bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Process Parameters on Hydrolytic Treatment of Black Liquor for the Production of Low-Molecular-Weight Depolymerized Kraft Lignin
Authors: Ahmad Zaid , Mahmood Nubla , Yuan Zhongshun , Paleologou Michael , Xu Chunbao (Charles)
Published: September 2018

The present research work aimed at hydrolytic treatment of kraft black liquor (KBL) at 200–300 °C for the production of low-molecular-weight depolymerized kraft lignin (DKL). Various process conditions such as reaction temperature, reaction time, initial kraft lignin (KL) substrate concentration, presence of a catalyst (NaOH), capping agent (phenol) or co-solvent (methanol) were evaluated. The research demonstrated effective depolymerization of KL in KBL at 250–300 °C with NaOH as a catalyst at a NaOH/lignin ratio of about 0.3 (w/w) using diluted KBL (with 9 wt. % KL). Treatment of the diluted KBL at 250 °C for 2 h with 5% addition of methanol co-solvent produced DKL with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 2340 Da, at approx. 45 wt. % yield, and a solid residue at a yield of ≤1 wt. %. A longer reaction time favored the process by reducing the Mw of the DKL products. Adding a capping agent (phenol) helped reduce repolymerization/condensation reactions thereby reducing the Mw of the DKL products, enhancing DKL yield and increasing the hydroxyl group content of the lignin. For the treatment of diluted KBL (with 9 wt. % KL) at 250 °C for 2 h, with 5% addition of methanol co-solvent in the presence of NaOH/lignin ≈ 0.3 (w/w), followed by acidification to recover the DKL, the overall mass balances for C, Na and S were measured to be approx. 74%, 90% and 77%, respectively. These results represent an important step towards developing a cost-effective approach for valorization of KBL for chemicals.
Do Better Quality Embedding Potentials Accelerate the Convergence of QM/MM Models? The Case of Solvated Acid Clusters
Authors: Ho Junming , Shao Yihan , Kato Jin
Published: September 2018

This study examines whether the use of more accurate embedding potentials improves the convergence of quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) models with respect to the size of the QM region. In conjunction with density functional theory calculations using the ωB97X-D functional, various embedding potentials including the TIP3P water model, the effective fragment potential (EFP), and semi-empirical methods (PM6, PM7, and DFTB) were used to simulate the deprotonation energies of solvated acid clusters. The calculations were performed on solvated neutral (HA) and cationic (HB+) acids clusters containing 160 and 480 water molecules using configurations sampled from molecular dynamics simulations. Consistently, the ωB97X-D/EFP model performed the best when using a minimal QM region size. The performance for the other potentials appears to be highly sensitive to the charge character of the acid/base pair. Neutral acids display the expected trend that semi-empirical methods generally perform better than TIP3P; however, an opposite trend was observed for the cationic acids. Additionally, electronic embedding provided an improvement over mechanical embedding for the cationic systems, but not the neutral acids. For the best performing ωB97X-D/EFP model, a QM region containing about 6% of the total number of solvent molecules is needed to approach within 10 kJ mol−1 of the pure QM result if the QM region was chosen based on the distance from the reaction centre.
New 18(4→3)-Abeo-Abietanoids from Tripterygium wilfordii
Authors: Ni Lin , Zang Ying-da , Yang Jing-zhi , Li Chuang-jun , Ma Jie , Zhang Dong-ming
Published: September 2018

Three 18(4→3)-abeo-abietanoids, a new natural product and two new compounds, named tripordolides A–C (1–3), were isolated from the leaves of Tripterygium wilfordii. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of their spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configuration of compounds was confirmed by CD and X-ray crystallographic analysis using anomalous scattering of Cu Kα radiation. Compounds 1 and 3 showed moderate inhibitory activities against NO production in lipopolysaccharide-induced (LPS) RAW 264.7 macrophages in vitro.
Measurements, Thermodynamic Modeling, and a Hydrogen Bonding Study on the Solubilities of Metoprolol Succinate in Organic Solvents
Authors: Shen Jian , Liang Xianrui , Lei Hao
Published: September 2018

The solubilities of metoprolol succinate (a cardioselective β1 adrenergic receptor) in methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, ethyl acetate, and acetone were measured at temperatures ranging from (278.2 to 318.2) K using a solid–liquid equilibrium method. The solubility of metoprolol succinate increases with increasing temperature. At a fixed temperature, the solubility decreases in the order methanol > ethanol > n-butanol > n-propanol > isopropanol > acetone > ethyl acetate. The enthalpy of fusion and the melting point of metoprolol succinate were determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The thermodynamic properties of the dissolution process, determined by a van’t Hoff analysis, have been obtained and are discussed. The modified Apelblat equation, Wilson model, and non-random two-liquid (NRTL) model were employed to correlate the solubilities of metoprolol succinate in different solvents. Finally, a quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) study of physical properties of solvents and density functional theory simulations of hydrogen-bonding structure were carried out to give the explanation for the sequence of solubility in alcohols. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations well illustrated that the solubility of metoprolol succinate in various alcohols can be mainly attributed to the intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds in metoprolol succinate-solvent complexes.
Polyphenol-Rich Extracts from Cotoneaster Leaves Inhibit Pro-Inflammatory Enzymes and Protect Human Plasma Components against Oxidative Stress In Vitro
Authors: Kicel Agnieszka , Kolodziejczyk-Czepas Joanna , Owczarek Aleksandra , Marchelak Anna , Sopinska Malgorzata , Ciszewski Pawel , Nowak Pawel , Olszewska Monika A.
Published: September 2018

The present study investigated the phenolic profile and biological activity of dry extracts from leaves of C. bullatus, C. zabelii and C. integerrimus—traditional medicinal and dietary plants—and evaluated their potential in adjunctive therapy of cardiovascular diseases. Complementary UHPLC-PDA-ESI-MS3, HPLC-PDA-fingerprint, Folin-Ciocalteu, and n-butanol/HCl assays of the extracts derived by fractionated extraction confirmed that they are rich in structurally diverse polyphenols (47 analytes, content up to 650.8 mg GAE/g dw) with proanthocyanidins (83.3–358.2 mg CYE/g) dominating in C. bullatus and C. zabelii, and flavonoids (53.4–147.8 mg/g) in C. integerrimus. In chemical in vitro tests of pro-inflammatory enzymes (lipoxygenase, hyaluronidase) inhibition and antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP), the extracts effects were dose-, phenolic- and extraction solvent-dependent. The most promising polyphenolic extracts were demonstrated to be effective antioxidants in a biological model of human blood plasma—at in vivo-relevant levels (1–5 µg/mL) they normalized/enhanced the non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity of plasma and effectively prevented peroxynitrite-induced oxidative/nitrative damage of plasma proteins and lipids. As demonstrated in cytotoxicity tests, the extracts were safe—they did not affect viability of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In conclusion, Cotoneaster leaves may be useful in development of natural-based products, supporting the treatment of oxidative stress/inflammation-related chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disorders.
Bio-Inspired Neural Adaptive Control of a Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Based on Airflow Sensors
Authors: Ren Zijun , Fu Wenxing , Zhu Supeng , Yan Binbin , Yan Jie
Published: September 2018

Inspired by the exceptional flight ability of birds and insects, a bio-inspired neural adaptive flight control structure of a small unmanned aerial vehicle was presented. Eight pressure sensors were elaborately installed in the leading-edge area of the forward wing. A back propagation neural network was trained to predict the aerodynamic moment based on pressure measurements. The network model was trained, validated, and tested. An adaptive controller was designed based on a radial basis function neural network. The new adaptive laws guaranteed the boundedness of the adaptive parameters. The closed-loop stability was analyzed via Lyapunov theory. The simulation results demonstrated the robustness of the bio-inspired flight control system when subjected to measurement noise, parametric uncertainties, and external disturbance.
Development of a Gas-Tight Microfluidic System for Raman Sensing of Single Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells Under Normoxic/Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Knoepp Fenja , Wahl Joel , Andersson Anders , Borg Johan , Weissmann Norbert , Ramser Kerstin
Published: September 2018

Acute hypoxia changes the redox-state of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). This might influence the activity of redox-sensitive voltage-gated K+-channels (Kv-channels) whose inhibition initiates hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV). However, the molecular mechanism of how hypoxia—or the subsequent change in the cellular redox-state—inhibits Kv-channels remains elusive. For this purpose, a new multifunctional gas-tight microfluidic system was developed enabling simultaneous single-cell Raman spectroscopic studies (to sense the redox-state under normoxic/hypoxic conditions) and patch-clamp experiments (to study the Kv-channel activity). The performance of the system was tested by optically recording the O2-content and taking Raman spectra on murine PASMCs under normoxic/hypoxic conditions or in the presence of H2O2. Oxygen sensing showed that hypoxic levels in the gas-tight microfluidic system were achieved faster, more stable and significantly lower compared to a conventional open system (1.6 ± 0.2%, respectively 6.7 ± 0.7%, n = 6, p < 0.001). Raman spectra revealed that the redistribution of biomarkers (cytochromes, FeS, myoglobin and NADH) under hypoxic/normoxic conditions were improved in the gas-tight microfluidic system (p-values from 0.00% to 16.30%) compared to the open system (p-value from 0.01% to 98.42%). In conclusion, the new redox sensor holds promise for future experiments that may elucidate the role of Kv-channels during HPV.
Integrated 3D Hydrogel Waveguide Out-Coupler by Step-and-Repeat Thermal Nanoimprint Lithography: A Promising Sensor Device for Water and pH
Authors: Francone Achille , Kehoe Timothy , Obieta Isabel , Saez-Martinez Virginia , Bilbao Leire , Khokhar Ali Z. , Gadegaard Nikolaj , Simao Claudia Delgado , Kehagias Nikolaos , Sotomayor Torres Clivia M.
Published: September 2018

Hydrogel materials offer many advantages for chemical and biological sensoring due to their response to a small change in their environment with a related change in volume. Several designs have been outlined in the literature in the specific field of hydrogel-based optical sensors, reporting a large number of steps for their fabrication. In this work we present a three-dimensional, hydrogel-based sensor the structure of which is fabricated in a single step using thermal nanoimprint lithography. The sensor is based on a waveguide with a grating readout section. A specific hydrogel formulation, based on a combination of PEGDMA (Poly(Ethylene Glycol DiMethAcrylate)), NIPAAm (N-IsoPropylAcrylAmide), and AA (Acrylic Acid), was developed. This stimulus-responsive hydrogel is sensitive to pH and to water. Moreover, the hydrogel has been modified to be suitable for fabrication by thermal nanoimprint lithography. Once stimulated, the hydrogel-based sensor changes its topography, which is characterised physically by AFM and SEM, and optically using a specific optical set-up.
‘It’s Scary and It’s Big, and There’s No Job Security’: Undergraduate Experiences of Career Planning and Stratification in an English Red Brick University
Authors: Hordósy Rita , Clark Tom
Published: September 2018

There is a continuing trend within higher education policy to frame undergraduate study as ‘human capital investment’—a financial transaction whereby the employment returns of a degree are monetary. However, this distinctly neoliberal imaginary ignores well-established information asymmetries in choice, non-monetary drivers for education, as well as persistent inequalities in access, participation, and outcome. Non-linearity and disadvantage are a central feature of both career trajectory and graduate employment. This paper draws on the findings of a longitudinal, qualitative project that followed 40 undergraduate, home students over a period of four years in an English Red Brick University. Exploring the nature of career development over the whole student lifecycle and into employment, the paper examines how career strategies are experienced by lower-income students and their higher-income counterparts. It provides a typology of career planning and, in comparing the experiences of lower- and higher-income students, demonstrates some of the processes through which financial capacity and socio-economic background can impact on career planning and graduate outcomes.
Recent Extensions to the Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel Tests
Authors: Rayner J. C. W. , Rippon Paul
Published: September 2018

The Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel (CMH) methodology is a suite of tests applicable to particular tables of count data. The inference is conditional on the treatment and outcome totals on each stratum being known before sighting the data. The CMH tests are important for analysing randomised blocks data when the responses are categorical rather than continuous. This overview of some recent extensions to CMH testing first describes the traditional CMH tests and then explores new alternative presentations of the ordinal CMH tests. Next, the ordinal CMH tests will be extended so they can be used to test for higher moment effects. Finally, unconditional analogues of the extended CMH tests will be developed.
Personality Traits and Positive Resources of Workers for Sustainable Development: Is Emotional Intelligence a Mediator for Optimism and Hope?
Authors: Di Fabio Annamaria , Palazzeschi Letizia , Bucci Ornella , Guazzini Andrea , Burgassi Chiara , Pesce Eleonora
Published: September 2018

The 21st century is characterized by unpredictable and changing environments that require individuals and organizations to adapt to these challenges and prepare for continuous transitions in the work environment. Optimism and hope are positive resources that are key factors in navigating this post-modern work scenario. Emotional intelligence can be considered as another important variable in this context and furthermore, research has shown it can be increased through specific training. The aim of the present study is to examine the contribution of emotional intelligence in mediating the relationship between personality traits and both optimism and hope. The Big Five Questionnaire (BFQ), the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue-SF), the Life Orientation Test Revised (LOT-R), and the Hope Scale (HS) were administered to 201 Italian workers. Correlations among variables were calculated and mediation analyses were performed. The results showed that the relationships between personality traits and both optimism and hope are mediated by emotional intelligence. In particular, the contribution of emotional stability, agreeableness, and extraversion on optimism was mediated by emotional intelligence; the contribution of extraversion, emotional stability, and conscientiousness on hope was mediated by emotional intelligence. These results open new possibilities for research and interventions to enhance the personal resources of workers in the fluid scenario of the 21st century by promoting optimism and hope that are facilitated by emotional intelligence in the perspective of enhancing psychological aspects of sustainability and sustainable development.
Exosomes, Their Biogenesis and Role in Inter-Cellular Communication, Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Jella Kishore Kumar , Nasti Tahseen H. , Li Zhentian , Malla Sudarshan R. , Buchwald Zachary S. , Khan Mohammad K
Published: September 2018

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles ranging from 30 to 150 nm in diameter that contain molecular constituents of their host cells. They are released from different types of cells ranging from immune to tumor cells and play an important role in intercellular communication. Exosomes can be manipulated by altering their host cells and can be loaded with products of interest such as specific drugs, proteins, DNA and RNA species. Due to their small size and the unique composition of their lipid bilayer, exosomes are capable of reaching different cell types where they alter the pathophysiological conditions of the recipient cells. There is growing evidence that exosomes are used as vehicles that can modulate the immune system and play an important role in cancer progression. The cross communication between the tumors and the cells of the immune system has gained attention in various immunotherapeutic approaches for several cancer types. In this review, we discuss the exosome biogenesis, their role in inter-cellular communication, and their capacity to modulate the immune system as a part of future cancer immunotherapeutic approaches and their potential to serve as biomarkers of therapy response.
Quantitative Detection of Clogging in Horizontal Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetland Using the Resistivity Method
Authors: Liu Huaqing , Hu Zhen , Song Shiying , Zhang Jian , Nie Lichao , Hu Hongying , Li Fengmin , Liu Zhengyu
Published: September 2018

Substrate clogging seriously affects the lifetime and treatment performance of subsurface flow constructed wetlands (SSF CWs), and the quantitative detection of clogging is the key challenge in the management of substrate clogging. This paper explores the feasibility of the resistivity method to detect the clogging degree of an SSF CW. The clogged substrate was found to have a high water-holding capacity, which led to low apparent resistivity in the draining phase. On the basis of the resistivity characteristics, clogging quantification was performed with a standard laboratory procedure, i.e., the Wenner method used in a Miller Soil Box. The apparent resistivity to sediment fraction (v/v) (ARSF) model was established to evaluate the degree of clogging from the apparent resistivity. The results showed that the ARSF model fit well with the actual values (linear slope = 0.986; R-squared = 0.98). The methods for in situ resistivity detection were applied in a lab-scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (HSSF CW). Combined with the ARSF model, the two-probe method demonstrated high accuracy for clogging quantification (relative error less than 9%). These results suggest that the resistivity method is a reliable and feasible technique for in situ detection of clogging in SSF CWs.
Transition Period Clinical Trajectories for PD versus HD Starters
Authors: Maddux Dugan W. , Usvyat Len A. , Blanchard Thomas , Jiao Yue , Kotanko Peter , van der Sande Frank M. , Kooman Jeroen P. , Maddux Franklin W.
Published: September 2018

Background

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) starters generally have a better outcome compared with hemodialysis (HD) starters, perhaps related to treatment characteristics or case mix. We previously showed that pre- and post-dialysis start clinical parameter trajectories are related to outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate these trajectories in PD and HD starters.

Methods

This retrospective observational study analyzing data from the Fresenius Medical Care–chronic kidney disease (CKD) Registry from January 2009 to March 2018 examines trends in key clinical parameters through the transition period covering 12 months before to 12 months after dialysis start in 8,088 HD and 1,015 PD starters.

Results

Hemodialysis starters differed from PD starters by a significantly greater decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope (-0.64 vs -0.45 mL/min/1.73 m2/month) before and higher eGFR (9.85 vs 7.84 mL/min/1.73 m2) at dialysis start. Relatedly, differences in phosphorus (0.07 vs 0.05 mg/dL/month) and hemoglobin (-0.08 vs -0.01 g/dL/month) slopes before the transition to dialysis therapy were observed. After dialysis start, HD starters experienced a greater increase in albumin (0.01 vs 0 g/dL/month) whereas PD starters experienced a decline in serum sodium and higher white blood cell counts compared with HD starters.

Conclusion

For nephrology practice CKD patients, HD and PD starters appear clinically comparable in the year before dialysis start although HD starters exhibit a more rapid pre-dialytic eGFR decline. Ideally, studies comparing incident HD and PD outcomes should also consider CKD eGFR trajectories. In the first dialysis year, divergence occurs in albumin, white blood cell count, sodium and hemoglobin trends, which may be partly treatment-related.
Exploring the photoleakage current and photoinduced negative bias instability in amorphous InGaZnO thin-film transistors with various active layer thicknesses
Authors: Wang Dapeng , Furuta Mamoru
Published: September 2018

The photoleakage current and the negative bias and illumination stress (NBIS)-induced instability in amorphous InGaZnO thin-film transistors (a-IGZO TFTs) with various active layer thicknesses (TIGZO) were investigated. The photoleakage current was found to gradually increase in a-IGZO TFTs irrespective of the TIGZO when the photon energy of visible light irradiation exceeded ≈2.7 eV. Furthermore, the influence of the TIGZO on NBIS-induced instability in a-IGZO TFTs was explored by the combination of current–voltage measurements in double-sweeping VGS mode and capacitance–voltage measurements. The NBIS-induced hysteresis was quantitatively analyzed using a positive gate pulse mode. When the TIGZO was close to the Debye length, the trapped electrons at the etch-stopper/IGZO interface, the trapped holes at the IGZO/gate insulator interface, and the generation of donor-like states in an a-IGZO layer were especially prominent during NBIS.
Synthesis of dihydroquinazolines from 2-aminobenzylamine: N3-aryl derivatives with electron-withdrawing groups
Authors: Gruber Nadia , Díaz Jimena E , Orelli Liliana R
Published: September 2018

The sequential N-functionalization of 2-aminobenzylamine (2-ABA) followed by cyclodehydration allowed for a straightforward and efficient synthesis of 3,4-dihydroquinazolines with N-aryl substituents bearing electron-withdrawing groups. The sequence involves an initial SNAr displacement, N-acylation and MW-assisted ring closure. Remarkably, the uncatalyzed N-arylation of 2-ABA led to the monosubstitution product using equimolar amounts of both reagents. The individual steps were optimized achieving good to excellent overall yields of the desired heterocycles, avoiding additional protection and deprotection steps. A mechanistic interpretation for the cyclodehydration reaction promoted by trimethylsilyl polyphosphate (PPSE) is also proposed on the basis of literature data and our experimental observations.
A NICER Discovery of a Low-frequency Quasi-periodic Oscillation in the Soft-intermediate State of MAXI J1535–571
Authors: Stevens A. L. , Uttley P. , Altamirano D. , Arzoumanian Z. , Bult P. , Cackett E. M. , Fabian A. C. , Gendreau K. C. , Ha K. Q. , Homan J. , Ingram A. R. , Kara E. , Kellogg J. , Ludlam R. M. , Miller J. M. , Neilsen J. , Pasham D. R. , Remillard R. A. , Steiner J. F. , Eijnden J. van den
Published: September 2018

We present the discovery of a low-frequency ≈5.7 Hz quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) feature in observations of the black hole X-ray binary MAXI J1535–571 in its soft-intermediate state, obtained in 2017 September–October by the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer. The feature is relatively broad (compared to other low-frequency QPOs; quality factor Q ≈ 2) and weak (1.9% rms in 3–10 keV), and is accompanied by a weak harmonic and low-amplitude broadband noise. These characteristics identify it as a weak Type A/B QPO, similar to ones previously identified in the soft-intermediate state of the transient black hole X-ray binary XTE J1550–564. The lag-energy spectrum of the QPO shows increasing soft lags toward lower energies, approaching 50 ms at 1 keV (with respect to a 3–10 keV continuum). This large phase shift has similar amplitude but opposite sign to that seen in Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer data for a Type B QPO from the transient black hole X-ray binary GX 339–4. Previous phase-resolved spectroscopy analysis of the Type B QPO in GX 339–4 pointed toward a precessing jet-like corona illuminating the accretion disk as the origin of the QPO signal. We suggest that this QPO in MAXI J1535–571 may have the same origin, with the different lag sign depending on the scale height of the emitting region and the observer inclination angle.
Comparative acute toxicity of the pharmaceutical compound Diclofenac on groundwater and surface water crustaceans
Authors: Castaño Sánchez Andrea , Pereira Joana , Gonçalves Fernando , Reboleira Ana Sofia
Published: September 2018

Pharmaceutical compounds have been extensively used in medicine and currently detected in trace concentrations (ranging from ng/L to mg/L) in both surface and groundwater bodies worldwide in the last decades. Despite being mostly found in low concentrations, these are persistent compounds that are continuously discharged into aquatic ecosystems. Pharmaceutical compounds are also present in complex mixtures and the actual absence of appropriate wastewater treatment specifically targeting their elimination, renders them emerging contaminants with high risk for surface and groundwater ecosystems. None of these compounds is included in the European Water Framework Directive as a priority substance and comprehensive data are still being built regarding pharmaceuticals toxicity on standard surface aquatic taxa and almost none concerning groundwater-dweller species. However, the current Directive 2008/105/EC has included some antibiotics, steroids, phenolic-antioxidants and the anti-inflammatory diclofenac in the established watch list for monitoring substances regarding water quality policy.

Assessing the toxicity of pharmaceutical compounds in a large spectrum of aquatic environments is needed to assist a realistic environmental risk assessment. Hence, including subterranean species is a priority for establishing conservation measures in groundwater ecosystems. Copepod crustaceans are widely represented in freshwater bodies and dominant in groundwater ecosystems. We have selected the cosmopolitan (freshwater and groundwater) crustacean species Diacyclops crassicaudis crassicaudis Sars, 1863 and the freshwater model species Daphnia magna Müller, 1785 to estimate their response to acute exposures to the pharmaceutical compound diclofenac. Our preliminary results indicate that diclofenac was more toxic to the copepodites C1-C2 than to the neonates of D. magna (half maximal effective concentration: 63 mg/L and 111.3 mg/L at 48 h respectively) (See Suppl. material 1). However, further long-term toxicity testing at more environmentally relevant concentrations and the use of species with similar ecological features and more closely related are required for a better understanding of the potential of pharmaceutical compounds to harm the groundwater biota.
What does sampling tell us about the ecology of troglofauna?
Authors: Halse Stuart , Curran Michael , Carroll Tanya , Barnett Belinda
Published: September 2018

Little is known about the ecology of the troglofauna species occurring outside caves – which we term landscape troglofauna – because of the difficulties associated with viewing and sampling the habitats of these species. Some of the important information missing for most landscape species is as basic as the depth and substrate in which they occur. For example, does a particular species occur relatively close to the surface, over a range of depths or is it always found quite deep? Does the species use detritals, bedrock habitats or both? In addition to being important for understanding the structure and resilience of subterranean communities, this information is very useful for determining the likely impact of development projects on troglofauna species and their habitat. Because animals are difficult to collect, species ranges within a development site, and beyond it, are often inferred from the extent of their known habitat. In this talk, we address four issues relevant to the ecology and sampling of troglofauna. First, we examine whether troglofaunal capture rates can be related to season, antecedent rainfall or other factors. Second, we examine the effect on sampling yield of setting multiple troglofauna traps. Third, we examine the depths at which various groups of troglofauna mostly occur and check whether there is a match between depth of occurrence and assignment to troglophile or troglobiont categories. Finally we use results of troglofauna sampling in holes for which we have drill logs to we illustrate how knowledge about species’ substrate types is used in environmental impact assessment. This work is a first step to improving our understanding of habitat preferences of troglofauna in Western Australia and some of the responses of troglofauna to environmental variables. It is hoped the work will lead to the framing of more detailed studies.
Cafebr - Citation Amender/Formatter for Biological Research
Authors: Tsugama Daisuke
Published: September 2018

A reference list is an essential part of a manuscript for an academic article. It is often necessary to reformat (i.e., change orders of pieces of article information such as authors, article title, publication year, and journal where the article was published) of a preformatted reference list when a manuscript is declined by one journal and submitted to another. EndNote, Zotero and Mendeley are examples of sophisticated reference management programs that help generate a reference list with less errors. However, their multifunctionality seems to have complicated the process of generating a reference list: they require many selection steps to obtain a final output, and also require to manually edit a file outside the execuiton program even to make small changes in the output.

The author developed a program, Cafebr (Citation Amender/Formatter for Biological Research), to more simply generate a reference list for an article of biological research. It is written in HTML/JavaScript, and as such works on a web browser on any platform. On Cafebr, articles for a final reference list can be either given by a user or collected from PubMed. Pieces of article information are then extracted according to the format of these articles or to the delimiters designated by a user. Preset formats for output are currently only four, but all of them can be directly edited on the user interface, allowing to change output formats quickly and flexibly. All of the functions of Cafebr is available on its website (either http://stdtgm.itigo.jp/cafebr/cafebr.html (main) or http://studtsugama.s1006.xrea.com/cafebr/cafebr.xhtm (backup)) with aids of a CGI program. A stand-alone version of Cafebr is available at these websites or Zenodo (10.5281/zenodo.1404887).
Additions to the leafhopper genus Mimotettix (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae) from Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Wei Xingtao , Xing Jichun
Published: September 2018

Two new leafhopper species:Mimotettixmultispinosussp. n.andM.sinuatussp. n.are described and illustrated from Yunnan, China. A checklist to the species ofMimotettixfrom Yunnan and a key to species from the region are also provided.
Communication Huddles: The Secret of Team Success
Authors: Johnson Ingrid
Published: September 2018

George Bernard Shaw once said, “The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion it has taken place.” Health care continues to move toward a stronger team-based culture, but in many instances, team members lack basic communication skills needed to build organized, agile, and empowered teams. When teams lack reciprocal trust, a sense of safety, and collaboration skills, communication becomes limited. Limited communication leads to poor patient outcomes. This is the fourth article in this series, which focuses on interprofessional teams, and will address one of the single, simplest tools for team communication designed to improve both patient outcomes and employee satisfaction—the huddle.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2018;49(10):451–453.
Standardizing the Bedside Report to Promote Nurse Accountability and Work Effectiveness
Authors: Walsh Janis , Messmer Patricia R. , Hetzler Kathleen , O'Brien David J. , Winningham Barbara A.
Published: September 2018

Background:

This study evaluated bedside reporting from the nurse's perspective regarding accountability, empowerment, work effectiveness, satisfaction, and communication. The aim was to examine the effects of an educational learning activity on bedside handoff reporting related to accountability and work effectiveness. The communication was used at change of shift between frontline nurses, with future interprofessional implementation.

Method:

A demographic questionnaire, the Specht and Ramler Accountability Index-Individual Referent and the Conditions for Workplace Effectiveness Questionnaire-II were administered pre–posteducational (learning activity) intervention. Of 184 RNs, 104 completed the pretest, with only 73 of those completing the posttest.

Results:

Statistically significant differences were seen with empowerment, work effectiveness, communication, and nurse job satisfaction posttest; no statistically significant difference was found with accountability. The sample was ethnically diverse, with the majority being Latino pretest (
n
= 63, 55.8%) and posttest (
n
= 44, 60.3%).

Conclusion:

For medical–surgical units, incorporating bedside reporting can increase nurse satisfaction, accountability, and positive outcomes.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2018;49(10):460–466.
Factors Influencing Organizational Commitment and Turnover in Nurse Residents
Authors: Church Cory D. , He Zhaomin , Yarbrough Susan
Published: September 2018

Background:

Newly licensed RNs (NLRNs) are at risk for leaving employment in the first year. Nurse residency programs have demonstrated success for NLRN retention, yet other variables remain to be explored.

Method:

A retrospective correlational approach was used to determine the effect of autonomy, competence, group cohesion, structural empowerment, and job satisfaction on organizational commitment, turnover intent, and actual job turnover using secondary data of 1,498 nurse residents.

Results:

At 1 year post-residency, turnover intent was low. The turnover rate at year 2 was 8.3% (
n
= 125). Group cohesion, job satisfaction, and structural empowerment had a significant effect on organizational commitment. Organizational commitment had a significant effect on turnover intent.

Conclusion:

As part of the global NLRN population, findings based on the U.S. residency programs provide nursing professional development with information to foster the needs of NLRNs and nursing administrators with information to support the development and effectiveness of nurse residency programs in the organization.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2018;49(10):482–488.
The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Lee Junga
Published: September 2018

Physical activity may decrease the risk of dementia; however, conflicting findings exist. The purpose of the current meta-analysis was to investigate the relationship between physical activity and dementia risk based on physical activity type, amount, and intensity, and to propose an effective minimal physical activity amount for older adults. Forty-four studies were selected for the meta-analysis. Participation in high (a total of >2 hours of activity over the course of three sessions per week) and moderate (a total of >1 hour of activity over the course of two sessions per week) amounts of physical activity showed decreased dementia risks compared to physical inactivity. Vigorous exercise, regular exercise, leisure time physical activities, and gardening showed a positive effect toward lowering dementia risk, but walking was not associated with dementia risk. Physically inactive individuals had a higher dementia risk than those who participated in physical activity. Participation in physical activities produces a favorable effect toward lowering dementia risk. Participating in regular physical activity of >1 hour over the course of two sessions per week and avoiding physical inactivity are recommended for lowering dementia risk. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 44(
10), 22–29.]
A Comprehensive Assessment of Risk Factors for Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Zhao Yunchuan (Lucy) , Alderden Jenny , Lind Bonnie K. , Kim Heejung
Published: September 2018

Falls in community-dwelling older adults are a complicated phenomenon that are attributed to sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, functional problems, and environmental factors. The current cross-sectional and correlational study aimed to explore comprehensive risk factors for falls in community-dwelling older adults using a nationally representative data file (
N
= 5,930). Descriptive statistics were used and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Study findings showed that homebound or semi-homebound older adults were 50% more likely to experience a fall than non-homebound individuals. Impaired balance was the strongest predictor (odds ratio [OR] = 2.37,
p
< 0.001), followed by problems moving around in the home. Arthritis (OR = 1.39,
p
= 0.009) and depression or anxiety (OR = 1.28,
p
= 0.013) were additional risk factors. Community health or home health nurses need to assess these risk factors when planning fall intervention programs for older adults using evidence-based prevention strategies. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 44
(10), 40–48.]
Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) Strategies to Manage Innovation and Digital Business Model
Authors: Rani Anshu , Shivaprasad H. N.
Published: September 2018

In the digital age, consumers have changed their roles from passive receivers of marketing messages to active information suppliers about products through various digital media. The communication between consumers which occurs online is termed electronic word of mouth (eWOM) communication. Electronic word of mouth communication is an integral part of e-commerce. With the exponential growth of internet users and their adoption of eWOM for product information, it has become important to study the factors responsible for the effectiveness of eWOM. This chapter investigates the traditional WOM and eWOM literature to explore its status. A summary of eWOM communication has been presented to summarize prior studies of eWOM which is aligned with basic communication processes. The research papers (literature) have been segregated into eight categories: WOM, eWOM, eWOM impact, source credibility, message characteristics, receiver characteristics, eWOM platform, and response after eWOM adoption. Finally, several strategies are discussed for theoretical and empirical exploration.
E-WOM as a New Paradigm in the Consumer Decision-Making Process
Authors: Güven Esra , Yakin Volkan
Published: September 2018

Consumer-to-consumer communications in online environments are of a vital importance to the consumer decision-making process. This process consists of five phases, each affected by eWOM communications deeply from the stimulation to the post-purchase behavior. Among all other factors having an impact on this process, the impact of eWOM has a distinguished role. As the technology grows and the consumers use internet and the reviews via internet, they become more and more attached to these reviews to make a purchase decision. In this chapter, the authors make a comprehensive explanation about the consumer decision-making process and explain the relationship of the decision-making phases with eWOM communications.
From Collaborative Inquiry to Critical, Project-Based Clinical Experiences
Authors: Zenkov Kristien , Parsons Seth A. , Parker Audra K. , Brown Elizabeth Levine , Groth Lois A. , Pytash Kristine E. , Pellegrino Anthony
Published: September 2018

Unprecedented and long-overdue attention has recently been given to the role of field-based clinical experiences in teacher preparation. Traditional models of university coursework disconnected from real world field-based clinical experiences serve neither prospective teachers nor PreK-12 students. This chapter presents a broader notion of field-based teacher preparation structures occurring in school-university partnership contexts and professional development schools, with the authors drawing from data of four field-based experiences, which fall along a continuum of partnership, from three teacher education programs at two universities. These partnerships illustrate a developmental framework for building mutually beneficial relationships that enhance the engagement of all stakeholders and acknowledge the need for differentiation in teacher education practice. A pathways orientation to school-university partnerships/PDSs and a project-based clinical approach offer chances to develop mutually beneficial learning opportunities for PreK-12 students and teacher candidates.
Increasing Teacher Efficacy Through Rural Partnerships
Authors: Schulte Ann , Justeson Rebecca
Published: September 2018

The rural teacher residency (RTR) program at California State University – Chico was a program funded by a Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) grant from 2010-2015. The RTR program prepared teachers through partnerships with four school districts in the rural region of northern California. This residency program was designed to provide targeted training and experience in co-teaching, action research, professional learning communities, and collaboration. In addition, RTR faculty hoped to impact the retention of teachers for hard-to-staff schools such as those with underserved students and/or in rural settings. The purpose of the chapter is to briefly overview the design features of the RTR program and to describe the qualitative data analysis of an evaluation of the program (i.e., focus groups, survey, observations/interviews) at the conclusion of the grant funding cycle.
Scaffolding Ambitious Instruction
Authors: Wieman Rob
Published: September 2018

Pre-service teachers (PSTs) often have to plan and teach a lesson in a practicum setting as part of their methods class. This assignment is designed to give PSTs a chance to enact ambitious instruction; however, they often encounter obstacles that prevent them from engaging students in core disciplinary practices. A structure, based on lesson study, provides opportunities for PSTs to experience and identify these obstacles, revise their plans to address them, and engage in ambitious instruction while re-teaching the revised lesson. This structure also recasts initial lessons as opportunities to learn and improve through collaborative reflection. Examples of this structure are described, including features that contribute to PST learning and lesson improvements. Obstacles to ambitious instruction as well as strategies to overcome those obstacles are identified and discussed. Parallels are drawn between ambitious mathematics teaching and ambitious teacher education.
Adopt-an-Apprentice Teacher
Authors: Murnen Timothy J. , Bostic Jonathan , Fordham Nancy , Weaver Joanna
Published: September 2018

The goal of this chapter was to explore the impact of a field-centric, grade-band, and subject-area specific field experience model that is linked to corresponding coursework on novice teacher candidates' conceptions of what it means to be a teacher. Grounded in the work of scholars such as Dewey, Piaget, and Vygotsky, this study explores three questions: What aspects of the Adopt-an-Apprentice program do teacher candidates view as beneficial to their understanding of the profession and their development as teachers? What benefits, if any, do classroom teachers derive from hosting teacher candidates in the Adopt-an-Apprentice program? What is the impact of grade band/subject-area field experiences on teacher candidates' conceptions of being a teacher? Using quantitative and qualitative surveys, the study illustrates how coursework linked to authentic application in clinical settings empowered novice teacher candidates to understand and engage content, pedagogy, and standards.
Pivoting From Evaluative to Educative Feedback During Post-Observation Conferencing
Authors: Palmeri Amy B. , Peter Jeanne A.
Published: September 2018

In disentangling the, often conflated, evaluative and educative functions of preservice teacher supervision, the authors reimagine supervisory practice within the specific context of the post-observation conference. Claiming the post-observation conference as a teaching space provided the impetus leading to the design of a theoretically grounded post-observation conference protocol foregrounding the educative function of supervision, leveraging the mediating role of the university supervisor in supporting preservice teacher learning, and reflecting the principles of effective feedback. A critical feature of the protocol is the intentional focusing of feedback on one of four superordinate elements of teaching that provides continuity and consistency across post-observation conferences allowing preservice teachers to connect knowledge and skill related to the development of complex practice.
Reflection Activities Within Clinical Experiences
Authors: Nagro Sarah A. , deBettencourt Laurie U.
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this chapter is to explore the importance of reflection activities within clinical experiences that often are prescribed components of field-based teacher education. This chapter will include a review of documented attempts to understand the impact reflection activities have on teacher candidate growth. More specifically, this chapter will review what we know about the emphasis on reflective practice within teacher education and professional practice, what typical reflection activities within a field-based teacher education context are, and how reflective ability is measured within field-based clinical experiences. The chapter finishes with implications and recommendations for research and practice within teacher education.
LMS Tools and Data Analysis Approaches
Authors: Al Amoush Abdeleh Bassam , Sandhu Kamaljeet
Published: September 2018

Learning management systems (LMS) are a necessary and important tool and well suited as a learning tool and activity in higher educational. Thus, the authors allege that most of the universities these days are using the LMS tools in their institute. However, each institute has different LMS tools that allow the users (management, instructors, and students) to use them for daily activity. This chapter discusses the main usefulness tools (Moodle, Blackboard, WebCT, and Sakai) and the most useful data analysis approaches (CB-SEM, PLS, GSCA, and NEUSREL) in order to clarify the advantages and disadvantages for each of them, which gives an easier decision for managements and researchers to choose the suitable LMS tool and data analysis approach for their institute and research.
Creative Disruption in Higher Education
Authors: Lemoine Pamela A. , Richardson Michael D.
Published: September 2018

Globalization and the mushrooming of digital technologies accelerated tremendously during the last decade. Current technology clearly provides the means for acquiring greater amounts of information with more efficiency than ever before. Higher education faces its greatest combination of challenges—economic uncertainty, accountability, and globalization—overlaid by emerging technologies. University leaders face the twin trials of dramatic decreases in public financial support and the increasing cost of resources to avoid technological obsolescence. Nothing has affected education as profoundly as the advent and implementation of technology in higher education. The focus of society in the 21st century will be knowledge-based: learning will be critical and information will continually become obsolete.