bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Reduces Movement‐Evoked Pain and Fatigue: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Dailey Dana L. , Vance Carol G. T. , Rakel Barbara A. , Zimmerman M. Bridget , Embree Jennie , Merriwether Ericka N. , Geasland Katharine M. , Chimenti Ruth , Williams Jon M. , Golchha Meenakshi , Crofford Leslie J. , Sluka Kathleen A.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by pain and fatigue, particularly during physical activity. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) activates endogenous pain inhibitory mechanisms. This study was undertaken to investigate if using TENS during activity would improve movement‐evoked pain and other patient‐reported outcomes in women with FM.

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned to receive active TENS (n = 103), placebo TENS (n = 99), or no TENS (n = 99) and instructed to use it at home during activity 2 hours each day for 4 weeks. TENS was applied to the lumbar and cervicothoracic regions using a modulated frequency (2–125 Hz) at the highest tolerable intensity. Participants rated movement‐evoked pain (primary outcome measure) and fatigue on an 11‐point scale before and during application of TENS. The primary outcome measure and secondary patient‐reported outcomes were assessed at baseline (time of randomization) and at 4 weeks.

Results

After 4 weeks, a greater reduction in movement‐evoked pain was reported in the active TENS group versus the placebo TENS group (group mean difference –1.0 [95% confidence interval –1.8, –0.2]; P = 0.008) and versus the no TENS group (group mean difference –1.8 [95% confidence interval –2.6, –1.0]; P < 0.0001). A reduction in movement‐evoked fatigue was also reported in the active TENS group versus the placebo TENS group (group mean difference –1.4 [95% confidence interval –2.4, –0.4]; P = 0.001) and versus the no TENS group (group mean difference –1.9 [95% confidence interval –2.9, –0.9]; P = <0.0001). A greater percentage of the patients in the active TENS group reported improvement on the global impression of change compared to the placebo TENS group (70% versus 31%; P < 0.0001) and the no TENS group (9%; P < 0.0001). There were no TENS‐related serious adverse events, and <5% of participants experienced minor adverse events from TENS.

Conclusion

Among women who had FM and were on a stable medication regimen, 4 weeks of active TENS use compared to placebo TENS or no TENS resulted in a significant improvement in movement‐evoked pain and other clinical outcomes. Further research is needed to examine effectiveness in a real‐world setting to establish the clinical importance of these findings.
Transmission of macroeconomic shocks to risk parameters: Their uses in stress testing
Authors: Rojas Helder , Dias David
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we are interested in evaluating the resilience of financial portfolios under extreme economic conditions. Therefore, we use empirical measures to characterize the transmission process of macroeconomic shocks to risk parameters. We propose the use of an extensive family of models, called General Transfer Function Models, which condense well the characteristics of the transmission described by the impact measures. The procedure for estimating the parameters of these models is described employing the Bayesian approach and using the prior information provided by the impact measures. In addition, we illustrate the use of the estimated models from the credit risk data of a portfolio.
MicroRNA‐144 relieves chronic constriction injury‐induced neuropathic pain via targeting RASA1
Authors: Zhang Xianjie , Guo Hongli , Xie An , Liao Ou , Ju Feng , Zhou YuKai
Published: November 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to participate in development of neuropathic pain. However, the role of microRNA‐144 (miR‐144) in neuropathic pain remains unclear. In the present study, we established a neuropathic pain mouse model via chronic constriction injury (CCI)‐induction. The successful establishment of this model was confirmed via evaluation of paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL). By using this model, we found that miR‐144 was significantly downregulated in CCI‐induced neuropathic pain mice. In addition, intrathecal injection of miR‐144 agomiR alleviated mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in neuropathic pain mice as shown by the increased of PWT and PWL. Moreover, miR‐144 negatively regulated neuroinflammation by decreasing the expression of proinflammatory mediators, including TNF‐α (tumor necrosis factor‐α), IL (interleukin)‐1β, and IL‐6, thus facilitating the inhibition of neuropathic pain development. Mechanistically, RASA1 (RAS P21 Protein Activator 1) was downregulated following the injection of agomiR‐144, and was verified to be a target of miR‐144. Furthermore, overexpression of RASA1 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR‐144 on neuropathic pain. Therefore, the present study suggested that miR‐144 has the potential to be explored as therapeutic target for treatment of neuropathic pain.
An approach to model clustered survival data with dependent censoring
Authors: Schneider Silvana , Demarqui Fábio Nogueira , Colosimo Enrico Antônio , Mayrink Vinícius Diniz
Published: November 2019

In this study we introduce a likelihood‐based method, via the Weibull and piecewise exponential distributions, capable of accommodating the dependence between failure and censoring times. The methodology is developed for the analysis of clustered survival data and it assumes that failure and censoring times are mutually independent conditional on a latent frailty. The dependent censoring mechanism is accounted through the frailty effect and this is accomplished by means of a key parameter accommodating the correlation between failure and censored observations. The full specification of the likelihood in our work simplifies the inference procedures with respect to Huang and Wolfe since it reduces the computation burden of working with the profile likelihood. In addition, the assumptions made for the baseline distributions lead to models with continuous survival functions. In order to carry out inferences, we devise a Monte Carlo EM algorithm. The performance of the proposed models is investigated through a simulation study. Finally, we explore a real application involving patients from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study observed between 1996 and 2015.
A dynamic culture platform enhances the efficiency of the 3D HUVEC‐based tube formation assay
Authors: Lovecchio Joseph , Pannella Micaela , Giardino Luciana , Calzà Laura , Giordano Emanuele
Published: November 2019

Cell‐based in vitro biological models traditionally use monolayer cell cultures grown over plastic surfaces bathing in static media. Higher fidelity to a natural biological tissue is expected to result from growing the cells in a three‐dimensional (3D) matrix. However, due to the decreased rate of diffusion inherent to increased distances within a tridimensional space, proper fluidic conditions are needed in this setting to better approximate a physiological environment. To this aim, we here propose a prototypal dynamic cell culture platform for the automatic medium replacement, via periodic perfusion flow, in a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs) culture seeded in a Geltrex™ matrix. A state‐of‐the‐art angiogenesis assay performed in these dynamic conditions showed sizable effects with respect to conventional static control cultures, with significantly enhanced pro‐(dual antiplatelet therapy [DAPT]) and anti‐(EDTA) angiogenic compound activity. In particular, dynamic culture conditions (a) enhance the 3D‐organization of HUVECs into microtubule structure; (b) accelerate and improve endothelial tube formation by HUVECs in the presence of DAPT; (c) are able to completely revert the blocking effects of EDTA. These evidence emphasize the need of setting proper fluidic conditions for a better approximation of a physiological environment as an appropriate evolution of current cell culture paradigms.
Epidemiology of paediatric injuries in Rwanda using a prospective trauma registry
Authors: Petroze R. T. , Martin A. N. , Ntaganda E. , Kyamanywa P. , St-Louis E. , Rasmussen S. K. , Calland J. F. , Byiringiro J. C.
Published: November 2019

Background

Child survival initiatives historically prioritized efforts to reduce child morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases and maternal conditions. Little attention has been devoted to paediatric injuries in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to evaluate the demographics and outcomes of paediatric injury in a sub-Saharan African country in an effort to improve prevention and treatment.

Methods

A prospective trauma registry was established at the two university teaching campuses of the University of Rwanda to record systematically patient demographics, prehospital care, initial physiology and patient outcomes from May 2011 to July 2015. Univariable analysis was performed for demographic characteristics, injury mechanisms, geographical location and outcomes. Multivariable analysis was performed for mortality estimates.

Results

Of 11 036 patients in the registry, 3010 (27·3 per cent) were under 18 years of age. Paediatric patients were predominantly boys (69·9 per cent) and the median age was 8 years. The mortality rate was 4·8 per cent. Falls were the most common injury (45·3 per cent), followed by road traffic accidents (30·9 per cent), burns (10·7 per cent) and blunt force/assault (7·5 per cent). Patients treated in the capital city, Kigali, had a higher incidence of head injury (7·6 per cent versus 2·0 per cent in a rural town, P < 0·001; odds ratio (OR) 4·08, 95 per cent c.i. 2·61 to 6·38) and a higher overall injury-related mortality rate (adjusted OR 3·00, 1·50 to 6·01; P = 0·019). Pedestrians had higher overall injury-related mortality compared with other road users (adjusted OR 3·26, 1·37 to 7·73; P = 0·007).

Conclusion

Paediatric injury is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality. Delineating trauma demographics is important when planning resource utilization and capacity-building efforts to address paediatric injury in low-resource settings and identify vulnerable populations.
The clipping enigma
Authors: Lisko John C. , Block Peter C.
Published: November 2019

Key Points

There appears to be lower mortality in patients treated with MitraClip + OMT compared to OMT alone.

There appears to be a lower rate of hospitalization in patients treated with MitraClip + OMT compared to OMT alone.

There are only two randomized controlled trials (with discordant results) evaluating MitraClip + OMT compared to OMT alone.
A novel self‐expanding transcatheter heart valve: Shaping the story beyond accuracy
Authors: Seth Ashok , Kumar Vijay
Published: November 2019

Key Points

As transcatheter aortic valve implantation expands to low risk patients, the key to prolonged survival would be large effective orifice area with extremely low rates of paravalvular leak and permanent pacemaker implantation.

New transcatheter valve technologies look promising to enable this, ACURATE neo is one such device.

The results of ongoing trials with ACURATE neo and ACURATE neo2 are keenly awaited.
Clopidogrel pretreatment may reduce early acquired thrombocytopenia after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
Authors: Ashley Kellan E. , Hillegass William B.
Published: November 2019

Key Points

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) causes early acquired thrombocytopenia on postoperative Days 1 and 2 in 30–50% of patients.

While usually transient and rarely severe, early acquired thrombocytopenia is strongly associated with 30‐day and 1‐year post‐TAVR outcomes, including mortality.

Observation from a prospective registry suggests pretreatment with the P2Y12 receptor inhibitor clopidogrel before TAVR reduces the frequency and magnitude of early acquired thrombocytopenia.

If a protective effect of clopidogrel pretreatment on early thrombocytopenia can be confirmed, then further study to determine if this translates into improved TAVR outcomes is warranted.
Systemic lupus erythematosus presenting as Evans syndrome
Authors: Stolyar Liya , Rizi Bijan , Lin Sonia , Hsieh Eric
Published: November 2019

Hematologic abnormalities are an important part of the diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This case presents a patient diagnosed with Evans Syndrome with underlying SLE on initial presentation.
Stannites – A New Promising Class of Durable Electrocatalysts for Efficient Water Oxidation
Authors: Hausmann J. Niklas , Heppke Eva M. , Beltrán‐Suito Rodrigo , Schmidt Johannes , Mühlbauer Martin , Lerch Martin , Menezes Prashanth W. , Driess Matthias
Published: November 2019

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) through water oxidation is a key process for multiple energy storage technologies required for a sustainable energy economy such as the formation of the fuel hydrogen from water and electricity, or metal‐air batteries. Herein, we investigate the suitability of Cu2FeSnS4 for the OER and demonstrate its superiority over iron sulfide, iron (oxy)hydroxides and benchmark noble‐metal catalysts in alkaline media. Electrodeposited Cu2FeSnS4 yields the current densities of 10 and 1000 mA/cm2 at overpotentials of merely 228 and 330 mV, respectively. State‐of‐the‐art analytical methods are applied before and after electrocatalysis to uncover the fate of the Cu2FeSnS4 precatalyst under OER conditions and to deduce structure‐activity relationships. Cu2FeSnS4 is the first compound reported for OER among the broad class of stannite structure type materials containing multiple members with highly active earth‐abundant transition‐metals for OER.
Kinetic and Deactivation Differences Among Methanol, Dimethyl Ether and Chloromethane as Stock for Hydrocarbons
Authors: Valecillos José , Manzano Hegoi , Aguayo Andrés T. , Bilbao Javier , Castaño Pedro
Published: November 2019

The front cover artwork for Issue 22/2019 is provided by researchers from the Catalytic Processes and Waste Valorization Group of the University of the Basque Country (Spain) and Multiscale Reaction Engineering of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Saudi Arabia). The image shows a Cerberus lying down on the floor of a Gothic tower with each of its three heads watching out the scenario of each feedstock through the windows. See the Full Paper itself at https://doi.org/10.1002/cctc.201901204.
Zinc Sulfide Decorated on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Derived from Metal‐Organic Framework Composites for Highly Reversible Lithium‐Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Ding Hui , Huang Hsin‐Chih , Zhang Xin‐Ke , Xie Lei , Fan Jia‐Qi , Jiang Tao , Shi Dean , Ma Ning , Tsai Fang‐Chang
Published: November 2019

On account of its low cost, non‐toxicity and high theoretical capacity, ZnS has been considered as one of the most potential anode materials for the following generation lithium‐ion batteries. However, the shortcomings that ZnS shows, such as low conductivity and large volume changes, make its wide application difficult. Herein, we combined ZnS with metal‐organic framework material (ZIF‐8) to form a carbon layer on the surface of nitrogen‐doped zinc sulfide, and obtained a new material ZnS@NC with a specific surface area of 191 m2 g−1. The results show that the reversible specific capacity of the composite is 853 mAh g−1 when the current is 500 mAg−1, which is caused by the increase of specific capacity with nitrogen doping and the effective adjustment of the volume of the carbon layer coated on the periphery of the ZnS particles during charging and discharging process. Promisingly, the performance of ZnS@NC composite is far superior to that of the bare ZnS.
Symmetric Mixed Sulfur–Selenium Fused Ring Systems as Potential Materials for Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Holzer Brigitte , Dellago Barbara , Thamm Ann‐Katrin , Mathis Thomas , Stöger Berthold , Horkel Ernst , Hametner Christian , Batlogg Bertram , Fröhlich Johannes , Lumpi Daniel
Published: November 2019

A reliable synthetic protocol toward a series of fused chalcogenopheno[1]benzochalcogenophene (CBC) building blocks was developed based on a Fiesselmann reaction. The obtained CBC units were applied in McMurry and Stille coupling reactions toward symmetric regioisomeric ene‐linked dimers. These π‐conjugated compounds were characterized regarding their photophysical and electrochemical properties and proved to be materials with reduced HOMO–LUMO gaps compared to their sulfur‐based analogues. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction experiments revealed strong intermolecular selenium–selenium and selenium–carbon interactions depending on the position and number of incorporated selenium atoms. Good field‐effect transistor performance with charge carrier mobilities up to 4×10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1 and high on/off ratios could be observed.
Programmed Recognition between Complementary Dinucleolipids To Control the Self‐Assembly of Lipidic Amphiphiles
Authors: Morales‐Reina Sara , Giri Chandan , Leclercq Maxime , Vela‐Gallego Sonia , de la Torre Isabel , Castón José R. , Surin Mathieu , de la Escosura Andrés
Published: November 2019

One of the major goals in systems chemistry is to create molecular assemblies with emergent properties that are characteristic of life. An interesting approach toward this goal is based on merging different biological building blocks into synthetic systems with properties arising from the combination of their molecular components. The covalent linkage of nucleic acids (or their constituents: nucleotides, nucleosides and nucleobases) with lipids in the same hybrid molecule leads, for example, to the so‐called nucleolipids. Herein, we describe nucleolipids with a very short sequence of two nucleobases per lipid, which, in combination with hydrophobic effects promoted by the lipophilic chain, allow control of the self‐assembly of lipidic amphiphiles to be achieved. The present work describes a spectroscopic and microscopy study of the structural features and dynamic self‐assembly of dinucleolipids that contain adenine or thymine moieties, either pure or in mixtures. This approach leads to different self‐assembled nanostructures, which include spherical, rectangular and fibrillar assemblies, as a function of the sequence of nucleobases and chiral effects of the nucleolipids involved. We also show evidence that the resulting architectures can encapsulate hydrophobic molecules, revealing their potential as drug delivery vehicles or as compartments to host interesting chemistries in their interior.
Manipulating Charge‐Transfer States in BODIPYs: A Model Strategy to Rapidly Develop Photodynamic Theragnostic Agents
Authors: Jiménez Josué , Prieto‐Montero Ruth , Maroto Beatriz L. , Moreno Florencio , Ortiz María J. , Oliden‐Sánchez Ainhoa , López‐Arbeloa Iñigo , Martínez‐Martínez Virginia , de la Moya Santiago
Published: November 2019

On the basis of a family of BINOL (1,1′‐bi‐2‐naphthol)‐based O‐BODIPY (dioxyboron dipyrromethene) dyes, it is demonstrated that chemical manipulation of the chromophoric push–pull character, by playing with the electron‐donating capability of the BINOL moiety (BINOL versus 3,3'‐dibromoBINOL) and with the electron‐acceptor ability of the BODIPY core (alkyl substitution degree), is a workable strategy to finely balance fluorescence (singlet‐state emitting action) versus the capability to photogenerate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (triplet‐state photosensitizing action). It is also shown that the promotion of a suitable charge‐transfer character in the involved chromophore upon excitation enhances the probability of an intersystem crossing phenomenon, which is required to populate the triple state enabling singlet oxygen production. The reported strategy opens up new perspectives for rapid development of smarter agents for photodynamic theragnosis, including heavy‐atom‐free agents, from a selected organic fluorophore precursor.
Visible‐Light Photoswitching by Azobenzazoles
Authors: Kennedy Aaron D. W. , Sandler Isolde , Andréasson Joakim , Ho Junming , Beves Jonathon E.
Published: November 2019

Three visible‐light responsive photoswitches are reported, azobis(1‐methyl‐benzimidazole) (1), azobis(benzoxazole) (2) and azobis(benzothiazole) (3). Photostationary distributions are obtained upon irradiation with visible light comprising approximately 80 % of the thermally unstable isomer, with thermal half‐lives up to 8 min and are mostly invariant to solvent. On protonation, compound 1H+ has absorption extending beyond 600 nm, allowing switching with yellow light, and a thermal half‐life just under 5 minutes. The two isomers have significantly different pKa values, offering potential as a pH switch. The absorption spectra of 2 and 3 are insensitive to acid, although changes in the thermal half‐life of 3 indicate more basic intermediates that significantly influence the thermal barrier to isomerization. These findings are supported by high‐level ab initio calculations, which validate that protonation occurs on the ring nitrogen and that the Z isomer is more basic in all cases.
Simultaneous Production of Psilocybin and a Cocktail of β‐Carboline Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors in “Magic” Mushrooms
Authors: Blei Felix , Dörner Sebastian , Fricke Janis , Baldeweg Florian , Trottmann Felix , Komor Anna , Meyer Florian , Hertweck Christian , Hoffmeister Dirk
Published: November 2019

The psychotropic effects of Psilocybe “magic” mushrooms are caused by the l‐tryptophan‐derived alkaloid psilocybin. Despite their significance, the secondary metabolome of these fungi is poorly understood in general. Our analysis of four Psilocybe species identified harmane, harmine, and a range of other l‐tryptophan‐derived β‐carbolines as their natural products, which was confirmed by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Stable‐isotope labeling with 13C11‐l‐tryptophan verified the β‐carbolines as biosynthetic products of these fungi. In addition, MALDI‐MS imaging showed that β‐carbolines accumulate toward the hyphal apices. As potent inhibitors of monoamine oxidases, β‐carbolines are neuroactive compounds and interfere with psilocybin degradation. Therefore, our findings represent an unprecedented scenario of natural product pathways that diverge from the same building block and produce dissimilar compounds, yet contribute directly or indirectly to the same pharmacological effects.
Carbonyl Activation by Selenium‐ and Tellurium‐Based Chalcogen Bonding in a Michael Addition Reaction
Authors: Wonner Patrick , Steinke Tim , Vogel Lukas , Huber Stefan M.
Published: November 2019

In the last years the use of chalcogen bonding—the noncovalent interaction involving electrophilic chalcogen centers—in noncovalent organocatalysis has received increased interest, particularly regarding the use of intermolecular Lewis acids. Herein, we present the first use of tellurium‐based catalysts for the activation of a carbonyl compound (and only the second such activation by chalcogen bonding in general). As benchmark reaction, the Michael‐type addition between trans‐crotonophenone and 1‐methylindole (and its derivatives) was investigated in the presence of various catalyst candidates. Whereas non‐chalcogen‐bonding reference compounds were inactive, strong rate accelerations of up to 1000 could be achieved by bidentate triazolium‐based chalcogen bond donors, with product yields of >90 % within 2 h of reaction time. Organotellurium derivatives were markedly more active than their selenium and sulphur analogues and non‐coordinating counterions like BArF4 provide the strongest dicationic catalysts.
Interaction of Regulatory Aspects for Carbon Capture and Utilization Applications
Authors: Ausfelder Florian , Dura Hanna Ewa
Published: November 2019

Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies can lead to a net reduction of CO2 emissions but also to a transfer from emissions between different regulatory areas. This paper presents a tool to evaluate the impact of CCU technology within the European regulatory framework with respect to the accounting of carbon transferred between the CO2 source and its subsequent application. Additional emissions caused by energy requirements of the capture or any conversion steps are not considered. The tool is applied to a variety of possible combinations and their respective impact evaluated.
Donor–Acceptor Cyanocarbazole‐Based Supramolecular Photocatalysts for Visible‐Light‐Driven H2 Production
Authors: Zhang Guoqiang , Yang Xun , Li Yongliang , Zhang Peixin , Mi Hongwei
Published: November 2019

Highly efficient, stable, and metal‐free supramolecular photocatalysts for H2 production are uncommon and of significant interest. In this study, a donor–acceptor (D–A) cyanocarbazole‐based supramolecule (2CzPN) is assembled by intermolecular C≡N⋅⋅⋅H−Ar H‐bonding interactions to form an efficient, stable, and metal‐free photocatalyst for H2 evolution. The catalyst affords an H2 production rate of 91.8 μmol h−1 (20 mg of samples, λ>420 nm) and a corresponding apparent quantum efficiency of 7.5 % at 420 nm. The photon‐generated carrier separation of the 2CzPN supramolecule, which is higher than that of the analogous polymer, can be attributed to the strong D–A characteristics and high crystallinity. This study offers the first experimental evidence of visible‐light H2 evolution among D–A cyanocarbazole‐based supramolecules and it enriches the variety of supramolecular photocatalysts. This stable and effective metal‐free 2CzPN supramolecular photocatalyst has obvious advantages among very few supramolecular photocatalysts for H2 production.
Modular‐structured resonant converter for multilevel converters in micro grids
Authors: Reddy P. Vijaya Vardhan , Suryawanshi H. M. , Nachankar Pratik P , Talapur Girish G. , Ballal Makarand Sudhakar
Published: November 2019

In this work, an isolated modular resonant circuit with effective voltage regulation is presented as front‐end for multilevel inverter system to interface renewable sources of energy with micro grid. Inputs of each module of the converter are connected to low‐voltage DC sources. Modular‐structured module outputs may be linked in sequence or parallel to attain the desired DC link capacitor voltage for multilevel inverter. The proposed converter overcomes imbalance in the capacitor voltage of diode‐clamped inverter structure. Interleaved phase shift of 90° is supplied among the gate pulses of all four modules that minimizes the input‐side current ripples. An effective zero voltage switching (ZVS) is achieved over wide load range using duty cycle and frequency‐duty cycle double control method to improve system performance at light load condition. Adopting powder core magnetics and low forward voltage insulated‐gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) reduces magnetic and conduction loss. A 12‐kW prototype of the designed modular resonant converter was verified by experimentation with a different‐level diode‐clamped inverter structures.
Phenotypic variation of life‐history traits in native, invasive, and landrace populations of Brassica tournefortii
Authors: Alfaro Brian , Marshall Diane L.
Published: November 2019

Varying environments can result in different patterns of adaptive phenotypes. By performing a common greenhouse experiment, we identified phenotypic differentiation on phenology, leaf morphology, branch architecture, size, and reproduction, among native, invasive, and landrace ranges of Brassica tournefortii. We first compared trait means and fitness functions among ranges, then we analyzed how trait means and selection strength of populations respond to varying aridity. Most traits varied such that landrace > invasive > native. Excluding reproduction, which was positively selected, most trait PCs experienced nonlinear selection in the native range but frequently shifted to directional selection in invasive and/or landrace ranges. The absence of strong clines for trait means in landrace and invasive populations suggest that agricultural practices and novel environments in source locations affected adaptive potential. Selection strength on faster reproductive phenology (negative directional) and leaf margin trait (disruptive) PCs coincided with increasing moisture. In native populations, higher aridity was associated with more days to reproduction, but landrace and invasive populations show stable mean time to reproduction with increasing moisture. A stable adaptive trait can increase range expansion in the invasive range, but stability can be beneficial for future harvest of B. tournefortii seed crops in the face of climate change.
Thermal plasticity is independent of environmental history in an intertidal seaweed
Authors: McCoy Sophie J. , Widdicombe Stephen
Published: November 2019

Organisms inhabiting the intertidal zone have been used to study natural ecophysiological responses and adaptations to thermal stress because these organisms are routinely exposed to high‐temperature conditions for hours at a time. While intertidal organisms may be inherently better at withstanding temperature stress due to regular exposure and acclimation, they could be more vulnerable to temperature stress, already living near the edge of their thermal limits. Strong gradients in thermal stress across the intertidal zone present an opportunity to test whether thermal tolerance is a plastic or canalized trait in intertidal organisms. Here, we studied the intertidal pool‐dwelling calcified alga, Ellisolandia elongata, under near‐future temperature regimes, and the dependence of its thermal acclimatization response on environmental history. Two timescales of environmental history were tested during this experiment. The intertidal pool of origin was representative of long‐term environmental history over the alga's life (including settlement and development), while the pool it was transplanted into accounted for recent environmental history (acclimation over many months). Unexpectedly, neither long‐term nor short‐term environmental history, nor ambient conditions, affected photosynthetic rates in E. elongata. Individuals were plastic in their photosynthetic response to laboratory temperature treatments (mean 13.2°C, 15.7°C, and 17.7°C). Further, replicate ramets from the same individual were not always consistent in their photosynthetic performance from one experimental time point to another or between treatments and exhibited no clear trend in variability over experimental time. High variability in climate change responses between individuals may indicate the potential for resilience to future conditions and, thus, may play a compensatory role at the population or species level over time.
Identification of winter moth (Operophtera brumata) refugia in North Africa and the Italian Peninsula during the last glacial maximum
Authors: Andersen Jeremy C. , Havill Nathan P. , Mannai Yaussra , Ezzine Olfa , Dhahri Samir , Ben Jamâa Mohamed Lahbib , Caccone Adalgisa , Elkinton Joseph S.
Published: November 2019

Numerous studies have shown that the genetic diversity of species inhabiting temperate regions has been shaped by changes in their distributions during the Quaternary climatic oscillations. For some species, the genetic distinctness of isolated populations is maintained during secondary contact, while for others, admixture is frequently observed. For the winter moth (Operophtera brumata), an important defoliator of oak forests across Europe and northern Africa, we previously determined that contemporary populations correspond to genetic diversity obtained during the last glacial maximum (LGM) through the use of refugia in the Iberian and Aegean peninsulas, and to a lesser extent the Caucasus region. Missing from this sampling were populations from the Italian peninsula and from North Africa, both regions known to have played important roles as glacial refugia for other species. Therefore, we genotyped field‐collected winter moth individuals from southern Italy and northwestern Tunisia—the latter a region where severe oak forest defoliation by winter moth has recently been reported—using polymorphic microsatellite. We reconstructed the genetic relationships of these populations in comparison to moths previously sampled from the Iberian and Aegean peninsulas, the Caucasus region, and western Europe using genetic distance, Bayesian clustering, and approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) methods. Our results indicate that both the southern Italian and the Tunisian populations are genetically distinct from other sampled populations, and likely originated in their respective refugium during the LGM after diverging from a population that eventually settled in the Iberian refugium. These suggest that winter moth populations persisted in at least five Mediterranean LGM refugia. Finally, we comment that outbreaks by winter moth in northwestern Tunisia are not the result of a recent introduction of a nonnative species, but rather are most likely due to land use or environmental changes.
Development of decision support system for product selection based on AHP, using the decision rule of rough set for qualitative evaluation
Authors: Yumoto Masaki
Published: November 2019

The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is an effective method for product selection support because it evaluates alternatives based on the total weight, which is a quantitative value. The total weight is obtained by multiplying the ratio of each evaluation criterion for the target user and the weights of alternatives in each evaluation criterion. The determination of weights in the qualitative evaluation criterion is difficult because of the necessity to compare the questionnaire results of all alternatives. This article proposes Decision Support System for Product Selection based on AHP, using the decision rule of Rough Set for Qualitative Evaluation. The proposed system makes decision rules based on the target user's judgment of “Good” or “Bad” on several samples in the qualitative evaluation criterion. Decision rules have a qualitative and quantitative evaluation value for each attribute, and the system calculates the weight of the AHP through normalization of these evaluation values. The user can know the results easily because the evaluation method of alternative samples in the proposed system is the same as that of correspondence with the shop assistant in an actual store. Based on two experiments, we confirm that the setup of attributes for decision rules of rough sets is one of the most important elements of the proposed system.
Synthesis and Photochemical Properties of Manganese(I) Tricarbonyl Diimine Complexes Bound to Tetrazolato Ligands
Authors: Stout Matthew J. , Stefan Alessandra , Skelton Brian W. , Sobolev Alexandre N. , Massi Massimiliano , Hochkoeppler Alejandro , Stagni Stefano , Simpson Peter V.
Published: November 2019

Ten manganese(I) tricarbonyl diimine complexes bound to variably functionalised 5‐aryl‐tetrazolato ligands were prepared, and their photochemical properties were investigated. Upon exposure to light at 365 nm, each complex decomposed to its free diimine and tetrazolato ligands, simultaneously dissociating three CO ligands, as evidenced by changes in the IR spectra of the irradiated complexes over time. The anti‐bacterial properties of one of these complexes were tested against Escherichia coli. While the complex displayed no effect on the bacterial growth in the dark, pre‐irradiated solutions inhibited bacterial growth. Comparative studies revealed that the antibacterial properties originate from the presence of free 1,10‐phenanthroline.
Vinyl‐/Furoindoles and Gold Catalysis: New Achievements and Future Perspectives for the Synthesis of Complex Indole Derivatives
Authors: Pirovano Valentina , Abbiati Giorgio , Brambilla Elisa , Rossi Elisabetta
Published: November 2019

The reactivity of vinyl‐/furoindole derivatives with gold‐activated π‐systems is the subject of extensive investigation. In the presence of these electrophilic partners, the realized transformations allow for the construction of different and fascinating architectures via cycloaddition and cyclization reactions often included in cascade processes. The reactions realized involving in these processes an external substituent at the indole moiety are the subject of the present minireview.
Acid‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Quinoline Derivatives from 2‐Methylquinolines and 2‐Aryloxy/Alkoxybenzaldehyde in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Wu Yinrong , Lu Xianchen , Wang Hang , Liang En , Yuan Yingying , Zhao Qiaorun , Zhu Zhongzhi , Huang Jiaping , Tang Xiaodong
Published: November 2019

A HOAc‐catalyzed aryloxy/alkoxy‐assisted nucleophilic addition of 2‐methylquinolines to aldehydes in water has been described. With this highly environmentally benign protocol, a series of hydroxyquinolines were efficiently prepared in moderate to good yields. In addition, a HOAc/1,3‐DMBBA (1,3‐dimethylbarbituric acid) synergistic organocatalysis system was also developed for the synthesis of alkenylquinolines which involved a sequence of Knoevenagel condensation, Micheal addition, and retro‐Micheal addition steps.
Metal‐Free Visible‐Light‐Mediated Aromatization of 1,2–Dihydronaphthalenes
Authors: Rammal Fatima , Gaumont Annie‐Claude , Lakhdar Sami
Published: November 2019

A series of polyaromatic naphthalenes have been synthesized through the dehydrogenation of the corresponding 1,2‐dihydroarylnaphthalenes by using 9‐mesityl‐10‐methylacridinium perchlorate as a photocatalyst and diphenyliodonium triflate as an external oxidant under visible light irradiation. The reaction proceeds smoothly under metal‐free conditions and tolerates some functionalities. Interestingly, the reaction is also amenable to the aromatization of tetrahydronaphthalenes and fair conversions were obtained. Preliminary mechanistic investigations have been conducted and a reasonable mechanism is proposed.
Selective Photoredox Trifluoromethylation of Tryptophan‐Containing Peptides
Authors: Ding Bo , Weng Yue , Liu Yunqing , Song Chunlan , Yin Le , Yuan Jiafan , Ren Yanrui , Lei Aiwen , Chiang Chien‐Wei
Published: November 2019

For application in drug discovery and biomedicine, it is crucial to develop new biocompatible methods to modify polypeptides. Herein, a visible‐light‐induced photoredox trifluoromethylation of tryptophan‐containing peptides is reported. Under a mild, biocompatible, and straightforward condition, this strategy could incorporate the trifluoromethyl group into tryptophan residue with excellent chemo‐ and site‐selectivity. The use of lower photocatalyst loading in 2 mol‐% and cheap CF3SO2Na salt represents a great catalytic activity and economic CF3 source. This direct trifluoromethylation strategy allows the ready study of fluorinated peptides exploiting 19F‐NMR. Additionally, the development of this protocol enables the study of biochemical systems and potentially modulates the function of biomolecules. Careful mechanistic studies (Stern‐Volmer fluorescence quenching, EPR, and radical inhibition/trapping experiments) indicate that the reaction would proceed with a radical–radical cross‐coupling procedure.
Deformation characteristics and mechanism of deep subsize coal pillar of the tilted stratum
Authors: Wu Hai , Wang Xiaokang , Wang Weijun , Peng Gang , Zhang Zizheng
Published: November 2019

Based on the analysis of the monitoring data of surface displacement and internal multipoint displacement of coal pillars near three inclined strata roadways, which have similar burial depth and different surrounding rock conditions in a coal mine in the east China, the coal pillars’ stress change was combined with discontinuous numerical simulation software to simulate the deformation process of one of the roadways. Field monitoring data and numerical simulation results show that when this working face roadway is dug, the coal pillar enters plastic state after being affected by multiple mining influence, but it can still maintain the basic stability of the roadway and control coal pillar deformation under the current widely used supporting method. With the shortening of the distance between the monitoring area and the working face, the vertical and horizontal stress in the coal pillar increase gradually, but the maximum value of the vertical stress decreases by 1.4 MPa, and deformation amount and velocity of the coal pillar show the characteristics of nonlinear rapid increase. The shape of the vertical stress core area in the coal pillar changed from oval to rectangle, and the width of the core area increased, and it moved 1 m to the goaf side. In the process of coal pillar deformation, there is no zero displacement surface within the monitoring range of 6 m.
Wind energy assessment for NEOM city, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alfawzan Fawzan , Alleman James E. , Rehmann Chris R.
Published: November 2019

This paper provides an analytical assessment of the feasibility of wind energy for Saudi Arabia's envisioned NEOM city, which plans to use only renewable energy. A probability density function was fit to winds simulated for the NEOM region during 2014‐2018. Using this distribution, the optimal wind turbine was selected as the one with the largest capacity factor and smallest levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Financial, environmental, and risk analysis of a wind farm consisting of 100 of these units was also performed. A Weibull distribution determined by changing the shape and scale parameters to minimize the mean squared error offered the best fit to the measured wind speeds at this location. The estimated power density showed that the NEOM site warrants a Class 3 classification, which means wind energy systems would be suitable for commercial operation. A 3.2‐MW wind turbine, which is optimal for this location, has a capacity factor varying from 31.9% to 41.4% and LCOE that ranges from 6.99¢ to 8.32¢ per kWh. The 320‐MW wind farm has a positive net present value, a simple payback period of 13.8 years, and a LCOE of 6.6¢ per kWh. By installing this farm, potential annual savings of CO2 are around 106 metric tons.
Reconstruction of Grenfell Tower fire. Part 2: A numerical investigation of the fire propagation and behaviour from the initial apartment to the façade
Authors: Guillaume Eric , Dréan Virginie , Girardin Bertrand , Koohkan Maxime , Fateh Talal
Published: November 2019

The dramatic event of the Grenfell Tower in 2017 reminds the importance of addressing fire issues as a whole and clearly highlighted one of the major roles played by the façade as fire propagation vector. To understand and analyse this disaster, numerical simulation allows particular phenomena to be evaluated more easily. The numerical model addressed for the fire behaviour of the façade system was developed using a multiscale approach and validated at different scales. In this paper, the fire behaviour of the façade and of its window frames is addressed. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is used to investigate the fire spread from the initial apartment to the overall façade with different scenarios for the fire source and ventilation. Fire propagation through windows to the façade and to upper apartments is addressed. General curves representing the re‐entry of flames into upper apartment are extracted from simulations. The numerical results are validated by comparison with observations from videos and pictures of the real fire. Numerical results show that whatever the initial fire location and ventilation conditions, even if the fire source is of hundreds kilowatts, it is enough to ignite the adjacent element early and to the appearance of external flames shortly after.
Test methods for characterizing concrete properties at elevated temperature
Authors: Kodur Venkatesh K.R. , Banerji Srishti , Solhmirzaei Roya
Published: November 2019

Fire resistance of structural members is dependent on the thermal and mechanical properties of constituent materials and these properties vary as a function of temperature. Currently, there are limited standardized test procedures for evaluating thermal and mechanical properties of construction materials at elevated temperatures. This paper provides a review and assessment of test methods and procedures for evaluating high temperature thermal and mechanical properties of concrete. The drawbacks and variations in currently available test procedures and methods in standards are discussed. Recommendations on the most suitable methods and procedures for measuring thermal and mechanical properties at elevated temperature is presented. In addition, applicability of the proposed high temperature test methods and procedures is illustrated through a case study on conventional concrete specimens. Further, the need for developing standards by organizations such as American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), with standardized specifications and test procedures for measuring high temperature properties of construction materials, is laid out.
Factor structure of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in Parkinson disease
Authors: Smith Callum R. , Cavanagh Jonathan , Sheridan Matthew , Grosset Katherine A. , Cullen Breda , Grosset Donald G.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a common tool for screening mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Studies in multiple clinical groups provide evidence for various factor structures mapping to different cognitive domains. We tested the factor structure of the MoCA in a large cohort of early Parkinson disease (PD).

Materials and Methods

Complete MoCA data were available from an observational cohort study for 1738 patients with recent‐onset PD (64.6% male, mean age 67.6, SD 9.2). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was applied to test previously defined two‐factor, six‐factor, and three‐factor models in the full sample and in a subgroup with possible cognitive impairment (MoCA < 26). Secondary analysis used exploratory factor analysis (EFA; principal factors with oblique rotation).

Results

The mean MoCA score was 25.3 (SD 3.4, range 10‐30). Fit statistics in the six‐factor model (χ2/df 17.77, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] 0.10, comparative fit index [CFI] 0.74, Tucker‐Lewis index [TLI] 0.69, standardised root mean square residual [SRMR] 0.07) indicated poorer fit than did previous studies. Findings were similar in the two‐factor and three‐factor models. EFA suggested an alternative six‐factor solution (short‐term recall, visuospatial‐executive, attention/working memory, verbal‐executive, orientation, and expressive language), although CFA did not support the validity of the new model.

Conclusions

The factor structure of the MoCA in early PD was not consistent with that of previous research. This may reflect higher cognitive performance and differing demographics in our sample. The results do not support a clear, clinically relevant factor structure in an early PD group, suggesting that the MoCA should be followed with detailed assessment to obtain domain‐specific cognitive profiles.