bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ALIENAÇÃO SOCIAL E ESTRUTURAS IDEOLÓGICAS: OPACIDADE DA CONSTITUIÇÃO, CULTURA DE DESCUMPRIMENTO E USO SOCIAL ESTRATÉGICO
Authors: Fernando Ávila Linzán Luis
Published: July 2017

Estabelece-se que o direito tradicional contém um padrão civilista-penal e legalista que está posto para que não se o cumpra nem seja efetivo, senão para dar uma sensação de liberdade e segurança por meio de deveres morais alienatórios. Deste modo, enfrenta-se os dispositivos ideológicos do constitucionalismo progressista contra as formas culturais induzidas pelo direito hegemônico. Portanto, é necessária a reaproximação às condições materiais sobre as que se deve operar o direito para a transformação social.
Challenges and Impacts of Human Resource Outsourcing (HRO) in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Maksuda , Abdullah Abu Md.
Published: July 2017

By HRO we mean using a third party to undertake HR functions for an organization. In Bangladesh, from the last ten to twelve years many private organizations (non-govt.) are getting accustomed with the practice. Cost and time reduction, touch of expert work etc. are the various reasons for which the practice is getting significance day by day. But the organizations that are providing services are facing some challenges. The purpose of the study is to work with these challenges in depth. As it is a very new practice the numbers of service providers are very limited (not more than 30) in the country. For data collection a questionnaire including both open-ended and close-ended questions was designed. Situational cases were also used. From the study it is found that govt. rules-regulations, service quality of providers and mismatch with organizational culture firms are the main sources of challenges in this sector.
The Dance Hall, Nazi Germany, and Hell: Accruing Meaning through Filmic Uses of Benny Goodman’s “Sing Sing Sing”
Authors: Provost Sarah
Published: July 2017

Benny Goodman’s “Sing Sing Sing” has been used in a number of films since its first recording. Examining these filmic uses reveals the manner in which period music accumulates meanings. Furthermore, it gives us greater understanding of the roles pre-existing music plays in narrative filmmaking.
Addressing the development of both knowledge and clinical reasoning in nursing through the perspective of script concordance: An integrative literature review
Authors: Deschênes Marie-France , Goudreau Johanne
Published: July 2017

Background: In clinical practice settings, where situations of uncertainty exist, clinical reasoning is situated or contextualized. It calls upon honed knowledge, wherein nurses rely on highly-developed and organized knowledge networks known as “mental scripts”.Methods: The aim of this integrative literature review was to address ways to develop knowledge and clinical reasoning in nursing through the use of mental scripts, and to tackle these pedagogical considerations. The literature search was performed using the following data sources: CINHAL, MEDLINE Google Scholar, PubMed, ProQuest, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science.Results: Script concordance, which optimises situated clinical reasoning, ties in with the socio-cognitive perspective of cognitive apprenticeship, using role models to guide the development of knowledge and clinical reasoning in nursing. Moreover, this perspective proposes implementing new teaching strategies, which focus on situational awareness, reflective acuity, and cognitive dialogue.Conclusions: The perspective of script concordance allows a foreseeable innovative formulation of practices favourable to the development of clinical reasoning in nursing.
Characterization of Northern Spring Flax as a Winter Crop for Southeast Texas
Authors: Mohammed Abdul Razack , Holgate Leon Carl , Tarpley Lee
Published: July 2017

Increasing interest in biodiesel production led to flax being evaluated as a potential biodiesel crop throughout the USA. The objectives of this study were 1) to determine if northern spring flax varieties can be grown as a winter crop in the southeast Texas environment, 2) characterize the varieties under the southeast Texas environment and 3) to determine if northern spring flax varieties can be grown on a laser-leveled field with 17.8 cm row spacing rather than raised beds. In this study, five northern spring flax varieties, Nekoma, Omega, Pembina, Prairie Thunder and York were grown as a winter crop in Beaumont, Texas on a laser-leveled field. The flax varieties were characterized with respect to morphology, phenology and physiology. In the present study, Omega and Pembina were taller compared to the other varieties. Nekoma had more branches, whereas Omega had more immature capsules per plant, compared to other varieties. Leaf photosynthetic rate was higher in Omega and Prairie Thunder, compared to other varieties. At harvest, Omega and York had more mature capsules, and greater capsule weight and shoot weight per plant, compared to other varieties. Due to delayed machine harvest, there was decrease in flax seed yield due to capsule dehiscence and shattering. Omega had more capsule dehiscence and shattering, compared to other varieties. Seeds of Nekoma and Pembina had more oil content and Omega and Pembina had more protein content. All the above flax varieties have potential to be used as an oilseed crop for biodiesel production in southeast Texas.
Production, Forage Quality, and Performance of Holstein Cows under Intermittent Grazing on Tifton 85
Authors: Da Silva Valdevino Rodrigues , Costa Kátia Aparecida De Pinho , Da Silva Marco Antônio Pereira , Nicolau Edmar Soares , Da Silva Victor Costa , De Souza Wender Ferreira , Do Carmo Ruthele Moraes , Brandstetter Eduardo Valcácer
Published: July 2017

Tropical forage grasses compose the base diet of the Brazilian cattle herd due to their low production cost, high production potential, and good adaptation to various Brazilian ecosystems. In recent years, the search has intensified for alternatives that increase the yield in pasture milk production systems. Thus, the present study evaluated the production and quality of Tifton 85 grass in relation to the production parameters (e.g. greater leaf: stem ratio), and milk quality of Holstein cows in an intermittent grazing system during different seasons of the year. The experiment was conducted at the Córrego da Ponte Farm in Santa Helena de Goias, Goias, Brazil, from April 2014 to March 2015. The experiment used a completely randomized design with nine replicates and the four seasons (fall, winter, spring, and summer) as treatments. The Holstein cows had a live weight of 560±36.8 kg and averages four years of age. The grazing method used was a mob-stocking, with one day of grazing and 19 days of rest. The results showed that Tifton 85 was efficient regarding production parameters (total dry mass) and forage quality (IVDMD, NDF, ADF). The milk production was satisfactory during the fall, spring, and summer. The forage showed limited production during the winter, due the highest NDF, ADF levels and lower IVDMD (P < 0.05), which was directly reflected in the milk yield, fat, protein and lactose (P < 0.05). A reduction in the stocking rate or an increase in the number of paddocks is advisable during the winter to maximize milk production without compromising forage development. The correlation data showed the importance of consuming better-quality forage to increase milk production without compromising the levels of milk solids.
Socio-Economic Characteristics of Farming Community and Food Security Situation in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Pervaiz Bushra , Li Ninghui , Manzoor Muhammad Qasim , Yaseen Muhammad
Published: July 2017

Despite the availability of ample food and reasonably low food prices, food insecurity prevailed in many developing countries in 1970s. The paradigm shift in 1980s from supply to demand side of food security underlined the entitlement or access to food as the center of mainstream research. Current study is the findings of the data collected from household level survey regarding socio-economic and food insecurity conditions in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The descriptive analysis and cross tabulation of the household data revealed that household assets, house building material, size of agricultural farms, ownership of tractor, farm livestock were associated with food security conditions of the farming community. The data results also confirmed that the poorer families made major expenditure on the food out of total household expenditure every month.  It was also revealed that households in the irrigated regions of Punjab have better entitlement as compared with households surveyed from Thal (desert) and rain-fed regions. The daily consumption of eggs, milk and various forms of meat was found below daily recommended nutritional requirements in most of the households. This study confirms the findings of the earlier surveys made in this regard and highlights the demand side of food insecurity issues in Punjab province of Pakistan. Food security policies in Pakistan should focus entitlement and food access of farming households. The household and farm assets need to be built for reducing vulnerability of poorer farming community to food insecurity in Pakistan.
Changes in Soluble Sugar Accumulation and Activities of Sucrose-Metabolizing Enzymes during Fruit Ripening of Jackfruit
Authors: Li Ying-zhi , Duan Xiao-qiang , Liu Sheng-hui , Li Ying , Zhang Xing-hai , Ye Chun-hai
Published: July 2017

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) is an important food crop widely grown in the tropical region. However, little is known about sugar metabolism during fruit ripening of jackfruit. Here we examined sugar profiles (sucrose, glucose and fructose) and corresponding enzyme activities (SPS, E.C.2.4.1.14; SuSy, EC 2.4.1.13; IV, EC 3.2.1.26) of four soft type and four firm type varieties of jackfruit during four stages of fruit ripening. We found that during fruit ripening, there was a rapid increase in contents of total soluble sugar and sucrose, whereas increases in glucose and fructose contents were much slower. Ratios of glucose versus fructose varied among different varieties and ripening stages but within the range of 0.9 to 1.2 in the ripe fruits. Five of these varieties exhibited markedly high levels of SuSy activity for sucrose synthesis at early ripening stage, and then decreased towards fully ripe stage. All soft type varieties exhibited a conspicuous peak of AIV activity and had overall higher AIV activities than NIV during ripening. The changing patterns for other enzymes varied among varieties. Our studies support the notion that sucrose was the major sugar species contributing to the fruit sweetness, followed by fructose and glucose. We also demonstrated that AIV and NIV were probably the primary enzymes responsible for sucrose hydrolysis during ripening, while SPS and SuSy were responsible for sucrose synthesis. We propose that during fruit ripening of jackfruit, glucose is released from starch hydrolysis, followed by sucrose hydrolysis leading to increase in both glucose and fructose contents.
Resistance Evaluation of the Acerola (Malphigia emarginata D.C.) Seed to Compression
Authors: Neto A. Figueiredo , Irmão Marcos A. Silva , Alencar Junior J. P. , Carneiro R. M.
Published: July 2017

The objectives of this work were to verify the moisture content influence on the maximum compression force values, to determine the Proportional Modulus of Deformation, the Maximum Tangent and Secant for acerola seeds under compression on its natural repose position and for fixed deformations. Acerola seeds with moisture content varying from 0.12 to 0.46 (d.b.) compressed uniaxially between two parallel rigid plates. It can be concluded that the compression needed for deforming the acerola seeds decreases as its moisture content increases when the deformation values were within 19.2 and 548.8 N. The Proportional Modulus of Deformation increases with the reduction of the moisture content, where values found were within 5.2 to 72.1 × 107 Pa. The sigmoidal model represented resistance to the compression of the acerola seeds adequately for different moisture content.
The Genotypic and Phenotypic Basis of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Cultivars for Irrigation-Based Production in Ethiopia
Authors: Girma Nigusie , Fikre Asnake , Ojiewo Chris O.
Published: July 2017

Development of irrigation-based chickpea production is considered the most important alternative approach in combating climate change and maximizing productivity, especially in moisture-stress areas and in areas where water and land for irrigation is available. In central Ethiopia, where production of chickpea (especially Kabuli type) is becoming an important part of agriculture, although many superior varieties (both desi and Kabuli types) are available, they have been evaluated and released based on rainfed production. Hence, there is an urgent need for evaluation of varieties suited for irrigation-based production. Towards this goal, during the 2012/13 growing season, 14 Kabuli genotypes (previously introduced) and 24 desi genotypes (nurseries obtained from ICRISAT) were evaluated independently at three and one locations respectively (Kabuli at Debre Zeit, Ambo and Werer; desi at Debre Zeit) for production adaptation under irrigation. The parameters evaluated were date of maturity, 100-seed weight and yield. Overall, while most Kabuli genotypes showed high adaptability to irrigation-based production at all locations, four Kabuli genotypes (X96TH-52-14/2000 = 106.7DAS, FLIP-02-39C = 107DAS, X98TH-51-1-3 = 107.9DAS and ICCV-07313 = 107DAS) were found to be earlier in maturity; two genotypes (ICCV-07313 = 42.5 g and ICCV-04305 = 37.8 g) were identified as having high 100-seed weight and one genotype (ICCV-05309 = 3228.8 kg/ha or 32 quintals/ha) out yielded all genotypes across locations. The result of combined analysis indicated five promising genotypes showing more than 20 kg/ha yield on average. All desi varieties showed maturity dates of under four months; six genotypes showed higher 100-seed weight and eight genotypes showed promising yield responses (> 2000 kg/ha). From these preliminary results, it can be deduced that irrigation can play a significantly complementary role to the rainfed system, provided the genetics by management is optimized through research and innovation.
Os limites de políticas públicas voltadas para agricultura familiar em promover organização social: o caso do assentamento 23 de Maio
Authors: Macedo André De Camargo , Meira Bruna Carolina , Junior Edmilson Carlos de Almeida Lopes , Agápto João Paulo , Borsatto Ricardo Serra
Published: July 2017

O presente trabalho analisa os limites do Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos (PAA) e Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE) em promover a organização social de agricultores familiares a partir do estudo de caso do assentamento 23 de Maio, localizado na região sudoeste do estado de São Paulo. Os resultados ora apresentados se basearam nas respostas atribuídas a dois questionários aplicados respectivamente aos assentados e ao gestor da associação existente no assentamento. Os resultados evidenciaram uma baixa participação dos agricultores nos processos administrativos e decisórios da associação, bem como que a associação tem atuado quase que exclusivamente como intermediária para a inserção da produção dos associados em mercados institucionais. A pesquisa também permitiu compreender pontos considerados negativos pelos agricultores em relação a sua participação em ambos os programas. Conclui-se que para o PAA e o PNAE promoverem a organização social de agricultores familiares assentados e assim serem mais eficientes no apoio à agricultura familiar, se faz necessária sua articulação com outras políticas públicas voltadas para este público.
Condições sócio estruturais da produção rural no Brasil
Authors: Pedrão Fernando Cardoso
Published: July 2017

As condições históricas concretas da produção rural mudam junto com as modificações do sistema capitalista de produção, em novos modos de articulação com o sistema financeiro e os sistemas de comercialização. No Brasil a produção rural desenvolveu-se sobre formas tradicionais de dominação. O avanço de grandes capitais significou valorização do capital e desvalorização do trabalho. Torna-se necessário atualizar a análise da produção rural para entender seu papel na nova reprimarização da economia nacional.
Demographic inference through approximate-Bayesian-computation skyline plots
Authors: Navascués Miguel , Leblois Raphaël , Burgarella Concetta
Published: July 2017

The skyline plot is a graphical representation of historical effective population sizes as a function of time. Past population sizes for these plots are estimated from genetic data, withouta prioriassumptions on the mathematical function defining the shape of the demographic trajectory. Because of this flexibility in shape, skyline plots can, in principle, provide realistic descriptions of the complex demographic scenarios that occur in natural populations. Currently, demographic estimates needed for skyline plots are estimated using coalescent samplers or a composite likelihood approach. Here, we provide a way to estimate historical effective population sizes using an Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) framework. We assess its performance using simulated and actual microsatellite datasets. Our method correctly retrieves the signal of contracting, constant and expanding populations, although the graphical shape of the plot is not always an accurate representation of the true demographic trajectory, particularly for recent changes in size and contracting populations. Because of the flexibility of ABC, similar approaches can be extended to other types of data, to multiple populations, or to other parameters that can change through time, such as the migration rate.
The Tsallis statistical distribution applied to geomagnetically induced currents
Authors: Barbosa C. S. , Caraballo R. , Alves L. R. , Hartmann G. A. , Beggan C. D. , Viljanen A. , Ngwira C. M. , Papa A. R. R. , Pirjola R. J.
Published: July 2017

Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) have been long recognized as a ground effect arising from a chain of space weather events. GICs have been measured and modeled in many countries, resulting in a considerable amount of data. Previous statistical analyses have proposed various types of distribution functions to fit long‐term GICs data sets. However, these extensive statistical approaches have been only partially successful in fitting the data sets. Here we use modeled GICs data sets calculated in four countries (Brazil, South Africa, United Kingdom, and Finland) using data from solar cycle 23 to show a plausible function based on a nonextensive statistical model of the q‐exponential Tsallis function. The fitted q‐exponential parameter is approximately the same for all locations, and the Lilliefors test shows good agreement with the q‐exponential fits. From this fit, we compute that the likely numbers of extreme GICs events over the next ten solar cycles are 1–2 for both Finland and United Kingdom, at least one for Brazil and less than one event for South Africa. Our results indicate that the nonextensive statistics are a general characteristic of GICs, suggesting that the ground current intensity has a strong temporal correlation and long‐range interaction.
Engineering the Surface of Smart Nanocarriers Using a pH‐/Thermal‐/GSH‐Responsive Polymer Zipper for Precise Tumor Targeting Therapy In Vivo
Authors: Zhang Penghui , Wang Yan , Lian Jing , Shen Qi , Wang Chen , Ma Bohan , Zhang Yuchao , Xu Tingting , Li Jianxin , Shao Yongping , Xu Feng , Zhu Jun‐Jie
Published: July 2017

Nanocarrier surface chemistry plays a vital role in mediating cell internalization and enhancing delivery efficiency during in vivo chemotherapy. Inspired by the ability of proteins to alter their conformation to mediate functions, a pH‐/thermal‐/glutathione‐responsive polymer zipper consisting of cell‐penetrating poly(disulfide)s and thermosensitive polymers bearing guanidinium/phosphate (Gu+/pY−) motifs to spatiotemporally tune the surface composition of nanocarriers for precise tumor targeting and efficient drug delivery is developed. Surface engineering allows the nanocarriers to remain undetected during blood circulation and favors passive accumulation at tumor sites, where the acidic microenvironment and photothermal heating break the pY−/Gu+ binding and rupture the zipper, thereby exposing the penetrating shell and causing enhanced cellular uptake via counterion‐/thiol‐/receptor‐mediated endocytosis. The in vivo study demonstrates that by manipulating the surface states on command, the nanocarriers show longer blood circulation time, minimized uptake and drug leakage in normal organs, and enhanced accumulation and efficient drug release at tumor sites, greatly inhibiting tumor growth with only slight damage to normal tissues. If integrated with a photothermal dye approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), polymer zipper would provide a versatile protocol for engineering nanomedicines with high selectivity and efficiency for clinical cancer treatment.
Nitrogen‐Doped Hierarchical Porous Carbon Architecture Incorporated with Cobalt Nanoparticles and Carbon Nanotubes as Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhu Chunyu , Kim Cheong , Aoki Yoshitaka , Habazaki Hiroki
Published: July 2017

Hierarchical porous carbon has attracted great interest because of its distinctive structure and superior properties for designing electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices. In this work, a novel method to fabricate nitrogen‐doped hierarchical porous carbon (NHPC) is reported, which is incorporated with Co nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The NHPC is prepared using a facile and scalable MgO–Co template method. Metal nitrate–glycine solution combustion synthesis, followed by a high temperature calcination, is used to prepare MgO–Co/N‐doped carbon precursor. CNTs are formed by the in situ Co‐catalytic growth during heat treatment; at the same time, localized graphitic layers are also formed around the Co nanoparticles. After acid washing, NHPC with hierarchical multipores and ultrafine Co nanoparticles is obtained. When applied as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst, the NHPC displays high catalytic activity not only in terms of onset potential and current density, but also superior durability and tolerance to methanol crossover in alkaline electrolyte. The remarkable ORR activity is originated from the cooperative effects of high specific surface area, hierarchical pore structure, ultrasmall Co nanocrystals, localized graphitic layers, CNTs, and N‐doping.
Organocascade Synthesis of Bicyclo[3.3.1]nonan‐9‐ones Initiated by an Unusual 1,6‐Addition of Cyclohexanones to (E)‐2‐(3‐Arylallylidene)‐1H‐indene‐1,3(2H)‐diones
Authors: Wang De‐Chih , Huang Pin‐Han , Huang Wan‐Wun , Cheng You‐Song , Chen Kwunmin
Published: July 2017

An efficient organocatalytic cascade reaction for the synthesis of the bicyclo[3.3.1]nonan‐9‐one skeleton is reported. The cascade reaction proceeds smoothly between prochiral 4‐substituted cyclohexanones and (E)‐2‐(3‐arylallylidene)‐indene‐1,3‐diones involving a 1,6‐/γ‐protonation/1,4‐addition sequence to construct bicyclic products that contain five stereogenic centers in good to high chemical yields and excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity (up to >20:1 dr and 97% ee) in the presence of a thioether‐linked l‐prolinol‐camphor‐derived organocatalyst at ambient temperature. An interesting organocatalytic three‐component triple cascade reaction has been performed to produce a bicyclo[2.2.2]octan‐2‐one in a favorable chemical yield and stereoselectivity (>19:1 dr and 97% ee) starting from 1,3‐indanedione, an enal, and cyclohexenone in the presence of a primary amine organocatalyst.

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Unconventional Route to Uniform Hollow Semiconducting Nanoparticles with Tailorable Dimensions, Compositions, Surface Chemistry, and Near‐Infrared Absorption
Authors: He Yanjie , Pang Xinchang , Jiang Beibei , Feng Chaowei , Harn Yeu‐Wei , Chen Yihuang , Yoon Young Jun , Pan Shuang , Lu Cheng‐Hsin , Chang Yajing , Zebarjadi Mona , Kang Zhitao , Thadhani Naresh , Peng Juan , Lin Zhiqun
Published: July 2017

Despite impressive recent advances in the synthesis of lead chalcogenide solid nanoparticles, there are no examples of lead chalcogenide hollow nanoparticles (HNPs) with controlled diameter and shell thickness as current synthetic approaches for HNPs have inherent limitations associated with their complexity, inability to precisely control the dimensions, and limited possibilities with regard to applicable materials. Herein, we report on an unconventional strategy for crafting uniform lead chalcogenide (PbS and PbTe) HNPs with tailorable size, surface chemistry, and near‐IR absorption. Amphiphilic star‐like triblock copolymers [polystyrene‐block‐poly(acrylic acid)‐block‐polystyrene and polystyrene‐block‐poly(acrylic acid)‐block‐poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)] were rationally synthesized and exploited as nanoreactors for the formation of uniform PbS and PbTe HNPs. Compared to their solid counterparts, the near‐IR absorption of the HNPs is blue‐shifted owing to the hollow interior. This strategy can be readily extended to other types of intriguing low‐band‐gap HNPs for diverse applications.
Rare‐Earth‐ and Uranium‐Mesoionic Carbenes: A New Class of f‐Block Carbene Complex Derived from an N‐Heterocyclic Olefin
Authors: Seed John A. , Gregson Matthew , Tuna Floriana , Chilton Nicholas F. , Wooles Ashley J. , McInnes Eric J. L. , Liddle Stephen T.
Published: July 2017

Neutral mesoionic carbenes (MICs) have emerged as an important class of carbene, however they are found in the free form or ligated to only a few d‐block ions. Unprecedented f‐block MIC complexes [M(N′′)3{CN(Me)C(Me)N(Me)CH}] (M=U, Y, La, Nd; N′′=N(SiMe3)2) are reported. These complexes were prepared by a formal 1,4‐proton migration reaction when the metal triamides [M(N′′)3] were treated with the N‐heterocyclic olefin H2C=C(NMeCH)2, which constitutes a new, general way to prepare MIC complexes. Quantum chemical calculations on the 5f3 uranium(III) complex suggest the presence of a U=C donor‐acceptor bond, composed of a MIC→U σ‐component and a U(5f)→MIC(2p) π‐back‐bond, but for the d0f0 Y and La and 4f3 Nd congeners only MIC→M σ‐bonding is found. Considering the generally negligible π‐acidity of MICs, this is surprising and highlights that greater consideration should possibly be given to recognizing MICs as potential π‐acid ligands when coordinated to strongly reducing metals.
Deep‐Red to Near‐Infrared Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence in Organic Solid Films and Electroluminescent Devices
Authors: Li Chenglong , Duan Ruihong , Liang Baoyan , Han Guangchao , Wang Shipan , Ye Kaiqi , Liu Yu , Yi Yuanping , Wang Yue
Published: July 2017

The design and synthesis of highly efficient deep red (DR) and near‐infrared (NIR) organic emitting materials with characteristic of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) still remains a great challenge. A strategy was developed to construct TADF organic solid films with strong DR or NIR emission feature. The triphenylamine (TPA) and quinoxaline‐6,7‐dicarbonitrile (QCN) were employed as electron donor (D) and acceptor (A), respectively, to synthesize a TADF compound, TPA‐QCN. The TPA‐QCN molecule with orange‐red emission in solution was employed as a dopant to prepare DR and NIR luminescent solid thin films. The high doped concentration and neat films exhibited efficient DR and NIR emissions, respectively. The highly efficient DR and NIR organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) were fabricated by regulating TPA‐QCN dopant concentration in the emitting layers.
Robust Acenaphthoimidazolylidene Palladacycles: Highly Efficient Catalysts for the Amination of N‐Heteroaryl Chlorides
Authors: Deng Qinyue , Zhang Yang , Zhu Haibo , Tu Tao
Published: July 2017

A series of robust N‐heterocyclic carbene palladacycles have been successfully developed. These showed high catalytic activity and selectivity toward the challenging amination of N‐heteroaryl chlorides. Different primary and secondary amines were fully compatible with this catalytic system. Remarkably, no double amination products could be detected when primary amines were utilized in our catalytic transformation. Furthermore, the protocol has been successfully extended to synthesize rosiglitazone, a clinical drug for diabetes mellitus, highlighting its potential pharmaceutical feasibility.
BIM im Verkehrswasserbau
Authors: Peschken Gabriele , Wachholz Thilo , Bödefeld Jörg
Published: July 2017

Die kooperative Arbeitsmethodik Building Information Modeling (BIM) auf Basis von digitalen Bauwerksmodellen wird nun auch für den Verkehrswasserbau entwickelt. Dazu sind in der Wasserstraßen‐ und Schifffahrtsverwaltung (WSV) zunächst zwei Pilotprojekte eingerichtet worden. Neben IT‐technischen Fragestellungen müssen unter anderem die klassischen Arbeitsabläufe bei der Planung und Ausführung von Baumaßnahmen im Verkehrswasserbau beleuchtet werden. Klassifizierungen und Merkmale, beginnend für standardisierte Bauteile und wasserbauspezifische Elemente, sind zu erstellen. Ein Dialog mit Experten aus Wissenschaft und Forschung ist angestoßen und soll weiter ausgebaut werden. Die Überlegungen des Stufenplans „Digitales Planen und Bauen“ des Bundesministeriums für Verkehr und digitale Infrastruktur (BMVI) werden aufgegriffen, um Projekte des Verkehrswasserbaus zukunftsfähig zu machen. Der vorliegende Beitrag skizziert die geplante Vorgehensweise und Projektstruktur.
ZC3H12A/MCPIP1/Regnase‐1‐related endonucleases: An evolutionary perspective on molecular mechanisms and biological functions
Authors: Habacher Cornelia , Ciosk Rafal
Published: July 2017

The mammalian Zc3h12a/MCPIP1/Regnase‐1, an extensively studied regulator of inflammatory response, is the founding member of a ribonuclease family, which includes proteins related by the presence of the so‐called Zc3h12a‐like NYN domain. Recently, several related proteins have been described in Caenorhabditis elegans, allowing comparative evaluation of molecular functions and biological roles of these ribonucleases. We discuss the structural features of these proteins, which endow some members with ribonuclease (RNase) activity while others with auxiliary or RNA‐independent functions. We also consider their RNA specificity and highlight a common role for these proteins in cellular defense, which is remarkable considering the evolutionary distance and fundamental differences in cellular defense mechanisms between mammals and nematodes.
Mesenchymal stem cell‐derived factors: Immuno‐modulatory effects and therapeutic potential
Authors: Volarevic Vladislav , Gazdic Marina , Simovic Markovic Bojana , Jovicic Nemanja , Djonov Valentin , Arsenijevic Nebojsa
Published: July 2017

Stem cell‐based therapy is considered to be a new hope in transplantation medicine. Among stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are, due to their differentiation and immuno‐modulatory characteristics, the most commonly used as therapeutic agents in the treatment of immune‐mediated diseases. MSCs migrate to the site of inflammation and modulate immune response. The capacity of MSC to alter phenotype and function of immune cells are largely due to the production of soluble factors which expression varies depending on the pathologic condition to which MSCs are exposed. Under inflammatory conditions, MSCs‐derived factors suppress both innate and adaptive immunity by attenuating maturation and capacity for antigen presentation of dendritic cells, by inducing polarization of macrophages towards alternative phenotype, by inhibiting activation and proliferation of T and B lymphocytes and by reducing cytotoxicity of NK and NKT cells. In this review, we emphasized current findings regarding immuno‐modulatory effects of MSC‐derived factors and emphasize their potential in the therapy of immune‐mediated diseases. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(5):633–644, 2017
Accessible platforms for e‐learning: A case study
Authors: Batanero Concha , Fernández‐Sanz Luis , Piironen Antti K. , Holvikivi Jaana , Hilera Jose Ramón , Otón Salvador , Alonso Jaime
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a technical solution to improve accessibility in e‐learning platforms. The guidelines for the solution were concluded from the analysis of literature with the goal of achieving scalable, reusable, and easily manageable platforms. The method has been tested through a case study conducted on Moodle where a sample of the target population experimented it through several Engineering Education courses resulting in a high degree of perceived usefulness. We also found out that deaf students encountered less problems accessing the information than blind students due to different reasons.
Bring technological advances to campus through relationship‐building
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2017

Before Joe Monroe became chief of police at the University of Kentucky, he completed the FBI National Academy, a prestigious program that only 1,000 people worldwide are invited to attend per year. Monroe credits the academy with bolstering his leadership skills, as well as giving him opportunities to network with fellow security and safety professionals, as well as corporate vendors. “It was a great opportunity to hear from your fellow professionals, and if they have a question about something they're struggling with, maybe you have an answer, and vice versa,” Monroe said.
In vitro Antiproliferative and Antibacterial Activities of Essential Oils from Four Species of Guatteria
Authors: Santos Anderson R. , Benghi Thalita Gilda S. , Nepel Angelita , Marques Francisco A. , Lobão Adriana Q. , Duarte Marta Cristina T. , Ruiz Ana Lúcia T. G. , Carvalho João E. , Maia Beatriz H. L. N. S.
Published: July 2017

The essential oils (EOs) extracted from four species of the genus Guatteria, G. australis, G. ferruginea, G. latifolia, and G. sellowiana were analyzed. A total of 24, 22, 25, and 19 constituents of the oils from four species, respectively, were identified by GC/MS. These oils showed qualitative and quantitative differences. All the oils contained the oxygenated sesquiterpenes spathulenol (11.04 – 40.29%) and caryophyllene oxide (7.74 – 40.13%) as predominant constituents. Evaluation of antiproliferative activity of the EOs showed strong selectivity (1.1 – 4.1 μg/ml) against the tumor cell line OVCAR‐03 (ovarian cancer), i.e., more active than the positive control doxorubicin (11.7 μg/ml). All EOs showed strong antibacterial activity (minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.062 – 0.25 mg/ml) against strains of Rhodococcus equi.
Synthesis and Properties of New N‐Heteroheptacenes for Solution‐Based Organic Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Zhou Fei , Liu Sheng , Santarsiero Bernard D. , Wink Donald J. , Boudinet Damien , Facchetti Antonio , Driver Tom
Published: July 2017

A series of N‐heteroheptacenes was synthesized from ortho‐thiophene‐substituted aryl azides using a Rh2II‐catalyzed C−H bond amination reaction to construct the thienoindole moieties. This reaction tolerated the presence of electron‐donating or withdrawing groups on the aryl azide without adversely affecting the yield of the amination reaction. The central thiophene ring was created from two thienoindole pieces through a Pd‐catalyzed Stille reaction to install the thioether followed by a Cu‐mediated Ullman reaction to trigger the cyclization. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of the resulting focused library of N‐heteroheptacenes revealed that the electronic nature is controlled by the arene substituent while single crystals grown reveal that the packing motif is influenced by the N‐substituent. Solution‐processed thin‐film OFET devices were fabricated with the N‐heteroheptacenes, and one exhibited a hole‐mobility of 0.02 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Pyrene Molecular Orbital Shuffle—Controlling Excited State and Redox Properties by Changing the Nature of the Frontier Orbitals
Authors: Merz Julia , Fink Julian , Friedrich Alexandra , Krummenacher Ivo , Al Mamari Hamad H. , Lorenzen Sabine , Haehnel Martin , Eichhorn Antonius , Moos Michael , Holzapfel Marco , Braunschweig Holger , Lambert Christoph , Steffen Andreas , Ji Lei , Marder Todd B.
Published: July 2017

We show that by judicious choice of substituents at the 2‐ and 7‐positions of pyrene, the frontier orbital order of pyrene can be modified, giving enhanced control over the nature and properties of the photoexcited states and the redox potentials. Specifically, we introduced a julolidine‐like moiety and Bmes2 (mes=2,4,6‐Me3C6H2) as very strong donor (D) and acceptor (A), respectively, giving 2,7‐D‐π‐D‐ and unsymmetric 2,7‐D‐π‐A‐pyrene derivatives, in which the donor destabilizes the HOMO−1 and the acceptor stabilizes the LUMO+1 of the pyrene core. Consequently, for 2,7‐substituted pyrene derivatives, unusual properties are obtained. For example, very large bathochromic shifts were observed for all of our compounds, and unprecedented green light emission occurs for the D/D system. In addition, very high radiative rate constants in solution and in the solid state were recorded for the D‐π‐D‐ and D‐π‐A‐substituted compounds. All compounds show reversible one‐electron oxidations, and Jul2Pyr exhibits a second oxidation, with the largest potential splitting (ΔE=440 mV) thus far reported for 2,7‐substituted pyrenes. Spectroelectrochemical measurements confirm an unexpectedly strong coupling between the 2,7‐substituents in our pyrene derivatives.
Patterns of mortality in a montane mixed‐conifer forest in San Diego County, California
Authors: Freeman Mary Pyott , Stow Douglas A. , An Li
Published: July 2017

We examine spatial patterns of conifer tree mortality and their changes over time for the montane mixed‐conifer forests of San Diego County. These forest areas have recently experienced extensive tree mortality due to multiple factors. A spatial contextual image processing approach was utilized with high spatial resolution digital airborne imagery to map dead trees for the years 1997, 2000, 2002, and 2005 for three study areas: Palomar, Volcan, and Laguna mountains. Plot‐based fieldwork was conducted to further assess mortality patterns. Mean mortality remained static from 1997 to 2002 (4, 2.2, and 4.2 trees/ha for Palomar, Volcan, and Laguna) and then increased by 2005 to 10.3, 9.7, and 5.2 trees/ha, respectively. The increase in mortality between 2002 and 2005 represents the temporal pattern of a discrete disturbance event, attributable to the 2002–2003 drought. Dead trees are significantly clustered for all dates, based on spatial cluster analysis, indicating that they form distinct groups, as opposed to spatially random single dead trees. Other tests indicate no directional shift or spread of mortality over time, but rather an increase in density. While general temporal and spatial mortality processes are uniform across all study areas, the plot‐based species and quantity distribution of mortality, and diameter distributions of dead vs. living trees, vary by study area. The results of this study improve our understanding of stand‐ to landscape‐level forest structure and dynamics, particularly by examining them from the multiple perspectives of field and remotely sensed data.
Near Infra‐Red S0↔T1 Transitions of Iridium(III) Phthalocyanine: Degeneracy of the T1 State Evidenced by Magnetic Circular Dichroism
Authors: Murata Kei , Ishii Kazuyuki
Published: July 2017

The lowest excited triplet (T1) state of an iridium(III) phthalocyanine (IrPc) complex was investigated by electronic absorption, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), and emission spectroscopy. The introduction of the iridium(III) center, which possesses strong spin–orbit coupling, induced the appearance of transitions between the singlet ground state (S0) and the T1 state (S0↔T1). These transitions were characterized by room‐temperature observations of: (i) the relatively intense, sharp T1→S0 phosphorescence in the near infrared (NIR) region and (ii) the distinct S0→T1 absorption band. Further, in addition to two Faraday A terms corresponding to the Q‐ and B‐bands, a third Faraday A term was successfully observed for the S0→T1 transition, indicating that the T1x and T1y states were degenerate in accordance with the expected D4h symmetry of the π‐conjugated system of IrPc. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first observation of the Faraday A term of the S0→T1 transition in porphyrin compounds.
Microwave assisted synthesis of metal‐organic framework MIL‐101 nanocrystals as sorbent and pseudostationary phase in capillary electrophoresis for the separation of anthraquinones in environmental water samples
Authors: Liu Yue , Hu Jia , Li Yan , Shang Yun‐Tao , Wang Jia‐Qi , Zhang Ye , Wang Zhong‐Liang
Published: July 2017

In this work, a CE method was developed to separate five anthraquinones: aloe‐emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion. The CE method used a nano‐sized metal organic framework MIL‐101 (nMIL‐101) as pseudostationary phase (PSP) and sorbent for dispersed particle extraction (DPE). The nMIL‐101 was synthesized by microwave technique and was characterized by UV‐vis, TEM, Zeta potential, X‐ray diffraction spectrometry and micropore physisorption. In this method, anthraquinones were adsorbed by nMIL‐101 of a fast kinetics within 10 min and then separated by CE. The CE conditions were optimized considering time, pH, buffer ionic strength, and nanoparticles concentration. The optimal CE condition is using 20 mM sodium borate buffer (pH 9.1) containing 15% methanol (v/v) and 400 mg/L nMIL‐101 as additives within 8 min. The LODs varied from 24 to 57 μg/L, which were lower than those previously reported. Our method has been successfully applied to determine trace anthraquinones in environmental water samples.
Checking transfer efficiency and equal loading via qualitative optical way in western blotting
Authors: Gong Jun‐Hua , Gong Jian‐Ping , Zheng Kai‐Wen
Published: July 2017

The ability to determine that successful transfer and equal loading occur prior to using primary antibodies is important. And total protein staining is commonly used to check transfer efficiency and normalization, which play a crucial role in western blotting. Ponceau S and coomassie blue are commonly used, but there are disadvantages reported in recent years. Therefore, we are interested in finding another method, which is cheap, easy and fast. As we know, protein binding region of PVDF membrane is still hydrophilic when carbinol volatilizes, however, the non‐protein binding region of PVDF membrane became hydrophobic again. And this different wettability between non‐protein binding region and protein binding region of Polyvinylidene difluoride membrane may be used to check transfer efficiency and equal loading in western blotting. Based on the principle above, we describe an optical approach where an experimenter can observe that the proteins have been transferred to the membrane without any staining within minutes.
How big data can help recruitment and retention
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: July 2017

What is big data and how can it help higher education administrators to recruit and retain students?
Estimating the distribution of welfare effects using quantiles
Authors: Hoderlein Stefan , Vanhems Anne
Published: July 2017

This paper proposes a framework to model welfare effects that are associated with a price change in a population of heterogeneous consumers. The framework is similar to that of Hausman and Newey (Econometrica, 1995, 63, 1445–1476), but allows for more general forms of heterogeneity. Individual demands are characterized by a general model that is nonparametric in the regressors, as well as monotonic in unobserved heterogeneity, allowing us to identify the distribution of welfare effects. We first argue why a decision maker should care about this distribution. Then we establish constructive identification, propose a sample counterparts estimator, and analyze its large‐sample properties. Finally, we apply all concepts to measuring the heterogeneous effect of a change of gasoline price using US consumer data and find very substantial differences in individual effects across quantiles.
Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture Prevalence Varies Widely Between Qualitative and Quantitative Radiological Assessment Methods: The Rotterdam Study
Authors: Oei Ling , Koromani Fjorda , Breda Stephan J , Schousboe John T , Clark Emma M , van Meurs Joyce BJ , Ikram M Arfan , Waarsing Jan H , van Rooij Frank JA , Zillikens Maria C , Krestin Gabriel P , Oei Edwin HG , Rivadeneira Fernando
Published: July 2017

Accurate diagnosis of vertebral osteoporotic fractures is crucial for the identification of individuals at high risk of future fractures. Different methods for radiological assessment of vertebral fractures exist, but a gold standard is lacking. The aim of our study was to estimate statistical measures of agreement and prevalence of osteoporotic vertebral fractures in the population-based Rotterdam Study, across two assessment methods. The quantitative morphometry assisted by SpineAnalyzer® (QM SA) method evaluates vertebral height loss that affects vertebral shape whereas the algorithm-based qualitative (ABQ) method judges endplate integrity and includes guidelines for the differentiation of vertebral fracture and nonfracture deformities. Cross-sectional radiographs were assessed for 7582 participants aged 45 to 95 years. With QM SA, the prevalence was 14.2% (95% CI, 13.4% to 15.0%), compared to 4.0% (95% CI, 3.6% to 4.5%) with ABQ. Inter-method agreement according to kappa (κ) was 0.24. The highest agreement between methods was among females (κ = 0.31), participants age >80 years (κ = 0.40), and at the L1 level (κ = 0.40). With ABQ, most fractures were found at the thoracolumbar junction (T12–L1) followed by the T7–T8 level, whereas with QM SA, most deformities were in the mid thoracic (T7–T8) and lower thoracic spine (T11–T12), with similar number of fractures in both peaks. Excluding mild QM SA deformities (grade 1 with QM) from the analysis increased, the agreement between the methods from κ = 0.24 to 0.40, whereas reexamining mild deformities based on endplate depression increased agreement from κ = 0.24 to 0.50 (p <0.001). Vertebral fracture prevalence differs significantly between QM SA and ABQ; reexamining QM mild deformities based on endplate depression would increase the agreement between methods. More widespread and consistent application of an optimal method may improve clinical care. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
GENESIS 1.1: A hybrid‐parallel molecular dynamics simulator with enhanced sampling algorithms on multiple computational platforms
Authors: Kobayashi Chigusa , Jung Jaewoon , Matsunaga Yasuhiro , Mori Takaharu , Ando Tadashi , Tamura Koichi , Kamiya Motoshi , Sugita Yuji
Published: July 2017

GENeralized‐Ensemble SImulation System (GENESIS) is a software package for molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of biological systems. It is designed to extend limitations in system size and accessible time scale by adopting highly parallelized schemes and enhanced conformational sampling algorithms. In this new version, GENESIS 1.1, new functions and advanced algorithms have been added. The all‐atom and coarse‐grained potential energy functions used in AMBER and GROMACS packages now become available in addition to CHARMM energy functions. The performance of MD simulations has been greatly improved by further optimization, multiple time‐step integration, and hybrid (CPU + GPU) computing. The string method and replica‐exchange umbrella sampling with flexible collective variable choice are used for finding the minimum free‐energy pathway and obtaining free‐energy profiles for conformational changes of a macromolecule. These new features increase the usefulness and power of GENESIS for modeling and simulation in biological research. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.