bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syntheses and Catalytic Hydrogenation Performance of Cationic Bis(phosphine) Cobalt(I) Diene and Arene Compounds
Authors: Zhong Hongyu , Friedfeld Max R. , Chirik Paul J.
Published: May 2019

Chloride abstraction from [(R,R)‐(iPrDuPhos)Co(μ‐Cl)]2 with NaBArF4 (BArF4=B[(3,5‐(CF3)2)C6H3]4) in the presence of dienes, such as 1,5‐cyclooctadiene (COD) or norbornadiene (NBD), yielded long sought‐after cationic bis(phosphine) cobalt complexes, [(R,R)‐(iPrDuPhos)Co(η2,η2‐diene)][BArF4]. The COD complex proved substitutionally labile undergoing diene substitution with tetrahydrofuran, NBD, or arenes. The resulting 18‐electron, cationic cobalt(I) arene complexes, as well as the [(R,R)‐(iPrDuPhos)Co(diene)][BArF4] derivatives, proved to be highly active and enantioselective precatalysts for asymmetric alkene hydrogenation. A cobalt–substrate complex, [(R,R)‐(iPrDuPhos)Co(MAA)][BArF4] (MAA=methyl 2‐acetamidoacrylate) was crystallographically characterized as the opposite diastereomer to that expected for productive hydrogenation demonstrating a Curtin–Hammett kinetic regime similar to rhodium catalysis.
Catalytic Synthesis of Potassium Acyltrifluoroborates (KATs) through Chemoselective Cross‐Coupling with a Bifunctional Reagent
Authors: Wu Dino , Fohn Nicole A. , Bode Jeffrey W.
Published: May 2019

Potassium acyltrifluoroborates (KATs) are increasingly important functional groups, and general methods for their preparation are of great current interest. We report a bifunctional iminium reagent bearing both a tin nucleophile and a trifluoroborate, which was applied in chemoselective Pd0‐catalyzed Migita–Kosugi–Stille cross‐coupling reactions owith aryl and vinyl halides. This method gives access to previously inaccessible aromatic and α,β‐unsaturated acyltrifluoroborates, including precursors to amino‐acid derived KATs.
Exploring the electro‐optical properties of conjugated polymers based on oligo‐selenophene and oligo(3,4‐ethylenedioxyselenophene)
Authors: Mahdavifar Zabiollah , Tajdinan Samira , Shakerzadeh Ehsan
Published: May 2019

For seeking high‐efficiency narrow‐band‐gap donor materials to enhance short‐circuit current density for organic solar cells, a series of oligo‐selenophene (OS) and oligo(3,4‐ethylenedioxyselenophene) (OEDOS) with various chain lengths were designed and characterized using density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT calculations. Based on the results, it can be seen that with increasing chain length of the oligomers in both syn‐ and anti‐adding manners, the bond length alternation is decreased which indicates that the π‐electron delocalization is increased. Also, when the chain length is increased the electronic energy gap and the optical energy gap are decreased. It can be concluded that the syn‐(OS)n=10,14,15, anti‐(OS)n=14 and anti‐(OEDOS)n=7–12 oligomers can act as low‐band‐gap polymers. Therefore they can absorb more sunlight based on maximum wavelength (higher than 620 nm). Furthermore, a red shift in the simulated absorption spectra of (OS)n and (OEDOS)n donors is observed. It is found that (OS)n=14,15 with syn configuration of the extended oligomers is the most suitable donor for the design of high‐performance organic solar cells possessing a narrow electronic band gap, high exciton lifetime and broad and intense absorption spectra that cover the solar spectrum leading to complete light‐harvesting efficiency.
Volatility forecasting using stochastic conditional range model with leverage effect
Authors: Wu Xinyu , Xie Haibin
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we propose a stochastic conditional range model with leverage effect (henceforth SCRL) for volatility forecasting. A maximum likelihood method based on the particle filters is developed to estimate the parameters of the SCRL model. Simulation results show that the proposed methodology performs well. We apply the proposed model and methodology to four stock market indices, the Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index of China, the Hang Seng Index of Hong Kong, the Nikkei 225 Index of Japan, and the S&P 500 Index of US. Empirical results highlight the value of incorporating leverage effect into range modeling and forecasting. In particular, the results show that our SCRL model outperforms the conditional autoregressive range model, the conditional autoregressive range model with leverage effect, and the stochastic conditional range model in both in‐sample fit and out‐of‐sample forecast.
An empirical study among science education majors in postgraduate students of an Australian university
Authors: Chen Tim , Kuo Feiching , Chen John C.Y
Published: May 2019

This study aims to investigate the science education majors' experiences of employment, vocational self‐awareness, and self‐expectation, as well as the relationships among these variables in the university context based on the developmental‐contextual model of career development. Data were collected from a questionnaire survey of 815 science education majors in the selected universities. Through the use of regression analysis and statistical computation, we investigate the relationship between students' experience of finding employment upon graduation and a series of related variables and identify those factors that serve as boosters to self‐expectation. The results of this study found that the science education majors' experiences of employment directly and indirectly influenced their self‐expectation vis‐à‐vis the effect on their vocational self‐awareness. Findings point out to the increasingly important role university can play in developing and enhancing sufficient and appropriate employment and vocational information for science education majors. The science education departments of universities in Postgraduate students of Swinburne university may offer more sufficient vocational information about the occupations which the science education majors will enter after graduating to promote their vocational self‐awareness, such as occupational characteristics, occupational fringe benefits, occupational qualifications, and occupational ethics.
Limit scandals by monitoring intersection of athletics department, admissions processes
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: May 2019

The recent college admissions scandal rocked the celebrity world and caused unpleasant and unexpected pain and suffering at several athletics departments, admissions offices, and universities. The initial disclosure of it was all the more startling and headline‐grabbing when it became instantaneous national news at an FBI press conference. Of course, fraud of any type associated with the admissions process is a serious concern, and this scheme has so far resulted in arrests, indictments, and potential prison time for the individuals involved. The fact that certain individuals were able to come up with a scheme that led to the successful admission of a family member has also evoked feelings of anger, outrage, indignation, and fundamental unfairness. For the schools associated with the reported cases, they're dealing with the public relations backlash, reputational damage, and ongoing questions on how these situations could have arisen in the first place.
Follow rules education, monitoring strategies for learning specialists, tutors
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: May 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tutors and learning specialists can play a very important role in helping student‐athletes to achieve academic success. But without the proper guidance and monitoring, tutors and learning specialists can also run afoul of critical rules and regulations, exposing your athletics department to compliance violations, academic misconduct, legal liability, and public relations disasters.
Using advertising alignment to improve product placement effects on product choice: The power of facilitating analogies
Authors: Roehm Harper A. , Roehm Michelle L.
Published: May 2019

Two studies investigate the utility of analogical reasoning for improving the likelihood of consumer choice after a product placement. Data suggest that analogical transfer to real‐life situations of a product solution featured in a placement can be facilitated by judicious use of accompanying advertising. Ads that are distinct from placement content are associated with higher choice frequencies for the focal item than are ads that play as extensions of a show episode in which a product was placed. This presumably occurs because distinct ads promote generalization of the solution viewed in the product placement, and this, in turn, facilitates later analogical mapping of the solution.
Combination treatment with nivolumab and Rigvir of a progressive stage IIC skin melanoma patient
Authors: Brokāne Linda , Jaunalksne Inta , Tilgase Andra , Olmane Evija , Petroška Donatas , Rasa Agnija , Alberts Pēteris
Published: May 2019

A 35‐year‐old male patient was diagnosed with stage IIC skin melanoma that rapidly progressed after surgery. Treatment was continued with radiotherapy, which did not stop further spread of disease and the patient was put on a combination of nivolumab and Rigvir. Subsequently, the progression has slowed.
Challenges in the diagnosis and management of isolated congenital complete atrioventricular block in premature newborns
Authors: Gegieckienė Rūta , Vankevičienė Ramunė , Kinčinienė Odeta , Liubšys Arūnas
Published: May 2019

Diagnostic and treatment challenges of congenital complete atrioventricular block in two premature newborn babies are presented. Timely recognition of this fetal condition, appropriate antenatal care, and treatment at a tertiary level care hospital as well as prompt postnatal management of the newborn baby are the key factors for good outcome. Prematurity is also associated with an additional risk of poor outcome and complications.
Catalytic Dehydrosulfurization of Thioamides to Nitriles by Gold Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Gopi Elumalai , Geertsen Valérie , Gravel Edmond , Doris Eric
Published: May 2019

A gold‐carbon nanotube nanohybrid was shown to act as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst in the smooth and selective conversion of thioamides to the corresponding nitriles. The reaction was performed under mild conditions (room temperature, atmospheric pressure of oxygen) using only a gold loading of 0.35 mol %. Substituted aromatic or aliphatic nitriles were produced in very good to excellent yields and the catalyst could be easily recycled and reused over several consecutive cycles with no loss in dehydrosulfurization performances.
Numerical Representation of the Operating Behavior of a Crossflow Friction Turbomachine
Authors: Praß Julian , Riedel Jörg , Renz Andreas , Franke Jörg , Becker Stefan
Published: May 2019

Based on the Tesla‐type turbomachinery principle of operation, a fan consisting of flat, round discs arranged in between two separate channels, which generate two air flows in opposite directions, is investigated. Simulations of a model with one disc as well as a five‐channel model at different grids were performed. With almost unthrottled operation, secondary flows could be determined at velocity magnitudes of up to 20 % of the mean main flow velocity, with secondary currents reaching up to 50 % in throttled operation. Besides high dissipation and recirculation, these secondary currencies are found to be capable of reducing the overall efficiency of the system. Thus, topic of further investigations is the potential of increasing efficiency by means of straighteners and geometric adaptions.
Atomically Dispersed Single Co Sites in Zeolitic Imidazole Frameworks Promoting High‐Efficiency Visible‐Light‐Driven Hydrogen Production
Authors: Ran Jingrun , Zhang Hongping , Qu Jiangtao , Xia Bingquan , Zhang Xuliang , Chen Shuangming , Song Li , Jing Liqiang , Zheng Rongkun , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: May 2019

As photocatalysis technology could transform renewable and clean solar energy into green hydrogen (H2) energy through solar water splitting, it is regarded as the “Holy Grail” in chemistry field in the 21st century. Unfortunately, the bottleneck of this technique still lies in the exploration of highly active, cost‐effective, and robust photocatalysts. This work reports the design and synthesis of a novel zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF) coupled Zn0.8Cd0.2S hetero‐structured photocatalyst for high‐performance visible‐light‐induced H2 production. State‐of‐the‐art characterizations and theoretical computations disclose that the interfacial electronic interaction between ZIF and Zn0.8Cd0.2S, the high distribution of Zn0.8Cd0.2S on ZIF, and the atomically dispersed coordinately unsaturated Co sites in ZIF synergistically arouse the significantly improved visible‐light photocatalytic H2 production performance.
Computational Design and Study of Artificial Selenoenzyme with Controllable Activity Based on an Allosteric Protein Scaffold
Authors: Li Siyuan , Xu Wanjia , Chu Shengnan , Ma Ningning , Liu Shengda , Li Xiumei , Wang Tingting , Jiang Xiaojia , Li Fei , Li Yijia , Zhang Dongmei , Luo Quan , Liu Junqiu
Published: May 2019

The establishment of new enzymatic function in an existing scaffold is a great challenge for protein engineers. In previous work, a highly efficient artificial selenoenzyme with controllable activity was constructed, based on a Ca2+‐responsive recoverin (Rn) protein. In this study, a design strategy combining docking, molecular dynamics, and MM‐PBSA is presented, to predict the catalytically active site of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) on the allosteric domain of Rn. The energy contributions of the binding hot spot residues are evaluated further by energy decomposition analysis to determine the detailed substrate recognition mechanism of Rn, which provides clear guidance for artificial enzyme design for improved substrate binding (Michaelis–Menten constant, Km).
Finite element analysis of a ball‐and‐socket artificial disc design to suppress excessive loading on facet joints: A comparative study with ProDisc
Authors: Choi Jisoo , Shin Dong‐Ah , Kim Sohee
Published: May 2019

Facet arthrosis at surgical level was identified as major complication after total disc replacement (TDR). One of the reasons for facet arthrosis after TDR has been speculated to be the hypermobility of artificial discs. Accordingly, the artificial disc that can constrain the hypermobility of ball‐and‐socket type artificial discs and reduce loading on facet joints is demanded. The proposed artificial disc, which is named as NewPro, was constructed based on the FDA‐approved ProDisc but contained an interlocking system consisting of additional bars and grooves to control the range of motion (ROM) of lumbar spine in all anatomical planes. The three‐dimensional finite element model of L1 to L5 was developed first, and the biomechanical effects were compared between ProDisc and NewPro. The ROM and facet contact force of NewPro were significantly decreased by 42.7% and 14% in bending and by 45.6% and 34.4% in torsion, respectively, compared with the values of ProDisc, thanks to the interlocking system. In addition, the ROM and facet contact force could be selectively constrained by modifying the location of the bars. The proposed artificial disc with the interlocking system was able to constrain the intersegmental rotation effectively and reduce excessive loading on facet joints, although wear and strength tests would be needed prior to clinical applications.
Assembling 1D and Janus Nanobelts into 2D Aeolotropic Conductive Janus Membranes and 3D Double‐Walled Janus Tubes
Authors: Qi Haina , Ma Qianli , Xie Yunrui , Song Yan , Tian Jiao , Li Dan , Yu Wensheng , Wang Jinxian , Liu Guixia , Dong Xiangting
Published: May 2019

Two‐dimensional (2D) stratified Janus membranes (denoted as SJM) with double aeolotropic electrical conduction and simultaneous magnetism and fluorescence have been designed and constructed via electrospinning by using one‐dimensional (1D) nanobelts and Janus nanobelts as building blocks. The SJM is composed of two layers tightly bonded together. The top layer is a left‐right structured Janus membrane, the left part and right part possess aeolotropic electrical conduction, and the conductive directions are vertical, leading to double aeolotropic conduction. Moreover, red and green fluorescence in the two parts occurs under UV irradiation. The bottom layer is a non‐array magnetic membrane. By rolling the 2D SJM into a tube, either from left to right or top to bottom, three‐dimensional (3D) double‐walled Janus tubes with the Janus tube and the isotropic tube on the exterior and interior of the tube are obtained. The novel 3D double‐walled Janus tubes exhibit the same excellent performance as the 2D SJM. Thus, the structural transition from 1D nanobelts and Janus nanobelts utilized as building units to 2D double aeolotropic conductive Janus membrane then to 3D Janus tube is successfully realized.
Malicious node and malicious observer node detection system in MANETs
Authors: Durga Devi Saravanan , Rukmani Devi Dhamotharan
Published: May 2019

Mobile ad‐hoc networks (MANETs) are generally organized without infrastructure. Hence, they are moderately defenseless to malicious active and passive attackers that target to damage and trace the data transmission direction. Therefore, the malicious node (MN) (active attacker) and malicious observer node (MON) (passive attacker) detection system (MODS) is an important challenge in MANETs. It is quite easy to observe a node that induces malicious activities in other nodes, but it is very difficult to identify a node that passively observes and misuses network data. In this work, we propose context‐free grammar (CFG) and Fibonacci‐Pascal triangle (FPT) methods are in MANETs. Here, the MODS used CFG and FPT methods. The CFG is used to isolate the MN, and FPT conceals the real information of the mobile nodes. The data path is protected from mobile MONs by sending a secret message to the destination. The significant application of this scheme is enhancing military security. The simulation results demonstrate that the dynamic estimation of the quality‐of‐service metrics improves the 45% throughput in the network.
Performance analysis and optimization for scalable deployment of deep learning models for country‐scale settlement mapping on Titan supercomputer
Authors: Kurte Kuldeep , Sanyal Jibonananda , Berres Anne , Lunga Dalton , Coletti Mark , Yang Hsiuhan Lexie , Graves Daniel , Liebersohn Benjamin , Rose Amy
Published: May 2019

This paper presents a scalable object detection workflow for detecting objects, such as settlements, from remotely sensed (RS) imagery. We have successfully deployed this workflow on Titan supercomputer and utilized it for the task of mapping human settlement at a country scale. The performance of various stages in the workflow was analyzed before making it operational. The workflow implemented various strategies to address issues such as suboptimal resource utilization and long‐tail effects due to unbalanced image workload, data loss due to runtime failures, and maximum wall‐time constraints imposed by Titan's job scheduling policy. A mean shift clustering–based static load balancing strategy was implemented, which partitions the image load such that each partition contained similar‐sized images. Furthermore, a checkpoint‐restart strategy was added in the workflow as a fault‐tolerance mechanism to prevent the data losses due to unforeseen runtime failures. The performance of the above‐mentioned strategies was observed in various scenarios, such as node failure, exceeding wall time, and successful completion. Using this workflow, we have processed an RS data set that has a spatial resolution of 0.31 m and is comprised of 685 675 km2 of area of the Republic of Zambia in under six hours using 5426 nodes of the Titan supercomputer.
Dynamic community detection method based on an improved evolutionary matrix
Authors: Wu Ling , Zhang Qishan , Guo Kun , Chen Erbao , Xu Chaoyang
Published: May 2019

Most of networks in real world obviously present dynamic characteristics over time, and the community structure of adjacent snapshots has a certain degree of instability and temporal smoothing. Traditional Temporal Trade‐off algorithms consider that communities found at time t depend both on past evolutions. Because this kind of algorithms are based on the hypothesis of short‐term smoothness, they can barely find abnormal evolution and group emergence in time. In this paper, a Dynamic Community Detection method based on an improved Evolutionary Matrix (DCDEM) is proposed, and the improved evolutionary matrix combines the community structure detected at the previous time with current network structure to track the evolution. Firstly, the evolutionary matrix transforms original unweighted network into weighted network by incorporating community structure detected at the previous time with current network topology. Secondly, the Overlapping Community Detection based on Edge Density Clustering with New edge Similarity (OCDEDC_NS) algorithm is applied to the evolutionary matrix in order to get edge communities. Thirdly, some small communities are merged to optimize the community structure. Finally, the edge communities are restored to the node overlapping communities. Experiments on both synthetic and real‐world networks demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can detect evolutionary community structure in dynamic networks effectively.
Photophysics of Emissive tzC[Isothiazolo‐Cytidine] and tzU[Isothiazolo‐Uridine] Pyrimidine Analogues
Authors: Valverde Danillo , Sanches de Araujo Adalberto Vasconcelos , Canuto Sylvio , Borin Antonio Carlos
Published: May 2019

The tzC and tzU emissive properties were investigated with the MS‐CASPT2 method and CASSCF/CASPT2 protocol, with inclusion of solvent effects with the aid of the PCM and Sequential QM/MM, the Free Energy Gradient methods. Theoretical vertical emission energies and Stokes shifts, using the ASEC‐FEG method, are in a good agreement with the experimental data, within the expected accuracy of CASPT2 method. Their emissive properties can be understood in analogy to the photophysical behaviour of the canonical uracil and cytosine pyrimidine nucleobases, for which the twisting of the C5C6 bond is the key for understanding their ultrashort radiationless decay times. For both tzC and tzU, the computed photophysical deactivation pathway, shows that the bright state
goes directly to a minimum structure on its potential energy hypersurface
, from where no conical intersection with the ground state can be reached, due to the steric hindrance of the C5C6 position, which forms the bridge between the rings in both molecules. Solvent effects place the conical intersection in higher energy region, reinforcing their emissive nature.
Sustainable Development and the European Union Policy on Non‐Financial Information: An Italian Empirical Analysis
Authors: Muserra Anna Lucia , Papa Marco , Grimaldi Francesco
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study is to examine whether the European Union (EU) Directive on Non‐Financial Information (NFI) would be capable of increasing corporate transparency and sustainable development. To this end, the study reports the findings of 17 interviews with preparers and auditors about the content and reporting methods of NFI, as specified by the Italian regulation.

The study finds that preparers and auditors favour many of the requirements introduced by the Italian legislature. In particular, the board's responsibility for NFI, the flexibility in the content and in the reporting method, and the audit of non‐financial statements are regarded as a fruitful approach to disciplining NFI. The study contributions are twofold. First, it extends the so far scant literature on the role of EU policy as a change agent for sustainable development. Second, the study identifies some features of the Italian regulation that may be regarded as fruitful ways to regulate NFI.
Fair end‐to‐end window‐based congestion control in time‐varying data communication networks
Authors: Kumari Suchi , Singh Anurag
Published: May 2019

Communication networks are time varying and, hence, fair sharing of network resources among the users in such a dynamic environment is a challenging task. In this context, a time‐varying network model is designed, and the shortest user's route is found. In the designed network model, an end‐to‐end window‐based congestion control scheme is developed with the help of internal nodes or router, and the end user can get implicit feedback (throughput). This scheme is considered as fair if the allocation of resources among users minimizes overall congestion or backlog in the networks. Window update approach is based on a multi‐class fluid model and is updated dynamically by considering delays (communication, propagation, and queuing) and the backlog of packets in the user's routes. Convergence and stability of the window size are obtained using a Lyapunov function. A comparative study with other window‐based methods is also provided.
Evaluation of R‐ (−) and S‐ (+) Clenbuterol enantiomers during a doping cycle or continuous ingestion of contaminated meat using chiral liquid chromatography by LC‐TQ‐MS
Authors: Dolores Hernández Mariana , Villaseñor Alma , Piña Olmos Sofia , Mercado Márquez Crisóforo , Bejarano Benjamín Velasco , Bonaparte María Eugenia Gonsebatt , López‐Arellano Raquel
Published: May 2019

Clenbuterol is known to improve competition resistance and muscular growth in athletes. Although it is an illegal drug, its use by farmers is widely spread to induce growth of their cattle. Thus, when clenbuterol is found in the urine of an athlete, there is doubt whether it was consumed with doping purposes or if it is due to the consumption of meat from a clenbuterol‐fed animal. Previous studies suggest that enantiomeric relationship of clenbuterol may be different according to the intake source. However, the enantiomeric relationship throughout a doping cycle or a continuous intake of contaminated meat has not yet been explored. In this first approximation, our aim was the development and validation of a sensitive and rapid method for the determination of S‐ (+) and R‐ (─) clenbuterol enantiomers to be used in a controlled study in rats fed for one week with contaminated meat or simulating a doping cycle. Enantiomers were measured using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry with a triple quadrupole analyzer (LC‐TQ‐MS) and were separated on an AGP Chiralpak column. The method was fully validated following the VICH (Veterinary International Conference on Harmonization guidelines) and was linear in the range of 12.5–800 pg/mL with a correlation coefficient of ≥0.98 for each enantiomer, and with a limit of quantitation and detection (LOQ and LOD) of 12.5 pg/mL and 6.5 pg/mL, respectively, for both enantiomers. The application of this method pointed out the shift of the enantiomeric relationship in urine from rats during the first five days of the doping cycle compared to those fed with contaminated meat. This finding can be of substantial importance in further doping studies.
Habitat fragmentation is associated with dietary shifts and microbiota variability in common vampire bats
Authors: Ingala Melissa R. , Becker Daniel J. , Bak Holm Jacob , Kristiansen Karsten , Simmons Nancy B.
Published: May 2019

Host ecological factors and external environmental factors are known to influence the structure of gut microbial communities, but few studies have examined the impacts of environmental changes on microbiotas in free‐ranging animals. Rapid land‐use change has the potential to shift gut microbial communities in wildlife through exposure to novel bacteria and/or by changing the availability or quality of local food resources. The consequences of such changes to host health and fitness remain unknown and may have important implications for pathogen spillover between humans and wildlife. To better understand the consequences of land‐use change on wildlife microbiotas, we analyzed long‐term dietary trends, gut microbiota composition, and innate immune function in common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) in two nearby sites in Belize that vary in landscape structure. We found that vampire bats living in a small forest fragment had more homogenous diets indicative of feeding on livestock and shifts in microbiota heterogeneity, but not overall composition, compared to those living in an intact forest reserve. We also found that irrespective of sampling site, vampire bats which consumed relatively more livestock showed shifts in some core bacteria compared with vampire bats which consumed relatively less livestock. The relative abundance of some core microbiota members was associated with innate immune function, suggesting that future research should consider the role of the host microbiota in immune defense and its relationship to zoonotic infection dynamics. We suggest that subsequent homogenization of diet and habitat loss through livestock rearing in the Neotropics may lead to disruption to the microbiota that could have downstream impacts on host immunity and cross‐species pathogen transmission.
Late Quaternary climate change explains soil fungal community composition rather than fungal richness in forest ecosystems
Authors: Ji Niu‐Niu , Gao Cheng , Sandel Brody , Zheng Yong , Chen Liang , Wu Bin‐Wei , Li Xing‐Chun , Wang Yong‐Long , Lü Peng‐Peng , Sun Xiang , Guo Liang‐Dong
Published: May 2019

The dramatic climate fluctuations of the late Quaternary have influenced the diversity and composition of macroorganism communities, but how they structure belowground microbial communities is less well known. Fungi constitute an important component of soil microorganism communities. They play an important role in biodiversity maintenance, community assembly, and ecosystem functioning, and differ from many macroorganisms in many traits. Here, we examined soil fungal communities in Chinese temperate, subtropical, and tropic forests using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the fungal ITS1 region. The relative effect of late Quaternary climate change and contemporary environment (plant, soil, current climate, and geographic distance) on the soil fungal community was analyzed. The richness of the total fungal community, along with saprotrophic, ectomycorrhizal (EM), and pathogenic fungal communities, was influenced primarily by the contemporary environment (plant and/or soil) but not by late Quaternary climate change. Late Quaternary climate change acted in concert with the contemporary environment to shape total, saprotrophic, EM, and pathogenic fungal community compositions and with a stronger effect in temperate forest than in tropic–subtropical forest ecosystems. Some contemporary environmental factors influencing total, saprotrophic, EM, and pathogenic fungal communities in temperate and tropic–subtropical forests were different. We demonstrate that late Quaternary climate change can help to explain current soil fungal community composition and argue that climatic legacies can help to predict soil fungal responses to climate change.
Copper‐ and Cobalt‐Catalyzed Syntheses of Thiophene‐Based Tertiary Amines
Authors: Bouarfa Salima , Graßl Simon , Ivanova Maria , Langlais Timothy , Bentabed‐Ababsa Ghenia , Lassagne Frédéric , Erb William , Roisnel Thierry , Dorcet Vincent , Knochel Paul , Mongin Florence
Published: May 2019

Thienylzinc halides and related compounds prepared by deprotonation followed by transmetalation were used in copper‐catalyzed amination using N‐benzoyloxy secondary amines. By extending the reaction to 1,5‐naphthyridine, it was showed that the competitive dimer formation observed in the case of thiophenes was linked with the low stability of some thienylamines rather than homocoupling. Interestingly, thienylzinc halides and related compounds prepared by transmetalation of thienylmagnesium halides, either prepared from their bromo‐precursors or generated by deprotometalation, were satisfactorily employed in cobalt‐catalyzed aminations. Finally, aminothiophenes were involved in copper‐catalyzed mono‐ and di‐N‐arylations, affording differently substituted di‐ and triphenylamines.
Discharged and dismissed: A qualitative study with back pain patients discharged without treatment from orthopaedic consultations
Authors: Braeuninger‐Weimer Kathrin , Anjarwalla Naffis , Pincus Tamar
Published: May 2019

Background

Consultation‐based reassurance for patients with low back pain (LBP) in primary care has been shown to be associated with patients' outcomes. Little is known about the role of reassurance in people with LBP consulting with orthopaedic spinal care teams. Reassurance may be important, especially in cases where surgery is not indicated and patients are discharged without treatment.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 30 patients with chronic disabling musculoskeletal LBP who had recently consulted with spinal orthopaedic care teams. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, coded and analysed.

Results

Most patients reported feeling dismissed and discouraged. Patients perceived that they needed specific behaviours from practitioners in order to feel sufficiently reassured to commit to self‐management. These behaviours group into four domains: “Knowing my whole story” (evidence that practitioners read the case notes; were familiar with the patients' previous health care history; carried out tests and a physical examination and gathered information about the patients' lifestyle), “Seeing the right person” (showing empathy; listening; building rapport and demonstrating that they are qualified and experienced), “Nothing to worry about” (reducing generic reassuring statements but increasing validating statements recognizing suffering) and “Getting to grips with my problem” (providing explanations and a clear management plan). In the absence of these behaviours, patients rejected advice to self‐manage, reported distress, anger and intention to re‐consult.

Conclusion

Effective communication with patients attending spinal orthopaedic care settings is important, especially when no active treatment is being offered.

Significance

This study describes narratives from patients discharged without surgery following consultations with orthopaedic professionals for persistent and debilitating lower back pain. Findings suggest that these interactions are distressful to patients, and that patients require comprehensive and specific reassurance to promote self‐management. The findings contribute a unique insight into the special needs of people with complex pain problems and provide guidance to improve consultation‐based reassurance in orthopaedic spinal care settings.
Ideal‐filter capillary electrophoresis: A highly efficient partitioning method for selection of protein binders from oligonucleotide libraries
Authors: Le An T. H. , Krylova Svetlana M. , Krylov Sergey N.
Published: May 2019

Selection of affinity ligands for protein targets from oligonucleotide libraries currently involves multiple rounds of alternating steps of partitioning of protein‐bound oligonucleotides (binders) from protein‐unbound oligonucleotides (nonbinders). We have recently introduced ideal‐filter capillary electrophoresis (IFCE) for binder selection in a single step of partitioning. In IFCE, protein‐binder complexes and nonbinders move inside the capillary in the opposite directions, and the efficiency of their partitioning reaches 109, i.e., only one of a billion molecules of nonbinders leaks through IFCE while all binders pass through. The condition of IFCE can be satisfied when the magnitude of the mobility of EOF is smaller than that of the protein‐binder complexes and larger than that of nonbinders. The efficiency of partitioning in IFCE is 10 million times higher than those of solid‐phase‐based methods of partitioning typically used in selection of affinity ligands for protein targets from oligonucleotide libraries. Here, we provide additional details on our justification for IFCE development. We elaborate on electrophoretic aspects of the method and define the theoretical range of EOF mobilities that support IFCE. Based on these theoretical results, we identify an experimental range of background electrolyte's ionic strength that supports IFCE. We also extend our interpretation of the results and discuss in‐depth IFCE's prospective in practical applications and fundamental studies.
Performance, rate of heat release, and combustion stability of dual‐fuel mode in a small diesel engine
Authors: Oishi Yoshihiko , Situmorang Riky Stepanus , Sembiring Rio Arinedo , Kawai Hideki , Ambarita Himsar
Published: May 2019

Biodiesel fuel and biogas fuel as promising alternative energy sources for dual‐fuel‐mode diesel engine attract more researchers. Therefore, this study highlights the dual‐fuel mode (DFM) operation of diesel engine using biodiesel fuel from used cooking oil and simulated biogas fuel with different methane contents (M40, M60, M80, and M100) on the combustion, rate of heat release, combustion stability, and performance. The observation of diesel engine was conducted by varying the torques from 3.5 Nm, 10.5 Nm, 17.6 Nm, and 24.6 Nm and by varying the engine speeds from 1800 rpm, 2000 rpm, 2200 rpm, 2400 rpm, and 2600 rpm, respectively. It was found that in DFM at a low torque the thermal efficiency decreased, but biogas replacement, biogas energy, and sfc values increased. The relation of the results of biodiesel replacement, biogas energy ratio, and brake thermal efficiency with methane content ratio in DFM show that the methane content ratio has the maximum effect in DFM. In addition, the carbon dioxide content in the biogas can enrich the brake thermal efficiency. The combustion stability of all conditions (1.7%‐4.89%) is still acceptable.
Deep‐seated gravitational slope deformation (DSGSD) and slow‐moving landslides in the southern Tien Shan Mountains: new insights from InSAR, tectonic and geomorphic analysis
Authors: Teshebaeva Kanayim , Echtler Helmut , Bookhagen Bodo , Strecker Manfred
Published: May 2019

We investigated deep‐seated gravitational slope deformation (DSGSD) and slow mass movements in the southern Tien Shan Mountains front using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) time‐series data obtained by the ALOS/PALSAR satellite. DSGSD evolves with a variety of geomorphological changes (e.g. valley erosion, incision of slope drainage networks) over time that affect earth surfaces and, therefore, often remain unexplored. We analysed 118 interferograms generated from 20 SAR images that covered about 900 km2. To understand the spatial pattern of the slope movements and to identify triggering parameters, we correlated surface dynamics with the tectono‐geomorphic processes and lithologic conditions of the active front of the Alai Range. We observed spatially continuous, constant hillslope movements with a downslope speed of approximately 71 mm year−1 velocity. Our findings suggest that the lithological and structural framework defined by protracted deformation was the main controlling factor for sustained relief and, consequently, downslope mass movements. The analysed structures revealed integration of a geological/structural setting with the superposition of Cretaceous–Paleogene alternating carbonatic and clastic sedimentary structures as the substratum for younger, less consolidated sediments. This type of structural setting causes the development of large‐scale, gravity‐driven DSGSD and slow mass movement. Surface deformations with clear scarps and multiple crest lines triggered planes for large‐scale deep mass creeps, and these were related directly to active faults and folds in the geologic structures. Our study offers a new combination of InSAR techniques and structural field observations, along with morphometric and seismologic correlations, to identify and quantify slope instability phenomena along a tectonically active mountain front. These results contribute to an improved natural risk assessment in these structures. © 2019 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Scallop mantle extract inhibits insulin signaling in HepG2 cells
Authors: Kariya Takahide , Takahashi Koto , Itagaki Daisuke , Hasegawa Yasushi
Published: May 2019

Scallops are important marine products in Hokkaido, Japan. Not only scallop adductor muscle but also mantle is often eaten at sashimi or smoking in Japan. We showed previously that feeding the scallop mantle epithelial cell layer causes an increase in serum glucose concentration and the death of rats. To clarify the mechanism of glucose metabolism disorder by mantle epithelial cell layer, we investigated whether extracts from mantle tissue (mantle extract) induce insulin resistance using HepG2 cells. Mantle extract suppressed insulin‐stimulated phosphorylation of Akt, key protein which is involved in insulin signaling. In addition, treatment of HepG2 cells with mantle extract decreased significantly glycogen content and mRNA expression levels of glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) involved in gluconeogenesis, suggesting that mantle extract inhibits insulin signaling. These results show that mantle extract inhibits insulin signaling in HepG2 cells, suggesting that an increase in serum glucose concentration in vivo may be due to the inhibition of insulin signaling.
Influence of reduction temperature on the formation of intermetallic Pd2Ga phase and its catalytic activity in CO2 hydrogenation to methanol
Authors: Ahmad Kaisar , Upadhyayula Sreedevi
Published: May 2019

The global warming and change in climatic conditions due to rising concentration of CO2 in atmosphere are the most important challenges of 21st century. Catalytic conversion of CO2 to methanol will not only check global warming but also provide an alternative source of fuel. The phase purity of solid catalysts has a considerable influence on the desired product selectivity. Reduction temperature is one of the most important parameters responsible for catalyst phase formation. Herein, the effect of a range of reduction temperatures between 100 and 600°C on the phase composition of Pd–Ga bimetallic catalyst and CO2 hydrogenation to methanol activity was investigated. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the formation of different phases at different reduction temperatures. The variation in catalyst structure was also analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscope‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (FESEM‐EDS), Brunaue–Emmett–Teller, H2 chemisorption, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The influence of reduction temperature, pressure (1–25 bar), H2/CO2 ratio (3–9), and reaction temperature (150–250°C) on methanol and CO selectivity from CO2 hydrogenation at atmospheric pressure was also studied. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social role functioning in Parkinson's disease: A mixed‐methods systematic review
Authors: Perepezko Kate , Hinkle Jared T. , Shepard Melissa D. , Fischer Nicole , Broen Martinus P.G. , Leentjens Albert F.G. , Gallo Joseph J. , Pontone Gregory M.
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that often impedes activities of daily living (ADL) and social functioning. Impairment in these areas can alter social roles by interfering with employment status, household management, friendships, and other relationships. Understanding how PD affects social functioning can help clinicians choose management strategies that mitigate these changes.

Methods

We conducted a mixed‐methods systematic review of existing literature on social roles and social functioning in PD. A tailored search strategy in five databases identified 51 full‐text reports that fulfilled the inclusion criteria and passed the quality appraisal. We aggregated and analyzed the results from these studies and then created a narrative summary.

Results

Our review demonstrates how PD causes many people to withdraw from their accustomed social roles and experience deficits in corresponding activities. We describe how PD symptoms (eg, tremor, facial masking, and neuropsychiatric symptoms) interfere with relationships (eg, couple, friends, and family) and precipitate earlier departure from the workforce. Additionally, several studies demonstrated that conventional PD therapy has little positive effect on social role functioning.

Conclusions

Our report presents critical insight into how PD affects social functioning and gives direction to future studies and interventions (eg, couple counseling and recreational activities).
Unexpected Rapid Increase in the Burden of NAFLD in China From 2008 to 2018: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhou Feng , Zhou Jianghua , Wang Wenxin , Zhang Xiao‐Jing , Ji Yan‐Xiao , Zhang Peng , She Zhi‐Gang , Zhu Lihua , Cai Jingjing , Li Hongliang
Published: May 2019

With rapid lifestyle transitions, the increasing burden of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in China has emerged as a major public health issue. To obtain a comprehensive overview of the status of NAFLD over the past decade, we evaluated the epidemiology, risk factors, complications, and management of NAFLD in China through a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Five English literature databases and three Chinese databases were searched for relevant topics from 2008 to 2018. A total of 392 studies with a population of 2,054,554 were included. National prevalence of NAFLD was 29.2%, with a heavier disease burden among the middle‐aged, males, those in northwest China and Taiwan, regions with a gross domestic product per capita greater than 100,000 yuan, and Uygur and Hui ethnic groups. Currently, original studies on natural history and complications of NAFLD in China are scarce. Several studies revealed that NAFLD is positively correlated with the incidence of extrahepatic tumors, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. The Chinese population may have a higher hereditary risk of NAFLD due to more frequent nonsynonymous mutations in genes regulating lipid metabolism. Ultrasonography is the primary imaging tool in the detection of NAFLD in China. Serum tests and risk stratification algorithms for staging NAFLD remain under investigation. Specific pharmaceutical treatments for NAFLD are still undergoing clinical trials. It is noteworthy that the Chinese are underrepresented compared with their proportion of the NAFLD population in such trials. Conclusion: China experienced an unexpected rapid increase in the burden of NAFLD over a short period. Rising awareness and urgent actions need to be taken in order to control the NAFLD pandemic in China.