bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress‐induced autonomic dysregulation of mitochondrial function in the rat urothelium
Authors: Kullmann Florenta Aura , McDonnell Bronagh M. , Wolf‐Johnston Amanda S. , Kanai Anthony J. , Shiva Sruti , Chelimsky Thomas , Rodriguez Larissa , Birder Lori A.
Published: December 2018

Aim

Chronic stress exacerbates the symptoms of most pain disorders including interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Abnormalities in urothelial cells (UTC) occur in this debilitating bladder condition. The sequence of events that might link stress (presumably through increased sympathetic nervous system‐SNS activity) to urothelial dysfunction are unknown. Since autonomic dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress all occur in chronic pain, we investigated whether chronic psychological stress initiated a cascade linking these three dysfunctions.

Methods

Adult female Wistar Kyoto rats were exposed to 10 days of water avoidance stress (WAS). Bladders were then harvested for Western blot and single cell imaging in UTC cultures.

Results

UTC from WAS rats exhibited depolarized mitochondria membrane potential (Ψm ∼30% more depolarized compared to control), activated AMPK and altered UT mitochondria bioenergetics. Expression of the fusion protein mitofusion‐2 (MFN‐2) was upregulated in the mucosa, suggesting mitochondrial structural changes consistent with altered cellular metabolism. Intracellular calcium levels were elevated in cultured WAS UTC, consistent with impaired cellular function. Stimulation of cultured UTC with alpha‐adrenergic (α‐AR) receptor agonists increased reactive oxidative species (ROS) production, suggesting a direct action of SNS activity on UTC. Treatment of rats with guanethidine to block SNS activity prevented most of WAS‐induced changes.

Conclusions

Chronic stress results in persistent sympathetically mediated effects that alter UTC mitochondrial function. This may impact the urothelial barrier and signaling, which contributes to bladder dysfunction and pain. This is the first demonstration, to our knowledge, of a potential autonomic mechanism directly linking stress to mitochondrial dysfunction.
The mechanics of urethral closure, incontinence and midurethral sling repair. Part 1 original experimental studies. (1990)
Authors: Petros Peter , Abendstein Burghard
Published: December 2018

Aims

To summarize the mechanics of urethral closure, incontinence, and midurethral sling repair, a work in 3 parts Part 1. Original scientific studies (1990). Part 2. Experimental validation of reliance of the closure mechanisms on a competent PUL (1993–2003). Part 3. Surgery (1990–2016).

Methods

Part1. Two unrelated observations in the mid 1980s led to the discovery of the MUS: a hemostat applied on one side of the midurethral area of the vagina, controlled urine loss on coughing without bladder neck elevation; an implanted Teflon tape cause a collagenous reaction. It was hypothesized that urinary stress incontinence (USI) was caused by collagen loss in the pubourethral ligament (PUL) and a tape implanted in the exact position of PUL would reinforce it and cure USI. A tape removable at 6 weeks was configured as an inverted “U” in the vagina and lowered sequentially.

Results

At a certain point, the patient was continent on coughing but was able to pass urine freely. This proved the mechanism for continence was not obstructive. Post‐op xrays showed no elevation of bladder neck. This invalidated Enhorning's Theory. Ultrasound showed closure of distal urethra from behind and descent of vaginal fornix on straining. This indicated there were two closure mechanisms, distal urethral, and bladder neck. Three months following sling removal, there was a 50% failure rate.

Conclusions

The 1990 results indicated a permanent sling was required for the MUS. Further proofs were required for the proposed musculoelastic mechanisms.
Pelvic floor hypertonicity in women with pelvic floor disorders: A case control and risk prediction study
Authors: Cameron Brianna , Sabourin Johanne , Sanaee May S , Koenig Nicole A , Lee Terry , Geoffrion Roxana
Published: December 2018

Aim

Myofascial pelvic pain is a chronic and debilitating condition, sometimes associated with pelvic floor disorders (PFD) such as urinary incontinence, defecatory dysfunction or pelvic organ prolapse. Our aim was to identify risk factors in women with PFD and hypertonic pelvic floor, compared to controls without hypertonicity.

Methods

Case control study (2009‐2017) of patients with PFD and a diagnosis of hypertonic pelvic floor. Cases were matched with patients who presented with the same PFD but without pelvic floor hypertonicity. Postoperative patients with hypertonic pelvic floor were matched with patients who underwent surgery for the same PFD but did not develop pain. Risk factors were compared between groups.

Results

Ninety‐five cases were matched; 71% had urogynecologic surgery as a possible trigger for myofascial pain. Most were post‐menopausal. Overall, case patients were younger than controls (mean 54 vs 59, P = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression identified risk factors of younger age (OR 1.45, 95%CI 1.04‐2.07), history of depression (OR 3, 95%CI 1.03‐9.09), musculoskeletal spine injury (OR 4.32, 95%CI 1.01‐21.26) and transobturator midurethral sling (OR 8.36, 95%CI 2.68‐31.32). Retropubic midurethral sling was protective against pelvic floor hypertonicity (OR 0.37, 95%CI 0.15‐0.86). A clinical prediction model including depression, endometriosis, irritable bowel, spine injury and type of midurethral sling was developed to estimate the probability for myofascial pain after urogynecologic surgery.

Conclusions

Specific risk factors predispose women with PFD to chronic pelvic floor hypertonicity. Knowledge of these can help with patient counselling and choice of midurethral sling prior to PFD surgery.
Evaluating urinary incontinence before and after radical prostatectomy using the international consultation on incontinence questionnaire‐short form
Authors: Machioka Kazuaki , Kadono Yoshifumi , Naito Renato , Nakashima Kazufumi , Iijima Masashi , Kawaguchi Shohei , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Nohara Takahiro , Izumi Kouji , Mizokami Atsushi
Published: December 2018

Aims

To evaluate urinary incontinence using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form (ICIQ‐SF), daily pad use, and 24‐h pad weight test before and after radical prostatectomy (RP) chronologically, and the correlation between them.

Methods

ICIQ‐SF and questions on daily pad use provided subjective, and 24‐h pad weight test for objective evaluation.

Results

In total, 258 cases were recruited. The continence rate at 12 months after RP was 67% for no pad use, 87% for security 1 pad/day, and 94% for 1 pad/day. The median ICIQ‐SF total score before and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after RP was 0, 10, 7, 5, and 4, respectively. Incontinence patterns differed when comparing ICIQ‐SF results pre‐ and post‐RP. Significant correlation existed between the ICIQ‐SF total score, 24‐h pad weight test, and daily pad use; however, point distribution on each scatter plot varied widely. Comparing results before and at 12 months after RP revealed complete recovery for 35% of patients from the ICIQ‐SF total score, 67% from daily pad use, and 64% from the 24‐h pad weight test. A combination of all 3 showed a recovery of preoperative levels in 29% of patients.

Conclusions

ICIQ‐SF was effective and convenient for evaluating UI, including the pattern of UI, after RP. Significant correlation, but wide variations, among ICIQ‐SF, daily pad use, and the 24‐h pad weight test existed. The best evaluation method would be the one that can compare UI status pre‐ and post‐RP using the ICIQ‐SF and 24‐h pad weight test.
Real‐time ALT and LDH activities determined in viable precision‐cut mouse liver slices using hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate—Implications for studies on biopsied liver tissues
Authors: Lev‐Cohain Naama , Sapir Gal , Harris Talia , Azar Assad , Gamliel Ayelet , Nardi‐Schreiber Atara , Uppala Sivaranjan , Sosna Jacob , Gomori J. Moshe , Katz‐Brull Rachel
Published: December 2018

Precision‐cut liver slices (PCLS) are widely used in liver research as they provide a liver model with all liver cell types in their natural architecture. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the use of PCLS for hyperpolarized metabolic investigation in a mouse model, for potential future application in liver biopsy cores.

Fresh normal liver was harvested from six mice. 500 μm PCLS were prepared and placed in a 10 mm NMR tube in an NMR spectrometer and perfused continuously. 31P spectra were acquired to evaluate the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and validate viability in all samples. Hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate was flushed into the NMR tube in the spectrometer. Consecutive 13C NMR spectra were acquired immediately after the injection using both non‐selective (five injections, two livers) and selective RF excitation (six injections, three livers).

The 31P spectra showed the characteristic signals of ATP, confirming the viability of the PCLS for more than 2.5 h in the spectrometer. After each of the [1‐13C]pyruvate injections, both [1‐13C]lactate and [1‐13C]alanine signals were detected. Selective RF excitation aimed at both [1‐13C]lactate and [1‐13C]alanine enabled better visualization and quantification of the metabolic activity. Using this acquisition approach only the newly formed metabolites are observed upon excitation, and their intensities relative to those of hyperpolarized pyruvate enable quantification of metabolite production rates. This rate of lactate and alanine production appeared to be constant throughout the measurement time, with alanine production about 2.3 times higher than lactate.

In summary, the viability of PCLS in an NMR spectrometer was demonstrated and hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate metabolism was recorded. This study opens up the possibility of evaluating alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in human liver biopsies, while preserving the tissue architecture and viability. In healthy, well‐perfused liver slices the ratio of ALT to LDH activity is about 2.3.
Characterization of composites based on polyoxymethylene and effect of silicone addition on mechanical and tribological behavior
Authors: Bazan Patrycja , Kuciel Stanisław , Nykiel Marek
Published: December 2018

Additives to polymer materials allow to obtain a wide range of functional properties. The improvement of wear and durability of plastics is achieved by the use of powder or fibrous fillers and complex modifications of structure. The aim of the work was to examine the physical, mechanical and tribological properties of modified polyacetal. As a modifiers various types of silicon, thermoplastic polyurethane and aramid fiber were used. The addition of above mentioned additives reduces the coefficient of friction and the wear rate in relation to pure polyoxymethylene, moreover used additives increase the strength properties. Studies have shown that the addition of filler allows to provide excellent tribological properties while maintaining high strength properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:935–940, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Six‐minute walk, lung clearance index, and QOL in bronchiolitis obliterans and cystic fibrosis
Authors: Gur Michal , Masarweh Kamal , Toukan Yazeed , Nir Vered , Bar‐Yoseph Ronen , Hanna Moneera , Manor Eynav , Hakim Fahed , Bentur Lea
Published: December 2018

Introduction

The 6‐min walk test (6MWT) predicts outcome in pulmonary hypertension. Recently, its use was reported in both cystic fibrosis (CF) and bronchiolitis obliterans (BO). While the 6MWT is a simple, non‐invasive and inexpensive tool, lung clearance index (LCI) measurement requires expensive equipment and expertise. We aimed to evaluate 6MWT in BO and CF, and to compare to MBW (multiple breath washout), pulmonary function tests and quality of life (QOL).

Methods

A prospective single center study assessing 6MWT, MBW, spirometry, whole‐body plethysmography and QOL (SF‐36 questionnaire) in BO and CF patients and correlations between them.

Results

Thirty‐three BO patients and 37 CF patients. LCI was significantly higher in BO (12.4 ± 4.2 vs 10.5 ± 3.4, P = 0.044) while FEF 25‐75% was significantly lower in BO (43.9 ± 24.4 vs 60.8 ± 30.8, P = 0.014). 6MWD was 474.8 ± 76.3 in BO and 506.6 ± 70 in CF (P > 0.05). There was no correlation between 6MWD and LCI in these small study groups There were few correlation between spirometry prameters and 6MWD. In CF, SF‐36 scores correlated with pulmonary functions.

Conclusions

The 6MWT is an easy‐to‐perform test that may be helpful in chronic lung diseases in regions with limited resources. However,with the current limited data, 6MWT cannot replace LCI or spirometry as a marker of disease progression. Is is suggested that, together with QOL, the 6MWT may provide a global estimation of the physiological and general well‐being of these patients. Further larger multi‐center studies are warranted to evaluate the correlations of 6MWT with pulmonary physiology parameters in various chronic diseases.
Rain‐based soil solarization for reducing the persistent seed banks of invasive plants in natural ecosystems – Acacia saligna as a model
Authors: Cohen Oded , Bar (Kutiel) Pua , Gamliel Abraham , Katan Jaacov , Kurzbaum Eyal , Weber Gil , Schubert Iris , Riov Joseph
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

A large persistent seed bank of invasive plants is a significant obstacle to restoration programs. Soil solarization was demonstrated to be an effective method for reducing the seed bank of Australian acacias. However, use of this method in natural habitats might be limited due to the requirement to moisten the soil by irrigation. This study examined the possibility of replacing irrigation by trapping the soil moisture caused by the most recent rainfall, i.e. rain‐based soil solarization (RBS).

RESULTS

Exposure of Acacia saligna seeds to 57 °C at 20% soil moisture for 68 h resulted in almost complete loss of seed viability. Similarly, RBS treatment significantly reduced the viability of A. saligna seeds buried at a soil depth of 1–19 cm as well as seed density in the natural seed bank, and almost completely eliminated seedling emergence from natural seed banks of A. saligna and other environmental weeds.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that RBS is an effective method for reducing the seed bank of invasive plants in natural habitats located in various climate regions characterized by different soil types. This is the first demonstration of a successful application of RBS for soil disinfestation. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Unexpected dimerization of a tripeptide comprising a β,γ‐diamino acid
Authors: Wan Yang , Baltaze Jean‐Pierre , Kouklovsky Cyrille , Miclet Emeric , Alezra Valérie
Published: December 2018

We have previously reported the synthesis of enantiopure β,γ‐diamino acids and relevant short α/γ‐peptide containing such building blocks. Complete nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies, together with molecular modeling, highlighted the ability of a β,γ‐diamino acid to induce various intramolecular turns. In this paper, we describe for the first time the formation of a dimeric structure constituted by α/γ/α‐tripeptide and stabilized by intermolecular interactions. A structural model is proposed based on extensive NMR measurements.
Single‐Cell Stateful Logic Using a Dual‐Bit Memristor
Authors: Kim Kyung Min , Xu Nuo , Shao Xinglong , Yoon Kyung Jean , Kim Hae Jin , Williams R. Stanley , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: December 2018

By combining the functions of Boolean gates and non‐volatile memory, stateful logic may enable significant savings in time and energy for computational processes that can be performed directly in main memory and for data analyses in edge environments. A simple reduction to practice this concept is demonstrated by Borghetti et al. in 2010 via a material implication logic gate comprising two parallel memristors and a conditional write operation. Here, a single physical dual‐bit memristor, possessing both bipolar and unipolar resistance switching characteristics and utilizing their operations, is demonstrated. This device responds to a conditional write to perform not only implication but multiple other logic functions when configured with a series resistor and addressed with a specific voltage pulse. The simple circuit structure of this dual‐bit memristor allows compact sequential logic cascading along the time dimension without a concern of multiple cell accessing related issues. The sequence of implementing a full‐adder is also discussed.
Performance‐oriented quasi‐LPV modeling of nonlinear systems
Authors: Robles Ruben , Sala Antonio , Bernal Miguel
Published: December 2018

Polytopic quasi–linear parameter‐varying (quasi‐LPV) models of nonlinear processes allow the usage linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to guarantee some performance goal on them (in most cases, locally, over a so‐called modeling region). In order to get a finite number of LMIs, nonlinearities are embedded on the convex hull of a finite set of linear models. However, for a given system, the quasi‐LPV representations are not unique, yielding different performance bounds depending on the model choice. To avoid such drawback, earlier literature on the topic used annihilator‐based approaches, which require gridding on the modeling region, and nonconvex BMI conditions for controller synthesis; optimal performance bounds are obtained, but with a huge computational burden. This paper proposes building a model by minimizing the projection of the nonlinearities onto directions, which are deleterious for performance. For a small modeling region, these directions are obtained from LMIs with the linearized model. Additionally, these directions will guide the selection of the polytopic embedding's vertices. The procedure allows gridding‐free LMI controller synthesis, as in standard LPV setups, with a very reduced performance loss with respect to the aforementioned BMI+gridding approaches, at a fraction of the computational cost.
Comparing ANN and ARIMA model in predicting the discharge of River Opeki from 2010 to 2020
Authors: Fashae Olutoyin A. , Olusola Adeyemi O. , Ndubuisi Ijeoma , Udomboso Christopher Godwin
Published: December 2018

Many attempts have been made in the recent past to model and forecast streamflow using various techniques with the use of time series techniques proving to be the most common. Time series analysis plays an important role in hydrological research. Traditionally, the class of autoregressive moving average techniques models has been the statistical method most widely used for modelling water discharge, but it has been shown to be deficient in representing nonlinear dynamics inherent in the transformation of runoff data. In contrast, the relatively newly improved and efficient soft computing technique artificial neural networks has the capability to approximate virtually any continuous function up to an arbitrary degree of accuracy, which is not otherwise true of other conventional hydrological techniques. This technique corresponds to human neurological system, which consists of a series of basic computing elements called neurons, which are interconnected together to form networks. The aim of the study is to compare the artificial neural network and autoregressive integrated moving average to model River Opeki discharge (1982–2010) and to use the best predictor to forecast the discharge of the river from 2010 to 2020. The performance of the two models was subjected to statistical test based on correlation coefficient (r) and the root‐mean‐square error. The result showed that autoregressive integrated moving average performs better considering the level of root‐mean‐square error and higher correlation coefficient.
Establishing minimum counts for semiquantitative bank‐to‐bank river transect mussel studies in species‐poor rivers
Authors: Leppänen Jaakko Johannes
Published: December 2018

Riverine mussel investigations involve laborious fieldwork, yet acquiring adequate sample sizes is of high importance. This paper presents the calculated minimum sample size required for the bank‐to‐bank transect method in species‐poor rivers. Data were collected from 50 transect dives from four Finnish rivers, and individual‐based rarefaction calculations were used to detect the minimum sample size at which the number of new species plateaus (i.e., species richness curve reaches an asymptote). The results indicate that a minimum of 100 mussels per transect is necessary for general semiquantitative investigations using bank‐to‐bank transect surveys. Because riverine systems typically exhibit high variation in habitats, expert evaluation should always be used to determine the number and location of transects. The effort must be increased if very rare species need to be collected.
Plasma enhanced synthesis of N doped vertically aligned carbon nanofibers on 3D graphene
Authors: Mishra Siddharth , Nguyen Hung , Adusei Paa Kwasi , Hsieh Yu‐Yun , Shanov Vesselin
Published: December 2018

Graphene and carbon nanotubes/fibers (CNT/CNF) hybrid structures are emerging as frontier materials for high‐efficiency electronics, energy storage, thermoelectric, and sensing applications owing to the utilization of extraordinary electrical and physical properties of both nanocarbon materials. Recent advances show a successful improvement in the structure and surface area of layered graphene by incorporating another dimension and structural form—three‐dimensional graphene (3DG). In this study, vertically aligned CNFs were grown using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition on a relatively new form of compressed 3DG. The latter was synthesized using a conventional thermal chemical vapor deposition. The resulting free‐standing hybrid material is in‐situ N doped during synthesis by ammonia plasma and is produced in the form of a hybrid paper. Characterization of this material was done using electrochemical and spectroscopic measurements. The N doped hybrid showed relatively higher surface area and improved areal current density in electrochemical measurements than compressed pristine 3DG, which makes it a potential candidate for use as an electrode material for supercapacitors, sensors, and electrochemical batteries.
A Simple and Efficient Approach for the Synthesis of 1,3‐Oxazolidines from β‐Amino Alcohols Using Grinding Technique
Authors: Singh Nasseb , Dar Alamgir A. , Kumar Anil
Published: December 2018

An environment‐friendly and efficient method for synthesis of 1, 3‐oxazolidines from β‐amino alcohols has been developed using paraformaldehyde in the presence of 10 mol% alkali as a green reaction medium. The method is concise, simple, transition metal free, and high yielding at room temperature with wide substrate scope and functional group compatibility. The optimized method can be used for the synthesis of 1, 3‐oxazolidines intermediates, which are used as prodrug moieties to improve therapeutic potential of the parent drug. Structure and formation of the synthesized compounds has been characterized and confirmed through conventional spectroscopic techniques, such as 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopy.
Novel Blue‐Emitter‐Containing o‐Terphenyl‐Substituted Fluorene and Diphenylanthracene Units
Authors: Mishra Alok V. , Hasija Deepika C. , Patil Vishwanath R.
Published: December 2018

The light emitting polymers (LEPs) were synthesized by aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction containing o‐terphenyl substituted fluorene (TERF) and diphenylanthracene (DPA) units. The obtained polymers showed emission in the blue region. The polymers were successfully characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopic studies. Polymers were thermally stable and soluble in various organic solvents. The electrochemical measurements and optical properties of the polymers were also studied. These light emitting materials showed high photoluminescence efficiency, making them good candidates as organic materials for light‐emitting devices.
Structural Engineering of Zinc‐Blend/Wurtzite BN Superlattices
Authors: Ming Bangming , Wang Changhao , Guo Gencai , Xu Lichun , Wang Ruzhi , Yan Hui
Published: December 2018

By constructing Zinc‐Blende (ZB)/Wurtzite (WZ) boron nitride (BN) (ZB1‐x/WZx‐BN) superlattices (SLs), their electronic structure and mechanical properties were investigated by first‐principles techniques based on density functional theory. It is found that the band structure is significantly modulated by the ratio of WZ phase in ZB/WZ‐BN SLs. With the increase of WZ ratio, the band gap of SLs decreases and then increases dramatically. More importantly, transformation from type‐I to type‐II band alignment between ZB and WZ can be tuned by adjusting the ratio of WZ to be >0.6. In addition, a universal expression of the band gap is proposed to reveal a nonlinear dependence of the band gap within the structure of SLs as induced by from the interface effect achieved via structural transformation. The elastic constants results revealed that the change of ZB/WZ ratio poses no significant effect on the mechanical properties. The effect of structure modulation on band structure and mechanical properties is significantly important for future engineering of novel semiconductor SLs.
Zn Phthalocyanine Derivatives for Solution‐Processed Small Molecule Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Sarı Fatma Aslıhan , Kazici Mehmet , Harputlu Ersan , Bozar Sinem , Koyun Özge , Sahin Yücel , Ugur Naz , Ince Mine , Günes Serap
Published: December 2018

Zinc phthalocyanine derivatives, 1 and 2, having either electron donating octyl‐thiol group or electron accepting octyl‐sulfonyl groups have been synthesized to serve as new electron donor components for bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells. BHJ solar cells, in which the active layer consist of zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) as an electron donor and a soluble fullerene derivative, namely PCBM, as an electron acceptor component were produced and characterized. The device consisting of octylthiol‐ZnPc:PCBM (1:4) gave power‐conversion efficiencies of 0.42%. On the other hand, the device having octyl‐sulfonyl substituted ZnPc gave very low efficiency due to both low Voc and Jsc values.
Porous Covalent Organic Gels: Design, Synthesis and Fluoroquinolones Adsorption
Authors: Dong Jun , Xu Fei‐Fan , Liu Zhi , Yu Hai‐Yang , Yan Yan , Li Yang‐Xue
Published: December 2018

We report the design and synthesis of three highly stable and porous covalent organic gels (HCOGs) based on C3‐symmetric benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarbohydrazides. The resultant HCOGs beared excellent adsorption properties and represented good reusability towards fluoroquinolones from aqueous solutions. The external adsorption behavior as well as internal mechanisms were both discussed. Using kinetic and isotherm analysis, we found that the adsorption processes of the three HCOGs keep to the pseudo‐second order kinetic model and abide by the Langmuir isotherm model. Furthermore, the adsorption efficiency and maximum adsorption capacity were demonstrated to be as a result of the internal mechanisms involving proper poriness, electrostatic interactivity, hydrophobic interaction, π‐π stacking/interactions and hydrogen bonding. The work thus pays a new way for the preparation of novel porous materials for removing fluoroquinolones from wastewater.
Oxidation of 1‐Phenylethane‐1,2‐Diol to 2‐Hydroxy‐1‐Phenylethan‐1‐One Catalyzed by Gold Nanocrystals
Authors: Zhang Fangwei , Zhang Jiali , Guo Shouwu
Published: December 2018

We demonstrate here that under a mild condition (aqueous solution, pH 7, 50 °C, 6 MPa O2) gold nanocrystals (AuNCs) can catalyze the oxidation of 1‐phenylethane‐1,2‐diol to 2‐hydroxy‐1‐phenylethan‐1‐one selectively. And the yield can reach 87% when 94% the reactant is converted. Through comparing with different substrates, we show that the high selectivity of the AuNCs for 2‐hydroxy‐1‐phenylethan‐1‐one is due to the activity difference between the two hydroxy groups in the diol. AuNCs tend to catalyze the oxidation of the hydroxy group that locates in α‐C position of benzyl diol.
Silicalite‐1 Encapsulated Fe Particles over an In‐situ Crystal Process for Syngas to Gasoline with Low CO2Selectivity
Authors: Cheng Shilin , Mazonde Brighton , Zhang Guihua , Javed Mudassar , Amoo Cederick , Shi Yanwen , Guo Kailiang , Yao Miaohong , Lu Chengxue , Yang Guohui , Yang Ruiqin , Xing Chuang
Published: December 2018

Zeolite synthesis involved use of large volumes of solvent that resulted in waste and enhanced production costs. In our study, we selected a solvent‐free synthesis route that involved mixing, grinding and crystallization at various times creating Fe@Silicalite‐1. This synthesis method produced a hierarchical in‐situ microporous crystal morphology with Fe particles caged inside zeolite displaying a high gasoline (C5‐C11) selectivity of 66.0% with a relatively low CO2and CH4selectivity (18.5% and 10.0%, respectively) in Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis. Prolonged crystallization time of 72 h and other subsequent procedures contributed to zeolite structure and performance. Iron moieties were appropriately immobilized over silicalite support. The characterization results were correlated with the zeolite activity and selectivity. This novel zeolite at its best possesses all the potential to be advanced in other related material synthesis because of its expedient procedure, characteristics and worthwhile outcomes.
Synthesis, Structures and DFT Computational Studies of [3.1.1]Metacyclophanes Containing Benzofuran Rings
Authors: Islam Md. Monarul , Wang Chuan‐Zeng , Feng Xing , Rahman Shofiur , Georghiou Paris E. , Alodhayb Abdullah , Yamato Takehiko
Published: December 2018

[3.1.1]Metacyclophane ([3.1.1]MCP) 6 a containing two benzofuran rings was obtained by treatment of [3.3.3]MCP‐dione 5 with trimethylsilyl iodide. The precursor 5 was synthesized using (p‐tolylsulfonyl)methyl isocyanide (TosMIC) as the cyclization reagent. The 1H‐NMR spectrum of 6 a at room temperature reveals that it undergoes very fast conformational changes relative to the NMR time scale and that the phenolic hydrogen forms weak intramolecular hydrogen bonding with the oxygen of one of the benzofurans. O‐Methylation of 6 a afforded the calixarene analogue, macrocyclic [3.1.1]MCP 7 a whose 1H‐NMR spectrum reveals that it adopts a cone‐likeconformation in solution at room temperature and the alkoxy group is pointing above and away from the macrocyclic cavity.
Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Al‐Containing Medium Mn Steel Through Warm Rolling and Intercritical Annealing
Authors: Zhang Yongjian , Hui Weijun , Wang Jiaojiao , Shao Chengwei , Zhao Xiaoli
Published: December 2018

This investigation attempts to further enhance the mechanical properties of an Al‐containing medium Mn steel, Fe‐0.25C‐8.5Mn‐0.5Si‐2.5Al (wt%), through warm rolling (WR) and subsequent intercritical annealing (IA) treatments. Two schedules of WR processes were applied with a total thickness reduction of ≈60%. The results show that an ultrafine‐grained (UFG) lamellar structure was well developed after WR, while subsequent IA led to a coarsening of the microstructure as well as the formation of bimodal‐morphological ferrite and retained austenite (RA) grains, i.e., lamellar and equiaxed. Compared with warm rolled samples with clear discontinuous yielding and large yield point elongation, the IA treatment after WR could eliminate this phenomenon mainly due to microstructure coarsening. A significantly enhanced combination of strength and ductility (the product of the ultimate tensile strength and total elongation) as high as ≈75 GPa% was obtained for the WR + IA sample. This enhancement is notably superior to that of previously investigated medium Mn steels with similar Mn contents and is similar or even better than that of twinning‐induced plasticity (TWIP) steels with high‐Mn content. It is thus suggested that WR plus subsequent IA is a promising and feasible approach to further enhance the mechanical properties of medium Mn steel.
Relationship‐building between climate scientists and publics as an alternative to information transfer
Authors: Cook Brian R. , Overpeck Jonathan T.
Published: December 2018

This review is written for climate experts dissatisfied with current approaches for contributing to societal responses to climate change via their interactions with publics. We review the origins and contemporary manifestations of the deficit model, showing that it is the underlying basis for how experts imagine and conduct their interactions with publics. Rather than simply raising awareness among experts concerning their role(s) in perpetuating the deficit model, we use experts and their assumptions to organize our synthesis. Our review will challenge climate experts by demonstrating that educative approaches are inadequate if their goal is to influence behavior by publics. We demonstrate that experts' prevailing means of contributing to socioscientific controversies are crippled, not by public indifference or ignorance, but by experts' allegiance to the assumption that information transfer can prompt behavior change. The transfer of climate experts' knowledge by itself has little chance of changing publics' behaviors. It may be that such approaches work with people already disposed to the information or who defer to experts, but it is unlikely to affect publics who are doubtful, those whose livelihoods are precarious, or those who do not want to consider the terrifying implications of climate change. We propose relationship building as an alternative that can avoid resuscitating the deficit model and its inherent problems. We argue that, to have the impacts that they are seeking, experts will need to negotiate their ends honestly, admit the values driving those ends, and coproduce the means that can accomplish the collaboratively chosen ends.

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Communication

Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Sociology/Anthropology of Climate Knowledge
Genetic characterization of kit foxes at their northern range extent and monitoring recommendations
Authors: Sacks Benjamin N. , Milburn Philip J.
Published: December 2018

The kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) appears to be in decline in the northernmost and other peripheral portions of its range, yet its abundance, genetic diversity, and connectivity to core populations are unknown. We used 16 microsatellites and a sex marker to characterize population size and genetic diversity of the northernmost population in southeastern Oregon, USA, which we compared with a core population to the south. We identified 20 individuals from southeastern Oregon, sampled an average of 1.7 times each, resulting in a population size estimate of 28 (95% CI = 20–39) individuals on the study area. We estimated the genetic effective population size of the Oregon population at 14.7 (95% CI = 10.2–22.4) breeding individuals, which was <50% that estimated for the California, USA, core population. Relative to the core population, Oregon kit foxes exhibited similar heterozygosity but a deficiency in the number of alleles, which was consistent with a recent population decline. The use of 16 loci and a sex marker in this study enabled us to construct pedigrees, which provided insights about spatial organization of family groups and long distance dispersal. Continued monitoring of this peripheral Oregon population is essential to an effective conservation plan and noninvasive genetic methods are likely to provide the most effective means of doing so. Use of large numbers of markers will enable pedigree reconstruction to be integrated into such a program to obtain estimates of demographic parameters, habitat quality, and expansion–contraction dynamics in addition to abundance. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Clinical Decision Support Systems
Authors: Wasylewicz A. T. M. , Scheepers-Hoeks A. M. J. W.
Published: December 2018

Clinical decision support (CDS) includes a variety of tools and interventions computerized as well as non- computerized. High-quality clinical decision support systems (CDSS), computerized CDS, are essential to achieve the full benefits of electronic health records and computerized physician order entry. A CDSS can take into account all data available in the EHR making it possible to notice changes outside the scope of the professional and notice changes specific for a certain patient, within normal limits. However, to use of CDSS in practice, it is important to understand the basic requirements of these systems.

This chapter shows in what way CDSS can support the use of clinical data science in daily clinical practice. Moreover, it explains what types of CDSS are available and how such systems can be used. However, to achieve high-quality CDSS which is effective in use requires thoughtful design, implementation and critical evaluation. Therefore, challenges surrounding implementation of a CDSS are discussed, as well as a strategies to develop and validate CDSS.
Data at Scale
Authors: Traverso Alberto , Dankers Frank J. W. M. , Wee Leonard , van Kuijk Sander M. J.
Published: December 2018

Pre-requisites to better understand the chapter: basic knowledge of major sources of clinical data.

Logical position of the chapter with respect to the previous chapter: in the previous chapter, you have learned what the major sources of clinical data are. In this chapter, we will dive into the main characteristics of presented data sources. In particular, we will learn how to distinguish and classify data according to its scale.

Learning objectives: you will learn the major differences between data sources presented in previous chapters; how clinical data can be classified according to its scale. You will get familiar with the concept of ‘big’ clinical data; you will learn which are the major concerns limiting ‘big’ data exchange.
The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in a Research Context
Authors: Mondschein Christopher F. , Monda Cosimo
Published: December 2018

This chapter introduces the rational and regulatory mechanism underlying the EU data protection framework with specific focus on the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It outlines the applicability of the research exemption included in the GDPR and discusses further or secondary use of personal data for research purposes.
Diving Deeper into Models
Authors: Traverso Alberto , Dankers Frank J. W. M. , Osong Biche , Wee Leonard , van Kuijk Sander M. J.
Published: December 2018

Pre-requisites to better understand the chapter:knowledge of the major steps and procedures of developing a clinical prediction model.

Logical position of the chapter with respect to the previous chapter:in the last chapters, you have learned how to develop and validate a clinical prediction model. You have been learning logistic regression as main algorithm to build the model. However, several different more complex algorithms can be used to build a clinical prediction model. In this chapter, the main machine learning based algorithms will be presented to you.

Learning objectives:you will be presented with the definitions of: machine learning, supervised and unsupervised learning. The major algorithms for the last two categories will be introduced.
Model-independent prediction of R(ηc)
Authors: Berns Anson , Lamm Henry
Published: December 2018

Abstract

We present a model-independent prediction for R(η

c
)≡ℬℛ(B

c

+
 → η

c

τ
+
ν

τ
)/ℬℛ(B

c

+
 → η

c

µ
+
ν

µ
). This prediction is obtained from the form factors through a combination of dispersive relations, heavy-quark relations at zero-recoil, and the limited existing determinations from lattice QCD. The resulting prediction, R(η

c
) = 0.29(5), agrees with previous model predictions, but without uncontrolled systematic uncertainties.
SUSY enhancement from T-branes
Authors: Carta Federico , Giacomelli Simone , Savelli Raffaele
Published: December 2018

Abstract

We use the F-theoretic engineering of four-dimensional rank-one superconformal field theories to provide a geometric understanding of the phenomenon of supersymmetry enhancement along the RG flow, recently observed by Maruyoshi and Song. In this context, the superpotential deformations responsible for such flows are interpreted as T-brane backgrounds and encoded in the geometry of elliptically-fibered fourfolds. We formulate a simple algebraic criterion to select all supersymmetry-enhancing flows and, without any maximization process, derive the main features of the corresponding

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 theories in the infrared.
Indicators of positive youth development can be maladaptive: The example case of caring
Authors: Geldhof G. John , Larsen Torill , Urke Helga , Holsen Ingrid , Lewis Hillary , Tyler Corine P.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Research on positive youth development typically takes a more‐is‐better approach in which higher scores on measures of positive youth development indicate better outcomes. We question the validity of this assumption and describe how an imbalance among the Five Cs of Positive Youth Development can lead to a situation where “more” is actually “less.” We then provide an empirical illustration using cross‐sectional data.

Methods

We examined conditional associations between indicators of thriving and the C of caring using survey data obtained from a sample of 2,386 students in Norway (mean age 16.60 years [SD = 1.98]; 44.8% girls). Multilevel models assessed whether associations between caring and the thriving indicators (here defined as greater mental well‐being and lower anxiety and depressive symptoms) differed when versus when not controlling for overall positive youth development.

Results

When positive youth development was not included as a covariate, caring was positively associated with mental well being and anxiety but not significantly associated with depressive symptoms. After adding positive youth development to the model, caring became less strongly associated with mental well‐being, more strongly associated with anxiety, and significantly (positively) associated with depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that, after controlling for a set level of positive youth development, caring does not predict adaptive outcomes in a monotonic more‐is‐better way. These findings illustrate an instance where developmental regulations benefit the context at the cost of the individual and therefore speak to a growing acknowledgement in the literature—young people may suffer if they “care too much.”
Largonji des Loucherbems: An Optimality-Theoretic analysis of a 19th century French
Authors: Ozburn Avery , Schellenberg Murray
Published: December 2018

This paper provides a novel Optimality Theoretic analysis of the 19th century French secret language Largonji. While Largonji is a reversal game, we show that it is a type not previously described, in which the first onset that is not an /l/ reverses, even if it is not at an edge. Thus, traditional approaches to reversal games, such as cross-anchoring, do not work for Largonji. However, our account does not require direct reference to onsets. Instead, it is based on preservation of moraic structure, combined with alignment of a Largonji-specific prefix. Though suprasegmental faithfulness has been noted previously in language games, the present account implements it in Optimality Theory for the first time. Further, in analyzing the Largonji affix as a prefix that is sometimes realized as an infix, we suggest that Largonji provides additional evidence that language games can reflect cross-linguistic patterns not present in the base language.
The impact of mass-level ideological orientations on immigration policy preferences over time
Authors: Thomsen Jens Peter Frølund , Rafiqi Arzoo
Published: December 2018

This paper introduces a dynamic perspective on how (personal) political ideology shapes reactions to immigration policies at the mass level. Greater ethnic diversity and growing calls for multiculturalism represent a disproportionately greater challenge to rightists because they value conformity, tradition, and stability more than leftists. Consequently, we hypothesize that the impact of political ideology on opposition to immigration has become stronger over time. Analyses show that: (a) leftists were less opposed to immigration than rightists in both 2002 and 2014, and (b) rightists have become more opposed to immigration in the time between 2002 and 2014, whereas leftists’ reactions remained stable across this period. We tested our motivated reasoning hypothesis in a repeated cross-sectional (fixed effects regression) analysis of individual-level data from 18 countries (N = 55,367). The individual-level data on political ideology and immigration policy preferences is from the European Social Survey data sets fielded in 2002 and 2014.
Free vibrations of two tandem elastically mounted cylinders in crossflow
Authors: Qin Bin , Alam Md. Mahbub , Zhou Yu
Published: December 2018

The paper presents an experimental investigation on the flow-induced vibrations of two tandem circular cylinders for spacing ratio $L/D=1.2{-}6.0$ and reduced velocity $U_{r}=3.8{-}47.8$, where $L$ is the cylinder centre-to-centre spacing and $D$ is the cylinder diameter. Both cylinders are allowed to vibrate only laterally. Extensive measurements are conducted to capture the cylinder vibration and frequency responses, surface pressures, shedding frequencies and flow fields using laser vibrometer, hotwire, pressure scanner and PIV techniques. Four vibration regimes are identified based on the characteristics and generation mechanisms of the cylinder galloping vibrations. Several findings are made on the mechanisms of vibration generation and sustainability. First, the initial states (vibrating or fixed) of a cylinder may have a pronounced impact on the vibration of the other. Second, alternating reattachment, detachment, rolling up and shedding of the upper and lower gap shear layers all contribute to the vibrations. Third, the gap vortices around the base surface of the upstream cylinder produce positive work on the cylinder, sustaining the upstream cylinder vibration. Fourth, reattachment, detachment and switching of the gap shear layers result in largely positive work on the downstream cylinder, playing an important role in sustaining its vibration.
Glacier bed surveying with helicopter-borne dual-polarization ground-penetrating radar
Authors: LANGHAMMER LISBETH , RABENSTEIN LASSE , SCHMID LINO , BAUDER ANDREAS , GRAB MELCHIOR , SCHAER PHILIPP , MAURER HANSRUEDI
Published: December 2018

Traditionally, helicopter-borne ground-penetrating radar (GPR) systems are operated with a single pair of bistatic dipole antennas to measure the thickness of glaciers. We demonstrate numerically that the directivity of the radiation pattern of single airborne dipoles do not correspond to an ideal full-space solution if the antennas are employed at typical flight heights. These directionality effects can degrade the quality of the subsurface images significantly, when the GPR antennas are orientated unfavorably. Since an adjustment of the antenna orientation is impractical during flight, we have developed a novel dual-polarization helicopter-borne GPR system consisting of two orthogonal pairs of commercial antennas in broadside configuration. To overcome the image quality deficits of the individual channels, we apply a pseudo-scalar approach in which we combine the data of both polarizations. Results of helicopter-borne GPR surveys on two alpine glaciers in Switzerland reveal more coherent bedrock reflections in the summed data compared with single dipole pair profiles. Generally, the dual-polarization setup is more suitable than a single antenna systems, because it is more versatile and less prone to directional effects caused by the placement of the dipole antennas in relation to undulating subsurface reflectors.
THE STRENGTH OF RAMSEY’S THEOREM FOR PAIRS AND ARBITRARILY MANY COLORS
Authors: SLAMAN THEODORE A. , YOKOYAMA KEITA
Published: December 2018

In this article, we will show that ${\rm{R}}{{\rm{T}}^2} + WK{L_0}$ is a ${\rm{\Pi }}_1^1$-conservative extension of ${\rm{B\Sigma }}_3^0$.