bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
National Sovereignty Vs. Globalization
Authors: Marsonet Michele
Published: December 2016

Globalization entails the increasing volume, velocity and importance of flows within and across borders of people, ideas, goods, money, and much else, thus challenging one of sovereignty’s basic principles: the ability to control what crosses borders in either direction. Sovereign States increasingly measure their vulnerability not to one another, but to forces beyond their control. Necessity may also lead to reducing or even eliminating sovereignty when a government, whether from a lack of capacity or conscious policy, is unable to provide for the basic needs of its citizens. This reflects a view that state failure and genocide can lead to destabilizing refugee flows and create openings for terrorists to take root. Globalization is frequently discussed as a counterpoint to national sovereignty. It is commonly asserted that globalization has eroded national sovereignty or that it has rendered borders obsolete. In particular, it is asserted that, in a globalized world economy, governments have no alternative but to adopt neoliberal economic policies of privatization, deregulation and reductions in public expenditure. However, in the contest between social democracy and neoliberal globalization, the nation—state per se is only marginally relevant. The crucial issue is whether policy will respond to the wishes of a democratic electorate, or be tightly constrained by the ‘Golden Straightjacket’ of international financial markets.
Open Assessment of Proofs in Litigation
Authors: Zekolli Kaltrina
Published: December 2016

The key of existence and success in all domains of life to the entity of justice is the thorough compliance to the truth and justice. Therefore when a certain right is violated, liable or challenged entrusted to solve that, are the institutions of justice, rather the courts. Courts are competent to find the right path towards the truth applying different methods with intention to satisfy the justice. In this paper special attention we dedicated to the method of open assessment of proofs in litigation, that in fact is the subject of this research.
Audience Perception of Hate Speech and Foul Language in the Social Media in Nigeria: Implications for Morality and Law
Authors: Alakali Terfa T. , Faga Hemen Philip , Mbursa Jinatu
Published: December 2016

This paper examined the phenomenon of hate speech and foul language on social media platforms in Nigeria, and assessed their moral and legal consequences in the society and to journalism practice. It used both quantitative and qualitative methodology to investigate the phenomenon. In the first place, the paper employed the survey research methodology to sample 384 respondents using questionnaire and focus group discussion as instruments for data collection. Findings from the research indicate that promoting hate speech and foul language on social media have moral and legal consequences in the society and to journalism practice. Findings also show that although, the respondents understand that hate speech and foul language attract legal consequences, they do not know what obligations are created by law against perpetrators of hate speech and foul language in Nigeria. The paper therefore, adopted the qualitative, doctrinal and analytical methodology to discuss the legal consequences and obligations created against perpetrators of hate speech and foul language in Nigeria. The paper concluded based on the findings that hate speech and foul language is prevalent on social media platforms in Nigeria and that there are adequate legal provisions to curb the phenomenon in Nigeria. It recommends among others things that the Nigerian government and NGOs should sponsor monitoring projects like the UMATI in Kenya to better understand the use of hate speech and that monitoring agencies set up under the legal regime should adopt mechanisms to identify and remove hate speech content on social media platforms in Nigeria.
SATURAÇÃO POR BASES E DOSES DE P NO CRESCIMENTO E NA QUALIDADE DE MUDAS DE CUMBARU
Authors: Vieira Cristiane Ramos , Weber Oscarlina Lúcia dos Santos
Published: December 2016

O cumbaru (Dipteryx alata Vogel) é uma espécie florestal que, em consequência do desmatamento ocorrido em seu habitat natural, está ameaçada de extinção. Portanto, torna-se importante a produção de mudas da espécie visando à recuperação dessas áreas. No entanto, pouco se conhece a respeito de suas exigências naturais. Diante disso, desenvolveu-se experimento em casa de vegetação, com o objetivo de verificar a influência da saturação por bases e das doses de P no crescimento de Dipteryx alata. O experimento foi instalado em ambiente protegido com os tratamentos dispostos em sacos plásticos, em combinações de quatro níveis de saturação por bases (20,5, 50, 60 e 70%) com quatro doses de P (0, 40, 80 e 120 kg.ha-1), utilizando-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados com cinco repetições. Foram efetuadas avaliações de altura, diâmetro de coleto e a relação entre altura e diâmetro, a cada 30 dias. Após 120 dias, as mudas foram seccionadas em folhas, caule e raiz para avaliação da biomassa e dos teores de macronutrientes. A saturação e doses de P não influenciaram no crescimento de Dipteryx alata. No entanto, elevou as concentrações dos macronutrientes nas plantas.
Three‐dimensional displacements of a large volcano flank movement during the May 2010 eruptions at Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala
Authors: Schaefer L. N. , Wang T. , Escobar‐Wolf R. , Oommen T. , Lu Z. , Kim J. , Lundgren P. R. , Waite G. P.
Published: December 2016

Although massive flank failure is fairly common in the evolution of volcanoes, measurements of flank movement indicative of instability are rare. Here 3‐D displacements from airborne radar amplitude images derived using an amplitude image pixel offset tracking technique show that the west and southwest flanks of Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala experienced large (~4 m), discrete landsliding that was ultimately aborted. Pixel offset tracking improved measurement recovery by nearly 50% over classic interferometric synthetic aperture radar techniques, providing unique measurements at the event. The 3‐D displacement field shows that the flank moved coherently downslope along a complex failure surface involving both rotational and along‐slope movement. Notably, the lack of continuous movement of the slide in the years leading up to the event emphasizes that active movement should not always be expected at volcanoes for which triggering factors (e.g., magmatic intrusions and eruptions) could precipitate sudden major flank instability.
Interrogation of electrical connector faults using miniaturized UWB sources
Authors: Tokgöz Çağatay , Dardona Sameh
Published: December 2016

A diagnostic method for the detection, identification, and characterization of precursors of faults due to partial insertion of pin‐socket contacts within electrical connectors commonly used in avionics systems is presented. It is demonstrated that a miniaturized ultrawideband (UWB) source and a minispectrum analyzer can be employed to measure resonant frequency shifts in connector S parameters as a small and low‐cost alternative to a large and expensive network analyzer. The transfer function of an electrical connector is represented as a ratio of the spectra measured using the spectrum analyzer with and without the connector. Alternatively, the transfer function is derived in terms of the connector S parameters and the reflection coefficients at both ports of the connector. The transfer function data obtained using this derivation agreed well with its representation as a measured spectral ratio. The derivation enabled the extraction of the connector S parameters from the measured transfer function data as a function of the insertion depth of a pin‐socket contact within the connector. In comparison with the S parameters measured directly using a network analyzer at multiple insertion depths, the S parameters extracted from the measured transfer function showed consistent and reliable representation of the electrical connector fault. The results demonstrate the potential of integrating a low‐cost miniaturized UWB device into a connector harness for real‐time detection of precursors to partially inserted connector faults.
The Chemistry of Low‐Valent Organoaluminum Species
Authors: Wehmschulte Rudolf J.
Published: December 2016

During the past 25 plus years, room‐temperature stable aluminum(I) and (II) compounds have become available through standard organometallic techniques, and their reactivity has been explored in much detail. The chemistry of aluminum(I) compounds may be viewed as that of a very reactive carbene (singlet and triplet, depending on the substrate). Typical reactions involve insertions into various EE or EX bonds and adduct formation with Lewis acids. Aluminum(II) compounds are generally dialumenes (R2AlAlR2) featuring an AlAl single bond. Their chemistry is similar to that of alanes (R3Al) with respect to substitutions and Lewis acid base chemistry but with a strong redox component. In many cases, substrates insert into the AlAl bond in a formally oxidative manner.
Meta‐Regression of a Dose‐Response Relationship of Methotrexate in Mono‐ and Combination Therapy in Disease‐Modifying Antirheumatic Drug–Naive Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Bergstra S. A. , Allaart C. F. , Stijnen T. , Landewé R. B. M.
Published: December 2016

Objective

To investigate a possible short‐term dose‐response relationship of initial treatment with methotrexate (MTX) in monotherapy and combination therapy in recent‐onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed on trials and cohorts, including early, disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)–naive RA patients treated with MTX, with data on clinical results within 6 months from treatment start. Cohen's effect sizes were calculated for the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)/C‐reactive protein (CRP) level, and/or Disease Activity Score (DAS)/in 28 joints (DAS28) in 4 treatment groups: MTX monotherapy, or MTX in combination with synthetic (cs) DMARDs, biologic (b) DMARDs, or glucocorticoids. Random‐effects meta‐regression analyses were performed for each outcome, with treatment group as the predictor corrected for baseline HAQ or disease activity and assessment point.

Results

Thirty‐one studies including 5,589 patients were included. The meta‐regression did not support higher effectiveness of increasing MTX dose in monotherapy. The number of treatment groups using combination therapy with csDMARDs was too small to perform meta‐regression analyses. In combination therapy with glucocorticoids, a higher MTX dose was associated with higher (worse) outcome HAQ, but not with DAS/DAS28 or ESR/CRP level. In combination therapy with bDMARDs, a higher MTX dose was associated with higher outcome HAQ and DAS/DAS28, but not with ESR/CRP level. All effect sizes were small.

Conclusion

In DMARD‐naive, early RA patients who start MTX, either as monotherapy or in combination with bDMARDs or glucocorticoids, a higher initial dose of MTX was not associated with better clinical outcomes. This finding suggests that there is little short‐term gain from starting with high compared to low MTX doses.
Deformation‐Induced Supersaturation in Immiscible Material Systems during High‐Pressure Torsion
Authors: Kormout Karoline Sophie , Pippan Reinhard , Bachmaier Andrea
Published: December 2016

The review focuses on the supersaturation process of immiscible elements induced by high‐pressure torsion deformation. A variety of investigated material systems offers the systematic analysis of the controlling factors for mechanical intermixing, which are mainly determined by the level of the positive heat of mixing and the deformation behavior. The homogeneity of the deformation process strongly influences the degree of supersaturation. Our results show that the fundamental mixing mechanism during deformation is not necessarily the same in all systems, but depends also on the strength differences of the phases and accordingly the deformation behavior.
Carbon‐Based Microbial‐Fuel‐Cell Electrodes: From Conductive Supports to Active Catalysts
Authors: Li Shuang , Cheng Chong , Thomas Arne
Published: December 2016

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have attracted considerable interest due to their potential in renewable electrical power generation using the broad diversity of biomass and organic substrates. However, the difficulties in achieving high power densities and commercially affordable electrode materials have limited their industrial applications to date. Carbon materials, which can exhibit a wide range of different morphologies and structures, usually possess physiological activity to interact with microorganisms and are therefore fast‐emerging electrode materials. As the anode, carbon materials can significantly promote interfacial microbial colonization and accelerate the formation of extracellular biofilms, which eventually promotes the electrical power density by providing a conductive microenvironment for extracellular electron transfer. As the cathode, carbon‐based materials can function as catalysts for the oxygen‐reduction reaction, showing satisfying activities and efficiencies nowadays even reaching the performance of Pt catalysts. Here, first, recent advancements on the design of carbon materials for anodes in MFCs are summarized, and the influence of structure and surface functionalization of different types of carbon materials on microorganism immobilization and electrochemical performance is elucidated. Then, synthetic strategies and structures of typical carbon‐based cathodes in MFCs are briefly presented. Furthermore, future applications of carbon‐electrode‐based MFC devices in the energy, environmental, and biological fields are discussed, and the emerging challenges in transferring them from laboratory to industrial scale are described.
Linking the Transcriptional Landscape of Bone Induction to Biomaterial Design Parameters
Authors: Groen Nathalie , Yuan Huipin , Hebels Dennie G. A. J. , Koçer Gülistan , Mbuyi Faustin , LaPointe Vanessa , Truckenmüller Roman , van Blitterswijk Clemens A. , Habibović Pamela , de Boer Jan
Published: December 2016

New engineering possibilities allow biomaterials to serve as active orchestrators of the molecular and cellular events of tissue regeneration. Here, the molecular control of tissue regeneration for calcium phosphate (CaP)‐based materials is established by defining the parameters critical for tissue induction and those are linked to the molecular circuitry controlling cell physiology. The material properties (microporosity, ion composition, protein adsorption) of a set of synthesized osteoinductive and noninductive CaP ceramics are parameterized and these properties are correlated to a transcriptomics profile of osteogenic cells grown on the materials in vitro. Using these data, a genetic network controlling biomaterial‐induced bone formation is built. By isolating the complex material properties into single‐parameter test conditions, it is verified that a subset of these genes is indeed controlled by surface topography and ions released from the ceramics, respectively. The gene network points to a decisive role for extracellular matrix deposition in osteoinduction by genes such as tenascin C and hyaluronic acid synthase 2, which are controlled by calcium and phosphate ions as well as surface topography. This work provides insight into the biomaterial composition and material engineering aspects of bone void filling and can be used as a strategy to explore the interface between biomaterials and tissue regeneration.
Photocatalytic Dehydrogenative Cross‐Coupling of Alkenes with Alcohols or Azoles without External Oxidant
Authors: Yi Hong , Niu Linbin , Song Chunlan , Li Yiying , Dou Bowen , Singh Atul K. , Lei Aiwen
Published: December 2016

Direct cross‐coupling between alkenes/R‐H or alkenes/RXH is a dream reaction, especially without external oxidants. Inputting energy by photocatalysis and employing a cobalt catalyst as a two‐electron acceptor, a direct C−H/X−H cross‐coupling with H2 evolution has been achieved for C−O and C−N bond formation. A new radical alkenylation using alkene as the redox compound is presented. A wide range of aliphatic alcohols—even long chain alcohols—are tolerated well in this system, providing a new route to multi‐substituted enol ether derivatives using simple alkenes. Additionally, this protocol can also be used for N‐vinylazole synthesis. Mechanistic insights reveal that the cobalt catalyst oxidizes the photocatalyst to revive the photocatalytic cycle.
Facile Reductive Silylation of UO22+ to Uranium(IV) Chloride
Authors: Kiernicki John J. , Zeller Matthias , Bart Suzanne C.
Published: December 2016

General reductive silylation of the UO22+ cation occurs readily in a one‐pot, two‐step stoichiometric reaction at room temperature to form uranium(IV) siloxides. Addition of two equivalents of an alkylating reagent to UO2X2(L)2 (X=Cl, Br, I, OTf; L=triphenylphosphine oxide, 2,2′‐bipyridyl) followed by two equivalents of a silyl (pseudo)halide, R3Si‐X (R=aryl, alkyl, H; X=Cl, Br, I, OTf, SPh), cleanly affords (R3SiO)2UX2(L)2 in high yields. Support is included for the key step in the process, reduction of UVI to UV. This procedure is applicable to a wide range of commercially available uranyl salts, silyl halides, and alkylating reagents. Under this protocol, one equivalent of SiCl4 or two equivalents of Me2SiCl2 results in direct conversion of the uranyl to uranium(IV) tetrachloride. Full spectroscopic and structural characterization of the siloxide products is reported.
Synthesis and Evaluation of New Naphthalene and Naphthoquinone Derivatives as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Beretta Giovanni L. , Ribaudo Giovanni , Menegazzo Ileana , Supino Rosanna , Capranico Giovanni , Zunino Franco , Zagotto Giuseppe
Published: December 2016

DNA topoisomerase I inhibitors, both synthetic and of natural origin, are receiving increasing consideration primarily as drugs against refractory tumors. Alkannin and shikonin, two enantiomeric dyes from Alkanna tinctoria and Lithospermum erythrorhizon, have been known over many centuries as dyestuff, wound healing, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial and antitumor substances. Although multiple mechanisms appear to be implicated, their potency is associated with the inhibition of topoisomerase I and with the redox properties of the naphthazarin scaffold. Here, the synthesis of new naphthalene and naphthoquinone derivatives inspired by alkannin and shikonin is described and their structural and biological properties were examined. Different oxidation states of the naphthalene nucleus were examined to observe the effect of this parameter on cytotoxicity. Antiproliferative activities against a panel of human cancer cell lines were evaluated and the implication of topoisomerase I was assessed.
2D‐ERT Survey for the Identification of Archaeological and Historical Structures beneath the Plaza of Santo Domingo, Mexico City, Mexico
Authors: Paz‐Arellano Pedro , Tejero‐Andrade Andrés , Argote‐Espino Denisse
Published: December 2016

Santo Domingo public square (Plaza of Santo Domingo) is located in Mexico City's downtown area. The history of its transformations began in pre‐Hispanic times and is still being written. The objectives of this investigation were to establish the position of the northwest corner of the ancient Mexica wall and to determine whether the Plaza became a public square during pre‐Hispanic or colonial times, taking into account the contradictions of the historical sources. For this purpose, we implemented three 80‐m‐long electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiles in the Plaza and one on the eastern side of the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán. A Wenner–Schulmberger array was designed for the data acquisition. The results could support the hypothesis that the Plaza of Santo Domingo was designed and constructed as an open public area in colonial times, since the observations in the electric profiles beneath the square could reveal the presence of a pre‐Hispanic structure. This structure could be part of the wall that surrounded the Mexica ceremonial compound. At the eastern side of the Dominican church, the foundations of the first Spanish chapel were identified, as well as portions of modern concrete deposits injected into the subsoil to stabilize the constant subsidence of the building. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scleroderma Peripheral B Lymphocytes Secrete Interleukin‐6 and Transforming Growth Factor β and Activate Fibroblasts
Authors: Dumoitier Nicolas , Chaigne Benjamin , Régent Alexis , Lofek Sébastien , Mhibik Maissa , Dorfmüller Peter , Terrier Benjamin , London Jonathan , Bérezné Alice , Tamas Nicolas , Varin‐Blank Nadine , Mouthon Luc
Published: December 2016

Objective

To study the role of B lymphocytes in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

Peripheral B cell subpopulations and the production of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) were analyzed using flow cytometry and multiplex assay. The fibroblast proliferation rate upon incubation with supernatants from B cells isolated from SSc patients or healthy controls was assessed using XTT, bromodeoxyuridine, and Ki‐67. Collagen production was assessed using a collagen assay.

Results

Ninety untreated patients (12 males) fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria for SSc (23 with diffuse cutaneous SSc [dcSSc] and 67 with limited cutaneous SSc [lcSSc]) and 30 healthy controls were recruited. Increased proportions of B cells expressing CD69 and CD95 were identified among the patients with SSc. B lymphocytes from dcSSc patients versus lcSSc patients and healthy controls expressed increased proportion of cells positive for CD5 (mean ± SD 24.12 ± 7.93% versus 14.09 ± 6.58% [P = 0.03] and 14.21 ± 5.34% [P = 0.01]), CD86 (39.89 ± 22.11% versus 17.72 ± 13.98% [P = 0.0007] and 11.68 ± 11.09% [P < 0.001]), IL‐6 receptor (IL‐6R; 33.64 ± 23.12% versus 17.91 ± 13.62% [P < 0.0001] and 12.08 ± 8.68% [P = 0.0009]), or IL‐21R (32.55 ± 20.19% versus 5.76 ± 4.40% [P < 0.0001] and 5.93 ± 3.29% [P < 0.0001]). In addition, the levels of IL‐6 (mean ± SD 314.3 ± 317.8 pg/ml versus 6.10 ± 2.58 pg/ml; P = 0.0007) and TGFβ (mean ± SD 1,020 ± 569 pg/ml versus 163.8 ± 98.69 pg/ml; P = 0.001) secreted by B lymphocytes from patients with SSc were increased compared to healthy controls. Fibroblast proliferation and collagen production were also significantly increased in the presence of B cell supernatant from SSc patients as compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion

The numbers of activated B cells were increased in SSc patients, and the up‐regulation of CD5, CD86, IL‐6R, and IL‐21R discriminated between patients with dcSSc and those with lcSSc. Peripheral B lymphocytes from SSc patients secreted both IL‐6 and TGFβ, and they activated fibroblasts in vitro.
Educate, communicate about your unit's good work
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2016

Turn on the news and you're likely to hear about another incident in which police actions are being questioned. The scrutiny is charged with questions about race, so the stories draw viewers in with emotional and ethical considerations, in addition to the debates about policies and practices.
Follow 7 steps to prevent relationship violence on your campus
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2016

For every 1,000 students on your campus this year, 75 women and 46 men will be involved in an emotionally abusive relationship; 12 women and seven men will be physically abused; and nine women and five men will be sexually abused, according to statistics from the American College Health Association. Understanding relationship violence on your campus is key to preventing it. Educating students about relationship violence will serve them both while enrolled at your institution as well as throughout their lives.
What keeps you up at night?
Authors: Miles David
Published: December 2016

Many times I am asked by members of the campus community “What keeps you up at night?”
FBI releases report on increased hate crimes
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2016

Hate crimes increased in 2015, according to a report released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The report, 2015 Hate Crime Statistics, found a 6.8 percent increase in hate crimes in the United States in 2015. The 5,859 hate crime incidents reported in 2015 show an increase from 5,479 hate crimes reported in 2014. The demographic that faced the greatest increase in reported hate crimes was Muslims, who saw a 67 percent increase in reported hate crimes from 2014 to 2015. According to Mark Potok from the Southern Poverty Law Center, this is the highest number of hate crimes directed toward Muslims in America since 2001 with the al‐Qaida attacks on New York.
Natural Product Kuwanon‐L Inhibits HIV‐1 Replication through Multiple Target Binding
Authors: Martini Riccardo , Esposito Francesca , Corona Angela , Ferrarese Roberto , Ceresola Elisa Rita , Visconti Laura , Tintori Cristina , Barbieri Alessandro , Calcaterra Andrea , Iovine Valentina , Canducci Filippo , Tramontano Enzo , Botta Maurizio
Published: December 2016

In recent years many advances have been made in the fight against HIV‐1 infection. However, the lack of a vaccine, together with the increasing resistance to the highly active anti‐retroviral therapy (HAART), make HIV‐1 infection still a serious global emergency. Thus, new compounds with original modes of action are continuously required, and natural products have ever been a very interesting class of pharmacologically active molecules. Some of them have been used since ancient times against viral infections. Here we present a work in which we suggest that kuwanon‐L, a natural product active as an HIV‐1 integrase (IN) inhibitor, might exert its overall antiviral activity through binding to multiple viral targets. Specific enzymatic tests, together with a time‐of‐addition (TOA) experiment, support our hypothesis of binding both to IN and to reverse transcriptase (RT). Overall, this compound can be considered an attractive lead for the development of new classes of antiviral agents able to overcome the problem of resistance, due to its ability to exert its action by binding simultaneously to multiple viral targets.
Correlation between CO Oxidation and H Adsorption/Desorption on Pt Surfaces in a Wide pH Range: The Role of Alkali Cations
Authors: García Gonzalo
Published: December 2016

It is well‐known that hydrogen adsorption/desorption on Pt open surfaces sites (110 and 100) shows a dependence on the pH below a pure Nernstian shift. Also, it is recognized that the oxidation of CO (and organic molecules) on Pt open surface electrodes occurs at more negative potentials in alkaline media than in acidic solutions. In contrast, both electrochemical processes develop a pure Nernstian behavior at the close‐packed Pt(111) over the whole pH range. The current work employs experimental results of hydrogen desorption and carbon monoxide oxidation on Pt electrodes with different surface orientations over a wide pH range to reveal that the unusual Nernstian behavior observed at open surface sites is linked to an electrochemical process for both reactions, owing to the fact that similar absolute values are detected. Furthermore, the nature and concentration of alkali cations appear to play an important role in the mutual electrochemical process.
Metal–Organic Framework Supported on Processable Polymer Matrix by In Situ Copolymerization for Enhanced Iron(III) Detection
Authors: Liu Chun‐Sen , Chen Min , Tian Jia‐Yue , Wang Lei , Li Min , Fang Shao‐Ming , Wang Xi , Zhou Li‐Ming , Wang Zhuo‐Wei , Du Miao
Published: December 2016

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a promising class of porous materials. However, MOFs show poor processability that impedes their full potential in applications. This work develops a composite strategy to skillfully load MOFs on a polymer plate to afford processability for these powder materials. A predesigned mesoporous MOF with active −NH2groups around the pore walls was prepared and its copolymerization with the −NCO groups of macromonomers (polyurethane acrylate) could be facilely induced by an initiator under mild conditions. Notably, the target MOF–polymer composite is transparent, elastic, and shows enhanced Fe3+detection compared with that of the individual MOF functional component. This result can be ascribed to the synergistic effect of the composite with newly formed chemical bonds between the MOF particle and polymer matrix.
Phosphatase‐Stable Phosphoamino Acid Mimetics That Enhance Binding Affinities with the Polo‐Box Domain of Polo‐like Kinase 1
Authors: Hymel David , Burke Terrence R.
Published: December 2016

(2S,3R)‐2‐Amino‐3‐methyl‐4‐phosphonobutanoic acid (Pmab) is a phosphatase‐stable analogue of phosphothreonine (pThr), which has been used in a variety of biological contexts. Among these applications are peptidomimetic ligands that bind to the polo‐box domain (PBD) of polo‐like kinase 1 (Plk1) with affinities approaching that of the corresponding pThr‐containing peptides. However, Pmab is not widely used, because there are no direct, high‐yield preparations of suitably protected reagent. We have now achieved an efficient synthesis of protected Pmab, as well as variants with different substituents at the 3R center. When incorporated into our peptidomimetic scaffold, these new Pmab analogues exhibit Plk1 PBD‐binding affinities that are several‐fold higher than Pmab, yet retain good selectivity for Plk1 relative to the PBDs of Plk2 and Plk3. These findings will significantly impact the future development of PBD‐binding inhibitors, as well as ligands directed against a broad spectrum of pThr‐dependent processes.
A switched‐capacitor skew‐tent map implementation for random number generation
Authors: Valtierra José Luis , Tlelo‐Cuautle Esteban , Rodríguez‐Vázquez Ángel
Published: December 2016

Piecewise linear one‐dimensional maps have been proposed as the basis for low‐power analog and mixed‐signal true random number generators (TRNGs). Recent research has moved towards conceiving maps that operate robustly under the consideration of parameter variations. In this paper, we introduce an oscillator circuit mapping a low‐complexity map known as the skew‐tent. This oscillator is employed as the basis for a TRNG scheme. Simulation results in TSMC 0.18 μm validate the chaotic oscillator and the randomness of the TRNG scheme is verified with the NIST test suite 800‐22. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Persistence of alprazolam in river water according to forced and non‐forced degradation assays: adsorption to sediment and long‐term degradation products
Authors: Jiménez Juan J. , Sánchez María I. , Muñoz Beatriz E. , Pardo Rafael
Published: December 2016

Alprazolam is a pharmaceutical compound that it is detected in surface waters. Some degradation studies in aqueous solutions and pharmaceutical products are available, but there is no reliable information about its stability in river water. Here, assays have been conducted under forced biological, photochemical, and thermal conditions, and under non‐forced conditions, to estimate the fate of alprazolam in river water and know its degradation products. The forced assays indicated that the biological and photochemical degradation of alprazolam was negligible; heating at 70°C for a long time barely affected it. The degradation of alprazolam in river water at 100 μg/L was about 5% after 36 weeks, keeping the water under a natural day‐night cycle at room temperature and limiting partially the exposure to sunlight as happens inside a body of water; no change in concentration was observed when the monitoring was performed at 2 μg/L. The results suggest the persistence of alprazolam in surface water and a possible accumulation over time. Residues were monitored by ultra‐pressure liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight/mass spectrometry after solid‐phase extraction; nine degradation products were found and the structures for most of them were proposed from the molecular formulae and fragmentation observed in high‐resolution tandem mass spectra. (5‐chloro‐2‐(3‐methyl‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl)phenyl)(phenyl)methanol was the main long‐term transformation product in conditions that simulate those in a mass of water. The degradation rate in presence of sediment was equally very low under non‐forced conditions; adsorption coefficients of alprazolam and major degradation products were calculated. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of biodiversity strengthen over time as ecosystem functioning declines at low and increases at high biodiversity
Authors: Meyer Sebastian T. , Ebeling Anne , Eisenhauer Nico , Hertzog Lionel , Hillebrand Helmut , Milcu Alexandru , Pompe Sven , Abbas Maike , Bessler Holger , Buchmann Nina , De Luca Enrica , Engels Christof , Fischer Markus , Gleixner Gerd , Hudewenz Anika , Klein Alexandra‐Maria , de Kroon Hans , Leimer Sophia , Loranger Hannah , Mommer Liesje , Oelmann Yvonne , Ravenek Janneke M. , Roscher Christiane , Rottstock Tanja , Scherber Christoph , Scherer‐Lorenzen Michael , Scheu Stefan , Schmid Bernhard , Schulze Ernst‐Detlef , Staudler Andrea , Strecker Tanja , Temperton Vicky , Tscharntke Teja , Vogel Anja , Voigt Winfried , Weigelt Alexandra , Wilcke Wolfgang , Weisser Wolfgang W.
Published: December 2016

Human‐caused declines in biodiversity have stimulated intensive research on the consequences of biodiversity loss for ecosystem services and policy initiatives to preserve the functioning of ecosystems. Short‐term biodiversity experiments have documented positive effects of plant species richness on many ecosystem functions, and longer‐term studies indicate, for some ecosystem functions, that biodiversity effects can become stronger over time. Theoretically, a biodiversity effect can strengthen over time by an increasing performance of high‐diversity communities, by a decreasing performance of low‐diversity communities, or a combination of both processes. Which of these two mechanisms prevail, and whether the increase in the biodiversity effect over time is a general property of many functions remains currently unclear. These questions are an important knowledge gap as a continuing decline in the performance of low‐diversity communities would indicate an ecosystem‐service debt resulting from delayed effects of species loss on ecosystem functioning. Conversely, an increased performance of high‐diversity communities over time would indicate that the benefits of biodiversity are generally underestimated in short‐term studies. Analyzing 50 ecosystem variables over 11 years in the world's largest grassland biodiversity experiment, we show that overall plant diversity effects strengthened over time. Strengthening biodiversity effects were independent of the considered compartment (above‐ or belowground), organizational level (ecosystem variables associated with the abiotic habitat, primary producers, or higher trophic levels such as herbivores and pollinators), and variable type (measurements of pools or rates). We found evidence that biodiversity effects strengthened because of both a progressive decrease in functioning in species‐poor and a progressive increase in functioning in species‐rich communities. Our findings provide evidence that negative feedback effects at low biodiversity are as important for biodiversity effects as complementarity among species at high biodiversity. Finally, our results indicate that a current loss of species will result in a future impairment of ecosystem functioning, potentially decades beyond the moment of species extinction.
Elasticity of population growth with respect to the intensity of biotic or abiotic driving factors
Authors: Lee Charlotte T.
Published: December 2016

Demographic analysis can elucidate how driving factors, such as climate or species interactions, affect populations. One important question is how growth would respond to future changes in the mean intensity of a driving factor or in its variability, such as might be expected in a fluctuating and shifting climate. Here I develop an approach to computing new stochastic elasticities to address this question. The linchpin of this novel approach is the multidimensional demographic difference that expresses how a population responds to change in the driving factor between two discrete levels of intensity. I use this difference to design a perturbation matrix that links data from common empirical sampling schemes with rigorous theory for stochastic elasticities. Although the starting point is a difference, the products of this synthesis are true derivatives: they are elasticity with respect to the mean intensity of a driving factor, and elasticity with respect to variability in a driving factor. Applying the methods to published data, I demonstrate how these new elasticities can shed light on growth rate response within and at the boundary of the previously observed range of the driving factor, thus helpfully indicating nonlinearity in the observed and in the potential future response. The stochastic approach simplifies in a fixed environment, yielding a compact formula for deterministic elasticity to a driving factor.
Fusing multiple existing space‐time land cover products
Authors: Rodríguez‐Jeangros Nicolás , Hering Amanda S. , Kaiser Timothy , McCray John
Published: December 2016

Land cover (LC) is a critical variable driving many environmental processes, so its assessment, monitoring, and characterization are essential. However, existing LC products, derived primarily from satellite spectral imagery, each have different temporal and spatial resolutions and different LC classes. Most effort is focused on either fusing a pair of LC products over a small space‐time region or on interpolating missing values in an individual LC product. Here, we review the complexities of LC identification and propose a method for fusing multiple existing LC products to produce a single LC record for a large spatial‐temporal grid, referred to as spatiotemporal categorical map fusion. We first reconcile the LC classes of different LC products and then present a probabilistic weighted nearest neighbor estimator of LC class. This estimator depends on three unknown parameters that are estimated using numerical optimization to maximize an agreement criterion that we define. We illustrate the method using six LC products over the Rocky Mountains and show the improvement gained by supplying the optimization with data‐driven information describing the spatial‐temporal behavior of each LC class. Given the massive size of the LC products, we show how the optimal parameters for a given year are often optimal for other years, leading to shorter computing times.
The Zero Lower Bound and Economic Determinants of the Volatility Surface in the Interest Cap Markets
Authors: Kim Myeong‐Hyeon , Kim Changki , Hwang Injun
Published: December 2016

We address an important yet unanswered question: what would be the economic determinants of the implied volatility during the zero lower bound periods? To answer this question, we examine time variations of the cap market implied volatility and investigate economic determinants on slopes and curvatures of the implied volatility curves. We find that unexpected unemployment and inflation shocks play an important role in explaining implied volatility curves for different maturities. We associate negative jumps in the volatility dynamics (Jarrow, Li, & Zhao, 2007) with two unexpected macroeconomic shocks. Our results provide an important implication for practitioners who prepare future exit strategies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 37:578–598, 2017
Butchering Site Evolution Induced by Past and Recent Snowmelt Runoff: The Saunitarlik Site (JiEv‐15), Aivirtuuq Peninsula, Nunavik, Canada
Authors: Bernier Jean‐François , Bhiry Najat , Gendron Daniel
Published: December 2016

A geoarchaeological study of a unique Inuit site in Nunavik was undertaken in order to document the impact of humans on the Arctic environment. The Saunitarlik archaeological site is located on the Aivirtuuq peninsula near Kangiqsujuaq (Nunavik), and it was used as a butchering site by Inuit in the 19th century. It consists of an open‐air midden containing thousands of bones lying in the bed of an intermittent stream. This study documents the transformation of soil at the Saunitarlik site as a result of butchering activities by comparing them with extra‐site soils. Chronostratigraphic and sedimentological analyses of extra‐site sections show a succession of facies associated with: (1) till reworked by the sea, (2) regressive shoreline deposits, (3) surface runoff deposits, and (4) eolian deposits. Surface runoff deposits that dominate the peninsula were linked to regional climatic variations. Micromorphology analyses of intra‐ and extra‐site sediments revealed that periglacial and surface runoff were the main factors influencing site evolution. The intra‐site sections are characterized by the presence of dark, greasy, and sandy organic matter layers. Chemical analysis of these layers using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC−MS) indicated the presence of well‐preserved animal fatty acids in the sediments.
Resetting the bar: Statistical significance in whole‐genome sequencing‐based association studies of global populations
Authors: Pulit Sara L. , de With Sera A. J. , de Bakker Paul I. W.
Published: December 2016

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) of common disease have been hugely successful in implicating loci that modify disease risk. The bulk of these associations have proven robust and reproducible, in part due to community adoption of statistical criteria for claiming significant genotype‐phenotype associations. As the cost of sequencing continues to drop, assembling large samples in global populations is becoming increasingly feasible. Sequencing studies interrogate not only common variants, as was true for genotyping‐based GWAS, but variation across the full allele frequency spectrum, yielding many more (independent) statistical tests. We sought to empirically determine genome‐wide significance thresholds for various analysis scenarios. Using whole‐genome sequence data, we simulated sequencing‐based disease studies of varying sample size and ancestry. We determined that future sequencing efforts in >2,000 samples of European, Asian, or admixed ancestry should set genome‐wide significance at approximately P = 5 × 10−9, and studies of African samples should apply a more stringent genome‐wide significance threshold of P = 1 × 10−9. Adoption of a revised multiple test correction will be crucial in avoiding irreproducible claims of association.
Mobilization of X‐ray amorphous and crystalline aluminum and iron phosphates by common soil extraction procedures
Authors: Prietzel Jörg
Published: December 2016

Soil extraction with 0.1 M NaOH completely dissolves X‐ray amorphous as well as crystalline AlPO4 and FePO4. Extraction with acidic NH4 oxalate completely mobilizes X‐ray amorphous AlPO4 and FePO4 in addition to phosphate adsorbed to poorly‐crystallized Al and Fe minerals, but only a minor portion of crystalline AlPO4 and FePO4. Extraction with dithionite‐citrate‐bicarbonate mobilizes X‐ray amorphous AlPO4 and FePO4 as well as crystalline FePO4, but only a minor portion of crystalline AlPO4.
Oxidative stability of sesame and flaxseed oils and their effects on morphometric and biochemical parameters in an animal model
Authors: Figueiredo Priscila S , Candido Camila J , Jaques Jeandre AS , Nunes Ângela A , Caires Anderson RL , Michels Flavio Santana , Almeida Jeeser A , Filiú Wander FO , Hiane Priscila A , Nascimento Valter A , Franco Octavio L , Guimarães Rita CA
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

Sesame and flaxseed oils, which are rich in essential n‐6 and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, are widely consumed. We have determined the optical behavior with respect to the quality and identity of cold‐pressed sesame and flaxseed oils. The effects of these oils and their combinations on metabolic parameters in animal models were also measured.

RESULTS

Flaxseed oil emitted carotenoid fluorescence (500–650 nm), although it was more unstable than sesame oil, which had a larger induction period by the Rancimat method. The greater stability of sesame may be a result of the lower quantity of linolenic fatty acids. These oils were added to the feed of 56 rats, whereas animal fat was used for the control group. The sesame oil, flaxseed oil and sesame + flaxseed oils groups showed a significantly reduced adiposity index and blood glucose compared to the control group, whereas total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein and triglycerides were lower in flaxseed oil and sesame + flaxseed oils (P < 0.05). Sesame + flaxseed oils had reduced levels of low‐density lipoprotein and non‐high‐density lipoprotein (P < 0.05), indicating an anti‐atherogenic effect in this group.

CONCLUSION

Sesame oil was more stable than flaxseed oil. In an animal model, the diets with polyunsaturated fat sources proportions of 1:1 n‐6:n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, improved the metabolic parameters, implying cardioprotective effects. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
A wide view auto‐stereoscopic 3D display with an eye‐tracking system for enhanced horizontal viewing position and viewing distance
Authors: Suzuki Daichi , Hayashi Shuji , Hyodo Yosuke , Oka Shinichiro , Koito Takeo , Sugiyama Hiroki
Published: December 2016

This paper describes the development of auto‐stereoscopic three‐dimensional (3D) display with an eye‐tracking system for not only the X‐axis (right–left) and Y‐axis (up–down) plane directions but also the Z‐axis (forward–backward) direction. In the past, the eye‐tracking 3D system for the XY‐axes plane directions that we had developed had a narrow 3D viewing space in the Z‐axis direction because of occurrence of 3D crosstalk variation on screen. The 3D crosstalk variation on screen was occurred when the viewer's eye position moved back and forth along the Z‐axis direction. The reason was that the liquid crystal (LC) barrier pitch was fixed and the LC barrier was able to control the only barrier aperture position. To solve this problem, we developed the LC barrier that is able to control the barrier pitch as well as the barrier aperture position in real time, corresponding to the viewer's eye position. As a result, the 3D viewing space has achieved to expand up to 320–1016 mm from the display surface in the Z‐axis direction and within a range of ±267 mm in the X‐axis direction. In terms of the Y‐axis direction, the viewing space is not necessary to be considered, because of a stripe‐shaped parallax barrier.
Inhibition of lung cancer in diethylnitrosamine‐induced mice by Rhizoma paridis saponins
Authors: Man Shuli , Li Jing , Qiu Peiyu , Liu Jing , Liu Zhen , Ma Long , Gao Wenyuan
Published: December 2016

Lung cancer is the foremost cause of cancer mortality and a growing economic burden worldwide. Rhizoma paridis saponins (RPS) have been reported to exhibit potential anti‐tumor effects on many kinds of tumor models. The present study was designed to investigate the mechanism‐based chemopreventive nature of RPS against DEN‐induced lung carcinogenesis in Kunming mice. As a result, the treatment with RPS reduced the severity of pulmonary histopathology. The mechanism of its antitumor effect involved in (a) reducing oxidative stress injury through up‐regulating activities of CAT and SOD; (b) down‐regulating the levels of inflammatory factors, like TNF‐α, IL6, COX‐2, and PGE2; (c) activation of caspase‐3 and up‐regulating the pro‐apoptotic protein Bax; (d) decreasing the expression of PCNA; (e) depressing the expression of cancer stem cells marker CD133; (f) suppressing aberrant expression of cytokeratin 8 and 18; and (g) inhibiting EGFR/ PI3 K/Akt, EGFR/Ras/Erk and NF‐κB pathways. Taken together, RPS would be a potent agent inhibiting lung tumor in the future.