bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF FUNCTIONAL EFFICIENCY AND DURABILITY OF ROAD TRANSPORT ENTERPRISES
Authors: Fryca-Knop Joanna , Miłosz Agnieszka
Published: February 2018

The functional efficiency and durability of road transport companies is affected by a number of conditions, e.g. the particularly important social conditions. Their impact shape the effective and efficient implementation of transport processes that require a relatively constant availability of human resources providing high-quality work in the time preferred by the company. The study attempts to identify and verify the impact of these conditions on the efficiency and durability of the surveyed companies.
Taxonomy of the poorly known Quedius mutilatus group of wingless montane species from Middle Asia (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylinini)
Authors: Salnitska Maria , Solodovnikov Alexey
Published: February 2018

The Quedius mutilatus group, a very poorly known presumably monophyletic complex of wingless, possibly hypogean species confined to the Tien-Shan Mountains, is characterized as such for the first time. Newly available material clarified the identity of Q. mutilatus Eppelsheim, 1888 and Q. kalabi Smetana, 1995, each hitherto known from a handful of non-conspecific and vaguely georeferenced specimens only. Additional material is reported for Q. equus Smetana, 2014 and one species, Quedius kungeicus sp. nov., is described. All available data on the taxonomy, distribution and bionomics for all these four species of the group are summarized.
Retirement Income Gap: A Larger Economic Gender Gap?
Authors: Rojas Carolina
Published: February 2018

Although the gender wage gap has been a major topic of discussion in public policy reforms, there appears to be a larger economic impact that has not been addressed: the expansive retirement income gap. Just as the gender wage gap poses a threat to a female worker’s overall income, the resulting retirement gap further exacerbates the disparity in earnings. In this paper, I present the economic case of the effects of the gender wage gap and wealth gap in the United States on retirement income, before proceeding to examine the opposing viewpoints for conciliation. In organizing this topic, I have three main objectives: First, to present an in-depth analysis on the broader social and economic costs of the wage gap, including how it affects retirement income. Second, to analyze the retirement income gap, including reasons behind the current gender disparities in retirement security and strategies for intervention. Third, to present a recommendation for policy reform in order to mitigate future retirement income inequalities.
Repenser le temps et l’espace, du wampum au selfie
Authors: Vigneault Louise
Published: February 2018

This article considers the way certain Indigenous artists are reviving conceptions of territory and history that are anchored in secular epistemologies and the construction of knowledge. Such conceptions provide a way for these artists to respond to colonial appropriation, reactivate interrupted dialogues, engender new forms of territorialization, and create places of commemoration and memory preservation. Similar to the historiographical deconstruction performed by thinkers and activists such as Vine Deloria Jr. and Taiaiake Alfred, these artists’ works offer a model of autonomy and environmental balance. While some are reviving mnemonic practices, such as the making of wampum, which traditionally preserve memories of alliances and conflicts, others have embraced Internet and selfie technologies as a means of creating new spaces for speech and recognition.
Études sur les besoins de formation des adultes présentant une déficience intellectuelle
Authors: Tessari Veyre Aline
Published: February 2018

Les personnes présentant une déficience intellectuelle ne bénéficient que rarement d’opportunités d’apprentissage à l’âge adulte. Cette étude exploratoire a pour objectif de mettre en lumière leurs besoins en relatant les projets d’apprentissage qu’elles souhaiteraient réaliser ainsi que les raisons qui les poussent à vouloir les entreprendre. Des entretiens semi-directifs ont été menés auprès de 60 personnes adultes présentant une déficience intellectuelle. Les résultats indiquent que tous les participants expriment un intérêt marqué pour les apprentissages. La motivation intrinsèque est la raison principale qui les pousse à vouloir apprendre. Sachant que l’apprentissage à l’âge adulte est considéré comme un moyen d’améliorer la participation sociale dans différents domaines, les politiques éducatives devraient s’appuyer sur ces résultats afin d’élaborer des programmes de formation adéquats.
Ion Acceleration by Flux Transfer Events in the Terrestrial Magnetosheath
Authors: Jarvinen R. , Vainio R. , Palmroth M. , Juusola L. , Hoilijoki S. , Pfau‐Kempf Y. , Ganse U. , Turc L. , von Alfthan S.
Published: February 2018

We report ion acceleration by flux transfer events in the terrestrial magnetosheath in a global two‐dimensional hybrid‐Vlasov polar plane simulation of Earth's solar wind interaction. In the model we find that propagating flux transfer events created in magnetic reconnection at the dayside magnetopause drive fast‐mode bow waves in the magnetosheath, which accelerate ions in the shocked solar wind flow. The acceleration at the bow waves is caused by a shock drift‐like acceleration process under stationary solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field upstream conditions. Thus, the energization is not externally driven but results from plasma dynamics within the magnetosheath. Energetic proton populations reach the energy of 30 keV, and their velocity distributions resemble time‐energy dispersive ion injections observed by the Cluster spacecraft in the magnetosheath.
Spatially Distinct Seasonal Patterns and Forcings of the U.S. Warming Hole
Authors: Partridge T. F. , Winter J. M. , Osterberg E. C. , Hyndman D. W. , Kendall A. D. , Magilligan F. J.
Published: February 2018

We present a novel approach to characterize the spatiotemporal evolution of regional cooling across the eastern United States (commonly called the U.S. warming hole), by defining a spatially explicit boundary around the region of most persistent cooling. The warming hole emerges after a regime shift in 1958 where annual maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) temperatures decreased by 0.83°C and 0.46°C, respectively. The annual warming hole consists of two distinct seasonal modes, one located in the southeastern United States during winter and spring and the other in the midwestern United States during summer and autumn. A correlation analysis indicates that the seasonal modes differ in causation. Winter temperatures in the warming hole are significantly correlated with the Meridional Circulation Index, North Atlantic Oscillation, and Pacific Decadal Oscillation. However, the variability of ocean‐atmosphere circulation modes is insufficient to explain the summer temperature patterns of the warming hole.
On the Origin of the Solar Cycle Modulation of the Southern Annular Mode
Authors: Kuroda Yuhji
Published: February 2018

The Southern Annular Mode (SAM) is the dominant hemisphere‐scale mode of variability in the Southern Hemisphere. Analysis of the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis data set (ERA‐Interim) for 1979–2015 shows that stratospheric variability associated with the October–November mean SAM index is modulated in synchrony with solar activity. The sequence of stratospheric variability after July, similar to that associated with the Polar‐night Jet Oscillation in the Southern Hemisphere, is well connected to the SAM during years of stronger solar activity, but the connection is weak during years of weaker solar activity. The source of this solar cycle modulation of the SAM was examined by performing momentum and energy budget (wave energy) analyses. The momentum analysis shows that the modulation of the zonal wind comes directly from the acceleration of zonal wind produced by waves. The wave‐energy analysis suggests that the modulation is produced through energy conversion from zonal‐mean fields, mainly by the baroclinic mechanism, although diabatic processes are also important. These analyses also suggest that a key factor regarding the effect of solar activity on the structural modulation of the SAM is the intensification of the sensitivity of the wave‐mean flow interaction in the stratosphere.
Aerosol Optical Depth Over India
Authors: David Liji Mary , Ravishankara A. R. , Kodros John K. , Venkataraman Chandra , Sadavarte Pankaj , Pierce Jeffrey R. , Chaliyakunnel Sreelekha , Millet Dylan B.
Published: February 2018

Tropospheric aerosol optical depth (AOD) over India was simulated by Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS)‐Chem, a global 3‐D chemical‐transport model, using SMOG (Speciated Multi‐pOllutant Generator from Indian Institute of Technology Bombay) and GEOS‐Chem (GC) (current inventories used in the GEOS‐Chem model) inventories for 2012. The simulated AODs were ~80% (SMOG) and 60% (GC) of those measured by the satellites (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer and Multi‐angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer). There is no strong seasonal variation in AOD over India. The peak AOD values are observed/simulated during summer. The simulated AOD using SMOG inventory has particulate black and organic carbon AOD higher by a factor ~5 and 3, respectively, compared to GC inventory. The model underpredicted coarse‐mode AOD but agreed for fine‐mode AOD with Aerosol Robotic Network data. It captured dust only over Western India, which is a desert, and not elsewhere, probably due to inaccurate dust transport and/or noninclusion of other dust sources. The calculated AOD, after dust correction, showed the general features in its observed spatial variation. Highest AOD values were observed over the Indo‐Gangetic Plain followed by Central and Southern India with lowest values in Northern India. Transport of aerosols from Indo‐Gangetic Plain and Central India into Eastern India, where emissions are low, is significant. The major contributors to total AOD over India are inorganic aerosol (41–64%), organic carbon (14–26%), and dust (7–32%). AOD over most regions of India is a factor of 5 or higher than over the United States.
A Null‐Parameter Formula of Storage‐Evapotranspiration Relationship at Catchment Scale and its Application for a New Hydrological Model
Authors: Han Peng‐Fei , Wang Xu‐Sheng , Istanbulluoglu Erkan
Published: February 2018

Different formulas have been developed to estimate the mean annual evapotranspiration ratio (E/P) from the mean annual aridity index (Ep/P) based on the Budyko framework. A major challenge in using the Budyko framework for the interannual behaviors of a catchment is the missed storage. Here we develop a null‐parameter formula of the storage‐evapotranspiration relationship based on the simplified proportionality hypothesis, which takes the storage in the soil‐plant‐atmosphere continuum as the accessible water for the evapotranspiration processes. In this formula, the annual E/P depends on the annual Ep/P and S/P values where S is the soil‐plant‐atmosphere continuum storage. An annual water balance model including groundwater storage is required to estimate the annual runoff and S/P. We develop a new conceptual hydrological model with only three parameters in addition to the null‐parameter formula. The model performs well in the case study of the North Loup River Basin in Nebraska. It is found that the annual E/P increases with the increasing Ep/P around a path that is different from conventional Budyko curves. For mean annual water balance, the triparameter model results in one‐parameter formulas to estimate both of the mean annual E/P and S/P so that the status of storage can be included in the Budyko framework. This study presents a new simple approach to investigate the interannual variability of catchments with varying dryness.
On the Linkage Between the Asian Summer Monsoon and Tropopause Folds
Authors: Wu Yutian , Chen Gang , Taylor Lindsey , Zhang Pengfei
Published: February 2018

This study uses a set of idealized aquaplanet model experiments to investigate the linkage between the Asian summer monsoon circulation and tropopause fold activity. It is found that folds tend to occur on the northwestern side of the upper‐level anticyclone associated with the monsoon circulation and are generated due to intensified monsoon circulation and resulting intensified subsidence. In addition, the impact of tropopause folds on extreme rainfall events is also examined. It is found that while the likelihood of extreme rainfall is largely decreased at and upstream of the occurrence of folds, the likelihood is significantly increased downstream. This pattern of suppression of extreme rainfall upstream and promotion downstream also persists for about 1–2 days, which likely suggests a positive feedback between extreme rainfall downstream and tropopause folds. Finally, changes in tropopause folds with monsoon intensity are also discussed.
Snowflake Melting Simulation Using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics
Authors: Leinonen Jussi , von Lerber Annakaisa
Published: February 2018

Motivated by the need to understand the microphysics and improve the remote sensing of the melting layer of precipitation, we have developed a numerical 3‐D model for the melting of single snowflakes. The model uses the smoothed particle hydrodynamics method and is forced by surface tension that controls the flow of meltwater on the ice surface. Heat transfer from the environment to the snowflake is simulated with a Monte Carlo scheme. In model experiments with snowflakes of various sizes and densities, we observed that the meltwater tends to initially gather in concave regions of the snowflake surface. These liquid water regions merge as they grow, and as meltwater is added, they form a shell of liquid around an ice core. This eventually develops into a water drop. The observed features during melting are consistent with experimental findings from earlier research, which suggests that the model is adequate for exploring the physics of snowflake melting. The principal remaining uncertainties arise from the omission of aerodynamic forces from the model. The results suggest that the degree of riming has a significant influence on the melting process: During initial melting, liquid water is apparent on the surface of unrimed or lightly rimed particles, while rime provides a porous structure that can absorb a relatively large amount of meltwater. Riming also strengthens the connections between different parts of the snowflake, making rimed snowflakes less prone to breakup during melting, while unrimed ones break up rather easily.
Toward Synchronous Evaluation of Source Apportionments for Atmospheric Concentration and Deposition of Sulfate Aerosol Over East Asia
Authors: Itahashi S.
Published: February 2018

Source apportionments for atmospheric concentration, dry deposition, and wet deposition of sulfate aerosol (SO42−) were synchronously evaluated over East Asia, a main source of anthropogenic sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. Estimating dry deposition was difficult owing to the difficulty of measuring deposition velocity directly; therefore, sensitivity simulations using two dry deposition schemes were conducted. Moreover, sensitivity simulations for different emission inventories, the largest uncertainty source in the air quality model, were also conducted. In total, four experimental settings were used. Model performance was verified for atmospheric concentration and wet deposition using a ground‐based observation network in China, Korea, and Japan, and all four model settings captured the observations. The underestimation of wet deposition over China was improved by an adjusted approach that linearly scaled the modeled precipitation values to observations. The synchronous evaluation of source apportionments for atmospheric concentration and dry and wet deposition showed the dominant contribution of anthropogenic emissions from China to the atmospheric concentration and deposition in Japan. The contributions of emissions from volcanoes were more important for wet deposition than for atmospheric concentration. Differences in the dry deposition scheme and emission inventory did not substantially influence the relative ratio of source apportionments over Japan. Because the dry deposition was more attributed to local factors, the differences in dry deposition may be an important determinant of the source contributions from China to Japan. Verification of these findings, including the dry deposition velocity, is necessary for better understanding of the behavior of sulfur compound in East Asia.
An Extended Eddy‐Diffusivity Mass‐Flux Scheme for Unified Representation of Subgrid‐Scale Turbulence and Convection
Authors: Tan Zhihong , Kaul Colleen M. , Pressel Kyle G. , Cohen Yair , Schneider Tapio , Teixeira João
Published: February 2018

Large‐scale weather forecasting and climate models are beginning to reach horizontal resolutions of kilometers, at which common assumptions made in existing parameterization schemes of subgrid‐scale turbulence and convection—such as that they adjust instantaneously to changes in resolved‐scale dynamics—cease to be justifiable. Additionally, the common practice of representing boundary‐layer turbulence, shallow convection, and deep convection by discontinuously different parameterizations schemes, each with its own set of parameters, has contributed to the proliferation of adjustable parameters in large‐scale models. Here we lay the theoretical foundations for an extended eddy‐diffusivity mass‐flux (EDMF) scheme that has explicit time‐dependence and memory of subgrid‐scale variables and is designed to represent all subgrid‐scale turbulence and convection, from boundary layer dynamics to deep convection, in a unified manner. Coherent up and downdrafts in the scheme are represented as prognostic plumes that interact with their environment and potentially with each other through entrainment and detrainment. The more isotropic turbulence in their environment is represented through diffusive fluxes, with diffusivities obtained from a turbulence kinetic energy budget that consistently partitions turbulence kinetic energy between plumes and environment. The cross‐sectional area of up and downdrafts satisfies a prognostic continuity equation, which allows the plumes to cover variable and arbitrarily large fractions of a large‐scale grid box and to have life cycles governed by their own internal dynamics. Relatively simple preliminary proposals for closure parameters are presented and are shown to lead to a successful simulation of shallow convection, including a time‐dependent life cycle.
Characterization of Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis and Nonradiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis in the US‐Based Corrona Registry
Authors: Mease Philip J. , Heijde Désirée Van Der , Karki Chitra , Palmer Jacqueline B. , Liu Mei , Pandurengan Renganayaki , Park Yujin , Greenberg Jeffrey D.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To describe the characteristics of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and patients with nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) in the US.

Methods

Demographics, clinical characteristics, patient‐reported outcomes, and treatment characteristics of patients with AS and those with nonradiographic axial SpA were assessed at the time of enrollment in the Corrona Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondyloarthritis Registry. Patients with AS were defined as those who fulfilled the 1984 modified New York criteria for AS; patients with nonradiographic axial SpA were defined as all other patients with axial SpA who did not fulfill the radiology criterion.

Results

Of the 407 patients with a diagnosis of axial SpA who were included in this study, 310 had AS, and 97 had nonradiographic axial SpA. Although patients with nonradiographic axial SpA were younger and showed a trend toward a shorter symptom duration, the nonradiographic axial SpA and AS groups shared a similar disease burden, as reflected by comparisons of disease activity and function, quality of life, pain, fatigue, job absenteeism, and loss of work productivity (all P > 0.05). The proportions of patients with nonradiographic axial SpA and patients with AS who received prior biologic disease‐modifying drugs (DMARDs) (74.2% and 64.8%, respectively) or were currently receiving biologic DMARDs (63.9% and 61.3%, respectively) were also similar (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

This was the first nationwide study to characterize patients with AS and nonradiographic axial SpA in the US. Consistent with studies published outside of the US, this study showed that patients with nonradiographic axial SpA and patients with AS shared a comparable degree of disease burden and had similar treatment patterns in clinical practice.
Hydrocarbons‐Driven Crystallization of Polymer Semiconductors for Low‐Temperature Fabrication of High‐Performance Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Lei Yanlian , Deng Ping , Zhang Qiaoming , Xiong Zuhong , Li Qinghua , Mai Jiangquan , Lu Xinhui , Zhu Xunjin , Ong Beng S.
Published: February 2018

While many high‐performance polymer semiconductors are reported for organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs), most require a high‐temperature postdeposition annealing of channel semiconductors to achieve high performance. This negates the fundamental attribute of OFETs being a low‐cost alternative to conventional high‐cost silicon technologies. A facile solution process is developed through which high‐performance OFETs can be fabricated without thermal annealing. The process involves incorporation of an incompatible hydrocarbon binder or wax into the channel semiconductor composition to drive rapid phase separation and instantaneous crystallization of polymer semiconductor at room temperature. The resulting composite channel semiconductor film manifests a nano/microporous surface morphology with a continuous semiconductor nanowire network. OFET mobility of up to about 5 cm2 V−1 s−1 and on/off ratio ≥ 106 are attained. These are hitherto benchmark performance characteristics for room‐temperature, solution‐processed polymer OFETs, which are functionally useful for many impactful applications.
Hierarchically Structured Self‐Healing Sensors with Tunable Positive/Negative Piezoresistivity
Authors: Liu Xuehui , Su Gehong , Guo Quanquan , Lu Canhui , Zhou Tao , Zhou Changlin , Zhang Xinxing
Published: February 2018

It is a challenge to manufacture flexible sensors that possess easily distinguishable biomotion signals, strong response reliability, and excellent self‐healing capability. Herein, a self‐healing sensor with tunable positive/negative piezoresistivity is designed by the construction of hierarchical structure connected through supramolecular metal–ligand coordination bonds. The developed sensors can be integrated with the human body to detect multiple tiny signals, such as pronunciation, coughing, and deep breathing. Interestingly, the nanostructured elastomer sensor with and without a flexible yarn electrode shows negative and positive current signals, respectively, making it easy to be identify. Furthermore, it exhibits very fast (2 min), autonomous, and repeatable self‐healing ability with high‐healing efficiency (88.6% after the third healing process). The healed samples still possess flexibility, high sensitivity, and accurate detection capability, even after bending over 10 000 cycles. The excellent biomimetic self‐healing performance combined with the tunable piezoresistivity make it promising for next‐generation wearable electronics.
Mechanically Robust, Highly Ionic Conductive Gels Based on Random Copolymers for Bending Durable Electrochemical Devices
Authors: Seo Dong Gyu , Moon Hong Chul
Published: February 2018

Mechanically robust, highly ionic conductive gels based on a random copolymer of poly[styrene‐ran‐1‐(4‐vinylbenzyl)‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate] (P[S‐r‐VBMI][PF6]) and the ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMI][TFSI]) are successfully prepared. The gels with either homo P[VBMI][PF6] or conventional PS‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate)‐block‐PS (SMS) show significant trade‐off between ionic conductivity and mechanical resilience. In contrast, the P[S‐r‐VBMI][PF6]‐based gels exhibit both large elastic modulus (≈0.105 MPa) and ionic conductivity (≈1.15 mS cm−1) at room temperature. To demonstrate that these materials can be used as solid‐state electrolytes, the ion gels are functionalized by incorporating electrochromic (EC) chromophores (ethyl viologen, EV2+) and are applied to EC devices (ECDs). The devices show low‐voltage operation, large optical transmittance variation, and good cyclic coloration/bleaching stability. In addition, flexible ECDs are fabricated to take advantage of the mechanical properties of the gels. The ECDs have excellent bending durability under both compressive and tensile strains. The versatile P[S‐r‐VBMI][PF6]‐based gel is anticipated to be of advantage in flexible electrochemical applications, such as batteries and electrochemical displays.
Visually Imperceptible Liquid‐Metal Circuits for Transparent, Stretchable Electronics with Direct Laser Writing
Authors: Pan Chengfeng , Kumar Kitty , Li Jianzhao , Markvicka Eric J. , Herman Peter R. , Majidi Carmel
Published: February 2018

A material architecture and laser‐based microfabrication technique is introduced to produce electrically conductive films (sheet resistance = 2.95 Ω sq−1; resistivity = 1.77 × 10−6 Ω m) that are soft, elastic (strain limit >100%), and optically transparent. The films are composed of a grid‐like array of visually imperceptible liquid‐metal (LM) lines on a clear elastomer. Unlike previous efforts in transparent LM circuitry, the current approach enables fully imperceptible electronics that have not only high optical transmittance (>85% at 550 nm) but are also invisible under typical lighting conditions and reading distances. This unique combination of properties is enabled with a laser writing technique that results in LM grid patterns with a line width and pitch as small as 4.5 and 100 µm, respectively—yielding grid‐like wiring that has adequate conductivity for digital functionality but is also well below the threshold for visual perception. The electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, and optomechanical properties of the films are characterized and it is found that high conductivity and transparency are preserved at tensile strains of ≈100%. To demonstrate their effectiveness for emerging applications in transparent displays and sensing electronics, the material architecture is incorporated into a couple of illustrative use cases related to chemical hazard warning.
Parentage complexity in socially monogamous lemurs (Eulemur rubriventer): Integrating genetic and observational data
Authors: Jacobs Rachel L. , Frankel David C. , Rice Riley J. , Kiefer Vera J. , Bradley Brenda J.
Published: February 2018

Genetic analyses of parentage sometimes reveal that “socially monogamous” (pair‐living) species do not reside in strict family groups. Circumstances such as adult turnovers and extra‐pair copulations, among others, may result in non‐nuclear families. These genetic relationships within groups have implications for interpreting social behaviors. Red‐bellied lemurs (Eulemur rubriventer) live in groups generally comprising an adult male‐female pair plus immatures, and early genetic analyses of parentage in a relatively small sample suggested they mate monogamously. However, previous research on this taxon has also identified scenarios in which non‐nuclear families might result, such as adult turnovers. To assess the potential occurrence of non‐nuclear families in this “socially monogamous” taxon, as well as the social conditions under which they might occur, we combined behavioral observations of wild red‐bellied lemurs in Ranomafana National Park with genetic parentage analysis of immatures from 17 groups. We found that the majority of groups (75%) represented nuclear family groups. However, 25% of groups represented non‐nuclear families at some point during the study. The social factors that resulted in non‐nuclear families were varied and included at least one adult turnover, and potentially delayed female dispersals and extra‐pair copulations. Our results suggest that red‐bellied lemurs are generally reproductively monogamous, with only limited evidence that non‐nuclear families result from non‐monogamous reproduction. However, similar to other pair‐living primates, red‐bellied lemurs appear to exhibit flexibility in their social organization and mating strategies. Multiple lines of evidence should be considered when inferring parent‐offspring relationships within pair‐living groups.
Bestimmung der absoluten Konfiguration pharmazeutischer Wirkstoffe durch Röntgenpulverdiffraktometrie
Authors: Schlesinger Carina , Tapmeyer Lukas , Gumbert Silke D. , Prill Dragica , Bolte Michael , Schmidt Martin U. , Saal Christoph
Published: February 2018

Die absolute Konfiguration pharmazeutischer Wirkstoffe lässt sich bestimmen, indem Salze der Wirkstoffe mit Gegenionen bekannter Chiralität hergestellt und ihre Kristallstrukturen durch Röntgenpulverdiffraktometrie bestimmt werden. Sehr kleine Substanzmengen (weniger als 1 mg) sind ausreichend. Die (oftmals schwierige) Züchtung von Einkristallen entfällt. Das Verfahren wird an fünf Beispielen gezeigt. Die Grenzen der Methode werden ebenfalls diskutiert.
Improvement in antifouling and separation performance of PVDF hybrid membrane by incorporation of room‐temperature ionic liquids grafted halloysite nanotubes for oil–water separation
Authors: Zhang Luhong , Shu Zhijie , Yang Na , Wang Baoyu , Dou Haozhen , Zhang Na
Published: February 2018

Novel hybrid poly(vinylidene fluoride) ultrafiltration membranes were fabricated via immersion precipitation method through the incorporation of the halloysite nanotubes functionalized with 1‐methyl‐3–(3‐triethoxysilypropyl) imidazolium chloride. The modified halloysite nanotubes were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, thermogravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The morphologies of hybrid membranes were characterized by atomic force microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometer, while the filtration and antifouling performance were investigated by means of porosity, mean pore radius, pure water permeability, rejection ratio, and flux recovery ratio. The addition of the modified halloysite nanotubes obviously improved the membrane hydrophilicity. Besides, the flux recovery ratios were as high as 96% for humic acid and 94% for bovine serum albumin after two filtration cycles. Finally, the modified membranes were used to separate diesel oil–water emulsions. The rejection ratio and flux recovery ratio were as high as 99% and 94%, respectively. The poly(vinylidene fluoride) membranes incorporated by the novel halloysite nanotubes provided a promising alternative for oil–water emulsions separation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46278.
Development of polymorphic EST‐SSR markers in Itea chinensis (Iteaceae) and cross‐amplification in related species
Authors: Shi Xianggang , Wu Haidan , Li Weixi , Guo Wuxia , Zheng Yi , Yu Shixiao , Huang Yelin
Published: February 2018

Premise of the Study

We isolated and characterized 16 expressed sequence tag–simple sequence repeat (EST‐SSR) markers in Itea chinensis (Iteaceae), a common evergreen broadleaf tree, for future studies on the genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of the species.

Methods and Results

Based on transcriptome data of I. chinensis, a total of 36 primer pairs were initially designed and tested. Of these, 16 were successfully amplified and showed clear polymorphism. For these markers, the number of alleles per locus varied from two to 15. The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0 to 0.600 and 0.072 to 0.554, respectively. Furthermore, all loci were successfully cross‐amplified in two congeneric species, I. oblonga and I. yangchunensis.

Conclusions

The EST‐SSR markers described here can be used to study the genetic diversity and phylogeographic patterns of I. chinensis and other related species in Itea.
A red‐emitting indolium fluorescence probe for membranes ‐ flavonoids interactions
Authors: Gao Qingyun , Liu Han , Ding Qiongjie , Du Jinya , Liu Chunlin , Yang Wei , Shen Ping , Yang Changying
Published: February 2018

The red‐emitting indolium derivative compound (E)‐2‐(4‐(diphenylamino)styryl)‐1,3,3‐trimethyl‐3H‐indol‐1‐ium iodide (H3) was demonstrated as a sensitive membrane fluorescence probe. The probe located at the interface of liposomes when mixed showed much fluorescence enhancement by inhibiting the twisted intramolecular charge transfer state. After ultrasonic treatment, it penetrated into lipid bilayers with the emissions leveling off and a rather large encapsulation efficiency (71.4%) in liposomes. The ζ‐potential and particle size measurement confirmed that the charged indolium group was embedded deeply into lipid bilayers. The probe was then used to monitor the affinities of antioxidant flavonoids for membranes. It was verified that quercetin easily interacted with liposomes and dissociated the probe from the internal lipid within 60 s under the condition of simply mixing. The assessment of binding affinities of six flavonoids and the coincident results with their antioxidation activities indicated that it was a promising membrane probe for the study of drug bio‐affinities.
Luminescent properties of novel red‐emitting M7Sn(PO4)6:Eu3+ (M = Sr, Ba) for light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Feng Guo , Jiang Weihui , Liu Jianmin , Li Cong , Zhang Quan
Published: February 2018

Novel red‐emitting phosphors, Eu3+‐activated M7Sn(PO4)6 (M = Sr, Ba), were synthesized at 1200°C by conventional solid‐state reaction method. The luminescent properties of M7Sn(PO4)6:Eu3+ (M = Sr, Ba) phosphors were investigated, and the critical concentration of the activator (Eu3+) concentration were found to be 0.175 mol and 0.21 mol per formula unit for Sr7‐xSn(PO4)6:xEu3+ and Ba7‐xSn(PO4)6:xEu3+, respectively. These phosphors presented red luminescence under the excitation of 395 or 465 nm, perfectly matching with the emissions wavelength of near‐ultraviolet (UV) light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) and InGaN blue LED.
Intra‐cardiac echo for left atrial appendage occlusion
Authors: Feldman Ted , Nazari Jose
Published: February 2018

Key Points

Left atrial appendage occlusion using the Amulet device can be accomplished with fluoroscopic and intra‐cardiac echo (ICE) imaging for guidance, obviating the need for general anesthesia and trans‐esophageal echo.

The ICE device can be placed directly into the left atrium, parallel to the occluder delivery system, using a single transseptal puncture, rather than via double transseptal puncture.

The ideal methods for left atrial appendage imaging and procedure guidance have yet to be defined. The utility of CT evaluation is increasingly recognized. The emergence of three‐dimensional ICE is likely to further our progress along the path of simplifying the LAAO procedure.
Maximal efficiency is required to minimize complications and hospital stay after TAVR
Authors: Di Mario Carlo , Sorini Dini Carlotta
Published: February 2018

Key Points

When TAVR is performed with transfemoral percutaneous approach, local anesthesia, no routine post‐procedural intensive care admission, an early discharge (<3 days) can be adopted in most TAVR patients

Avoiding peri‐procedural complications and minimizing pace‐maker implantation rate are key to allow early patient discharge

When properly selected, patients discharged early have low discharge have low risk of adverse events and readmissions in the first 30 days
Portal vein thrombosis after cesarean section in a patient on prolonged bed rest due to threatened preterm labor
Authors: Hibi Arata , Mogi Kazumasa
Published: February 2018

Key Clinical Message

Portal vein thrombosis is a rare but life‐threatening complication during pregnancy and postpartum period. Color Doppler ultrasound is useful for prompt diagnosis. Although the risk of complications should be considered, successful pregnancy with comorbid portal vein thrombosis is possible with appropriate anticoagulation therapy and close monitoring.
Opposite Enantioselectivity by Nanotubes and Nanospheres Self‐Assembled from Dirhodium(II) and an l‐Glutamic Acid Terminated Bolaamphiphile
Authors: Yuan Chenhuan , Jiang Jian , Sun Hui , Wang Decai , Hu Yonghong , Liu Minghua
Published: February 2018

Coordination is an important factor that can be used to modulate the structure and function of self‐assembly systems. Herein, we report the coordination‐regulated self‐assembly of chiral nanostructures and their enantioselective catalytic performances. We found that if a rhodium complex and an l‐glutamic acid terminated bolaamphiphile were self‐assembled by coordination, single‐walled nanotubes and nanospheres could be obtained depending on the molar ratio. Interestingly, the nanotubes and nanospheres showed opposite supramolecular chirality even though the same chiral bolaamphiphile was used. If the nanospheres and nanotubes were used as catalysts for the asymmetric cyclopropanation reaction, opposite enantioselectivities were obtained, which indicated that it was the supramolecular chirality rather than the molecular chirality that controlled the enantioselectivity of the asymmetric reaction. This work provides not only a feasible method to construct different nanostructures through metal coordination but also a new pathway of transferring chirality from the supramolecular level to chiral products.
Reaction Kinetics of Steam Reforming of n‐Butanol over a Ni/Hydrotalcite Catalyst
Authors: Yadav Abhimanyu K. , Vaidya Prakash D.
Published: February 2018

Pyrolytic lignin can be transformed to liquid transportation fuels by hydrotreatment, which requires hydrogen (H2). Bio‐oil is a suitable renewable feedstock for H2 production. Here, n‐butanol was chosen as a model compound representing alcohols in the bio‐oil aqueous fraction. H2 production from steam reforming of n‐butanol was investigated in a fixed‐bed reactor using a commercial Ni/hydrotalcite catalyst. A plausible reaction pathway in the presence of Ni was discussed. An increase in reforming temperature, space time, and steam/carbon ratio in the feed enhanced the n‐butanol conversion and H2 yield. Reaction kinetics was studied in the defined chemical control regime. The reaction order with respect to n‐butanol (one) and the activation energy were determined.
Polymorph Control of L‐Phenylalanine in Cooling Crystallization by Ultrasonication
Authors: Ike Yuki , Hirasawa Izumi
Published: February 2018

Most of the amino acids that are utilized as medical raw materials and food additives show polymorphism. To improve the physical and chemical properties of the crystals, an effective method for polymorph control is required in the crystallization process. In this study, polymorph control of L‐phenylalanine in cooling crystallization by ultrasonication was investigated. L‐Phenylalanine crystallizes in anhydrate and monohydrate forms. Without ultrasonication, a mixture of monohydrate and anhydrate forms was obtained. In contrast, the yield of monohydrate was increased by ultrasonication. In addition, ultrasonication shortened the induction time. It was considered that ultrasonic energy could supply the energy required for primary nucleation.
Correlation of Structural and Magnetic Properties in a Set of Mononuclear Lanthanide Complexes
Authors: Comba Peter , Daumann Lena J. , Klingeler Rüdiger , Koo Changhyun , Riley Mark J. , Roberts Asha E. , Wadepohl Hubert , Werner Johannes
Published: February 2018

The electronic and magnetic properties of a set of mononuclear terbium(III) and dysprosium(III) complexes with two tetradentate 1‐hydroxy‐pyridin‐2‐one (1,2‐HOPO) ligands are reported. Two primary coordination geometries are observed, depending on the length of the linker between the 1,2‐HOPO donor moieties and the resulting arrangements of the linker. Fine details of the magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectra of the dysprosium(III) complexes illustrate differences in the splitting of the J multiplets and allow for a thorough ligand field analysis. High frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (HF‐EPR) studies of the terbium(III) complexes give insight into the composition of the ground states. Ab initio calculations are utilized to rationalize the experimental results and further illustrate the effect of the structural features on the electronic and magnetic properties of the different complexes.
Macrocycle‐Enabled Counteranion Trapping for Improved Catalytic Efficiency
Authors: Ning Rui , Ao Yu‐Fei , Wang De‐Xian , Wang Qi‐Qiang
Published: February 2018

The tight host–guest binding enabled by functional macrocycles can be utilized to tune catalysis. While the strong crown ether–cation complexation has been widely applied on enhancing the reactivity of the paired anion, the complementary strategy by applying a macrocyclic anion receptor to trap a counteranion to improve the cation catalytic activity remains unexplored. To realize this strategy, a macrocycle incorporating multiple cooperative H‐bonding sites was synthesized and shown to tightly trap ethanedisulfonate anion in crystals and in acetonitrile solution (K>106 m−1). With the strong binding tendency, the presence of as low as 0.25 mol % of the macrocycle can significantly improve the ethanedisulfonic acid‐catalyzed Povarov reaction efficiency, while the acyclic analogues had diminished effect. Catalysis outcomes and binding studies taken together suggested the macrocycle promotion was through favoring the substrate protonation by trapping the counteranion of the acid catalyst.
PRECISE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NEXT‐GENERATION EARTH GRAVITY FIELD MODEL FROM HIP‐3S BASED ON COMBINATION OF INLINE AND PENDULUM SATELLITE FORMATIONS
Authors: Wei ZHENG , Hou‐Ze XU , Zhao‐Wei LI , Fan WU
Published: February 2018

Because the sensitivity of the disturbing intersatellite range measurements to the recovery accuracy of the Earth's gravitational field is superior to that of the intersatellite range measurements, the observation equation of a new Disturbing Intersatellite Range Method (DIRM) is created in this study. Then the orbital stability of the next‐generation Hybrid‐Inline‐Pendulum‐Three‐Satellite (HIP‐3S) formation is efficiently verified. The research results indicate that the HIP‐3S formation is sufficiently steady for further enhancing the accuracy of the future Earth gravity field model. Finally, the Earth's gravitational field complete up to degree and order 120 is precisely recovered by the current GRACE‐2S inline formation and the next‐generation HIP‐3S combined formation based on the new DIRM, and the cumulative geoid height errors are 2.271×10−1 m and 1.923×10−3 m at degree 120, respectively. The study results show that the future HIP‐3S formation is helpful for producing the next‐generation Earth gravity field model with higher accuracy and spatial resolution.
CALCULATION OF THE CO‐SEISMIC DEFORMATION AND STRESS CHANGES OF THE KAIKOURA Mw7.8 EARTHQUAKE, NOV 13, 2016
Authors: Hui‐Hong CHENG , Bei ZHANG , Huai ZHANG , Yao‐Lin SHI
Published: February 2018

On 13 November, 2016, an Mw7.8 earthquake occurred in Kaikoura, northern South Island, New Zealand. The Mw 7.8 earthquake caused strong surface deformation, massive landslides and tsunami. Based on the fault slip model released by United States Geological Survey, the co‐seismic deformation and stress changes by Kaikoura Mw7.8 earthquake were computed with the global heterogeneous ellipsoid Earth model and high precision topography. The preliminary results show that the hanging wall of the Mw7.8 earthquake uplifted to the northeast, while the footwall subducting southwest. The co‐seismic deformation caused by this earthquake is up to several centimeters from Kaikoura to Campbell and the capital city of Wellington. The maximum co‐seismic horizontal displacement is about 1.2 m whereas the vertical is about 1.1 m. Although the accumulated strain along seismogenic faults had been released by this earthquake, the compressional force at the both ends of the seismogenic faults was increased due to co‐seismic stress changes and the maximum value of the co‐seismic stress changes reaches the order of MPa. The Coulomb failure stress changes are also up to MPa that are concentrated in the vicinity of epicenter. At the same time, the risk for NE‐SW dextral slip faults increases due to the co‐seismic shear stress. We also calculated the Coulomb Failure Stress changes in the North Island and South Island with local fault systems respectively. Our results show that Coulomb failure stress changes are positive in both regions, which means subsequent earthquakes are possible.
ELASTIC REVERSE TIME MIGRATION BASED ON WAVEFIELD SEPARATION
Authors: Wei‐Hong WANG , Wei ZHANG , Ying SHI , Xuan KE
Published: February 2018

Compared with other imaging algorithms (e.g., ray‐based, one‐way wave equation), reverse time migration (RTM) based on the two‐way wave equation exhibits greater superiority, especially in handling steeply dipping structures. However, imaging with conventional single‐component seismic data is unsuited for some complicated structures (e.g., gas clouds). Elastic RTM, which is based on the elastodynamic equation and uses multi‐component seismic data to extract PP and PS reflectivity and subsurface information, can more consistently reproduce the characteristics of elastic wave propagation in real Earth media, resulting in seismic images that more accurately characterize the subsurface. To begin with, we exploit the first order stress‐velocity equations to extrapolate the elastic vector wavefield, then the P‐ and S‐wavefields are separated by computing the divergence and curl operator of the extrapolated particle‐velocity wavefield. Then, imaging profiles with pure wave modes are computed by applying the source normalized cross‐correlation imaging condition, thus avoiding crosstalk between unseparated wave modes. To address the polarity reversal problem of the converted image, we propose an alternative method in the common‐shot domain. We also develop an efficient method that reconstructs the source wavefield in the reverse time direction to save storage in the GPU and to avoid large input/output in the elastic reverse time migration. During the forward modeling, the method only saves the particle‐velocity wavefield of all time intervals within an efficient absorbing boundary and the total wavefields in the final time interval. When we extrapolate the receiver wavefield in the reverse time direction, we simultaneously reconstruct the total source wavefields via the saved wavefields. Numerical examples performed with the graben and Marmousi2 models have shown that the polarity reversal correction method works, and elastic reverse time migration can accurately characterize complicated structures.
Discrete Polymerization of 3,4‐Ethylenedioxythiophene in Cyclodextrin‐Based Metal‐Organic Framework
Authors: Michida Wataru , Nagai Anna , Sakuragi Mina , Kusakabe Katsuki
Published: February 2018

Polymerization of 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) in cyclodextrin‐based metal‐organic framework (CD‐MOF) is investigated. CD‐MOF can provide the bottleneck‐type nanochannels that linked the alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic pores. Adsorbed EDOT molecules selectively existed in the hydrophilic pores evaluating 1.7 nm in diameter. After the oxidative polymerization, isolated oligomers composed of fewer than five EDOT are formed in the hydrophilic pore. The CD‐MOF with EDOT oligomers became thermally stable and exhibited reduced solubility in water.