bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controllable Synthesis of CoS2@N/S‐Codoped Porous Carbon Derived from ZIF‐67 for as a Highly Efficient Catalyst for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Feng Shi , Li Xingyue , Huo Jia , Li Qiling , Xie Chao , Liu Tingting , Liu Zhigang , Wu Zhenjun , Wang Shuangyin
Published: October 2017

A convenient, controllable method to fabricate an electrode is necessary to achieve the practical application of a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst. In this work, an electrodeposition–ZIF conversion–sulfuration strategy is developed to produce a CoS2@N/S‐codoped porous carbon (CoS2@NSC/CFP) to drive the HER efficiently. CoS2@NSC/CFP was prepared by the electrodeposition of Co(OH)2 on a carbon fiber paper followed by conversion into ZIF‐67 and subsequent sulfuration with sulfur. The loading of electroactive components can be controlled easily in the range of 0.7–10.0 mg cm−2 by varying electrodeposition time from 5 min to 2 h. The resulting material can be employed directly as a working electrode for the HER and it shows an excellent catalytic activity and stability with an overpotential of 95 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and 158 mV to reach 100 mA cm−2 in an acidic medium. The high efficiency is related intimately to the high dispersion of ultra‐small CoS2 nanoparticles, heteroatom‐codoping, and the 3 D porous network configuration of the carbon fiber paper.
Copper‐Catalyzed C2 and C3 Phosphonation of Benzofuran and Benzothiophene with Trialkyl Phosphites
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Yang Yajie , Jie Kun , Huang Ling , Guo Shengmei , Cai Hu
Published: October 2017

A strategy for the selective phosphonation of benzofuran and benzothiophene with trialkyl phosphites was developed. In these reactions, the C−H phosphonation of benzofurans or benzothiophenes at the C2 or C3 position with trialkyl phosphites was successfully achieved without directing groups by using a copper catalyst. Additionally, the C5 phosphonation of furan was successful under the same conditions.
Porous, Naturally Derived Hafnium Phytate for the Highly Chemoselective Transfer Hydrogenation of Aldehydes with Other Reducible Moieties
Authors: Song Jinliang , Xue Zhimin , Xie Chao , Wu Haoran , Liu Shuaishuai , Zhang Lujun , Han Buxing
Published: October 2017

Both the utilization of naturally occurring compounds to prepare functional materials and the selective conversion of aldehydes with other reducible moieties (ORMs) are very attractive topics. Herein, we synthesized a novel porous material, hafnium phytate (Hf‐Phy), by using naturally derived sodium phytate as the building block. Hf‐Phy has plenty of mesopores centered around 11.8 nm. Hf‐Phy showed excellent performance for the transfer hydrogenation of aldehydes with ORMs by using 2‐propanol as the hydrogen source with high selectivities (95–100 %) for alcohols without reducing ORMs. Systematic studies suggested that the oxophilicity of Hf4+ and the basicity and structure of Hf‐Phy contributed significantly to the excellent performance. Additionally, Hf‐Phy could be used over at least five cycles without any decrease in activity or selectivity.
Spin‐State Energetics of Fe Complexes from an Optimally Tuned Range‐Separated Hybrid Functional
Authors: Prokopiou Georgia , Kronik Leeor
Published: October 2017

We assess the performance of the optimally tuned range‐separated hybrid (OT‐RSH) functional approach in predicting the ground‐state electronic configuration and spin‐state energetics of complexes that can potentially exhibit multiple spin configurations. To that end, we investigate eight iron complexes: four spin‐crossover complexes, for which reference data from other approximate density functionals are available, and four smaller complexes, for which reference ab initio data are available. We show that the spin‐state energetics are mostly governed by the percentage of short‐range exact exchange and are only weakly influenced by the choice of the range‐separation parameter. However, the electronic structure, especially the fundamental gap, is much more sensitive to the range‐separation parameter. We further find that correct prediction of the ground state in spin‐crossover compounds requires a reduction in the amount of short‐range exact exchange, likely owing to a larger role of static correlation.
Short‐chain esters enriched biofuel obtained from vegetable oil using molecular distillation
Authors: de Oliveira Vanessa F. , Parente Expedito J. S. , Cavalcante Célio L. , Luna F. Murilo T.
Published: October 2017

Aviation fuels used in gas‐turbine engine powered aircraft are mainly obtained from the distillation of mineral oil. These jet fuel molecules present carbon chain length of C8 to C16 in the same range of fossil kerosene and have high calorific values and a great cold behaviour. With the increase in consumption of jet fuels, it has become extremely important to develop alternative fuels with adequate properties that could be capable of fulfilling the aviation industry requirements. In this context, aviation alternative fuel originated from sustainable raw materials must meet a set of safety requirements and should exhibit similar physicochemical properties to mineral kerosene. In this study the production of a short‐chain esters enriched biofuel using molecular distillation of FAME obtained from babassu oil was evaluated. Operational conditions were assessed to obtain high mass yields and high ester content in the carbon chain length range of kerosene. A fuel with properties close to those of aviation biofuels was obtained at 140 °C. At this temperature, more than 80 % of the esters in the product composition were within the desired range and there was a mass recovery higher than 88 %. In addition, the short‐chain esters enriched biofuel was blended with fossil kerosene at different concentrations and its properties were analyzed in order to study the effects of the gradual addition of this biofuel stream to commercial aviation kerosene. Density, heating value, freezing temperature, and pour point were evaluated. A mixture up to 6.0 % g/g accomplished the specification limits established by ASTM D1655.
Doping or Deposition of NiS on Cd0.3Zn0.7S Photocatalysts: Optimising Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Markovskaya Dina V. , Kozlova Ekaterina A. , Cherepanova Svetlana V. , Kolinko Pavel A. , Gerasimov Eugeny Yu. , Parmon Valentin N.
Published: October 2017

The photocatalytic properties of a Cd0.3Zn0.7S photocatalyst modified either by NiS doping or by supporting NiS on the catalyst surface were studied. The obtained samples were investigated by different characterization techniques, including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The photocatalytic activity was measured in hydrogen evolution from aqueous solutions of Na2S/Na2SO3 under visible‐light irradiation (λ=450 nm). Nickel modifications on the surface and in bulk led to improvements in the photocatalytic activity compared to the pristine sample. The samples modified in bulk underwent changes in composition and an increase of the catalytic activity during illumination was measured. In contrast, the rate of hydrogen photoproduction for the photocatalysts modified by NiS on the surface did not change appreciably. The highest photocatalytic activity values were 11.2 mmol h−1 g−1 and 12.8 mmol h−1 g−1 for the 0.3 % NiS/Cd0.3Zn0.7S and Ni0.001Cd0.3Zn0.7S1.001 photocatalysts, respectively.
Iridium Complexes with Proton‐Responsive Azole‐Type Ligands as Effective Catalysts for CO2 Hydrogenation
Authors: Suna Yuki , Himeda Yuichiro , Fujita Etsuko , Muckerman James T. , Ertem Mehmed Z.
Published: October 2017

Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl iridium (Cp*Ir) complexes with bidentate ligands consisting of a pyridine ring and an electron‐rich diazole ring were prepared. Their catalytic activity toward CO2 hydrogenation in 2.0 m KHCO3 aqueous solutions (pH 8.5) at 50 °C, under 1.0 MPa CO2/H2 (1:1) have been reported as an alternative to photo‐ and electrochemical CO2 reduction. Bidentate ligands incorporating an electron‐rich diazole ring improved the catalytic performance of the Ir complexes compared to the bipyridine ligand. Complexes 2, 4, and 6, possessing both a hydroxy group and an uncoordinated NH group, which are proton‐responsive and capable of generating pendent bases in basic media, recorded high initial turnover frequency values of 1300, 1550, and 2000 h−1, respectively. Spectroscopic and computational investigations revealed that the reversible deprotonation changes the electronic properties of the complexes and causes interactions between pendent base and substrate and/or solvent water molecules, resulting in high catalytic performance in basic media.
Catalytic Hydrogenation of Macroalgae‐Derived Alginic Acid into Sugar Alcohols
Authors: Ban Chunghyeon , Jeon Wonjin , Woo Hee Chul , Kim Do Heui
Published: October 2017

Alginic acid, a major constituent of macroalgae, iss hydrogenated into sugar alcohols over carbon‐supported noble metals for the first time. Mannitol and sorbitol are the major products of the catalytic hydrogenation of alginic acid, which consists of two epimeric uronic acids. The main reaction pathway is the consecutive hydrogenations of the aldehyde and carboxyl ends of alginic acid dimers, followed by the cleavage of the C−O−C linkage into monomeric units by hydrolysis. The highest yield of C6 sugar alcohols is 61 % (sorbitol: 29 %; mannitol: 28 %; galactitol: 4 %). The low sorbitol/mannitol ratio is in contrast to that from cellulose hydrogenation, owing to the composition of alginic acid and isomerization between sugar alcohols under the catalytic system. This new green route to producing sugar alcohols from alginic acid might provide opportunities to diversify biomass resources.
Sound speed and diffusion in 2D Yukawa liquids: Effect of dipole–dipole interaction
Authors: Gabdulin Ayatola Zh. , Ramazanov Tlekkabul S. , Moldabekov Zhandos A.
Published: October 2017

The two‐dimensional (2D) Yukawa liquid with an additional screened dipole–dipole interaction is considered in connection with the 2D system of charged dust particles in complex plasmas. Particularly, the sound speed and diffusion in the case the Yukawa interaction potential dominant over the screened dipole–dipole interaction are analysed. Increase in the value of the sound speed and suppression of the super‐diffusion due to the additional dipole–dipole interaction are reported. This effect is explained by the stronger inter‐particle correlations induced by the additional dipole–dipole interaction.
Impact of Ethical Information Resources on Independently Licensed Counselors
Authors: Burns Stephanie T. , Cruikshanks Daniel R.
Published: October 2017

A random sample of 430 independently licensed counselors evaluated 4 ethical information interventions in the context of 16 boundary‐crossing scenarios. Results indicated that counselors have serious reservations about any form of boundary crossing. They reported mostly reviewing various codes of ethics, reviewing state laws and rules, consulting with others, working from gut instincts, and reflecting on personal experience when confronted with boundary‐crossing issues. Participants clearly preferred streamlined ethical information interventions.
Student Counselors' Perceptions of Ethical Client Referrals
Authors: Lloyd‐Hazlett Jessica , Hobbs Julieta Rubio , Honderich Eleni Maria
Published: October 2017

The 2014 ACA Code of Ethics (American Counseling Association, ) distinguishes between competence‐based and value‐based referrals. This phenomenological research explored student counselors' (N = 10) perceptions of client referrals across a range of cognitive developmental positions. Findings indicated nuanced understandings of competence, values, referral processes, responsibilities of supervisors, and learning environments. Implications for counselor education and supervision are discussed.
Diagnosis of pediatric neuroblastoma by urine cytology: A case report
Authors: Nishikawa Shiori , Noguchi Hiroshi , Tokumitsu Takako , Ohno Akinobu , Moriguchi‐Goto Sayaka , Maekawa Kazunari , Asada Yujiro , Moritake Hiroshi , Kinoshita Mariko , Yamada Ai , Takamura Kazunari , Sato Yuichiro
Published: October 2017

Neuroblastomas are embryonal tumors arising from the neuronal crest cells of the synaptic nervous system. Findings from aspiration cytology have been reported, but there have been no reports of urine cytology findings. Here, we report a case of pediatric neuroblastoma characterized by urine cytology. A 2‐year‐old boy presented with abdominal pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. Computed tomography revealed a large tumor in the left suprarenal region with massive infiltration into the kidney. Urinary cytology showed highly cellular clusters composed of small, round, atypical cells with little cytoplasm and high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio; nuclear molding was also noted in some places. Immunocytochemical staining was positive for synaptophysin and chromogranin A, and neuroblastoma was suggested by urine cytology. A biopsy of the left adrenal tumor later confirmed a diagnosis of poorly differentiated neuroblastoma. Urine cytology may be useful for rapid diagnosis and management of similar cases.
Plant diversity has contrasting effects on herbivore and parasitoid abundance in Centaurea jacea flower heads
Authors: Nitschke Norma , Allan Eric , Zwölfer Helmut , Wagner Lysett , Creutzburg Sylvia , Baur Hannes , Schmidt Stefan , Weisser Wolfgang W.
Published: October 2017

High biodiversity is known to increase many ecosystem functions, but studies investigating biodiversity effects have more rarely looked at multi‐trophic interactions. We studied a tri‐trophic system composed of Centaurea jacea (brown knapweed), its flower head‐infesting tephritid fruit flies and their hymenopteran parasitoids, in a grassland biodiversity experiment. We aimed to disentangle the importance of direct effects of plant diversity (through changes in apparency and resource availability) from indirect effects (mediated by host plant quality and performance). To do this, we compared insect communities in C. jacea transplants, whose growth was influenced by the surrounding plant communities (and where direct and indirect effects can occur), with potted C. jacea plants, which do not compete with the surrounding plant community (and where only direct effects are possible). Tephritid infestation rate and insect load, mainly of the dominant species Chaetorellia jaceae, decreased with increasing plant species and functional group richness. These effects were not seen in the potted plants and are therefore likely to be mediated by changes in host plant performance and quality. Parasitism rates, mainly of the abundant chalcid wasps Eurytoma compressa and Pteromalus albipennis, increased with plant species or functional group richness in both transplants and potted plants, suggesting that direct effects of plant diversity are most important. The differential effects in transplants and potted plants emphasize the importance of plant‐mediated direct and indirect effects for trophic interactions at the community level. The findings also show how plant–plant interactions critically affect results obtained using transplants. More generally, our results indicate that plant biodiversity affects the abundance of higher trophic levels through a variety of different mechanisms.
Multiple dimensions of intraspecific diversity affect biomass of eelgrass and its associated community
Authors: Abbott Jessica M. , Grosberg Richard K. , Williams Susan L. , Stachowicz John J.
Published: October 2017

Genetic diversity within key species can play an important role in the functioning of entire communities. However, the extent to which different dimensions of diversity (e.g., the number of genotypes vs. the extent of genetic differentiation among those genotypes) best predicts functioning is unknown and may yield clues into the different mechanisms underlying diversity effects. We explicitly test the relative influence of genotypic richness and genetic relatedness on eelgrass productivity, biomass, and the diversity of associated invertebrate grazers in a factorial field experiment using the seagrass species,Zostera marina(eelgrass). Genotypic richness had the strongest effect on eelgrass biomass accumulation, such that plots with more genotypes at the end of the experiment attained a higher biomass. Genotypic diversity (richness + evenness) was a stronger predictor of biomass than richness alone, and both genotype richness and diversity were positively correlated with trait diversity. The relatedness of genotypes in a plot reduced eelgrass biomass independently of richness. Plots containing eelgrass with greater trait diversity also had a higher abundance of invertebrate grazers, while the diversity and relatedness of eelgrass genotypes had little effect on invertebrate abundance or richness. Our work extends previous findings by explicitly relating genotypic diversity to trait diversity, thus mechanistically connecting genotypic diversity to plot‐level yields. We also show that other dimensions of diversity, namely relatedness, influence eelgrass performance independent of trait differentiation. Ultimately, richness and relatedness captured fundamentally different components of intraspecific variation and should be treated as complementary rather than competing dimensions of biodiversity affecting ecosystem functioning.
Coupling life cycle assessment with process simulation for ecodesign of chemical processes
Authors: Morales‐Mendoza Luis Fernando , Azzaro‐Pantel Catherine , Belaud Jean‐Pierre , Ouattara Adama
Published: October 2017

Because of the central position of the chemical industries along the value chain, process design has a pivotal role, involving many decision makers and multiple levels of decisions. To tackle the environmental concern at source, this article presents a methodological framework for process ecodesign, coupling flowsheeting simulators both for production and energy processes with a Life Cycle Assessment module that generalizes and automates the evaluation of environmental impacts. The life cycle inventory is carried out through the combined use of mass and energy balances resulting both from the global simulation of the process and its associated energy production requirement and from the use of inventory database (i.e., Ecoinvent v3) embedded in the Life Cycle Assessment software tool used (SimaPro). Different process alternatives can thus be evaluated in a systematic way and the energy‐related emissions for any given process that match exactly the real situation can be computed without introducing a bias in the estimation. Through comparisons between a case base and process alternatives, a systematic decision can be made in terms of whether a solution is moving the process towards a more sustainable operation. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is first illustrated through the case study of benzene production and second, by a biodiesel production process from waste vegetable oils which is one of the foremost alternative fuels to those refined from petroleum products. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 777–796, 2018
Is rocking motion predictable?
Authors: Bachmann J. A. , Strand M. , Vassiliou M. F. , Broccardo M. , Stojadinović B.
Published: October 2017

An argument of engineers and researchers against the use of rocking as a seismic response modification technique is that the rocking motion of a structure is chaotic and the existing models are incapable of predicting it well. This argument is supported by the documented inability of rocking models to predict the motion of a specimen excited by a single ground motion. A statistical comparison of the experimental and the numerical responses of a rigid rocking oscillator not to a specific ground motion, but to ensembles of ground motions that have the same statistical properties, is presented. It is shown that the simple analytical model proposed by Housner in 1963 is capable of predicting the statistics of seismic response of a rigid rocking oscillator.
Seismic behaviour of steel plate shear wall systems with staggered web configurations
Authors: Verma Abhishek , Sahoo Dipti Ranjan
Published: October 2017

Unstiffened steel plate shear walls (SPSWs) are used as lateral load‐resisting systems in building structures. The energy dissipation mechanism of SPSWs consists of the tension yielding of web plates and the formation of plastic hinges at the ends of horizontal boundary elements. However, vertical boundary elements (VBEs) of high‐rise SPSWs may experience high axial forces under lateral loading. This study explores the effectiveness of staggering of web plates on the reduction of VBE forces and drift response of SPSWs during an earthquake event. An analytical study has been conducted to determine the base shear reduction factor so as to match the overstrength of staggered systems with conventional SPSWs. A design methodology has been proposed for staggered SPSWs. Six‐, 9‐, and 20‐storey staggered and conventional SPSWs with varying aspect ratios are considered in this study to compare their seismic response. These study frames are modelled and analysed inOpenSEESplatform. Nonlinear static and dynamic analyses are performed to compare the drift response, hinge mechanisms, and steel tonnage. Staggered SPSWs showed uniform drift distribution and reduction in interstorey drift and axial force demand on the VBEs.
Use of polychlorinated biphenyl and toxic equivalent concentrations in scat from mink(Neovison vison) fed fish from the upper Hudson River to predict dietary and hepatic concentrations and health effects
Authors: Bursian Steven J. , Kern John , Remington Richard E. , Link Jane E.
Published: October 2017

To evaluate health effects associated with consumption of fish contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from the upper Hudson River, farm-raised mink were fed diets containing fish collected from the river. Endpoints assessed included adult reproductive performance, offspring growth and mortality, and organ mass and pathology of adults and their offspring. Scat samples were collected from adult males at the time of necropsy and from adult females just prior to whelping. Scat samples were analyzed for PCBs, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). The present study provides the results of these analyses and compares ∑PCB and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentrations in scat with dietary and hepatic concentrations associated with effects reported previously. Dry weight concentrations of ∑PCBs and ∑TEQs in scat generally increased with dietary concentration and reflected corresponding increases in hepatic concentrations of ∑PCBs and ∑TEQs. Maternal concentrations of ∑PCBs in scat expressed on a dry, wet, and lipid weight basis predicted to result in 50% kit mortality (LC50) were 1.0, 0.30, and 12 μg ∑PCBs/g. Concentrations of ∑PCBs in scat expressed on a dry, wet, and lipid weight basis predicted to result in 50% incidence of a previously reported jaw lesion (EC50) were 1.7, 0.48, and 24 μg ∑PCBs/g in adult females and 2.5, 0.87, and 19 μg ∑PCBs/g in adult males. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:563–575. © 2017 SETAC
Binding of trace elements (Ag, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, and Tl) to cytosolic biomolecules in livers of juvenile yellow perch (Perca flavescens) collected from lakes representing metal contamination gradients
Authors: Caron Antoine , Rosabal Maikel , Drevet Ophélie , Couture Patrice , Campbell Peter G.C.
Published: October 2017

Biomolecules involved in handling cytosolic metals in the liver of the yellow perch (Perca flavescens) were characterized in juvenile fish collected from 4 lakes constituting metal contamination gradients. Using size-exclusion liquid chromatography coupled to an inductively coupled mass spectrometer, we determined metal distributions among ligands of different molecular weights in the cytosol, before and after a heat denaturation step designed to isolate metallothionein-like peptides and proteins. Silver, Cd, and Cu found in the heat-stable protein supernatants were indeed largely present as metallothionein-like peptide complexes; but Co, Ni, and Tl, also present in the heat-stable protein supernatants, did not coelute with metallothionein-like peptides and proteins. This difference in metal partitioning is consistent with the known preference of “soft” metals such as Ag, Cd, and Cu(I) for thiolated ligands and the contrasting tendency of Co and Ni to bind to ligands with oxygen and nitrogen as donor atoms. Metal handling in the whole cytosol also reflected these differences in metal-binding behavior. For Cd and Cu, the importance of the molecular weight pool that includes metallothionein-like peptides and proteins increased relative to the other pools as the total cytosolic metal concentration ([M]cytosol) increased, consistent with a concentration-dependent detoxification response. In contrast, for Ni and Tl the increase in [M]cytosol was accompanied by a marked increase in the high–molecular weight (670–33 kDa) pool, suggesting that hepatic Ni and Tl are not effectively detoxified. Overall, the results suggest that metal detoxification is less effective for Ni, Tl, and Co than for Ag, Cd, and Cu. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:576–586. © 2017 SETAC

Abstract
The weather premium in the U.S. corn market
Authors: Li Ziran , Hayes Dermot J. , Jacobs Keri L.
Published: October 2017

We show that the weather premium, an anecdotal phenomenon in the U.S. corn futures market, can arise from a convex demand function. We further show that the magnitude of the weather premium depends on the carryout and expected yield at harvest. We use data from 1968 to 2015 to evaluate the accuracy of the December futures price as a forecast of the harvest price. A predictable component in the forecast error is consistent with the existence of a time‐varying weather premium. We demonstrate that a passive strategy of routinely shorting the corn December futures does not provide an attractive risk‐adjusted return.
A Practical Domino‐Claisen–Cope Sequence in the Synthesis of New Blooming Citrus and Potent Floral Rose Alcohols
Authors: Liu Jie , Zou Yue , Zhou Lijun , Chai An , Wang Chao , Dang Hai‐Shan , Wang Quanrui , Goeke Andreas
Published: October 2017

Fifty years after its first discovery by Alan Francis Thomas, we describe a versatile, metal and pressure‐free domino‐Claisen–Cope rearrangement using the readily available α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes 5 or their acetals 5′ and allylic alcohols 6. This transformation provides a convenient access to a large number of radiant citrus and floral rosy odorants. Odor profiles of novel floral rosy and citrus alcohols 13, 14, and 16 were studied. Compound 14ba has a floral, rosy, geranium‐like character and shows unique performance and diffusiveness. Compound 16ba has a clear main citrus odor character with a clean green grapefruit/rhubarb connotation. Both odorants have been successfully introduced to perfumery recently as Rosyfolia™ (14ba) and Pomelol™ (16ba).
Effects of caffeinated alcoholic beverages with low alcohol and high caffeine content on cognitive and motor functions
Authors: Cheng Wan‐Ju , Lin Chun‐Cheng , Cheng Yawen , Huang Ming‐Chyi
Published: October 2017

Objective

In Taiwan, caffeinated alcoholic beverages (CABs), with high caffeine but low alcohol concentrations compared to those sold in Western countries, are commonly consumed at work and have been associated with work‐related injuries. However, the effects on cognitive and motor functions and self‐perception have not been examined.

Methods

Twenty‐eight healthy male volunteers (mean age: 32.6 ± 2.7) participated in the study. Each participant visited our laboratory 4 times at intervals of at least 1 week and was assigned to one of 4 trials in a counterbalanced order at each visit: placebo, alcohol, caffeinated energy drink, and CAB. They completed the subjective perception ratings, go/no‐go tasks, Stroop color‐word tests, Purdue pegboard tests, and the standardized field sobriety test. We used analysis of variance to examine the intraindividual differences in the performance.

Results

Consuming alcohol of 0.23 g/kg typically consumed by Taiwanese CAB drinkers caused significant impairments in fine and crude motor functions; caffeine (1.5 mg/kg) did not antagonize these effects but led to an improvement in response speed in the go/no‐go task. The subjective perceptions produced by alcohol were not masked by caffeine.

Conclusions

CABs that contains a higher ratio of caffeine to alcohol did not counteract the motor function impairments induced by alcohol.
Modeling sediment transport in Qatar: Application for coastal development planning
Authors: Yousif Ruqaiya , Warren Christopher , Ben-Hamadou Radhouan , Husrevoglu Sinan
Published: October 2017

Hydrodynamics and sediment transport are key physical processes contributing to habitat structure within the marine environment. Coastal development that results in the alteration of these processes (e.g., changing water flushing and/or sedimentation rates) can have detrimental impacts on sensitive systems. This is a current, relevant issue in Qatar as its coastal regions continue to be developed, not only around the capital of Doha, but in many areas around this Arabian Gulf peninsula. The northeastern Qatari coast is comprised of diverse and sensitive flora and fauna such as seagrass and macroalgae meadows, coral reefs and patches, turtles, and dugongs that tolerate harsh environmental conditions. In the near future, this area may see a rise in anthropogenic activity in the form of coastal development projects. These projects will add to existing natural stresses, such as high temperature, high salinity, and low rates of precipitation. Consequently, there is a need to characterize this area and assess the potential impacts that these anthropogenic activities may have on the region. In the present study, a novel sediment transport model is described and used to demonstrate the potential impact of altering hydrodynamics and subsequent sediment transport along the northeastern Qatar nearshore marine environment. The developed models will be tested using potential scenarios of future anthropogenic activities forecasted to take place in the area. The results will show the effects on water and sediment behavior and provide a scientific approach for key stakeholders to make decisions with respect to the management of the considered coastal zone. Furthermore, it provides a tool and framework that can be utilized in environmental impact assessment and associated hydrodynamic studies along other areas of the Qatari coastal zone. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:240–251. © 2017 SETAC

Key Points

Study introduces development of a sediment transport model for Qatar. Environmental impact assessment framework incorporates mass balance hydrodynamic and sediment transport models, and habitat mapping. Case study for remote pristine nearshore marine system in northeastern Qatar is included. Tool for development planners and decision makers aims to address future sustainable coastal development.
Role of stem cell derived exosomes in tumor biology
Authors: Sharma Aman
Published: October 2017

Exosomes are nano‐scale messengers loaded with bio‐molecular cargo of RNA, DNA, and Proteins. As a master regulator of cellular signaling, stem cell (both normal, and cancer stem cells) secreted exosome orchestrate various autocrine and paracrine functions which alter tumor micro‐environment, growth and progression. Exosomes secreted by one of the two important stem cell phenotypes in cancers a) Mesenchymal stem cells, and b) Cancer stem cells not only promote cancerous growth but also impart therapy resistance in cancer cells. In tumors, normal or mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) derived exosomes (MSC‐exo) modulate tumor hallmarks by delivering unique miRNA species to neighboring cells and help in tumor progression. Apart from regulating tumor cell fate, MSC‐exo are also capable of inducing physiological processes, for example, angiogenesis, metastasis and so forth. Similarly, cancer stem cells (CSCs) derived exosomes (CSC‐exo) contain stemness‐specific proteins, self‐renewal promoting regulatory miRNAs, and survival factors. CSC‐exo specific cargo maintains tumor heterogeneity and alters tumor progression. In this review we critically discuss the importance of stem cell specific exosomes in tumor cell signaling pathways with their role in tumor biology.
Novel Sulfonated CNN Pincer Ligands for Facile C−H Activation at a Pt(II) Center
Authors: Watts David , Wang Daoyong , Zavalij Peter Y. , Vedernikov Andrei N.
Published: October 2017

Two novel sulfonated CNN‐pincer ligands 1b and 1c and the corresponding chloro and aqua complexes K[CNNLPtCl] and CNNLPt(H2O), 3b–3c and 2b–2c, were prepared and fully characterized including single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Along with the previously described complexes 2a and 3a, the derivatives of a CNN pincer ligand 1a, these complexes form a family of structurally similar compounds where the pincer core rigidity increases in the series 2a (3a)<2b (3b)<2c (3c), as deduced from their XRD data. The increased ligand rigidity affects the aqua ligand dissociation energy of the CNNLPt(H2O) complexes, as it follows from DFT calculations and as is reflected in the increased reactivity of the aqua complexes 2a, 2b and 2c in processes that involve aqua ligand loss. Among these processes the formation of the presumed dinuclear complexes CNNL2Pt2 and, importantly, catalytic C−D bond cleavage in C6D6 were studied in 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol solutions. The C−D bond cleavage reactivity was quantified as the rate of H/D exchange between C6D6 and CF3CH2OH at 80 °C.
Vaginal‐assisted laparoscopic sacrohysterocervicopexy with retroperitoneal tunneling
Authors: Tapisiz Omer L. , Dogan Ali R. , Kiykac Altinbas Sadiman
Published: October 2017

Vaginal‐assisted laparoscopic sacrohysterocervicopexy, performed with retroperitoneal tunneling, was an effective alternative uterine‐preserving treatment for uterine prolapse.
Meta‐analysis of bipolar radiofrequency endometrial ablation versus thermal balloon endometrial ablation for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding
Authors: Zhai Yan , Zhang Zihan , Wang Wei , Zheng Tingping , Zhang Huili
Published: October 2017

Background

Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common problem that can severely affect quality of life.

Objectives

To compare bipolar radiofrequency endometrial ablation and thermal balloon ablation for heavy menstrual bleeding in terms of efficacy and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Search strategy

Online registries were systematically searched using relevant terms without language restriction from inception to November 24, 2016.

Selection criteria

Randomized control trials or cohort studies of women with heavy menstrual bleeding comparing the efficacy of two treatments were eligible.

Data collection and analysis

Data were extracted. Results were expressed as risk ratios (RRs) or weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Main results

Six studies involving 901 patients were included. Amenorrhea rate at 12 months was significantly higher after bipolar radiofrequency endometrial ablation than after thermal balloon ablation (RR 2.73, 95% CI 2.00–3.73). However, no difference at 12 months was noted for dysmenorrhea (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.68–1.58) or treatment failure (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.38–1.60). The only significant difference for HRQoL outcomes was for change in SAQ pleasure score (12 months: WMD −3.51, 95% CI −5.42 to −1.60).

Conclusions

Bipolar radiofrequency endometrial ablation and thermal balloon ablation reduce menstrual loss and improve quality of life. However, bipolar radiofrequency endometrial ablation is more effective in terms of amenorrhea rate and SAQ pleasure.
A COMPLETE SET OF SYSTEMS THINKING SKILLS
Authors: Arnold Ross D. , Wade Jon P.
Published: October 2017

This paper proposes a complete set of systems thinking skills for use across many different disciplines. The paper places particular emphasis on the ability to assess each of the skills quantitatively, a comprehensible description of the skills, and the completeness of the set. The proposed skills derive from a review of the literature, the application of systems thinking experience, and the application of systems thinking to itself. Several different sets of systems thinking skills exist throughout the systems community, but common key concepts distill from these sets. When we consider combinations of these concepts separately, holistically, and together as a system, a single, cohesive set of skills emerges.

Systems thinking is widely believed to be of critical importance across many different fields; some say that skillful use of systems thinking skills could have prevented such disasters as World War II, the Great Depression, and the Challenger space shuttle disaster, as well as lessened or avoided the effects of many major environmental disasters. At the opposite send of the spectrum, systems thinking can enhance health care, improve the economy, improve technology, laws, international and interpersonal relationships, schools, organizations, and so much more. However, this very useful skill set still lingers outside mainstream education. To address this problem requires a set of assessable, comprehensible systems thinking skills. This paper defines, describes, and details such skills.
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SIMULATION EXPERIENCE DESIGN: INFRASTRUCTURE, PROCESS, AND APPLICATION
Authors: Turner Richard , Bodner Douglas , Kemp Duncan , Rodriguez Yvette , Wade Jon , Zhang Peizhu
Published: October 2017

The Systems Engineering Experience Accelerator (SEEA) is a new approach to developing the systems engineering and technical leadership workforce. The project aims at accelerating experience assimilation through immersive, simulated learning situations where learners solve realistic problems. A prototype of the technology infrastructure and experience content has been developed, piloted, and evaluated. While the prototype proved useful, its ability to support a community of educators and developers has limits with challenges in creating or changing experiences. This paper proposes an initial taxonomy of experience archetypes to help development and reuse of experiences and describes the experience design and development process using the SEEA tool suite. We follow this by an application case study: an experience developed by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence to accelerate the maturity of reliability engineers and their role in identifying and resolving safety issues.
SYSTEM‐AWARE CYBER SECURITY: A SYSTEMS ENGINEERING APPROACH FOR ENHANCING CYBER SECURITY
Authors: Horowitz Barry M. , Lucero D. Scott
Published: October 2017

This article highlights the importance of concurrently addressing process, people, and technology factors when conducting research related to new systems engineering concepts. In particular, an ongoing US Department of Defense‐sponsored, University of Virginia‐led cyber security research project is used as an example of how concurrent research activities provide value earlier in the technology design phase than otherwise would have occurred. The example project focuses on adding a new layer of protection for computer‐controlled physical systems. Through concurrent efforts, the research team developed a better a protection approach, resulting in better prospects for transition into use.
ON DEFINING AGILE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Authors: Dove Rick
Published: October 2017

The author was asked to define Agile Systems Engineering, and found it necessary, for context, to first develop some thoughts on what engineering and systems engineering might be. This led to thoughts on differentiating engineering from crafting and arting. Engineering, crafting, and arting are activities carried out by artifact creators with different purposes, but at the core, all are constrained and enabled by the laws of coherence. This article does not suggest what those laws might be; but does conclude that the definition of agile systems engineering is rooted in what it does, not how it does it.
An efficient Bayesian approach to multiple structural change in multivariate time series
Authors: Maheu John M. , Song Yong
Published: October 2017

This paper provides a feasible approach to estimation and forecasting of multiple structural breaks for vector autoregressions and other multivariate models. Owing to conjugate prior assumptions we obtain a very efficient sampler for the regime allocation variable. A new hierarchical prior is introduced to allow for learning over different structural breaks. The model is extended to independent breaks in regression coefficients and the volatility parameters. Two empirical applications show the improvements the model has over benchmarks. In a macro application with seven variables we empirically demonstrate the benefits from moving from a multivariate structural break model to a set of univariate structural break models to account for heterogeneous break patterns across data series.
An engineered tendon/ligament bioscaffold derived from decellularized and demineralized cortical bone matrix
Authors: Yang Jie‐Liang , Yao Xuan , Qing Quan , Zhang Yi , Jiang Yan‐Lin , Ning Liang‐Ju , Luo Jing‐Cong , Qin Ting‐Wu
Published: October 2017

Demineralized bone matrix (DBM), as an extracellular matrix (ECM), has had limited use as a medical replacement although studies have reported a possibility for its use in tendon or ligament tissue engineering. To be an acid‐extracted organic matrix, DBM contains much of bone protein, with a small amount of inorganic solids and some cell debris. However, cell debris is a critical factor that triggers inflammatory reaction in clinical reconstructions using ECM. In this study, we used a protocol incorporating the use of detergent with nuclease treatment to prepare decellularized DBM (DCDBM). DNA quantification analysis and histological observation confirmed that cells were completely removed from DBM. The inherent ultrastructure of DBM was well preserved after decellularization as observed through scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, calcium and phosphorus were absent and the specific functional groups of collagen remained after decellularization. Moreover, 79.71% of the tensile strength of DBM was retained and the viscoelastic properties were similar to the ligament. Furthermore, DCDBM promoted the adhesion and proliferation of NIH‐3T3 fibroblasts in vitro and triggered less inflammation response at 12 weeks subcutaneous implantation in a rat model. These results demonstrate that the DCDBM has the potential to be used for tendon and ligament replacement. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 468–478, 2018.
One pot synthesis of new poly(vinyl alcohol) blended natural polymer based magnetic hydrogel beads: Controlled natural anticancer alkaloid delivery system
Authors: Kesavan Mookkandi Palsamy , Ayyanaar Srinivasan , Lenin Nayagam , Sankarganesh Murugesan , Dhaveethu Raja Jeyaraj , Rajesh Jegathalaprathaban
Published: October 2017

Facile one‐pot synthesis has been demonstrated for new biocompatible and dual responsive magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles cross‐linked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blended natural polymer chitosan (CS) based hydrogel beads (mCS‐PVA) as a controlled natural anticancer alkaloid Luotonin A (LuA) delivery system. The prepared magnetic hydrogel beads were characterized using powder X‐ray diffraction measurement, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The magnetic hydrogel beads are exhibited significant water retention and follow the second order kinetic model in swelling study. The swelling ratio of the magnetic gel beads increased by the addition of PVA and showed a maximum swelling ratio of 40.83 ± 1.01 g/g and follows non‐Fickian water transport mechanism. Stimuli responsive mCS and mCS‐PVA hydrogel beads functionalized with LuA is demonstrated for controlled release at physiological pH and under magnetic field. The magnetic hydrogel beads show highest LuA releasing efficacy at acidic medium (pH = 5.0) with maximum efficiency of 73.33 ± 1.44%. This efficacy may also be tuned by altering the external magnetic field as well as the weight percentage (wt %) of polyethylene glycol. It is clearly that the newly produced magnetic hydrogel beads can be served as an effective intestinal LuA delivery system. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 543–551, 2018.
In vitro study of stimulation effect on endothelialization by a copper bearing cobalt alloy
Authors: Jin Shujing , Qi Xun , Wang Tongmin , Ren Ling , Yang Ke , Zhong Hongshan
Published: October 2017

Endothelialization is an important process after stenting in coronary artery. Recovery of the injured site timely can reduce the neointima formation and platelet absorbance, leading to a lower risk of in‐stent restenosis. Copper is known to be critical in vascular construction. Thus a combination of copper with stent materials is a meaningful attempt. A copper bearing L605‐Cu cobalt alloy was prepared and its effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was evaluated in vitro in this study. It was found that HUVECs attached and stretched better on the surface of L605‐Cu compared with L605, and the apoptosis of cells was decreased simultaneously. The migration and tube formation of HUVECs were also enhanced by the extract of L605‐Cu. Furthermore, L605‐Cu increased the mRNA expression of VEGF in HUVECs significantly. However it had no effect on the secretion of NO or mRNA expression of eNOS. The result of blood clotting test indicated that L605‐Cu had better blood compatibility. These results above have demonstrated that the L605‐Cu alloy is promising to be a new stent material with function of accelerating endothelialization. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 561–569, 2018.
Hydrostatic pressure in combination with topographical cues affects the fate of bone marrow‐derived human mesenchymal stem cells for bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Reinwald Yvonne , El Haj Alicia J.
Published: October 2017

Topographical and mechanical cues are vital for cell fate, tissue development in vivo, and to mimic the native cell growth environment in vitro. To date, the combinatory effect of mechanical and topographical cues as not been thoroughly investigated. This study investigates the effect of PCL nanofiber alignment and hydrostatic pressure on stem cell differentiation for bone tissue regeneration. Bone marrow‐derived human mesenchymal stem cells were seeded onto standard tissue culture plastic and electrospun random and aligned nanofibers. These substrates were either cultured statically or subjected to intermittent hydrostatic pressure at 270 kPa, 1 Hz for 60 min daily over 21 days in osteogenic medium. Data revealed higher cell metabolic activities for all mechanically stimulated cell culture formats compared with non‐stimulated controls; and random fibers compared with aligned fibers. Fiber orientation influenced cell morphology and patterns of calcium deposition. Significant up‐regulation of Collagen‐I, ALP, and Runx‐2 were observed for random and aligned fibers following mechanical stimulation; highest levels of osteogenic markers were expressed when hydrostatic pressure was applied to random fibers. These results indicate that fiber alignment and hydrostatic pressure direct stem cell fate and are important stimulus for tissue regeneration. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: A: 629–640, 2018.