bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate Governance and Firm Profitability: A Study of Ghana's Banking Sector
Authors: Leyel Christopher , Kor Jacob Aaworb-nang Maabobr
Published: September 2024

Corporate performance stands out as one of the most crucial research considerations in the field of financial management. The elements that have significant impacts on the assessment of such performance can be segregated into two categories, namely micro and macro factors. Organization must therefore consider the benefits accrued, as well as the interests of investors who seek to gain from the capital they invest in the organization since an enterprise can be deemed alluring based not only on its capacity to generate profits, but also on its capability to sustain and augment profits. Adhering to principles and practices of corporate governance constitutes a crucial catalyst for enhancing organizational efficiency and achieving success and therefore this study seeks to examine the moderating effect of financial leverage could have on the correlation that exists between corporate governance and the financial performance of commercial banks in Ghana. The study employed a panel regression models to estimate and ascertain the primary and moderating influences of financial leverage. Results revealed a negative relationship between board size and firm size with profitability (ROA). However, the negative correlation between board size and ROA is significant, while that of firm size is insignificant. Additionally, it is evident that there is a positive and significant relationship between liquidity and profitability in the short term. This study recommends that it would be prudent for the various commercial banks in the country to implement quality corporate governance practices in order to fully realize the benefits associated with good corporate governance practices.
Addressing Unemployment through the Coir Industry: An Analysis of National Efforts and Challenges
Authors: P Pratheesh. , Reema Mary , Florence M. A.
Published: September 2024

The coir industry in Kerala, the birthplace of Indian coir, is facing significant challenges due to mechanization, leading to widespread labour displacement and migration. This issue is not adequately addressed by government policies, as unemployment affects all segments of the industry and negatively impacts disadvantaged social groups. The decline in the coir industry is causing a shift in the manufacturing sector, with small-scale and household sectors being abandoned and large export firms moving to other states. This article provides insights into the difficulties in finding employment and the rising rate of unemployment in the context of the coir industry, a field often disregarded in national economic policies. Using a mixed-methods approach that incorporates surveys, structured interviews, and secondary data analysis, the study looks at the relationship between unemployment and the modernization of coir enterprises, concentrating on how these changes effect job prospects and the socioeconomic position of workers. According to the findings, despite consistent government support, other initiatives are insufficient, resulting in a significant loss of employment, labour displacement and frequent labour migration.
Assessment of Soil Enzyme Activity in Soybean Fields under Long-Term Fertilization and Manuring Practices
Authors: Gupta Vishal , Parmar B.B. , Bhayal Divya , Kumar Kishan , Yadav Brajesh , Choudhary Giriraj , Goyal Utkarsh
Published: September 2024

The experiment carried out in this field study was between at theAICRP Research Farm in the outward-bound farm of the College of Agriculture, Indore. Indore is a small city in the western part of Madhya Pradesh, Central India, situated on the Malwa Plateau.  An experiment was conducted with three replications by using different combination of N, P levels and crop residues in RBD design. Experiment field was medium to black soil with pH of 7.63 and medium in organic carbon 0.58%. The soil was low in available nitrogen (208.0 kgha-1) medium in available phosphorus (21.0 kgha-1) and high in potassium (585 kg ha-1) and divided   into gross plot size of 10 x 7.2 m2 and a net plot size of 9 x 6.4 m2, respectively.  During crop harvest four different depths were used to gather the soil samples: 0–10, 10–20, 20–30, and 30–40 cm.  All the collected samples are examined separated for Dehydrogenase, Urease enzyme, Acid & alkaline phosphate, Arysulphatase activity. The finding showed that maximum soil DHA, Urease, Acid & alkaline phosphate, Arysulphataseactivitywas observed with the application of treatment T6 treatment (FYM 6 t ha-1 + N20 P13.
Influence of Foliar Application of Nitrogen through Urea and Nano Urea on Morphophysiological and Yield in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.)
Authors: Khandare Kirti G. , Shende P. V. , Baviskar Sapana B. , Kalamkar Vandana B. , Tinpayale A. D. , Landge Yashashri R.
Published: September 2024

A field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture Nagpur, during Kharif 2023 in randomized blocked design (RBD) with PDKV Yashshree (BFTM-82) variety, at Research Farm of Agricultural Botany Section, College of Agriculture Nagpur, with three replications and eight treatments. The results revealed that the best treatment 25 N kg ha-1 + two spray of nano urea @ 4 ml L-1 (T8) applied at tillering and pre-flowering stage was significantly superior as compared to other treatments which shows the highest value in morpho-physiological viz., Plant height (163.00 cm) at 80 DAS, days to 50% flowering (57.00), days to maturity (87.00), RGR (0.095 g-1 dm-2 day-1 ) at 60-80 DAS and CGR (0.82 g-1 cm-2 day-1) at 60-80 DAS and yield parameters viz., No. of panicle hill-1 (4.90), Panicle length (24.37 cm), No. of spikelet panicle-1 (66.07), Grain yield kg plot-1 (1.30),Grain yield kg ha-1 (1421.78),Harvest index (63.50%) of foxtail millet.
Earthworms Transport Agents of Micro-plastic in Soil
Authors: SI Mulani , VM Dalavi , RR Katkar , DD Varale , AS Gortyl , PJ Khose , TB Namde , NS Sutar
Published: September 2024

Earthworm activity results in vermicomposting rich in vitamins, growth hormones, proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulose, chitinase, and immobilized microflora and macro and micronutrients. After the enzymes are expelled from the worms, they still break down organic materials. The benefits of using vermicomposting in agricultural production include decreased water use for irrigation, reduced pest and termite attacks, decreased weed growth, faster seed germination and rapid seedling growth and development, more fruits per plant (in vegetable crops), and more seeds produced annually (in cereal crops). Without using agrochemicals, vermicomposting and earthworms can increase horticulture output. Vermicomposting has advantages, although its application is still relatively new. This review aims to raise awareness about this particular local soil amendment.
The importance of neutral hydrogen for the maintenance of the midlatitude winter nighttime ionosphere: Evidence from IS observations at Kharkiv, Ukraine, and field line interhemispheric plasma model simulations
Authors: Kotov D. V. , Richards P. G. , Bogomaz O. V. , Chernogor L. F. , Truhlik V. , Emelyanov L. Ya. , Chepurnyy Ya. M. , Domnin I. F.
Published: July 2016

This study investigates the causes of nighttime enhancements in ionospheric density that are observed in winter by the incoherent scatter radar at Kharkiv, Ukraine. Calculations with a comprehensive physical model reveal that large downward ion fluxes from the plasmasphere are the main cause of the enhancements. These large fluxes are enabled by large upward H+ fluxes into the plasmasphere from the conjugate summer hemisphere during the daytime. The nighttime downward H+ flux at Kharkiv is sensitive to the thermosphere model H density, which had to be increased by factors of 2 to 3 to obtain model‐data agreement for the topside H+ density. Other studies support the need for increasing the thermosphere model H density for all seasons at solar minimum. It was found that neutral winds are less effective than plasmaspheric fluxes for maintaining the nighttime ionosphere. This is partly because increased equatorward winds simultaneously oppose the downward H+ flux. The model calculations also reveal the need for a modest additional heat flow from the plasmasphere in the afternoon. This source could be the quiet time ring current.
The Low‐Energy Neutral Imager (LENI)
Authors: Westlake J. H. , Mitchell D. G. , Brandt P. C.‐son. , Andrews B. G. , Clark G.
Published: July 2016

To achieve breakthroughs in the areas of heliospheric and magnetospheric energetic neutral atom (ENA) imaging, a new class of instruments is required. We present a high angular resolution ENA imager concept aimed at the suprathermal plasma populations with energies between 0.5 and 20 keV. This instrument is intended for understanding the spatial and temporal structure of the heliospheric boundary recently revealed by Interstellar Boundary Explorer instrumentation and the Cassini Ion and Neutral Camera. The instrument is also well suited to characterize magnetospheric ENA emissions from low‐altitude ENA emissions produced by precipitation of magnetospheric ions into the terrestrial upper atmosphere, or from the magnetosheath where solar wind protons are neutralized by charge exchange, or from portions of the ring current region. We present a new technique utilizing ultrathin carbon foils, 2‐D collimation, and a novel electron optical design to produce high angular resolution (≤2°) and high‐sensitivity (≥10−3 cm2 sr/pixel) ENA imaging in the 0.5–20 keV energy range.
MESSENGER observations of cusp plasma filaments at Mercury
Authors: Poh Gangkai , Slavin James A. , Jia Xianzhe , DiBraccio Gina A. , Raines Jim M. , Imber Suzanne M. , Gershman Daniel J. , Sun Wei‐Jie , Anderson Brian J. , Korth Haje , Zurbuchen Thomas H. , McNutt Ralph L. , Solomon Sean C.
Published: July 2016

The MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft while in orbit about Mercury observed highly localized, ~3‐s‐long reductions in the dayside magnetospheric magnetic field, with amplitudes up to 90% of the ambient intensity. These magnetic field depressions are termed cusp filaments because they were observed from just poleward of the magnetospheric cusp to midlatitudes, i.e., ~55° to 85°N. We analyzed 345 high‐ and low‐altitude cusp filaments identified from MESSENGER magnetic field data to determine their physical properties. Minimum variance analysis indicates that most filaments resemble cylindrical flux tubes within which the magnetic field intensity decreases toward its central axis. If the filaments move over the spacecraft at an estimated magnetospheric convection speed of ~35 km/s, then they have a typical diameter of ~105 km or ~7 gyroradii for 1 keV H+ ions in a 300 nT magnetic field. During these events, MESSENGER's Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer observed H+ ions with magnetosheath‐like energies. MESSENGER observations during the spacecraft's final low‐altitude campaign revealed that these cusp filaments likely extend down to Mercury's surface. We calculated an occurrence‐rate‐normalized integrated particle precipitation rate onto the surface from all filaments of (2.70 ± 0.09) × 1025 s−1. This precipitation rate is comparable to published estimates of the total precipitation rate in the larger‐scale cusp. Overall, the MESSENGER observations analyzed here suggest that cusp filaments are the magnetospheric extensions of the flux transfer events that form at the magnetopause as a result of localized magnetic reconnection.
Improving deformation models by discounting transient signals in geodetic data: 2. Geodetic data, stress directions, and long‐term strain rates in Italy
Authors: Carafa Michele M. C. , Bird Peter
Published: July 2016

The lithosphere of Italy is exposed to a number of different short‐term strain transients, including but not limited to landslides, postseismic relaxation, and volcanic inflation/deflation. These transients affect GPS velocities and complicate the assessment of the long‐term tectonic component of the surface deformation. In a companion paper we present a method for anticipating the principal patterns of nontectonic, short‐term strains and building this information into the covariance matrix of the geodetic velocities. In this work we apply this method to Italian GPS velocities to build an augmented covariance matrix that characterizes all expected discrepancies between short‐ and long‐term velocities. We find that formal uncertainties usually reported for GPS measurements are smaller than the variability of the same benchmarks across a geologic time span. Furthermore, we include in our modeling the azimuths of most compressive horizontal principal stresses (SHmax) because GPS data cannot resolve the active kinematics of coastal and offshore areas. We find that the final tectonic model can be made relatively insensitive to short‐term interfering processes if the augmented covariance matrix and SHmax data records are used in the objective function. This results in a preferred neotectonic model that is also in closer agreement with independent geologic and seismological constraints and has the advantage of reducing short‐term biases in forecasts of long‐term seismicity.
Improving deformation models by discounting transient signals in geodetic data: 1. Concept and synthetic examples
Authors: Bird Peter , Carafa Michele M. C.
Published: July 2016

GPS geodesy provides very precise velocities of benchmarks on decadal timescales, and geodesists often describe their uncertainties with a velocity covariance matrix. However, those who model neotectonic deformation to estimate long‐term seismic hazard want constraints on the interseismic velocities of stable bedrock on multithousand‐year timescales. When the former (available data) are used as proxies for the latter (desired constraints), it is necessary to increase uncertainties to characterize a variety of transient and/or surficial noise processes, including magma chamber recharge, postseismic relaxation, pore fluid motion, extremely slow landsliding, and glacial isostatic adjustment. The effects of transient noise on distant reference benchmarks also add to uncertainty of the long‐term velocity reference frame. We augment the reported velocity covariance matrix with transpose products of velocity perturbation vectors from simple models approximately describing anticipated transient and surficial noise sources. No artifacts are introduced by this method because the velocity‐vector data are unchanged. When the inverse of the augmented covariance matrix (the “diminished normal matrix”) is used in the objective function of a neotectonic deformation model partially driven by GPS data, the perturbing effects of transient and surficial signals are greatly reduced. Improvement occurs even when the prior estimates of noise processes are rather crude. We present two examples computed with synthetic data.
Estimate of subduction rate of island arcs to the deep mantle
Authors: Ichikawa Hiroki , Yamamoto Shinji , Kawai Kenji , Kameyama Masanori
Published: July 2016

Recent geological observations support the subduction of some oceanic arcs into the mantle. For example, the Izu‐Bonin arc is considered to be partially subducting underneath the island of Honshu, Japan, despite its lower density than that of surrounding mantle, after the vertical collision with Honshu at ~17 Ma. Seismological surveys have clarified the internal structure of the arc, which consists of the basaltic and boninitic upper crust, the felsic middle crust, the intermediate upper‐lower crust, and the mafic lower crust. This structure extends and moves northward toward Honshu. Among these components, part of the middle, the intermediate upper‐lower, and the lower crust is thought to be subducting. Here in order to estimate the subduction rate of granitic materials in oceanic arcs to the deep mantle, we have conducted numerical simulations of the subduction of arcs based on the finite element method and investigated the effect of arcs' sizes and shapes and slab temperature. The results show that the subduction rate heavily depends on the geometry of the arcs or temperature profiles of the subducting slabs. When the size of the arc or the temperature of the slab is smaller, the subduction rate grows larger owing to competition between upward buoyancy and downward viscous drag from slabs. The results also show that about 20% of the felsic crust materials in oceanic arcs that are comparable in size to the Izu‐Bonin arc can be subducted into the deep mantle when the temperature of the subducting slab is of the usual value.
Diagnosing ocean feedbacks to the MJO: SST‐modulated surface fluxes and the moist static energy budget
Authors: DeMott Charlotte A. , Benedict James J. , Klingaman Nicholas P. , Woolnough Steven J. , Randall David A.
Published: July 2016

The composite effect of intraseasonal sea surface temperature (SST) variability on the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) is studied in the context of the column‐integrated moist static energy (〈m〉) budget using data from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Interim Reanalysis (ERA‐I). SST fluctuations influence the Δq and ΔT parts of the bulk surface latent and sensible heat flux calculations, respectively, each of which influence column 〈m〉. Reynolds decomposition of latent and sensible heat fluxes (LH and SH) reveal that the thermodynamic perturbations (e.g.,
for LH) modestly offset the equatorial wind‐driven perturbations (
) and 〈m〉, but strongly offset the subtropical
 and 〈m〉. Column moistening east of MJO convection is opposed by
and supported by
. Impacts of intraseasonal SST fluctuations are analyzed by recomputing surface flux component terms using 61 day running‐mean SST. Differences between “full SST” and “smoothed SST” projections onto 〈m〉 and its tendency (∂〈m〉/∂t) yield the “SST effect” on the MJO 〈m〉 budget. Particularly in the Indian Ocean, intraseasonal SST fluctuations maintain equatorial 〈m〉 anomalies at a rate of 1%–2% d−1 and damp subtropical 〈m〉 anomalies at a similar rate. Vertical advection (−〈ω∂m/∂p〉) exports 10%–20% of 〈m〉 per day, implying that the SST modulation of surface fluxes offsets roughly 10% of equatorial 〈m〉 export and amplifies by 10% the subtropical 〈m〉 export by −〈ω∂m/∂p〉. SST fluctuations support MJO propagation by encouraging on‐equator convection and the circulation anomalies that drive MJO propagation, and by contributing up to 10% of ∂〈m〉/∂t across the Warm Pool.
Severe Health‐Related Quality of Life Impairment in Active Primary Sjögren's Syndrome and Patient‐Reported Outcomes: Data From a Large Therapeutic Trial
Authors: Cornec Divi , Devauchelle‐Pensec Valérie , Mariette Xavier , Jousse‐Joulin Sandrine , Berthelot Jean‐Marie , Perdriger Aleth , Puéchal Xavier , Le Guern Véronique , Sibilia Jean , Gottenberg Jacques‐Eric , Chiche Laurent , Hachulla Eric , Yves Hatron Pierre , Goeb Vincent , Hayem Gilles , Morel Jacques , Zarnitsky Charles , Dubost Jean Jacques , Saliou Philippe , Pers Jacques Olivier , Seror Raphaèle , Saraux Alain
Published: July 2016

Objective

To identify the principal determinants of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) impairment in patients with active primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) participating in a large therapeutic trial, Tolerance and Efficacy of Rituximab in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (TEARS).

Methods

At the inclusion visit for the TEARS trial, 120 patients with active primary SS completed the Short Form 36 health survey (SF‐36), a validated HRQOL assessment tool. Univariate then multivariate linear regression analyses were used to assess associations linking SF‐36 physical and mental components to demographic data, patient‐reported outcomes (symptom intensity assessments for dryness, pain, and fatigue, including the European League Against Rheumatism [EULAR] Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index [ESSPRI]), objective measures of dryness and autoimmunity, and physician evaluation of systemic activity (using the EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index [ESSDAI]).

Results

SF‐36 scores indicated marked HRQOL impairments in our population with active primary SS. Approximately one‐third of the patients had low, moderate, and high systemic activity according to the ESSDAI. ESSPRI and ESSDAI scores were moderately but significantly correlated. The factors most strongly associated with HRQOL impairment were patient‐reported symptoms, best assessed using the ESSPRI, with pain and ocular dryness intensity showing independent associations with HRQOL. Conversely, systemic activity level was not associated with HRQOL impairment in multivariate analyses, even in the patient subset with ESSDAI values indicating moderate‐to‐high systemic activity.

Conclusion

The cardinal symptoms of primary SS (dryness, pain, and fatigue, best assessed using the ESSPRI) are stronger predictors of HRQOL impairment than systemic involvement (assessed by the ESSDAI) and should be used as end points in future therapeutic trials focusing on patients’ well‐being. New consensual and data‐driven response criteria are needed for primary SS studies.
Parental Rheumatoid Arthritis, Child Mortality, and Case Fatality: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Rom Ane L. , Wu Chun S. , Olsen Jørn , Jawaheer Damini , Hetland Merete L. , Ottesen Bent , Mørch Lina S.
Published: July 2016

Objective

We have previously reported increased long‐term morbidity in children of parents with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here we assess child mortality and case fatality in the same cohort.

Methods

All singletons born in Denmark from 1977 to 2008 were identified through linkage of Danish national registries. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) of death from all causes among children exposed to parental RA, compared to unexposed children. Risk of death after infection or respiratory diseases was also assessed for children below the age of 5 years.

Results

This study followed 1,917,723 newborns for an average of 16 years. Of these, 13,556 were exposed to maternal RA and 6,330 to paternal RA. Overall mortality rates in children exposed to maternal or paternal RA did not differ from those in unexposed children (HR 0.98 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.84–1.15] and 1.08 [95% CI 0.86–1.36], respectively), nor did the risk of death below the ages of 5 years, 3 years, or 1 year. In the group of children below the age of 5 years, 6,106 children of parents with RA were diagnosed with respiratory diseases and 3,320 with infectious diseases. The case fatality rate in children with these diseases was not significantly higher than in unexposed children (HR 1.11 [95% CI 0.74–1.66] and 0.84 [95% CI 0.52–1.35], respectively).

Conclusion

Children of parents with RA had similar mortality rates as other children, as well as after diagnoses of respiratory or infectious diseases.
A Versatile and Clearable Nanocarbon Theranostic Based on Carbon Dots and Gadolinium Metallofullerene Nanocrystals
Authors: Guan Mirong , Li Jie , Jia Qingyan , Ge Jiechao , Chen Daiqin , Zhou Yue , Wang Pengfei , Zou Toujun , Zhen Mingming , Wang Chunru , Shu Chunying
Published: July 2016

Nanocarbons such as carbon nanotubes, graphene derivatives, and carbon nanohorns have illustrated their potential uses as cancer theranostics owing to their intrinsic fluorescence or NIR absorbance as well as superior cargo loading capacity. However, some problems still need to be addressed, such as the fates and long‐term toxicology of different nanocarbons in vivo and the improvement of their performance in various biomedical imaging‐guided cancer therapy systems. Herein, a versatile and clearable nanocarbon theranostic based on carbon dots (CDs) and gadolinium metallofullerene nanocrystals (GFNCs) is first developed, in which GFNCs enhance the tumor accumulation of CDs, and CDs enhance the relaxivity of GFNCs, leading to an efficient multimodal imaging‐guided photodynamic therapy in vivo without obvious long‐term toxicity. Furthermore, biochemical analysis reveals that the novel nanotheranostic can harmlessly eliminate from the body in a reasonable period of time after exerting diagnostic and therapeutic function.
Organic Transistor Arrays Integrated with Finger‐Powered Microfluidics for Multianalyte Saliva Testing
Authors: Pappa Anna‐Maria , Curto Vincenzo F. , Braendlein Marcel , Strakosas Xenofon , Donahue Mary J. , Fiocchi Michel , Malliaras George G. , Owens Roisin M.
Published: July 2016

A compact multianalyte biosensing platform is reported, composed of an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) microarray integrated with a pumpless “finger‐powered” microfluidic, for quantitative screening of glucose, lactate, and cholesterol levels. A biofunctionalization method is designed, which provides selectivity towards specific metabolites as well as minimization of any background interference. In addition, a simple method is developed to facilitate multi‐analyte sensing and avoid electrical crosstalk between the different transistors by electrically isolating the individual devices. The resulting biosensing platform, verified using human samples, offers the possibility to be used in easy‐to‐obtain biofluids with low abundance metabolites, such as saliva. Based on our proposed method, other types of enzymatic biosensors can be integrated into the array to achieve multiplexed, noninvasive, personalized point‐of‐care diagnostics.
Electric Field Induced Switchable Wettability to Water on the Polyaniline Membrane and Oil/Water Separation
Authors: Zheng Xi , Guo Zhenyan , Tian Dongliang , Zhang Xiaofang , Jiang Lei
Published: July 2016

Smart surfaces with responsive wettability to external stimulus have attracted considerable attention especially in oil/water/solid interface, whereas there still remain challenges of response in situ, low voltage, and stable substrate. Here, a strategy is proposed to achieve the electric field induced water selectively permeation for oil/water separation based on the stainless steel mesh coated with root‐like polyaniline nanofibers fabricated by emulsion polymerization. Such micro/nanoscale hierarchical‐structured polyaniline mesh is superhydrophobic and underwater superoleophobic, while its superhydrophobicity can turn to hydrophilicity at 160 V and can further selectively filter water at 170 V. As a result, the electric field induced oil/water separation is realized as long as the electric capillary pressure (ECP) is larger than the hydrostatic pressure of the membrane to water, i.e., ECP induced wettability to water transition. The mesh shows low underwater oil‐adhesion force and the anti‐corrosion of polyaniline, indicating that the mesh could keep working under severe environment during the practical application. Thus, this work is promising in the application of controllable oil/water separation and will also be beneficial to the study of smart filtration, microreactors, and microfluidic devices.
Synthesis, Photophysical, Electrochemical Studies, and Antioxidant Properties of Fluorescein‐Linked Glycodendrimers
Authors: Kannan Ayyavoo , Saravanan Velautham , Rajakumar Perumal
Published: July 2016

Fluorescein‐linked glycodendrimers 1, 2, 3, and 4 were synthesized up to the third generation with glucose surface groups and triazole as the bridging unit by using a CuI‐catalyzed click chemistry protocol. All the synthesized glycodendrimers showed comparable antioxidant behavior to that of the standard with ascorbic acid when tested with both the DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl) scavenging assay and HO radical scavenging assay methods. Higher generation glycodendrimers exhibited superior antioxidant activity than the lower generation glycodendrimers owing to the presence of a greater number of triazole units and multivalent glucose units. The fluorescence and UV absorption intensity increases with the increase in dendrimer generation. All the dendrimers 1–4 showed reduction peaks with negative potentials in their cyclic voltammograms.
Two‐Dimensional Phosphorus Oxides as Energy and Information Materials
Authors: Luo Wei , Xiang Hongjun
Published: July 2016

Phosphorene is a rising star in electronics. Recently, 2D phosphorus oxides with higher stability have been synthesized. In this study, we theoretically explored the structures and properties of 2D phosphorus oxides. We found that the structural features of PxOy vary with the oxygen content. When the oxygen content is low, the most stable PxOy material can be obtained by the adsorption of O atoms on phosphorene. Otherwise, stable structures are no longer based on phosphorene and will contain P–O–P motifs. We found that P4O4 has a direct band gap (about 2.24 eV), good optical absorption, and high stability in water, so it may be suitable for photochemical water splitting. P2O3 adopts two possible stable ferroelectric structures (P2O3‐I and P2O3‐II) with electric polarization perpendicular and parallel to the lateral plane, respectively, as the lowest‐energy configurations, depending on the layer thickness. We propose that P2O3 could be used in novel nanoscale multiple‐state memory devices.
Porous Molybdenum Phosphide Nano‐Octahedrons Derived from Confined Phosphorization in UIO‐66 for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Yang Jian , Zhang Fengjun , Wang Xin , He Dongsheng , Wu Geng , Yang Qinghua , Hong Xun , Wu Yuen , Li Yadong
Published: July 2016

Herein, a series of porous nano‐structured carbocatalysts have been fused and decorated by Mo‐based composites, such as Mo2C, MoN, and MoP, to form a hybrid structures. Using the open porosity derived from the pyrolysis of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), the highly dispersive MoO2 small nanoparticles can be deposited in porous carbon by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Undergoing different treatments of carbonization, nitridation, and phosphorization, the Mo2C‐, MoN‐, and MoP‐decorated carbocatalysts can be selectively prepared with un‐changed morphology. Among these Mo‐based composites, the MoP@Porous carbon (MoP@PC) composites exhibited remarkable catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 0.5 m H2SO4 aqueous solution versus MoO2@PC, Mo2C@PC, and MoN@PC. This study gives a promising family of multifunctional lab‐on‐a‐particle architectures which shed light on energy conversion and fuel‐cell catalysis.
Simultaneous SAXS and SANS Analysis for the Detection of Toroidal Supramolecular Polymers Composed of Noncovalent Supermacrocycles in Solution
Authors: Hollamby Martin J. , Aratsu Keisuke , Pauw Brian R. , Rogers Sarah E. , Smith Andrew J. , Yamauchi Mitsuaki , Lin Xu , Yagai Shiki
Published: July 2016

Molecular self‐assembly primarily occurs in solution. To better understand this process, techniques capable of probing the solvated state are consequently required. Small‐angle scattering (SAS) has a proven ability to detect and characterize solutions, but it is rarely applied to more complex assembly shapes. Here, small‐angle X‐ray and neutron scattering are applied to observe toroidal assemblies in solution. Combined analysis confirms that the toroids have a core–shell structure, with a π‐conjugated core and an alkyl shell into which solvent penetrates. The dimensions determined by SAS agree well with those obtained by (dried‐state) atomic force microscopy. Increasing the number of naphthalene units in the molecular building block yields greater rigidity, as evidenced by a larger toroid and a reduction in solvent penetration into the shell. The detailed structural analysis demonstrates the applicability of SAS to monitor complex solution‐based self‐assembly.
Detection of Cyclo‐N5− in THF Solution
Authors: Bazanov Boris , Geiger Uzi , Carmieli Raanan , Grinstein Dan , Welner Shmuel , Haas Yehuda
Published: July 2016

Compelling evidence has been found for the formation and direct detection of the cyclopentazole anion (cyclo‐N5−) in solution. The anion was prepared from phenylpentazole in two steps: reduction by an alkali metal to form the phenylpentazole radical anion, followed by thermal dissociation to yield cyclo‐N5−. The reaction solution was analyzed by HPLC coupled with negative mode mass spectrometry. A signal with m/z 70 was eluted about 2.1 min after injection of the sample. Its identification as N5 was supported by single and double labeling with 15N, which yielded signals at m/z=71 and 72, respectively, with identical retention times in the HPLC column. MS/MS analysis of the m/z=70 signal revealed a dissociation product with m/z=42, which can be assigned to N3−. To our knowledge this is the first preparation of cyclo‐N5− in the bulk. The compound is indefinitely stable at temperatures below −40 °C, and has a half‐life of a few minutes at room temperature.
Preparation and characterization of di‐hexadecanol maleic/triallyl isocyanurate cross‐linked copolymer as solid–solid phase change materials
Authors: Huang Xuelin , Guo Jing , An Qingda , Gong Xueyong , Gong Yumei , Zhang Sen
Published: July 2016

Di‐hexadecanol maleic/Triallyl isocyanurate cross‐linked copolymers as a novel solid–solid phase change materials were successfully synthesized through bulk polymerization. TAIC is the skeleton and DM is a functional side chain that stores and releases heat during its phase transition process. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetry were employed to study the composition, chemical structure, crystalline properties, phase transition behaviors, and the thermal stability of the cross‐linked copolymers, respectively. The test results indicate that DM/TAIC cross‐linked copolymers have good thermal reliability and heat storage durability after 500 thermal cycles. The phase change temperatures of DM/TAIC cross‐linked copolymers were approximately 28.24–37.02°C, and it has high latent heat storage capacity of more than 83 J/g. At the same time, DM/TAIC cross‐linked copolymers have good thermal stability, and they can be processed or used in high temperature environments. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,133, 44065.
An Autotaxin/Lysophosphatidic Acid/Interleukin‐6 Amplification Loop Drives Scleroderma Fibrosis
Authors: Castelino Flavia V. , Bain Gretchen , Pace Veronica A. , Black Katharine E. , George Leaya , Probst Clemens K. , Goulet Lance , Lafyatis Robert , Tager Andrew M.
Published: July 2016

Objective

We previously implicated the lipid mediator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) as having a role in dermal fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aim of this study was to identify the role of the LPA‐producing enzyme autotaxin (ATX), and to connect the ATX/LPA and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) pathways in SSc.

Methods

We evaluated the effect of a novel ATX inhibitor, PAT‐048, on fibrosis and IL‐6 expression in the mouse model of bleomycin‐induced dermal fibrosis. We used dermal fibroblasts from SSc patients and control subjects to evaluate LPA‐induced expression of IL‐6, and IL‐6–induced expression of ATX. We next evaluated whether LPA‐induced ATX expression is dependent on IL‐6, and whether baseline IL‐6 expression in fibroblasts from SSc patients is dependent on ATX. Finally, we compared ATX and IL‐6 expression in the skin of patients with SSc and healthy control subjects.

Results

PAT‐048 markedly attenuated bleomycin‐induced dermal fibrosis when treatment was initiated before or after the development of fibrosis. LPA stimulated expression of IL‐6 in human dermal fibroblasts, and IL‐6 stimulated fibroblast expression of ATX, connecting the ATX/LPA and IL‐6 pathways in an amplification loop. IL‐6 knockdown abrogated LPA‐induced ATX expression in fibroblasts, and ATX inhibition attenuated IL‐6 expression in fibroblasts and the skin of bleomycin‐challenged mice. Expression of both ATX and IL‐6 was increased in SSc skin, and LPA‐induced IL‐6 levels and IL‐6–induced ATX levels were increased in fibroblasts from SSc patients compared with controls.

Conclusion

ATX is required for the development and maintenance of dermal fibrosis in a mouse model of bleomycin‐induced SSc and enables 2 major mediators of SSc fibrogenesis, LPA and IL‐6, to amplify the production of each other. Our results suggest that concurrent inhibition of these 2 pathways may be an effective therapeutic strategy for dermal fibrosis in SSc.
Komplexe Schutzsysteme gegen Naturgefahren: Systemdesign und Lebenszyklusmodell
Authors: Rudolf‐Miklau Florian , Rimböck Andreas
Published: July 2016

Das integrale Risikomanagement findet seine ingenieurwissenschaftliche Entsprechung im Konzept der Schutzsysteme gegen Naturgefahren. Der Beitrag stellt diese komplexen Systeme als hierarchisches Modell im naturräumlich/gesellschaftlichen Umfeld dar und analysiert deren Design als Kombination struktureller und nicht struktureller Schutzmaßnahmen mit unterschiedlicher Wirkung und Lebensdauer. Anhand eines Lebensphasenmodells werden Schutzsysteme des Hochwasser‐ und Lawinenschutzes exemplarisch konkretisiert (Systemlebenszyklus) und damit das Zusammenwirken unterschiedlicher Maßnahmenkomplexe visualisiert. Das angewandte Phasenmodell bildet auch den Rahmen für die Darstellung der Anwendungsmöglichkeiten der klassischen Instrumente des Systems Engineering (Zieldefinition, Variantenplanung, Anforderungsanalyse, System Design, Projektmanagement, Lebenszykluskosten, Erhaltungs‐ und Anpassungsmanagement, Qualitäts‐ und Risikomanagement) auf die Naturgefahrenprävention. Der in diesem Beitrag entwickelte Ansatz erscheint auf den ersten Blick für die Ingenieurpraxis abstrakt, ist aber in Teilbereichen, wie die ausgeführten Beispiele nachvollziehbar zeigen, längst realisiert; es fehlt jedoch bisher eine gesamtheitliche Umsetzung des Schutzsystemkonzepts im Naturgefahreningenieurwesen.
Endo‐β‐Glucosidase Tag Allows Dual Detection of Fusion Proteins by Fluorescent Mechanism‐Based Probes and Activity Measurement
Authors: Kallemeijn Wouter W. , Scheij Saskia , Voorn‐Brouwer Tineke M. , Witte Martin D. , Verhoek Marri , Overkleeft Hermen S. , Boot Rolf G. , Aerts Johannes M. F. G.
Published: July 2016

β‐Glucoside‐configured cyclophellitols are activity‐based probes (ABPs) that allow sensitive detection of β‐glucosidases. Their applicability to detect proteins fused with β‐glucosidase was investigated in the cellular context. The tag was Rhodococcus sp. M‐777 endoglycoceramidase II (EGCaseII), based on its lack of glycans and ability to hydrolyze fluorogenic 4‐methylumbelliferyl β‐d‐lactoside (an activity absent in mammalian cells). Specific dual detection of fusion proteins was possible in vitro and in situ by using fluorescent ABPs and a fluorogenic substrate. Pre‐blocking with conduritol β‐epoxide (a poor inhibitor of EGCaseII) eliminated ABP labeling of endogenous β‐glucosidases. ABPs equipped with biotin allowed convenient purification of the fusion proteins. Diversification of ABPs (distinct fluorophores, fluorogenic high‐resolution detection moieties) should assist further research in living cells and organisms.
Successful treatment of aplastic anemia–paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria associated with eosinophilic fasciitis with matched unrelated donor allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
Authors: Sasaki Koji , Popat Uday , Jain Preetesh , Kadia Tapan , Patel Krina , Patel Keyur , Jain Nitin , Takahashi Koichi , Young Ken , Miranda Roberto N. , Oo Thein H. , Lu Huifang , Pemmaraju Naveen
Published: July 2016

Key Clinical Message

We report the first patient case of successful treatment intervention for both eosinophilic fasciitis and aplastic anemia with allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation from a matched unrelated donor after multiple immunosuppressant failure.
Electrospun Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanofibers Encapsulating Cobalt Nanoparticles as Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalysts
Authors: Shang Chaoqun , Li Minchan , Wang Zhenyu , Wu Shaofei , Lu Zhouguang
Published: July 2016

The development of low‐cost, high‐performance, nonprecious‐metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is highly desirable to reduce the cost of fuel systems. Self‐supported nitrogen‐doped carbons containing cobalt have been developed by electrospinning followed by pyrolysis treatment. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with abundant carbon and nitrogen sources serves as a polymer in the fabrication of one‐dimensional nanofibers by electrospinning. After being calcined at various temperatures, the obtained nitrogen‐doped carbon nanofiber encapsulating cobalt nanoparticles at 800 °C (Co‐PAN‐800) exhibits the highest ORR activity with onset and half‐wave potentials of −0.02 and −0.092 V (vs. Hg/HgO) in 0.1 m KOH, respectively. Additionally, the optimal Co‐PAN‐800 material shows remarkable stability and strong tolerance against methanol crossover. The promising ORR performance of Co‐PAN‐800 is attributed to the high surface area (407.43 m2 g−1), which ensures sufficient exposure of electrocatalytically active sites. XPS analysis further demonstrates that pyrrolic nitrogen and a highly graphitized carbon structure may be responsible for the enhanced ORR activity of Co‐PAN‐800; cobalt may be involved in the creation of pyrrolic nitrogen during pyrolysis treatment.
Structure–Activity Relationships for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Porous Hollow PtNi/C Nanoparticles
Authors: Asset Tristan , Chattot Raphaël , Nelayah Jaysen , Job Nathalie , Dubau Laetitia , Maillard Frédéric
Published: July 2016

Enhancing the specific activity and the mass activity of catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells is currently achieved by alloying Pt with an early or late transition metal. By using hollow PtNi/C nanoparticles with different physicochemical properties (Ni content, lattice parameter, specific surface area), we show that structural defects such as grain boundaries also contribute to the enhancement of the ORR kinetics. Their concentration was quantified by means of the structure sensitivity of the electrooxidation of a COads monolayer, that is, the presence of an oxidation prepeak in the COads stripping voltammogram. A straightforward relationship is established between the ratio of the charge under the prepeak Qpp,CO to the total COads electrooxidation charge and the specific activity for the ORR. The present study provides a knowledge base for designing more efficient ORR electrocatalysts.
Two Different Pathways in the Reduction of [(S=)PCl(μ‐NtBu)]2 with Na
Authors: Bawari Deependra , Prashanth Billa , Ravi Satyam , Shamasundar K. R. , Singh Sanjay , Wright Dominic S.
Published: July 2016

Reduction of the cyclodiphosphazane [(S=)ClP(μ‐NtBu)]2 (1) with sodium metal in refluxing toluene proceeds via two different pathways. One is a Wurtz‐type pathway involving elimination of NaCl from 1 followed by head‐to‐tail cyclization to give the hexameric macrocycle [(μ‐S)P(μ‐NtBu)2P(=S)]6 (2). The other pathway involves reduction of the P=S bonds of 1 to generate colorless singlet biradicaloid dianion trans‐[S−P(Cl)(μ‐NtBu)]22−, which is observed in the polymeric structures of three‐dimensional [{(S−)ClP(μ‐NtBu)2PCl(S)}Na(Na⋅THF2)]n (3) and two dimensional [{(S−)ClP(μ‐NtBu)2PCl(S)} (Na⋅THF)2]n (4).
“Reduced” Coumarin Dyes with an O‐Phosphorylated 2,2‐Dimethyl‐4‐(hydroxymethyl)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoline Fragment: Synthesis, Spectra, and STED Microscopy
Authors: Nizamov Shamil , Sednev Maksim V. , Bossi Mariano L. , Hebisch Elke , Frauendorf Holm , Lehnart Stephan E. , Belov Vladimir N. , Hell Stefan W.
Published: July 2016

Large Stokes‐shift coumarin dyes with an O‐phosphorylated 4‐(hydroxymethyl)‐2,2‐dimethyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoline fragment emitting in the blue, green, and red regions of the visible spectrum were synthesized. For this purpose, N‐substituted and O‐protected 1,2‐dihydro‐7‐hydroxy‐2,2,4‐trimethylquinoline was oxidized with SeO2 to the corresponding α,β‐unsaturated aldehyde and then reduced with NaBH4 in a “one‐pot” fashion to yield N‐substituted and 7‐O‐protected 4‐(hydroxymethyl)‐7‐hydroxy‐2,2‐dimethyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoline as a common precursor to all the coumarin dyes reported here. The photophysical properties of the new dyes (“reduced coumarins”) and 1,2‐dihydroquinoline analogues (formal precursors) with a trisubstituted C=C bond were compared. The “reduced coumarins” were found to be more photoresistant and brighter than their 1,2‐dihydroquinoline counterparts. Free carboxylate analogues, as well as their antibody conjugates (obtained from N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl esters) were also prepared. All studied conjugates with secondary antibodies afforded high specificity and were suitable for fluorescence microscopy. The red‐emitting coumarin dye bearing a betaine fragment at the C‐3‐position showed excellent performance in stimulation emission depletion (STED) microscopy.
Small‐Molecule Carbohydrate‐Based Immunostimulants
Authors: Marzabadi Cecilia H. , Franck Richard W.
Published: July 2016

In this review, we discuss small‐molecule, carbohydrate‐based immunostimulants that target Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR‐4) and cluster of differentiation 1D (CD1d) receptors. The design and use of these molecules in immunotherapy as well as results from their use in clinical trials are described. How these molecules work and their utilization as vaccine adjuvants are also discussed. Future applications and extensions for the use of these analogues as therapeutic agents will be outlined.
The Effect of Solvation on the Radiation Damage Rate Constants for Adenine
Authors: Milhøj Birgitte O. , Sauer Stephan P. A.
Published: July 2016

It is well known that water plays an important part in almost all biological systems and that inclusion of solvation effects might therefore be of utmost importance in studies of radiation damage to DNA. In the present investigation, we have studied the effect of different solvation models in calculations of Gibbs free energies and reaction rates for the reaction between the OH radical and the DNA nucleobase adenine by conducting density functional theory calculations at the ωB97X‐D/6‐311++G(2df,2pd) level with the Eckart tunnelling correction. The solvent, water, was included through either the implicit polarizable continuum model (PCM) or through explicit modelling of micro‐solvation by a single water molecule at the site of reaction as well as by the combination of both. Scrutiny of the thermodynamics and kinetics of the individual sub‐reactions suggests that the qualitative differences introduced by the solvation models do not significantly alter the conclusions made based solely on simple gas‐phase calculations. Abstraction of the amine hydrogen atoms H61 and H62 and addition onto C8 remain the most likely reaction pathways.
A study of users' acceptance and satisfaction of emergency call service
Authors: Chariete Abderrahim , Bakhouya Mohamed , Nait‐Sidi‐Moh Ahmed , Ait‐Cheik‐Bihi Wafaa , Gaber Jaafar , Kouta Raed , Wack Maxime , Lorenz Pascal
Published: July 2016

In recent years, there has been rapid and significant development of road transport technologies in order to reduce the number of killed and injured people on roads. These include safety technologies, emergency call systems (eCall), and advanced traveler information systems. The eCall system is an automatic in‐vehicle emergency call service, which is mainly used for notifying emergency services about dangerous road situations and their exact location. In this paper, an eCall platform prototype is developed to allow quick and efficient rescue of injured people in dangerous road situations. The eCall function is developed and installed in nomadic devices (e.g., smartphones and tablets). Large‐scale field operational tests were conducted in real settings to assess the impacts of the eCall function provided by in‐vehicle nomadic devices. More precisely, experiments were conducted by more than 250 participants with different sociodemographic profiles in order to study the users' acceptance of the use of the developed eCall function for large‐scale usage. The collected data are analyzed, and results are reported. Performed experiments showed the usefulness, acceptance, and satisfactory performance of the eCall service. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.