bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the electrical and thermal stability of organic thin‐film transistors by utilizing fluorinated polyimide and silicon dioxide bilayer gate dielectric
Authors: Wei Xiaoyun , Cao Jupeng , Li Aiyuan , He Chao , Liu Ming , Meng Hong
Published: September 2018

The grand vision of next generation electronics is expected to realize via the wholescale industrialization of organic devices. However, one serious obstacle hindering the practical application for organic devices is their instability regardless of it induced by high temperatures or sustained gate bias stress. Herein, pentacene‐based thin‐film transistors (TFTs) with both good heat resistance and high electrical stability were realized. The TFTs, where fluorinated polyimide (ODA–6FDA PI) and a silicon dioxide (SiO2) bilayer are used as gate dielectric, exhibit superior electrical stability under protracted gate bias stress for 150 min (ΔVth ~1 V with voltage range of 30 to −60 V) and are extremely less susceptible to annealing treatment for temperatures up to 150 °C (Δμ/μ0 ~2.9%), as compared to counterparts with a single dielectric layer. We demonstrated that the excellent bias‐stress stability arises from the higher activation energy of defects of fluorinated PI surface based on exponential barrier distribution model and the suppression of charge injection and back‐channel effect via bilayer. Also, the superior thermal stability is ascribed to the restraint of film cracks and phase transformation of pentacene at high temperatures induced by the better match between the thermal expansion coefficients of semiconductor and dielectric. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47013.
Sulfobetaine‐functionalized electrospun poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol) membranes for blood filtration
Authors: P. V. Mayuri , Bhatt Anugya , P. Ramesh
Published: September 2018

Functionalization imparting zwitterionic sulfobetaines has been proven as the most versatile method for improving the hemocompatibility of polymers. In this study, we aimed to enhance the hemocompatibility of electrospun poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol) (EVAL) by photografting with a betaine N‐(3‐sulfopropyl)‐N‐methacroyloxyethyl‐N,N‐dimethyl ammonium betaine (SMDB). SMDB was UV‐photografted to electrospun EVAL fibroporous membranes to obtain EVAL‐g‐PSMDB poly[N‐(3‐sulfopropyl)‐N‐methacroyloxyethyl‐N,N‐ dimethylammonium betaine] grafted on EVAL with different extents of grafting. The functionalization was confirmed by analysis of the attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectra. The effects of functionalization on the morphology, wettability, mechanical properties, and hemocompatibility of the electrospun EVAL membranes were also studied by scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle measurement, universal testing machine measurement, and in vitro hemocompatibility evaluation, respectively. The findings highlight that SMDB functionalization significantly reduced protein adsorption, hemolysis, and platelet adhesion. Blood cell consumption studies projected that the SMDB‐functionalized EVAL was able to capture leukocytes from blood, and hence, this system has the potential to be used as a filter medium for the selective removal of leukocytes from blood. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47057.
A stellar fly‐by close to the Galactic center: Can we detect stars on highly relativistic orbits?
Authors: Zajaček M. , Tursunov A. A.
Published: September 2018

The Galactic center Nuclear Star Cluster is one of the densest stellar clusters in the Galaxy. The stars in its inner portions orbit the supermassive black hole associated with the compact radio source Sgr A* at the orbital speeds of several thousand kilometers per second. The B‐type star S2 is currently the best case to test the general relativity as well as other theories of gravity, based on its stellar orbit. Yet, its orbital period of ∼16 years and the eccentricity of ∼0.88 yields the relativistic pericenter shift of ∼11′, which is observationally still difficult to reliably measure due to possible Newtonian perturbations as well as reference‐frame uncertainties. A naive way to solve this problem is to find stars with smaller pericenter distances, rp ≲ 1529 Schwarzschild radii (120 AU), and thus with more prominent relativistic effects. In this paper, we show that to detect stars on relativistic orbits is progressively less likely, given the volume shrinkage and the expected stellar density distributions. Finally, one arrives at a sparse region where the total number of bright stars is expected to fall below 1. One can, however, still potentially detect stars crossing this region. In this paper, we provide a simple formula for the detection probability of a star crossing a sparse region. We also examine an approximate timescale in which the star reappears in the sparse region, i.e., a “waiting” timescale for observers.
Toward astrometric calibration of ultrawide‐field images
Authors: Bednar J. , Skala P. , Pata P.
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we introduce a new method of astrometric calibration tailored especially for ultrawide‐field systems like WILLIAM. The standard astrometric solution often fails to provide any result if the processed image contains a large amount of distortion, such as from a fisheye lens. Some algorithms yield the result, but the accuracy is satisfactory only at the center of the field of view. This work analyzes such images and proposes a new method that leads to much higher accuracy and success ratio of the calibration.
Astrophysics with digitized astronomical plate archives
Authors: Hudec R.
Published: September 2018

We discuss the recent status of astrophysical analyses with digitized astronomical plate archives with emphasis on high‐energy and transient astrophysics. These data represent huge scientific, historical, and cultural value, but only the recent digitization has enabled their effective use in astrophysics.
Weakness of visual working memory in autism
Authors: Funabiki Yasuko , Shiwa Taiko
Published: September 2018

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often supported in daily life by visual presentations such as picture cards or illustrations. Therefore, they are considered to have visual strength. However, whether people with ASD are cognitively superior in visual processing and what causes the difference between visual and other sensory processing remain unknown. Thus, we compared visual and auditory processing from an aspect of memory in people with ASD and controls. We conducted the Wechsler Memory Scale‐Revised (WMS‐R) with 64 adults with ASD and 30 controls matched for gender, age, and Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FIQ). Our results showed that participants with ASD were inferior in visual working memory (P < .01), on a task in which a visual target was pointed every second. Another visual memory, namely, Visual Reproduction in which four geometric figures were presented each by 10 sec, and auditory memory, including working memory, revealed no significant differences between groups. Other visual memory, namely, Visual Paired Associates in which paired presentations were shown every 3 sec, had weak differences (P = .019). Thus, people with ASD might have difficulties processing rapid visual information. Autism Res 2018, 11: 1245–1252. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Autistic people are often supported by visual presentations. In this study, we inspected whether they have visual superiority. We showed that they were not visually superior in cognitive aspects, and were poor not at auditory but at visual working memory. Static visual memory in which memorization time is longer than that in working memory was intact in autism. Unusual rapid visual presentation may bother people with autism.
Zur numerischen Modellierung von Vibrationsrammung im gesättigten Boden
Authors: Chrisopoulos Stylianos , Triantafyllidis Theodoros
Published: September 2018

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird der Vorgang der Vibrationsrammung im gesättigten nichtbindigen Boden mithilfe numerischer Simulationen untersucht. Hierfür werden zwei axialsymmetrische Modelle auf Grundlage unterschiedlicher Modellierungsansätze im FE‐Programm ABAQUS/STANDARD erstellt. Im ersten ist der Pfahl nicht explizit modelliert und stattdessen wird die Pfahl‐Boden‐Interaktion vereinfacht durch eine eingeprägte sinusoidale Verschiebungsrandbedingung vorgegeben. Das zweite Modell simuliert den Vibrationsrammvorgang realistischer, indem der im Boden eindringende Pfahl als starrer Körper modelliert wird, der Vibrationen ausgesetzt ist. In beiden Modellen erfolgt die dynamische Analyse für einen wassergesättigten Boden unter Annahme einer u‐p‐Formulierung durch Verwendung eines benutzerdefinierten Elements. Um das mechanische Verhalten des Bodens zu beschreiben, wird ein hypoplastisches konstitutives Modell mit der Erweiterung der intergranularen Dehnung ausgewählt. Eine begrenzte Anzahl von Zyklen wird betrachtet und der Schwerpunkt liegt vorwiegend in der Pfahlumgebung auf der Entwicklung von Spannungen und Verschiebungen im Boden.

Die quantitative Überprüfung der verwendeten numerischen Modellierungsansätze erfolgt anhand von Vergleichen mit hochwertigen Modellversuchen. Die umfangreiche und anspruchsvolle Instrumentierung der Modellversuche eröffnet umfassende Vergleichsmöglichkeiten. Es werden die Pfahlbewegung, der Verlauf des Eindringwiderstands und die Bodenverschiebungen in der Pfahlumgebung gegenübergestellt. Die gute Übereinstimmung zwischen den Ergebnissen bestätigt, dass die verwendeten Simulationsmethoden in der Lage sind, die wesentlichen Aspekte des Mechanismus der Vibrationsrammung realistisch abzubilden.
The past, present, and future of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder work in Newfoundland and Labrador: A landscape paper for change
Authors: Dunbar Winsor Katharine , Morton Ninomiya Melody E.
Published: September 2018

Objectives

In this paper, we provide an overview of best practices in FASD prevention, diagnostic, and interventions and supports. In Canada, people diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) represent a fraction people living with FASD. While social stigma may deter people from seeking an FASD diagnosis, other deterrents include the lack of screening and diagnostic referrals, cost of travelling to a clinic, and lack of clarity of how a diagnosis may improve supports and services. Preventing FASD and improving lifelong outcomes for people living with FASD requires a coordinated approach between prevention, diagnostic, intervention, and support efforts.

Methods

Using the example of Newfoundland and Labrador, a province where 60% of the population lives in rural communities and benefits from being involved in national initiatives and partnerships, we discuss efforts underway in other Canadian provinces to address FASD.

Results

We make three recommendations that begin to address FASD‐specific needs in both rural and urban regions: a) a provincial FASD consultant position, b) an explicit partnership between provincial government and fasdNL, and c) increased access to FASD diagnostic teams.

Conclusion

While the recommendations are both modest and essential first steps, we also suggest that collaborations and resource‐sharing in FASD prevention and supports are more about doing things differently, rather than doing more.
A new sRNA‐mediated posttranscriptional regulation system for Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Yang Sen , Wang Yang , Wei Chaobao , Liu Qingtao , Jin Xuerong , Du Guocheng , Chen Jian , Kang Zhen
Published: September 2018

Many genetic tools for gene regulation have been developed during the past decades. Some of them edit genomic DNA, such as nucleotides deletions and insertions, while the others interfere with the gene transcriptions or messenger RNA translation. Here, we report a posttranscriptional regulation tool which is termed “Modulation via the small RNA (sRNA)‐dependent operation system: MS‐DOS” by engineering the type I toxin–antitoxin system in Bacillus subtilis. MS‐DOS depends simply on insertion of an operation region (OPR; partial toxin‐encoding region) downstream of a genomic open reading frame of interest and overexpression of the coupling antitoxin sRNA from a plasmid. Pairing between the OPR and the sRNA will trigger the RNAse degradation of the transcripts of selected genes. MS‐DOS allows for the quantitative, specific, and reversible knockdown of single or multiple genomic genes in B. subtilis. We also showed that the truncated antitoxin SR4 with 53 nt length is sufficient to repress gene expression. Superior to other existing RNA based interfering systems, MS‐DOS allows simultaneous knockdown of multiple genes with effortless expression of a single antitoxin RNA. This sRNA‐guided repression system will further enrich the gene regulation tools and expand the gene regulation flexibility.
Reactivity of Li14P6S22 as a Potential Solid Electrolyte for All‐Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Doh Chil‐Hoon , Ha Yoon‐Cheol , Lee You‐Jin , Yu Ji‐Hyun
Published: September 2018

The electrochemical reactivity of Li14P6S22 (Li7P3S11) as a sulfur‐based solid electrolyte for Li+ conduction was evaluated by electrochemical cell tests and ab initio calculations to determine its utility for all‐solid‐state lithium secondary batteries. Reversible removal and incorporation of lithium into Li14P6S22 with a gradient of lithium concentration was confirmed as thermodynamically unfavorable. Otherwise, reductive/oxidative decomposition of Li14P6S22 by the addition/removal of lithium was thermodynamically favorable. The electrochemical stability window (ESW) of Li14P6S22 was 0.429 V between 1.860 and 2.289 V (Li/Li+). The lowest potential of Li elimination was 2.289 V and occurred as oxidative decomposition. The highest potential of lithium addition was 1.860 V as reductive decomposition. Formation of Li14+xP6S22 and Li14−xP6S22 could be simultaneously achieved with reductive and oxidative decomposition by applying negative and positive over‐potentials. The exposure of Li14P6S22 electrodes to positive and negative electric fields generated a large amount of irreversible specific capacity, which confirmed the oxidative and reductive decomposition. Considering the results of ab initio calculations on ESW and electrochemical cell tests, Li14P6S22 material should be protected from direct contact to the potential of cathode and anode so that it can appropriately serve as a solid electrolyte. The high Li+ conductivity of Li14P6S22 might originate from temporal (kinetic) and endurable formation of Frenkel defects resulting in a Li‐deficient/excess composition of Li14P6S22.
Chemical and Biochemical Strategies To Explore the Substrate Recognition of O‐GlcNAc‐Cycling Enzymes
Authors: Hu Chia‐Wei , Worth Matthew , Li Hao , Jiang Jiaoyang
Published: September 2018

The O‐linked N‐acetylglucosamine (O‐GlcNAc) modification is an essential component in cell regulation. A single pair of human enzymes conducts this modification dynamically on a broad variety of proteins: O‐GlcNAc transferase (OGT) adds the GlcNAc residue and O‐GlcNAcase (OGA) hydrolyzes it. This modification is dysregulated in many diseases, but its exact effect on particular substrates remains unclear. In addition, no apparent sequence motif has been found in the modified proteins, and the factors controlling the substrate specificity of OGT and OGA are largely unknown. In this minireview, we will discuss recent developments in chemical and biochemical methods toward addressing the challenge of OGT and OGA substrate recognition. We hope that the new concepts and knowledge from these studies will promote research in this area to advance understanding of O‐GlcNAc regulation in health and disease.
Porous Microspherical N and P‐co‐doped NiFe2O4/Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Efficient Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Fei Mengfei , Shi Huilan , Zhao Jun , Kang Ning , He Wenya , Li Hui , Yang Fengchun
Published: September 2018

The porous microspherical Nitrogen and Phosphorus‐co‐doped NiFe2O4/Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes (NP‐NiFe2O4/SWNTs) had been fabricated. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) were co‐doped to increase the active sites. And SWNTs hybrid was to obtain the enhanced conductivity, large specific surface area and more active sites. The hierarchical, porous structure and highly conductive SWNTs enables efficient transport of the electrons generated during oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Thus, NP‐NiFe2O4/SWNTs was demonstrated as a high‐performance catalyst for OER with a small overpotential of 247 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and low Tafel slope of 83.6 mV dec−1. The outstanding performance of NP‐NiFe2O4/SWNTs can also made it serve as anode for water splitting at a cell voltage of 1.595 V, which surpasses the precious RuO2 and Pt/C.
Synthesis of Benzofuran‐fused 1,4‐Dihydropyridines via Bifunctional Squaramide‐catalyzed Formal [4+2] Cycloaddition of Azadienes with Malononitrile
Authors: Gu Zheng , Wu Bo , Jiang Guo‐Fang , Zhou Yong‐Gui
Published: September 2018

An efficient bifunctional squaramide‐catalyzed Michael addition/cyclization of azadienes with malononitrile has been successfully developed, providing a facile access to chiral benzofuran‐fused 1,4‐dihydropyridines with excellent yields, wide substrate scope and up to 99% ee. Additionally, this formal [4+2] cycloaddition can be performed in gram scale without noticeable loss of yield and enantioselectivity.
Alterations in synaptic density and myelination in response to exposure to high‐energy charged particles
Authors: Dickstein Dara L. , Talty Ronan , Bresnahan Erin , Varghese Merina , Perry Bayley , Janssen William G. M. , Sowa Allison , Giedzinski Erich , Apodaca Lauren , Baulch Janet , Acharya Munjal , Parihar Vipan , Limoli Charles L.
Published: September 2018

High‐energy charged particles are considered particularly hazardous components of the space radiation environment. Such particles include fully ionized energetic nuclei of helium, silicon, and oxygen, among others. Exposure to charged particles causes reactive oxygen species production, which has been shown to result in neuronal dysfunction and myelin degeneration. Here we demonstrate that mice exposed to high‐energy charged particles exhibited alterations in dendritic spine density in the hippocampus, with a significant decrease of thin spines in mice exposed to helium, oxygen, and silicon, compared to sham‐irradiated controls. Electron microscopy confirmed these findings and revealed a significant decrease in overall synapse density and in nonperforated synapse density, with helium and silicon exhibiting more detrimental effects than oxygen. Degeneration of myelin was also evident in exposed mice with significant changes in the percentage of myelinated axons and g‐ratios. Our data demonstrate that exposure to all types of high‐energy charged particles have a detrimental effect, with helium and silicon having more synaptotoxic effects than oxygen. These results have important implications for the integrity of the central nervous system and the cognitive health of astronauts after prolonged periods of space exploration.
Overview of antiproton affinities for functional groups relevant in particle‐beam cancer therapy
Authors: Stegeby Henrik
Published: September 2018

Background

The recent advances in the production and storing of antiprotons inspire further research regarding using an antiproton particle beam in cancer therapy.

In this work, an overview study of the chemical properties that govern the reactions between biomolecules and slowly moving antiprotons have been investigated.

Aim

The motivation for the article is to grant an improved understanding of the processes involved in antiproton particle‐beam cancer therapy as the antiproton comes to rest, in terms of the impact of molecular chemical properties on the antiproton annihilation site of the biomolecule.

Methods and results

The potential energy surfaces for an antiproton in the vicinity of common functional groups in the human body have been calculated at the CASSCF/CASPT2 level. The energies at different antiproton distances are calculated and compared between different functional groups.

A comparison of the impact on the antiproton affinity from atomic number, bond order, number of lone pairs, bond polarization due to electronegativity, and charge is presented.

Conclusion

The lone pair effect and bond polarization have a relatively large impact. This implies that even on the isolated molecular level, the chemical environment governing the trajectory of an antiproton is a complex problem. The study is applicable primarily in the ultra‐low energy collision regime but can also function as a starting point for quantum dynamical treatments.
How Munsell system could help visualize color variation on cement tiles
Authors: Moceri Fernanda
Published: September 2018

Cement tiles are particularly susceptible to intense shade variation. We have observed that there are many factors which influence the tiles coloring, from the way the mixture and the paint are prepared and manipulated to the weather conditions on the day of manufacturing and during the 40 days of the drying process, and even the way the tiles are displayed on the shelves. Partial results have shown that even pieces from the same batch, which are painted the same color using the same pigment, will display some color variation. The wonder of such work is that each piece might be unique, once there is no way to ensure the whole lot will have the same value and chroma. By applying the Munsell System to the colors in the company's catalog, this study has aimed to detect the range of possible luminosity and saturation variation, considering such tonality variation as a legit product of handcrafted production.
A Guided Protocol for Array Based T2C: A High‐Quality Selective High‐Resolution High‐Throughput Chromosome Interaction Capture
Authors: Knoch Tobias A.
Published: September 2018

After now more than 170 years of research the dynamic three‐dimensional chromatin architecture of genomes and the co‐evolved interaction networks of regulatory elements which create genome function — i.e. the storage, expression, and finally replication of genetic information — involves ever more investigative efforts in respect to not only the pure understanding of living organisms, but also diagnosis, treatment, and even future genome engineering. To study genomic interactions, we developed a novel and superior high‐quality selective high‐resolution, high‐throughput chromosome interaction capture method — T2C (targeted chromatin capture) — which allows to arbitrarily balance resolution, frequency range of interactions, and the investigated general genetic region or single interactions in a highly cost‐effective manner in respect to the obtainable result and compared to other techniques. Beyond, T2C has such a high signal‐to‐noise ratio at high resolution that the “genomic” statistical mechanics level can be reached. With the guided T2C protocol described here, we were already able to finally determine the chromatin quasi‐fiber conformation and its folding into stable multi‐loop aggregates/rosettes connected by a linker. Actually, this guided T2C protocol provides the means for architectural genome sequencing from the level of the single base pair to the entire cell nucleus and thus to analyze genetic interactions in respect to genome function in a systems biological manner in general as well as in settings ranging from basic research, via diagnostics and treatment, to genome engineering. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
HIV Antiretroviral Pre‐Exposure Prophylaxis: Development Challenges and Pipeline Promise
Authors: Hendrix Craig W.
Published: September 2018

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved oral daily tenofovir/emtricitabine (Truvada) for pre‐exposure prophylaxis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in 2012 on the basis of two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), one in men who have sex with men (MSM) and another in HIV serodiscordant heterosexual couples. Subsequently, even greater efficacy has been demonstrated in MSM with rapid population‐level incidence reductions in some locations. In contrast, studies of antiretroviral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in heterosexual women showed only modest or no efficacy, largely attributed to low adherence. The mixed results of antiretroviral‐based PrEP bear witness to unique drug development challenges at this complicated intersection of sexual behavior, public health, and drug development. Multiple innovative methods and formulation strategies followed to address unmet medical needs of persons struggling with daily oral PrEP adherence or preference for nonsystemic PrEP options. Clinical pharmacology plays essential roles throughout this PrEP development process, especially in early product development and through pharmacologically informed enhancement and interpretation of clinical trials.
Synthesis of Ethyl‐4‐ethoxy Pentanoate by Reductive Etherification of Ethyl Levulinate in Ethanol on Pd/SiO2‐C Catalysts
Authors: Cui Qianqian , Long Yinshuang , Wang Yun , Wu Haihong , Guan Yejun , Wu Peng
Published: September 2018

The synthesis of biomass‐derived ethers to be used as biofuels or biofuel additives has attracted much attention. Following the recently reported synthesis of etherified ester ethyl‐4‐ethoxy pentanoate (EEP) from γ‐valerolactone (GVL) in ethanol catalyzed by H‐beta zeolite, an alternative route to prepare EEP in high yield has been developed by reductive etherification of ethyl levulinate (EL) in ethanol at 140 °C under 0.5 MPa H2 with a silica‐modified Pd/C catalyst. The ether production likely follows a tandem acetalization–hydrogenolysis process with ethyl‐4,4‐diethoxy pentanoate (EDEP) as the intermediate. The acetalization step can be favored by introducing acidic materials, such as SiO2–carbon or beta zeolite, as a cocatalyst. The combination of the Pd/SiO2‐C and beta zeolite mixture leads to 100 % EL conversion and 93 % EEP selectivity under optimized reaction conditions. For the first time, the standard molar combustion enthalpy of as‐prepared EEP is measured by using a static oxygen bomb, and the value of which is determined to be about −5658 kJ mol−1, which is much larger than that of GVL (−2650 kJ mol−1).
In situ geochemistry of middle Ordovician dolomites of the upper Mississippi valley
Authors: Callen John Michael , Herrmann Achim D.
Published: September 2018

The dolomitization and diagenetic history of Ordovician carbonates of southern Wisconsin is complex. Previous studies attributed dolomitization to various diagenetic factors and environments. In this study, high‐resolution, in situ laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry analysis of rare earth element patterns of dolomite was used to assess the diagenetic fluids responsible for dolomitization of the Ordovician Decorah Formation. Integrated geochemical data and petrographic evidence suggest that the dolostones are formed in two different diagenetic realms: shallow burial and hydrothermal. Shallow burial dolomites exhibit three distinct rare earth element patterns. Dolomite from the middle portion of the Guttenberg Member exhibits light rare earth element enrichment consistent with early burial dolomitization. Dolomites of the Carimona, Specht's Ferry and Lower Guttenberg members are often burrow associated and exhibit medium rare earth element enrichment associated with Fe‐oxide desorption in anoxic porewaters. Leaching of Mg from co‐occurring volcanic ash during alteration is a probable source that contributed to the dolomitization. Extensively dolomitized samples in the upper Guttenberg and Ion Member exhibit evidence of hydrothermal dolomitization. The relationship of these heavily dolomitized samples to interbedded limestones provides evidence for a recently proposed hydrothermal dolomitization model invoking pressure solution of calcite and precipitation of dolomite. These early burial and hydrothermal depositional models are consistent with models proposed for overlying and underlying Ordovician dolostones.
Standardizing the evaluation of community‐based conservation success
Authors: Brichieri‐Colombi Typhenn A. , McPherson Jana M. , Sheppard Donna J. , Mason John J. , Moehrenschlager Axel
Published: September 2018

Community‐based conservation, which strives to simultaneously improve nature conservation and alleviate poverty, must provide biological and socioeconomic benefits that are linked through effective resilience mechanisms. To date, few community‐based conservation initiatives have published comprehensive assessments that track performance in these elements of success. With 45% of the world's protected areas in comanagement with local communities, standardized measures to effectively evaluate the dual goals of community‐based conservation are needed. We here introduce SPECCS, a user‐friendly Standardized Protocol for Evaluating Community Conservation Success that incorporates an appraisal of data quality to responsibly assess progress over time or to compare effectiveness among different initiatives. We illustrate SPECCS's use by evaluating the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary (WCHS) of northern Ghana 10 and 20 yr after its inception. The WCHS has the dual objective of protecting one of Ghana's few remaining hippopotamus populations while alleviating poverty in the surrounding communities through the creation of economic opportunity and infrastructure development. Results suggest stable project performance in the 10‐yr (76%) and 20‐yr (76%) evaluation, with an improvement in evaluation quality from 30% to 34%. The project is currently stronger in socioeconomic (performance 86%; quality 30%) than biological (60%; 32%) outcomes and in benefits (83%, 42%) than resilience (63%, 21%). Biological resilience is challenged by poor connectivity and limited project control over threats, whereas socioeconomic resilience is affected by a decision balance that continues to favor external stakeholders. SPECCS helps pinpoint strengths and weaknesses for timely adaptive management, strategic investments, and evidence‐based recognition of community‐based conservation successes.
Environment and past land use together predict functional diversity in a temperate forest
Authors: Krishnadas Meghna , Beckman Noelle G. , Zuluaga Juan Carlos Peñagos , Zhu Yan , Whitacre James , Wenzel John W. , Queenborough Simon A. , Comita Liza S.
Published: September 2018

Environment and human land use both shape forest composition. Abiotic conditions sift tree species from a regional pool via functional traits that influence species’ suitability to the local environment. In addition, human land use can modify species distributions and change functional diversity of forests. However, it is unclear how environment and land use simultaneously shape functional diversity of tree communities. Land‐use legacies are especially prominent in temperate forest landscapes that have been extensively modified by humans in the last few centuries. Across a 900‐ha temperate deciduous forest in the northeastern United States, comprising a mosaic of different‐aged stands due to past human land use, we used four key functional traits—maximum height, rooting depth, wood density, and seed mass—to examine how multiple environmental and land‐use variables influenced species distributions and functional diversity. We sampled ~40,000 trees >8 cm DBH within 485 plots totaling 137 ha. Species within plots were more functionally similar than expected by chance when we estimated functional diversity using all traits together (multi‐trait), and to a lesser degree, with each trait separately. Multi‐trait functional diversity was most strongly correlated with distance from the perennial stream, elevation, slope, and forest age. Environmental and land‐use predictors varied in their correlation with functional diversities of the four individual traits. Landscape‐wide change in abundances of individual species also correlated with both environment and land‐use variables, but magnitudes of trait–environment interactions were generally stronger than trait interactions with land use. These findings can be applied for restoration and assisted regeneration of human‐modified temperate forests by using traits to predict which tree species would establish well in relation to land‐use history, topography, and soil conditions.
Polarization agile self‐oscillating active integrated antenna for spatial modulation wireless communications
Authors: Toyoda Ichihiko , Furukawa Yoshiaki , Nishiyama Eisuke , Tanaka Takayuki , Aikawa Masayoshi
Published: September 2018

This article proposes a new design concept of active integrated array antennas having oscillation and modulation functions for spatial modulation wireless communication systems. Several configurations of the active integrated array antennas are proposed and discussed. The proposed active integrated antennas provide polarization modulated radio waves with a simple structure. A polarization switchable ring‐slot active integrated antenna employing Gunn oscillators is designed and experimentally demonstrated as an example of the proposed concept. The prototype active integrated antenna successfully switched its polarization angle between ±45°. The proposed active integrated antenna concept was found to be feasible.
Local enactments of national health promotion policies: A Danish case
Authors: Wimmelmann Camilla Lawaetz
Published: September 2018

Governments of welfare states are firmly committed to public health, resulting in a substantial number of public health policies. Given the multilevel structure of most welfare systems, the influence of a public health policy is related to its ability to spread geographically and move across organisational levels. Visiting, observing, and interviewing 15 policy workers from 10 municipalities during a 2‐year period, this study investigated what happened to a Danish national health promotion policy as it was put into practice and managed in the Danish municipalities. The analysis reveals that the policy was practiced in at least 5 different ways: as an ideal, a cookbook, a tangible artefact, a creative deconstruction, and a mapping. The various practices each enacted a different version of this policy, and some of these enactments brought unintended but valuable effects. Without recognising the concrete enactments and their locally experienced effects, our understanding of national public health policies risks becoming detached from praxis and unproductive. Public health policy makers must pay methodological and analytical attention to the policies' multimodality and their concrete locally experienced effects.
Physicochemical and biological properties of novel chlorhexidine‐loaded nanotube‐modified dentin adhesive
Authors: Feitosa Sabrina A. , Palasuk Jadesada , Geraldeli Saulo , Windsor Lester Jack , Bottino Marco C.
Published: September 2018

A commercially available three‐step (etch‐and‐rinse) adhesive was modified by adding chlorhexidine (CHX)‐loaded nanotubes (Halloysite®, HNT) at two concentrations (CHX10% and CHX20%). The experimental groups were: SBMP (unmodified adhesive, control), HNT (SBMP modified with HNT), CHX10 (SBMP modified with HNT loaded with CHX10%), and CHX20 (SBMP modified with HNT loaded with CHX20%). Changes in the degree of conversion (DC%), Knoop hardness (KHN), water sorption (WS), solubility (SL), antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, and anti‐matrix metalloproteinase [MMP‐1] activity (collagenase‐I) were evaluated. In regards to DC%, two‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post‐hoc test revealed that only the factor “adhesive” was statistically significant (p < 0.05). No significant differences were detected in DC% when 20 s light‐curing was used (p > 0.05). For Knoop microhardness, one‐way ANOVA followed by the Tukey's test showed statistically significant differences when comparing HNT (20.82 ± 1.65) and CHX20% (21.71 ± 2.83) with the SBMP and CHX10% groups. All adhesives presented similar WS and cytocompatibility. The CHX‐loaded nanotube‐modified adhesive released enough CHX to inhibit the growth of S. mutans and L. casei. Adhesive eluates were not able to effectively inhibit MMP‐1 activity. The evaluation of higher CHX concentrations might be necessary to provide an effective and predictable MMP inhibition. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res B Part B, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 868–875, 2019.
Simultaneous transcriptome and proteome analysis of EA.hy926 cells under stress conditions induced by nanomaterials
Authors: Komorowski Piotr , Siatkowska Małgorzata , Wasiak Tomasz , Działoszyńska Katarzyna , Kotarba Sylwia , Kądzioła Kinga , Bartoszek Nina , Sokołowska Paulina , Elgalal Marcin , Sobol‐Pacyniak Anna , Makowski Krzysztof , Walkowiak Bogdan
Published: September 2018

Today, the extensive and constantly growing number of applications in the field of nanotechnology poses a lot of questions about the potential toxicity of nanomaterials (NMs) toward cells of different origins. In our work we employed the tools of molecular biology to evaluate changes that occur in human endothelial cells at the transcriptomic and proteomic level, following 24 h of exposure to three different classes of NMs. Using microarray technology, we demonstrated that 24 h of exposure to silver nanoparticles (SNPs), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and polyamidoamine dendrimers (PAMAMs) leads to changes in 299, 1271, and 431 genes, respectively, influencing specific molecular pathways. The 2D‐DIGE and mass spectrometry analysis revealed that differentially expressed proteins were involved in numerous cellular processes, for example, cytoskeletal reorganization, cell growth and proliferation, or response to stress. Both, transcriptome and proteome alterations indicate reorganization of mechanism regulating cell functioning. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1024–1034, 2019.
Sol–gel bioglasses in dental and periodontal regeneration: A systematic review
Authors: Farano Vincenzo , Maurin Jean‐Christophe , Attik Nina , Jackson Phil , Grosgogeat Brigitte , Gritsch Kerstin
Published: September 2018

Due to their osteoconductive and osteoinductive abilities, bioglasses (BGs) have attracted attention in tissue engineering, especially for mineralized tissue. The aim of this study is to review the current state of the art on the effects of BGs produced by sol–gel on cells for dental and periodontal regeneration. The study also discusses associated antibacterial properties. The research was performed by considering the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and the Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The research ranged 5 years' window time (from January, 01, 2012, to August, 31, 2017) and the relevant studies were identified based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 45 articles were selected from 244 initial returns, plus seven further articles coming from other sources were selected for the same purpose. From this systematic study, it is revealed that only 13 of the 52 articles have proved both the ability of BGs to differentiate dental cells at genetic level and their ability of triggering cell‐mediated mineralization, but only six of them showed, along with cells, the antibacterial properties of the glasses. This review shows that sol–gel BGs are not toxic, can sustain cell proliferation and differentiation at a genetic level, and can keep the bacterial population under control. Moreover, a standard methodology and an ideal material are suggested. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1210–1227, 2019.
Material Weaknesses in Internal Control in Relation to Derivatives and Hedge Accounting
Authors: Lee Sang Mook , Park Keun Jae , Song Hakjoon , Wang Li
Published: September 2018

We examined 173 internal control reports containing material weaknesses (MW) in internal control over financial reporting related to derivatives and hedge accounting issues (FASB codification ASC 815). We found that a majority of the companies (122) did not properly implement the ASC 815 accounting rules, followed by inadequate monitoring and review (72), insufficient resources (61), incomplete documentation for hedge effectiveness (49), and inaccurate valuation (32). We also found that companies with MW mostly fixed their problems by process and procedure improvement (205), training expansion (60), engaging external specialists (53), and increasing staffing (52). Our review and discussion of the MW in internal control related to ASC 815 should benefit external auditors, management, and regulators. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using a U.S. Bank Regulatory Approach to Explain Bank Financial Strength Ratings
Authors: Ruddy John A.
Published: September 2018

U.S. bank regulators require financial institutions to file quarterly financial reports, which are then available for public use. This research considers whether data constructed from regulatory filings explain bank financial strength ratings. We examine a dataset with variables on over 6,000 banks. The variables include the topics of bank capital, asset quality, management capacity, earnings, liquidity, and sensitivity to market risk. We found that one variable each from the above selected topic areas explain nearly 60% of bank financial strength ratings. Prior research attempted to explain and predict bank financial strength ratings (Hammer, Kogan, & Lejeune, 2012; Poon, Firth, & Fung, 1999). Since the 2007–2010 financial crisis, prior research has also attempted to predict the financial strength ratings of Turkish banks (Öğüt, Doğanay, Ceylan, & Aktas, 2012), the performance of South African banks (Kumbirai & Webb, 2010) and bank performance in Malaysia and China (Said & Tumin, 2011). We utilize variables from a bank regulatory model to determine how well they explain financial strength ratings. Our research adds to the literature by considering nearly the entire population of U.S. banks across time periods not previously considered.
A Comparison of Restricted Stock Grants Between Dual‐Class and Single‐Class Companies
Authors: Li Ji , Wu Di , Zhou Dan
Published: September 2018

In recent years, quite a few new economy‐type companies have chosen a dual‐class stock structure. However, industry, investors, and academia have never reached consensus regarding such a structure. Under this context, this article investigates how dual‐class and single‐class firms apply performance‐based and time‐based restricted stock in compensating their executives to shed light on the debate. Results suggest dual‐class and single‐class firms pay similar amounts of stocks to their CEOs. Cash bonus payment accounts for larger percentage within total compensation and stock compensation accounts for a smaller percentage in dual‐class firms relative to single‐class firms. Dual‐class companies are less likely to use performance‐based and time‐based stock awards. Additionally, dual‐class firms vest their performance‐based stock grants over shorter periods compared with single‐class firms, but both types of firms vest their time‐based stock grants over similar periods. CEOs in dual‐class firms do not always receive stock compensation awards as quickly as those in single‐class firms. For performance‐based stock grants, a ratable vesting method is less common, but the cliff vesting method is more common in dual‐class firms. Such vesting arrangements of stock awards in the compensation plan motivate CEOs in dual‐class firms to target and meet long‐term growth goals and protect shareholders' interests.
Understanding Closely Held Company Cash Flow
Authors: Sliwoski Leonard J.
Published: September 2018

The article defines and examines terminology used in company cash flow management. The article further examines cash flow generating sources and competing needs for cash flow generated. Visual diagrams and examples are used throughout the article to illustrate and highlight important concepts and relationships. Finally, the article discusses using the statement of cash flows in analyzing closely held company financial affairs.
Hydrolyzed corn stover as a promising feedstock for 2‐phenylethanol production by nonconventional yeast
Authors: Mierzejewska Jolanta , Dąbkowska Katarzyna , Chreptowicz Karolina , Sokołowska Aleksandra
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Plant biomass rich in lignocelluloses may be applicable for the production of highly valuable bioproducts. In this study, the use of hydrolyzed corn stover as a carbon source for yeast producing 2‐phenylethanol (2‐PE) is investigated. 2‐PE is an alcohol with a rosy scent, commonly used in the food and cosmetic industries as an aroma and preservative. The growing demand for this compound motivates the development of new methods of production.

RESULTS

The corn stover biomass was first pretreated with an alkaline solution of H2O2 and secondly hydrolysed with a cellulolytic enzyme cocktail to cause the saccharification of polycarbohydrates and the release of fermentable monosugars. This resulted in saccharification yields of up to 88.1 ± 7.6% and 92.5 ± 9.1% related to cellulose (glucan) and hemicellulose (arabinoxylan) content, respectively. Next, the obtained hydrolyzates were used as a feedstock for 2‐PE production by two nonconventional yeasts, Metschnikowia chrysoperlae WUT25 and Pichia fermentans WUT36. The highest 2‐PE titer of 3.67 g L−1 was attained with the WUT36 strain. Finally, 2‐PE was extracted from the fermentation broth with ethyl acetate (100% recovery) and purified by distillation to 97.27 ± 0.08%.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report demonstrating the promising and complete route of 2‐PE production by yeast in a medium based on the hydrolyzate of corn stover. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of retroflexion in the right colon after repeated forward‐view examinations
Authors: Miyamoto Hideaki , Naoe Hideaki , Oda Yasushi , Shono Takashi , Narita Rei , Oyama Shinichiro , Hashigo Syunpei , Okuda Ayako , Hasuda Kiwamu , Tanaka Motohiko , Sakurai Kouichi , Murakami Yoshitaka , Sasaki Yutaka
Published: September 2018

Background and Aim

Right colon polyps can especially be overlooked when they are located on the backs of haustral folds. Previous studies have reported that repeated forward‐view examinations in the right colon were effective in reducing adenoma miss rates. The aim of this study was to clarify the impact of retroflexion in the right colon after repeated forward‐view examinations.

Methods

This multicenter, prospective, observational study was conducted at three institutions in Kumamoto, Japan, between February 2014 and December 2015. Subjects who were over 40 years old and scheduled for colonoscopy were recruited. For the forward view, after cecal intubation, the colonoscope was withdrawn to the hepatic flexure. The colonoscope was sequentially reinserted to the cecum and then withdrawn to the hepatic flexure. For the retroflexion view (RV), the colonoscope was reinserted to the cecum, retroflexed, and then withdrawn to the hepatic flexure. All polyps were resected at the time of detection. The primary outcome of this study was the adenoma miss rate for the repeated forward‐view examinations.

Results

Of the 777 enrolled participants, retroflexion was successful in 730 (94.0%). The repeated forward‐view withdrawal technique detected 291 adenomas, while the third withdrawal in the RV detected 53. The adenoma miss rate for the repeated forward‐view withdrawal was 15.4%. No severe adverse events occurred during retroflexion.

Conclusion

Because adenomas located on potential blind spots can be missed when only using forward‐view examinations, retroflexion in the right colon after repeated forward‐view examinations might improve colonoscopy detection rates.