bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a barnacle tree of life: integrating diverse phylogenetic efforts into a comprehensive hypothesis of thecostracan evolution
Authors: Ewers-Saucedo Christine , Owen Christopher L. , Pérez-Losada Marcos , Høeg Jens T. , Glenner Henrik , Chan Benny K.K. , Crandall Keith A.
Published: August 2019

Barnacles and their allies (Thecostraca) are a biologically diverse, monophyletic crustacean group, which includes both intensely studied taxa, such as the acorn and stalked barnacles, as well as cryptic taxa, for example, Facetotecta. Recent efforts have clarified phylogenetic relationships in many different parts of the barnacle tree, but the outcomes of these phylogenetic studies have not yet been combined into a single hypothesis for all barnacles. In the present study, we applied a new “synthesis” tree approach to estimate the first working Barnacle Tree of Life. Using this approach, we integrated phylogenetic hypotheses from 27 studies, which did not necessarily include the same taxa or used the same characters, with hierarchical taxonomic information for all recognized species. This first synthesis tree contains 2,070 barnacle species and subspecies, including 239 barnacle species with phylogenetic information and 198 undescribed or unidentified species. The tree had 442 bifurcating nodes, indicating that 79.3% of all nodes are still unresolved. We found that the acorn and stalked barnacles, the Thoracica, and the parasitic Rhizocephala have the largest amount of published phylogenetic information. About half of the thecostracan families for which phylogenetic information was available were polyphyletic. We queried publicly available geographic occurrence databases for the group, gaining a sense of geographic gaps and hotspots in our phylogenetic knowledge. Phylogenetic information is especially lacking for deep sea and Arctic taxa, but even coastal species are not fully incorporated into phylogenetic studies.
Group B Streptococcus colonization induces Prevotella and Megasphaera abundance-featured vaginal microbiome compositional change in non-pregnant women
Authors: Mu Xiaofeng , Zhao Changying , Yang Junjie , Wei Xiaofang , Zhang Jiaming , Liang Cheng , Gai Zhongtao , Zhang Chunling , Zhu Dequan , Wang Ye , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2019

Background

Previous studies have indicated that variations in the vaginal microbiome result in symptomatic conditions. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a significant neonatal pathogen and maternal vaginal colonization has been recognized as an important risk factor for neonatal disease. Therefore, it is important to discover the relationship between the composition of the vaginal microbiome and GBS colonization. This study explores the potential relationship between the composition of the vaginal microbiome and GBS colonization in non-pregnant Chinese women.

Methods

A total of 22 GBS-positive, non-pregnant women and 44 matched GBS-negative women were recruited for the current study. The composition of the vaginal microbiome was profiled by sequencing the 16S rRNA genes. The microbiome diversity and variation were then evaluated.

Results

The vaginal microbiome of the 66 subjects enrolled in the current study were compared and the results showed that GBS-positive women exhibited significant vaginal microbial differences compared with the GBS-negative women based on the analysis of similarities (r = 0.306, p < 0.01). The relative abundance of the bacterial genus Lactobacillus (p < 0.01) was significantly lower in the GBS-positive group, while the abundances of the bacterial genera Prevotella (p < 0.01), Megasphaera (p < 0.01), and Streptococcus (p < 0.01) were significantly higher in the GBS-positive group.

Discussion

The current study addressed significant variations across the communities of the vaginal microbiome in GBS-positive and GBS-negative women in a Chinese cohort, which paves the way for a larger cohort-based clinical validation study and the development of therapeutic probiotics in the future.
Risk and prognostic nomograms for hepatocellular carcinoma with newly-diagnosed pulmonary metastasis using SEER data
Authors: Ye Guanzhi , Wang Lin , Hu Zhengyang , Liang Jiaqi , Bian Yunyi , Zhan Cheng , Lin Zongwu
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This research aimed to identify risk factors of pulmonary metastasis (PM) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and prognostic factors of patients with PM from HCC at initial diagnosis.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with HCC between 2010 and 2015 were reviewed retrospectively in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Patients with PM from HCC at initial diagnosis were identified from the entire cohort. Predictors for PM from HCC were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Independent prognostic factors for patients with PM were determined by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Nomograms were also constructed for quantifying risk of metastasis and overall survival estimation visually.

Results

Our research included 30,641 patients diagnosed with HCC, of whom 1,732 cases were with PM from HCC at initial diagnosis. The risk factors causing PM from HCC were age (P = 0.001), race (P < 0.001), primary tumor size (P < 0.001), T stage (P < 0.001), N stage (P < 0.001), alpha-fetoprotein (P < 0.001), bone metastasis (P < 0.001), brain metastasis (P < 0.001), and intrahepatic metastasis (P < 0.001). The significantly prognostic factors for overall survival were age (P = 0.014), T stage (P = 0.009), surgical approach (P < 0.001), and chemotherapy (P < 0.001). Harrell’s C-index statistics of two nomograms were 0.768 and 0.687 respectively, indicating satisfactory predictive power.

Conclusions

This research provided evaluation of risk factors and prognosis for patients with PM from HCC. Two nomograms we developed can be convenient individualized tools to facilitate clinical decision-making.
Exploring the potential of deep-blue autofluorescence for monitoring amyloid fibril formation and dissociation
Authors: Ziaunys Mantas , Sneideris Tomas , Smirnovas Vytautas
Published: August 2019

Protein aggregation into amyloid fibrils has been linked to multiple neurodegenerative disorders. Determining the kinetics of fibril formation, as well as their structural stability are important for the mechanistic understanding of amyloid aggregation. Tracking both fibril association and dissociation is usually performed by measuring light scattering of the solution or fluorescence of amyloid specific dyes, such as thioflavin-T. A possible addition to these methods is the recently discovered deep-blue autofluorescence (dbAF), which is linked to amyloid formation. In this work we explore the potential of this phenomenon to monitor amyloid fibril formation and dissociation, as well as show its possible relation to fibril size rather than amyloid structure.
Extraction and Characterization of Oil from Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) Seed
Authors: Olowokere J. A. , Onen A. I. , Odineze M. C. , B’aga I. D. , Kefas E. G.
Published: August 2019

This work focuses on the extraction of oil from date palm seed. Using n-hexane in Soxlet extraction apparatus, standard procedures were followed to determine the oil feed stock yield. Proximate compositions and physicochemical characteristics were carried out. Also, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to determine the functional groups and the fatty acid composition of the oil respectively. The result shows that the appearance of date palm seed oil is reddish brown in colour. Result from the FTIR analysis also shows that 17 peaks were noticed from date palm seed oil, indicating the presence of various functional groups such as OH, C-H, C=C, C=O, C  The dominating types and number of functional groups are found on the single bond stretch and on the fingerprint region skeletal vibration. Similarly, the GC-MS result also reveals that there are 5 dominating fatty acid compounds present in date palm seed oil in relation to their abundant relative weight composition. In date seed oil, oleic acid which comprise of omega-9 fatty acid is found to be the only monounsaturated fatty acid with the highest weight composition of 49.4%. The inference that can be drawn from the results in this work in relation to application suggest that, date palm seed oil will be suitable for soap production and cleansing agents. Also, omega-9 fatty acid has some health benefits that can strengthen the brain as well as the heart. Furthermore, research on the life shelf and storage of this oil should be looked into, as it relates to the peroxidation of oil.
The Impact of Tourism Development to Environmental and Socio Cultural Conditions of the People in the Taman Sari Tourism Area Yogyakarta
Authors: Hurdawaty Ramon , Kusumaningrum Dewi Ayu , Efferiandi Defri
Published: August 2019

Aims: (1) To know the impact of tourism development on environmental conditions in the Taman Sari tourism area of ​​Yogyakarta, (2) To know the impact of tourism development on the socio-cultural conditions of the people in the Taman Sari tourism area in Yogyakarta.

Study Design: Case Study.

Place and Duration of Study: Taman Sari, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Betweeen April Until June 2016.

Methodology: This research uses the method the qualitative study. While design research methodology used is a method case study. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews with related offices, manager of Taman Sari, visitor and community around Taman Sari Yogyakarta.

Results: (1) The positive impact of tourism development on environmental conditions is the level of public awareness and attention in waste management around the Taman Sari area in Yogyakarta, The negative impacts that are polluted water and air, damage to vegetation and wildlife ecosystems and damage to cultural heritage in the Taman Sari Yogyakarta tourism area, (2) The positive impact the tourism development about social and cultural namely Javanese gamelan, wayang kulit, ketoprak jawa and batik in the Taman Sari Yogyakarta tourism area and cultural acculturation also occurs in buildings and food around Taman Sari Yogyakarta tourist area. The negative impacts, namely a shift in culture among young people and upper middle class people with low taste in arts and culture, in line with the development of tourism in the Taman Sari area of ​​Yogyakarta, many foreign cultural are imitated by young people around the area Taman Sari Yogyakarta tours in particular how to dress and the culture of drinking alcoholic beverages.

Conclusion: There was an impact of positive and negative changes in the development of tourism on the environmental and socio-cultural conditions of the community around the Taman Sari area of Yogyakarta.
A New Smoothing Method for Time Series Data in the Presence of Autocorrelated Error
Authors: Adams Samuel Olorunfemi , Ipinyomi Rueben Adeyemi
Published: August 2019

Spline Smoothing is used to filter out noise or disturbance in an observation, its performance depends on the choice of smoothing parameters. There are many methods of estimating smoothing parameters; most popular among them are; Generalized Maximum Likelihood (GML), Generalized Cross-Validation (GCV), and Unbiased Risk (UBR), this methods tend to overfit smoothing parameters in the presence of autocorrelation error. A new Spline Smoothing estimation method is proposed and compare with three existing methods in order to eliminate the problem of over fitting associated with the presence of Autocorrelation in the error term. It is demonstrated through a simulation study performed by using a program written in R based on the predictive Mean Score Error criteria. The result indicated that the predictive mean square error (PMSE) of the four smoothing methods decreases as the smoothing parameters increases and decreases as the sample sizes increases. This study discovered that the proposed smoothing method is the best for time series observations with Autocorrelated error because it doesn’t over fit and works well for large sample sizes. This study will help researchers overcome the problem of over fitting associated with applying Smoothing spline method time series observation.
Center Conditions for a Class of Rigid Quintic Systems
Authors: Lu Fei Fei
Published: August 2019

The problem of determining necessary and sufficient conditions on P and Q for system.

x = - y+P(x+y),y = x+Q(x+y) to have a center at the origin is known as the Poincaré center-focus problem. So far, people has tried many ways to solve the problem of central focus. However, it is difficult to solve the center focus problem of higher order polynomial system. In this paper, we use the Poincaré and Alwash-Lloyd methods to study the center focus problem and derive the center conditions of the five periodic differential equation.
Quality, Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Fenugreek as Influenced by Integrated Nutrient Management
Authors: Dotaniya C. K. , Niranjan Rajeev K. , Kumar Uttam , Lata Manju , Regar K. L. , Doutaniya R. K. , Mohbe Sandeep , Jadon Priyanka
Published: August 2019

Organic Agriculture sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal, human and planet as one and indivisible. The experiment was carried out at Agriculture experimental field, Nehru PG collage Lalitpur (U.P.) during 2014-15. Lalitpur district is a part of Bundelkhand plateau. Betwa River is the boundary between Jhansi and Lalitpur in the north. Most of the area is under the average elevation of 300 m to 450 m from the sea level, whereas some portion in south has an elevation above 450m. Its latitudinal extension is from 24°10'N to 25°15'N and longitudinal extension is from 78°10'E to 790°0'E. The experimental comprising four levels of Vermicompost, Farm Yard Manure and Rhizobium was conducted in the factorial randomized block design with 12 treatment combinations and three replications in 30 pots. Application of integrated nutrient management increased the seed & straw yield (kg/ha) as compared to control. Seed and straw yield (kg/ha) of fenugreek crop was found, the maximum 300 gm/pot of vermicompost (1433 kg/ha) and (9267 kg/ha) followed by FYM and Rhizobium. The Application of vermicompost (300 gm/pot) resulted in significantly higher nitrogen phosphorus and potassium uptake than FYM, Rhizobium treatment and control.
Comparison of Anxiolytic Effect of Aqueous Extract of Root of Valeriana officinalis with Buspirone in Mature Male Mice
Authors: Gordan Atefe , Taheri Elham , Saeidi Jafar
Published: August 2019

Background: Anxiety is the most common psychiatric disorder which can be cured by herbal and chemical medicine. Herbal medicine and complementary medicine are widely used among people suffering from anxiety disorder. Valeriana officinalis known to cause anxiolytic and sedative effects to have a special place in traditional Chinese, Indian and Iranian medicine.

Aims: This study aims to compare the anxiolytic effect of aqueous extract of root of V. officinalis root with Buspirone in mature male mice.

Study Design: Study was conducted in the Islamic Azad University of Mashhad to an animal room of the Faculty of Basic Sciences, Azad University of Nishabur, under standard conditions. This experimental study has been demonstrated by control and experimental groups. The sample consisted of 30 mature male mice assigned into five groups of six: group A receiving distilled water (control group), group B, group C and group D receiving 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg aqueous extract of V. officinalis, respectively, and group E receiving 30 mg/kg buspirone orally in drinking water. Anxiolytic effects were evaluated 10 days after receiving by using maze. One-way ANOVA and T-test were analyzed by using SPSS 19 software package.

Results and Discussion: The results show that the aqueous extract of V. officinalis root causes a significant increase in the number of arrivals and elapsed time in open arms compared to Buspirone. Medicinal plants currently form an important part of traditional medicine in many countries and they have a special place in new therapeutic approaches. ANOVA and T-test results showed a significant (P<0.05) relationship between the anxiolytic effect of aqueous extract of V. officinalis root and Buspirone in mice.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that V. officinalis are more effective in reducing anxiety compared to buspirone.
Child‐related attributions of hostile intent and harsh discipline: Moderating effects of anger
Authors: Milner Joel S. , Wagner Michael F. , Crouch Julie L. , McCarthy Randy J.
Published: August 2019

Two studies tested whether attributions of hostile intent (AHI) and anger for ambiguous child behaviors uniquely predict parents’ harsh verbal discipline (HVD) and harsh physical discipline (HPD) or whether AHI only predicts harsh discipline when AHI occurs in conjunction with anger, as suggested by the Integrated Cognitive Model of general aggression (Wilkowski & Robinson, 2010, J. Pers., 78, 9–38). Replicating previous studies, the expected positive bivariate relationships between AHI, anger, HVD, and HPD were found in Study 1 (N = 493). However, when AHI, anger, and the AHI by anger interaction were considered simultaneously, patterns of prediction varied by discipline type. For HVD, high levels of AHI, high levels of anger, and the AHI by anger interaction (at high levels of AHI and anger) each were significant predictors. For HPD, low levels of AHI, high levels of anger, and the AHI by anger interaction (at high levels of AHI and anger) were significant predictors, suggesting a possible suppressor effect for AHI. These results were replicated in Study 2 (N = 503). Thus, there was support for the contention that AHI only predicts harsh discipline when AHI occurs in conjunction with anger with respect to HPD but this was not the case for HVD. Since AHI suppressor effects were observed for HPD in two large sample studies, variables that may account for the AHI suppressor effects and the need for testing more complex interactive predictive models of harsh parenting behaviors are discussed.
USPSTF in draft recommends screening for illicit drug use
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2019

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recommended screening for illicit drug use in adults — including pregnant adults — in a draft released Aug. 9.
3D‐Printed Multilayered Reinforced Material System for Gas Supply in CubeSats and Small Satellites
Authors: Singhal Nimesh , Levchenko Igor , Huang Shiyong , Xu Luxiang , Potrivitu George-Cristian , Cherkun Oleksii , Fang Jinghua , Bazaka Kateryna , Xu Shuyan
Published: August 2019

Further development of the near‐Earth satellite infrastructure as well as plans for colonization of the Moon and Mars require innovative materials and technologies to produce efficient space assets capable of active functioning for several years. Therefore, the development of compact and efficient devices has bloomed exponentially. Critical components of such devices, propulsion systems that include thrusters, and feed and power systems, have to be efficient and compact. Moreover, these systems shall be simple and cheap, to satisfy the need for thousands of small satellites planned to be launched in the near future. Herein, the design of a 3D‐printed, reinforced multilayered material system for gas supply to be used in CubeSats and small satellites of a 1U (10 × 10 × 11.3 cm) form factor is described. The main objective of the system is to provide 0.1 standard cubic centimeter per minute (sccm) of propellant to the thruster. To achieve that, a material system is designed for a propellant tank of ≈50 × 100 mm.
High‐Pressure Sintering of Rhombohedral Cr2S3 Using Titanium–Zirconium–Molybdenum Tools
Authors: Groeneveld Dennis , Groß Hendrik , Hansen Anna-Lena , Dankwort Torben , Hansen Julian , Wöllenstein Jürgen , Bensch Wolfgang , Kienle Lorenz , König Jan
Published: August 2019

The influence of sintering parameters on the physical properties and the chemical structure of rhombohedral Cr2S3 (rh‐Cr2S3) is investigated using high pressures and high temperatures. The densification of the powder is performed by applying the high‐pressure field‐assisted sintering technique/spark plasma sintering. Using a titanium–zirconium–molybdenum (TZM) alloy as sintering tool, it is possible to increase the magnitude of the applied pressure to several hundred MPa at temperatures as high as 1223 K. A relative density of up to 99.9% is achieved at a sintering temperature of 1223 K and a pressure of 395 MPa. The presence of phase‐pure rh‐Cr2S3 is proven by X‐ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The Seebeck coefficients of the self‐doped samples change drastically with the sintering temperatures ranging between −650 and −350 μV K−1. The densities and the thermal conductivities of the sintered samples increase with increasing sintering temperatures. The electrical conductivity is largely increased compared with the thermal conductivity potentially due to the current‐assisted high‐pressure sintering.
Tumor Microenvironment‐Tailored Weakly Cell‐Interacted Extracellular Delivery Platform Enables Precise Antibody Release and Function
Authors: Li Sidi , Chen Luyang , Huang Kai , Chen Ning , Zhan Qi , Yi Kaikai , Qi Hongzhao , Liu Chaoyong , Tan Yanli , Hou Xin , Lu Yunfeng , Zhao Jin , Yuan Xubo , Kang Chunsheng
Published: August 2019

Precise delivery of extracellularly functional protein drugs is limited by the drawback in that the protective carrier often causes undesirable cellular uptake of these therapeutic agents. Here, the design of a weakly cell‐interacted, nanosized, environment‐responsive vehicle (WINNER) with rational phosphorylcholine (PC) surface filling ratios capable of precise extracellular delivery of therapeutic agents for enhanced tumor suppression is reported. Highly hydrophilic zwitterionic PC and enzyme‐responsive peptides are engineered into the functional shell of WINNER which reasonably covers the inner protein. It is demonstrated that rationally controlled PC surface filling ratios (50.5–58.3%) are necessary for weakening interactions between the cell and WINNER whilst providing enough sites on WINNER for enzyme recognition. Consequently, WINNER (50.5–58.3%) can protect inner cargos from cellular uptake and undergo enzymatic degradation, resulting in precise extracellular release of inner protein, such as therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb). After intravenous administration, therapeutic mAb nimotuzumab‐loaded WINNER (51.2%) shows highest in vivo antitumor activity compared with free nimotuzumab or nimotuzumab‐loaded PC‐free nanocarrier in a lung adenocarcinoma xenograft tumor animal model. This work presents a simple and flexible approach to design precise extracellular delivery platform which can uncage the therapeutic power of extracellular targeting therapeutic agents.
Dental Resin Monomer Enables Unique NbO2/Carbon Lithium‐Ion Battery Negative Electrode with Exceptional Performance
Authors: Ji Qing , Gao Xiangwen , Zhang Qiuju , Jin Liyu , Wang Da , Xia Yonggao , Yin Shanshan , Xia Senlin , Hohn Nuri , Zuo Xiuxia , Wang Xiaoyan , Xie Shuang , Xu Zhuijun , Ma Liujia , Chen Liang , Chen George Z. , Zhu Jin , Hu Binjie , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter , Bruce Peter G. , Cheng Ya‐Jun
Published: August 2019

Niobium dioxide (NbO2) features a high theoretical capacity and an outstanding electron conductivity, which makes it a promising alternative to the commercial graphite negative electrode. However, studies on NbO2 based lithium‐ion battery negative electrodes have been rarely reported. In the present work, NbO2 nanoparticles homogeneously embedded in a carbon matrix are synthesized through calcination using a dental resin monomer (bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate, Bis‐GMA) as the solvent and a carbon source and niobium ethoxide (NbETO) as the precursor. It is revealed that a low Bis‐GMA/NbETO mass ratio (from 1:1 to 1:2) enables the conversion of Nb (V) to Nb (IV) due to increased porosity induced by an alcoholysis reaction between the NbETO and Bis‐GMA. The as‐prepared NbO2/carbon nanohybrid delivers a reversible capacity of 225 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at a 1 C rate with a Coulombic efficiency of more than 99.4% in the cycles. Various experimental and theoretical approaches including solid state nuclear magnetic resonance, ex situ X‐ray diffraction, differential electrochemical mass spectrometry, and density functional theory are utilized to understand the fundamental lithiation/delithiation mechanisms of the NbO2/carbon nanohybrid. The results suggest that the NbO2/carbon nanohybrid bearing high capacity, long cycle life, and low gas evolution is promising for lithium storage applications.
Plasmon Enhanced Two‐Photon Probing with Gold and Silver Nanovoid Structures
Authors: Madzharova Fani , Öhl Denis , Junqueira João , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Kneipp Janina
Published: August 2019

Nonlinear optical signals benefit greatly from the enhanced local optical fields in the vicinity of plasmonic nanostructures. Gold and silver nanovoid arrays of varying size and thickness, fabricated by electrochemical deposition are shown here to act as stable plasmonic nanostructures and to enhance the weak, incoherent two‐photon excited process of surface‐enhanced hyper Raman scattering (SEHRS) with high microscopic homogeneity and reproducibility that typical SEHRS experiments have not been addressing so far. Silver nanovoids yield stronger enhancement than gold voids, but gold nanovoid arrays show improved stability at high laser excitation intensities. Combined screening experiments using SEHRS and second‐harmonic generation (SHG) reveal a dependence of the enhancement of both signals on void structural parameters and similar optimum geometries for both two‐photon processes. The results confirm the suggested important role for the enhancement of the near‐infrared excitation field in SEHRS and suggest SHG as a fast screening tool to identify nanostructures that can support high SEHRS enhancement.
Physical activity and work activities in Florida agricultural workers
Authors: Mix Jacqueline M. , Elon Lisa , Thein Mac Valerie Vi , Flocks Joan , Economos Jeannie , Tovar‐Aguilar Antonio J. , Hertzberg Vicki S. , McCauley Linda A.
Published: August 2019

Background

Laboring in hot and humid conditions is a risk factor for heat‐related illnesses. Little is known about the amount of physical activity performed in the field setting by agricultural workers, a population that is among those at highest risk for heat‐related mortality in the United States.

Methods

We measured accelerometer‐based physical activity and work activities performed in 244 Florida agricultural workers, 18 to 54 years of age, employed in the fernery, nursery, and crop operations during the summer work seasons of 2015‐2017. Environmental temperature data during the participant's workdays were collected from the Florida Automated Weather Network and used to calculate wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT). Generalized linear mixed model regression was used to examine the association between WBGT on physical activity, stratified by the agricultural sector.

Results

Fernery workers had the highest overall volume of physical activity, spending nearly 4 hours in moderate to vigorous activity per workday. Activity over the course of the workday also differed by the agricultural sector. A reduction on average physical activity with increasing environmental temperature was observed only among crop workers.

Conclusions

The quantity and patterns of physical activity varied by the agricultural sector, sex, and age, indicating that interventions that aim to reduce heat‐related morbidity and mortality should be tailored to specific subpopulations. Some workers did not reduce overall physical activity under dangerously hot environmental conditions, which has implications for policies protecting worker health. Future research is needed to determine how physical activity and climatic conditions impact the development of heat‐related disorders in this population.
“Felony assault should stick:” Assaulted EMS responders’ frustration and dissatisfaction with the legal system
Authors: Wright Jasmine Y. , Davis Andrea L. , Brandt‐Rauf Sherry , Taylor Jennifer A.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The prevalence of violence to first responders is reported in ranges of approximately 40% to 90%. Pennsylvania has a felonious assault statute to address such violence, but the prosecutorial process has been noted to cause first‐responder dissatisfaction.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative study using individual interviews with snowball sampling was conducted with the Philadelphia District Attorney's office to understand the prosecutorial process when a first responder is assaulted and injured in a line of duty. The Philadelphia Fire Department provided a list of first responders who sustained a work‐related injury from a patient or bystander assault so that particular cases could be discussed during the interviews.

Results

Emergent themes fell into two categories: factors that lead to a charge (prosecutorial merit, intent, and victim investment), and the judge's discretion in sentencing (“part of the job” mentality, concern for the defendant, and the justice system's offender focus). Immediately actionable tertiary prevention recommendations for fire departments, labor unions, and district attorney's offices were developed.

Conclusion

Violence against fire‐based emergency medical service (EMS) responders is a persistent and preventable workplace hazard. While felonious assault statutes express society's value that it is unacceptable to harm a first responder, this study found that such statutes failed to provide satisfaction to victims and that support when going through the court process is lacking. Assaulted EMS responders, their employers, and labor unions would benefit from the recommendations provided herein to help them extract a stronger sense of procedural justice from the legal process.
Three‐Phase Photocatalysis for the Enhanced Selectivity and Activity of CO2 Reduction on a Hydrophobic Surface
Authors: Li Ang , Cao Qian , Zhou Guangye , Schmidt Bernhard V. K. J. , Zhu Wenjin , Yuan Xintong , Huo Hailing , Gong Jinlong , Antonietti Markus
Published: August 2019

The photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CRR) represents a promising route for the clean utilization of stranded renewable resources, but poor selectivity resulting from the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in aqueous solution limits its practical applicability. In the present contribution a photocatalyst with hydrophobic surfaces was fabricated. It facilitates an efficient three‐phase contact of CO2 (gas), H2O (liquid), and catalyst (solid). Thus, concentrated CO2 molecules in the gas phase contact the catalyst surface directly, and can overcome the mass‐transfer limitations of CO2, inhibit the HER because of lowering proton contacts, and overall enhance the CRR. Even when loaded with platinum nanoparticles, one of the most efficient HER promotion cocatalysts, the three‐phase photocatalyst maintains a selectivity of 87.9 %. Overall, three‐phase photocatalysis provides a general and reliable method to enhance the competitiveness of the CRR.
Total Syntheses of Xiamycins A, C, F, H and Oridamycin A and Preliminary Evaluation of their Anti‐Fungal Properties
Authors: Pfaffenbach Magnus , Bakanas Ian , O'Connor Nicholas R. , Herrick Jessica L. , Sarpong Richmond
Published: August 2019

Divergent and enantiospecific total syntheses of the indolosesquiterpenoids xiamycins A, C, F, H and oridamycin A have been accomplished. The syntheses, which commence from (R)‐carvone, employ a key photoinduced benzannulation sequence to forge the carbazole moiety characteristic of these natural products. Late‐stage diversification from a common intermediate enabled the first syntheses of xiamycins C and F, and an unexpected one‐pot oxidative decarboxylation, which may prove general, led to xiamycin H. All synthetic intermediates and the natural products were tested for anti‐fungal activity. Xiamycin H emerged as an inhibitor of three agriculturally relevant fungal pathogens.
Das hydratisierte Proton besitzt eine deutlich höhere Oberflächenaktivität als das Hydroxidion
Authors: Das Sudipta , Bonn Mischa , Backus Ellen H. G.
Published: August 2019

Das Verhalten von Hydroxidionen und hydratisierten Protonen, den Autoionisationsprodukten des Wassers, an Oberflächen spielt eine große Rolle in der Forschung und bei vielen Anwendungen. Es ist allerdings unklar, bei welcher Massenkonzentration diese Ionen an der Wasser‐Luft‐Grenzfläche oberflächenaktiv werden. Mit der oberflächensensitiven Summenfrequenzspektroskopie (SFS) können bei einem Überschuss an D+hyd/OD−hyd‐Ionen Veränderungen an der D2O/Luft‐Grenzschicht erkannt werden. Ab einer Konzentration von nur 2.7±0.2 mm D+hyd beginnt die nachweisliche Veränderung an der D2O‐Oberfläche. Im Gegensatz dazu ist eine Konzentration von mehreren hunderten mm OD−hyd erforderlich, um die D2O‐Oberfläche nachweislich zu verändern. Das hydratisierte Proton an der Wasser‐Luft‐Grenzfläche ist damit um mehrere Größenordnungen oberflächenaktiver als das Hydroxidion.
Multi‐Component Synthesis of Rare 1,3‐Dihydro‐1,3‐azaborinine Derivatives: Application of a Bora‐Nazarov Type Reaction
Authors: Li Jun , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Mück‐Lichtenfeld Christian , Kehr Gerald , Erker Gerhard
Published: August 2019

The twofold hydroboration products of (Fmes)BH2⋅SMe2 with a series of alkynes (2‐butyne, arylethynes) react with two molar equiv of 2,6‐dimethylphenyl isocyanide (CN‐Xyl) at 80 °C to give rare examples of 1,3‐azaborinine derivatives. A mechanistic study revealed a reaction course involving insertion of one isonitrile followed by a bora‐Nazarov type ring‐closure reaction and subsequent isonitrile insertion to give the respective 1,3‐dihydro‐1,3‐azaborinines 5.
An Unusual Skeletal Rearrangement in the Biosynthesis of the Sesquiterpene Trichobrasilenol from Trichoderma
Authors: Murai Keiichi , Lauterbach Lukas , Teramoto Kazuya , Quan Zhiyang , Barra Lena , Yamamoto Tsuyoshi , Nonaka Kenichi , Shiomi Kazuro , Nishiyama Makoto , Kuzuyama Tomohisa , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: August 2019

The skeletons of some classes of terpenoids are unusual in that they contain a larger number of Me groups (or their biosynthetic equivalents such as olefinic methylene groups, hydroxymethyl groups, aldehydes, or carboxylic acids and their derivatives) than provided by their oligoprenyl diphosphate precursor. This is sometimes the result of an oxidative ring‐opening reaction at a terpene‐cyclase‐derived molecule containing the regular number of Me group equivalents, as observed for picrotoxan sesquiterpenes. In this study a sesquiterpene cyclase from Trichoderma spp. is described that can convert farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) directly via a remarkable skeletal rearrangement into trichobrasilenol, a new brasilane sesquiterpene with one additional Me group equivalent compared to FPP. A mechanistic hypothesis for the formation of the brasilane skeleton is supported by extensive isotopic labelling studies.
The Surface Activity of the Hydrated Proton Is Substantially Higher than That of the Hydroxide Ion
Authors: Das Sudipta , Bonn Mischa , Backus Ellen H. G.
Published: August 2019

The behavior of hydroxide and hydrated protons, the auto‐ionization products of water, at surfaces is important for a wide range of applications and disciplines. However, it is unknown at which bulk concentration these ions start to become surface active at the water–air interface. Here, we report changes in the D2O–air interface in the presence of excess D+hyd/OD−hyd determined using surface‐sensitive vibrational sum‐frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy. The onset of the perturbation of the D2O surface occurs at a bulk concentration as low as 2.7±0.2 mm D+hyd. In contrast, a concentration of several hundred mm OD−hyd is required to change the D2O surface. The hydrated proton is thus orders of magnitude more surface‐active than hydroxide at the water–air interface.
Water as a solvent for Ru‐catalyzed click reaction: Highly efficient recyclable catalytic system for triazolocoumarins synthesis
Authors: Arafa Wael Abdelgayed Ahmed , Nayl Abd El‐Aziz Ahmed
Published: August 2019

A new family of Ru (III) complexes has been synthesized, characterized and their catalytic performance has been tested for alkyne–azide cycloaddition (AAC) in water under ultrasonic irradiation conditions. These complexes are found to be effective heterogeneous catalysts for the regioselective synthesis of 1,4‐disubstituted‐1,2,3‐triazoles giving access to these products in excellent yields. The catalyst system is equally active for one‐pot multi‐component protocol of the AAC reactions. Also, successive sequencing of Huisgen reaction with Knoevenagel condensation reaction results in the effective assembly of a diversified hitherto unreported 1,2,3‐triazolyl coumarin frameworks. In present strategy, the catalyst could be easily isolated by simple filtration and reused up to eight consecutive cycles without significant drop in the reaction yields. During the leaching experiment, there is no leaching amount of the catalyst was detected, suggesting true heterogeneity in the catalytic system. The results of gram‐scale reaction and green metrics calculations also confirmed the sustainability and industrial applicability of the current catalytic protocol.
Assessment on the mechanical, structural, and thermal attributes of green graphene‐based water soluble polymer electrolyte composites
Authors: Sultana Sabiha , Bhatti Haq Nawaz , Yasmin Farah , Khan Abdul Naeem , Rehan Imran , Rehan Kamran , Noor‐ul‐Amin
Published: August 2019

In the current study, graphene oxide (GO) was prepared using green chemistry with modified Hummer's method without incorporating sodium nitrate (NaNO3). Solvent casting was employed to fabricate GO‐doped poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), that is, PEO/GO composites with various proportion of Na2SO4 and were then subjected to characterization via advanced spectroscopic techniques for different physicochemical aspects to estimate their potential applications as marketable products. XRD analysis explored that fabricated composites are more crystalline than neat PEO. PEO/GO/Na2SO4 composite films offered maximum crystallinity. SEM displayed the same trend. TG/DTA thermogram exposed better thermal stability than pristine polymer. FTIR studies confirmed complexation among hybrid's components. Elongation‐at‐break and Young's modulus displayed an enhancing behavior with an incremental loading of salt and filler. In terms of mechanical performance, composite of PEO with 0.37 wt % GO and 0.08 g salt was found to be an ideal composition during the course of study. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48376.
Bi‐phasic water diffusion in sheet molding compound composite
Authors: Abdessalem Abir , Tamboura Sahbi , Fitoussi Joseph , Ben Daly Hachmi , Tcharkhtchi Abbas
Published: August 2019

Sheet molding compound (SMC) composite has been studied under humid‐aging conditions. Diffusion of water within the material, as measured by gravimetry, was found to be in good agreement with the “Langmuir‐type” diffusion model developed by Carter and Kibler. In their theory, Carter and Kibler consider the existence of two types of water molecules in the material, «mobile» and «bound». In this study, these two types have been considered separately. Furthermore, Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis has been performed by decomposition of signals to study the fraction of free (mobile) and hydrogen‐bounded water. Thermal analysis and microscopic observations were put forward to explain the two types of water molecules. In this contribution, we found a “bi‐phasic” water diffusion. We suggest that the «mobile» water corresponding to the diffusion in the micro‐porosities follows a Fickien kinetic, which turns to sigmoidal one at a specific time of immersion τ. Whereas the kinetic of «bound» water, referring to crosslinking and plasticization, follows a sigmoidal kinetic, which turns to Fickien behavior when the overall network is saturated. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48381.
Genetic differentiation between and within ecotypes of pike (Esox lucius) in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Nordahl Oscar , Koch‐Schmidt Per , Sunde Johanna , Yıldırım Yeşerin , Tibblin Petter , Forsman Anders , Larsson Per
Published: August 2019

Aquatic systems often lack physical boundaries for gene flow, but ecological and behavioural barriers can form surprisingly fine spatial scale genetic patterns that challenge traditional, large scale management. To detect fine spatial scale structures, understand sources of intraspecific diversity, and design appropriate management plans requires identification of reproductively isolated units.

This study reports on genetic differentiation in pike (Esox lucius) within a coastal area stretching 55 km from south to north in the central Baltic Sea. Pike is here an economically and ecologically important top predator that has declined in abundance. However, population structures have mostly been studied on large spatial scales, and without considering the potential for genetic divergence between the sympatric anadromous fresh water and the resident brackish water spawning ecotypes.

To this end, 487 individuals from the east coast of Sweden and the island of Öland, representing sympatric anadromous and resident spawning individuals, categorized to ecotype based on spawning location or otolith microchemistry, were genotyped for 10 microsatellites and used to test for divergence between ecotypes. Furthermore, divergence between regions (island/mainland), neighbouring spawning locations (n = 13) and isolation by distance within and between regions were evaluated for the anadromous ecotype.

The results revealed strong genetic differences between regions, between spawning locations separated by as little as 5 km and the first evidence of genetic differentiation between resident and anadromous ecotypes; despite a high dispersal capacity of pike and a high connectivity within the study area. The signatures of isolation by distance indicated that connectivity among populations differed between regions, probably reflecting availability of spawning habitats.

To safeguard against the challenges and uncertainties associated with environmental change, adaptive conservation management should aim to promote high intra‐population functional genetic diversity without compromising the continued integrity and coexistence of the different ecotypes and of locally adapted sub‐populations.
Synchronization of non‐linear systems with disturbances subjected to dead‐zone and saturation characteristics in control input using DMVT approach
Authors: Dinesh Ajul , Sharma Bharat Bhushan
Published: August 2019

A synchronization criterion for chaotic non‐linear systems with disturbances is discussed in this paper, which ensures effective synchronization between the systems even with dead‐zone and saturation non‐linearities in the controller input. The system non‐linearities are addressed with the help of Differential Mean Value Theorem (DMVT), rather than treating them as Lipschitz. The reformulation of non‐linearity terms through DMVT provides the Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) conditions for controller design to be less restrictive. Lyapunov stability theory and LMI formulations are used for ensuring asymptotic stability of the overall system under input dead‐zone and saturation. Moreover, an adaptive parameter is used in the controller to reduce the effect of norm‐bounded disturbances. Extensive simulation results are presented at the end to ensure the efficacy of the proposed scheme.
Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of 3,4‐diaminopyridine in rats
Authors: Ishida Natsuko , Kondo Yuya , Chikano Yuri , Kobayashi‐Nakade Erina , Suga Yukio , Ishizaki Junko , Komai Kiyonobu , Matsushita Ryo
Published: August 2019

Lambert‐Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is characterized by muscle weakness, amyotrophy, easy fatigability, and depressed tendon reflexes. 3,4‐Diaminopyridine (3,4‐DAP) is the recommended therapy for the treatment of LEMS. However, estimations of 3,4‐DAP pharmacokinetics in human and animals, such as rats, are rarely reported because 3,4‐DAP is an orphan drug for the treatment of a very rare disease (LEMS). In particular, little is known about its tissue distribution. Therefore, the pharmacokinetics of 3,4‐DAP were studied, with particular focus on tissue distribution, in rats. After intravenous administration of 3,4‐DAP to rats, the half‐life of 3,4‐DAP was 15.9 ± 3.9 min and the volume of distribution at steady‐state was 2.8 ± 0.7 L/kg. The tissue‐to‐plasma partition coefficient (Kp) was high in the kidney, heart, and muscle. In addition, with increased steady state plasma concentration (Css), a tendency toward increased Kp was found in most tissues. In the muscle, a likely target region of 3,4‐DAP in LEMS patients, the Kp was higher than in the plasma. Furthermore, more than 68% of 3,4‐DAP was distributed to the muscle as determined by the ratio of 3,4‐DAP distribution calculated from the apparent volumes of distribution. Hence, 3,4‐DAP may provide for more effective and long‐lasting effects.
Fiber optic training program with intensive experiments using both real laboratory and simulation environments
Authors: Aydın Serkan , Sarıkaş Ali , Ak Ayça , Yayla Ayşe , Kesen Uğur , Oral Bekir
Published: August 2019

This paper highlights a fiber optic training program developed according to the occupational competencies using real and simulation platforms to train young people aged between 15 and 24. The most important objective is to overcome the shortages of fiber optic employees by providing training qualifications accredited by the Fiber Optic Association. This training program was designed on three levels, and participants were tested at the end of each level. Successful participants continued with a higher level of training. Theoretical knowledge was given to the participants at the first two levels and extensive practical applications were done. At the third level, computer networks trainings were provided to identify the much more fiber optic network modules by using simulation software tool. The training program includes installation of DVB‐X (Digital Video Broadcast – satellite, cable) and the FFT‐X (fiber‐to‐the – home, building, curb) devices that have a fiber optic cable infrastructure, and point‐to‐point line measurements. This training program differs from similar programs due to the inclusion of effective real laboratory, simulation platform, and field practices. It is significantly found that this training program supported by more extensive real experiments and simulations besides of theoretical education increases the technical qualifications and satisfaction ratio of the participants.
Characterization of Phosphoranes Obtained by the Spontaneous Carbonyl‐Catalyzed Phosphorylation of Monosaccharides and Polyols in Aqueous Media
Authors: Perez‐Ramirez Maria , Agyekum Isaac , Otoo Barnabas
Published: August 2019

Phosphorylation is a very important biochemical process in metabolism and biochemical marking. The mechanism for the biophosphorylation of substrates and the hydrolysis/transesterification of RNA has been suggested to proceed through phosphorane intermediates. Although the phosphorane intermediate/transition state has long been a subject of many theoretical models and studies, it has neither been isolated nor characterized, with most information derived from the hydrolysis and radiolabeling of cyclic phosphotriesters. We herein present the first report of the spontaneous phosphorylation of sugars and polyols in the absence of enzymes. That is, aldehydes and ketones combine with inorganic phosphates to form activated phosphates that phosphorylate alcohols without the requirement of any enzyme or additional activating agent. This phosphorylation is particularly favored in polyhydroxycarbonyls that can form internal cyclic acetals to give rise to the corresponding acetal phosphoranes. We have further characterized these phosphoranes and demonstrated their dehydration to the corresponding phosphates by using high‐resolution mass spectroscopy. The phosphorylation of adenosine and uridine to form the corresponding phosphoranes was also achieved.