bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Le rôle des routines dans la construction des capacités dynamiques : le cas d’une entreprise dans le secteur touristique
Authors: Altintas Gulsun
Published: November 2018

Nous mobilisons le concept de routine afin de saisir la récurrence du processus de construction des capacités dynamiques. Nous adoptons une démarche d’étude de cas au sein d’un tour-opérateur. Notre méthode qualitative permet d’identifier deux capacités dynamiques : la première est liée à la diversification des activités et la deuxième est liée au développement du réseau commercial. Nos résultats soulignent l’importance des routines existantes et nouvelles dans la construction des capacités dynamiques. Ils montrent également que le processus de construction - qui est différent en fonction de la nature émergente ou délibérée de l’opportunité - résulte de la routinisation d’une expérimentation réussie.
Le rôle et la pensée stratégiques des gestionnaires publics d’interface : les meilleures pratiques des sous-ministres à l’interface politico-administrative1
Authors: Lemay Lilly , Valade Marc Yvan
Published: November 2018

Les relations politico-administratives font l’objet de débats dans la littérature entre le principe de la séparation politico-administrative, reconnu tant légalement qu’éthiquement au Québec et au Canada, et un phénomène apparent de politisation administrative et de managérialisation politique qui correspondrait à un new public service bargain. Dans cet article, nous nous intéressons aux meilleures pratiques des sous-ministres face aux enjeux d’interface des relations politico-administratives. L’étude exploratoire met au jour quatre pierres angulaires de la relation politico-administrative et les meilleures pratiques afférentes du sous-ministre qui a un rôle stratégique à jouer quant aux enjeux à l’interface des deux mondes.
L’agriculture durable. Comment réconcilier le public et le privé pour la gestion d’un bien commun
Authors: Assens Christophe , Coléno François
Published: November 2018

Face au réchauffement climatique, à l’augmentation de la population mondiale et aux demandes sociétales il est nécessaire de repenser la diffusion des innovations agricoles en impliquant tout les maillons de la chaîne de valeur agro-alimentaire et en leur fournissant un bénéfice équitable. Dans cet article nous présentons la gestion collective d’une filière du fait d’une gestion en bien commun d’une innovation variétale (la pomme Ariane®). Cette modalité de gestion est permise par un partenariat public-privé original entre un institut de recherche public (l’INRA) et les acteurs de la chaîne de valeur.
La posición y actuación de la Unión de Centro Democrático y de Alianza Popular ante la construcción de la autonomía de Castilla y León durante la Transición: un balance
Authors: González Clavero Mariano
Published: November 2018

El presente artículo pretende realizar un balance de la posición de las dos principales fuerzas del centro y la derecha en España durante el proceso autonómico que llevó a la construcción de la autonomía de Castilla y León. El objetivo es analizar y explicar la paradoja que supuso que el proyecto autonómico castellanoleonés siguiera, en buena medida, los postulados de la izquierda, cuando el dominio electoral e institucional de los partidos de centro y de derechas en las provincias que compusieron la autonomía era mayoritario e incluso, en algunos casos, hegemónicos. La línea principal del artículo es que la falta de definición de un proyecto claro de autonomía, tanto en la estructura territorial como institucional de la autonomía, supuso la prevalencia final de los postulados de izquierda.
Introducció: Del «regionalismo bien entendido» al «sano autonomismo». Una transferència politicocultural problemàtica
Authors: Geniola Andrea
Published: November 2018

Presentació del dossier «"Territorios de la patria, afluentes de la nación". Regionalismos (post)franquistas y transición democrática».
babilili-Ritual from Hattusa (CTH 718). By Gary Beckman
Authors: Torri Giulia
Published: November 2018

The babilili-Ritual from Hattusa (CTH 718). By Gary Beckman. Mesopotamian Civilizations, vol. 19. Winona Lake, Ind.: Eisenbrauns, 2014. Pp. xiii + 97. $49.50.
Children in the Ancient Near Eastern Household. By Kristine Garroway
Authors: Broida Marian
Published: November 2018

Children in the Ancient Near Eastern Household. By Kristine Garroway. Explorations in Ancient

Near Eastern Civilizations, vol. 3. Winona Lake, Ind.: Eisenbrauns, 2014. Pp. xvii + 374. $57.50.
Edwin Smith Papyrus: Updated Translation of the Trauma Treatise and Modern Medical Commentaries. By Gonzalo M. Sanchez and Edmund S. Meltzer
Authors: Bojowald Stefan
Published: November 2018

The Edwin Smith Papyrus: Updated Translation of the Trauma Treatise and Modern Medical Commentaries. By Gonzalo M. Sanchez and Edmund S. Meltzer. Atlanta: Lockwood Press, 2012. Pp. xviii + 379, illus. $250. [Distributed by ISD, Bristol, CT]
Das Grab des Königs Ninetjer in Saqqara: Architektonische Entwicklung frühzeitlicher Grabanlagen in Ägypten. By Claudia M. Lacher-Raschdorff
Authors: Wegner M. A. Pouls
Published: November 2018

Das Grab des Königs Ninetjer in Saqqara: Architektonische Entwicklung frühzeitlicher Grabanlagen in Ägypten. By Claudia M. Lacher-Raschdorff. Deutsches Archäologisches Institut Kairo, Archäologische Veröffentlichungen, vol. 125. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz Verlag, 2014. Pp. 295, 44 pls., plans. €247.
Couched in Death: Klinai and Identity in Anatolia and Beyond. By Elizabeth P. Baughan
Authors: Simpson Elizabeth
Published: November 2018

Couched in Death: Klinai and Identity in Anatolia and Beyond. By Elizabeth P. Baughan. Wisconsin

Studies in Classics. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 2013. Pp. xvii + 487, illus. $65.
Many Faces of Herod the Great. By Adam Kolman Marshak
Authors: Downing Caroline
Published: November 2018

The Many Faces of Herod the Great. By Adam Kolman Marshak. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William

B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2015. Pp. xxxi + 400, illus. $35 (paper).
Babylonien und seine Nachbarn in neu- und spätbabylonischer Zeit: Wissenschaftliches Kolloquium aus Anlass des 75. Geburtstags von Joachim Oelsner, Jena, 2. und 3. März 2007. Edited by Manfred Krebernik and Hans Neumann
Authors: Kozuh Michael
Published: November 2018

Babylonien und seine Nachbarn in neu- und spätbabylonischer Zeit: Wissenschaftliches Kolloquium aus Anlass des 75. Geburtstags von Joachim Oelsner, Jena, 2. und 3. März 2007. Edited by Manfred Krebernik and Hans Neumann. Alter Orient und Altes Testament, vol. 369. Münster: Ugarit-Verlag, 2014. Pp. vii + 338, illus. €91.
Sexual Violation in Islamic Law: Substance, Evidence, and Procedure. By Hina Azam
Authors: Ruano Delfino Serrano
Published: November 2018

Sexual Violation in Islamic Law: Substance, Evidence, and Procedure. By Hina Azam. Cambridge Studies in Islamic Civilization. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2015. Pp. xi + 270. $95.
Religious and Spiritual Life of the Jews of Medina. By Haggai Mazuz
Authors: Wasserstein David J.
Published: November 2018

The Religious and Spiritual Life of the Jews of Medina. By Haggai Mazuz. Brill Reference Library of Judaism, vol. 38. Leiden: Brill, 2014. Pp. xvi + 132. $122, €103.
Aḥmad Fāris al-Shidyāq, Leg over Leg. Edited and translated by Humphrey Davies
Authors: Kilpatrick Hilary
Published: November 2018

Aḥmad Fāris al-Shidyāq, Leg over Leg. Edited and translated by Humphrey Davies. 4 vols. Library of Arabic Literature. New York: New York University Press, 2013–2014. Pp. xl + 365; vii + 443; vii + 393; viii + 571. $125 (set); $40 each.
Vaiyākaraṇasiddhāntabhūṣaṇa of Kauṇḍabhaṭṭa, part 1, with the Nirañjanī Commentary by Ram-yatna Shukla and Prakāsa Explanatory Notes by K. V. Ramakrishnamacharyulu. Critically edited by K. V. Ramakrishnamacharyulu
Authors: Scharf Peter
Published: November 2018

The Vaiyākaraṇasiddhāntabhūṣaṇa of Kauṇḍabhaṭṭa, part 1, with the Nirañjanī Commentary by Ram-yatna Shukla and Prakāsa Explanatory Notes by K. V. Ramakrishnamacharyulu. Critically edited by K. V. Ramakrishnamacharyulu. South Asian Perspectives, no. 6; Shree Somnath Sanskrit University Shastragrantha Series, no. 2. Pondichery: Institut Français de Pondichéry; Veraval, Gujarat: Shree Somnath Sanskrit University, 2015. Pp. xl + 592. Rs. 1200, €52.
Brahmayāmalatantra or Picumata, vol. II: The Religious Observances and Sexual Rituals of the Tantric Practitioner: Chapters 3, 21, and 45. A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation. By Csaba Kiss
Authors: White David Gordon
Published: November 2018

The Brahmayāmalatantra or Picumata, vol. II: The Religious Observances and Sexual Rituals of the Tantric Practitioner: Chapters 3, 21, and 45. A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation. By Csaba Kiss. Collection Indologie, vol. 130, Early Tantra Series, vol. 3. Pondicherry: Institut Français de Pondichéry/eÉcole Française d’extrême-Orient; Hamburg: Asien-Afrika-Institut, Universität Hamburg, 2015. Pp. 373. €32, Rs. 750.
Illusory Abiding: The Cultural Construction of the Chan Monk Zhongfeng Mingben. By Natasha Heller
Authors: Lauer Uta
Published: November 2018

Illusory Abiding: The Cultural Construction of the Chan Monk Zhongfeng Mingben. By Natasha Heller. Harvard East Asian Monographs, vol. 368. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard Univ. Asia Center, Harvard Univ. Press, 2014. Pp. xiv + 471. $49.95.
Entlassungsgrund: Pazifismus. Albrecht Götze, der Fall Gumbel und die Marburger Universität 1930–1946. By Harald Maier-Metz
Authors: Beckman Gary
Published: November 2018

Entlassungsgrund: Pazifismus. Albrecht Götze, der Fall Gumbel und die Marburger Universität 1930–1946. By Harald Maier-Metz. Academia Marburgensis, vol. 13. Pp. 248, illus. Münster: Waxmann, 2015. €38 (paper).
Thermoforming of Fiber–Plastic Composites: Mechanical Tests and Simulations
Authors: Guzman‐Maldonado E. , Hamila N. , Wang P. , Boisse P.
Published: November 2018

Thermoplastic resins have some advantages in terms of recycling and speed of manufacture. In particular, the thermostamping process leads to short cost‐efficient manufacturing cycles. Consequently, various industrial sectors—especially the automotive industry—have shown growing interest for composite materials made of continuous fiber and thermoplastic matrix and also in their manufacturing processes. Thermoforming of composites is a complex process, conditioned by a number of important phenomena and parameters. For instance, a defect‐free process depends on the temperature conditions, material properties, plies orientation, speed of the process, loads on the tools, and on the blank holders, and so on. Therefore, the development of a good quality composite thermoforming process can be difficult. Numerical simulation of the thermoforming process can provide an initial validation of the process and a determination of suitable parameters. This avoids the time‐consuming “trial and error” process development stage. The objective of this article is to present the elements necessary for the modeling and simulation of the thermoforming process of composites with continuous fibers and thermoplastic matrix. The article also presents the mechanical tests necessary to determine the characteristics of prepregs during thermoforming: the bias‐extension test (in‐plane shear) and the cantilever‐bending test.
Flexible Stable Solid‐State Al‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yu Zhijing , Jiao Shuqiang , Li Shijie , Chen Xiaodong , Song Wei‐Li , Teng Teng , Tu Jiguo , Chen Hao‐Sen , Zhang Guohua , Fang Dai‐Ning
Published: November 2018

Rechargeable aluminum‐ion batteries (AIBs) are regarded as promising candidates for post‐lithium energy storage systems (ESSs). For addressing the critical issues in the current liquid AIB systems, here a flexible solid‐state AIB is established using a gel‐polymer electrolyte for achieving robust electrode–electrolyte interfaces. Different from utilization of solid‐state systems for alleviating the safety issues and enhancing energy density in lithium‐ion batteries, employment of polymeric electrolytes mainly focuses on addressing the essential problems in the liquid AIBs, including unstable internal interfaces induced by mechanical deformation and production of gases as well as unfavorable separators. Particularly, such gel electrolyte enables the solid‐state AIBs to present an ultra‐fast charge capability within 10 s at current density of 600 mA g−1. Meanwhile, an impressive specific capacity ≈120 mA h g−1 is obtained at current density of 60 mA g−1, approaching the theoretical limit of graphite‐based AIBs. In addition to the well‐retained electrochemical performance below the ice point, the solid‐state AIBs also hold great stability and safety under various critical conditions. The results suggest that such new prototype of solid‐state AIBs with robust electrode–electrolyte interfaces promises a novel strategy for fabricating stable and safe flexible ESSs.
Visible Light‐Induced Salan‐Copper(II)‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Aerobic α‐Hydroxylation of β‐Keto Esters
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhao Jingnan , Tang Xiaofei , Wu Yufeng , Yu Zongyi , Meng Qingwei
Published: November 2018

A strategy of visible light‐induced salan‐copper(II)‐catalyzed asymmetric α‐hydroxylation of β‐keto ester with utilization of sustainable air as the oxidant was developed. This protocol allows convenient access to a number of enantioenriched α‐hydroxyl β‐keto esters (up to 95% yield, 96% ee), especially for β‐keto methyl esters that are valuable architectures in pharmaceuticals, including the key intermediate of the sodium‐channel blocker (S)‐indoxacarb. Experimental studies suggest that reactive singlet oxygen may participate in this reaction.

magnified image
Three‐Dimensional Osteosarcoma Models for Advancing Drug Discovery and Development
Authors: Monteiro Cátia F. , Custódio Catarina A. , Mano João F.
Published: November 2018

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant tumor of bone that mainly affects children and adolescents. The currently available therapies are not effective and the search for new OS anticancer drugs is extremely urgent. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis is an essential step toward effective cancer therapies. Tissue engineering has given a great contribution to the development of reliable and cost‐effective platforms for drug screening and validation through 3D in vitro models that more faithfully mimic the in vivo pathophysiology than conventional 2D models. The progress in the field of functional and biomimetic biomaterials in the development of 3D tissue models has provided tools for a close recapitulation of the highly complex and dynamic tumor microenvironment. This review focuses on the most recent advances in 3D in vitro osteosarcoma models, highlighting the crucial role of the extracellular matrix and stromal cells in tumor progression, how they contribute to drug resistance and disease prevalence, and the future pathways toward an effective and personalized model for drug screening and validation.
Nano zinc ferrite filler incorporated polyindole/poly(vinyl alcohol) blend: Preparation, characterization, and investigation of electrical properties
Authors: Ramesan M. T. , Anjitha T. , Parvathi K. , Anilkumar T. , Mathew G.
Published: November 2018

The present work deals with the reinforcement and the resulting property enhancement of polyindole (PIN)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blend using zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles. The polymer blend nanocomposite samples have been prepared using a simple in situ polymerization method. The structural changes in the polymer blend resulting from its interaction with ZnFe2O4 have been identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The FTIR spectra of blend nanocomposite showed the presence of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles at 580 cm−1. The chemical interactions between the polymer and ZnFe2O4 have been confirmed by the shift in the position of FTIR peaks. The XRD results indicate the increase in the crystalline nature of the polymer blend with the incorporation of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles into the blend. Scanning electron microscopy photographs of the nanocomposites show the dispersion of nanoparticles in PIN/PVA blend, while transmission electron microscopy images reveal the presence of spherically shaped nanoparticles in the polymer blend with an average size of 15 nm. The glass transition temperature of polymer blend composite has been shifted to a higher value, and thermal stability of the polymer blend improved with the addition of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles. The incorporation of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles in the PIN/PVA blend matrix leads to a significant improvement in overall mechanical properties, AC and DC conductivity. The dielectric properties are found to be higher for ZnFe2O4‐reinforced blend systems than the pure blend system due to polarization exerted by the incorporation of nanoparticles.
The power of tumor sizes in predicting the survival of solitary hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Yang Anli , Xiao Weikai , Chen Dong , Wei Xiaoli , Huang Shanzhou , Lin Ye , Zhang Chuanzhao , Lin Jianwei , Deng Feiwen , Wu Chenglin , He Xiaoshun
Published: November 2018

Background

Vascular invasion, rather than tumor size, was applied into the 7th edition of the AJCC TNM staging system to predict survival of solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, does this mean tumor size is of little value in prognostic prediction? The current study was designed to explore the prognostic ability of tumor sizes in solitary HCC.

Methods

A total of 18 591 patients with solitary HCC categorized as T1 and T2 were retrieved from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was adopted to evaluate the impact of tumor sizes on overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) in general and in subgroups stratified by vascular invasion and surgery type.

Results

Large tumor sizes (>39 mm) were associated with unfavorable clinicopathologic characteristics. Compared with tumors ≤30 mm, tumors between 31‐50 mm and tumors >50 mm showed significantly worse OS and DSS in general using multivariate analysis (all P < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, for patients without vascular invasion, tumor size was a notable prognostic indicator for OS in the radiofrequency ablation group (P < 0.001), rather than in the liver resection or transplantation group. Nevertheless, for patients with vascular invasion, tumor sizes exhibited a notable impact on OS in the liver resection and transplantation group.

Conclusions

The AJCC TNM staging system for solitary HCC would be more comprehensive if tumor sizes were integrated into the T2 classification. Additionally, for T1 patients, tumor sizes play no role in the choice between resection and transplantation.
Reversible Intercalation of 1‐Ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium Cations into MoS2 from a Pure Ionic Liquid Electrolyte for Dual‐Ion Cells
Authors: Fan Jiaxin , Xiao Qiangqiang , Fang Yaobing , Li Li , Feng Wanyi , Yuan Wenhui
Published: November 2018

Herein, we present a novel dual‐ion cell with a molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) anode, a graphite cathode, and a pure 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMImTFSI) electrolyte. During charging, the EMIm+ cations intercalate into the anode‘s MoS2 interlayers and the TFSI− anions synchronously penetrate into the cathode‘s graphite lattice. During discharging, both the cations and anions deintercalate from the electrodes. The reversible intercalation of EMIm+ into MoS2 is systematically evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic cycling, XRD, Raman, and SEM tests. The results reveal that within 0.5–3.6 V and at 0.5 C, the batteries present a high medium discharge plateau of ∼2.5 V, a decent discharge capacity of 77.0 mAh g−1, and a good energy density of 175.6 Wh kg−1; at 4 C, the cells exhibit a superior cyclability with 84.3 % capacity retention for 300 cycles and a high Coulombic efficiency of 96.1 %. Electrode characterizations indicate that both the MoS2 anode and the graphite cathode display a high stability over a long‐term cycling process. This novel cell configuration opens a new avenue to further develop promising rechargeable dual‐ion energy storage systems.
Selective Encapsulation and Separation of Dihalobenzene Isomers with Discrete Heterometallic Macrocages
Authors: Zhang Hai‐Ning , Lu Ye , Gao Wen‐Xi , Lin Yue‐Jian , Jin Guo‐Xin
Published: November 2018

A series of metallosupramolecular architectures have been prepared, including rectangles, prisms and cages, that feature half‐sandwich rhodium(III) fragments at the vertices. Remarkably, a stable cage‐like heteropolymetallic complex possessing eight rhodium(III) and two silver(I) metal ions (3) has been obtained following a multistep procedure. The RhIII/AgI mixed macrocage enables the separation of dihalogenated benzene derivatives with high selectivity. Furthermore, a detailed X‐ray crystallographic study confirmed that the discriminative encapsulation of para‐dihalobenzene (dichlorobenzene, dibromobenzene and diiodobenzene) is favored by Ag‐π interactions and steric effects.
Hydrodynamics of bubbling fluidized bed for adsorption of CO2 with KOH/K2CO3
Authors: Samani Pedram , Sotudeh Gharebagh Rahmat , Zarghami Reza
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study is to assess the performance of carbon dioxide (CO2) capture in a bubbling fluidized bed using a proper adsorbent. A mixture of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and potassium carbonate (K2CO3) adsorbents was used as bed materials, which provide proper kinetic and fluidization behaviours. The adsorbents consisted of two different mean particle sizes: size 1 is composed of K2CO3 with mean particle size of 335 μm and KOH with mean particle size of 197 μm; whereas, size 2 contained the K2CO3 with mean particle size of 605 μm and KOH with mean particle size of 197 μm. The weight fraction of KOH in both sizes was 0.3 g/g (30 mass%). The pressure fluctuations of the bed were measured and characterized in a time domain. The effects of several hydrodynamic parameters (i.e., superficial gas velocity, aspect ratio of bed, and particle size distribution of the adsorbent mixture) on CO2 adsorption were investigated. The results showed that the larger bubbles caused an improvement in solid mixing in the bed and consequently enhanced the CO2 capture capacity. Fluidization of the adsorbents mixture with narrower distribution (size 1) led to the formation of larger bubbles and an improvement of mixing in the bed. Therefore, size 1 adsorbent exhibited a higher CO2 capture capacity compared to a wider distribution of (size 2) adsorbent. Furthermore, the bubble size is increased with an increase in the aspect ratio of the bed leading to a better mixing in the bed.
Reusable Superparamagnetic Raspberry‐Like Supraparticle Adsorbers as Instant Cleaning Agents for Ultrafast Dye Removal from Water
Authors: Oppmann Maximilian , Wozar Moritz , Reichstein Jakob , Mandel Karl
Published: November 2018

Herein, a particle system of so‐called raspberry‐like supraparticles, capable of dye removal from water within a few seconds, is presented. These particles are micron sized and assembled of smaller silica nanoparticles as adsorber and iron oxide nanoparticles which act, due to their superparamagnetic properties, as switchable magnets. With this particle design, it is possible to tailor the adsorber structure and adjust the magnetic properties. Using very small silica nanoparticles (10 nm) combined with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (10 nm) to build the supraparticles resulted in a system which could clarify a deeply methylene blue dye colored water within 60 seconds via dye adsorption on the particles and their subsequent magnetic separation. A comparison with assembled supraparticles from larger primary nanoparticles revealed the role of the primary nanoparticles to create a porous particle structure which comes with an apparent capillary effect to take up the dye. The system could be regenerated either thermally or by acid treatment and reused consecutively as magnetically recoverable adsorber. Due to the building block principle of the system, modification towards other adsorption tasks should be easily possible. This therefore turns such particle systems into an ideal platform to build tailored adsorbers.
Efficient DNA Condensation by a C3‐Symmetric Codeine Scaffold
Authors: McStay Natasha , Reilly Anthony M. , Gathergood Nicholas , Kellett Andrew
Published: November 2018

A novel tripodal codeine scaffold (CC3) was rationally designed using computational methods as a DNA condensing alkaloid. Separation of the piperidine nitrogen atoms in CC3 is considerably larger at 14.36 Å than previously reported tripodal opioids allowing for enhanced aggregation of larger DNA plasmids (>4,000 bp). The scaffold undergoes protonation at physiological pH that allows for controlled compaction and release of nucleic acids. Condensation is inhibited under basic conditions and nucleic acid release can be achieved by modulating the ionic strength. Zeta potential experiments indicate stabilised DNA particles at low alkaloid loading with AFM measurements showing particles sizes with a height of 103 nm and diameter of 350 nm. Since condensation is a prerequisite for the cellular uptake of DNA, this new class of alkaloid represents a novel nucleic acid condensation agent with potential gene therapy applications.
Use of auto‐germ to model germination timing in the sagebrush‐steppe
Authors: Richardson William C. , Whitaker Dallin R. , Sant Kyler P. , Barney Nicholas S. , Call Ryan S. , Roundy Bruce A. , Aanderud Zachary T. , Madsen Matthew D.
Published: November 2018

Germination timing has a strong influence on direct seeding efforts, and therefore is a closely tracked demographic stage in a wide variety of wildland and agricultural settings. Predictive seed germination models, based on soil moisture and temperature data in the seed zone are an efficient method of estimating germination timing. We utilized Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to create Auto‐Germ, which is an Excel workbook that allows a user to estimate field germination timing based on wet‐thermal accumulation models and field temperature and soil moisture data. To demonstrate the capabilities of Auto‐Germ, we calculated various germination indices and modeled germination timing for 11 different species, across 6 years, and 10 Artemisia‐steppe sites in the Great Basin of North America to identify the planting date required for 50% or more of the simulated population to germinate in spring (1 March or later), which is when conditions are predicted to be more conducive for plant establishment. Both between and within the species, germination models indicated that there was high temporal and spatial variability in the planting date required for spring germination to occur. However, some general trends were identified, with species falling roughly into three categories, where seeds could be planted on average in either fall (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis and Leymus cinereus), early winter (Festuca idahoensis, Poa secunda, Elymus lanceolatus, Elymus elymoides, and Linum lewisii), or mid‐winter (Achillea millefolium, Elymus wawawaiensis, and Pseudoroegneria spicata) and still not run the risk of germination during winter. These predictions made through Auto‐Germ demonstrate that fall may not be an optimal time period for sowing seeds for most non‐dormant species if the desired goal is to have seeds germinate in spring.
Genetic patterns in peripheral marine populations of the fusilier fish Caesio cuning within the Kuroshio Current
Authors: Ackiss Amanda S. , Bird Christopher E. , Akita Yuichi , Santos Mudjekeewis D. , Tachihara Katsunori , Carpenter Kent E.
Published: November 2018

Aim

Mayr's central‐peripheral population model (CCPM) describes the marked differences between central and peripheral populations in genetic diversity, gene flow, and census size. When isolation leads to genetic divergence, these peripheral populations have high evolutionary value and can influence biogeographic patterns. In tropical marine species with pelagic larvae, powerful western‐boundary currents have great potential to shape the genetic characteristics of peripheral populations at latitudinal extremes. We tested for the genetic patterns expected by the CCPM in peripheral populations that are located within the Kuroshio Current for the Indo‐Pacific reef fish, Caesio cuning.

Methods

We used a panel of 2,677 SNPs generated from restriction site‐associated DNA (RAD) sequencing to investigate genetic diversity, relatedness, effective population size, and spatial patterns of population connectivity from central to peripheral populations of C. cuning along the Kuroshio Current.

Results

Principal component and cluster analyses indicated a genetically distinct lineage at the periphery of the C. cuning species range and examination of SNPs putatively under divergent selection suggested potential for local adaptation in this region. We found signatures of isolation‐by‐distance and significant genetic differences between nearly all sites. Sites closest to the periphery exhibited increased within‐population relatedness and decreased effective population size.

Main Conclusions

Despite the potential for homogenizing gene flow along the Kuroshio Current, peripheral populations in C. cuning conform to the predictions of the CCPM. While oceanography, habitat availability, and dispersal ability are all likely to shape the patterns found in C. cuning across this central‐peripheral junction, the impacts of genetic drift and natural selection in increasing smaller peripheral populations appear to be probable influences on the lineage divergence found in the Ryukyu Islands.
Allocation of forest net primary production varies by forest age and air temperature
Authors: Song Xiang , Zeng Xiaodong , Tian Dongxiao
Published: November 2018

Carbon partition among plant parts has a vital influence not only on the growth of individual plants but also on decomposition, carbon and nitrogen sequestration, and plant–atmosphere water exchange. Although many studies have tried to reveal plant growth mechanisms using observational living biomass or the biomass ratio among different organs, knowledge and understanding about carbon partition is still scarce and exists much uncertainty. In this work, a dataset about 1,089 sample plots of natural forests downloaded from the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN) was used to explore the dependences of net primary production (NPP) partition among foliage, stem and branch, and root on forest age, and mean annual temperature (MAT). The results found that (a) for all forest types, NPP partition had a significant relationship with forest age (p < 0.0001), that is, younger plants usually allocated a higher proportion of the NPP to stems, branches, and roots. As plants aged, an increasing proportion of the NPP was allocated to foliage; (b) MAT was negatively correlated with the proportions of the NPP allocated to foliage (Fleaf; %) and roots (Froot; %), while proportions of the NPP allocated to stems and branches (Fstbr; %) were positively dependent on MAT; (c) independent effect analysis demonstrated that forest age had a larger direct influence on Fleaf and Froot, while MAT was relatively important for Fstbr; and (d) forest age and MAT had a stronger combined effect on NPP allocation for broad‐leaved forests, while for needled‐leaved forests, the influences of forest age and MAT existed large differences among different forest types. This work not only is important for understanding the contribution of climatic factor and forest age on forest NPP partition, but also provides valuable ideas for developing ecological models.
An integrated geoarchaeological methodology to reveal site formation processes linked to building practices and pyrotechnology at Middle Neolithic Imvrou Pigadi, Greece
Authors: Roussos Dimitrios N. , Kyparissi‐Apostolika Nina
Published: November 2018

The Middle Neolithic tell of Imvrou Pigadi (~6920–6570 cal. years before present) belongs to a cluster of sites at the southern edge of the Plain of Thessaly, Greece. Following a specifically tailored geoarchaeological methodology comprising micromorphology coupled with Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence, and particle size analyses, we were able to reveal site formation processes linked with the construction of floors/occupational surfaces and successfully clarify a rather complicated archaeological stratigraphy. Moreover we present early evidence for specialized ceramic production contained in red, burnt strata rich in remnants of constructed combustion features and in situ pottery. The exclusion of a deliberate or accidental domestic fire as the cause of combustion, coupled with evidence of high firing temperatures of 600–700°C further supports a specialized ceramics workshop function of the site. The successful implementation here of an integrated analytical methodology enabled us to reveal the archaeological potential of Imvrou Pigadi and can be used to address similar archaeological questions at other Neolithic sites.
Hearing loss and incident psychosis in later life: The Health in Men Study (HIMS)
Authors: Almeida Osvaldo P. , Ford Andrew H. , Hankey Graeme J. , Yeap Bu B. , Golledge Jonathan , Flicker Leon
Published: November 2018

Objective

To determine if hearing loss is associated with increased risk of incident psychosis in later life.

Methods

Longitudinal cohort study of a community‐representative sample of 38 173 men aged 65 to 85 years at the start of the follow‐up period of 18 years. We used the Western Australian Data Linkage System to ascertain the presence of hearing loss and of psychotic disorders according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) (versions 8, 9, and 10). We also collected information on concurrent morbidities: cancer and diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and renal systems.

Results

One thousand four hundred forty‐two (3.8%) and 464 (1.2%) men had a recorded diagnosis of hearing loss and psychosis at the start of follow‐up. After excluding the 464 participants with prevalent psychosis, 37 709 men were available for the longitudinal study, and of these, 252 (0.7%) developed a psychotic disorder. Competing risk regression showed that hearing loss was associated incident psychosis (subhazard ratio = 2.03, 95% CI, 1.24‐3.32; after statistical adjustment for age and concurrent morbidities).

Conclusions

Hearing loss is associated with double the risk of incident psychosis in older men. Available evidence suggests that this link could be causal, although conclusive evidence is still missing from randomized controlled trials designed to test the effect of correction of hearing loss on the prevalence and incidence of psychosis.
Using electronic health records to estimate the prevalence of agitation in Alzheimer disease/dementia
Authors: Halpern Rachel , Seare Jerald , Tong Junliang , Hartry Ann , Olaoye Anthony , Aigbogun Myrlene Sanon
Published: November 2018

Background

Agitation is a common neuropsychiatric symptom of Alzheimer disease (AD). Data are scarce regarding agitation prevalence among community‐dwelling patients with AD.

Objective

To estimate agitation prevalence in a sample of US patients with AD/dementia overall and by AD/dementia disease severity, using data from electronic health records (EHR).

Methods

This retrospective database study examined community‐dwelling patients with ≥1 EHR record indicating AD/dementia from January 2008 to June 2015 and no evidence of non‐Alzheimer dementia during the 12‐month preindex and postindex periods. Agitation was identified using diagnosis codes for dementia with behavioral disturbance and EHR abstracted notes records indicating agitation symptoms compiled from the International Psychogeriatric Association provisional consensus definition.

Results

Of 320 886 eligible patients (mean age, 76.4 y, 64.7% female), 143 160 (44.6%) had evidence of agitation during the observation period. Less than 5% of patients with agitation had a diagnosis code for behavioral disturbance. The most prevalent symptom categories among patients with agitation, preindex and postindex, were agitation (31.4% and 41.3%), falling (22.6% and 21.7%), and restlessness (18.3% and 23.3%). Among the 78 827 patients (24.6%) with known AD/dementia severity, agitation prevalence was 61.3%. Agitation during the observation period was most prevalent for moderate‐to‐severe and severe AD/dementia (74.6% and 68.3%, respectively) and lowest for mild AD/dementia (56.4%).

Conclusions

Agitation prevalence was 44.6% overall and 61.3% among patients with staged AD/dementia. Behavioral disturbance appeared to be underdiagnosed. While agitation has previously been shown to be highly prevalent in the long‐term care setting, this study indicates that it is also common among community‐dwelling patients.
Neuronal dynamics enable the functional differentiation of resting state networks in the human brain
Authors: Marino Marco , Liu Quanying , Samogin Jessica , Tecchio Franca , Cottone Carlo , Mantini Dante , Porcaro Camillo
Published: November 2018

Intrinsic brain activity is organized in spatial–temporal patterns, called resting‐state networks (RSNs), exhibiting specific structural–functional architecture. These networks presumably reflect complex neurophysiological processes and have a central role in distinct perceptual and cognitive functions. In this work, we propose an innovative approach for characterizing RSNs according to their underlying neural oscillations. We investigated specific electrophysiological properties, including spectral features, fractal dimension, and entropy, associated with eight core RSNs derived from high‐density electroencephalography (EEG) source‐reconstructed signals. Specifically, we found higher synchronization of the gamma‐band activity and higher fractal dimension values in perceptual (PNs) compared with higher cognitive (HCNs) networks. The inspection of this underlying rapid activity becomes of utmost importance for assessing possible alterations related to specific brain disorders. The disruption of the coordinated activity of RSNs may result in altered behavioral and perceptual states. Thus, this approach could potentially be used for the early detection and treatment of neurological disorders.
Beware detrending: Optimal preprocessing pipeline for low‐frequency fluctuation analysis
Authors: Woletz Michael , Hoffmann André , Tik Martin , Sladky Ronald , Lanzenberger Rupert , Robinson Simon , Windischberger Christian
Published: November 2018

Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) offers the possibility to assess brain function independent of explicit tasks and individual performance. This absence of explicit stimuli in rs‐fMRI makes analyses more susceptible to nonneural signal fluctuations than task‐based fMRI. Data preprocessing is a critical procedure to minimise contamination by artefacts related to motion and physiology. We herein investigate the effects of different preprocessing strategies on the amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFFs) and its fractional counterpart, fractional ALFF (fALFF). Sixteen artefact reduction schemes based on nuisance regression are applied to data from 82 subjects acquired at 1.5 T, 30 subjects at 3 T, and 23 subjects at 7 T, respectively. In addition, we examine test–retest variance and effects of bias correction. In total, 569 data sets are included in this study. Our results show that full artefact reduction reduced test–retest variance by up to 50%. Polynomial detrending of rs‐fMRI data has a positive effect on group‐level t‐values for ALFF but, importantly, a negative effect for fALFF. We show that the normalisation process intrinsic to fALFF calculation causes the observed reduction and introduce a novel measure for low‐frequency fluctuations denoted as high‐frequency ALFF (hfALFF). We demonstrate that hfALFF values are not affected by the negative detrending effects seen in fALFF data. Still, highest grey matter (GM) group‐level t‐values were obtained for fALFF data without detrending, even when compared to an exploratory detrending approach based on autocorrelation measures. From our results, we recommend the use of full nuisance regression including polynomial detrending in ALFF data, but to refrain from using polynomial detrending in fALFF data. Such optimised preprocessing increases GM group‐level t‐values by up to 60%.
Extending Formal Modeling for Resilient Systems Design
Authors: Madni Azad M. , Sievers Michael , Madni Ayesha , Ordoukhanian Edwin , Pouya Parisa
Published: November 2018

Resilience is a much‐needed characteristic in systems that are expected to operate in uncertain environments for extended periods with a high likelihood of disruptive events. Resilience approaches today employ ad hoc methods and piece‐meal solutions that are difficult to verify and test, and do not scale. Furthermore, it is difficult to assess the long‐term impact of such ad hoc “resilience solutions.” This paper presents a flexible contract‐based approach that employs a combination of formal methods for verification and testing and flexible assertions and probabilistic modelling to handle uncertainty during mission execution. A flexible contract (FC) is a hybrid modelling construct that facilitates system verification and testing while offering the requisite flexibility to cope with non‐determinism. This paper illustrates the use of FCs for multi‐UAV swarm control in, partially observable, dynamic environments. However, the approach is sufficiently general for use in other domains such as self‐driving vehicle and adaptive power/energy grids.
Thermo‐modulated Hela cell release from an elastic and biocompatible hydrogel
Authors: You Yujing , Tang Chenhao , Zhang Gang , Jiang Zhiqiang , Lv Zhongda
Published: November 2018

Cell growth and release from the hydrogel scaffolds are critical steps in cell culture and cell therapies. Herein a double network hydrogel with one thermosensitive P(AEtMA‐Cl‐DEAEA) network and the other polyacrylamide network is reported. The diad hydrogel is elastic and maintains its structural integrity under large deformation. BSA is adsorbed onto the hydrogel at body temperature and subsequently released from the hydrogel at lower temperature. Hela cells proliferate on the hydrogel scaffolds at 37°C. When the scaffold is incubated at low temperature (20°C), 32.6% ± 6.4% of its population are detached from the scaffolds. The detached cells remain active in cell culture. This hydrogel with excellent mechanical properties and unique biological function has promising biomedical applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1786–1791, 2019.
Evaluation of antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of 1,2‐bis (p‐amino‐phenoxy) ethane derivative Schiff bases and metal complexes
Authors: Parlak Akif Evren , Cakmak Haluk , Sandal Suleyman , Yılmaz Bayram , Sekerci Memet , Karagöz Genc Zuhal , Tuzcu Mehmet , Karatepe Mustafa
Published: November 2018

In this study, the effects of the two Schiff base derivatives and their metal complexes were tested for MDA concentration, which is an indicator of lipid peroxidation, antioxidant vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C levels in cell culture. A comparison was performed among the groups and it was observed that MDA, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C concentrations were statistically changed. According to the results, all compounds caused a significant oxidative stress without Zn complexes. Moreover, Mn(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), and Ni(II) complexes of Schiff bases derived from a condensation of 1,2‐bis (p‐aminophenoxy) ethane with naphthaldehydes and 4‐methoxy benzaldehyde were examined in terms of antitumor activity against MCF‐7 human breast cancer and L1210 murine leukemia cells. Furthermore, the derivatives were tested for antioxidative and prooxidative effects on MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. The compounds which were tested revealed that there was an antitumor activity for MCF‐7 and L 1210 cancer cells. Also, some of the compounds induced oxidative harmful.
Biological evaluation of some quinoline derivatives with different functional groups as anticancer agents
Authors: Köprülü Tuğba Kul , Ökten Salih , Tekin Şaban , Çakmak Osman
Published: November 2018

Due to a great deal of biological activities, quinoline derivatives have drawn attention for synthesis and biological activities in the search for new anticancer drug development. In this work, a variety of substituted (phenyl, nitro, cyano, N‐oxide, and methoxy) quinoline derivatives (3‐13) were tested in vitro for their biological activity against cancer cell lines, including rat glioblastoma (C6), human cervical cancer cells (HeLa), and human adenocarcinoma (HT29). 6‐Bromo‐5‐nitroquinoline (4), and 6,8‐diphenylquinoline (compound 13) showed the greatest antiproliferative activity as compared with the reference drug, 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), while the other compounds showed low antiproliferative activity. 6‐Bromo‐5‐nitroquinoline (4) possesses lower cytotoxic activity than 5‐FU in HT29 cell line. Due to its the apoptotic activity 6‐Bromo‐5‐nitroquinoline (4) has the potential to cause cancer cell death.
Fisetin induces apoptosis in breast cancer MDA‐MB‐453 cells through degradation of HER2/neu and via the PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Guo Gang , Zhang Wenjie , Dang Minyan , Yan Mingzhu , Chen Zheng
Published: November 2018

Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is observed in breast cancer. The major snag faced by the human population is the development of chemoresistance to HER2 inhibitors by advanced stage breast cancer cells. Moreover, recent researchers focussed on fisetin as an antiproliferative and chemotherapeutic agent. Therefore, this study was intended to analyze the effects of fisetin on HER2/neu‐overexpressing breast cancer cell lines. Our results depicted that fisetin induced apoptosis of these cells by various mechanisms, such as inactivation of the receptor, induction of proteasomal degradation, decreasing its half‐life, decreasing enolase phosphorylation, and alteration of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt signaling.
Lidocaine inhibits melanoma cell proliferation by regulating ERK phosphorylation
Authors: Chen Jun , Jiao Zhihua , Wang Aizhong , Zhong Wenhui
Published: November 2018

The melanoma is responsible for the majority of all skin cancer–related deaths worldwide. Evidence suggests that local anesthetics provide some benefit in the treatment of cancer via inhibition of cellular proliferation, invasion and migration. However, the potential antiproliferative effects of local anesthetics in the treatment of melanoma remain to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the antiproliferative effects and underlying mechanism of the commonly used local anesthetic (lidocaine) on melanoma cells. A375 melanoma cells were treated by lidocaine or vemurafenib. Cell Counting Kit‐8, histological staining, flow cytometric analysis, immunohistochemical staining, and Western blot analyses were carried out to test the effects of lidocaine and vemurafenib on A375 cells. BALB/C‐nu/nu mice intraperitoneally injected with A375 cells were treated by lidocaine, and then tumor volume and weight were calculated. Lidocaine exhibited vemurafenib‐like effects totally. Lidocaine inhibited A375 melanoma cell proliferation in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner and colony formation also showed a dose‐dependent inhibition. Lidocaine treatment resulted in the arrest of cell‐cycle progression in the G1 phase and inhibited Ki‐67 expression in a dose‐dependent manner. This effect was associated with inhibited extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. In vivo experiments revealed that intravenous injections of lidocaine suppressed tumor volume and weight. Lidocaine inhibits melanoma cell proliferation in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner via a mechanism that may involve inhibition of the ERK signaling pathway. Thus, lidocaine may provide some benefit for the treatment of melanoma.