bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary Education Teachers’ Attitudes Towards and Views on Differentiated Instruction on Geography
Authors: Klonari Aikaterini , Koutaleli Eleni
Published: September 2017

This paper presents the results of a study on Primary Education teachers’ attitudes towards and views on the implementation of differentiated instruction on Geography. The research tool was a questionnaire with 16 open and closed questions, which was distributed to a sample of 173 teachers teaching in 45 out of 99 pilot schools throughout Greece in 2014. The results of the research have shown that: a) a large number of teachers state that they are adequately, well and very well familiar with differentiated instruction; b) most teachers believe that students’ learning readiness, interests, and learning profile - combined with the use of a series of educational equipment and materials - constitute a very crucial parameter for the proper implementation of differentiated instruction; c) most teachers maintain that research in groups is a very useful teaching strategy for differentiated instruction; and d) a significant number of teachers consider lack and organisation of teaching time as the main obstacle in designing and implementing differentiated instruction on Geography.
ICT Uptake and Technology Linkages in Rural Africa
Authors: Kim Juseuk
Published: September 2017

This report focuses on how quickly and creatively electronic communication is spreading and transforming rural areas in Africa and, particularly, two selected communities in Zambia as case studies. The report also shows ways in which communities are adapting information and communication technologies (ICTs). And this research is interested in studying how quickly electronic communication is spreading and transforming rural areas in Africa and, in particular, the Republic of Zambia. The impact of social networks is being used in dynamic, creative ways to not only spread business opportunities but to energize economies and society. They want to gather community and household information to understand the many ways communities are adapting these technologies. Their methods of adoption and adaptation of technologies do not resemble high-tech societies where governments support massive infrastructure projects.  For example, highly creative uses of low-tech cell phones are energizing commerce and spawning new ways of building creative solutions, making African countries some of the fastest growing economies in the world today.
Effects of Listening Comprehension Anxiety from Saudi EFL Learners’ Perspectives
Authors: Oteir Ibrahim , Abd Aziz Noor Hashima
Published: September 2017

Anxiety has been an important topic of discussion in foreign language learning. Listening comprehension anxiety can have negative effects on learners’ performance. Therefore, this paper aims at exploring the effects of listening comprehension anxiety on Saudi English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. This qualitative case study research design involves 15 participants. The findings show that the learners experienced high level of listening comprehension anxiety in their listening classes. Three main themes emerged from the interview data in relation to the effects of listening comprehension anxiety from the learners’ perspectives: 1) personal effect: losing concentration, feeling depressed and avoiding listening skill classes, 2) social effect: isolating oneself from others and showing bad behavior, and 3) academic effect: getting low performance and achievement.
The Predicate Category and Characteristics of Arguments in Balinese Sentences
Authors: Kardana I Nyoman , Adi Rajistha I Gusti Ngurah , Satyawati Made Sri
Published: September 2017

This study discusses about sentence structure of Balinese language. For the analysis, inductive approach is considered to be important for this study as every language has its particular characteristics described based on the inductive approach. Based on the analysis it was found that predicate of Balinese simple sentences may be filled by verb and non-verb, such as noun, adjective, number, adverb. The number and function of the argument is different among the different predicates. The predicate filled by noun, adjective, adverb, number, and intransitive verb requires one argument functioning as the subject of sentence. Two arguments are required by transitive verb especially mono transitive verb. The two arguments can be the subject and object, the subject and complement, or the subject and adverbial. Meanwhile, di-transitive verb requires three arguments and they can be the subject, indirect object, and direct object, or the subject, object, and complement.
Petrographic Investigation of Target Rock Transformation under High Shock Pressures from the Colônia Impact Crater, Brazil
Authors: Velázquez Victor F. , Lucena Rodrigo F. , Sobrinho Jose M. Azevedo , Sallun Alethéa E. Martins , Filho William Sallun
Published: September 2017

The Colônia impact crater, developed on crystalline basement rocks, offers an excellent example of one of the most unique features of the impact process: the effects of shock waves on textural and mineralogical changes of the target rock. The impact melt-bearing impactites were derived essentially from the igneous and metamorphic rocks, including granite, mica schist, granitic gneiss, and quartzite. Investigations using optical microscopy indicate that the effect of shock waves on those lithologies caused a wide variety of deformation features and generation of new materials. The most common features include fluidal textures, unusual rearrangement patterns between grains, recrystallization, decomposition and precipitation of new phases, agglutination of glassy and crystalline spherules, and the mobilized melt formed different types of impact melt particles. These transformations cover processes that may involve a new grain growing at the expense of parental grains of the same species, or crystallization of different mineral types from component-providing grains until a complete textural and compositional change of the target rocks occurs. Small-scale structures in deformed rocks are particularly interesting for exploring elastic-plastic deformation, phase transformations, and generation of impact melt products.
The Use of Language Learning Strategies through Smartphones in Improving Learner Autonomy in EFL Reading among Undergraduates in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzubi Ali Abbas Falah , Singh Manjet Kaur Mehar
Published: September 2017

Language learning strategies (LLS) and learner autonomy (LA) are believed to achieve a sustainable long-life learning process leading to a more reading competence (O’malley & Chamot, 1990; Oxford, 1990). LA is a pedagogical imperative inasmuch as language is largely an autonomous activity (Kumaravadivelu, 2006). This study examines the improvement of LA through the explicit use of LLS in EFL reading in a mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) environment among English as a foreign language (EFL) readers enrolled in Preparatory Year program at Najran University in Saudi Arabia. To this end, a questionnaire adapted from Oxford’s (1990) Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL), was administered to 32 students to measure their reading strategy use mediated by smartphones in EFL reading context. The data analysis revealed moderate averages (60%) of LLS (memory, cognitive, compensation, metacognitive, affective, and social strategies) among EFL undergraduates in EFL reading context. Consequently, these results may restrain the improvement of LA in virtual learning environments, mostly teacherless platforms, where learners need to have these strategies to help them control and manage their own language learning in almost independent learning settings, freedom in time, place, access to resources, and material choices. It is recommended that LA be improved through a strategy use instruction mediated by smartphones in EFL reading context.
Exact Solitary Wave Solutions for the Generalized Schamel Korteweg–De Vries Equation
Authors: Al Atawi N. O.
Published: September 2017

The generalized Schamel-Korteweg-de Vries (S-KdV) equation containing root of degree nonlinearity is a very attractive model for the study of ion-acoustic waves in plasma and dusty plasma. In this work, we obtain the soliton-like solutions, the kink solutions, and the plural solutions of the generalized S-KdV equation by using the sine-cosine method. These solutions may be of important significance for the explanation of some practical physical problems. It is shown that these two methods provide a powerful mathematical tool for solving a great many nonlinear partial differential equations in mathematical physics.
Financing Domestic Rainwater Harvesting in the Caribbean
Authors: Peters Everson James
Published: September 2017

Domestic rainwater harvesting (DRWH), an old technology, is playing a key role in meeting some objectives of the UN “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” and building resilience to climate change, particularly in the Caribbean. DRWH projects can be implemented through self-financing, government subsidies, and micro-financing or by external agencies. Most recent promotion initiatives of DRWH have emphasized funding by external agencies, often ignoring the potential financial contributions of beneficiaries. Regional experiences have shown that, generally, the high initial capital costs for DRWH systems is a major constraint. However, in some cases, success in DRWH is possible through self-financing. This study reviews the experiences of some DRWH projects or by external agencies to determine a suitable financing mechanism. This paper shows that households can self-finance DRWH systems if payments are based on 5% of household income and interest rates are less than 5%, It concludes that the product/business cycle pattern of development adequately describes the development of DRWH in some parts of the Caribbean. It is recommended that such a model should be considered in designing DRWH projects through strategic partnerships of the beneficiaries with between local and international NGOs, community based organisations and domestic financial institutions like credit unions.
Diffusive Transport of Several Hundred keV Electrons in the Earth's Slot Region
Authors: Ma Q. , Li W. , Thorne R. M. , Bortnik J. , Reeves G. D. , Spence H. E. , Turner D. L. , Blake J. B. , Fennell J. F. , Claudepierre S. G. , Kletzing C. A. , Kurth W. S. , Hospodarsky G. B. , Baker D. N.
Published: September 2017

We investigate the gradual diffusion of energetic electrons from the inner edge of the outer radiation belt into the slot region. The Van Allen Probes observed slow inward diffusion and decay of ~200–600 keV electrons following the intense geomagnetic storm that occurred on 17 March 2013. During the 10 day nondisturbed period following the storm, the peak of electron fluxes gradually moved from L ~ 2.7 to L ~ 2.4, and the flux levels decreased by a factor of ~2–4 depending on the electron energy. We simulated the radial intrusion and decay of electrons using a three‐dimensional diffusion code, which reproduced the energy‐dependent transport of electrons from ~100 keV to 1 MeV in the slot region. At energies of 100–200 keV, the electrons experience fast transport across the slot region due to the dominance of radial diffusion; at energies of 200–600 keV, the electrons gradually diffuse and decay in the slot region due to the comparable rate of radial diffusion and pitch angle scattering by plasmaspheric hiss; at energies of E > 700 keV, the electrons stopped diffusing near the inner edge of outer radiation belt due to the dominant pitch angle scattering loss. In addition to plasmaspheric hiss, magnetosonic waves and VLF transmitters can cause the loss of high pitch angle electrons, relaxing the sharp “top‐hat” shaped pitch angle distributions created by plasmaspheric hiss. Our simulation indicates the importance of balance between radial diffusion and loss through pitch angle scattering in forming the diffusive intrusion of energetic electrons across the slot region.
Variance Reduction
Authors: Botev Zdravko , Ridder Ad
Published: September 2017

Increased computer speed and memory have encouraged simulation analysts to develop ever more realistic stochastic models. Despite these advancements in computing hardware, the most significant gains in the speed of stochastic simulation are still the result of methodological advances and clever algorithmic design. In this article, we survey a few of the most important methods for variance reduction and speedup that will benefit any simulation, no matter what the capabilities of the computing hardware are.
Virus‐Mimicking Chimaeric Polymersomes Boost Targeted Cancer siRNA Therapy In Vivo
Authors: Zou Yan , Zheng Meng , Yang Weijing , Meng Fenghua , Miyata Kanjiro , Kim Hyun Jin , Kataoka Kazunori , Zhong Zhiyuan
Published: September 2017

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) offers a highly selective and effective pharmaceutical for various life‐threatening diseases, including cancers. The clinical translation of siRNA is, however, challenged by its short plasma life, poor cell uptake, and cumbersome intracellular trafficking. Here, cNGQGEQc peptide‐functionalized reversibly crosslinked chimaeric polymersomes (cNGQ/RCCPs) is shown to mediate high‐efficiency targeted delivery of Polo‐like kinase1 specific siRNA (siPLK1) to orthotopic human lung cancer in nude mice. Strikingly, siRNA is completely and tightly loaded into the aqueous lumen of the polymersomes at an unprecedentedly low N/P ratio of 0.45. cNGQ/RCCPs loaded with firefly luciferase specific siRNA (siGL3) or siPLK1 are efficiently taken up by α3β1‐integrin‐overexpressing A549 lung cancer cells and quickly release the payloads to the cytoplasm, inducing highly potent and sequence‐specific gene silencing in vitro. The in vivo studies using nude mice bearing orthotopic A549 human lung tumors reveal that siPLK1‐loaded cNGQ/RCCPs boost long circulation, superb tumor accumulation and selectivity, effective suppression of tumor growth, and significantly improved survival time. These virus‐mimicking chimaeric polymersomes provide a robust and potent platform for targeted cancer siRNA therapy.
Ultrafast Magnetization Manipulation Using Single Femtosecond Light and Hot‐Electron Pulses
Authors: Xu Yong , Deb Marwan , Malinowski Grégory , Hehn Michel , Zhao Weisheng , Mangin Stéphane
Published: September 2017

Current‐induced magnetization manipulation is a key issue for spintronic applications. This manipulation must be fast, deterministic, and nondestructive in order to function in device applications. Therefore, single‐ electronic‐pulse‐driven deterministic switching of the magnetization on the picosecond timescale represents a major step toward future developments of ultrafast spintronic systems. Here, the ultrafast magnetization dynamics in engineered Gdx[FeCo]1−x‐based structures are studied to compare the effect of femtosecond laser and hot‐electron pulses. It is demonstrated that a single femtosecond hot‐electron pulse causes deterministic magnetization reversal in either Gd‐rich and FeCo‐rich alloys similarly to a femtosecond laser pulse. In addition, it is shown that the limiting factor of such manipulation for perpendicular magnetized films arises from the formation of a multidomain state due to dipolar interactions. By performing time‐resolved measurements under various magnetic fields, it is demonstrated that the same magnetization dynamics are observed for both light and hot‐electron excitation, and that the full magnetization reversal takes place within 40 ps. The efficiency of the ultrafast current‐induced magnetization manipulation is enhanced due to the ballistic transport of hot electrons before reaching the GdFeCo magnetic layer.
Cerium and Ytterbium Codoped Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots: A Novel and Efficient Downconverter for Improving the Performance of Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Zhou Donglei , Liu Dali , Pan Gencai , Chen Xu , Li Dongyu , Xu Wen , Bai Xue , Song Hongwei
Published: September 2017

Quantum cutting can realize the emission of multiple near‐infrared photons for each ultraviolet/visible photon absorbed, and has potential to significantly improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of solar cells. However, due to the lack of an ideal downconversion material, it has merely served as a principle in the laboratory until now. Here, the fabrication of a novel type of quantum cutting material, CsPbCl1.5Br1.5:Yb3+, Ce3+ nanocrystals is presented. Benefiting from the larger absorption cross‐section, weaker electron–phonon coupling, and higher inner luminescent quantum yield (146%), the doped perovskite nanocrystals are successfully explored as a downconverter of commercial silicon solar cells (SSCs). Noticeably, the PCE of the SSCs is improved from 18.1% to 21.5%, with a relative enhancement of 18.8%. This work exhibits a cheap, convenient, and effective way to enhance the PCE of SSCs, which may be commercially popularized in the future.
Oxygen‐Substituted Isocyanates: Blocked (Masked) Isocyanates Enable Controlled Reactivity
Authors: Ivanovich Ryan A. , Polat Dilan E. , Beauchemin André M.
Published: September 2017

Oxygen‐substituted isocyanates (O‐isocyanates) are rare isocyanates with a reported propensity to trimerize, a side‐reaction that severely limited their use in synthesis. Herein, the development of blocked (masked) O‐isocyanate precursors that form this reactive intermediate in situ provide controlled reactivity, allowing the first examples of cascade reactions involving O‐isocyanates. Complex hydroxylamine‐derived hydantoins and dihydrouracil compounds can be rapidly assembled from α‐ and β‐amino esters, illustrating the convenience of masked O‐isocyanates as hydroxylamine derived building blocks. Evidence for the intermediacy of an O‐isocyanate intermediate is provided.

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Construction of π‐Surface‐Metalated Pillar[5]arenes which Bind Anions via Anion–π Interactions
Authors: Jiang Bo , Wang Wei , Zhang Ying , Lu Ye , Zhang Chang‐Wei , Yin Guang‐Qiang , Zhao Xiao‐Li , Xu Lin , Tan Hongwei , Li Xiaopeng , Jin Guo‐Xin , Yang Hai‐Bo
Published: September 2017

By simple ligand exchange of the cationic transition‐metal complexes [(Cp*)M(acetone)3](OTf)2 (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl and M=Ir or Rh) with pillar[5]arene, mono‐ and polynuclear pillar[5]arenes, a new class of metalated host molecules, is prepared. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis shows that the charged transition‐metal cations are directly bound to the outer π‐surface of aromatic rings of pillar[5]arene. One of the triflate anions is deeply embedded within the cavity of the trinuclear pillar[5]arenes, which is different to the host–guest behavior of most pillar[5]arenes. DFT calculation of the electrostatic potential revealed that the metalated pillar[5]arenes featured an electron‐deficient cavity due to the presence of the electron‐withdrawing transition metals, thus allowing encapsulation of electron‐rich guests mainly driven by anion–π interactions.
Kleine Moleküle, ganz groß: niedermolekulare immunonkologische Kombinationstherapien
Authors: Huck Bayard R. , Kötzner Lisa , Urbahns Klaus
Published: September 2017

Immunonkologische Therapien haben das Potenzial, das Arsenal klinisch verfügbarer Tumortherapien nachhaltig zu verändern. Um die bisher erzielten klinischen Erfolge weiter zu verbessern, suchen Forscher nach neuen Wirkstoffkombinationen, bei denen die Blockade von Checkpoint‐Proteinen das Rückgrat der Behandlung darstellt. In diesem Aufsatz wird die Bedeutung niedermolekularer Substanzen beleuchtet, die vielversprechend für die Entwicklung verbesserter Krebstherapien sind.
Conformational Selection of Dimethylarginine Recognition by the Survival Motor Neuron Tudor Domain
Authors: Supekar Shreyas , Papageorgiou Anna C. , Gemmecker Gerd , Peltzer Raphael , Johansson Mikael P. , Tripsianes Konstantinos , Sattler Michael , Kaila Ville R. I.
Published: September 2017

Tudor domains bind to dimethylarginine (DMA) residues, which are post‐translational modifications that play a central role in gene regulation in eukaryotic cells. NMR spectroscopy and quantum calculations are combined to demonstrate that DMA recognition by Tudor domains involves conformational selection. The binding mechanism is confirmed by a mutation in the aromatic cage that perturbs the native recognition mode of the ligand. General mechanistic principles are delineated from the combined results, indicating that Tudor domains utilize cation–π interactions to achieve ligand recognition.
Oxidative Rearrangement Coupling Reaction for the Functionalization of Tetrahydro‐β‐carbolines with Aromatic Amines
Authors: Ye Jinxiang , Wu Jianlei , Lv Tingting , Wu Guolin , Gao Yu , Chen Haijun
Published: September 2017

The observation of an unexpected oxidative rearrangement coupling reaction led to the development of a novel method for the efficient functionalization of tetrahydro‐β‐carbolines (THβCs). The treatment of THβCs with photogenerated singlet oxygen (1O2) afforded unstable dioxetanes, which underwent further transformation to form new bonds in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid. This operationally simple protocol exhibits broad functional‐group tolerance and is suitable for the late‐stage functionalization of complex druglike molecules.
Green and one‐pot surface coating of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles with natural amino acids and biocompatibility investigation
Authors: Nosrati Hamed , Salehiabar Marziyeh , Attari Elahe , Davaran Soodabeh , Danafar Hossein , Manjili Hamidreza Kheiri
Published: September 2017

We report the synthesis of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IONPs) coated with various natural amino acids (AAs) using a one‐pot reaction in an aqueous medium. Several AAs, which contained hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups, were selected to study their effects on size, morphology and toxicity of IONPs. Functionalized IONPs were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning and transmission electron microscopies. Furthermore, vibrating sample magnetometry analysis shows these nanoparticles have excellent magnetic properties. Cellular toxicity of IONPs was also investigated on HFF2 cell lines. The AA‐coated IONPs are non‐toxic and biocompatible. Natural AA‐coated IONPs show a potential for their development in in vitro and in vivo biomedical fields due to their non‐toxicity, good ζ‐potential and related small size and narrow size distribution.
Synthesis and characterization of (pyrazolylethylphosphinite)nickel(II) complexes and catalytic activity towards ethylene oligomerization
Authors: Edor Juliana M. , Amenuvor Gershon , Obuah Collins , Muller Alfred , Darkwa James
Published: September 2017

Compounds (2‐(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)ethyldiphenylphosphinite (L1), 2‐(3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)ethyldiphenylphosphinite (L2), and 2‐(3,5‐diphenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)ethyldiphenylphosphinite (L3) were prepared using the synthetic routes reported in literature. These compounds were reacted with [NiCl2(DME)2] or [NiBr2(DME)2] under appropriate reaction conditions to afford six new nickel(II) compounds ([NiCl2(L1)] (1), [NiCl2(L2)] (2), [NiCl2(L3)] (3), [NiBr2(L1)] (4), [NiBr2(L2)] (5) and [NiBr2(L3)] (6)). The new nickel(II) pre‐catalysts catalyze the oligomerization of ethylene, in the presence of ethylaluminium dichloride as co‐catalyst, to produce butenes, hexenes, octenes and higher carbon chain ethylene oligomers with very little Friedel‐Crafts alkylation products when the reactions were run in toluene.
A beta partial least squares regression model: Diagnostics and application to mining industry data
Authors: Huerta Mauricio , Leiva Víctor , Lillo Camilo , Rodríguez Marcelo
Published: September 2017

We propose a methodology based on partial least squares (PLS) regression models using the beta distribution, which is useful for describing data measured between zero and one. The beta PLS model parameters are estimated with the maximum likelihood method, whereas a randomized quantile residual and the generalized Cook and Mahalanobis distances are considered as diagnostic methods. A simulation study is provided for evaluating the performance of these diagnostic methods. We illustrate the methodology with real‐world mining data. The results obtained in this study based on the beta PLS model and its diagnostics may be of interest for the mining industry.
PHP‐based collaborative education and management system for water hydraulic laboratory
Authors: Wang Haihang , Xu He , Li Qiang , Fu Yu
Published: September 2017

Online learning platforms are becoming increasingly popular in engineering education. Through combining the educational form of online learning with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), we can integrate the education and management functions into one system. The purpose of this study is to develop a collaborative education and management system for the water hydraulic laboratory based on the Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) scripting language. The system provides a convenient and multifunctional education and management platform for students and teachers throughout the whole experiment courses. Additionally, the B/S (Brower/Server) structure based on the Model‐View‐Controller (MVC) model was used in our system. The key steps of developing the WathyLab system were described, and the practical application subjects regarding water hydraulic materials were illustrated. The paper ends with an evaluation of this system according to the questionnaire survey. The students’ attitudes were surveyed and analyzed. Results showed that the proposed system can lead to better education effectiveness and learning efficiency.
NLRC and NLRX gene family mRNA expression and prognostic value in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xiangkun , Yang Chengkun , Liao Xiwen , Han Chuangye , Yu Tingdong , Huang Ketuan , Yu Long , Qin Wei , Zhu Guangzhi , Su Hao , Liu Xiaoguang , Ye Xinping , Chen Bin , Peng Minhao , Peng Tao
Published: September 2017

Nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain (NOD)‐like receptor (NLR)C and NLRX family proteins play a key role in the innate immune response. The relationship between these proteins and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This study investigated the prognostic significance of NLRC and NLRX family protein levels in HCC patients. Data from 360 HCC patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas database and 231 patients in the Gene Expression Omnibus database were analyzed. Kaplan–Meier analysis and a Cox regression model were used to determine median survival time (MST) and overall and recurrence‐free survival by calculating the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). High NOD2 and low NLRX1 expression in tumor tissue was associated with short MST (P = 0.012 and 0.014, respectively). A joint‐effects analysis of NOD2 and NLRX1 combined revealed that groups III and IV had reduced risk of death from HCC as compared to group I (adjusted P = 0.001, adjusted HR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.16–0.61 and adjusted P = 0.043, adjusted HR = 0.63, 95%CI = 0.41–0.99, respectively). NOD2 and NLRX1 expression levels are potential prognostic markers in HCC following hepatectomy.
Expression profiling of long noncoding RNA identifies lnc‐MMP3‐1 as a prognostic biomarker in external auditory canal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Hong , Dai Chunfu , Wu Qianru , Liu Hongyan , Li Feitian
Published: September 2017

Our previous studies suggested external auditory canal squamous cell carcinoma (EACSCC) is a rare malignancy with heterogeneous outcomes. This study aimed to identify lncRNA profile of EACSCC and determine the clinical application. Differential expression genes (DEGs) were investigated in EACSCC by whole transcriptome lncRNA arrays (GPL23178). RT‐PCR was used to quantify the microarray data. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to evaluate DEGs regulations in gene ontology and cellular pathways. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was utilized to validate lncRNA expression. The overall survival was determined by Kaplan–Meier and log‐rank analyses. Our microarrays data had been submitted to Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE98912). We identified 5621 DEGs (3185 mRNAs, 2436 lncRNAs) in EACSCC. Lnc‐MMP3‐1 was the top one upregulated lncRNA in EACSCC with fold change of 237.2 (P < 0.001). RT‐PCR results showed similar expression levels as microarrays data. Bioinformatics analyses indicated development of EACSCC was involved in aberrant alternations of multiple biological processes and cellular pathways. FSIH assays also found lnc‐MMP3‐1 was significantly differentially overexpressed in EACSCC (P < 0.001). Tumor lnc‐MMP3‐1 levels were closely associated with differentiation degree (P = 0.016), tumor invasion (P = 0.015) and TNM stage (P = 0.015). Moreover, lnc‐MMP3‐1 expression was a significant prognostic factor in EACSCC (χ2 = 4.276, P = 0.039). The study is the first screening and analysis of lncRNAs profile in EACSCC and provides new insights into pathogenesis of this rare disease. Our findings offered convincing evidences that lnc‐MMP3‐1 is a novel survival predictor of EACSCC patients.
Spontaneous cholecystocolic fistula: an uncommon complication of chronic cholecystitis
Authors: Agrawal Vishakha , Joshi Utsav , Manandhar Sujan
Published: September 2017

Key Clinical Message

Cholecystocolic fistula, a rare complication of long‐standing gallstone disease, is a diagnostic challenge owing to nonspecific clinical presentation and lack of accurate preprocedural diagnostic modalities. In case of incidental discovery of the fistula during the surgical procedure, excision of the fistula with repair of the colonic defect is imperative.
Fusing Carborane Carboxylic Acids with Alkynes: 3D Analogues of Isocoumarins via Regioselective B−H Activation
Authors: Lin Furong , Shen Yunjun , Zhang Yuanbin , Sun Yuji , Liu Jiyong , Duttwyler Simon
Published: September 2017

An iridium‐catalyzed alkenylation/annulation sequence between monocarba‐closo‐dodecaborate carboxylic acids and diarylacetylenes is reported. Regioselective activation of the B2 position, followed by B−C bond formation and ring closure, affords 3D bora‐analogues of isocoumarins. The reaction tolerates a variety of functional groups on the aromatic rings and can be extended to B12‐substituted derivatives. Furthermore, subsequent alkenylation of the B4 vertex has been achieved in high yields.
Approximate Bayesian estimation in large coloured graphical Gaussian models
Authors: Li Qiong , Gao Xin , Massam Hélène
Published: September 2017

Distributed estimation methods have recently been used to compute the maximum likelihood estimate of the precision matrix for large graphical Gaussian models. Our aim, in this article, is to give a Bayesian estimate of the precision matrix for large graphical Gaussian models with, additionally, symmetry constraints imposed by an underlying graph which is coloured. We take the sample posterior mean of the precision matrix as our estimate. We study its asymptotic behaviour under the regular asymptotic regime when the number of variablespis fixed and under the double asymptotic regime when bothpandngrow to infinity. We show in particular that when the number of parameters of the local models is uniformly bounded the standard convergence rate of our estimate of the precision matrix to its true value, in the Frobenius norm, compares well with the rates in the current literature for the maximum likelihood estimate.The Canadian Journal of Statistics46: 176–203; 2018 © 2017 Statistical Society of Canada
FFBAT: A security and cost‐aware workflow scheduling approach combining firefly and bat algorithms
Authors: Arunarani A. R. , Manjula D. , Sugumaran Vijayan
Published: September 2017

Cloud computing is distributed computing on a large scale driven by practical and effective operations, in which a pay‐per‐use framework provides dynamic scaling in response to the needs of workflow applications. Many existing cloud computing environments do not effectively employ security measures to counter security threats in task scheduling. To improve the scheduling system, we include security service to the scheduling process. However, adding security services to applications inevitably causes overhead in terms of computation time. The tradeoff between achieving high computing performance and providing the desired level of security protection imposes a big challenge for task scheduling. To solve this problem, we propose a security and cost aware scheduling algorithm for heterogeneous tasks in scientific workflow executed in a cloud. Our proposed algorithm is based on the hybrid optimization approach, which combines Firefly and Bat algorithms. The coding strategy is to minimize the total execution cost while meeting the deadline and risk rate constraints. The proposed system uses a multi‐objective function, and the results indicate that our algorithm always outperforms the traditional algorithms.
Financial early warning of non–life insurance company based on RBF neural network optimized by genetic algorithm
Authors: Yan Chun , Wang Lin , Liu Wei , Qi Man
Published: September 2017

Due to the characteristic of risk diversification in non–life insurance industry, the company's financial risk early warning is very important. In order to reasonably predict the financial status of non–life insurance company, the evaluation system of financial risk indicator is constructed from the aspects of solvency, profitability, and growth ability. Taking data of non–life insurance companies in past years as sample, the evaluation indicators are weighted objectively using the entropy method. The RBF neural network model is improved with the genetic algorithm, and the early warning model is established. The empirical results show that the prediction accurate rate of RBF neural network model based on genetic algorithm is increased.
Low‐Polarization Lithium–Oxygen Battery Using [DEME][TFSI] Ionic Liquid Electrolyte
Authors: Ulissi Ulderico , Elia Giuseppe Antonio , Jeong Sangsik , Mueller Franziska , Reiter Jakub , Tsiouvaras Nikolaos , Sun Yang‐Kook , Scrosati Bruno , Passerini Stefano , Hassoun Jusef
Published: September 2017

The room‐temperature molten salt mixture of N,N‐diethyl‐N‐(2‐methoxyethyl)‐N‐methylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide ([DEME][TFSI]) and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) salt is herein reported as electrolyte for application in Li–O2 batteries. The [DEME][TFSI]–LiTFSI solution is studied in terms of ionic conductivity, viscosity, electrochemical stability, and compatibility with lithium metal at 30 °C, 40 °C, and 60 °C. The electrolyte shows suitable properties for application in Li–O2 battery, allowing a reversible, low‐polarization discharge–charge performance with a capacity of about 13 Ah g
in the positive electrode and coulombic efficiency approaching 100 %. The reversibility of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)/oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is demonstrated by ex situ XRD and SEM studies. Furthermore, the study of the cycling behavior of the Li–O2 cell using the [DEME][TFSI]‐LiTFSI electrolyte at increasing temperatures (from 30 to 60 °C) evidences enhanced energy efficiency together with morphology changes of the deposited species at the working electrode. In addition, the use of carbon‐coated Zn0.9Fe0.1O (TMO‐C) lithium‐conversion anode in an ionic‐liquid‐based Li‐ion/oxygen configuration is preliminarily demonstrated.
Analysis of the Changes in Volatile Compound and Fatty Acid Profiles of Fish Oil in Chemical Refining Process
Authors: Song Gongshuai , Dai Zhiyuan , Shen Qing , Peng Xi , Zhang Mengna
Published: September 2017

In this study, the effect of chemical refining on the volatile compound and fatty acid profiles of crude fish oil is evaluated. The process mainly comprises degumming, deacidification, decoloration, and deodorization. The changes in volatile compounds during the refining process are detected by headspace solid phase micro extraction (HS‐SPME) coupled with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Meanwhile, the fatty acid profile is determined by GC. The results showed that hexanal, nonanal, undecanal, 2‐nonanone, and 2‐undecanone are the key volatile components of fish oil, and the relative content of each compound changed significantly in each step. The proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the refined oil increased, while the proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) reduced significantly. This study provides a theoretical basis for the improvement of sensory characteristics of fish oil via chemical refining.

Practical Applications: Chemical refining is employed for improving the characteristics of crude fish oil, mainly including the volatile compound and fatty acid compositions. The result demonstrated that the refining process could affect the volatile compound and fatty acid profiles significantly, which provided the theoretical foundation for the optimization of process conditions.

An NMR‐based metabolomic approach,using “one‐to‐one” OPLS‐DA models, allows to identify biomarkers of different production zones in “Bosana” Sardinian EVOO.
Recent contributions for improving sensitivity in chiral CE
Authors: Crego Antonio Luis , Mateos María , Nozal Leonor
Published: September 2017

The flexibility and versatility of the chiral CE are unrivaled and the same instrumentation can be used to separate a diverse range of analytes, both large and small molecules, whether charged or uncharged. However, one of the disadvantages is generally thought to be the poor sensitivity of ultraviolet (UV) detection, which is the most popular among CE detectors. This review focuses on methodologies and applications regarding improvements of sensitivity in chiral CE published in the last 2 years (June 2015 until May 2017). This contribution continues to update this series of biannual reviews, first published in Electrophoresis in 2006. The main body of the review brings a survey of publications organized according to different approaches to detect a low amount of analytes, either by sample treatment procedures or by in‐capillary sample preconcentration techniques, both using UV detection, or even by employing detection systems more sensitive than UV absorption, such as LIF or MS. This review provides comprehensive tables listing the new approaches in sensitive chiral CE with categorizing by the fundamental mechanism to enhance the sensitivity, which provide relevant information on the strategies employed. The concluding remarks in the final part of the review evaluate present state of art and the trends for sensitivity enhancement in chiral CE.
On‐line hybrid test method for evaluating the performance of structural details to failure
Authors: Skalomenos Konstantinos A. , Kurata Masahiro , Nakashima Masayoshi
Published: September 2017

A test environment to evaluate the seismic performance of gusset plate connections intended for steel braced frames is proposed. The developed test method combines the substructuring techniques with finite element analysis methods in an on‐line hybrid scheme. Numerical substructure analysis is conducted on bracing members, while bracing connections are treated as experimental substructures. A force‐displacement combined control imposed with the aid of 2 jacks ensures physical continuity between the analysis and test. The rotational behavior of gusset plate connections subjected to large inelasticity and varying axial loading until fracture is investigated. Two gusset plate details were designed and tested to verify the efficiency of the proposed method. The test method is rational, and smooth operation is achieved. The test results revealed the advantage of the developed on‐line hybrid test method in exploring the ultimate capacity of bracing connections.
Second primary cancer after major salivary gland carcinoma
Authors: Hirvonen Karoliina , Rantanen Matti , Haapaniemi Aaro , Pitkäniemi Janne , Malila Nea , Mäkitie Antti A.
Published: September 2017

Background

We investigated the risk of second primary cancers after major salivary gland carcinoma in Finland, with a population of 5.5 million.

Methods

Nationwide cancer registry data were used to identify patients with major salivary gland carcinoma diagnosed between 1953 and 2014. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were estimated to compare their second primary cancer risk with the respective site‐specific cancer risk in the general population.

Results

There were 1727 patients with major salivary gland carcinomas and 222 second primary cancers had been diagnosed in these patients (SIR 1.43). The risk was increased for cancers of the thyroid (SIR 5.12), breast (SIR 1.63), respiratory organs (SIR 1.63), male genital organs (SIR 1.48), melanoma of the skin (SIR 3.35), and nonmelanoma skin cancer (SIR 2.50). The risk was high during the first 5 years and after 20 years of diagnosis.

Conclusion

Second primary cancers can occur among patients with major salivary gland carcinoma even after a long time period. This needs to be recognized in the follow‐up of these patients.
Assessing emotional processing difficulties in normotensive individuals with high and isolated blood pressure elevations
Authors: Shukla Meenakshi , Pandey Rakesh , Lau Jennifer Y. F.
Published: September 2017

This study examined the effect of sense modality (auditory/visual) on emotional dampening (reduced responsiveness to emotions with elevation in blood pressure). Fifty‐six normotensive participants were assessed on tasks requiring labelling and matching of emotions in faces and voices. Based on median split of systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively), participants were divided into low BP, high BP and isolated BP groups. On emotion‐labelling tasks, analysis revealed reduced emotion recognition in the high BP than the low BP group. On emotion‐matching tasks, reduced emotion recognition was noted in high and also isolated BP group as compared to low BP group for the task that required matching a visual target with one of the four auditory distractors. Our findings show for the first time that even isolated elevations in either SBP or DBP may result in emotional dampening. Furthermore, the study highlights that the emotional dampening effect generalises to explicit processing (labelling) of emotional information in both faces and voices—and that these effects tentatively occur during more pragmatic and covert (matching) emotion recognition processes too. These findings require replication in clinical hypertensives.
Multi‐agent technologies in economics
Authors: Bajo Javier , Mathieu Philippe , Escalona María José
Published: September 2017

This paper summarizes some of the trends in the use of multi‐agent technologies in economics. Multiple agent systems, fuzzy sets and neural networks are critical tools used to investigate the emerging economics research agenda related to data mining, dynamic markets stock selection and bank stress testing. This paper reviews the contributions of four such examples.
Gellan gum‐hydroxyapatite composite spongy‐like hydrogels for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Manda Marianthi G. , da Silva Lucilia P. , Cerqueira Mariana T. , Pereira Diana R. , Oliveira Mariana B. , Mano João F. , Marques Alexandra P. , Oliveira Joaquim M. , Correlo Vitor M. , Reis Rui L.
Published: September 2017

Osteoinductive biomaterials represent a promising approach to advance bone grafting. Despite promising, the combination of sustained biodegradability, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility in a unique biomaterial that can also support cell performance and bone formationin vivois demanding. Herein, we developed gellan gum (GG)–hydroxyapatite (HAp) spongy‐like hydrogels to mimic the organic (GG) and inorganic (HAp) phases of the bone. HAp was successfully introduced within the GG polymeric networks, as determined by FTIR and XRD, without compromising the thermostability of the biomaterials, as showed by TGA. The developed biomaterials showed sustained degradation, high swelling, pore sizes between 200 and 300 μm, high porosity (>90%) and interconnectivity (<60%) that was inversely proportional to the total polymeric amount and to CaCl2crosslinker. CaCl2and HAp reinforced the mechanical properties of the biomaterials from a storage modulus of 40 KPa to 70–80 KPa. This study also showed that HAp and CaCl2favored the bioactivity and that cells were able to adhere and spread within the biomaterials up to 21 days of culture. Overall, the possibility to tailor spongy‐like hydrogels properties by including calcium as a crosslinker and by varying the amount of HAp will further contribute to understand how these features influence bone cells performancein vitroand bone formationin vivo. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 479–490, 2018.
Synthesis of Novel Substituted Phenyl‐3‐Hydrazinyl‐Quinoxaline‐2‐Amine Derivatives: Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity and Its Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Paliwal Sarvesh , Sharma Swapnil , Dwivedi Jaya , Mishra Achal
Published: September 2017

New series of quinoxaline derivatives (4a–4h) were synthesized by treating 2‐chloro‐3‐hydrazinyl quinoxalin (3) with various anilines. Compound 3 was obtained from the 2,3‐dichloroquinoxaline 2 which was prepared from 4‐dihydroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione (1). All synthesized compounds (4a–4h) were characterized by various spectral techniques, that is, IR, 1H‐NMR, mass spectroscopy, and elemental analysis and completion of reaction were confirmed by TLC. In vitro antimicrobial activity of synthesized compounds was evaluated using disc diffusion assay against gram‐positive and gram‐negative microbial strains, and then, the minimum inhibitory concentration and IC50 values of compounds were also determined. The results of antimicrobial study revealed that compounds 4e, 4g, and 4a were active and exhibited better inhibitory activities as compared with standard drug amoxicillin. Docking studies were performed by using Argus lab, and all the compounds exhibited good docking scores between −9.53 and −7.94 kcal/mol against dihydrofolate reductase protein fragment from Staphylococcus aureus (PDB ID‐4XE6). Among all compounds, 4e has shown the maximum docking score and found in agreement to in vitro studies.
Dispersive admicelle solid‐phase extraction based on sodium dodecyl sulfate coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles for the selective adsorption of three alkaloids in Gegen‐Qinlian oral liquid before high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Shi Zhihong , Xu Dan , Zhao Xuan , Li Xinghong , Shen Huimin , Yang Bing , Zhang Hongyi
Published: September 2017

A novel dispersive admicelle solid‐phase extraction method based on sodium dodecyl sulfate‐coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles was developed for the selective adsorption of berberine, coptisine, and palmatine in Gegen‐Qinlian oral liquid before high‐performance liquid chromatography. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by a chemical coprecipitation method and characterized by using transmission electron microscopy. Under acidic conditions, the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was coated with sodium dodecyl sulfate to form a nano‐sized admicelle magnetic sorbent. Owing to electrostatic interaction, the alkaloids were adsorbed onto the oppositely charged admicelle magnetic nanoparticles. The quick separation of the analyte‐adsorbed nanoparticles from the sample solution was performed by using Nd‐Fe‐B magnet. Best extraction efficiency was achieved under the following conditions: 800 μL Fe3O4 nanoparticles suspension (20 mg/mL), 150 μL sodium dodecyl sulfate solution (10 mg/mL), pH 2, and vortexing time 2 min for the extraction of alkaloids from 10 mL of diluted sample. Four hundred microliters of methanol was used to desorb the alkaloids by vortexing for 1 min. Satisfactory extraction recoveries were obtained in the range of 85.9–120.3%, relative standard deviations for intra‐ and interday precisions were less than 6.3 and 10.0%, respectively. Finally, the established method was successfully applied to analyze the alkaloids in two batches of Gegen‐Qinlian oral liquids.