bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Value as a Key Concept in Sustaining the Perioperative Nursing Workforce
Authors: Kapaale Chaluza C.
Published: February 2018

Perioperative nursing is faced with a staffing crisis attributed in part to minimal numbers of newly graduated nurses choosing a career in this specialty. This article analyzes and applies the concept of value to explore how to maintain an adequate perioperative nursing workforce; recruit newly graduated nurses; and encourage career professional, nurse educator, and student collaboration to generate meaningful value for perioperative nursing. This analysis revealed that value co‐creation for perioperative nursing could lead to newly graduated nurses increasingly choosing perioperative nursing as a career, and enjoying satisfying perioperative nursing careers while providing high‐quality patient care.
Surgical Fire Safety: An Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Tola Denise H. , Jillson Irene A. , Graling Paula
Published: February 2018

Surgical team members use fire risk assessment tools to determine the risk of a surgical fire occurring and facilitate communication to reduce risk. The purposes of this quality improvement project were to improve knowledge and awareness of surgical fire risk and increase practitioners’ use of a fire risk assessment tool during the surgical safety communication process. We recruited a purposive sample of participants that included all surgical team members of a metropolitan ambulatory surgical center. We based the educational intervention on published evidence and findings of a preintervention knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) survey. We assessed knowledge, current practice, and practice intent using a 10‐item pretest and posttest, and used a follow‐up posttest to assess knowledge retention and practice change. The findings suggest that a brief educational intervention regarding fire risk assessment contributes to improving staff member knowledge and use of prevention strategies.
Infrared emissivity property study and conformational analysis of helical polysilane
Authors: Zhang Muyang , Zhou Yuming , He Man , Zhang Tao , Ding Qinghua
Published: February 2018

Left and right single‐handed helical polysilane (L‐HPS and D‐HPS) and racemic helical polysilane (R‐HPS) were synthesized by the Wurtz‐type coupling reaction. The chiral dichloro(methoxycarbonyl ethyl propyl ether)methylsilane monomers applied in copolymerization were derived from methyl d/l‐lactate. The obtained polymers were characterized by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography and X‐ray diffraction. Infrared emissivity (IRE) values were also investigated. Compared to R‐HPS, L‐HPS, and D‐HPS, a pair of mirror image, showed higher crystallinity, better thermal stability, and lower IRE (8–14 mm) at the values of 0.592 and 0.576, respectively. The higher regular secondary structure of HPSs was attributed to the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds. To further study the configurations of L‐HPS, D‐HPS, and R‐HPS, rotational isomeric state scheme with molecular dynamics simulation have been utilized. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46335.
Lifetimes, direct and indirect radiative forcing, and global warming potentials of ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), and butane (C4H10)
Authors: Hodnebrog Øivind , Dalsøren Stig B. , Myhre Gunnar
Published: February 2018

The atmospheric abundance of the non‐methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) ethane, propane, and butane increased during the industrial era. In addition to weak absorption and emission of longwave radiation, these gases influence the atmospheric radiative balance indirectly, mainly as precursors for ozone (O3), and through reaction with the hydroxyl radical (OH), which leads to less OH and thereby longer atmospheric lifetime of methane (CH4). In this study, we have calculated lifetimes, direct and indirect radiative forcing (RF), and global warming potentials (GWPs) for the three compounds, using a self‐consistent methodology. Results show net RF per unit emission of 1.0, 0.9, and 0.6 mW m−2 (Tg year−1)−1 for ethane, propane, and butane, respectively. For all compounds, the direct effect is considerably smaller than the indirect effects (6% or less of the total). The indirect O3 and CH4 effects are approximately of the same magnitude. Net GWPs for a 100‐year time horizon are 10 for ethane and propane, and 7 for butane, whereof the direct GWPs are <1 for all compounds. The net GWPs are generally higher than previous estimates, mainly because our calculations include emissions for a full year rather than one season. For the compounds studied here, 100‐year GWP values do not differ substantially between each compound, considering the large uncertainties involved, and this may indicate that using values representative for a lump of NMVOCs may be sufficient. However, the climate effects may differ more between NMVOC compounds other than alkanes, such as alkenes and aromatics.
Problematising the use of education to address social inequity: Could participatory action research be a step forwards?
Authors: Giannakaki Marina‐Stefania , McMillan Ian David , Karamichas John
Published: February 2018

This paper critiques international trends towards certain school practices aimed at promoting equity and social justice by closing gaps in specific learning outcomes among students. It argues that even though some of these practices (e.g. individualised student support, data‐driven leadership) improve learning outcomes for certain groups considered ‘disadvantaged’, they fail to have a genuine impact on the issue. They remain ‘locked’ in the logic of social mobility, reaffirming the legitimacy of a hierarchical system underpinned by competitive individualism, which unfairly distributes social opportunities under the guise of ‘merit’ and ‘justice’. The paper argues that unless students develop awareness of the subtle injustices legitimised by the current system, no specialised interventions will ever tackle inequity, but will, instead, reinforce it. Yet, attempts to explicitly challenge mainstream school practices are likely to face harsh resistance from system agents due to being so ingrained in school cultures. An alternative strategy is suggested which, without being too subversive, could raise students’ awareness—what Freire called ‘conscientização’. This would entail the application of participatory action research (PAR), under the cloak of traditional (system‐aligned) action research. Such PAR, despite its political character, would initially appear to fulfil the performative role of more technical interventions (e.g. raising test scores), but in such a way that ‘conscientização’ also happens in the process. This may set the ground for social reform, encouraging the transition to a more sustainable and equitable society based on collectivity and solidarity.
Das neue fib Bulletin 80 – Teilsicherheitsbeiwerte für die Nachrechnung bestehender Massivbauwerke
Authors: Weber Michael , Caspeele Robby , Schnell Jürgen , Glock Christian , Botte Wouter
Published: February 2018

Die zuverlässigkeitsbasierte Nachrechnung bestehender Tragwerke kann auf Basis verschiedener wissenschaftlicher Verfahren erfolgen. Da jedoch bisher nur wenige mit den Eurocodes kompatible Verfahren für eine praxisgerechte Anwendung existieren, kommen für die Nachrechnung bestehender Tragwerke meist semiprobabilistische Verfahren und Teilsicherheitsbeiwerte zur Anwendung, wie sie auch zur Bemessung von Neubauwerken verwendet werden. Eine solche Beurteilung bzw. Nachrechnung bestehender Tragwerke führt oft zu sehr konservativen Ergebnissen, verbunden mit aufwendigen und kostenintensiven Verstärkungsmaßnahmen.

Vor diesem Hintergrund wurde in der fib Task Group 3.1 „Reliability and safety evaluation: full‐probabilistic and semi‐probabilistic methods for existing structures“ das neue Bulletin 80 „Teilsicherheitsbeiwerte für die Nachrechnung bestehender Massivbauwerke“ [1] erarbeitet, welches sowohl Empfehlungen für die Teilsicherheitsbeiwerte der Einwirkungs‐ als auch der Widerstandsseite enthält.

Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden neben zwei Verfahren zur Bestimmung modifizierter Teilsicherheitsbeiwerte für die Nachrechnung bestehender Massivbauwerke nach fib Bulletin 80 [1] mit schwerpunktmäßiger Betrachtung der Widerstandsseite auch Methoden zur Anpassung des Zielzuverlässigkeitsindex nach fib Bulletin 80 [1] vorgestellt. Darüber hinaus wird das Vorgehen an einem Anwendungsbeispiel erläutert.
Exploring the structure characteristics and major channels of cytochrome P450 2A6, 2A13, and 2E1 with pilocarpine
Authors: Fan Jing‐Rong , Li Heng , Zhang Hong‐Xing , Zheng Qing‐Chuan
Published: February 2018

The majority of cytochromes P450 play a critical role in metabolism of endogenous and exogenous substrates, some of its products are carcinogens. Therefore, inhibition of P450 enzymes activity can promote the detoxification and elimination of chemical carcinogens. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and adaptive steered molecular dynamics (ASMD) simulations were performed to explore the structure features and channel dynamics of three P450 isoforms 2A6, 2A13, and 2E1 bound with the common inhibitor pilocarpine. The binding free energy results combined with the PMF calculations give a reasonable ranking of binding affinity, which are consistent with the experimental data. Our results uncover how a sequence divergence of different CYP2 enzymes causes individual variations in major channel selections. On the basis of channel bottleneck and energy decomposition analysis, we propose a gating mechanism of their respective major channels in three enzymes, which may be attributed to a reversal of Phe209 in CYP2A6/2A13, as well as the rotation of Phe116 and Phe298 in CYP2E1. The hydrophobic residues not only make strong hydrophobic interactions with inhibitor, but also act as gatekeeper to regulate the opening of channel. The present study provides important insights into the structure–function relationships of three cytochrome P450s and the molecular basis for development of potent inhibitors.
Climate change and microfinance
Authors: Dowla Asif
Published: February 2018

The ongoing emission of greenhouse gases by human activities will continue to increase the temperature of the earth. Within the populations that will be most affected by global warming, the plight of many individuals is linked to the ability of microfinance institutions (MFIs) to adapt to the consequences of climate change. In this paper, we will explain the process through which climate change will impact the MFIs and their clients, and more importantly, how they can adapt to these changes. Further, we will show that in addition to being a threat, climate change also opens up opportunities for the MFIs and their clients. We recommend that the MFIs climate‐proof their existing products and services and develop new products and partnerships to deal with the consequences of climate change.
Structural Characterization of i‐Motif Structure in the Human Acetyl‐CoA Carboxylase 1 Gene Promoters and Their Role in the Regulation of Gene Expression
Authors: Kaulage Mangesh H. , Bhattacharya Santanu , Muniyappa K.
Published: February 2018

The polypurine/polypyrimidine‐rich sequences within the promoters (PI and PII) of human acetyl coenzyme A (CoA) carboxylase 1 (ACC1) gene play a vital role in determining hormone‐ or diet‐inducible expression of ACC1. PI and PII contain consecutive runs of three and three to five G/C base pairs, respectively. In a previous study, G‐rich DNA sequences of human ACC1 PI and PII were found to fold into G‐quadruplex structures; these consequently acted as strong barriers to transcription and DNA replication. Typically, stretches of C‐rich sequences that coexist with stretches of guanines have the capacity to form another four‐stranded secondary structure known as an i‐motif. However, studies on the i‐motif structure are limited and its functional significance is unclear. In the current study, through the use of a combination of different techniques, it is demonstrated that C‐rich single‐stranded DNA derived from ACC1 PI and PII form intramolecular i‐motif structures and affect normal DNA metabolic processes. Additionally, the C‐rich strands of PI and PII in duplex DNA adopt the i‐motif conformation in crowded solution environments at neutral pH. Notably, the i‐motif‐forming sequences of PI and PII suppressed luciferase gene transcription in HeLa cells. Furthermore, substitution of a nucleotide sequence that has no potential to form the i‐motif structure increases luciferase gene expression in HeLa cells. These results support the idea that C‐rich sequences within ACC1 PI and PII can form intramolecular i‐motif structures, cause suppression of transcription, and thus reveal the functional significance of C‐rich sequences in the regulation of ACC1 gene expression.
Material data mining in Nianyi Chen's scientific family
Authors: Lu Wencong , Lv Wei , Zhang Qing , Lu Kailiang , Ji Xiaobo
Published: February 2018

The origin of the material data mining (MDM) field in China can be traced back to Professor Nianyi Chen's pioneering contributions in the 80s of the 20th century. His scientific protégés have inherited his research legacy and been continuously pursuing research in this field. The present article provides an overview on the MDM research conducted by Nianyi Chen's scientific family, by reviewing these achievements of the formation criteria of amorphous phases in ternary fluorides, the discovery of new compounds in molten salt systems, the design of layered double hydroxide with desired specific surface area, and the discovery of perovskite material with desired Curie temperature. These achievements indicate that the MDM is a powerful approach in material discovery and innovation and will play a more important role in the development of Materials Genome Initiative and Materials Informatics.
Diversifying Cross‐Coupling Strategies, Catalysts and Monomers for the Controlled Synthesis of Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Baker Matthew A. , Tsai Chia‐Hua , Noonan Kevin J. T.
Published: February 2018

Chain‐growth polymerization of aromatic building blocks (termed catalyst‐transfer polycondensation or CTP) has emerged as a powerful method for the controlled synthesis of conjugated polymers. CTP affords semiconducting materials with predictable molecular weights, relatively narrow molar mass distributions and tailored backbone compositions (e.g. blocks, gradients, stars). Homogeneous catalysis utilizing transition metals has played a critical role in the rise of this field and this Minireview is designed to highlight some of the catalysts employed for these polycondensations. Some descriptions of the metal and ancillary ligands are included, along with which catalysts have been used for different aromatic monomers. Cross‐coupling strategies are discussed briefly for ease of use. Finally, some potential future directions are described for further evolution of this exciting area.
One‐step Access to Resorcinsalens—Solvent‐Dependent Synthesis, Tautomerism, Self‐sorting and Supramolecular Architectures of Chiral Polyimine Analogues of Resorcinarene
Authors: Szymkowiak Joanna , Warżajtis Beata , Rychlewska Urszula , Kwit Marcin
Published: February 2018

Substituted 2,4‐ and 4,6‐dihydroxyisophthalaldehydes were condensed with optically pure and racemic trans‐1,2‐diaminocyclohexane to form resorcinarene‐like polyimine macrocycles (resorcinsalens), the structure and stoichiometry of which were controlled by the choice of the reaction medium. Particularly, the cyclocondensation reactions were driven by the solubility, tautomerization, or by social self‐sorting. The resorcinsalens crystallized as inclusion compounds, in which the guest molecules were situated either in channels or in voids. In the highly hydrated crystals of one of the [2+2] macrocycles and chloroform‐solvated crystals of a [4+4] product the channels were interconnected, as in zeolites, enabling possible migration of loosely bound solvent molecules in three dimensions. The association mode depended on the structural modification of the host molecule and the type of included solvent molecule(s).
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Cascade Synthesis of Benzofuranylmethylidene‐Benzoxasiloles: Elucidating Reaction Mechanism and Efficient Solid‐State Fluorescence
Authors: Namba Tomoya , Hayashi Yoshihiro , Kawauchi Susumu , Shibata Yu , Tanaka Ken
Published: February 2018

A new synthetic route to highly fluorescent benzofuranylmethylidenebenzoxasiloles through cationic rhodium(I)/binap complex‐catalyzed cascade cycloisomerization of bis(2‐ethynylphenol)silanes has been developed involving 1,2‐silicon and 1,3‐carbon (alkyne) migrations followed by oxycyclization. The present synthesis requires only three steps, starting from commercially available dichlorodiisopropylsilane, which is markedly shorter than our previous synthesis (eight steps starting from commercially available chlorodiisopropylsilane). Theoretical calculations elucidated the mechanism of the above cascade cycloisomerization. This reaction is initiated by the formation of a rhodium vinylidene not through direct 1,2‐silicon migration but rather through an unprecedented stepwise 1,5‐silicon migration followed by C−Si bond‐forming cyclization from a dearomatized allenylrhodium complex. Subsequent 1,3‐carbon (alkyne) migration leading to a η3‐allenyl/propargyl‐rhodium complex followed by oxycyclization through π‐bond (alkyne) activation with the cationic rhodium(I) complex affords the benzofuranylmethylidenebenzoxasilole product. The structure–fluorescence property relationships of the thus obtained benzofuranylmethylidenebenzoxasiloles were investigated, which revealed that good fluorescence quantum yields were generated in the solution state (φF=69–87 %) by introduction of electron‐donating alkyl and phenyl groups on two phenoxy groups. In the powder state, 4‐methyl‐ and 4‐methoxy‐phenoxy derivatives exhibited efficient blue fluorescence (φF=52 % and 46 %, respectively). Especially, the 4‐methylphenoxy derivative was thermally stable, and exhibited strong narrow‐band fluorescence in the film state (blue, φF=95 %) and redshifted strong narrow‐band fluorescence (green, φF=90 %) in the crystalline state as a result of the formation of an offset π‐stacked dimer; the latter was confirmed by X‐ray crystallographic analysis and by theoretical calculations.
Self‐Sorting of Metal–Organic Polymeric Assemblies in Gels: Selective Templation and Catalysis of Homodimers
Authors: Konavarapu Satyanarayana K. , Dey Avishek , Garai Abhijit , Biradha Kumar
Published: February 2018

The development of generic strategy is essential for the construction of higher order supramolecular assemblies from the mixture of molecular components. Such higher order aggregations are possible through a self‐sorting phenomenon, which is not well‐explored in gel materials. Here, first examples of self‐sorting in the coordination polymer (CP) based gels have been explored using three and four component systems. The self‐sorting phenomenon has been monitored through a [2+2] photochemical reaction in the gel state and characterized by 1H NMR, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and single crystal XRD analyses. Furthermore, AgI was shown to act as a supramolecular catalyst for the [2+2] photochemical reaction in gels.
Defining Ownership: An empirical assessment of the ownership measures
Authors: Sur Sujit , Gassmann Horand , Zhang Jing
Published: February 2018

Ownership is considered to be one of the crucial governance mechanisms; however, there have been no systematic attempts at validating the construct and measures used to operationalize ownership. We review the current understanding of ownership and the measures used by each perspective, namely blockholder/dispersed shareholder perspective, owner identity perspective, and aggregated ownership perspective. We thereafter critique each of these perspectives, offer hypotheses regarding their validity, and empirically assess each ownership measure vis‐à‐vis firm performance outcomes. We utilize a sample of 3,990 US firms to test our hypotheses and find no consistent results for the blockholder measure, or for the owner identity measure. However, the aggregated ownership measure consistently accounts for significant increases in explanation of variance in firm performance. Copyright © 2018 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Women as leaders in cardiovascular medicine
Authors: Walsh Mary Norine
Published: February 2018

Cardiology remains a specialty that is dominated by men. Even though half of all medical students and over 40% of internal medicine residents are women, the number of women in the field of cardiology remains low. The reasons for the persistent lack of increase in cardiology trainees are not well understood and are likely multifactorial. Despite this under‐representation, women cardiologists are increasingly visible in leadership roles, including those in research science, health systems administration, professional societies, and clinical practice. This review will highlight the various leadership roles and paths taken on by prominent women in the practice of cardiovascular medicine.
Insight into color aesthetics from probabilistic perception modeling
Authors: Bittermann Michael S.
Published: February 2018

A model of human visual perception is described. An observer is represented having no a‐priori preference for color or geometric properties of the objects in his visual field. The model includes computational representations of effectiveness and efficiency of visual memory allocation that are both based on likelihood. In the computations, the colorimetric quantities color difference, chroma, and lightness are of fundamental importance, being the state variables of model. Computer experiments are carried out verifying the validity of the model. Multiple corroborations between model outcome and commonly observed phenomena are pinpointed, indicating that aesthetical experience denotes an optimal state of visual system as to processing efficiency.
Influence of repeated firings on the color parameters of two different all‐ceramic materials
Authors: Fehmi Gönüldaş , Ersan Çelik , Caner Öztürk
Published: February 2018

All‐ceramics materials have been widely used in dental practice due to advantages of esthetic outcome. Color parameters, one of the major factors for the esthetic outcome, are affected from different factors such as repeated firings, chemical composition and thickness. In clinical practice, ceramics were frequently subjected to the repeated firings, but the effects of the repeated firings on the color parameters have been underestimated or unknown, so the aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the repeated firings on the color parameters of all‐ceramic materials. Two commercially available A2 shaded all‐ceramic systems were used in this study (lithium disilicate pressable ceramics and computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing [CAD/CAM] fabricated zirconia). Ten samples for each group (zirconia and lithium disilicate) were prepared and subjected to repeated firings, respectively (1st, 3rd, 5th). Color measurements were performed after each repeated firings using a colorimeter (Minolta CR 321, Konica Minolta, Tokyo, Japan). The perceptibility threshold and acceptability threshold for color changes (ΔE00) was defined as 0.8 and 1.8, respectively. Statistical analysis of the results was performed by using repeated measures ANOVA for color parameters and using non‐parametric Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann‐Whitney‐U test for ΔE00 values (P < .05). L*, a* values showed statistically significant differences for lithium disilicate pressable ceramics and were not significant the zirconia specimens. ΔE00 values were above the perceptibility level for both lithium disilicate and zirconia specimens. Repeated firings affect the color parameters of the lithium disilicate specimens. As a result of repeated firings, lithium disilicate ceramics become lighter and greener.
Efficient routing and reconfiguration in virtualized HPC environments with vSwitch‐enabled lossless networks
Authors: Tasoulas Evangelos , Zahid Feroz , Gran Ernst Gunnar , Begnum Kyrre , Johnsen Bjørn Dag , Skeie Tor
Published: February 2018

To meet the demands of communication‐intensive workloads in the cloud, virtual machines (VMs) should utilize low overhead network communication paradigms. In general, such paradigms enable VMs to directly communicate with the hardware by means of a passthrough technology like Single‐Root I/O Virtualization (SR‐IOV). However, when passthrough‐based virtualization is coupled with lossless interconnection networks, live migrations introduce scalability challenges due to the substantial network reconfiguration overhead. With these challenges in mind, we proposed a virtual switch (vSwitch) SR‐IOV architecture for InfiniBand in our previous work titled “Towards the InfiniBand SR‐IOV vSwitch Architecture”. In this paper, we first suggest solutions to rectify the space‐domain scalability issues that are present in vSwitch‐enabled subnets as a result of the VMs using dedicated layer‐two addresses. Then, we discuss routing strategies for virtualized environments using vSwitches and present a routing algorithm for Fat‐Trees. We also present a reconfiguration method that minimizes imposed reconfiguration overhead on Fat‐Trees. We perform an extensive evaluation of our prototype algorithms, and as vSwitch‐enabled hardware does not yet exist, we deduce from empirical observations by emulating vSwitches with existing hardware, as well as large‐scale simulations. Our results show significant reduction in the reconfiguration times as route recalculations can be eliminated, and for certain scenarios, the number of reconfiguration subnet management packets sent to switches is reduced from several hundred thousand down to a single one without degrading the routing quality.
The relationship between the therapeutic alliance and clinical outcomes in cognitive behaviour therapy for adults with depression: A meta‐analytic review
Authors: Cameron Sarah Kate , Rodgers Jacqui , Dagnan Dave
Published: February 2018

Research consistently provides evidence for the relationship between the therapeutic alliance (TA) and outcome across various therapies and presenting problems. Depression is considered the leading cause of disability worldwide, and there is substantial evidence for the efficacy for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) in its treatment. At present, there is lack of clarity specifically about the relationship between the TA and outcome in CBT for depression. The present review is the first meta‐analytic review to explore this relationship and also considering moderators. Within a random‐effects model, an overall mean effect size of r = 0.26 (95% CI [.19–.32]) was found, indicating that the TA was moderately related to outcome in CBT for depression. The mean TA–outcome correlation is consistent with existing meta‐analysis that looked across a broad range of presenting problems and psychological therapies. A secondary exploratory analysis of moderators suggested the TA–outcome relationship varied according to the TA rater, where the relationship was weaker for therapist raters compared with clients and observer raters. Additionally, the results indicated that the TA–outcome relationship marginally increased over the course of CBT treatment. The results of the meta‐analysis are discussed in reference to the wider body of research, methodological limitations, clinical implications, and future directions for research.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Bench‐to‐Bedside Approaches to Improve Drug Development
Authors: Hussain Musaddique , Xu Chengyun , Ahmad Mashaal , Majeed Abdul , Lu Meiping , Wu Xiling , Tang Lanfang , Wu Ximei
Published: February 2018

Despite 50 years of extensive research, no definite drug is currently available to treat acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and the supportive therapies remain the mainstay of treatment. To improve drug development for ARDS, researchers need to deeply analyze the “omics” approaches, reevaluate the suitable therapeutic targets, resolve the problems of inadequate animal modeling, develop the strategies to reduce the heterogeneity, and reconsider new therapeutic and analytical approaches for better designs of clinical trials.
Radio interference challenges in a multiprotocol compact RF hardware platform for home and building automation applications
Authors: Oudji Salma , Courreges Stanis , Paillard Jean‐Noël , Meghdadi Vahid , Michel Pierre
Published: February 2018

In the field of smart home and smart building, there is a wide range of products using various proprietary and open standards for their interconnection. However, the coexistence of those standards imposes serious constraints because of the inherent nature of the radio frequency propagation. A way to investigate this issue is to study the interferences in a compact hardware platform/box in which several radio transceivers work side by side, potentially causing interference and radio link degradation due to antennas coupling. To achieve this analysis and predict the radio issues, a simulation tool was developed, and several experimental tests were conducted indoors and outdoors to validate the simulation model. The compact platform investigated consists of multiprofile KNX‐RF modules for home automation and smart grid control, and a radio alarm module for security needs. Simulations were conducted using MATLAB/Simulink, which are based on a calculation of bit error rate according to the signal to noise ratio in order to deduce the radio coverage range in different interference scenarios. The simulation tool developed was optimized to match the behavior of a specific transceiver commonly used for KNX‐RF devices. Yet the tool can be adapted to simulate other kinds of transceivers. Furthermore, the methodology applied to evaluate the cross‐technology interference can be extended to other technologies like Wi‐Fi, ZigBee, and EnOcean.
How scientists perceive the evolutionary origin of human traits: Results of a survey study
Authors: Tuomisto Hanna , Tuomisto Matleena , Tuomisto Jouni T.
Published: February 2018

Various hypotheses have been proposed for why the traits distinguishing humans from other primates originally evolved, and any given trait may have been explained both as an adaptation to different environments and as a result of demands from social organization or sexual selection. To find out how popular the different explanations are among scientists, we carried out an online survey among authors of recent scientific papers in journals covering relevant fields of science (paleoanthropology, paleontology, ecology, evolution, human biology). Some of the hypotheses were clearly more popular among the 1,266 respondents than others, but none was universally accepted or rejected. Even the most popular of the hypotheses were assessed “very likely” by <50% of the respondents, but many traits had 1–3 hypotheses that were found at least moderately likely by >70% of the respondents. An ordination of the hypotheses identified two strong gradients. Along one gradient, the hypotheses were sorted by their popularity, measured by the average credibility score given by the respondents. The second gradient separated all hypotheses postulating adaptation to swimming or diving into their own group. The average credibility scores given for different subgroups of the hypotheses were not related to respondent's age or number of publications authored. However, (paleo)anthropologists were more critical of all hypotheses, and much more critical of the water‐related ones, than were respondents representing other fields of expertise. Although most respondents did not find the water‐related hypotheses likely, only a small minority found them unscientific. The most popular hypotheses were based on inherent drivers; that is, they assumed the evolution of a trait to have been triggered by the prior emergence of another human‐specific behavioral or morphological trait, but opinions differed as to which of the traits came first.
Ancient pathogen DNA in human teeth and petrous bones
Authors: Margaryan Ashot , Hansen Henrik B. , Rasmussen Simon , Sikora Martin , Moiseyev Vyacheslav , Khoklov Alexandr , Epimakhov Andrey , Yepiskoposyan Levon , Kriiska Aivar , Varul Liivi , Saag Lehti , Lynnerup Niels , Willerslev Eske , Allentoft Morten E.
Published: February 2018

Recent ancient DNA (aDNA) studies of human pathogens have provided invaluable insights into their evolutionary history and prevalence in space and time. Most of these studies were based on DNA extracted from teeth or postcranial bones. In contrast, no pathogen DNA has been reported from the petrous bone which has become the most desired skeletal element in ancient DNA research due to its high endogenous DNA content. To compare the potential for pathogenic aDNA retrieval from teeth and petrous bones, we sampled these elements from five ancient skeletons, previously shown to be carrying Yersinia pestis. Based on shotgun sequencing data, four of these five plague victims showed clearly detectable levels of Y. pestis DNA in the teeth, whereas all the petrous bones failed to produce Y. pestis DNA above baseline levels. A broader comparative metagenomic analysis of teeth and petrous bones from 10 historical skeletons corroborated these results, showing a much higher microbial diversity in teeth than petrous bones, including pathogenic and oral microbial taxa. Our results imply that although petrous bones are highly valuable for ancient genomic analyses as an excellent source of endogenous DNA, the metagenomic potential of these dense skeletal elements is highly limited. This trade‐off must be considered when designing the sampling strategy for an aDNA project.
Potential influence of nutrient availability along a hillslope: Peatland gradient on aspen recovery following fire
Authors: Depante M. , Petrone R.M. , Devito K.J. , Kettridge N. , Macrae M.L. , Mendoza C. , Waddington J.M.
Published: February 2018

The Boreal Plains (BP) of Western Canada have been exposed to increasing disturbance by wildfire and host a mixture of upland‐wetland‐pond complexes with substantial quantities of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) throughout the terrestrial areas. The ability of these tree species to regenerate within both upland and wetland areas of the BP following wildfire is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of fire on nutrient dynamics in soil and water in peatlands and forested landscapes in the BP and relate this to aspen regeneration. Nutrient concentrations, nutrient supply rates, and net nutrient mineralization rates were determined in burned and unburned sections of a peatland and forest and compared with the regeneration of aspen. NO3−, NH4+, and P varied spatially throughout the landscape, and differences were observed between peatland and upland areas. In general, differences in nutrient dynamics were not observed between burned and unburned areas, with the exception of P. Nutrient and growth data suggest that aspen do not require nutrient‐rich conditions for regeneration and instead relied on forest litter to satisfy nutrient demands. Although the peatlands contained high nutrients, aspen did not flourish in the combination of anoxic and aerobic organic‐rich soils present in this area. Although aspen may use peat water and nutrients through their rooting zones, peatlands are unsuitable for aspen re‐establishment in the long‐term. However, the combination of abundant nutrients in surface mineral soils in peat margins may indicate the vulnerability of margins to upland transformations in later successional stages.
Security analysis and improvement of a mutual authentication and key agreement solution for wireless sensor networks using chaotic maps
Authors: Li JiLiang , Zhang WeiGuo , Kumari Saru , Choo Kim‐Kwang Raymond , Hogrefe Dieter
Published: February 2018

A characteristic of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) different from traditional networks is that WSNs are vulnerable to various types of attacks because of their distinctive features, involving distributed and nomadic attribute, wireless transmission medium, and lack of centralized infrastructure of security protection. Recently, Kumari et al presented a mutual authentication and key agreement scheme for WSNs using chaotic maps. Unfortunately, we find that the scheme of Kumari et al cannot resist sensor node capture attack, session‐specific temporary information attack, sensor node impersonation attack, and man‐in‐the‐middle attack. To overcome the security weaknesses in the solution of Kumari et al, this paper introduces a secure and efficient mutual authentication and key agreement scheme for heterogeneous ad hoc WSNs in fully public channel. Consequently, compared with the solution of Kumari et al, while providing relatively higher level of security and more security features, the proposed solution remains a favorable performance on communication overhead, computation overhead, and storage overhead separately.
Horizontal gene cluster transfer increased hallucinogenic mushroom diversity
Authors: Reynolds Hannah T. , Vijayakumar Vinod , Gluck-Thaler Emile , Korotkin Hailee Brynn , Matheny Patrick Brandon , Slot Jason C.
Published: February 2018

Secondary metabolites are a heterogeneous class of chemicals that often mediate interactions between species. The tryptophan-derived secondary metabolite, psilocin, is a serotonin receptor agonist that induces altered states of consciousness. A phylogenetically disjunct group of mushroom-forming fungi in the Agaricales produce the psilocin prodrug, psilocybin. Spotty phylogenetic distributions of fungal compounds are sometimes explained by horizontal transfer of metabolic gene clusters among unrelated fungi with overlapping niches. We report the discovery of a psilocybin gene cluster in three hallucinogenic mushroom genomes, and evidence for its horizontal transfer between fungal lineages. Patterns of gene distribution and transmission suggest that synthesis of psilocybin may have provided a fitness advantage in the dung and late wood-decay fungal niches, which may serve as reservoirs of fungal indole-based metabolites that alter behavior of mycophagous and wood-eating invertebrates. These hallucinogenic mushroom genomes will serve as models in neurochemical ecology, advancing the (bio)prospecting and synthetic biology of novel neuropharmaceuticals.
Three new records of Solanum species for the flora of Saudi Arabia
Authors: El‐Shaboury Gamal A. , Haroun Soliman A. , Al‐Wadi Husain M. , Badr Abdelfattah
Published: February 2018

Recent field studies in the south‐west regions of Saudi Arabia have allowed the collection of Solanum species which have proven to represent new records for Saudi Arabia flora. These three new records are Solanum dulcamara L., Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam., and Solanum torvum Swartz of the family Solanacaeae. A detailed morphological description, distribution and habitat of each of these species is provided with illustrations and photographs. The report of these new species to the flora of Saudi Arabia indicates that the country needs more thorough botanical exploration.
Dissociable meta‐analytic brain networks contribute to coordinated emotional processing
Authors: Riedel Michael C. , Yanes Julio A. , Ray Kimberly L. , Eickhoff Simon B. , Fox Peter T. , Sutherland Matthew T. , Laird Angela R.
Published: February 2018

Meta‐analytic techniques for mining the neuroimaging literature continue to exert an impact on our conceptualization of functional brain networks contributing to human emotion and cognition. Traditional theories regarding the neurobiological substrates contributing to affective processing are shifting from regional‐ towards more network‐based heuristic frameworks. To elucidate differential brain network involvement linked to distinct aspects of emotion processing, we applied an emergent meta‐analytic clustering approach to the extensive body of affective neuroimaging results archived in the BrainMap database. Specifically, we performed hierarchical clustering on the modeled activation maps from 1,747 experiments in the affective processing domain, resulting in five meta‐analytic groupings of experiments demonstrating whole‐brain recruitment. Behavioral inference analyses conducted for each of these groupings suggested dissociable networks supporting: (1) visual perception within primary and associative visual cortices, (2) auditory perception within primary auditory cortices, (3) attention to emotionally salient information within insular, anterior cingulate, and subcortical regions, (4) appraisal and prediction of emotional events within medial prefrontal and posterior cingulate cortices, and (5) induction of emotional responses within amygdala and fusiform gyri. These meta‐analytic outcomes are consistent with a contemporary psychological model of affective processing in which emotionally salient information from perceived stimuli are integrated with previous experiences to engender a subjective affective response. This study highlights the utility of using emergent meta‐analytic methods to inform and extend psychological theories and suggests that emotions are manifest as the eventual consequence of interactions between large‐scale brain networks.
Disruption in neural phase synchrony is related to identification of inattentional deafness in real‐world setting
Authors: Callan Daniel E. , Gateau Thibault , Durantin Gautier , Gonthier Nicolas , Dehais Frédéric
Published: February 2018

Individuals often have reduced ability to hear alarms in real world situations (e.g., anesthesia monitoring, flying airplanes) when attention is focused on another task, sometimes with devastating consequences. This phenomenon is called inattentional deafness and usually occurs under critical high workload conditions. It is difficult to simulate the critical nature of these tasks in the laboratory. In this study, dry electroencephalography is used to investigate inattentional deafness in real flight while piloting an airplane. The pilots participating in the experiment responded to audio alarms while experiencing critical high workload situations. It was found that missed relative to detected alarms were marked by reduced stimulus evoked phase synchrony in theta and alpha frequencies (6–14 Hz) from 120 to 230 ms poststimulus onset. Correlation of alarm detection performance with intertrial coherence measures of neural phase synchrony showed different frequency and time ranges for detected and missed alarms. These results are consistent with selective attentional processes actively disrupting oscillatory coherence in sensory networks not involved with the primary task (piloting in this case) under critical high load conditions. This hypothesis is corroborated by analyses of flight parameters showing greater maneuvering associated with difficult phases of flight occurring during missed alarms. Our results suggest modulation of neural oscillation is a general mechanism of attention utilizing enhancement of phase synchrony to sharpen alarm perception during successful divided attention, and disruption of phase synchrony in brain networks when attentional demands of the primary task are great, such as in the case of inattentional deafness.
Veteran status, disability rating, and public sector employment
Authors: Winters John V.
Published: February 2018

This paper used microdata from the 2013–2015 American Community Survey to examine differences in federal government, state and local government, private sector, and self‐employment among employed veterans and nonveterans. The U.S. federal and state governments have hiring preferences to benefit veterans, especially disabled veterans. Other factors may also push veterans toward public sector employment. I found that veteran status substantially increased the likelihood of federal employment, with the largest magnitudes for severely disabled veterans. Differences in state and local government employment were modest and exhibited heterogeneity by disability severity.
Intestine farnesoid X receptor agonist and the gut microbiota activate G‐protein bile acid receptor‐1 signaling to improve metabolism
Authors: Pathak Preeti , Xie Cen , Nichols Robert G. , Ferrell Jessica M. , Boehme Shannon , Krausz Kristopher W. , Patterson Andrew D. , Gonzalez Frank J. , Chiang John Y.L.
Published: February 2018

Bile acids activate farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and G protein–coupled bile acid receptor‐1 (aka Takeda G protein–coupled receptor‐5 [TGR5]) to regulate bile acid metabolism and glucose and insulin sensitivity. FXR and TGR5 are coexpressed in the enteroendocrine L cells, but their roles in integrated regulation of metabolism are not completely understood. We reported recently that activation of FXR induces TGR5 to stimulate glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) secretion to improve insulin sensitivity and hepatic metabolism. In this study, we used the intestine‐restricted FXR agonist fexaramine (FEX) to study the effect of activation of intestinal FXR on the gut microbiome, bile acid metabolism, and FXR and TGR5 signaling. The current study revealed that FEX markedly increased taurolithocholic acid, increased secretion of fibroblast growth factors 15 and 21 and GLP‐1, improved insulin and glucose tolerance, and promoted white adipose tissue browning in mice. Analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA sequences of the gut microbiome identified the FEX‐induced and lithocholic acid–producing bacteria Acetatifactor and Bacteroides. Antibiotic treatment completely reversed the FEX‐induced metabolic phenotypes and inhibited taurolithocholic acid synthesis, adipose tissue browning, and liver bile acid synthesis gene expression but further increased intestinal FXR target gene expression. FEX treatment effectively improved lipid profiles, increased GLP‐1 secretion, improved glucose and insulin tolerance, and promoted adipose tissue browning, while antibiotic treatment reversed the beneficial metabolic effects of FEX in obese and diabetic mice. Conclusion: This study uncovered a mechanism in which activation of intestinal FXR shaped the gut microbiota to activate TGR5/GLP‐1 signaling to improve hepatic glucose and insulin sensitivity and increase adipose tissue browning; the gut microbiota plays a critical role in bile acid metabolism and signaling to regulate metabolic homeostasis in health and disease. (Hepatology 2018).
CO2 Conversion Enhancement in a Periodically Operated Sabatier Reactor: Nonlinear Frequency Response Analysis and Simulation‐based Study
Authors: Currie Robert , Nikolic Daliborka , Petkovska Menka , Simakov David S.A.
Published: February 2018

Conversion of CO2 into synthetic CH4 via thermocatalytic hydrogenation (the Sabatier reaction), has recently gained increasing interest as a possible route for CO2 utilization and energy storage pathway. Herein, we analyze the possibility of increasing the CO2 conversion through periodic operation of the reactor. The analysis is performed by using the Nonlinear Frequency Response (NFR) method, a recently developed analytical technique, suitable for fast evaluation of periodic reactor operations. The NFR analysis predicts a significant conversion gain (up to 50 %) for certain frequencies of the feed flow rate modulation. This prediction is validated by numerical simulations with a reaction rate expression obtained by CO2 conversion experiments using a Ni/Al2O3 catalysts. Both the NFR analysis and numerical simulations predict that it is possible to obtain 70 % CO2 conversion at 500 K, 5 bar, and average space velocity of 7600 h−1 by a periodic modulation of the feed flow rate, as compared to the corresponding steady state CO2 conversion of 43 %.