bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Genesis of Animal Play
Authors: Burghardt Gordon M.
Published: December 2018

In The Genesis of Animal Play, Gordon Burghardt examines the origins and evolution of play in humans and animals. He asks what play might mean in our understanding of evolution, the brain, behavioral organization, and psychology. Is play essential to development? Is it the driving force behind human and animal behavior? What is the proper place for the study of play in the cognitive, behavioral, and biological sciences?

The engaging nature of play—who does not enjoy watching a kitten attack a ball of yarn?—has made it difficult to study. Some scholars have called play undefinable, nonexistent, or a mystery outside the realm of scientific analysis. Using the comparative perspectives of ethology and psychology, The Genesis of Animal Play goes further than other studies in reviewing the evidence of play throughout the animal kingdom, from human babies to animals not usually considered playful. Burghardt finds that although playfulness may have been essential to the origin of much that we consider distinctive in human (and mammalian) behavior, it only develops through a specific set of interactions among developmental, evolutionary, ecological, and physiological processes. Furthermore, play is not always beneficial or adaptive.

Part I offers a detailed discussion of play in placental mammals (including children) and develops an integrative framework called surplus resource theory. The most fascinating and most controversial sections of the book, perhaps, are in the seven chapters in part II in which Burghardt presents evidence of playfulness in such unexpected groups of animals as kangaroos, birds, lizards, and "Fish That Leap, Juggle, and Tease." Burghardt concludes by considering the implications of the diversity of play for future research, and suggests that understanding the origin and development of play can shape our view of society and its accomplishments through history.

The open access edition of this book was made possible by generous funding from Arcadia – a charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin.
Modularity
Authors: Institute Konrad Lorenz
Published: December 2018

Experts from diverse fields, including artificial life, cognitive science, economics, developmental and evolutionary biology, and the arts, discuss modularity.

Modularity—the attempt to understand systems as integrations of partially independent and interacting units—is today a dominant theme in the life sciences, cognitive science, and computer science. The concept goes back at least implicitly to the Scientific (or Copernican) Revolution, and can be found behind later theories of phrenology, physiology, and genetics; moreover, art, engineering, and mathematics rely on modular design principles. This collection broadens the scientific discussion of modularity by bringing together experts from a variety of disciplines, including artificial life, cognitive science, economics, evolutionary computation, developmental and evolutionary biology, linguistics, mathematics, morphology, paleontology, physics, theoretical chemistry, philosophy, and the arts.

The contributors debate and compare the uses of modularity, discussing the different disciplinary contexts of "modular thinking" in general (including hierarchical organization, near-decomposability, quasi-independence, and recursion) or of more specialized concepts (including character complex, gene family, encapsulation, and mosaic evolution); what modules are, why and how they develop and evolve, and the implication for the research agenda in the disciplines involved; and how to bring about useful cross-disciplinary knowledge transfer on the topic. The book includes a foreword by the late Herbert A. Simon addressing the role of near-decomposability in understanding complex systems.
Cognition and Perception
Authors: Raftopoulos Athanassios
Published: December 2018

An argument that there are perceptual mechanisms that retrieve information in cognitively and conceptually unmediated ways and that this sheds light on various philosophical issues.

In Cognition and Perception, Athanassios Raftopoulos discusses the cognitive penetrability of perception and claims that there is a part of visual processes (which he calls “perception”) that results in representational states with nonconceptual content; that is, a part that retrieves information from visual scenes in conceptually unmediated, “bottom-up,” theory-neutral ways. Raftopoulos applies this insight to problems in philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, and epistemology, and examines how we access the external world through our perception as well as what we can know of that world. To show that there is a theory-neutral part of existence, Raftopoulos turns to cognitive science and argues that there is substantial scientific evidence. He then claims that perception induces representational states with nonconceptual content and examines the nature of the nonconceptual content. The nonconceptual information retrieved, he argues, does not allow the identification or recognition of an object but only its individuation as a discrete persistent object with certain spatiotemporal properties and other features. Object individuation, however, suffices to determine the referents of perceptual demonstratives. Raftopoulos defends his account in the context of current discussions on the issue of the theory-ladenness of perception (namely the Fodor-Churchland debate), and then discusses the repercussions of his thesis for problems in the philosophy of science. Finally, Raftopoulos claims that there is a minimal form of realism that is defensible. This minimal realism holds that objects, their spatiotemporal properties, and such features as shape, orientation, and motion are real, mind-independent properties in the world.

Bradford Books imprint
Rational Action
Authors: Thomas William
Published: December 2018

The evolution of a set of fields—including operations research and systems analysis—intended to improve policymaking and explore the nature of rational decision-making.

During World War II, the Allied military forces faced severe problems integrating equipment, tactics, and logistics into successful combat operations. To help confront these problems, scientists and engineers developed new means of studying which equipment designs would best meet the military's requirements and how the military could best use the equipment it had on hand. By 1941 they had also begun to gather and analyze data from combat operations to improve military leaders' ordinary planning activities. In Rational Action, William Thomas details these developments, and how they gave rise during the 1950s to a constellation of influential new fields—which he terms the “sciences of policy”—that included operations research, management science, systems analysis, and decision theory.

Proponents of these new sciences embraced a variety of agendas. Some aimed to improve policymaking directly, while others theorized about how one decision could be considered more rational than another. Their work spanned systems engineering, applied mathematics, nuclear strategy, and the philosophy of science, and it found new niches in universities, in businesses, and at think tanks such as the RAND Corporation. The sciences of policy also took a prominent place in epic narratives told about the relationships among science, state, and society in an intellectual culture preoccupied with how technology and reason would shape the future. Thomas follows all these threads to illuminate and make new sense of the intricate relationships among scientific analysis, policymaking procedure, and institutional legitimacy at a crucial moment in British and American history.
Isolation and identification of pathogenic fungi and oomycetes associated with beans and cowpea root diseases in Oman
Authors: Al-Jaradi Asma , Al-Mahmooli Issa , Janke Rhonda , Maharachchikumbura Sajeewa , Al-Saady Nadiya , Al-Sadi Abdullah M.
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this study was to characterize fungal and oomycete species associated with root diseases ofPhaseolus vulgaris,Vigna unguiculata,V. radiataandVicia fabain Oman. Root samples were collected from plants suffering from weakened growth and yellowing symptoms. Fungal species were isolated on 2.5% potato dextrose agar amended with 10 mg l−1rifampicin and 200 mg l−1of ampicillin and identification was based on sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal RNA gene (ITS rRNA), glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH), translation elongation factor-1 alpha (TEF), beta-tubulin (TUB), calmodulin (CMD), actin (ACT). Isolations yielded 204 fungal isolates belonging to nine different genera, with most isolates belonging toAlternariaandFusarium. Molecular identification revealed that the isolates belong to 20 fungal species, the most dominant of which wasAlternaria alternata. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on each plant species. The inoculations onP. vulgarisrevealed thatPythium aphanidermatuminduced rotting, damping-off and wilt symptoms whileFusarium equisetiinduced yellowing symptoms on the leaves.Rhizoctonia solaniproduced lesions and root rot onVigna unguiculatawhileCurvularia muehlenbeckiaeandCurvularia caricae-papayaeproduced root lesions on the roots ofV. unguiculataandV. radiata, respectively.Alternaria alternataproduced brown symptoms on the tap root ofVicia faba.P. aphanidermatumresulted in a significant reduction in the fresh weight, dry weight and shoot length ofPhaseolus vulgaris. The study shows that several fungal species can be found associated with the roots of beans andVigna unguiculatain Oman and can result in varying disease symptoms. This is the first report of root lesions produced byCurvularia muehlenbeckiaeon the roots ofV. unguiculataand byC. caricae-papayaeonV. radiataworldwide.
Collaborative Language Learning
Authors: Storch Neomy
Published: December 2018

Collaborative approaches to language instruction have become widespread, and particularly so with the advent of Web 2.0 tools. The term “collaborative” generally implies asking students to complete a given task in small groups or pairs, thereby sharing the labor. This entry focuses on collaborative writing tasks and the relationships learners form when they work with each other to coauthor a joint text, whether in face‐to‐face or computer‐mediated mode. The argument put forward is that these relationships are important because not all relationships formed are conducive to language learning. Using the model of patterns of interaction established by Storch, the entry explains what the different patterns mean. It then reviews key studies conducted in a range of language learning settings which show (a) that simply assigning learners to work in pairs or small groups will not necessarily mean that they will collaborate; (b) that dialogues in collaborative groups/pairs are rich in language learning opportunities; (c) that interaction in collaborative pairs is more likely to result in language learning gains; and (d) that a number of factors may explain why learners form different patterns of interaction, including learners' relative proficiency, their goals and attitudes, and mode of interaction.
Intercultural Competence
Authors: Byram Michael
Published: December 2018

The strong interest in intercultural competence—and related concepts such as transcultural competence—reflects the response to economic and other global changes which have, in many countries, increased mobility motivated by trade and, increasingly, by study abroad. Intercultural competence facilitates success in these endeavors, and is best defined according to what individuals need in specific contexts. Models, which describe aspects of the competences needed to be successful in new environments, derive from various disciplines and have varied purposes. Models are often not only descriptive but also prescriptive, with implicit recommendations as to desirable competences and behavior. Pedagogical models, derived from language teaching, pay more attention to linguistic competence than others and also include general educational aims—the development of the person—as well as the instrumental purposes more prominent in models used to prepare people to engage in commerce with other countries. The assessment of competences in the commercial context is usually based on psychological models. Assessment of intercultural competence acquired during language learning and general education is much less developed, but models and descriptors—“can‐do” statements—are becoming available, and may be used in self‐assessment in particular.
Teaching Vocabulary
Authors: Webb Stuart , Nation Paul
Published: December 2018

Teaching vocabulary effectively requires preparation and planning. Teachers need to ensure that their students are spending time learning the words that are most useful to them, and are engaging in a range of activities that will help them learn vocabulary both deliberately and incidentally. Teachers also need to have clear goals for vocabulary learning during the course and need to make their students aware of these goals. It is also important for teachers to use an approach that will help their learners develop comprehensive knowledge of the target words, and to measure vocabulary learning in the course.
Highly Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cell Obtained via Treatment by Semiconducting Chemical Additive
Authors: Yu Jae Choul , Badgujar Sachin , Jung Eui Dae , Singh Varun Kumar , Kim Dae Woo , Gierschner Johannes , Lee Eunsong , Kim Yung Sam , Cho Shinuk , Kwon Min Sang , Song Myoung Hoon
Published: December 2018

The addition of chemical additives is considered as a promising approach for obtaining high‐quality perovskite films under mild conditions, which is essential for both the efficiency and the stability of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PeSCs). Although such additive engineering yields high‐quality films, the inherent insulating property of the chemical additives prevents the efficient transport and extraction of charge carriers, thereby limiting the applicability of this approach. Here, it is shown that organic conjugated molecules having rhodanine moieties (i.e., SA‐1 and SA‐2) can be used as semiconducting chemical additives that simultaneously yield large‐sized perovskite grains and improve the charge extraction. Using this strategy, a high power conversion efficiency of 20.3% as well as significantly improved long‐term stability under humid air conditions is achieved. It is believed that this approach can provide a new pathway to designing chemical additives for further improving the efficiency and stability of PeSCs.
Forecasting Gamma‐Ray Bursts Using Gravitational Waves
Authors: Akcay Sarp
Published: December 2018

The intriguing possibility of employing future ground‐based gravitational‐wave interferometers to forecast short gamma‐ray bursts (GRBs) is explored. The forecasting prospect is quantified in terms of an advance‐warning time: the binary‐neutron star (BNS) inspiral time (to merger) from when the interferometer network accumulates a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 15. As sources for the Advanced LIGO–Virgo (ALV) network of 2020, BNS systems at luminosity distances of D ⩽ 200 Mpc are considered, and similarly, BNS systems at D ⩽ 1000 Mpc for Einstein Telescope. It is shown that the ALV network will provide a few minutes of warning time, thus will not forecast GRBs in the 2020s. On the other hand, Einstein Telescope will provide advance‐warning times of more than 5 hours for D ⩽ 100 Mpc. Taking 1 hour as a benchmark advance‐warning time, a corresponding BNS range of roughly 600 Mpc is obtained for Einstein Telescope. Using current BNS event rates, it is shown that Einstein Telescope will forecast GRBs in the 2030s. This warning‐time computation is reapplied to black hole–neutron star inspirals and it is found that one to three tidal disruption events are expected to be forecast by the same detector.
Single Posttranslational Modifications in the Central Repeat Domains of Tau4 Impact its Aggregation and Tubulin Binding
Authors: Ellmer Doris , Brehs Manuel , Haj‐Yahya Mahmood , Lashuel Hilal A. , Becker Christian F. W.
Published: December 2018

A variety of methods have been employed to study the impact of posttranslational modifications on Tau protein function. Here, a semisynthesis strategy is described that enables selective modification within the central repeat domain of Tau4 (residues 291‐321), comprising a major interaction motive with tubulin as well as one of the key hexapeptides involved in Tau aggregation. This strategy has led to the preparation of four semisynthetic Tau variants with phosphoserine residues in different positions and one with a so far largely ignored carboxymethyllysine modification that results from a non‐enzymatic posttranslational modification (nPTM). The latter modification inhibits tubulin polymerization but exhibits an aggregation behavior very similar to unmodified Tau. In contrast, phosphorylated Tau variants exhibit similar binding to tubulin as unmodified Tau4 but show lower tendencies to aggregate.
Surface Attachment Enhances the Thermodynamic Stability of Protein L
Authors: Ortega Gabriel , Kurnik Martin , Dauphin‐Ducharme Philippe , Li Hui , Arroyo‐Currás Netzahualcóyotl , Caceres Amanda , Plaxco Kevin W.
Published: December 2018

Despite the importance of protein–surface interactions in both biology and biotechnology, our understanding of their origins is limited due to a paucity of experimental studies of the thermodynamics behind such interactions. In response, we have characterized the extent to which interaction with a chemically well‐defined macroscopic surface alters the stability of protein L. To do so, we site‐specifically attached a redox‐reporter‐modified protein variant to a hydroxy‐terminated monolayer on a gold surface and then used electrochemistry to monitor its guanidine denaturation and determine its folding free energy. Comparison with the free energy seen in solution indicates that interaction with this surface stabilizes the protein by 6 kJ mol−1, a value that is in good agreement with theoretical estimates of the entropic consequences of surface‐induced excluded volume effects, thus suggesting that chemically specific interactions with this surface (e.g., electrostatic interactions) are limited in magnitude.
Brückeninstandsetzung, Ertüchtigung und Abdichtung mit Ultrahochfestem‐Faserbeton (UHFB)
Authors: Methner Raphael , Müller Roger
Published: December 2018

Bei der Instandsetzung und Verstärkung von drei Schweizer Großbrücken auf der Autobahn A4 zwischen Küssnacht und Brunnen wird im Auftrag des Bundesamts für Strassen (ASTRA) Ultrahochfester‐Faserbeton (UHFB) in großem Umfang eingesetzt. Gegenüber klassischen Verstärkungen, z. B. CFK‐Lamellen oder externer Vorspannung, erwies sich die Verstärkung der Stützbereiche mit UHFB als sinnvolle Alternative. Wie durch nichtlineare Berechnungen gezeigt werden konnte, führt dies zu einer Erhöhung der Systemtraglast. Normative Grundlage bildet das SIA‐Merkblatt 2052, welches im März 2016 veröffentlicht wurde. Erstmals (in dieser Größenordnung) wird auf die Anwendung einer konventionellen Brückenabdichtung verzichtet. Damit konnten die Baukosten und die Bauzeit reduziert werden. Neben der Ertüchtigung wird UHFB für die Instandsetzung der Längsträgerstege verwendet.
Determination of olanzapine for therapeutic drug monitoring in schizophrenia patients by LC/MS method
Authors: Albayrak Mevlut , Kadioglu Yucel , Yaman Mehmet Emrah , Senol Onur , Oral Elif
Published: December 2018

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug from the thienobenzodiazepine family which displays efficacy in patients with schizophrenia and related psychoses. A novel LC/MS method was developed and validated for determination of olanzapine in schizophrenia patients' plasma. A liquid–liquid extraction procedure was carried out using 5 mL diethyl ether–diisopropyl ether mixture (1:1, v/v). Average recovery of the extraction procedure was 94.8%. Chromatographic separation was performed on reversed‐phase C18 column (250 × 2.0 mm, 5 μm) using mixture of deionized water (trifluoro acetic acid 0.1%)–acetonitrile (20:80, v/v) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. Irbesartan was used as internal standart and total run time was 2.5 min. Mass spectrometric analysis were carried out in selective‐ion montoring mode, and detected olanzapine at m/z 313.1 and IS at m/z 429.4 in all forms of the ions. The calibration curve of olanzapine was linear in the range 2–300 ng/mL (r2 > 0.9993). The interday and intraday precisions (RSD) were <7.55%, and accuracy was >7.59% (n = 6). The proposed study was successfully validated with respect to the US Food and Drug Administration guidelines.
Incremental cost and length of stay associated with postprocedure delirium in transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacement patients in the United States
Authors: Potter Brian J. , Thompson Christin , Green Philip , Clancy Seth
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To explore the impact of post‐procedure delirium on resource utilization following transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacement (TAVR and SAVR, respectively).

Background

Postprocedure delirium is associated with worse long‐term survival after TAVR and SAVR. However, its effect on resource utilization has been understudied.

Methods

Using the 2015 Medicare Provider Analysis and Review File (MedPAR), we retrospectively analyzed elderly (≥80 years) Medicare beneficiaries receiving either SAVR or endovascular TAVR in the United States. Multivariate regression models estimating hospitalization cost and length of stay (LoS) were adjusted for patient demographics, comorbidities, and nondelirium complications.

Results

A total of 21,088 discharges were available for analysis (12,114 TAVR and 8,974 SAVR). TAVR patients were older (87 ± 3.8 vs. 84 ± 2.7 years; P < 0.001) with a higher comorbidity burden (Charlson index 3.0 ± 1.8 vs. 2.1 ± 1.7; P < 0.0001). Despite this, fewer TAVR patients (1.6%) experienced postoperative delirium during the index hospitalization compared to surgical patients (3.6%; P < 0.0001). Delirium was associated with a 4.16 [3.51–4.81] day longer hospital LoS and $15,592 ($12,849–$18,334) higher incremental hospitalization cost. When stratified by treatment approach, the adjusted incremental cost of delirium was +$13,862 ($9,431–$18,292) with TAVR and +$16,656 ($13,177–$20,136) with SAVR with an additional hospital LoS of +3.39 (2.34–4.43) days and +4.63 (3.81–5.45) days for TAVR and SAVR, respectively.

Conclusions

Postprocedure delirium is associated with significantly increased hospitalization costs and LoS following AVR. TAVR was associated with a lower postoperative delirium rate compared to SAVR. Post‐TAVR delirium may be associated with less resource consumption than post‐SAVR delirium.
Straightforward Ball‐Milling Access to Dinucleoside 5′,5′‐Polyphosphates via Phosphorimidazolide Intermediates
Authors: Appy Lucie , Depaix Anaïs , Bantreil Xavier , Lamaty Frédéric , Peyrottes Suzanne , Roy Béatrice
Published: December 2018

A solvent‐assisted mechanochemical approach to access symmetrical and mixed dinucleoside 5,5′‐polyphosphates is reported. Under ball‐milling conditions, nucleoside 5′‐monophosphates were quantitatively activated using 1,1′‐carbonyldiimidazole, forming their phosphorimidazolide derivatives. The addition of a nucleoside 5′‐mono‐, di‐ or triphosphate directly led to the formation of the corresponding dinucleotides. Benefits of the reported one‐pot method include the use of unprotected nucleotides in their sodium or acid form, activation by the eco‐friendly 1,1′‐carbonyldiimidazole, non‐dry conditions, short reaction time, high conversion rates, and easy setup and purification. This work offers new perspectives for the synthesis of nucleotide conjugates and analogues, combining the phosphorimidazolide approach and milling conditions.
Cutting and nesting system of cloud manufacturing based on SOA
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Shi
Published: December 2018

Cutting and nesting are common problems in production manufacturing. However, most existing research works focus on the optimization algorithm rather than commercialized application software system. A kind of cutting and nesting system for cloud manufacturing based on SOA is proposed in the paper, which deploys nesting algorithm distributedly to multi‐core computer cluster so as to provide the cutting and nesting service for numerous small and medium‐sized enterprises through uniform network service and to realize the integration with existing enterprise system based on SOA. Firstly, the system structure is introduced in the paper. Then, distributed scheduling algorithm, service architecture process, and relevant service interface of the system are stated. Finally, a typical application case for the system is established.
Contribution of Adipose Tissue Inflammation to the Development of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Burhans Maggie S. , Hagman Derek K. , Kuzma Jessica N. , Schmidt Kelsey A. , Kratz Mario
Published: December 2018

The objective of this comprehensive review is to summarize and discuss the available evidence of how adipose tissue inflammation affects insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Low‐grade, chronic adipose tissue inflammation is characterized by infiltration of macrophages and other immune cell populations into adipose tissue, and a shift toward more proinflammatory subtypes of leukocytes. The infiltration of proinflammatory cells in adipose tissue is associated with an increased production of key chemokines such as C‐C motif chemokine ligand 2, proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α and interleukins 1β and 6 as well as reduced expression of the key insulin‐sensitizing adipokine, adiponectin. In both rodent models and humans, adipose tissue inflammation is consistently associated with excess fat mass and insulin resistance. In humans, associations with insulin resistance are stronger and more consistent for inflammation in visceral as opposed to subcutaneous fat. Further, genetic alterations in mouse models of obesity that reduce adipose tissue inflammation are—almost without exception—associated with improved insulin sensitivity. However, a dissociation between adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance can be observed in very few rodent models of obesity as well as in humans following bariatric surgery‐ or low‐calorie‐diet‐induced weight loss, illustrating that the etiology of insulin resistance is multifactorial. Taken together, adipose tissue inflammation is a key factor in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in obesity, along with other factors that likely include inflammation and fat accumulation in other metabolically active tissues. © 2019 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol9:1‐58, 2019.
Elevated circulating cathepsin S levels are associated with metabolic syndrome in overweight and obese individuals
Authors: Chen Lili , Lu Bin , Yang Yehong , Zhang Weiwei , Wang Xuanchun , Zhou Houguang , Wen Jie , Yang Zhen , Hu Renming
Published: December 2018

Objective

Cathepsin S is highly expressed in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue. Cathepsin S correlates with central obesity and contributes to the formation and progression of atherosclerosis. Here, we sought to evaluate the association of serum cathepsin S with metabolic syndrome (MS) in overweight and obese Chinese adults.

Methods

We evaluated serum cathepsin S levels in a cross‐sectional sample of 781 overweight and obese Chinese adults by ELISA. Glucose, insulin, lipid profile, inflammatory markers, and adipokines were also measured.

Results

Cathepsin S was significantly associated with BMI, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), systolic blood pressure, C‐reactive protein (CRP), triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol (all P < 0.05). Plasma cathepsin S levels increased significantly (P = 0.045 for trend) with increasing numbers of MS components after adjustment for potential confounders. In the highest cathepsin S quartile, the MS risk was significantly higher (odds ratio 2.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.89‐2.78) than in the lowest quartile after adjustment for age, gender, alcohol consumption, smoking, education, physical activity, self‐reported CVD, and family history of diabetes. This association remained strong (odds ratio 1.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.72‐2.48) after controlling further for CRP, adiponectin, HOMA‐IR, and BMI.

Conclusions

Elevated circulating cathepsin S concentrations are strongly and independently associated with MS in overweight and obese Chinese adults. Prospective studies are needed to establish the role of cathepsin S in the development of MS.
Hydrogenation of Cyclohexene in Aqueous Solvent Mixture Over a Sustainable Recyclable Catalyst Comprising Palladium and Monolacunary Silicotungstate Anchored to MCM‐41
Authors: Patel Anjali , Patel Anish , Narkhede Nilesh
Published: December 2018

An efficient, highly stable, and ligand‐free catalyst consisting of Pd and monolacunary silicotungstate anchored to MCM‐41 was synthesized and characterized by various techniques. The synthesized catalyst was used for the hydrogenation reaction of cyclohexene as model substrate, and various reaction parameters were studied in order to optimize them for maximum conversion, 95 %, under mild conditions. The catalyst was regenerated by simply washing with methanol and reused up to three cycles without significant loss in activity. The viability of the catalyst was evaluated for different alkenes and ketones, and in all cases the conversion was found to be in the range of 92–99 %. It was also found that the sustainability arises from SiW11, which binds the palladium very strongly and thus does not allow its leaching into the reaction mixture.
Direct Stereoselective Aziridination of Cyclohexenols with 3‐Amino‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one in the Synthesis of Cyclitol Aziridine Glycosidase Inhibitors
Authors: Artola Marta , Wouters Shirley , Schröder Sybrin P. , de Boer Casper , Chen Yurong , Petracca Rita , van den Nieuwendijk Adrianus M. C. H. , Aerts Johannes M. F. G. , van der Marel Gijsbert A. , Codée Jeroen D. C. , Overkleeft Herman S.
Published: December 2018

Cyclophellitol aziridine and its configurational and functional isomers are powerful covalent inhibitors of retaining glycosidases, and find application in fundamental studies on glycosidases, amongst others in relation to inherited lysosomal storage disorders caused by glycosidase malfunctioning. Few direct and stereoselective aziridination methodologies are known for the synthesis of cyclophellitol aziridines. Herein, we present our studies on the scope of direct 3‐amino‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one‐mediated aziridination on a variety of configurational and functional cyclohexenol isosters. We demonstrate that the aziridination can be directed by an allylic or homoallylic hydroxyl through H‐bonding and that steric hindrance plays a key role in the diastereoselectivity of the reaction.
Mesozoic basin evolution of the East China Sea Shelf and tectonic system transition in Southeast China
Authors: Yang Changqing , Han Baofu , Yang Chuansheng , Yang Yanqiu , Sun Jin , Yu Fusheng
Published: December 2018

The East China Sea Shelf Basin (ECSSB) is located on the south‐eastern edge of the Eurasian Plate. The tectono‐evolution and dynamic mechanism of the ECSSB are related to the collision of the Pacific Plate with the Eurasian Plate, and the remote pushing effect of the Indo‐Australian Plate remains a hot topic of debate. Based on the latest survey data, this paper mainly focuses on the evolution of the Mesozoic basin in the East China Sea Shelf by means of assessing the regional tectonic background, conducting structural physical simulation experiments, and applying balanced geological section recovery technology to discuss the processes of dynamic transition in Southeast China. Our data suggest that the ECSSB experienced an evolutionary sequence involving the pre‐Late Triassic passive continental margin; the Late Triassic–Middle Jurassic active continental margin extrusion‐depression; the extrusional stress from the low‐angle subduction of the Izanaki Plate under the Eurasian Plate; the late Early Cretaceous to Late Cretaceous active continental marginal extension faulted basin, during which the extensional stress originated from the lithospheric thinning and palaeoenvironment resulting from the subduction of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate under the Eurasian Plate; and the Palaeogene back‐arc extension faulted sags. The transition time from the E‐W‐trending Palaeo‐Tethys tectonic system to the NE‐trending Palaeo‐Pacific tectonic system in Southeast China occurred at the end of the Middle Triassic. The low‐angle subduction and withdrawal of subduction of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate probably represented the deep geological processes of the Mesozoic in Southeast China.
Compatibility of CO2 laser surgery and fluorescence detection in head and neck cancer cells
Authors: Odenthal Julia , Friedl Peter , Takes Robert P.
Published: December 2018

Background

Surgical treatment of cancer requires tumor excision with emphasis on function preservation which is achieved in (early stage) laryngeal cancer by transoral carbon dioxide (CO2) laser surgery. Whereas conventional laser surgery is restricted by the surgeon's visual recognition of tumor tissue, new approaches based on fluorescence‐guided surgery (FGS) improve the detection of the tumor and its margin. However, it is unclear whether fluorophores are compatible with high‐power laser application or whether precision is compromised by laser‐induced bleaching of the dye.

Methods

We applied topology‐controlled 3D laser resection of fluorescent tumors cell in vitro and laser‐induced autofluorescence analysis ex vivo.

Results

Laser‐induced bleaching of fluorescent dyes in the visible and near‐infrared light spectrum (650‐900 nm) ranges below the resolution range of operation microscopes. Furthermore, specific fluorescent signals in an FGS mouse model is 104 higher than laser‐induced autofluorescence in mouse tissue.

Conclusion

Laser‐induced lateral photobleaching is negligible indicating a path forward for fluorescence‐guided laser surgery in head and neck cancer.
The Role of Free Tissue Transfer in the Management of Chronic Frontal Sinus Osteomyelitis
Authors: Rimmer Ryan A. , Duffy Alexander N. , Knops Alexander M. , Rabinowitz Mindy R. , Koszewski Ian J. , Rosen Marc R. , Ortlip Timothy , Heffelfinger Ryan N. , Garcia Hermes G. , Evans James J. , Nyquist Gurston G. , Curry Joseph M.
Published: December 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Chronic frontal sinus infection is managed with a combination of medical and surgical interventions. Frontal bone osteomyelitis due to recurrent infection following trauma or prior open surgery may require more significant debridement. Free tissue transfer may allow for extensive debridement with replacement of tissue, and definitive eradication of osteomyelitis.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

Patients undergoing free flap obliteration of the frontal sinus for frontal bone osteomyelitis at a single institution were included in the study. Clinical, radiologic, and surgical data were collected. Surgeries before and after free flap obliteration were compared by Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

Fifteen patients were identified; however, one patient had less than 6 months of follow‐up and was excluded from analysis. Of the remaining 14 patients, mean follow‐up duration was 26 months (range, 6–120 months). Mean number of surgeries prior to free flap was 3.7 (range, 1–8 surgeries). Free flap obliteration resolved chronic frontal sinusitis in all patients. Two patients experienced postoperative infection, and the overall complication rate was 29%. Eight patients underwent cranioplasty (six immediate, two delayed) without complication. All patients received planned courses of postoperative antibiotics. A statistically significant decrease in the number of surgeries after free flap obliteration was observed P ≤ .01).

Conclusions

Extensive debridement followed by free tissue transfer and antibiotics offers a definitive treatment for complicated, recurrent frontal osteomyelitis. Simultaneous cranioplasty provides immediate protective and aesthetic benefit without complication. Consideration should be given for free tissue transfer and cranioplasty earlier in the algorithm for treatment of refractory frontal sinus osteomyelitis.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 129:1497–1504, 2019
The Reaction of Poly(Vinyl Amine) with Acetone in Water
Authors: Trommler Katja , Walther Tina , Seifert Susan , Seifert Andreas , Hähnle Hans‐Joachim , Anders Susann , Kroll Lothar , Spange Stefan
Published: December 2018

Poly(vinyl amine) (PVAm) reacts with acetone in aqueous solution. It generates imine and aminal moieties along the PVAm backbone. The molecular structure of acetone‐modified PVAm is confirmed by liquid 1H and 13C as well as solid state 13C NMR and ATR‐FTIR spectroscopies. Model compounds produced from 1,3‐diaminopropane with acetone in chloroform are used to assign the solid state 13C NMR signals of the modified polymer. Quantitative elemental analysis of acetone‐modified PVAm samples supports the analytical results. The mechanism of the imine and aminal formation is discussed with regard to the anomeric stabilization of the incipient hemiaminal intermediate. The rapid and unexpectedly favorable formation of PVAm acetone hemiaminal, acetone imine, and aminal formation has implications for the conduct of PVAm research and even the interpretation of prior published results. As acetone was often used in the past to precipitate waterborne PVAm derivatives, this finding has a severe impact on the interpretation of research results. The consequences and the revised interpretation of selected publications are discussed.
The vaginal distention model in mice is not a reliable model of simulated birth trauma‐induced stress urinary incontinence
Authors: El Hassan Ramzi , Galante Alex , Kavran Michael , Ganocy Stephen , Khalifa Ahmad O. , Hijaz Adonis
Published: December 2018

Aims

Vaginal distention (VD) is a validated model of birth‐related trauma in rats. Recently a mouse VD model was reported. Our study was originally conducted to evaluate the impact of age on VD in mice. This manuscript describes the study and reports on the lack of reproducibility of VD models in mice.

Methods

We utilized female C57BL/6 mice. A total of 190, 12‐weeks old mice, were randomized into VD and sham groups. We inflated a modified Foley's balloon with 0.3 mL for 1 h inside the mice vagina. Afterwards, we measured the leak point pressure (LPP) at defined timepoints (0, 4, 10, 20, or 40 days). We randomized another 190, 40‐week old, C57BL/6 mice into either VD or sham groups. We used an extra 20 mice as age − matched controls.

Results

In both 12 and 40 weeks‐old mice, LPP was significantly decreased versus the negative controls at day 0. Additionally, in both 12 and 40 weeks‐old mice, the decrease in LPP was significantly higher in the VD group compared to the sham group at day 0. However, the LPP results were comparable between VD and sham at any other time point thereafter. Furthermore, there was no significant change in LPP values between instrumented (VD and sham) mice and control mice at any time after day 0.

Conclusions

The VD models previously described is not a reproducible model for the study of VD with large number of mice. Our results, unfortunately, do not support its use to study VD injury in mice.
Memristive Properties of GaN HEMTs Containing Deep‐Level Traps
Authors: Gomes João L. , Nunes Luís C. , Sobolev Nikolai A. , Pedro José C.
Published: December 2018

In this work, it is proved that GaN high‐electron‐mobility transistors (HEMTs) containing deep‐level traps obey the two fundamental memristive criteria. Furthermore, it is demonstrated, based on isothermal measurement data, that the possible set of state variables responsible for the observed memristivity in GaN HEMTs should include an additional variable that is not the temperature. Using a theoretical model, based on the Shockley‐Read‐Hall statistics, a deep‐level trapping‐related variable is suggested as the most probable hidden state variable.
Gold‐nanoparticle‐coated magnetic beads for concentration and ionization of analytes for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Kim Moon‐Ju , Park Jong‐Min , Noh Joo‐Yoon , Yun Tae Gyeong , Kang Min‐Jung , Pyun Jae‐Chul
Published: December 2018

Rationale

Magnetic particles coated with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) (Au‐MAGs) were developed and used (1) for sample concentration and (2) as a solid matrix for laser adsorption/desorption mass spectrometry (LDI‐MS).

Methods

The Au‐MAGs were prepared by (1) coating polystyrene on iron oxide NPs (PS‐MNPs), (2) coating poly‐l‐lysine on the PS‐MNPs (PLL‐coated PS‐MNPs), and (3) coating negatively charged Au NPs on the PLL‐coated PS‐MNPs (Au‐MAGs).

Results

The Au‐MAGs were used to concentrate the target analyte by means of electrostatic interactions between the positively charged GHP9 and the negatively charged Au‐MAGs as well as selective interactions (such as gold–sulfur interactions) between glutathione (GSH) and Au‐MAGs. Then, the concentrated analyte could be ionized for LDI‐MS.

Conclusions

The Au‐MAGs were demonstrated (1) to concentrate the target analyte in a sample solution, tested by electrostatic interactions and selective interactions between gold and sulfur and (2) to ionize the concentrated analyte for LDI‐MS.
Firm Heterogeneity and Export Pricing in India
Authors: Anderson Michael A. , Davies Martin H. , Signoret José E. , Smith Stephen L. S.
Published: December 2018

We examine export pricing by Indian manufacturing firms in the early 2000s using a unique data set that matches firm characteristics with product and destination‐level trade data. We find that, in contrast to China and other countries, firm productivity is negatively associated with export prices, and export prices are negatively associated with distance while positively associated with remoteness. Our conjecture is that Indian innovation costs, which are higher than China's, drive down the scope for quality differentiation causing a negative association between productivity and prices. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first empirical evidence consistent with heterogenous goods and short quality ladders, a theoretical possibility noted in the study by Antoniades (2012), an outcome that arises here because of domestic Indian economic and regulatory features.
Investigating the vulnerability of nonductile reinforced concrete columns in moderate seismic regions to gravity load collapse
Authors: Mehmood Tahir , Rodsin Kittipoon , Warnitchai Pennung , Kolozvari Kristijan
Published: December 2018

Reinforced concrete (RC) columns are important components of the lateral load‐resisting structural system of RC buildings. In moderate seismic regions, where stringent seismic reinforcement detailing requirements are usually not considered, RC columns are categorized as nonductile. Postearthquake studies have shown that gravity load collapse of RC columns can trigger the progressive collapse of RC buildings. The current study presents the seismic response behavior of nonductile RC columns in moderate seismic regions, with a particular focus on gravity load collapse. Six RC columns, three with lap splices and three without lap splices with variable aspect ratios, were tested under reversed cyclic loading. Experimental results show that the column failing in shear could tolerate the maximum drift in order of 2.7–3.5%, whereas the columns failed in flexural mode could achieve the maximum drift of 4.5%. For the columns with lap splice, the lateral strength was significantly degraded, but all spliced columns could sustain gravity load even when their displacements were more than 4% drift. This very large drift without axial collapse, observed in the current study, is associated with the splice slip causing the large rotation just above the splice region.
Logarithmic W-algebras and Argyres-Douglas theories at higher rank
Authors: Creutzig Thomas
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Families of vertex algebras associated to nilpotent elements of simply-laced Lie algebras are constructed. These algebras are close cousins of logarithmic W-algebras of Feigin and Tipunin and they are also obtained as modifications of semiclassical limits of vertex algebras appearing in the context of S-duality for four-dimensional gauge theories. In the case of type A and principal nilpotent element the character agrees precisely with the Schur-Index formula for corresponding Argyres-Douglas theories with irregular singularities. For other nilpotent elements they are identified with Schur-indices of type IV Argyres-Douglas theories. Further, there is a conformal embedding pattern of these vertex operator algebras that nicely matches the RG-flow of Argyres-Douglas theories as discussed by Buican and Nishinaka.
Carotenoids, Chronic Disease Prevention and Dietary Recommendations
Authors: Bohn Torsten
Published: December 2018

Abstract. Carotenoids are C-30, C-40 or C-50 terpenoids produced by a number of bacteria, fungi, and plants. In addition to acting as vitamin A precursors such as β-carotene, their dietary intake and blood plasma/serum and tissue levels have been associated in several epidemiological studies to the reduced incidence of chronic diseases, including the reduction of type 2 diabetes and other cardiometabolic diseases, as well as some types of cancer. Lutein and zeaxanthin also appear to play a role in the amelioration of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the main cause of blindness in the elderly, and may be regarded as conditionally essential nutrients for the elderly. Furthermore, some studies have proposed that carotenoids may improve cognitive functions. Though the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated, it is perceived that direct antioxidant effects and protection from UV-light, as well as rather indirect effects, acting on transcription factors such as NF-κB, Nrf-2, and nuclear receptors such as RAR/RXR (retinoic acid receptor/retinoid X receptor), altering gene expression, all can play a role. Despite individual intervention trials suggesting negative effects of high doses of β-carotene on smokers, perhaps due to effects related to cytochrome enzyme activation, there is accumulating evidence that these colourful pigments indeed contribute to a healthy life and well-being. However, further research is warranted to better understand factors influencing variable inter-individual responses following carotenoid consumption and to establish more detailed recommendations regarding their dietary intake and toward establishing health claims.
Google Trends Could Help Scientists Track Allergy Season
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: December 2018

Admit it: When your nose starts to run and your eyes itch, you search Google, too.
One Fifth of Los Angeles’s CO2 Rises from Lawns and Golf Courses
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: December 2018

Measurements of carbon-14 show that roughly 20% of carbon dioxide emissions in the Los Angeles Basin are likely due to the decay of plants in managed landscapes.