bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrato, Pseudohalo‐Linked Zn(II)/Cd(II) Schiff‐Base Complexes with 1,3‐Diimine Spacer Group: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, DFT, TD‐DFT and Fluorescence Studies
Authors: Majumdar Dhrubajyoti , Dey Swapan , Sreekumar Sreejith S. , Das Sourav , Das Dhiraj , Metre Ramesh K. , Bankura Kalipada , Mishra Dipankar
Published: November 2018

Self assemblies of (N2O4) salen‐type bi‐compartmental ligand (H2L°Me) [N,N′‐Bis(3‐methoxysalicylidenimino)‐1,3‐diaminopropane] afforded two series of complexes, a trinuclear nitrate [Cd3(L°Me)2(NO3)2] (1) and a dinuclear (η1‐N3) [Zn2(L°Me)(η1‐N3)2(CH3OH)2] (2). Elemental analysis, UV‐visible and Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopic methods were employed successfully to characterize the complexes. Single‐crystal X‐ray studies reveal that complex 1 consists of planar trinuclear Cd(II)3 core coordinated by two fully deprotonated dianionic ligands [L1]2− and nitrato (NO3−) bridging but complex 2 is a centrosymmetric hexacoordinated Zn(II) double end‐on azide (η1‐N3) with methanol as co‐ligands. Both complexes satisfied a common 4‐membered M(II)2(μ2‐O)2 basic structural core. Fluorescence properties in DMSO solvent reveal that complexes enhance appreciably the fluorescence behavior over free salen‐type ligand (H2L°Me). Complexes are optimized using Density functional theory calculated at B3LYP/TZVP level of theory to obtain insights into optimized structure, Frontier molecular orbital, Electrostatic potential maps, charge analyses gives an insight into the electronic structure and charge/potential distribution in the molecule etc. which substantiate the experimentally observed supramolecular interactions. Existing different non‐covalent supramolecular interactions have been explained by means of Hirshfeld surface and 2D fingerprint plot analysis. Further theoretical explanations for the observed experimental electronic spectra of both complexes were explained by using Time‐dependent density functional theory level of calculations.
Fusing vectors into scalars at high energy lepton colliders
Authors: Buttazzo Dario , Redigolo Diego , Sala Filippo , Tesi Andrea
Published: November 2018

Abstract

We study vector boson fusion production of new scalar singlets at high energy lepton colliders. We find that CLIC has the potential to test single production cross-sections of a few tens of attobarns in di-Higgs and di-boson final states. In models with a sizeable singlet-Higgs mixing, these values correspond to a precision in Higgs couplings of order 0.1% or better. We compare our sensitivities with those of the LHC and interpret our results in well-motivated models like the Twin Higgs, the NMSSM and axion-like particles. Looking forward to even higher energy machines, we show that the reach of muon colliders like LEMMA or MAP overcomes the one of future hadron machines like FCC-hh. We finally study the pair production of the new scalar singlets via an off-shell Higgs. This process does not vanish for small mixings and will constitute a crucial probe of models generating a first order electro-weak phase transition.
A short travel for neutrinos in Large Extra Dimensions
Authors: Stenico G. V. , Forero D. V. , Peres O. L. G.
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Neutrino oscillations successfully explain the flavor transitions observed in neutrinos produced in natural sources like the center of the sun and the earth atmosphere, and also from man-made sources like reactors and accelerators. These oscillations are driven by two mass-squared differences, solar and atmospheric, at the sub-eV scale. However, longstanding anomalies at short-baselines might imply the existence of new oscillation frequencies at the eV-scale and the possibility of this sterile state(s) to mix with the three active neutrinos. One of the many future neutrino programs that are expected to provide a final word on this issue is the Short-Baseline Neutrino Program (SBN) at FERMILAB. In this letter, we consider a specific model of Large Extra Dimensions (LED) which provides interesting signatures of oscillation of extra sterile states. We started re-creating sensitivity analyses for sterile neutrinos in the 3+1 scenario, previously done by the SBN collaboration, by simulating neutrino events in the three SBN detectors from both muon neutrino disappearance and electron neutrino appearance. Then, we implemented neutrino oscillations as predicted in the LED model and also we have performed sensitivity analysis to the LED parameters. Finally, we studied the SBN power of discriminating between the two models, the 3+1 and the LED. We have found that SBN is sensitive to the oscillations predicted in the LED model and have the potential to constrain the LED parameter space better than any other oscillation experiment for m
1

D

 < 0.1 eV. In case SBN observes a departure from the three active neutrino framework, it also has the power of discriminating between sterile oscillations predicted in the 3+1 framework and the LED ones.
A3 foresight network on natural products
Authors: Bai Linquan , Ohnishi Yasuo , Kim Eung-Soo
Published: November 2018

Discovery and development of natural products (NPs) have played important roles in the fields of human medicine and other biotechnology fields for the past several decades. Recent genome-mining approaches for the isolation of novel and cryptic NP biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) have led to the growing interest in NP research communities including Asian NP researchers from China, Japan, and Korea. Recently, a three-nation government-sponsored program named ‘A3 Foresight Network on Chemical and Synthetic Biology of NPs’ has been launched with a goal of establishing an Asian hub for NP research-&-personnel exchange program. This brief commentary describes introduction, main researchers, and future perspective of A3 NP network program.
Evolution of Escarpments, Pediments, and Plains in the Noachian Highlands of Mars
Authors: Cawley Jon C. , Irwin Rossman P.
Published: November 2018

Extensive Noachian‐aged intercrater planation surfaces comprise much of the southern highlands of Mars. We mapped aggradational and stable to degradational surfaces in three study areas with diverse relief elements and ages: the high and rugged relief of Libya Montes, the well‐preserved intercrater plains of Noachis Terra, and the rolling relief with more drainage development in Terra Cimmeria. Here we describe four major geomorphic features that formed in these regions: debris‐mantled escarpments, regolith pediments, sloping aggradational surfaces, and depositional plains. We interpret that with tectonic stability and an arid paleoclimate, these features supported slow pedogenesis, sediment transport, and diagenesis over hundreds of millions of years during heavy impact bombardment. Slow aqueous weathering generated primarily fine‐ or medium‐grained particles from basaltic surfaces of impact ejecta and megabreccia. These sediments were collected in local lows, reducing surface roughness, permeability, and populations of small craters. Larger crater walls and structural escarpments retreated radially or linearly as ~5–20° slopes, indicating efficient removal of fine‐ or medium‐grained debris but little downslope transport of coarse material by fluvial erosion or creep. Gently to moderately sloping, composite intercrater planation surfaces evolved as regolith pediments with tectonic stability and little fluvial dissection. Noachian impact craters degraded in place on pediments and became embayed or buried on basin floors. The concentration of aggradational surfaces in low‐lying areas, lack of coarse‐grained alluvial fans in most locations, and resistance to later eolian deflation suggest intermittent low‐magnitude (hypo‐)fluvial erosion with aqueous cementation or development of a lag in basins.
Overview of Spirit Microscopic Imager Results
Authors: Herkenhoff Ken E. , Squyres Steve W. , Arvidson Raymond E. , Cole Shoshanna B. , Sullivan Rob , Yingst Aileen , Cabrol Nathalie , Lee Ella M. , Richie Janet , Sucharski Bob , Bell James F. , Calef Fred , Chapman Mary , Edgar Lauren , Franklin Brenda , Geissler Paul , Hurowitz Joel , Jensen Elsa , Johnson Jeffrey R. , Kirk Randy , Lanagan Peter , Leff Craig , Maki Justin , Mullins Kevin , Redding Bonnie , Rice Melissa , Sims Michael , Soderblom Larry , Spanovich Nicole , Springer Richard , Sunda Annette , Vaughan Alicia
Published: November 2018

This paper provides an overview of Mars Exploration Rover Spirit Microscopic Imager (MI) operations and the calibration, processing, and analysis of MI data. The focus of this overview is on the last five Earth years (2005–2010) of Spirit's mission in Gusev crater, supplementing the previous overview of the first 450 sols of the Spirit MI investigation. Updates to radiometric calibration using in‐flight data and improvements in high‐level processing are summarized. Released data products are described, and a table of MI observations, including target/feature names and associated data sets, is appended. The MI observed natural and disturbed exposures of rocks and soils as well as magnets and other rover hardware. These hand‐lens‐scale observations have provided key constraints on interpretations of the formation and geologic history of features, rocks, and soils examined by Spirit. MI images complement observations by other Spirit instruments, and together show that impact and volcanic processes have dominated the origin and evolution of the rocks in Gusev crater, with aqueous activity indicated by the presence of silica‐rich rocks and sulfate‐rich soils. The textures of some of the silica‐rich rocks are similar to terrestrial hot spring deposits, and observations of subsurface cemented layers indicate recent aqueous mobilization of sulfates in places. Wind action has recently modified soils and abraded many of the rocks imaged by the MI, as observed at other Mars landing sites.
Boosting the triplet activity of heavy-atom-free difluoroboron dibenzoylmethane via sp3 oxygen-bridged electron donors
Authors: Huang Wenhuan , Zhang Xuepeng , Chen Biao , Miao Hui , Trindle Carl O. , Wang Yucai , Luo Yi , Zhang Guoqing
Published: November 2018

Boosting triplet activity by introducing an electron donor in BF2dbm proved the charge-transfer mediated ISC process in the oxygen-bridged donor-sp3-acceptor systems.
CuO-Coated and Cu2+-doped Co-modified P2-type Na2/3[Ni1/3Mn2/3]O2 for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Dang Rongbin , Li Qi , Chen Minmin , Hu Zhongbo , Xiao Xiaoling
Published: November 2018

Layered P2-type CuO-coated Na2/3[Ni1/3Mn2/3]O2 (NNMO@CuO) with excellent rate capability and cycling performance was investigated as a sodium-ion battery cathode material for the first time.
In situ generation of ultrasmall sized and highly dispersed CuO nanoparticles embedded in silica matrix and their catalytic application
Authors: Xu Linxu , Zhang Jiajia , Li Zhenhui , Ma Qinghai , Wang Yan , Cui Fang , Cui Tieyu
Published: November 2018

CuO nanoparticles (CuO NPs) with ultrasmall size (∼3.6 nm) and a highly-dispersed pattern embedded in a silica matrix were obtained in situ through a calcination process of organic copper salt.
Signal enhancement for planetary radar sounders
Authors: Piazzo L. , Raguso M.C. , Seu R. , Mastrogiuseppe M.
Published: November 2018

Orbital radar sounders are a useful tool to investigate planetary bodies. The sounding signal lies in the high frequency or very high frequency band, allowing a good ground penetration but limiting the system's resolution. Moreover, electromagnetic interference (EMI) may affect the system, increasing the noise in the radar products. In this Letter, a method to enhance the resolution and to suppress the EMI is presented. The method's performance and the parameters setting are investigated. Finally, some results for the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding and for the Shallow Radar sounders are presented.
Hybrid periodic carrier frequency modulation technique based on modified SVPWM to reduce the PWM noise
Authors: Huang Yingliang , Xu Yongxiang , Zhang Wentao , Zou Jibin
Published: November 2018

This study proposed a hybrid periodic carrier frequency modulation (HPCFM) technique based on the modified space vector pulse‐width modulation (SVPWM) for two‐level three‐phase voltage source inverters to eliminate the PWM noise. Owing to PWM technique and switching losses considerations, ear‐piercing high‐frequency acoustic noise from motor is common. The proposed HPCFM technique is able to remove the high‐frequency unpleasant acoustic noise more effectively than conventional PCFM with lower switching losses and shorter frequency range. In addition, the PWM harmonics in phase voltage and phase current are reduced significantly. Furthermore, the HPCFM method is simple to implement and does not employ additional circuits in drive system. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been confirmed by detailed experimental results.
Model‐based strategy for open‐circuit faults diagnosis in n‐level CHB multilevel converters
Authors: Mtepele Kassim O. , Campos‐Delgado Daniel U. , Valdez‐Fernández Andrés A. , Pecina‐Sánchez José A.
Published: November 2018

Here, the authors study open‐circuit faults (OCFs) in the power switches of multilevel converters with a model‐based perspective. In specific, the authors address single‐phase cascaded H‐bridge (CHB) converters with n‐levels in its output voltage (CHB‐n L), which are designed as shunt active power filters. In this task, the OCFs are modelled by fault profiles with an additive structure in each subsystem of the CHB‐n L converter. These additive fault profiles have constant and oscillatory components, where the constant term sign indicates the pair of damaged switches in the H‐bridge. Hence, a sliding‐mode integral observer is proposed to estimate the constant terms of the fault profiles. The complexity of the observer depends on the number of H‐bridges in the CHB‐n L converter. As a result, the proposed fault detection and isolation (FDI) scheme relies on the estimated constant terms of the additive fault profiles to achieve a robust and fast diagnosis stage. The proposed model‐based FDI scheme is validated experimentally under single and multiple fault scenarios, and model uncertainty. During the evaluation, the derived methodology only requires less than one cycle of the fundamental frequency to isolate the faults, and show robustness to load changes and parametric uncertainty.
Multi‐party energy management and economics of integrated energy microgrid with PV/T and combined heat and power system
Authors: Ali Arman , Liu Nian , He Li
Published: November 2018

Focusing on the electricity and thermal energy requirement of contemporary buildings, a joint operation of photovoltaic thermal (PV/T)‐based prosumers and a microturbine‐based combined heat and power system has been presented to analyse the economics of a grid‐connected microgrid (MG) system. The bidirectional flow of the electricity and heat model is considered and is optimally managed using a price‐based demand response (DR) scheme. Thermal storage is exploited to ward off the substantial amount of heat wastages that enhance the system's reliability during any disruption of microturbine. The objective functions of both the prosumer and MG operator (MGO) are formulated as a profit maximisation problem where they interact with each other on the basis of DR activity. To establish this strategic decision‐making process, the system is modelled as a Stackelberg equilibrium game, where MGO acts as a leader while PV/T prosumers act as a follower. The interaction or contribution of two players in a game is a problem of non‐linear optimisation, which is solved by the differential evolution algorithm. In the end, in a case study, it has been proved that the results are quite lucrative for the proposed model.
CDF modelling for the optimum tilt and azimuth angle for PV installations: case study based on 26 different locations in region of the Yorkshire UK
Authors: Dhimish Mahmoud , Mather Peter , Holmes Violeta , Sibley Martin
Published: November 2018

The optimum tilt and azimuth angle for PV installations in 26 different locations within the county of Yorkshire, UK have been evaluated. In order to examine the performance of the PV systems, a selection of criteria has been identified as follows: (i) the maximum difference in the age of the PV installations is no older than two years, (ii) PV modules technology is crystalline‐Silicon (c‐Si), (iii) maximum area of study in each location is 20 km2, and (iv) PV systems have either the same tilt or azimuth angle within ±2°. The Huddersfield area was used as the primary example to evaluate the proposed methodology. The optimum tilt and azimuth angle for PV installations in the area is 39° and −1° respectively. Moreover, based on 4 kWp PV installations observed in all studied locations, a geographical map representing the annual energy production in the 26 locations has been drawn. The maximum annual energy production is observed for the city of Hull, whereas the minimum observed for the town of Keighley. Finally, the evaluation of the overall annual energy production is discussed using the analysis of the direct normal irradiance (DNI), ambient temperature, air frost, and the cloudiness.
Hardware implementation of the fuzzy logic MPPT in an Arduino card using a Simulink support package for PV application
Authors: Fannakh Mhamed , Elhafyani Mohamed Larbi , Zouggar Smail
Published: November 2018

The work presented in this study aims to develop an intelligent algorithm, based on fuzzy logic, to track the maximum power point (MPP) of a photovoltaic (PV) panel. Modelling and simulation steps of the PV panel are made by using the MATLAB/Simulink environment, before passing to the description of fuzzy logic MPP tracking (MPPT) algorithm. On an Arduino Mega 2560 controller board, a real‐time implementation of the MPPT algorithm by using Simulink Support Package for Arduino Hardware in MATLAB/Simulink was conducted to experimentally validate the preliminary results of simulations. The proposed work outlines also the solution to modify pulse‐width modulation frequency of Arduino when it is used with Simulink.
Revisiting the magnetization of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
Authors: Heinisch P. , Auster H.-U. , Richter I. , Glassmeier K. H.
Published: November 2018

Context. The landing of the Philae probe as part of the ESA Rosetta mission made it possible to study the magnetization of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P) by combining observations from the lander and orbiter. In this work, we revisit the magnetic properties with information gained during the progression of the mission for a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances of Philae’s descent and landing.

Aims. The aim is to derive a limit for any possible magnetization of the cometary material on the surface of 67P. To achieve this, the surface contacts of Philae were analyzed. Combined with a more detailed understanding of the background magnetic field, this allows us to interpret the underlying magnetic measurements in detail.

Methods. We combined magnetic field observations from the ROMAP magnetometer on board Philae with observations from the RPC-MAG instrument on board the Rosetta orbiter. To facilitate this, a correlation analysis was used to correct phase shifts between the observed signals. Additionally, in-flight calibration of the ROMAP offsets was performed using information about the dynamics of Philae during flight. These corrections made it possible to use the orbiter measurements as reference for the comet-based Philae observations. We assumed a simple dipole model and used the magnetic field observations to derive an upper limit for the magnetization of the cometary material.

Results. An upper limit of 0.9 nT for the observed magnetic field on the surface of 67P was derived for any contribution from surface magnetization. For homogeneously magnetized pebbles with a size of typical aggregates in the range of ~5 cm, this translates into an upper limit of ~5 × 10−5 Am2 kg−1 for the specific magnetic moment. Depending on the exact history of formation, this results in an upper limit of 4 μT for the magnitude of the magnetic field in the solar nebula during the formation of comet 67P.
A Study of Siberia's Medicinal Plants Used in Homeopathy
Authors: Nekratova Anna , Kosmodemyanskiy Leonid
Published: November 2018

Background A current priority of national health care in Russia is to expand the range of drug substances, based on naturally occurring compounds, to use for treating socially significant diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Objective The main objective of our study was to compile a contemporary list of Siberia's ‘homeopathic plants’, describing for each plant the corresponding therapeutic indications or main symptoms of disease.

Methods The textbook, Global Resources of Homeopathic Medicinal Raw Materials, was used to scrutinize the 709 species that are allowed for use in Russia, designating each of the 709 as either indigenous or non-indigenous to the region of Siberia. A homeopathic repertory, containing description of more than 1,800 single-component homeopathic medicines, was used to identify Siberia's medicinal plants used in homeopathy, along with the medical indications of each.

Results The medicinal plants of Siberia used in homeopathy comprise 137 species of flowering plants, gymnosperms and sporophytes, belonging to 52 families. The most represented are the Compositae, Rosaceae, and Lamiaceae families.

Conclusion The inventory of Siberian plants has allowed us to identify the plants of this region used in homeopathy and will help to inform research on additional species with the potential for introduction into homeopathic practice.
Ephrin-B1, -B2, and -B4 Expression is Decreased in Developing Diaphragms and Lungs of Fetal Rats with Nitrofen-Induced Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Takahashi Toshiaki , Friedmacher Florian , Zimmer Julia , Puri Prem
Published: November 2018

Introduction Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is assumed to originate from a malformation of the amuscular mesenchymal component of the primordial diaphragm. Mutations in ephrin-B1, a membrane protein that is expressed by mesenchymal cells, have been found in newborn infants with CDH and associated pulmonary hypoplasia (PH), highlighting its important role during diaphragmatic and airway development. Ephrin-B1, -B2, and -B4 are expressed in fetal rat lungs and have been identified as key players during lung branching morphogenesis. We hypothesized that diaphragmatic and pulmonary expression of ephrin-B1, -B2, and -B4 is decreased in the nitrofen-induced CDH model.

Materials and Methods Time-mated rats received nitrofen or vehicle on day 9 (D9). Fetal diaphragms (n = 72) and lungs (n = 72) were harvested on D13, D15, and D18, and divided into control and nitrofen-exposed specimens. Ephrin-B1, -B2, and -B4 gene expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunofluorescence double staining for ephrin-B1, -B2, and -B4 was combined with mesenchymal and epithelial markers (Gata-4/Fgf-10 and calcitonin gene-related peptide) to evaluate protein expression/localization.

Results Ephrin-B1, -B2, and -B4 gene expression was significantly reduced in pleuroperitoneal folds/primordial lungs (D13), developing diaphragms/lungs (D15), and fully muscularized diaphragms/differentiated lungs (D18) of nitrofen-exposed fetuses compared with controls. Confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrated markedly diminished ephrin-B1 immunofluorescence in diaphragmatic and pulmonary mesenchyme of nitrofen-exposed fetuses on D13, D15, and D18 compared with controls, whereas ephrin-B2 and -B4 expression was mainly decreased in distal airway epithelium.

Conclusion Decreased ephrin-B1, -B2, and -B4 expression may disrupt diaphragmatic development and lung branching morphogenesis by interfering with epithelial–mesenchymal interactions, thus causing diaphragmatic defects and PH.
Effects of subsoil plastic film mulch on yield and water use of rainfed winter wheat
Authors: Mingming Zhang , Baodi Dong , Yunzhou Qiao , Hong Yang , Yakai Wang , Mengyu Liu
Published: November 2018

Water shortage is a limiting factor to crop production in North China. Mulching is a widely used approach to conserve soil water and improve crop yield. A 2-year field experiment was conducted at the Nanpi Eco-Agricultural Experimental Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2014–16, in which yields of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in a treatment with subsoil plastic film mulch were compared with non-mulch. The mulch treatment produced a 16.1% higher grain yield than the non-mulch treatment. The increase in grain yield was primarily due to a 10.1–10.9% increase in number of spikes per m2 and a 4.7–5.1% increase in number of grains per spike. Plants in the mulch treatment showed greater dry matter (DM) accumulation but similar harvest index. Yield improvement did not depend on increasing DM translocation, but was significantly related to DM accumulation at different growth stages. Increased DM accumulation before wintering, from jointing to heading and from anthesis to maturity, enhanced grain yield by promoting increased number of spikes and number of grains per spike. Soil evaporation was lower by 31.1% and transpiration increased by 28.0% in the mulch treatment, resulting in 8.9–9.4% higher water-use efficiency. Our results indicate that a subsoil plastic film mulch can effectively improve winter wheat yield and water-use efficiency under rain-fed conditions.
Zone-wise investigation of creep behaviour 9Cr–1Mo steel weld joints
Authors: Yadav Surya D. , Vasantharaja P. , Riedlsperger Florian , Nagaraju S. , Vasudevan M.
Published: November 2018

Distinct regions such as weld metal, heat-affected zone (HAZ) and base metal of P9 steel weld joints fabricated by various welding processes were investigated using impression creep testing. Smaller prior austenitic grain size, lower density of precipitates and dislocations resulted in faster recovery and higher creep rate of HAZ in comparison to the weld and base metal. Compared to base metal, shielded metal arc weld (SMAW) and activated tungsten inert gas (A-TIG) weld of the P9 steel weld joints exhibited better resistance to creep and displayed higher activation energy due to their coarser prior austenite grain size. A-TIG HAZ exhibited superior creep properties compared to the SMAW and TIG HAZ due to the presence of higher number density of precipitates.
Effect of auto-tempering on the cold roll-ability of medium-Mn steel
Authors: Nam Jae-Hoon , Yu Sang-Hyun , Lee Young-Kook
Published: November 2018

Recently, medium-Mn steels have attracted attention for high-strength automotive components. However, because they exhibit martensitic microstructure at room temperature, low cold roll-ability is concerned so that annealing or tempering is often performed before cold rolling. Therefore, we investigated whether cold roll-ability can be improved by adjusting coiling condition in the hot rolling process. For comparison, some specimens were water-quenched or air-cooled after hot rolling. While the water-quenched specimen revealed cracks at ∼30% cold reduction, air-cooled and coiling-simulated specimens at high reductions above ∼68%. This is because the latter had lower and wider ranged hardness values compared to the former due to partial auto-tempering occurring after coiling. The higher coiling temperature caused higher cold roll-ability probably due to the active recovery of austenite.

This paper is part of a Thematic Issue on Medium Manganese Steels.
Endosperm enzyme activity is responsible for texture and eating quality of cooked rice grains in Japanese cultivars
Authors: Iijima Ken , Suzuki Keitaro , Hori Kiyosumi , Ebana Kaworu , Kimura Keiichi , Tsujii Yoshimasa , Takano Katsumi
Published: November 2018

Eating quality of cooked rice grains is an important determinant of its market price and consumer acceptance. To comprehensively assess the variation of eating-quality traits in 152 Japanese rice cultivars, we evaluated activities of eight endosperm enzymes related to degradation of starch and cell-wall polysaccharides. Endosperm enzyme activities showed a wide range of variations and were lower in recently developed cultivars than in landraces and old improved cultivars. Activities of most endosperm enzymes correlated significantly with the eating-quality score and surface texture of cooked rice grains. Principal component analysis revealed that rice cultivars with high eating-quality scores had high stickiness of the grain surface and low levels of endosperm enzyme activities. These results suggest that endosperm enzyme activities control texture and eating quality of cooked rice grains in Japanese rice cultivars.
Identification of a gene cluster for biosynthesis of the sesquiterpene antibiotic, heptelidic acid, in Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Shinohara Yasutomo , Nishimura Ikuko , Koyama Yasuji
Published: November 2018

Heptelidic acid (HA), a sesquiterpene lactone, is a known inhibitor of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Recently, we found that HA was produced by Aspergillus oryzae RIB40 and acted as the growth inhibitor of the salt-tolerant lactic acid bacteria in soy sauce brewing. Although several decades have passed since the discovery of HA, the genes involved in its biosynthesis and biosynthetic pathway have not yet been fully identified. In this study, we identified the HA biosynthetic gene cluster (HA cluster) using gene disruption and expression analysis. We also revealed that two transcription regulatory genes adjacent to the HA cluster were responsible for the expression of HA biosynthetic genes in A. oryzae. Interestingly, the HA cluster contained a gene encoding GAPDH (gpdB), which showed much higher resistance to HA than the GAPDH gene (gpdA) located at the other locus, but which did not seem to act as a self-resistant gene.
Web search volume as a surrogate of public interest in biodiversity: a case study of Japanese red list species
Authors: Kim Ji Yoon , Noda Akira , Im Ran-Young , Nishihiro Jun
Published: November 2018

Introduction
: Citizen science has contributed substantially to the quantity of biodiversity data collections and is used as an essential monitoring scheme for global conservation studies. However, there remain large gaps in the geographic and taxonomic coverage of data collections, and different levels of interest in participation and uneven distribution of participants can result in biased data collection in citizen science programs. These issues must be addressed for more efficient use of citizen science-based biodiversity data. We compared web search volumes with citizen-collected occurrence data of Japanese Red List species.

Outcomes:
Uneven distribution of web search volumes with different taxa was correlated with the amount of data collected by citizen-volunteered programs. Moreover, the relative web search volumes and amounts of citizen-collected data showed similar spatial patterns at the province level.
Conclusion:
Overall, our results indicate that web search volume can indirectly reflect potential citizen participation or interest in particular species. Web search behavior can help project coordinators estimate potential citizen engagement and refine efficient citizen participation programs for biodiversity conservation.
Individual and Social Factors Related to Trajectories of Blackouts among Underage Drinkers in the Emergency Department
Authors: Bonar Erin E , Goldstick Jason E , Cunningham Rebecca M , Fernandez Anne C , Davis Alan K , Ilgen Mark A , Walton Maureen A
Published: November 2018

Aims

Alcohol-related blackouts can result in acute injuries and other negative outcomes. Among underage risky drinkers, we examined longitudinal trajectories of blackout frequency following an emergency department (ED) visit, and identified baseline characteristics associated with blackout trajectory membership.

Methods

Participants (ages 14–20; N = 836) attending an ED who screened positive for risky drinking and enrolled in a randomized-controlled trial of brief alcohol interventions were assessed at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-months. We used group-based trajectory modeling to determine characteristic trajectories of blackout frequency over 12-months in relation to baseline characteristics: demographics, substance use, delinquency, depression/anxiety symptoms, sexual assault, dating violence, and peer and sibling influences.

Results

We identified four groups: No/Low blackouts (n = 248; 29.7%), Declining blackouts (n = 92; 11.0%), Moderate blackouts (n = 337; 40.3%) and High blackouts (n = 159; 19.0%); group membership did not differ based on intervention receipt. In adjusted analyses, compared to the No/Low group all other groups had higher odds of having an alcohol-related baseline ED visit. Female sex, alcohol consumption, prescription drug misuse, sexual assault while incapacitated due to substances, and negative peer influences were positively associated with membership in the High group; College/Greek life involvement was also highest. Negative peer influences and being in high school (vs. College/Greek life) also distinguished the Moderate group.

Conclusion

Blackout frequency was largely stable over time and riskier trajectories were marked by risk factors such as negative peer influences and college/Greek life involvement. Findings may inform targeted interventions, particularly for women who were in higher risk trajectories.
Combined Microsurgical, Endovascular, and Endoscopic Approach to the Treatment of a Giant Vertebrobasilar Aneurysm
Authors: Plitt Aaron R , Patel Ankur R , McDougall Cameron M , Halderman Ashleigh A , Barnett Samuel L , Welch Babu G
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Dolichoectasia is defined as elongation and dilatation of a blood vessel. In the intracranial circulation, the basilar artery is affected in 80% of cases. These are challenging lesions with an aggressive natural history, and treatment carries a relatively high rate of morbidity and mortality. We describe a case of multimodal treatment including endovascular, open microsurgical, and endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for management.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the technical nuance of the addition of the EEA for management of posterior circulation dolichoectasia

METHODS

A 44-yr-old Hispanic woman with a 2-mo history of progressive headaches, gait disturbance, and lower cranial nerve dysfunction presented with acute neurologic decline. MRI demonstrated a dolichoectatic vertebrobasilar system with a giant 4.5-cm fusiform basilar aneurysm.

RESULTS

She underwent concomitant endovascular bilateral vertebral artery sacrifice with suction decompression and trapping by clip ligation distal to the lesion. Postoperatively, she developed symptomatic pontine compression. She was then taken for a transclival EEA for intra-aneurysmal thrombectomy. Thereafter, she made a significant functional recovery.

CONCLUSION

The addition of endoscopic reconstruction to the treatment of a dolichoectatic basilar aneurysm is an operative nuance that can be employed in treating these highly morbid lesions. This case describing a multimodal treatment paradigm including EEA reconstruction can serve as an example for the future of treatment select cases of dolichoectasia of the vertebrobasilar complex.
Independent and interactive effects of plant genotype and environment on plant traits and insect herbivore performance: A meta‐analysis with Salicaceae
Authors: Barker Hilary L. , Holeski Liza M. , Lindroth Richard L.
Published: November 2018

Ecological research has increasingly highlighted the importance of intraspecific variation in shaping the structure and function of communities and ecosystems. Indeed, the effects of intraspecific variation can match or exceed those of interspecific variation. Previous reviews of intraspecific variation in plant traits across heterogeneous environments have focused primarily onmeanphenotypic effects. We propose that a richer and fuller understanding of the ecological causes and consequences of intraspecific variation would be provided by partitioning traitvarianceinto its subcomponents (genetic, environment, genotype by environment interaction).

We used a meta‐analysis of 352 sets of genetic, environment and genotype by environment (G×E) variation estimates from 72 studies of Salicaceae to compare these sources of variation across plant traits (growth, foliar nitrogen, defence compounds), insect herbivore performance metrics (e.g., survival, growth, fecundity) and environmental conditions (e.g., soil nutrients, water, defoliation).

Our findings revealed that variation in levels of defence compounds (both condensed tannins and salicinoids) and insect herbivore performance were primarily genetically determined, while variation in plant growth and foliar nitrogen was more environmentally determined.

Plasticity in plant growth, foliar nitrogen levels and insect herbivore performance varied substantially across different sites (year × location), and nutrient, water and carbon dioxide environments. Plasticity was lowest for chemical defence traits and all traits in contrasting ozone and defoliation environments.

Our quantitative review also revealed several gaps in the literature, including a need for surveying more mature plants, a wider variety of insect herbivore species (e.g., leaf‐galling insects, specialist insects) and underrepresented environmental treatments (e.g., competition, defoliation, disease, light and water availability).

Findings from this analysis highlight the importance of, and patterns within, intraspecific variation with respect to shaping the evolvability and plasticity of traits and governing the interactions of plants and insects.

Aplain language summaryis available for this article.
Impact of emergency department occupancy on waiting times, rates of admission and representation, and length of stay when hospitalised: A data linkage study
Authors: Stephens Alexandre S , Broome Richard A
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To assess the association between ED occupancy and relevant outcomes including ED waiting times, rates of admission and representation and length of stay when hospitalised.

Methods

Retrospective study of all ED presentations by New South Wales (NSW), Australia, residents to 15 NSW public, principal referral or paediatric specialist hospitals between 1 January to 31 December 2015 (N = 935 282). ED data were linked longitudinally (to ED data) and cross‐sectionally to hospital admissions data. An ED‐system measure of occupancy was assigned to each ED record. The study outcomes were ED waiting time, admission to hospital, 28 day representation, and length of stay (LOS) when admitted. Outcomes were analysed using univariate analyses and multivariable general linear and binary logistic regression models.

Results

Increased ED occupancy was associated with increased ED waiting times, particularly at low‐baseline occupancy (e.g. rate ratio = 2.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] [2.10–2.35], for non‐urgent triaged patients). However, results were conditional on triage category, such that estimated effects were smaller or not significant in emergency and resuscitation triaged patients (e.g. rate ratio = 1.59, 95% CI [1.52–1.65], for emergency patients). ED occupancy only showed small or no associations with admission to hospital, 28 day representation and LOS when admitted.

Conclusions

Higher ED occupancy was associated with increased waiting times conditional on triage category and baseline occupancy. Collectively, the results show that NSW principal referral EDs are robust, and are currently capable of handling variation in occupancy by prioritising treatment for the most urgent patients.
Eugenics in Late 19th‐Century Feminist Utopias
Authors: Lake Christina
Published: November 2018

Late 19th‐century feminist utopian fiction provides empowering examples of societies governed by women. However, these imaginary societies only exist through radical changes to women’s reproductive roles. At the same time, these societies also anticipate feminist interest in eugenics through proposals to regulate marriage, eliminate unhealthy members of society, and adopt measures for the moral improvement of the human race. Elizabeth Corbett’sNew Amazonia(1889) argues that a state governed only by women would achieve high moral standards, while eugenics and strict scientific regulation would guarantee improvements in health and longevity. Mary E. Bradley Lane’sMizora(1880–1881) proposes an entirely separatist world where the elimination of men, following the development of an asexual process of reproduction, would lead to a scientifically perfect society. Alice Ilgenfritz Jones and Ella Merchant’sUnveiling a Parallel(1893), on the other hand, questions the idea of the intrinsic immorality of men, showing a utopia wherein women behave as badly as men given the same societal freedom. Instead, eugenic selection has supported evolution to a higher state of morality in which children are no longer conceived through sexual acts.
Writing a Better Ending: How Feminist Utopian Literature Subverts Patriarchy
Authors: Imani Kasai Kirsten
Published: November 2018

This article explores the historic role of dystopian and feminist utopian fiction in upholding or supplanting capitalist, patriarchal dominance hierarchies. Here, I will examine the following: the persistence and popularity of dystopias; the political and cultural trends that have influenced them; the reasons why feminist writers have typically excluded men from their utopian visions; the sexual objectification of women in dystopias; and the utopian/dystopian parallax. I will discuss the need for feminist writers to envision inclusive alternate futures that propose realistic, cooperative societies that counter prevailing dystopian models. This can be achieved by dismantling and reconstructing our present reality through the act of changing the stories that we tell ourselves.
The Daily Motivators: Positive Work Events, Psychological Needs Satisfaction, and Work Engagement
Authors: Wang Nan , Zhu Jinlong , Dormann Christian , Song Zhaoli , Bakker Arnold B.
Published: November 2018

This study examines the motivational effects of daily positive work events. Drawing on self‐determination theory, we investigated the motivational mechanism of two clusters of commonly encountered positive work events—achievement and recognition events—from a within‐person perspective. Specifically, we argue that achievement events and recognition events influence subsequent work engagement through satisfying different psychological needs. We tested our model using experience‐sampling data from 200 full‐time employees over eight workdays. As hypothesised, after controlling for positive affect as an additional mediator, both achievement and recognition events had positive effects on work engagement through psychological needs satisfaction. The results also revealed that achievement and recognition work events had differentiated effects in satisfying different psychological needs. These results shed light on the motivational function of positive work events above and beyond the affective mechanism and explicate the processes through which different types of positive work events relate to work engagement.
Can a Supportive Workplace Impact Employee Resilience in a High Pressure Performance Environment? An Investigation of the Chinese Banking Industry
Authors: Cooke Fang Lee , Wang Jue , Bartram Timothy
Published: November 2018

Resilience is one of the positive emotions that will enhance employees’ ability to cope in adverse conditions, such as work intensification, organisational change, and work stress. Despite growing research interest in the employee resilience area, there is limited knowledge of the process through which critical social support at workplaces, such as supportive leadership and co‐worker support, affects employees’ ability to cope in challenging situations. This study, underpinned by the theory of conservation of resources and social cognitive theory, examines the role of supportive leadership and co‐worker support in employee resilience, and how this may be moderated by work pressures in the context of the Chinese banking industry. Using a sample of 2,025 Chinese banking workers, we tested four hypotheses. Our findings demonstrate that supportive leadership and co‐worker support are positively associated with employee resilience. High work pressure moderates the relationship between both supportive leadership and co‐worker support and employee resilience, such that the relationship between these conditions is stronger when perceived performance pressure is high. Our study raises important implications for both the theoretical development of employee resilience and for management practices with respect to fostering employee resilience in organisations.
Pharmacogenetics of artemether‐lumefantrine influence on nevirapine disposition: Clinically significant drug–drug interaction?
Authors: Abdullahi Sa'ad T. , Olagunju Adeniyi , Soyinka Julius O. , Bolarinwa Rahman A. , Olarewaju Olusola J. , Bakare‐Odunola Moji T. , Owen Andrew , Khoo Saye
Published: November 2018

Aims

In this study the influence of first‐line antimalarial drug artemether‐lumefantrine on the pharmacokinetics of the antiretroviral drug nevirapine was investigated in the context of selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a cohort of adult HIV‐infected Nigerian patients.

Methods

This was a two‐period, single sequence crossover study. In stage 1, 150 HIV‐infected patients receiving nevirapine‐based antiretroviral regimens were enrolled and genotyped for seven SNPs. Sparse pharmacokinetic sampling was conducted to identify SNPs independently associated with nevirapine plasma concentration. Patients were categorized as poor, intermediate and extensive metabolizers based on the numbers of alleles of significantly associated SNPs. Intensive sampling was conducted in selected patients from each group. In stage 2, patients received standard artemether‐lumefantrine treatment with nevirapine, and intensive pharmacokinetic sampling was conducted on day 3.

Results

No clinically significant changes were observed in key nevirapine pharmacokinetic parameters, the 90% confidence interval for the measured changes falling completely within the 0.80–1.25 no‐effect boundaries. However, the number of patients with trough plasma nevirapine concentration below the 3400 ng ml−1 minimum effective concentration increased from 10% without artemether‐lumefantrine (all extensive metabolizers) to 21% with artemether‐lumefantrine (14% extensive, 4% intermediate, and 3% poor metabolizers).

Conclusions

This approach highlights additional increase in the already existing risk of suboptimal trough plasma concentration, especially in extensive metabolizers when nevirapine is co‐administered with artemether‐lumefantrine.