bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recherche en contextes autochtones
Authors: Gouin Élisa
Published: September 2024

Cet article fait état du débat académique sur la posture des universitaires allochtones en contextes autochtones et d’une analyse quant à la légitimité de l’exercice de la recherche, dans le cadre d’un projet doctoral sur l’évaluation de la recherche partenariale en architecture et en aménagement entre communautés autochtones et universités. Une reconnaissance de l’évolution de la recherche sur, avec, pour et par les communautés autochtones permet de comprendre l’importance des balises éthiques aujourd’hui en place. Un exposé des discours en présence, de la culpabilité coloniale paralysante à un rejet de toute responsabilité quant à la colonisation, permet de faire émerger la posture du trait d’union. « Travailler le trait d’union » implique de s’engager dans une démarche transformative et réflexive qui s’attarde aux tensions générées par les différences sans tenter de les effacer, en reconnaissant les impacts de sa présence comme universitaire, de sa posture et de ses privilèges, mais également de ses compétences.
Surrogacy versus artificial womb technology: the future of reproduction in the European Union
Authors: Osmenda Katarzyna
Published: September 2024

Author of this article discussed the issue of surrogate motherhood laws and practices in the European Union, and tried to consider whether the artificial womb technology (AWT) could constitute an alternative in terms of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and other means of treating infertility. For the purpose of answering this question, a formal-dogmatic approach was applied. In order to provide necessary context, the legislative research was supplemented by the case law and secondary source research as well. Part one provides a brief explanation of the artificial womb technology. It begins with a general understanding of ectogenesis, followed by a description of current AWT research, both in terms of medical sciences and the legal and ethical considerations carried out by different authors. Section two is dedicated to the phenomena of motherhood and surrogate motherhood. Author presents several definitions of “mother”, including a gestational, biological, genetic, social, and legal one. The attention is also drawn to the legal definition of a mother on the example of selected EU countries. In order to provide a better understanding of possible motives behind the introduction of mater semper certa est principle into the applicable law, Author refers to the amendment of the Polish Family and Guardianship Code from November 6, 2008, along with the explanatory memorandum to this amendment. Lastly, the concept of surrogate motherhood is explained. Part three discovers surrogate motherhood laws in different countries of the European Union. The diversity of approaches toward surrogacy is classified in the following manner: legalization of surrogacy (complete and partial), prohibition of surrogacy (complete and partial), and no regulation on surrogacy. Established classification is followed by examples of Cypriot, Spanish, and Belgian law. It has been furthermore emphasized that, despite the inconsistency of the EU countries’ law, surrogacy is still practiced and leads to various consequences in terms of, for example, legal recognition of parenthood. In this section, Author referred to the European Court of Human Rights’ cases. In the last part, most frequent critiques of surrogate motherhood are recalled: the high risk of commodification and commercialization of the human body, possible exploitation of women, and legal uncertainty of a child born through a surrogacy agreement. Author tries to assess whether AWT is devoid of them and therefore could constitute a less hazardous option when utilized for reproduction purposes, bearing in mind its possible consequences.
Enhanced quinalphos degradation using immobilized cells of Enterobacter cloacae isolated from farm land soil of Vazhayur Panchayath, Malappuram District, Kerala
Authors: Shainy Nhattuketty Krishnan , Bhakthavalsalam Asha , Subaidabeevi Shabanamol , Baramy Farha , Ayiliath Aswathi , Murugesan Kulandhaivel
Published: September 2024

The increased use of organophosphorus pesticides and their persistence in soil pose a great menace to human health, animals, and milieu. Bioremediation can be applied for the degradation of such persistent chemicals. The aim of our study is based on the degradation of the organophosphorus pesticide, Quinalphos in the brand name “Ekalux” by using microorganisms that are already a part of the natural soil microflora. Enterobacter cloacae which have the capacity to degrade quinalphos were isolated from contaminated soil. The pre-isolated strain of E. cloacae (NCBI Accession No: CP035738.1) is used as a biodegradative agent of Quinalphos. The percentage of degradation of quinalphos was identified through a chemical reaction with a DPAAP reagent (diazotized para aminoacetophenone). Several factors can limit the rate of biodegradation such as temperature, pH, glucose concentration, NaCl concentration, and so on. A piece of these factors must be optimized for the secluded organism to achieve optimal degradation of Quinalphos. For biodegradation studies, the isolated organism E. clocae were inoculated into minimal media with Quinalphos. The efficiency of both free cell cultures and immobilized cell cultures was checked along with optimization studies. Immobilized cells were found to give better results than free cell cultures by 9%–15%. 35°C ± 2°C temperature, 6.5– 7.5 pH, and approximately 1% glucose concentration were found to be optimum for the most efficient biodegradation of quinalphos by E. cloacae.
A General Mechanism for the General Stress Response in Bacteria
Authors: Baral Rishika , Ho Kristin , Kumar Ramasamy P , Hopkins Jesse B , Watkins Maxwell B , LaRussa Salvatore , Caban-Penix Suhaily , Calderone Logan A , Bradshaw Niels
Published: September 2024

The General Stress Response promotes survival of bacteria in adverse conditions, but how sensor proteins transduce species-specific signals to initiate the response is not known. The serine/threonine phosphatase RsbU initiates the General Stress Response in
B. subtilis
upon binding a partner protein (RsbT) that is released from sequestration by environmental stresses. We report that RsbT activates RsbU by inducing otherwise flexible linkers of RsbU to form a short coiled-coil that dimerizes and activates the phosphatase domains. Importantly, we present evidence that related coiled-coil linkers and phosphatase dimers transduce signals from diverse sensor domains to control the General Stress Response and other signaling across bacterial phyla. These results additionally resolve the mystery of how shared sensory domains control serine/threonine phosphatases, diguanylate cyclases and histidine kinases, revealing a common coiled-coil linker transduction mechanism. We propose that this provides bacteria with a modularly exchangeable toolkit for the evolution of diverse signaling pathways.
A neurotransmitter atlas of C. elegans males and hermaphrodites
Authors: Wang Chen , Vidal Berta , Sural Surojit , Loer Curtis , Aguilar G Robert , Merritt Daniel M , Toker Itai Antoine , Vogt Merly C , Cros Cyril , Hobert Oliver
Published: September 2024

Mapping neurotransmitter identities to neurons is key to understanding information flow in a nervous system. It also provides valuable entry points for studying the development and plasticity of neuronal identity features. In the
C. elegans
nervous system, neurotransmitter identities have been largely assigned by expression pattern analysis of neurotransmitter pathway genes that encode neurotransmitter biosynthetic enzymes or transporters. However, many of these assignments have relied on multicopy reporter transgenes that may lack relevant
cis
-regulatory information and therefore may not provide an accurate picture of neurotransmitter usage. We analyzed the expression patterns of 16 CRISPR/Cas9-engineered knock-in reporter strains for all main types of neurotransmitters in
C. elegans
(glutamate, acetylcholine, GABA, serotonin, dopamine, tyramine, and octopamine) in both the hermaphrodite and the male. Our analysis reveals novel sites of expression of these neurotransmitter systems within both neurons and glia, as well as non-neural cells. The resulting expression atlas defines neurons that may be exclusively neuropeptidergic, substantially expands the repertoire of neurons capable of co-transmitting multiple neurotransmitters, and identifies novel neurons that uptake monoaminergic neurotransmitters. Furthermore, we also observed unusual co-expression patterns of monoaminergic synthesis pathway genes, suggesting the existence of novel monoaminergic transmitters. Our analysis results in what constitutes the most extensive whole-animal-wide map of neurotransmitter usage to date, paving the way for a better understanding of neuronal communication and neuronal identity specification in
C. elegans
.
Escribir en colaboración: roles en la coautoría y recursos digitales empleados
Authors: González Lillo Emmy Antonella , López Ferrero Carmen
Published: September 2024

Esta investigación aborda un estudio de caso con un doble objetivo: analizar, por un lado, qué papeles desempeñan los componentes de un grupo de estudiantes universitarios al escribir colaborativamente en línea para construir un trabajo escrito y, por otro lado, conocer qué recursos digitales emplean con este fin durante su proceso de escritura. El estudio se llevó a cabo con estudiantes de primer curso de la carrera de Biología Humana. Los datos se recogieron mediante la toma de notas en una observación no participante, la grabación de pantallas de ordenador con la aplicación Camtasia y el registro del historial de Google Docs. Los resultados del análisis muestran que los roles de los participantes varían en las distintas fases de composición del texto y que los estudiantes usan las herramientas digitales al escribir colaborativamente con tres objetivos fundamentalmente: a) buscar información en sitios web variados, sobre todo no especializados; b) parafrasear la información de las fuentes consultadas, y c) escribir comentarios en el margen del texto en Google Docs para interactuar entre pares y así gestionar la interacción. Estos resultados implican que la evaluación de los aprendizajes debe contemplar la reflexión tanto de los procedimientos como de las actitudes que se espera que los estudiantes aprendan y apliquen.
Una ciudad para las mujeres desde la perspectiva del derecho a la ciudad
Authors: Orozco Espinosa María Fernanda , Galaviz Briones Diana
Published: September 2024

El Instituto Nacional de las Mujeres de México (2020) indica que las mujeres se sienten más inseguras que los hombres en cualquier espacio público, principalmente en lugares como el transporte público (75%) y la calle (74.6%). Esta situación influye en la relación que tienen con el espacio urbano, reduciendo su movilidad y determinando su experiencia de vida cotidiana en la ciudad. El Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI, 2010) del Estado Mexicano indica que el 77% de las mujeres habitan en localidades urbanas. Por lo tanto, hablar de ciudades para ellas implica atender la calidad de vida de 47 millones de mexicanas, considerando que hombres y mujeres generan diferentes vínculos y significados en su interacción con las ciudades. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo analizar la ciudad y el derecho a la misma desde la experiencia de las mujeres, aportando teóricamente a la inclusión de ellas en el derecho a la ciudad y cómo es necesario conceptualizar ciudades amigables no solo para las personas en general, sino con atención específica a la inclusión de las mujeres en el espacio público.
Use of Therapy Diary as a Method for Monitoring and Improving Adherence to Metformin Therapy in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Milićević Aldijana Mahmutović , Lekić Lana , Poljaković Halida Mahmutbegović , Kamenjašević Dževida , Jahić Džemila , Zahirović Emina , Joldić Belkisa
Published: September 2024

Aims: To determine the effectiveness of using a therapy diary in improving adherence and blood glucose levels.
Study Design: A randomized multicenter study.
Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted in the primary Health Centers of ​​Tuzla Canton from March to August 2024.
Methodology: This study involved 44 participants, age 35-65, who had previously been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Included participants used metformin irregularly for at least 6 months and had not been diagnosed with a malignant disease or a severe mental disorder. Every participant gave written consent to participate in the research. A therapy diary was used as a method for monitoring adherence to metformin over a period of 3 months. Participants were trained to independently measure and record blood glucose level with a glucometer every morning for 3 months.
Results: 32 (72.73%) participants had adherence greater than 80% after 3 months, while 12 (27.27%) had adherence less than 80%, which is considered insufficient. The mean value of blood glucose level for all participants at the beginning of the study was 8.9 mmol/L. The mean value of morning blood glucose level for all participants after 3 months was 0.6 mmol/l lower. The mean value of morning blood glucose level in adherent patients after 3 months was 8.2 mmol/L, which shows that morning glucose level decreased by 0.7 mmol/L on average. The mean value of morning blood glucose level in non-adherent patients was 9.1 mmol/L, which is on average 0.2 mmol/L higher than the mean value of measured blood glucose level at the beginning of the study.
Conclusion: These results indicate that using a therapy diary can help with identification of trends in patient’s blood glucose levels and medication adherence, but further research is needed to establish more successful methods for improving adherence in diabetic patients.
Assessing the Impact and Management of Plastic Pollution in Freetown: A Comprehensive Situational Analysis
Authors: Kamara Musa , Azizi Mohammad Imran , Sesay Richard Edmond Victor , Rahmani Bahirullah , Bangura David
Published: September 2024

This paper aimed to identify the sources, types, challenges, and impacts of plastic pollution in Freetown, providing a comprehensive situational analysis. The study employed a qualitative and integrative literature review, contextualizing data from various sources, including government reports and international organizations. Databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science were utilized to compile and analyze relevant information.
Findings showed that 80% of Freetown's 40,600 tons/year of plastic waste is dumped in the streets. Sachet bags are the dominant, accounting for 70-80% of plastic waste, mainly from households. The study reveals that plastic pollution in Freetown is a critical environmental issue exacerbated by inadequate waste management infrastructure, rapid urbanization, and socio-economic challenges. Key impacts include threats to public health, disruption of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and significant economic costs, particularly in the tourism and fishing industries.
The study underscores the urgent need for policy interventions, such as banning single-use plastics, enhancing waste management systems, and promoting community engagement in recycling efforts. The broader implications of this research suggest that addressing plastic pollution in Freetown could significantly contribute to global sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty alleviation, health, and environmental sustainability. Finally, the findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, urging them to implement comprehensive waste management strategies and to engage local communities in efforts to mitigate plastic pollution, thereby fostering a more sustainable urban environment.
Regulation of South China Sea throughflow by pressure difference
Authors: Qin Huiling , Huang Rui Xin , Wang Weiqiang , Xue Huijie
Published: May 2016

Sea Surface Height (SSH) data from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts‐Ocean Reanalysis System 4 (ECMWF‐ORAS4) are used to determine the pressure difference in connection with variability of the South China Sea ThroughFlow (SCSTF) from 1958 to 2007. Two branches of SCSTF, the Karimata‐Sunda Strait ThroughFlow (KSSTF) and the Mindoro Strait ThroughFlow (MSTF), are examined. Using the ensemble empirical mode decomposition method (EEMD), time series of pressure difference and volume transport are decomposed into intrinsic mode functions and trend functions, with the corresponding variability on different time scales. Pressure difference agrees with the KSSTF volume transport on decadal time scale; while for the MSTF, pressure difference varies similarly with volume transport on interannual time scale. Separating the dynamic height difference into the thermal and haline terms, for the KSSTF more than half of the dynamic height difference (32 cm) is due to the thermal contributions; while the remaining dynamic height difference (23 cm) is due to the haline contributions. For the MSTF, the dynamic height difference (29 cm) is primarily due to the thermal contribution (26 cm).
Atlantic sea surface height and velocity spectra inferred from satellite altimetry and a hierarchy of numerical simulations
Authors: Biri Stavroula , Serra Nuno , Scharffenberg Martin G. , Stammer Detlef
Published: May 2016

Frequency and wavenumber spectra of sea surface height (SSH) and surface geostrophic velocity are presented, as they result for the Atlantic Ocean from a 23 year long altimeter data set and from a hierarchy of ocean model simulations with spatial resolutions of 16, 8, and 4 km. SSH frequency spectra follow a spectral decay of roughly f−1 on long periods; toward higher frequencies a spectral decay close to f−2 is found. For geostrophic velocity spectra, a somewhat similar picture emerges, albeit with flatter spectral relations. In terms of geostrophic velocity wavenumber spectra, we find a general relation close to k−3 in the high‐resolution model results. Outside low‐energy regions all model spectra come close to observed spectra at low frequencies and wavenumbers in terms of shape and amplitude. However, the highest model resolution appears essential for reproducing the observed spectra at high frequencies and wavenumbers. This holds especially for velocity spectra in mid and high latitudes, suggesting that eddy resolving ocean models need to be run at a resolution of 1/24° or better if one were to fully resolve the observed mesoscale eddy field. Causes for remaining discrepancies between observed and simulated results can be manifold. At least partially, they can be rationalized by taking into account an aliasing effect of unresolved temporal variability in the altimetric observations occurring on periods smaller than the 20 days Nyquist period of the altimetric data, thereby leading to an overestimate of variability in the altimetric estimates, roughly on periods below 100 days.
A scalable model for methane consumption in arctic mineral soils
Authors: Oh Youmi , Stackhouse Brandon , Lau Maggie C. Y. , Xu Xiangtao , Trugman Anna T. , Moch Jonathan , Onstott Tullis C. , Jørgensen Christian J. , D'Imperio Ludovica , Elberling Bo , Emmerton Craig A. , St. Louis Vincent L. , Medvigy David
Published: May 2016

Recent field studies have documented a surprisingly strong and consistent methane sink in arctic mineral soils, thought to be due to high‐affinity methanotrophy. However, the distinctive physiology of these methanotrophs is poorly represented in mechanistic methane models. We developed a new model, constrained by microcosm experiments, to simulate the activity of high‐affinity methanotrophs. The model was tested against soil core‐thawing experiments and field‐based measurements of methane fluxes and was compared to conventional mechanistic methane models. Our simulations show that high‐affinity methanotrophy can be an important component of the net methane flux from arctic mineral soils. Simulations without this process overestimate methane emissions. Furthermore, simulations of methane flux seasonality are improved by dynamic simulation of active microbial biomass. Because a large fraction of the Arctic is characterized by mineral soils, high‐affinity methanotrophy will likely have a strong effect on its net methane flux.
Relative importance between biogeochemical and biogeophysical effects in regulating terrestrial ecosystem‐climate feedback in northern high latitudes
Authors: Zhu Xudong , Zhuang Qianlai
Published: May 2016

Warming‐induced changes in structures and functions of northern terrestrial ecosystems (NTEs), including their regulation on terrestrial biogeochemistry and surface energy balance, may exert positive or negative feedback to the climate system. However, the relative importance among these biogeochemical and biogeophysical feedback is not well understood. Here we use a terrestrial ecosystem model to quantify spatially explicit ecosystem‐climate feedback over NTEs (north of 50°N) under four climate change scenarios from 2010 to 2100, including biogeochemical feedback from climate‐induced changes in net CH4 exchanges (NME) and net CO2 exchanges (NCE) and biogeophysical feedback from changes in surface energy partitioning associated with snow cover and vegetation biomass dynamics. Our results indicate that (1) biogeochemical and biogeophysical feedback are attributed more to the changes in NME and snow cover dynamics, respectively; (2) net biogeophysical feedback is much larger than net biogeochemical feedback; (3) NTEs will cause a net positive radiative forcing of 0.04–0.26 W m−2 between 2010 and 2100. Our findings support the notion that NTEs will exert positive net climate feedback; however, our estimation of positive net biogeochemical feedback including NME‐ and NCE‐induced effects is contrary to previous studies showing negative net biogeochemical feedback including NCE‐induced effect only. This study highlights the importance of NME‐induced biogeochemical effect in regulating ecosystem‐climate feedback in NTEs and implies that previous studies without considering NME‐induced effect might have underestimated the intensity of total terrestrial feedback to the climate system.
Friction and Heat Transfer Coefficient Determination of Titanium Alloys during Hot Forging Conditions
Authors: Sethy Ritanjali , Galdos Lander , Mendiguren Joseba , Sáenz de Argandoña Eneko
Published: May 2016

In this paper, the contact condition between Ti–6Al–4V specimens and heated tool steel is studied with the purpose of calculating the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) and coefficient of friction (COF) at the interface of the specimens and the tools. Three types of surfaces that are, Ti–6Al–4V specimens with no coating, 40 and 80 µm of glass coating have been analyzed in this study. The paper first presents the experimental results of HTC tests and ring compression tests and then, two Finite Element (FE) numerical models are developed and applied for calculation of the HTC and COF value under three aforementioned surface conditions. The final results are the identification of both coefficients and the identification of the most promising surface condition, when forging Ti–6Al–4V specimens at temperatures about 940 °C.
Understanding Origin of Voltage Hysteresis in Conversion Reaction for Na Rechargeable Batteries: The Case of Cobalt Oxides
Authors: Kim Haegyeom , Kim Hyunchul , Kim Hyungsub , Kim Jinsoo , Yoon Gabin , Lim Kyungmi , Yoon Won‐Sub , Kang Kisuk
Published: May 2016

Conversion reaction electrodes offer a high specific capacity in rechargeable batteries by utilizing wider valence states of transition metals than conventional intercalation‐based electrodes and have thus been intensively studied in recent years as potential electrode materials for high‐energy‐density rechargeable batteries. However, several issues related to conversion reactions remain poorly understood, including the polarization or hysteresis during charge/discharge processes. Herein, Co3O4 in Na cells is taken as an example to understand the aforementioned properties. The large hysteresis in charge/discharge profiles is revealed to be due to different electrochemical reaction paths associated with respective charge and discharge processes, which is attributed to the mobility gap among inter‐diffusing species in a metal oxide compound during de/sodiation. Furthermore, a Co3O4–graphene nanoplatelet hybrid material is demonstrated to be a promising anode for Na rechargeable batteries, delivering a capacity of 756 mAh g−1 with a good reversibility and an energy density of 96 Wh kg−1 (based on the total electrode weight) when combined with a recently reported Na4Fe3(PO4)2(P2O7) cathode.
Autocrine‐Based Selection of Drugs That Target Ion Channels from Combinatorial Venom Peptide Libraries
Authors: Zhang Hongkai , Du Mingjuan , Xie Jia , Liu Xiao , Sun Jingying , Wang Wei , Xin Xiu , Possani Lourival D. , Yea Kyungmoo , Lerner Richard A.
Published: May 2016

Animal venoms represent a rich source of pharmacologically active peptides that interact with ion channels. However, a challenge to discovering drugs remains because of the slow pace at which venom peptides are discovered and refined. An efficient autocrine‐based high‐throughput selection system was developed to discover and refine venom peptides that target ion channels. The utility of this system was demonstrated by the discovery of novel Kv1.3 channel blockers from a natural venom peptide library that was formatted for autocrine‐based selection. We also engineered a Kv1.3 blocker peptide (ShK) derived from sea anemone to generate a subtype‐selective Kv1.3 blocker with a long half‐life in vivo.
Genetically Directed Production of Recombinant, Isosteric and Nonhydrolysable Ubiquitin Conjugates
Authors: Stanley Mathew , Virdee Satpal
Published: May 2016

We describe the genetically directed incorporation of aminooxy functionality into recombinant proteins by using a mutant Methanosarcina barkeri pyrrolysyl‐tRNA synthetase/tRNACUA pair. This allows the general production of nonhydrolysable ubiquitin conjugates of recombinant origin by bioorthogonal oxime ligation. This was exemplified by the preparation of nonhydrolysable versions of diubiquitin, polymeric ubiquitin chains and ubiquitylated SUMO. The conjugates exhibited unrivalled isostery with the native isopeptide bond, as inferred from structural and biophysical characterisation. Furthermore, the conjugates functioned as nanomolar inhibitors of deubiquitylating enzymes and were recognised by linkage‐specific antibodies. This technology should provide a versatile platform for the development of powerful tools for studying deubiquitylating enzymes and for elucidating the cellular roles of diverse polyubiquitin linkages.
Circles of support and accountability: The characteristics of core members in England and Wales
Authors: Clarke Martin , Warwick Leah , Völlm Birgit
Published: May 2016

Background

Circles of support and accountability, or Circles, use community volunteers to help reintegrate sex offenders at risk of reoffending in the community.

Aims

The aims of this study are to describe the first 275 male sex offenders (‘core members’) in England and Wales supported by a Circle and to compare those attending the five largest Circles.

Methods

As part of their monitoring activity, 10 Circles extracted data from case files, anonymised it and submitted it to Circles UK, the national oversight body.

Results

Circles have expanded rapidly with 165 (60%) of Circles commencing in the three years 2011–2013 compared with 110 in the nine years 2002–2010. Most core members were referred from the Probation Service (82%). Circles were provided to men with a range of predicted risks of reoffending – from low (26%) to very high (12%). There were some positive changes between the beginning and end of Circles, such as fewer men being unemployed and more living in their own chosen accommodation.

Conclusions/implications for practice

Circles have been used to support the reintegration of a wide range of sex offenders. Given their rapid growth and flexibility, consistent recording standards are required across. These standards should be reviewed periodically to ensure all important fields of change are captured, including frequency of attendance, length per session and quality of engagement in the work. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectroscopic Investigation of Titania‐Supported Gold Nanoparticles Prepared by a Modified Deposition/Precipitation Method for the Oxidation of CO
Authors: Compagnoni Matteo , Kondrat Simon A. , Chan‐Thaw Carine E. , Morgan David J. , Wang Di , Prati Laura , Villa Alberto , Dimitratos Nikolaos , Rossetti Ilenia
Published: May 2016

The spectroscopic characterization of a material is a fundamental tool for understanding the structure–activity correlation for catalytic purposes. Regarding supported nanoparticles, this perspective has acquired more relevance in recent years and several techniques have been employed. In this work diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), coupled with CO adsorption, was used to investigate a modified deposition/precipitation method (DP‐UC) for the preparation of supported gold nanoparticles with very low metal loading (0.1–0.5 wt %). This promising synthetic route involves the use of urea as basic agent and NaBH4 as chemical reductant in contrast to the traditional high‐temperature reduction step. The systematic IR spectroscopic study of the Au loading was combined with CO oxidation catalytic tests. The evaluation of the results was also supported by several other techniques, such as X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N2 physisorption, and transmission electron microscopy. Particular attention was given to the evaluation of the gold electronic state, surface dispersion, particle size, and the corresponding structure–activity relationship.
Meldrum's Acid: A Useful Platform in Asymmetric Organocatalysis
Authors: Pair Etienne , Cadart Timothée , Levacher Vincent , Brière Jean‐François
Published: May 2016

For more than a hundred years, Meldrum's acid and its derivatives have proven their utility and versatility in organic synthesis. Showing very unusual properties and multiple facets of reactivity, this small architecture has become the keystone of numerous synthetic methodologies. In asymmetric organocatalysis, where the catalyst/substrate matching is of upmost importance, Meldrum's acid derivatives have slowly but surely emerged as partners of choice over the last decade. This review intends to give a comprehensive state‐of‐the‐art view of the use of Meldrum's acid in enantioselective organocatalysis. After discussing the properties of Meldrum's acid and alkylidene Meldrum's acid derivatives, we will also make a point of highlighting how they allow such a good pairing with organocatalysts.
Recent Advances in Heterogeneous Catalysis with Controlled Nanostructured Precious Monometals
Authors: Nishimura Shun , Ebitani Kohki
Published: May 2016

Achievements in advanced materials science have required close cooperation with innovations in nanotechnology. First, in this Minireview, two impressive examples of close relationships between materials science and nanotechnology are introduced by using the histories on the Lycuurgus Cup and H2 storage/release phenomena in Pd crystals. In the main sections, the recent advanced approaches and the impressive scope of size‐ and shape‐controlled precious monometallic nanoparticle catalysts and the recent advances in organic‐stabilizer‐mediated specific catalysis are introduced. Heterogeneous catalysis is susceptible to nanoscale surface functionality and morphology, therefore, significant research has been directed towards controlled nanostructured catalysis associated with new nanotechnology for synthesis and analysis techniques. These discussions are with a view for future innovations in catalysis combined with nanotechnology.
Ultrasmall Palladium Nanoclusters as Effective Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhao Shuo , Zhang Hui , House Stephen D. , Jin Renxi , Yang Judith C. , Jin Rongchao
Published: May 2016

The recent prosperity of ultrasmall gold nanoclusters makes it desirable to expand the family of clusters to other metals. Here, we present a one‐phase approach for synthesizing thiolate‐protected palladium nanoclusters with a mass of approximately 5 kDa. Such nanoclusters are further evaluated for the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline solutions. Ligand‐on palladium nanoclusters exhibit an onset potential of −0.09 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and superior durability in open air. With ligands removed, the palladium nanoclusters display an onset potential of −0.02 V and a higher mass activity (272.4 A g−1 at the potential of −0.15 V) than that of Pt/C (166.6 A g−1). Kinetic investigation indicates a direct four‐electron reduction pathway over palladium nanoclusters, which is preferred in oxygen reduction, owing to enhanced power generation. The efficient catalytic performance of palladium nanoclusters makes them an excellent candidate as electrocatalysts in fuel cell technology.
Dipolar Photosystems: Engineering Oriented Push–Pull Components into Double‐ and Triple‐Channel Surface Architectures
Authors: Bolag Altan , Sakai Naomi , Matile Stefan
Published: May 2016

Push–pull aromatics are not popular as optoelectronic materials because their supramolecular organization is difficult to control. However, recent progress with synthetic methods has suggested that the directional integration of push–pull components into multicomponent photosystems should become possible. In this study, we report the design, synthesis, and evaluation of double‐ or triple‐channel architectures that contain π stacks with push–pull components in parallel or mixed orientation. Moreover, the parallel push–pull stacks were uniformly oriented with regard to co‐axial stacks, either with inward or outward oriented push–pull dipoles. Hole‐transporting (p) aminoperylenemonoimides (APIs) and aminonaphthalimides (ANIs) are explored for ordered push–pull stacks. For the co‐axial electron‐transporting (n) stacks, naphthalenediimides (NDIs) are used. In double‐channel photosystems, mixed push–pull stacks are overall less active than parallel push–pull stacks. The orientation of the parallel push–pull stacks with regard to the co‐axial NDI stacks has little influence on activity. In triple‐channel photosystems, outward‐directed dipoles in bridging stacks between peripheral p and central n channels show higher activity than inward‐directed dipolar stacks. Higher activities in response to direct irradiation of outward‐directed parallel stacks reveal the occurrence of quite remarkable optical gating.
Achievable rates of SVD‐based codebooks for zero‐forcing and Tomlinson‐Harashima precoding schemes with limited feedback MU‐MIMO system
Authors: Kaleem Zeeshan , Hui Bing , Chang KyungHi
Published: May 2016

In this manuscript, we developed a new SVD‐based codebook design criterion for linear zero‐forcing (ZF) precoding and Tomlinson‐Harashima (TH) precoding with limited feedback. In limited feedback systems where only quantized channel state information is available, precoding on transmitter causes sum‐rate degradation because of quantization errors. Thus, we propose more efficient codebooks that reduce the quantization error with lower feedback overheads. We also develop a closed‐form expression for sum‐rate of the proposed codebooks in case of TH and ZF precoding schemes in a multiuser MIMO system with limited feedback. The numerical consequences prove that TH precoding can achieve sum‐rate gain of 0.5–2.5 bps/Hz at 25 dB signal‐to‐noise ratio as compared with linear ZF precoding with 10 and 20 feedback bits per user, respectively. Moreover, the numerical results also prove that the performance of nonlinear TH precoding is better than linear ZF precoding for low signal‐to‐noise ratio value or for the large number of feedback bits. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dual role for Sox2 in specification of sensory competence and regulation of Atoh1 function
Authors: Puligilla Chandrakala , Kelley Matthew W.
Published: May 2016

The formation of inner ear sensory epithelia is believed to occur in two steps, initial specification of sensory competent (prosensory) regions followed by determination of specific cell‐types, such as hair cells (HCs) and supporting cells. However, studies in which the HC determination factor Atoh1 was ectopically expressed in nonprosensory regions indicated that expression of Atoh1 alone is sufficient to induce HC formation suggesting that prosensory formation may not be a prerequisite for HC development. To test this hypothesis, interactions between Sox2 and Atoh1, which are required for prosensory and HC formation respectively, were examined. Forced expression of Atoh1 in nonprosensory cells resulted in transient expression of Sox2 prior to HC formation, suggesting that expression of Sox2 is required for formation of ectopic HCs. Moreover, Atoh1 overexpression failed to induce HC formation in Sox2 mutants, confirming that Sox2 is required for prosensory competence. To determine whether expression of Sox2 alone is sufficient to induce prosensory identity, Sox2 was transiently activated in a manner that mimicked endogenous expression. Following transient Sox2 activation, nonprosensory cells developed as HCs, a result that was never observed in response to persistent expression of Sox2. These results, suggest a dual role for Sox2 in inner ear formation. Initially, Sox2 is required to specify prosensory competence, but subsequent down‐regulation of Sox2 must occur to allow Atoh1 expression, most likely through a direct interaction with the Atoh1 promoter. These results implicate Sox2‐mediated changes in prosensory cells as an essential step in their ability to develop as HCs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 3–13, 2017
Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome in a patient with anorexia nervosa: A case report
Authors: El Ghoch Marwan , Benini Luigi , Sgarbi Daniela , Dalle Grave Riccardo
Published: May 2016

This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of a 26‐year‐old patient with anorexia nervosa (AN) diagnosed with Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome (SRUS). To our knowledge, this is the first case report to document SRUS in AN, whose pathogenesis in this case seems to have been determined by the patient's malnourished and underweight state. Furthermore, SRUS symptoms appear to have interacted with the eating disorder psychopathology, increasing the need to exert control over eating. Cognitive behavioral strategies and procedures were accordingly used to address the eating disorder psychopathology and to promote complete weight restoration, which brought about a significant reduction in the size of the ulcer and the complete resolution of SRUS symptoms. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.(Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:731–735)
Conceptualizing primary and secondary pathological exercise using available measures of excessive exercise
Authors: Cunningham Hayley E. , Pearman Silas , Brewerton Timothy D.
Published: May 2016

Objective

There is disagreement about the conceptualization and measurement of pathological exercise (PE). This study seeks to elucidate the nature of this phenomenon as addictive or compulsive in its primary and secondary forms.

Method

1,497 adults (608 men, 885 women, 4 other) completed a set of validated surveys, including the Godin Leisure‐Time Exercise Questionnaire, the Exercise Dependence Scale‐21, the Exercise Addiction Inventory, the Compulsive Exercise Test (CET), the Obligatory Exercise Questionnaire, the Commitment to Exercise Scale, and an exercise specific adaptation of the Dimensional Obsessive‐Compulsive Scale (ESDOCS). Participants completed the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire, and DSM‐5 eating disorder (ED) diagnoses were determined according to published guidelines. Pearson correlation coefficients, independent samples t‐tests, χ2 tests, 1‐way ANOVA's, and ANCOVA's were calculated.

Results

All PE measures correlated highly with one another (P < 0.001). Participants with EDs scored higher on all measures than those without (P < 0.001), and those with bulimia nervosa had the highest scores. Participants with PE and an accompanying ED (secondary PE) scored higher than those with PE and no ED symptoms (primary ED) on the CET (P < 0.002) and ESDOCS (P < 0.003). Correlations between EDE‐Q and PE scores were stronger among women than men. PE prevalence was 6.4% (1.4% primary PE, 5.0% secondary PE) in our heterogeneous sample.

Discussion

Secondary PE appears to be more compulsive while primary PE is more addictive in nature. Men and women are equally at risk for PE, but in men it is more often primary and addictive and in women it is more often secondary and compulsive. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:778–792)
Does being overweight or male increase a patient's risk of not being referred for an eating disorder consult?
Authors: MacCaughelty Chelsea , Wagner Rebecca , Rufino Katrina
Published: May 2016

Objective

To examine whether sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and eating disorder diagnosis were associated with referral rates for eating disorder consults in a general inpatient psychiatric facility.

Method

An inpatient sample of 136 individuals with a current eating disorder diagnosis were utilized for this study. Chi square and logistic regression were used to identify variables affecting the likelihood of having an eating disorder consult.

Results

More women than men were identified as having a current eating disorder diagnosis. For both women and men, eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) was the most common diagnosis, followed by binge‐eating disorder (BED). Compared to women, there were more men who did not receive an eating disorder consult. Specifically, overweight men were less likely to be referred for a consult.

Discussion

Results highlight the need of healthcare providers to ask all individuals about their eating habits, which could then provide an opportunity to explore eating disorder symptoms. Due to historical biases, the less distinct nature of some diagnoses or the absence of symptoms that have been considered indicators of clinical severity, providers may be more likely to overlook individuals with diagnoses of EDNOS and BED for consults, especially men. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:963–966)
Marine ecosystem connectivity mediated by migrant–resident interactions and the concomitant cross‐system flux of lipids
Authors: van Deurs Mikael , Persson Anders , Lindegren Martin , Jacobsen Charlotte , Neuenfeldt Stefan , Jørgensen Christian , Nilsson P. Anders
Published: May 2016

Accumulating research argues that migrants influence the functioning and productivity of local habitats and ecosystems along migration routes and potentially drive cross‐system energy fluxes of considerable magnitude, yet empirical documentation of local ecological effects and descriptions of the underlying mechanisms are surprisingly rare. In this study, we discovered migrant–resident interactions and substantial cross‐system lipid transportation in the transition zone between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea where a resident cod population (predators) was found to interact with a herring population (prey) on a seasonal basis. We traced the lipids, using fatty acid trophic markers (FATM), from the herring feeding grounds in the North Sea to the cod livers in the Western Baltic Sea. Time series analysis of population dynamics indicated that population‐level production of cod is positively affected by the herring subsidies. However, the underlying mechanisms were more complicated than anticipated. During the herring season, large cod received most of its dietary lipids from the herring, whereas smaller cod were prevented from accessing the lipid pool due to a mismatch in predator–prey size ratio. Furthermore, while the herring were extremely rich in bulk energy, they were surprisingly poor in a specific functional fatty acid. Hence, our study was the first to illustrate how the magnitude cross‐system fluxes of subsidies in migrant–resident systems are potentially constrained by the size structure of the resident predator population and the nutritional quality of the migrants.
The relationship between agricultural biodiversity, dietary diversity, household food security, and stunting of children in rural Kenya
Authors: M'Kaibi Florence K. , Steyn Nelia P. , Ochola Sophie A. , Du Plessis Lissane
Published: May 2016

The study was to determine the role of Dietary diversity (DD), household food security (HFS), and agricultural biodiversity (AB) on stunted growth in children. Two cross‐sectional studies were undertaken 6 months apart. Interviews were done with mothers/caregivers and anthropometric measurements of children 24–59 months old.HFSwas assessed by household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS). A repeated 24‐h recall was used to calculate a dietary diversity score (DDS). Agricultural biodiversity (AB) was calculated by counting the number of edible plants and animals. The study was undertaken in resource‐poor households in two rural areas in Kenya. Mothers/Care givers and household with children of 24–59 months of age were the main subjects. The prevalence of underweight [WAZ<−2SD] ranged between 16.7% and 21.6% and stunting [HAZ<−2SD] from 26.3% to 34.7%. MeanDDSranged from 2.9 to 3.7 andHFIASranged from 9.3 to 16.2.ABwas between 6.6 and 7.2 items. Households with and without children with stunted growth were significantly different inDDS(P = 0.047) after the rainy season andHFIAS(P = 0.009) in the dry season, but not withABscore (P = 0.486). The meanABfor households with children with stunted growth were lower at 6.8, compared to 7.0 for those with normal growth, however, the difference was insignificant. Data indicate that households with children with stunted growth and those without are significantly different inDDSandHFIASbut not withAB. This suggests some potential in usingDDSandHFIASas proxy measures for stunting.
Differences in the Prices of Vulnerable Options with Different Counterparties
Authors: Wang Xingchun
Published: May 2016

In this paper, a new pricing model is proposed to investigate the differences in the prices of vulnerable options with different counterparties. I start by specifying the dynamics of the market portfolio, and then break down the risk of the underlying asset and the assets of the counterparties into systematic and idiosyncratic risk, which allows me to distinguish the counterparties from these two kinds of risk. Finally, the derived pricing formulae are used to illustrate the differences between vulnerable option prices. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 37:148–163, 2017