bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Business Research, Vol. 11, No. 6
Authors: Duran Kevin
Published: May 2018

International Business Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated.International Business Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please find the application form and details at http://recruitment.ccsenet.org and e-mail the completed application form to ibr@ccsenet.org.Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 6 Abderrazek Hassen Elkhaldi, University of Sousse, TunisiaAnca Gabriela Turtureanu, “DANUBIUS” University Galati, RomaniaAndrea Carosi, University of Sassari, ItalyAnna Paola Micheli, Univrtsity of Cassino and Southern Lazio, ItalyAshford C Chea, Benedict College, USACristian Marian Barbu, “ARTIFEX” University, RomaniaFawzieh Mohammed Masad, Jadara University, JordanFederica Caboni, University of Cagliari, ItalyFlorin Ionita, The Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, RomaniaFrancesco Scalera, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", ItalyGuo Zi-Yi, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., USAHanna Trojanowska, Warsaw University of Technology, PolandHuijian Dong, Pacific University, USAHung-Che Wu, Nanfang College of Sun Yat-sen University, ChinaImran Riaz Malik, IQRA University, PakistanKaren Gulliver, Argosy University, Twin Cities, USAL. Leo Franklin, Bharathidasn University, IndiaLuisa Pinto, University of Porto School of Economics, PortugalM. Muzamil Naqshbandi, University of Dubai, UAEManuela Rozalia Gabor, “Petru Maior” University of Tîrgu Mureş, RomaniaMarcos Ferasso, Meridional Faculty - IMED, BrazilMichele Rubino, Università LUM Jean Monnet, ItalyMiriam Jankalová, University of Zilina, SlovakiaMithat Turhan, Mersin University, TurkeyMohamed Rochdi Keffala, University of Kairouan, TunisiaMohsen Malekalketab Khiabani, University Technology Malaysia, MalaysiaMuath Eleswed, American University of Kuwait, USAOnur Köprülü, Mersin University, TurkeyOzgur Demirtas, Turkish Air Force Academy, TurkeyPascal Stiefenhofer, University of Brighton, UKRafiuddin Ahmed, James Cook University, AustraliaRiccardo Cimini, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, ItalyRoberto Campos da Rocha Miranda, University Center Iesb, BrazilSerhii Kozlovskiy, Donetsk National University, UkraineShun Mun Helen Wong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong KongVassili JOANNIDES de LAUTOUR, Grenoble École de Management (France) and Queensland University of Technology School of Accountancy (Australia), FranceYan Lu, University of Central Florida, USA
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Mathematics Research, Vol. 10, No. 3
Authors: Wang Sophia
Published: May 2018

Journal of Mathematics Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal is greatly appreciated.Many authors, regardless of whether Journal of Mathematics Research publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers.Reviewers for Volume 10, Number 3 Abdessadek Saib, University of Tebessa, AlgeriaAhmed Saad Rashed, Zagazig University, EgyptChungChuan Chen, National Taichung University of Education, TaiwanGane Sam Lo, Universite Gaston Berger de SaintLouis, SenegalJingbo Xia, Huazhong agricultural Univ, ChinaKhalil Ezzinbi, Cadi Ayyad University, MoroccoRami Ahmad ElNabulsi, Athens Institute for Education and Research, GreeceSergiy Koshkin, University of Houston Downtown, USAVishnu Narayan Mishra, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, IndiaYaqin Feng, Ohio University, USAZhongming Wang, Florida International University, USA  Sophia WangOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Journal of Mathematics ResearchCanadian Center of Science and Education
Optimization of Time Slots for the Air-Traffic Management
Authors: Youssouf Ahamada , G. Diagne Salimata , Kone Bakary , Koulibaly Amadou , Gningue Youssou
Published: May 2018

The allocation of airport time slots depends on the configuration of the airport, particularly on that of the runways. Thus, in order to allocate the slots optimally in an airport platform, we proposed two optimization models in this article.The first model maximizes the airlines companies demands in the periods by taking into account the characteristics of the airport. This model assigns the flights' demands. It allows  determining the number of demands which we can satisfy in a given period of amplitude of one hour. It also helps to incorporate dynamically the unmet demand of j period to the j+1 period.The second model aims to schedule the confirmed requests by the first assigning model. We are interested in the optimal repartition of the confirmed requests, while minimizing the flights delays. These models are used to optimize the air-traffic management of the Diass airport. Therefore, we have developed and implemented two algorithms for the resolution of these two models. The ressults of experimentations in Cplex show that our algorithms are efficient comparing to those obtained by the reference works existing in this field. The data used are those of the International Blaise Diagne Airport (AIBD).
De anomie van machtsillusies
Authors: van Stokkom Bas
Published: May 2018

The anomie of power illusions Infinite ambitions in the ‘risk and win’-corporate world

Generally, large listed companies and banks immersed in a ‘risk and win’-culture do not have to deal with ‘deprivation of resources’ which may trigger violations of the law. The anomie-theory of Merton does not seem to fit in this context. It is more obvious that the pressure to realize lofty ambitions is the trigger for potential violations of the law. I therefore work out a ‘post-Mertonian’ anomie-concept using the ‘European Durkheim’ to examine some excessive tendencies of an originally American ‘risk and win’-culture. The aim is to work towards an anomie-theory of power illusions that makes sense in the context of corporate crime. The leading question is: which anomic attitudes prevail in an over-ambitious corporate culture and which aspirations and rationalizations can be distinguished? It is argued that an approach focused on CEO-personality traits is too limited and that the sociological approaches of Durkheim and Shover offer many points of departure to construct a plausible anomie-theory. The dimensions of that theory have been taken from studies which focus at two criminogenic norm-systems: an ‘ethos of winning at any price’ and an ‘ethos of entitlement’.
State-corporate crime en niet-democratische regimes: betrokkenheid van bedrijven in internationale misdrijven
Authors: van Baar Annika
Published: May 2018

State-corporate crime and non-democratic regimes: an analysis of corporate involvement in international crimes

Most state-corporate crime research is focused on crime or harmful outcomes in or by democratic states. The goal of this article is to investigate the applicability of this concept to relations between economic actors and non-democratic state actors. The concept of state-corporate crime is applied to three contexts in which corporations have become involved in international crimes such as genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Each representing a turning point in the academic and public perception of ‘business and human rights’, the contexts that are analysed are Nazi Germany (1993-1945), Apartheid South Africa (1948-1994) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC; 1996-now). It is concluded that in non-democratic states with totalitarian of authoritarian regimes (such as Nazi Germany and Apartheid South Africa), the concept of state-corporate crime is applicable and explanatory. In such strong states, economic and state actors make use of mutual benefits while, on the whole, state-interests prevail. As a result, the harmful outcome of the dynamics between corporations and states can best be described as corporate facilitated state crime. In weak states (such as the DRC) economic actors are generally more powerful while their involvement in international crimes also runs via non-state actors. The blurred lines between economic actors and state actors (and their interests) makes it difficult to apply the concept, in its different forms, to state-corporate cooperation in weak states and ‘new’ wars.
Emotions and Explanation in Cultural Criminology
Authors: Trajtenberg Nicolás
Published: May 2018

Emotions and Explanation in Cultural Criminology

Cultural Criminology (CC) is one of the most recent and exciting developments in criminological theory. Its main argument is that mainstream criminological theories provide inadequate explanations of crime due to epistemological and theoretical flaws. CC’s alternative involves assuming a phenomenological and interpretative approach that focuses on the cultural and emotional components of crime. In this article I shall argue that although CC makes a valid demand for more realistic and complex explanations of crime, its own alternative needs to deal with two main challenges referred to its conceptualization of explanation and emotion. First, two problematic antagonisms should be avoided: understanding vs. causal explanation; and universal nomothetic explanations as opposed to ideographic descriptions. Considering recent developments in philosophy of social science, particularly the ‘social mechanisms approach’, CC should focus on explaining retrospectively through identification of specific causal mechanisms rejecting universal and predictive pretensions. Second, although cultural criminologists rightly question the emotionless character of criminological explanations, they lack an articulated alternative conceptualization of emotions to explain crime. A more refined concept needs to be elaborated in dialogue with recent advances in social sciences.
An algorithm for calculating top-dimensional bounding chains
Authors: Carvalho J. Frederico , Vejdemo-Johansson Mikael , Kragic Danica , Pokorny Florian T.
Published: May 2018

We describe the Coefficient-Flow algorithm for calculating the bounding chain of an $(n-1)$-boundary on an $n$-manifold-like simplicial complex $S$. We prove its correctness and show that it has a computational time complexity of O(|S(n−1)|) (where S(n−1) is the set of $(n-1)$-faces of $S$). We estimate the big- $O$ coefficient which depends on the dimension of $S$ and the implementation. We present an implementation, experimentally evaluate the complexity of our algorithm, and compare its performance with that of solving the underlying linear system.
BLAST-based validation of metagenomic sequence assignments
Authors: Bazinet Adam L. , Ondov Brian D. , Sommer Daniel D. , Ratnayake Shashikala
Published: May 2018

When performing bioforensic casework, it is important to be able to reliably detect the presence of a particular organism in a metagenomic sample, even if the organism is only present in a trace amount. For this task, it is common to use a sequence classification program that determines the taxonomic affiliation of individual sequence reads by comparing them to reference database sequences. As metagenomic data sets often consist of millions or billions of reads that need to be compared to reference databases containing millions of sequences, such sequence classification programs typically use search heuristics and databases with reduced sequence diversity to speed up the analysis, which can lead to incorrect assignments. Thus, in a bioforensic setting where correct assignments are paramount, assignments of interest made by “first-pass” classifiers should be confirmed using the most precise methods and comprehensive databases available. In this study we present a BLAST-based method for validating the assignments made by less precise sequence classification programs, with optimal parameters for filtering of BLAST results determined via simulation of sequence reads from genomes of interest, and we apply the method to the detection of four pathogenic organisms. The software implementing the method is open source and freely available.
Clinicopathologic characteristics, laboratory parameters, treatment protocols, and outcomes of pancreatic cancer: a retrospective cohort study of 1433 patients in China
Authors: Zhang Shuisheng , Huang Xiaozhun , Tian Yuan , Aimaiti Saderbieke , Zhang Jianwei , Zhao Jiuda , Chen Yingtai , Wang Chengfeng
Published: May 2018

Objectives

The prognosis of people with pancreatic cancer is extremely unfavorable. However, the prognostic factors remain largely undefined. We aimed to perform comprehensive analyses of clinicopathologic characteristics, laboratory parameters, and treatment protocols for exploring their role as prognostic factors of pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and hospitalized at the China National Cancer Center between April 2006 and May 2016 were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Clinicopathologic characteristics, laboratory parameters, and treatment protocols were compared among patients at different stages of the disease. The association between these factors and overall survival (OS) was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

The present study included 1,433 consecutive patients with pancreatic cancer. Median OS was 10.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.8–11.3 months), with 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 43.7%, 14.8%, and 8.8%, respectively. Cox multivariate analysis findings identified the following factors as independent predictors of OS: gender (female vs male, hazard ratio 0.72, 95% CI [0.54–0.95]); elevated total bilirubin (TBil; 1.82, 1.34–2.47); elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9; 1.72, 1.17–2.54); tumor being located in pancreatic body and tail (1.52, 1.10–2.10); advanced T stage (T3-4 vs T1-2, 1.62, 1.15–2.27); lymph node metastasis (1.57, 1.20–2.07); distant metastasis (1.59, 1.12–2.27); the presence of surgical resection (0.53, 0.34–0.81); and the presence of systemic chemotherapy (0.62, 0.45–0.82).

Conclusions

Being male, elevated TBil and carcinoembryonic antigen, tumor being located in pancreatic body and tail, advanced T stage, lymph node and distant metastasis, the absence of surgical resection, and the absence of systematic chemotherapy were associated with worse OS in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Change of niche in guanaco (Lama guanicoe): the effects of climate change on habitat suitability and lineage conservatism in Chile
Authors: Castillo Andrea G. , Alò Dominique , González Benito A. , Samaniego Horacio
Published: May 2018

Background

The main goal of this contribution was to define the ecological niche of the guanaco (Lama guanicoe), to describe potential distributional changes, and to assess the relative importance of niche conservatism and divergence processes between the two lineages described for the species (L.g. cacsilensis and L.g. guanicoe).

Methods

We used maximum entropy to model lineage’s climate niche from 3,321 locations throughout continental Chile, and developed future niche models under climate change for two extreme greenhouse gas emission scenarios (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5). We evaluated changes of the environmental niche and future distribution of the largest mammal in the Southern Cone of South America. Evaluation of niche conservatism and divergence were based on identity and background similarity tests.

Results

We show that: (a) the current geographic distribution of lineages is associated with different climatic requirements that are related to the geographic areas where these lineages are located; (b) future distribution models predict a decrease in the distribution surface under both scenarios; (c) a 3% decrease of areal protection is expected if the current distribution of protected areas is maintained, and this is expected to occur at the expense of a large reduction of high quality habitats under the best scenario; (d) current and future distribution ranges of guanaco mostly adhere to phylogenetic niche divergence hypotheses between lineages.

Discussion

Associating environmental variables with species ecological niche seems to be an important aspect of unveiling the particularities of, both evolutionary patterns and ecological features that species face in a changing environment. We report specific descriptions of how these patterns may play out under the most extreme climate change predictions and provide a grim outlook of the future potential distribution of guanaco in Chile. From an ecological perspective, while a slightly smaller distribution area is expected, this may come with an important reduction of available quality habitats. From the evolutionary perspective, we describe the limitations of this taxon as it experiences forces imposed by climate change dynamics.
Non-biological synthetic spike-in controls and the AMPtk software pipeline improve mycobiome data
Authors: Palmer Jonathan M. , Jusino Michelle A. , Banik Mark T. , Lindner Daniel L.
Published: May 2018

High-throughput amplicon sequencing (HTAS) of conserved DNA regions is a powerful technique to characterize microbial communities. Recently, spike-in mock communities have been used to measure accuracy of sequencing platforms and data analysis pipelines. To assess the ability of sequencing platforms and data processing pipelines using fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) amplicons, we created two ITS spike-in control mock communities composed of cloned DNA in plasmids: a biological mock community, consisting of ITS sequences from fungal taxa, and a synthetic mock community (SynMock), consisting of non-biological ITS-like sequences. Using these spike-in controls we show that: (1) a non-biological synthetic control (e.g., SynMock) is the best solution for parameterizing bioinformatics pipelines, (2) pre-clustering steps for variable length amplicons are critically important, (3) a major source of bias is attributed to the initial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and thus HTAS read abundances are typically not representative of starting values. We developed AMPtk, a versatile software solution equipped to deal with variable length amplicons and quality filter HTAS data based on spike-in controls. While we describe herein a non-biological SynMock community for ITS sequences, the concept and AMPtk software can be widely applied to any HTAS dataset to improve data quality.
Bioinspired Ionic Diodes: From Unipolar to Bipolar
Authors: Huang Xiaodong , Kong Xiang‐Yu , Wen Liping , Jiang Lei
Published: May 2018

Bioinspired ionic diodes, as the building blocks for bioinspired ion channels, are extensively explored to mimic the ion transport functions of biological ion channels. Bioinspired nanochannels and nanopores are much more stable and robust than their biological counterparts and can be practically applied in many fields. This review summarizes the recent development of ionic diodes in both experimental and theoretical studies. First, the two types of ionic diodes, unipolar and bipolar, are introduced to give an overview of the nanofluidic field. Then, each type of ionic diode is described in detail and focuses on bipolar ionic diodes for their excellent control of ion transport. Furthermore, the applications of ionic diodes in sensing and energy conversion fields are summarized. In the last section, a perspective on the future development of ionic diodes is provided.
Hydration‐Induced Shape and Strength Recovery of the Feather
Authors: Sullivan Tarah N. , Zhang Yunlan , Zavattieri Pablo D. , Meyers Marc A.
Published: May 2018

As necessary appendages to the bird wing for flight, feathers have evolved to address the requirements of aerial locomotion. One of the recently discovered, fascinating aspects of this is their ability to recover shape and strength with hydration. This feature significantly enhances the effectiveness of a bird's flying capability as it allows for the natural restoration of feathers damaged by predators or other external forces. Herein, this capability is analyzed and it is demonstrated that the feather shaft can regain approximately 80% of its strength in the calamus, and 70% in the rachis when subject to a hydration step after being bent to failure. The matrix of the nano‐composite structure within the feather shaft is thought to swell and soften when hydrated, reorienting the stiffer buckled fibers back to their original position. Upon drying, the strength is recovered. Experimental results are found to support this hypothesis, and a finite element calculation of hydration‐induced recovery demonstrates the effect. Smart, self‐healing composites based on approaches learned from the feather have the potential to allow for the creation of a new class of resilient materials.
A Stress‐Free and Textured GaP Template on Silicon for Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Lucci Ida , Charbonnier Simon , Vallet Maxime , Turban Pascal , Léger Yoan , Rohel Tony , Bertru Nicolas , Létoublon Antoine , Rodriguez Jean‐Baptiste , Cerutti Laurent , Tournié Eric , Ponchet Anne , Patriarche Gilles , Pedesseau Laurent , Cornet Charles
Published: May 2018

This work shows that a large‐scale textured GaP template monolithically integrated on Si can be developed by using surface energy engineering, for water‐splitting applications. The stability of (114)A facets is first shown, based on scanning tunneling microscopy images, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. These observations are then discussed in terms of thermodynamics through density functional theory calculations. A stress‐free nanopatterned surface is obtained by molecular beam epitaxy, composed of a regular array of GaP (114)A facets over a 2 in. vicinal Si substrate. The advantages of such textured (114)A GaP/Si template in terms of surface gain, band lineups, and ohmic contacts for water‐splitting applications are finally discussed.
2‐Azaallyl Anions as Light‐Tunable Super‐Electron‐Donors: Coupling with Aryl Fluorides, Chlorides, and Bromides
Authors: Wang Qianmei , Poznik Michal , Li Minyan , Walsh Patrick J. , Chruma Jason J.
Published: May 2018

Herein, we present 2‐azaallyl anions as colored super‐electron‐donors capable of reducing a collection of aryl halides via a single electron transfer and coupling with the corresponding radicals to forge new C−C bonds. This offers a robust approach for the arylation of 2‐azaallyls. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that the reactions proceed via either a radical pathway for aryl bromides and chlorides or a SNAr mechanism for activated aryl fluorides. Moreover, we demonstrate that irradiation of the colored 2‐azaallyl anions with visible light can further extend their reducing power, enabling radical‐mediated coupling with otherwise unreactive electron‐rich aryl halides. Isolated yields up to 94% are obtained and the overall relevance and utility is demonstrated by the derivatization of both a known pharmaceutical agent and a popular fluorophore.

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3D‐Printed Organic–Ceramic Complex Hybrid Structures with High Silica Content
Authors: Shukrun Efrat , Cooperstein Ido , Magdassi Shlomo
Published: May 2018

Hybrid organic–inorganic sol gel inks that can undergo both condensation and radical polymerization are developed, enabling fabrication of complex objects by additive manufacturing technology, yielding 3D objects with superior properties. The 3D objects have very high silica content and are printed by digital light processing commercial printers. The printed lightweight objects are characterized by excellent mechanical strength compared to currently used high‐performance polymers (139 MPa), very high stability at elevated temperatures (heat deflection temperature >270 °C), high transparency (89%), and lack of cracks, with glossiness similar to silica glasses. The new inks fill the gap in additive manufacturing of objects composed of ceramics only and organic materials only, thus enabling harnessing the advantages of both worlds of materials.
A Layered–Tunnel Intergrowth Structure for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Oxide Cathode
Authors: Xiao Yao , Wang Peng‐Fei , Yin Ya‐Xia , Zhu Yan‐Fang , Yang Xinan , Zhang Xu‐Dong , Wang Yuesheng , Guo Xiao‐Dong , Zhong Ben‐He , Guo Yu‐Guo
Published: May 2018

Delivery of high‐energy density with long cycle life is facing a severe challenge in developing cathode materials for rechargeable sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Here a composite Na0.6MnO2 with layered–tunnel structure combining intergrowth morphology of nanoplates and nanorods for SIBs, which is clearly confirmed by micro scanning electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy as well as scanning transmission electron microscopy with atomic resolution is presented. Owing to the integrated advantages of P2 layered structure with high capacity and that of the tunnel structure with excellent cycling stability and superior rate performance, the composite electrode delivers a reversible discharge capacity of 198.2 mAh g−1 at 0.2C rate, leading to a high‐energy density of 520.4 Wh kg−1. This intergrowth integration engineering strategy may modulate the physical and chemical properties in oxide cathodes and provide new perspectives on the optimal design of high‐energy density and high‐stable materials for SIBs.
Need for Revisiting the Use of Magnetic Oxides as Electrode Materials in Supercapacitors: Unequivocal Evidence of Significant Variation in Specific Capacitance under Variable Magnetic Field
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Biswas Sudipta , Chandra Amreesh
Published: May 2018

A simple question, which remains ignored in the field of supercapacitors is: will the device performance be affected near a magnetic field, if it is fabricated using electrode materials that are also magnetic? It is shown in this paper that the answer is: yes, it will be appreciably affected! The modulation in the specific capacitance is a convoluted picture of variation: diffusion mechanics of solvated cations, Nernst layer at the interface, magnetoresistance, and associated I–V response. The magnetic field also has direct control on the value at which saturation in specific capacitance is observed in such devices. Nearly a 170% increase in energy density at 1 A g−1 is observed by varying the magnetic field from 0 to 5 mT and a ten fold increase in power density is observed at 5 mT when current density is increased from 1 to 5 A g−1. These results clearly show that electronic circuitry designed using supercapacitors needs to be reworked/designed if it is to be used in or around magnetic environment. To prove the concept and have a complete picture in one article, the paper presents results on nanosized magnetic metal oxides based on the four ferromagnetic elements, Fe, Co, Mn, and Ni.
Chromophoraktivierung von α,β‐ungesättigten Carbonylverbindungen und ihre Anwendung in enantioselektiven Photoreaktionen
Authors: Brenninger Christoph , Jolliffe John D. , Bach Thorsten
Published: May 2018

Das erste Gesetz der Photochemie, das auf Theodor von Grotthuß und John W. Draper zurückgeht, besagt, dass nur der Teil des Lichts, der durch Materie absorbiert wird, eine Wirkung hervorruft. Entsprechend lässt sich das Reaktionsverhalten einer chemischen Verbindung steuern, wenn ihr Absorptionsverhalten der Emission der Lichtquelle angepasst wird. Eine chemische Verbindung mit einem Chromophor, der nur bei einer niedrigen Wellenlänge Licht absorbiert, wird durch langwellige Strahlung nicht angeregt. Gelingt es durch eine reversible chemische Modifikation, die photophysikalischen Eigenschaften des Chromophors zu verändern, kann man selektiv diese modifizierte Spezies anregen. Diese Chromophoraktivierung wird in α,β‐ungesättigten Carbonylverbindungen durch Lewis‐Säuren, Brønsted‐Säuren oder die Bildung von Iminiumionen hervorgerufen und kann dazu genutzt werden, Photoreaktionen bei vorgegebener Wellenlänge zu katalysieren. In diesem Kurzaufsatz wird das Konzept der Chromophoraktivierung vorgestellt, und es werden konkrete Anwendungen in der enantioselektiven Katalyse besprochen.
Monochalcoplatin: An Actively Transported, Quickly Reducible, and Highly Potent PtIV Anticancer Prodrug
Authors: Ma Lili , Wang Na , Ma Rong , Li Cai , Xu Zoufeng , Tse Man‐Kit , Zhu Guangyu
Published: May 2018

Recently, PtIV prodrugs have attracted much attention as the next generation of platinum‐based antineoplastic drug candidates. Here we report the discovery and evaluation of monochalcoplatin, a monocarboxylated PtIV prodrug that is among the most cytotoxic PtIV prodrugs to date. Compared with its dicarboxylated counterpart chalcoplatin, monochalcoplatin accumulates astonishingly effectively and rapidly in cancer cells, which is not ascribed to its lipophilicity. The prodrug is quickly reduced, causes DNA damage, and induces apoptosis, resulting in superior cytotoxicity with IC50 values in the nanomolar range in both cisplatin‐sensitive and ‐resistant cells; these IC50 values are up to 422‐fold higher than that of cisplatin. A detailed mechanistic study reveals that monochalcoplatin actively enters cells through a transporter‐mediated process. Moreover, monochalcoplatin shows significant antitumor activity in an in vivo colorectal tumor model. Our study implies a practical strategy for the design of more effective PtIV prodrugs to conquer drug resistance by tuning both cellular uptake pathways and activation processes.
Manganese‐Catalyzed Direct Olefination of Methyl‐Substituted Heteroarenes with Primary Alcohols
Authors: Barman Milan K. , Waiba Satyadeep , Maji Biplab
Published: May 2018

Herein, we present the first catalytic direct olefination of methyl‐substituted heteroarenes with primary alcohols through an acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling. The reaction is catalyzed by a complex of the earth‐abundant transition metal manganese that is stabilized by a bench‐stable NNN pincer ligand derived from 2‐hydrazinylpyridine. The reaction is environmentally benign, producing only hydrogen and water as byproducts. A large number of E‐disubstituted olefins were selectively obtained with high efficiency.
The Lung in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Spagnolo Paolo , Lee Joyce S. , Sverzellati Nicola , Rossi Giulio , Cottin Vincent
Published: May 2018

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an increasingly recognized complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In addition, approximately one‐third of patients have subclinical disease with varying degrees of functional impairment. Although risk factors for RA‐related ILD are well established (e.g., older age, male sex, ever smoking, and seropositivity for rheumatoid factor and anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide), little is known about optimal disease assessment, treatment, and monitoring, particularly in patients with progressive disease. Patients with RA‐related ILD are also at high risk of infection and drug toxicity, which, along with comorbidities, complicates further treatment decision‐making. There are distinct histopathologic patterns of RA‐related ILD with different clinical phenotypes, natural histories, and prognoses. Of these, the usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) subtype of RA‐related ILD shares a number of clinical and histopathologic features with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the most common and severe of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, suggesting the existence of common mechanistic pathways and possibly therapeutic targets. There remain substantial gaps in our knowledge of RA‐related ILD. Concerted multinational efforts by expert centers has the potential to elucidate the basic mechanisms underlying RA‐related UIP and other subtypes of RA‐related ILD and facilitate the development of more efficacious and safer drugs.
Heavy Metal Removal by Fixed‐Bed Column – A Review
Authors: Malik Davendra Singh , Jain Chakresh Kumar , Yadav Anuj Kumar
Published: May 2018

Industrial wastewater often contains heavy metals that, if not removed, pose a risk to the environment. Therefore, an extended overview of different methods for heavy metal removal by columns was conducted. Column studies are dependent on the flow rate, bed height and diameter, breakthrough curve, type of wastewater, and adsorbent. The fixed‐bed column is most commonly used for metal sequestration in aqueous media. Column studies have advantages due to industrial scale applicability and can treat large quantities of wastewater. Many kinetics models are applied in column studies like Adam‐Bohart, Yoon Nelson, Bed Depth/Service Time, Thomas, and Clark. This paper deals with the use of modified or non‐modified adsorbents for the treatment of metal‐laden water and wastewater by column technique.
Novel use of cutting balloon to manage compressive subintimal hematoma during left main stenting in a patient with spontaneous coronary artery dissection
Authors: McGrath Brent M. , Vo Minh N.
Published: May 2018

Key Clinical Message

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a common cause of acute coronary syndrome particularly in younger women. Good outcomes with conservative management are generally expected. However, there is uncertainty of how to manage symptomatic or unstable patients. Percutaneous angioplasty may propagate the subintimal hematoma compromising coronary blood flow. Cutting balloon angioplasty can relieve the compressive effects of a propagated subintimal hematoma in SCAD.
Rifaximin as a rare cause of rhabdomyolysis in cirrhosis
Authors: Rezigh Alec B. , Armenia Erin , Li Ting , Soesilo Irene
Published: May 2018

Key Clinical Message

Rifaximin has only been rarely reported to cause rhabdomyolysis. When physical and nonphysical etiologies have been excluded, thorough review of the patient’s medication list is necessary. In cirrhotics, the potential harm of rifaximin in treatment or prophylaxis of hepatic encephalopathy should be recognized.
Carbon‐Coated Na2.2V1.2Ti0.8(PO4)3 Cathode with Excellent Cycling Performance for Aqueous Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lei Ping , Wang Yao , Zhang Fang , Wan Xin , Xiang Xingde
Published: May 2018

Aqueous sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) show promising applications in fields of sustainable energies such as wind and solar, owing to wide availability of sodium resources and incombustibility of aqueous electrolytes. However, they are still challenged by poor cycling performance of Na‐storage electrode materials. Herein, carbon‐coated Na2.2V1.2Ti0.8(PO4)3 is reported as a novel cathode for high‐performance aqueous SIBs, which is obtained by studying the effect of Ti substitution on the charge/discharge properties of a Na3‐xV2‐xTix(PO4)3 (0≤x≤1) system in 6 M NaClO4 aqueous electrolyte. Experimental results indicate that the material is composed of approximately 200 nm Na2.2V1.2Ti0.8(PO4)3 crystals uniformly coated with a thin layer of carbon (ca. 4 nm). During Na extraction/insertion, it undergoes a one‐step, two‐phase reaction mechanism through the reversible electrochemistry of the V4+/V3+ redox couple, showing a reversible capacity of around 62 mAh g−1 at the current rate of 1 C and a well‐defined potential plateau of 0.50 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). More importantly, it achieves outstanding high‐rate capability with a discharge capacity of approximately 40 mAh g−1 at the current rate of 10 C, and excellent cycling performance with capacity retention of 93.4 % after 500 cycles. The good electrochemical performance is attributed to the unique Ti‐substituted composition, thin‐layered carbon coating and high‐concentration electrolytes.
Synthesis, Crystallization Studies, and in vitro Characterization of Cinnamic Acid Derivatives as SmHDAC8 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Schistosomiasis
Authors: Bayer Theresa , Chakrabarti Alokta , Lancelot Julien , Shaik Tajith B. , Hausmann Kristin , Melesina Jelena , Schmidtkunz Karin , Marek Martin , Erdmann Frank , Schmidt Matthias , Robaa Dina , Romier Christophe , Pierce Raymond J. , Jung Manfred , Sippl Wolfgang
Published: May 2018

Schistosomiasis is a neglected parasitic disease that affects more than 265 million people worldwide and for which the control strategy relies on mass treatment with only one drug: praziquantel. Based on the 3‐chlorobenzothiophene‐2‐hydroxamic acid J1075, a series of hydroxamic acids with different scaffolds were prepared as potential inhibitors of Schistosoma mansoni histone deacetylase 8 (SmHDAC8). The crystal structures of SmHDAC8 with four inhibitors provided insight into the binding mode and orientation of molecules in the binding pocket as well as the orientation of its flexible amino acid residues. The compounds were evaluated in screens for inhibitory activity against schistosome and human HDACs. The most promising compounds were further investigated for their activity toward the major human HDAC isotypes. The most potent inhibitors were additionally screened for lethality against the schistosome larval stage using a fluorescence‐based assay. Two of the compounds showed significant, dose‐dependent killing of the schistosome larvae and markedly impaired egg laying of adult worm pairs maintained in culture.
Facile Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Concave Octahedral Pt−Cu Alloy Nanocrystals and their Electrocatalytic Properties
Authors: Yang Jing , Su Manman , Zhao Yanxi , Li Jinlin , Li Mei , Huang Tao
Published: May 2018

Well‐defined concave octahedral Pt−Cu alloy nanocrystals were rapidly synthesized by reducing Pt(IV) and Cu(II) precursors simultaneously in a one‐step process under microwave irradiation for 110 s in the presence of PVP and an appropriate amount of KI. The optimum molar ratio of H2PtCl6/CuCl2/KI/PVP was 1/3/30/45 with a total concentration of the Pt(IV) and Cu(II) precursors of 4 mM in the reaction system. Tetraethylene glycol (TEG) was used as both a solvent and a reducing agent and the use of KI was critical to the formation of Pt−Cu alloy concave octahedral nanocrystals. In addition, microwave irradiation is advantageous to the generation of nano‐alloy by promoting the simultaneous reduction of mixed metallic species. The as‐prepared concave octahedral Pt−Cu alloy nanocrystals improved significantly electrocatalytic activity relative to the commercial Pt black.
A new source‐filter model audio bandwidth extension using high frequency perception feature for IoT communications
Authors: Jiang Lin , Yu Shaoqian , Wang Xiaochen , Wang Chao , Wang Tonghan
Published: May 2018

Audio coding is a generic technology to IoT applications system. Audio bandwidth extension is a standard technique within contemporary audio codecs to efficiently code audio signals at low bitrates. In existing methods, high frequency signal is generated by a duplication of the corresponding low frequency and some parameters of high frequency. However, the perception quality of coding will significantly degrade if the correlation between high and low frequency becomes weak. In this paper, we proposed a new source‐filter model audio bandwidth extension method. In our method, a perception feature of the high frequency signal is extracted to restore the perception quality of coding. In the decoder side, the crest factor and noise level are obtained under the constraint of the high frequency perception parameter. The performance shown in our experiment results are superior to the classic methods. Compared with the state of art method, the proposed method is also comparative because of the coding bitrate is significantly reduced and keeps a close perception quality of coding. This paper also provided a new solution for IoT communications that requires low bitrates and high quality of coding, especially like Internet of Vehicles.
Hydrothermal Crystallization of Nano‐Titanium Dioxide for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Kundu Simanta , Polshettiwar Vivek
Published: May 2018

Perfect crystallization of active sites in supported TiO2 photocatalysts is still a challenge. In this work, we report a new photocatalyst design by the unique combination of nanomaterial morphology and an active site crystallization procedure. This yielded nano‐TiO2 based photocatalysts with one of the highest reported photocatalytic hydrogen yields. Hydrothermal crystallization of amorphous TiO2 sites was found to be key step to generate highly active TiO2 sites which in turn improved their catalytic activities significantly. These catalysts were then sensitized by CdSe quantum dots to achieve visible‐light‐active photocatalytic hydrogen generation.
Maternal behavior predicts neural underpinnings of inhibitory control in preschoolers
Authors: Swingler Margaret M. , Isbell Elif , Zeytinoglu Selin , Calkins Susan D. , Leerkes Esther M.
Published: May 2018

Separate lines of research have revealed that the rapid development of inhibitory control in the preschool period is closely tied to normative brain development and influenced by early mother–child interactions. One potential theory is that maternal behavior in the context of early interactions influences the neural underpinnings of inhibitory control in development, with implications for child behavior. The purpose of this paper was to examine whether maternal emotional support, measured during a mother–child problem‐solving game, predicted child neural responses (frontal‐central N2 event‐related potential) and behavioral performance (discrimination index,d′)in a go/no‐go task of inhibitory control in a large, diverse sample of mother–child dyads (N = 276) observed in children's last year of preschool (mean age = 56 months). Results of a structural equation model revealed significant direct effects from maternal emotional support to child right hemisphere frontal‐central N2 responses to no‐go (inhibitory control) trials; greater observed emotional support predicted larger N2 responses. Larger right hemisphere N2 responses to no‐go trials were also associated with better overall observed task performance (d′). A test of indirect effects from maternal emotional support to child observed performance via right hemisphere N2 responses was significant, suggesting that underlying neurophysiology is one mechanism through which maternal emotional support is associated with a child's rapidly developing inhibitory control behavior in the preschool period. This work joins a growing literature demonstrating that caregiver behavior within a “normative” range is an important environmental factor contributing to the development of neural processes supporting child functioning.
A CreER mouse to study melanin concentrating hormone signaling in the developing brain
Authors: Engle Staci E. , Antonellis Patrick J. , Whitehouse Logan S. , Bansal Ruchi , Emond Michelle R. , Jontes James D. , Kesterson Robert A. , Mykytyn Kirk , Berbari Nicolas F.
Published: May 2018

The neuropeptide, melanin concentrating hormone (MCH), and its G protein‐coupled receptor, melanin concentrating hormone receptor 1 (Mchr1), are expressed centrally in adult rodents. MCH signaling has been implicated in diverse behaviors such as feeding, sleep, anxiety, as well as addiction and reward. While a model utilizing the Mchr1 promoter to drive constitutive expression of Cre recombinase (Mchr1‐Cre) exists, there is a need for an inducible Mchr1‐Cre to determine the roles for this signaling pathway in neural development and adult neuronal function. Here, we generated a BAC transgenic mouse where the Mchr1 promotor drives expression of tamoxifen inducible CreER recombinase. Many aspects of the Mchr1‐Cre expression pattern are recapitulated by the Mchr1‐CreER model, though there are also notable differences. Most strikingly, compared to the constitutive model, the new Mchr1‐CreER model shows strong expression in adult animals in hypothalamic brain regions involved in feeding behavior but diminished expression in regions involved in reward, such as the nucleus accumbens. The inducible Mchr1‐CreER allele will help reveal the potential for Mchr1 signaling to impact neural development and subsequent behavioral phenotypes, as well as contribute to the understanding of the MCH signaling pathway in terminally differentiated adult neurons and the diverse behaviors that it influences.
GINA at Ten and the Future of Genetic Nondiscrimination Law
Authors: Rothstein Mark A.
Published: May 2018

May 21, 2018, marks the tenth anniversary of the signing into law of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. The Congressional deliberations for GINA were long and difficult. The original bill was introduced in 1995, and for many years, it did not look as if the bill would ever emerge from committee. Several of its provisions raised concerns for insurers, employers, and other stakeholders. After thirteen years, the controversial provisions were either deleted, revised, or clarified.

At this ten‐year mark, it is appropriate to take stock of GINA. In light of GINA's glacial legislative history, it is reasonable to start thinking about the necessity, wisdom, and feasibility of amending GINA or enacting new legislation to address unresolved or emerging issues of genetic discrimination and trends in genetics, genomics, precision medicine, and related technologies.
Change without Change? Assessing Medicare Reimbursement for Advance Care Planning
Authors: Wright Megan S.
Published: May 2018

In January 2016, Medicare began reimbursing clinicians for time spent engaging in advance care planning with their patients or patients’ surrogates. Such planning involves discussions of the care an individual would want to receive should he or she one day lose the capacity to make health care decisions or have conversations with a surrogate about, for example, end‐of‐life wishes. Clinicians can be reimbursed for face‐to‐face explanation and discussion of care and advance directives and for the completion of advance care planning forms. Although it seems that political barriers to reimbursement for such planning have largely faded, the Medicare policy's impact on provider billing practices appears to be limited, suggesting other barriers to clinician engagement in advance care planning. Additionally, the effects of this policy on patient behavior and the clinician‐patient relationship are not yet known.
Incidental Findings in Low‐Resource Settings
Authors: Sullivan Haley K. , Berkman Benjamin E.
Published: May 2018

Much new global genetic research employs whole genome sequencing, which provides researchers with large amounts of data. The quantity of data has led to the generation and discovery of more incidental or secondary findings and to vigorous theoretical discussions about the ethical obligations that follow from these incidental findings. After a decade of debate in the genetic research community, there is a growing consensus that researchers should, at the very least, offer to return incidental findings that provide high‐impact, medically relevant information, when it is not unduly burdensome to the research enterprise to do so.

Much as genetic research has been limited to U.S. and European settings, the incidental findings debate has primarily focused on research conducted in high‐income countries. In a 2015 paper, Alberto Ortiz‐Osorno, Linda Ehler, and Judith Brooks note salient differences between the circumstances of research participants in low‐ and high‐resource settings that alter the analysis of when and why incidental findings should be offered to research participants. In this article, we expand on their analysis and present a framework for thinking about how investigators’ obligations to return genomic data might change in low‐resource settings, particularly in settings where participants do not have access to the medical care needed to treat, assess, or monitor incidental findings that are actionable in settings with plentiful resources.