MMP‐12 in a Tunisian population
Authors: Bchir Sarra , ben Nasr Hela , Garrouch Abdelhamid , ben Anes Amel , Abbassi Ammar , Tabka Zouhair , Chahed Karim
Published: November 2017

Background

The present study aimed to examine the role of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐3 [(–1171) 5A/6A; Lys45Glu (A/G)], MMP‐7 [(–181) A/G] and MMP‐12 [(–82) A/G; Asn357Ser (A/G)] variants in the development and severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Tunisians.

Methods

Plethysmography was performed in all participants to measure forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC parameters. Genotyping of MMP‐3, MMP‐7 and MMP‐12 polymorphisms was carried out in 138 patients with COPD and 216 healthy controls using a polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism. Serum levels of MMPs and cytokines (interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α) were determined by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

No significant correlations were observed between genetic variations in MMP‐3, MMP‐7 and MMP‐12 and the risk of development of COPD. Additionally, no impact of MMP‐7 (–181) A/G and MMP‐12 [(–82) A/G; Asn357Ser (A/G)] polymorphisms was observed on the respective protein levels and clinical parameters of the disease. Interestingly, both MMP‐3 (–1171) 5A/6A and Lys45Glu (A/G) variants were associated with respiratory function, as well as with serum levels of MMP‐3 in COPD patients. A relationship was found between the (–1171) 6A and 45Glu (G) alleles of the MMP‐3 gene and enhanced airflow limitation among COPD patients. Additionally, carriers of the 6A6A and 45 GG genotypes present higher MMP‐3 levels than noncarriers.

Conclusions

MMP‐3 (–1171) 5A/6A and Lys45Glu (A/G) polymorphisms were associated with the decline of lung function among COPD patients. These results could be linked to the upregulation of MMP‐3 in serum from COPD patients carrying the (–1171) 6A and 45 G homozygous genotypes.