bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
California air resources board forest carbon protocol invalidates offsets
Authors: Marino Bruno D V , Mincheva Martina , Doucett Aaron
Published: June 2019

The commercial asset value of sequestered forest carbon is based on protocols employed globally, however, their scientific basis has not been validated. We review and analyze commercial forest carbon protocols and offsets, claimed to have reduced net greenhouse gas emissions, issued by the California Air Resources Board and validated by the Climate Action Reserve (CARB-CAR). CARB-CAR protocol annual offsets, resulting from forest mensuration and growth simulation models, are compared with a population of forest field sites for which annual net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of carbon was measured directly as flux by CO2 eddy covariance, a meteorologically based method integrating forest carbon pools. We characterize differences between the protocols by testing the null hypothesis that the CARB-CAR commercial annual offset data fall within the boundaries of directly measured forest carbon NEE; gC m-2yr-1 are compared for both datasets. Irrespective of geographic location and project type, the CARB-CAR population annual mean value is significantly different from the NEE population mean at the 95% confidence interval, rejecting the null hypothesis. The CARB-CAR population exhibits standard deviation ~5x that of the NEE natural ranges; the variance exceeds the 5% compliance limit for invalidation of CARB-CAR offsets. Exclusion of the soil carbon pool typical for CARB-CAR net carbon budgets pose insuperable carbon accounting uncertainty for offsets that extend to vendor platforms and policies including the United Nations Program on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation and the Paris Agreement. NEE methodology for commercial forest carbon offsets ensures in situ molecular specificity, verification of claims for net carbon balance, performance-based pricing and harmonization of carbon protocols for voluntary and compliance markets worldwide, in contrast to continuing uncertainty posed by traditional estimation-based forest carbon protocols.
Sonic hedgehog signaling in astrocytes mediates cell type-specific synaptic organization
Authors: Hill Steven A , Blaeser Andrew S , Coley Austin A , Xie Yajun , Shepard Katherine A , Harwell Corey C , Gao Wen-Jun , Garcia A Denise R
Published: June 2019

Astrocytes have emerged as integral partners with neurons in regulating synapse formation and function, but the mechanisms that mediate these interactions are not well understood. Here, we show that Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling in mature astrocytes is required for establishing structural organization and remodeling of cortical synapses in a cell type-specific manner. In the postnatal cortex, Shh signaling is active in a subpopulation of mature astrocytes localized primarily in deep cortical layers. Selective disruption of Shh signaling in astrocytes produces a dramatic increase in synapse number specifically on layer V apical dendrites that emerges during adolescence and persists into adulthood. Dynamic turnover of dendritic spines is impaired in mutant mice and is accompanied by an increase in neuronal excitability and a reduction of the glial-specific, inward-rectifying K+ channel Kir4.1. These data identify a critical role for Shh signaling in astrocyte-mediated modulation of neuronal activity required for sculpting synapses.
Vps8 overexpression inhibits HOPS-dependent trafficking routes by outcompeting Vps41/Lt
Authors: Lőrincz Péter , Kenéz Lili Anna , Tóth Sarolta , Kiss Viktória , Varga Ágnes , Csizmadia Tamás , Simon-Vecsei Zsófia , Juhász Gábor
Published: June 2019

Two related multisubunit tethering complexes promote endolysosomal trafficking in all eukaryotes: Rab5-binding CORVET that was suggested to transform into Rab7-binding HOPS. We have previously identified miniCORVET, containing Drosophila Vps8 and three shared core proteins, which are required for endosome maturation upstream of HOPS in highly endocytic cells (Lőrincz et al., 2016a). Here, we show that Vps8 overexpression inhibits HOPS-dependent trafficking routes including late endosome maturation, autophagosome-lysosome fusion, crinophagy and lysosome-related organelle formation. Mechanistically, Vps8 overexpression abolishes the late endosomal localization of HOPS-specific Vps41/Lt and prevents HOPS assembly. Proper ratio of Vps8 to Vps41 is thus critical because Vps8 negatively regulates HOPS by outcompeting Vps41. Endosomal recruitment of miniCORVET- or HOPS-specific subunits requires proper complex assembly, and Vps8/miniCORVET is dispensable for autophagy, crinophagy and lysosomal biogenesis. These data together indicate the recruitment of these complexes to target membranes independent of each other in Drosophila, rather than their transformation during vesicle maturation.
Aurorae Borealis Theoria Nova
Authors: Hell Maximilianus
Published: June 2019

For a detailed summary of contents, see the introduction by Per Pippin Aspaas, pp. 10-13.
A proposed terminology for the dentition of gomphodont cynodonts and dental morphology in Diademodontidae and Trirachodontidae
Authors: Hendrickx Christophe , Abdala Fernando , Choiniere Jonah N.
Published: June 2019

Gomphodont cynodonts were close relatives of mammals and one of the Mesozoic lineages of cynodont therapsids that became extinct at the end of the Triassic. Gomphodonts were omnivorous to herbivorous animals characterized by labiolingually expanded postcanines, which allowed tooth-to-tooth occlusion. The morphology of the upper and lower postcanines presents important means of distinguishing among major lineages within Gomphodontia, that is, Diademodontidae, Trirachodontidae, and Traversodontidae, but the dentition of most Diademodontidae and Trirachodontidae remain poorly documented. Here, we present a comprehensive description of the dentition of each diademodontid and trirachodontid species, as well as detailed illustrations of each dental unit, after firsthand examination of material and 3D reconstructions of postcanine teeth. Based on dental morphology,Trirachodon berryiand “Trirachodon kannemeyeri,” considered as separate taxa by some authors are here interpreted as representing different ontogenetic stages of the same species. Likewise,SinognathusandBeishanodon, thought to belong to non-cynognathian cynodonts and traversodontids by some authors, are referred to Trirachodontidae and Gomphodontia based on dental characters, respectively. Finally, we propose a standardized list of terms and abbreviations for incisors, canines, and postcanines anatomical entities, with the goal of facilitating future descriptions and communication between researchers studying the gomphodont dentition.
Temperament and character profiles of medical students associated with tolerance of ambiguity and perfectionism
Authors: Leung Janni , Cloninger C. Robert , Hong Barry A. , Cloninger Kevin M. , Eley Diann S.
Published: June 2019

Background

Certain personal attributes, such as perfectionism and tolerance of ambiguity, have been identified as influential in high achieving students. Medical students have been identified as high achievers and perfectionistic, and as such may be challenged by ambiguity. Medical students undertake a long and challenging degree. Personality has been shown to influence the well-being and coping and may equip some students to better cope with challenges. This paper examines the association between temperament and character personality profiles with measures of tolerance of ambiguity and with both adaptive and maladaptive constructs of perfectionism.

Methods

A self-report questionnaire collected data on a sample of 808 Australian medical students in 2014 and 2015. Personality was measured using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCIR-140) and classified traits as profiles using a latent class analysis. Two profiles were found. Profile 1 was characterized by low-average levels of Harm Avoidance, and high to very high levels of Persistence, Self-Directedness and Cooperativeness. Moderately-high levels of Harm Avoidance and high levels of Persistence, Self-Directedness and Cooperativeness characterized Profile 2. Moderation regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between the personality profiles with levels of Tolerance of Ambiguity (MSAT-II), Perfectionism-Concern over Mistakes and Perfectionism-High Standards (FMPS), considering demographic characteristics.

Results

Students with Profile 1 were higher in levels of Tolerance of Ambiguity, and Perfectionism-High Standards, and lower levels of Perfectionism-Concern over Mistakes compared to Profile 2. These findings remained statistically significant after adjusting for age and gender. A significant personality by age interaction on Tolerance of Ambiguity was found. While higher levels of Tolerance of Ambiguity were associated with older age overall, it remained low across age for students with a personality Profile 2.

Conclusions

A particular combination of personality traits was identified to be associated with low Tolerance of Ambiguity and high levels of maladaptive Perfectionism. An intolerance of ambiguity and over concern about mistakes may be maladaptive and underlie vulnerability to stress and poor coping. The psychobiological model of personality provides insight into traits that are stable and those that can be self-regulated through education and training. The interaction between biological mechanisms and socio-cultural learning is relevant to a sample of medical students because it accounts for interaction of the biological or innate aspects of their personal development within an intense and competitive learning environment of medical school.
Capsazepine prolongation of the duration of lidocaine block of sensory transmission in mice may be mediated by modulation of HCN channel currents
Authors: Zhao Wenling , Liang Peng , Liu Jin , Li Huan , Liao Daqing , Chen Xiangdong , Li Qian , Zhou Cheng
Published: June 2019

Background and objectives

Hyperpolarization-activation cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels contribute to the effects of lidocaine. Capsazepine (CPZ), a competitive inhibitor of capsaicin of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 channel, has also been found to inhibit HCN channel currents (Ih). This study was designed to investigate whether CPZ could prolong durations of lidocaine in regional anesthesia.

Methods

Mouse HCN1 and HCN2 channels were expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK 293) cells. The effect of CPZ on Ih was measured by whole-cell patch-clamping recording. Sciatic nerve block model in mice was used for the study in vivo. The mice were randomly divided into seven groups, respectively, receiving lidocaine, CPZ, ZD7288 (HCN channel blocker), CPZ + lidocaine, ZD7288 + lidocaine, ZD7288 + CPZ + lidocaine, forskolin (an activator of adenylyl cyclase) + CPZ + lidocaine. Regional anesthetic durations of lidocaine were determined. Voltage-gated sodium channel currents (INa) and Ih were recorded in dorsal root ganglion neurons of mice. The effects of CPZ on INa and Ih with or without Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) were assessed. Isolated mice sciatic nerve was prepared to evaluate the effect of CPZ on the compound action potentials (CAP).

Results

Capsazepine non-selectively inhibited transfected mHCN1 and mHCN2 channel currents in HEK 293 cells. In sciatic nerve block in vivo, compared to lidocaine alone, adding CPZ extended the durations of lidocaine for noxious sensory block (35.1 ± 3.3 vs. 20.3 ± 1.7 min), tactile sensory block (25.5 ± 4.4 vs. 20.0 ± 3.7 min), thermal sensory block (39.6 ± 6.6 vs. 26.8 ± 5.5 min), and motor function block (28.6 ± 4.1 vs. 20.9 ± 4.2 min). Duration of thermal sensory block was longer in CPZ + lidocaine group than that of ZD7288 + lidocaine group (39.6 ± 6.6 vs. 33.4 ± 4.5 min). Forskolin reversed the prolongation by CPZ on lidocaine durations. CPZ or ZD7288 alone did not produce typical regional anesthetic effects. Increased intracellular concentration of cAMP reversed the inhibition of CPZ on Ih. Although CPZ alone inhibited INa at the concentration more than 30 μM, it did not inhibit the CAP amplitudes in isolated sciatic nerves. CPZ dose-dependently enhanced the inhibitory effect of 1% lidocaine on the CAP amplitudes.

Conclusions

Capsazepine may prolong durations of lidocaine in peripheral nerve block by modulation of HCN channel currents.
Development of the cephalopod-specific universal primer set and its application for the metabarcoding analysis of planktonic cephalopods in Korean waters
Authors: Kim Eun-Bi , Lee Soo Rin , Lee Chung Il , Park Hyun , Kim Hyun-Woo
Published: June 2019

Although spatiotemporal analysis of the cephalopod larvae provides the useful information for the effective management of their resources, it has been difficult mainly due to their low numbers in the mixed zooplankton net samples and difficulty in morphological identification. In order to analyze the planktonic cephalopods using next-generation sequencing (NGS), we have designed a cephalopod-specific universal (CPD) primer set targeting a region covering mitochondrial cytochrome b and ND6 genes based on the currently identified 36 complete cephalopod mitochondrial genome sequences in the GenBank database. The expected amplicon sizes by CPD primers were between 465 and 471 bp, which was applicable to the MiSeq system (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). NGS results of pooled DNAs from 8 months (including 739 zooplankton net samples) collected from Korean waters in 2016 showed the exclusive cephalopod sequences with little contaminant sequences supporting the specificity of CPD primer set. Total 47 representative cephalopod haplotypes (seven families and 10 genera) were obtained from 1,439,414 merged reads. Among the total analyzed haplotypes,Watasenia scintillans,Todarodes pacificus, andSepiola birostratawere the most abundant species in Korean waters. Two “unidentified” clades in order Oegopsida were identified, which was showed less than 90% sequence identity but closely related to Enoploteuthidae and Idiosepiidae, respectively. Monthly changes in proportions of each haplotype were also identified, which may reflect its reproduction and spawning period. The larvae ofW. scintillanswas dominant from February to June, while high proportions of other cephalopod taxa were also identified from August to November. Only single haplotype was dominant inW. scintillans(Type 2) throughout the year, while two distinct haplotypes showed seasonal differences inT. pacificus.
Developed and Evaluation of Slow Release Phosphorus Fertilizer Using Mono-ammonium Phosphate and Di-ammonium Phosphate
Authors: Rohily Khalid Al , Ghoneim Adel , El-Hamshary Hany , Modaihsh Abdullah
Published: June 2019

Phosphorus (P) availability is generally low in Calcareous soils due to its association with soil constituents forming other P compounds that are of low solubility and availability for plant uptake. In particular, phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) in Saudi Arabia agricultural soils is very low. Therefore, there is a growing interest in finding an effective approach to improve PUE. Fertilizer coating with polymers has become a recognized strategy for controlling the release of nutrients and regulating their availability in the soil. In this study, two fertilizers types of phosphate-bound alginate-graft polyacrylamide (P-Alg-g-PAM) were prepared using mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP). A matrix of sodium alginate (Alg) and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was phosphorylated using either MAP or DAP, followed by grafting with acrylamide. An incubation study was conducted by using three soils with different CaCO3 content to evaluated the performance of developed fertilizer (slow-release MAP and slow-release DAP) compared with the commercial MAP and DAP fertilizer. The developed fertilizer exhibited P release of 77% for the slow release MAP and 57% for the slow release DAP until the 45 days of the application at pH 7 and 25°C. The results of incubation study, indicated that the available soil-P significantly (P<0.05) varied between the different P fertilizers. In the beginning of the incubation period, the available soil- P into different soil from slow-release MAP and DAP was slightly lower than the commercial MAP and DAP, but with the time proceed, the slow-release MAP and slow-release DAP resultant in more available soil- P than the uncoated MAP and uncoated DAP. The results indicated that, the fertilizers could be classified into two groups: the first “fast release” group showed total P release in the 10 days after incorporation of uncoated MAP and uncoated DAP fertilizers into soil. The second “slow release” group included coated slow- release MAP and coated slow- release DAP fertilizer, released of about 70% during the period of 10-30 days after incubation. The results of P fractionation chemical analysis indicated that, the soluble, exchangeable-P, Ca-occluded-P fraction, was the most dominated P forms distributed among the soils.
Screening Groundnut (Arachis hypogeae) Genotypes for Resistance to Early and Late Leaf Spot Diseases
Authors: Alidu M. S. , Abukari S. , Abudulai M.
Published: June 2019

Background for the Study: Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important crop both in subsistence and commercial agriculture in Ghana. Early leaf spot (Cercospora arachidicola) and late leaf spot (Cercosporidium personata) are major limiting factors to groundnut productivity in Ghana.

Aim: The objective of the study was to screen groundnut genotypes for resistance to Early and Late leaf spot diseases.

Study Design: The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated three (3) times.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted from May to December 2013 at the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute experimental site at Nyankpala in the Northern Region. The site lies between latitude 9°25´141 North and longitude 0°58’142 West and an altitude of 183 m.

Methodology: The land was done using a tractor and field divided into plots of 2 m x 5 m with 1 m interval between plots. Sowing was done on 3rd June 2013. One seed was planted per hole at a depth of approximately 4 cm. Early and late leaf spot ratings were recorded at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting, using a ten-point scale. At pod maturity, plants from the middle two rows of each plot were hand-harvested and weights of the above ground foliage and underground pods were oven-dried to obtain dry haulm weight and pod yield respectively. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using Genstat statistical package (12th edition). Means were separated using the least significant difference at 5%.

Results: The were significant differences (P < .001) among the groundnut genotypes in terms of severity for both early and late leaf spot diseases. F-Mix, NC 7, PC 79-79, F-Mix × SINK 24 and NKATIE-SARI had lowest score for both early and late leaf spot diseases. Among the 21 groundnut genotypes, F-Mix recorded the highest pods yield of 1100kg/ha and haulm weight of 5867 kg/ha followed by NC 7 with total pods yield of 900 kg/ha and haulm weight of 5373 kg/ha. PC 79-79 had a total pods yield of 666.7 kg/ha and haulm weight of 4867kg/ha. The pods yield of F-Mix × SINK 24 was 533.3 kg/ha and haulm weight of 4600 kg/ha. NKATIE-SARI recorded pods yield of 500 kg/ha and haulm weight of 4633 kg/ha.

Conclusions: From the study, the genotypes F-Mix, NC 7, PC 79-79, F-Mix × SINK 24 and NKATIE-SARI were found to be resistance to both early and late leaf spot disease whereas Chinese, Doumbala, GM 120, GM 324 and ICGV 86015 were susceptible to both diseases.
Sample Preparation Strategies for Analytical Determinations
Authors: Torrijos Rafael Cela , Mariño Iria González , Goyanes Rosa Montes , Álvarez José B. Quintana , Criado María Ramil , Rodríguez Mª Rosario Rodil , Rodríguez Pereiro Isaac
Published: June 2019

Sample preparation techniques have experienced an explosive development during the past decades. Procedural approaches that use minimal sample amounts reducing to the limit and sometimes eliminating completely the use of toxic and/or environmentally unfriendly solvents and reagents have emerged as standard in the analytical laboratory. At the same time, significant improvements in sensitivity and selectivity have appeared. This article revised the principal developments of sample preparation methods for analytical determinations as produced recently. The approach is systematic, classifying the procedures into two broad groups: methods based on equilibrium and exhaustive methods. In each case, the principal methods are revisited with a brief description about the principles and chemistry involved and some significant examples. A large number of bibliographic references allow a deeper study on each case, when necessary.
Polydiacetylene Bio‐ and Chemo‐Sensors
Authors: Jelinek Raz
Published: June 2019

Polydiacetylenes (PDA) are a family of conjugated polymers exhibiting unique optical properties, specifically color and fluorescence transformations. Since their first synthesis in the early 1970s, PDAs have attracted significant interest as useful and promising platforms for sensing applications, based upon the observations that varied external stimuli can induce the color and/or fluorescence transitions. Another attractive facet of PDA systems has been the feasibility to mold the polymers in diverse configurations and morphologies – vesicles, microtubes, supported films, hybrid porous matrixes, and others. This diversity makes PDA assemblies promising conduits for practical biosensing and chemosensing applications and sensor device construction. This article presents PDA‐based sensing schemes and their potential applications in biology, chemistry, art restoration, and others.
Application of Small‐Angle X‐Ray Scattering in Studies of Biological Macromolecules
Authors: Gräwert Tobias , Svergun Dmitri
Published: June 2019

Biological small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) allows one to study overall structures and structural transitions of many biological macromolecules in solution, under close to native conditions. Sample preparation for SAXS is straightforward with no crystallization, labelling or immobilization needed, thus significantly reducing the risk of preparation artefacts. The size range of objects that can be studied spans from small peptides like insulin or nucleic acid aptamers up to megadalton‐size multi subunit complexes and viruses. With a single measurement being performed in sub‐second time scale at modern synchrotron facilities it is possible to study rapid kinetics or decaying samples. SAXS data give insights into size, shape, oligomeric composition and flexibility of the probed macromolecules and complexes. SAXS is useful as a standalone technique but also as a complementary method that profits from the availability of experimental or predicted high resolution models of the studied objects or their fragments and funnels them together with scattering data in powerful hybrid method approaches. Thanks to all these advantages and constant new developments, the use of SAXS to address challenging biological questions is steadily increasing. Here, we review the latest developments providing insights into the wide range of applications that benefit from SAXS.
Teaching Speaking to High School Students
Authors: Pierce Janet L.
Published: June 2019

Throughout history there have been many theories and methods on how to teach speaking to high school or secondary level English language learners (ELLs). Currently teachers utilize a blend of the many theories and methods to teach high school ELLs to speak English. This includes providing numerous opportunities for ELLs to learn pronunciation and vocabulary that they can apply to multiple contexts, using authentic materials, learned conversational constructs, and dialogues they apply in their conversation in order to use language in appropriate and meaningful ways in the classroom and workplace.
Change to Parental Involvement
Authors: Hill Kelly
Published: June 2019

Researchers identify parental involvement as a key indicator for student success in school. Relevant theories inform parental involvement practices, all of which explain the interconnected nature of children, families, communities, and broader contexts. The learner cannot be removed from influences of their environment; this is critical for fully understanding students and engaging families in their child's learning and development. Educators can implement frameworks for parent involvement as well as essential practices for engaging parents and families to enhance learning and developmental outcomes for students.
Luminescence
Authors: Zottnick Sven H. , Sorg Jens R. , Müller‐Buschbaum Klaus , Fouassier Claude
Published: June 2019

This chapter targets a detailed explanation of luminescence by describing processes, responsible species as well as important applications. Therefore, the main families of luminescent species and ions are introduced and the origin of their luminescence is discussed in detail in terms of excitation, emission and energy transfer. Recent applications give insights to the relevance of the field.
Electrets
Authors: Kaufman George K. , Gooding Diana M.
Published: June 2019

Electrets are materials that have a permanent electric field at their surface, analogous to how magnets have a permanent magnetic field. Their electric field arises from a net electrical charge or polarization. This article focuses on the former electrets that bear a net charge. This charge can develop and dissipate in various ways. This article briefly describes advances in our understanding of how charge develops by contact electrification, corona charging, and direct charging from electrodes, and how charge dissipates by electrostatic discharge and charge decay. We also describe ways to pattern charge, including electrical microcontact printing, atomic force microscope‐assisted nanolithography, and new techniques for forming three‐dimensional structures. Lastly, we highlight several relatively new or still‐developing uses for electrets, including electrostatic self‐assembly for sub‐micron xerography, electrostatic generators for harvesting energy or for self‐powered sensing, sources of X‐rays that do not require high‐voltage sources of power, bioactive materials for implants, and electret‐driven chemical reactions.
Developing Ligands to Target Transition Metals in Cancer
Authors: Utterback Rachel D. , Tomat Elisa
Published: June 2019

Transition metals are essential for the function for numerous metalloproteins and cofactors in living systems. Their acquisition, transport, and storage are tightly regulated and the homeostasis of redox‐active cations such as iron and copper is especially critical to prevent the damaging effects of oxidative stress. Indeed the dyshomeostasis of metals has been observed in the pathophysiology of several diseases, and multiple metal‐binding compounds are currently under investigation as therapeutic candidates. Herein, we focus on the altered metal metabolisms of malignant cells and on metal‐binding strategies for the design of cancer chemotherapeutics. Iron, copper, and zinc chelators with a variety of binding motifs have been studied for their antiproliferative effects in malignant cells, and several compounds have reached clinical trials. Recent pro‐chelation approaches, in which the chelator is activated under specific conditions, are poised to increase therapeutic indexes and avoid unwanted side effects. As additional information emerges on the roles of metals in cancer biology, the design of metal‐binding drug candidates is evolving to improve their selectivity and efficacy and to consider their effects on the immune cells present in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, extensive studies to develop inhibitors of metalloenzymes relevant to cancer growth have led to several new anticancer therapeutics that coordinate the zinc centers in the active site of the enzymes. As illustrated by the examples collected herein, approaches that target either labile or protein‐bound transition metals have significant potential to produce new therapeutic options for cancer treatment.
Alkene‐Cleaving Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenases
Authors: Kiser Philip D
Published: June 2019

Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) constitute a family of enzymes that catalyze reactions of carotenoids, stilbenoids, and closely related compounds with dioxygen to achieve regioselective oxidative splitting of their alkene bonds into carbonyl‐containing products. This activity is enabled by a nonheme iron cofactor found in all such enzymes that facilitates activation of dioxygen for the reaction. These enzymes coordinate iron using four primary sphere His residues and an associated set of three outer sphere Glu residues. In their resting states, the iron centers of these enzymes are in a high‐spin (S= 2) FeIIelectronic configuration and contain a bound solvent molecule making them five coordinate with a distorted square pyramidal geometry. The CCD iron center is reactive toward nitric oxide in the presence or absence of organic substrate and the resultingS= 3/2 {FeNO}7complex, which mimics in some respects an iron‐oxy adduct, has been used to study substrate binding to the CCD active site. Crystallographic studies using cobalt‐substituted CCDs have enabled structures of these enzymes in complex with stilbenoid substrates to be determined revealing the positioning of the scissile alkene bond with respect to the metal center. CCDs adopt a seven‐bladed β‐propeller fold with iron coordinated on the top end of the propeller axis where it is covered by an α‐helical dome that constitutes a bulk of the active site structure. While the modes of iron coordination and overall structure of carotenoid‐ and stilbenoid‐cleaving CCDs are similar, these enzymes are divergent with respect to the structure of their substrate‐binding clefts and membrane‐binding characteristics. CCDs are broadly distributed in nature and play important roles in diverse and numerous biologic processes ranging from production of retinal chromophores for light detection to degradation of lignin‐derived stilbenes in pulping‐waste sludge.
Solution‐Processed Polymer Thin‐Film Memristors with an Electrochromic Feature and Frequency‐Dependent Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: Feng Yang , Gao Xu , Zhong Ya-Nan , Wu Jia-Ling , Xu Jian-Long , Wang Sui-Dong
Published: June 2019

Emerging organic synaptic devices are promising in exploring soft and biocompatible neuromorphic computing systems. By means of a simple and low‐cost solution process, the polymer thin‐film memristors are designed and characterized. The polymer memristors have a bilayer structure composed of an ion‐rich semiconducting layer and an ion‐collecting conducting layer, where the ion redistribution depending on device operation history has an impact on carrier concentration and results in the memristive characteristics. A visible electrochromic feature is observed during the electrical measurements, supporting the proposed Li+ ion drift/diffusion mechanism. The polymer memristors show the continuous and reversible conductivity tuning with a temporary memory effect, which enables the successful emulation of the frequency‐dependent synaptic plasticity. The polymer thin‐film memristors may offer a strategy for developing building blocks of organic neuromorphic circuits.
Career readiness: Finding a place for health and safety education
Authors: Parker David L. , DeRung Dale
Published: June 2019

Background

Studies have identified gaps in health and safety knowledge and work practices of vocational students in the United States and abroad. Little is known about what, how, when, or if health and safety are taught and if the teaching that takes place is effective. Faculty skilled in their technical area may lack knowledge related to health and safety and pedagogy. This knowledge gap is compounded by a deficiency or absence of high‐quality safety and health resources for vocational and technical college faculty, the use of outdated and often inaccurate information, and lack of any standardized assessment of knowledge and skills.

Methods

To identify these knowledge gaps, we conducted group interviews with auto body collision technology and machine tool technology faculty at two colleges.

Results

Most instructors reported a rapid transition from technical trade worker or business owner into their faculty role, with little support or education related to teaching. No instructor used a defined health and safety curriculum and materials or could describe the breadth safety skills required for their profession. Instructors tested and evaluated health‐ and safety‐related skills on an ad hoc basis and said that workers and employers were ultimately responsible for job health and safety.

Conclusions

Standardized health and safety training is needed nationally and should be progressive and integrated with career‐specific educational programs. It should ensure that students obtain knowledge and understanding of how to apply the principles of safety and health and communicate with employers about health‐ and safety‐related issues.
Capture ofAlouatta guariba clamitansfor the surveillance of sylvatic yellow fever and zoonotic malaria: Which is the best strategy in the tropical Atlantic Forest?
Authors: de Abreu Filipe Vieira Santos , dos Santos Edmilson , Gomes Marcelo Quintela , Vargas Waldemir Paixão , de Oliveira Passos Pedro Henrique , Nunes e Silva Charles , Araújo Pollyanna Cardoso , Pires Jeferson Rocha , Romano Alessandro Pecego Martins , Teixeira Danilo Simonini , Lourenço‐de‐Oliveira Ricardo
Published: June 2019

Howler monkey capture is an arduous and expensive task requiring trained and specialized professionals. We compared strategies and methods to most efficiently captureAlouatta guariba clamitansin remnants of the Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro and its bordering states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo. We tested whether or not the success of expeditions in the forest with anesthetic darts, nets, and baited traps differed with and without the support of an information network, a contact chain built with key institutions and inhabitants to continuously monitor howler monkey presence. The influence of forest conditions (vegetation type and fragment size) upon darting success was also evaluated. We captured 24 free‐livingA. guariba clamitans. No howler monkey was caught with traps, probably due to the predominantly folivore feeding to high local plant diversity providing a great variety of food options. Captures based on an information network were significantly more efficient in terms of numbers of caught monkeys than without it. Captures with darts were considerably more efficient when performed in semideciduous forests and small forest fragments as opposed to ombrophilous forests or large woods. Although we walked great distances within the forest searching for howler monkeys, all but one animal were captured at the forest fringes. Hindrances to search and the darting method in the Atlantic Forest, for example, the steep terrain, high tree canopies, hunt pressure, and lowA. guariba clamitanspopulation density, were mitigated with the use of the information network in this monkey capture. Moreover, the information network enhanced the surveillance of zoonotic diseases, which howler monkeys and other nonhuman primates are reservoirs in Brazil, such as malaria and yellow fever.
Arylation of Axially Chiral Phosphorothioate Salts by Dinuclear PdI Catalysis
Authors: Chen Xiang‐Yu , Pu Maoping , Cheng Hong‐Gang , Sperger Theresa , Schoenebeck Franziska
Published: June 2019

S‐aryl phosphorothioates are privileged motifs in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and catalysts; yet, the challenge of devising a straightforward synthetic route to enantioenriched S‐aryl phosphorothioates has remained unsolved to date. We demonstrate herein the first direct C−SP(=O)(OR′)(OR′′) coupling of diverse and chiral phosphorothioate salts with aryl iodides, enabled by an air‐ and moisture‐stable PdI dimer. Our mechanistic and computational data suggest distinct dinuclear PdI catalysis to be operative, which allows for operationally simple couplings with broad scope and full retention of stereochemistry.
Supramolekulare Chemie von gespannten Kohlenstoffnanoreifen
Authors: Xu Youzhi , von Delius Max
Published: June 2019

Seit 1996 ist eine stetig wachsende Anzahl von hoch gespannten Makrozyklen präparativ zugänglich geworden, die lediglich sp2‐ oder sp‐hybridisierte Kohlenstoffatome im Ring enthalten, wobei [n]Cycloparaphenylenacetylene (CPPAs) und [n]Cycloparaphenylene (CPPs) die wichtigsten Beispiele dieser Klasse darstellen. Nachdem nun robuste und relativ allgemeine Synthesewege zu einer Vielzahl von Nanoreifen‐Strukturen zur Verfügung stehen, beginnt sich der Forschungsschwerpunkt auf die Erforschung ihrer Eigenschaften und Anwendungen zu verlagern. Aus Sicht der supramolekularen Chemie bieten diese Makrozyklen wegen ihrer nahezu perfekten Kreisform, der ungewöhnlich hohen Formstabilität und der Gegenwart von konvexen und konkaven π‐Flächen einzigartige Möglichkeiten. In diesem Kurzaufsatz besprechen wir den Einsatz von gespannten kohlenstoffreichen Nanoreifen in der Wirt‐Gast‐Chemie, der Herstellung von mechanisch verzahnten Architekturen und dem definierten Kristalldesign.
Water‐Stable Coordination Polymers as Dual Fluorescent Sensors for Highly Oxidizing Anions Cr2O72− and MnO4−
Authors: Zhang Xiu‐Du , Zhao Yue , Chen Kai , Jiang Yu‐Fei , Sun Wei‐Yin
Published: June 2019

Due to their striking optical properties, luminescent coordination polymers as sensors for the detection of hazardous species have drawn interest of researchers in consideration of the control of environmental pollution. In this work, the organic ligand 2‐(4‐((E)‐2‐(pyridine‐2‐yl)vinyl)styryl)pyridine (2‐bpeb), which possesses a large π‐conjugated system, was employed to react with d10 metal ions to obtain novel luminescent coordination polymers. Three complexes [Cd(2‐bpeb)0.5(CNA)(H2O)] (CP1), [Cd(2‐bpeb)0.5(NDC)] (CP2) and [Zn(2‐bpeb)(BDC)] (CP3) were synthesized successfully by introducing carboxylic acids of 4‐carboxycinnamic acid (H2CNA), 2,6‐naphthalene dicarboxylic acid (H2NDC) and 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid (H2BDC) as auxiliary ligands. Because of the existence of the large π‐conjugated system and d10 metal ions, all of these coordination polymers exhibit striking fluorescence properties. Impressively, all of them can function as sensors for the detection of highly oxidizing anions MnO4− and Cr2O72−, with an increased sensitivity for MnO4−.
Connecting business with the agricultural landscape: business strategies for sustainable rural development
Authors: Swaffield Simon R. , Corry Robert C. , Opdam Paul , McWilliam Wendy , Primdahl Jørgen
Published: June 2019

Agribusiness enterprises link rural landscapes to global and regional markets. The nature of these business–landscape relationships is vital to the sustainability transition. Decisions by farmers and agriculture policymakers aggregate to changes in the ecology of landscapes, but the influence of food supply system businesses on rural landscape sustainability also requires scrutiny. This article uses four international cases to present a conceptual framework for investigating how different business strategies can support agricultural landscape sustainability. Insights from North America, New Zealand, The Netherlands, and Denmark inform the framework dimensions of horizontal/territorial and vertical/systemic business–landscape relationships. Three types of business model that promote rural sustainability are highlighted: provenance, cogovernance, and placemaking. These models engage strategies such as environmental management systems, certification, ecosystem and landscape services, and spatial planning. Research directions that will improve understanding about how business can engage with rural stakeholders for more sustainable rural landscapes are identified, including the need for cross disciplinary perspectives incorporating social, ecological, and business knowledge.
Turning green subsidies into sustainability: How green process innovation improves firms' green image
Authors: Xie Xuemei , Zhu Qiwei , Wang Ruoyi
Published: June 2019

Green process innovation has been seen as a key strategy for manufacturing firms to pursue sustainable development. Yet, how to help manufacturing firms eliminate bottlenecks when implementing green process innovation remains poorly understood. To address this issue, the current study, which is anchored in the government incentive perspective, examines the drivers, contingent conditions, and consequences of green process innovation by using the panel data of manufacturing‐listed firms in China from 2013 to 2017. The results present valuable findings: (a) green subsidies are positively related to two dimensions of green process innovation, namely, cleaner production technology and end‐of‐pipe technology; (b) both cleaner production technology and end‐of‐pipe technology are positively related to firms' green image; (c) a firm's cleaner production technology mediates the relationship between green subsidies and its green image; and (d) higher absorptive capacity strengthens the indirect effect of green subsidies on a firm's green image via cleaner production technology. Our results provide meaningful theoretical and practical implications by revealing the benefits of green subsidies through green process innovation by leveraging levels of absorptive capacity.
Interactive tool for learning propagation in single‐mode optical fibers in telecommunication engineering
Authors: de Prado Rocío Pérez , García‐Cárdenas María , García‐Galán Sebastián , Muñoz‐Expósito José Enrique
Published: June 2019

Single‐mode optical fiber is one of the most extended wired transmission media providing broadband high‐speed communications all over the world whose performance highly depends on chromatic dispersion and modulation's effects. The motivation of this study is to offer a graphical analyzer of the propagation of Gaussian and super‐Gaussian light pulses directly modulated in a single‐mode optical fiber subject to chromatic dispersion of first and second‐order. The abstract nature of this electromagnetic phenomenon makes any tool that helps learners of optical fiber its understanding a useful resource. Through interactive learning, it is intended to facilitate the comprehension of the behavior of the fiber and feature its capacity in terms of bandwidth and length depending on different parameters and conditions. Also, the study and recreation of directly modulated pulses propagating in the dispersive fiber cannot only be used to teach the students how to avoid its negative impact but to use it as a mechanism to improve the properties of the whole optical communications system. The proposed analyzer consists of a MATLAB graphical user interface integrating the visualization of pulses in time, frequency and carrier's behavior together with additional graphs to interpret and correct chirp and numerical and textual indicators, menus and dialogs to understand the final outcome.
In Silico Evaluation of the Binding Site of Fucosyltransferase 8 and First Attempts to Synthesize an Inhibitor with Drug‐Like Properties
Authors: Strecker Claas , Baerenfaenger Melissa , Miehe Michaela , Spillner Edzard , Meyer Bernd
Published: June 2019

Core fucosylation of N‐glycans is catalyzed by fucosyltransferase 8 and is associated with various types of cancer. Most reported fucosyltransferase inhibitors contain non‐drug‐like features, such as charged groups. New starting points for the development of inhibitors of fucosyltransferase 8 using a fragment‐based strategy are presented. Firstly, we discuss the potential of a new putative binding site of fucosyltransferase 8 that, according to a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, is made accessible by a significant motion of the SH3 domain. This might enable the design of completely new inhibitor types for fucosyltransferase 8. Secondly, we have performed a docking study targeting the donor binding site of fucosyltransferase 8, and this yielded two fragments that were linked and trimmed in silico. The resulting ligand was synthesized. Saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR confirmed binding of the ligand featuring a pyrazole core that mimics the guanine moiety. This ligand represents the first low‐molecular‐weight compound for the development of inhibitors of fucosyltransferase 8 with drug‐like properties.
Optical Control of Transcription: Genetically Encoded Photoswitchable Variants of T7 RNA Polymerase
Authors: Seifert Swantje , Ehrt Christiane , Lückfeldt Lena , Lubeck Melissa , Schramm Frederik , Brakmann Susanne
Published: June 2019

Light‐sensing protein domains that link an exogenous light signal to the activity of an enzyme have attracted much attention for the engineering of new regulatory mechanisms into proteins and for studying the dynamic behavior of intracellular reactions and reaction cascades. Light–oxygen–voltage (LOV) photoreceptors are blue‐light‐sensing modules that have been intensely characterized for this purpose and linked to several proteins of interest. For the successful application of these tools, it is crucial to identify appropriate fusion strategies for combining sensor and enzyme domains that sustain activity and light‐induced responsivity. Terminal fusion of LOV domains is the natural strategy; however, this is not transferrable to T7 RNA polymerase because both of its termini are involved in catalysis. It is shown herein that it is possible to covalently insert LOV domains into the polymerase protein, while preserving its activity and generating new light‐responsive allosteric coupling.
Stiff left atrial syndrome after low‐dose radiotherapy for right breast cancer: The need for invasive hemodynamics at exercise
Authors: Baratto Claudia , Caravita Sergio , Perego Giovanni B. , Parati Gianfranco
Published: June 2019

Stiff left atrial (LA) syndrome is a distinct phenotype of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, characterized by predominant high LA pressure. We describe the case of a middle‐aged woman who developed exertional breathlessness during low‐dose radiotherapy for right breast cancer and who was eventually found to be affected by stiff LA syndrome. Invasive hemodynamics allowed the recognition of pathognomonic tall V waves in the wedge position during exercise, in spite of inconclusive noninvasive investigations.
Aggregation‐Induced Emission of Triphenyl‐Substituted Tristyrylbenzenes
Authors: Zhang Hao , Rominger Frank , Bunz Uwe H. F. , Freudenberg Jan
Published: June 2019

The synthesis, properties and X‐ray single‐crystal structures of two regioisomeric triphenyl tristyrylbenzenes are reported. Both C3v and Cs derivatives display aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) behavior. Regioisomerism impacts the solid‐state intermolecular interactions, the photophysical characteristics and photostability in solution.