bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Réactions paysannes aux investissements étrangers
Authors: Verhaegen Étienne , Kiala Sandra
Published: May 2019

Cet article propose d’éclairer un processus de construction par une communauté paysanne d’une capacité à peser sur les conditions de sa participation à un projet d’agrobusiness, en soulignant ses différentes étapes et facteurs. En s’appuyant sur une étude de cas menée en 2016 au Nord du Mozambique, elle vise à contribuer au renouvellement de la théorisation de la question agraire. Ses conclusions s’inscrivent en opposition à la vision dominante, soutenue par de nombreux économistes ruraux, d’une « fin de l’histoire » paysanne, celle des ménages agricoles qui ne peuvent ou ne veulent pas prendre la direction de l’intégration aux chaînes de valeur globalisées. Cet article souligne au contraire la montée en puissance d’une résistance paysanne face aux dynamiques de capitalisation agraire.
Des droits ciblés contre les dépossessions foncières : un paradoxe ?
Authors: Roux Hélène
Published: May 2019

L’inclusion dans le marché mondial de nouveaux produits agricoles, environnementaux, énergétiques et d’infrastructure, ou touristiques, appelle des réponses aux demandes persistantes d’accès à la terre. Celles-ci se manifestent par la production de nouveaux droits, chartes, conventions, directives supposés limiter les dépossessions foncières ou mitiger leurs effets envers diverses catégories de populations (indigènes et/ou paysannes). L’article, illustré par divers exemples au Honduras, au Nicaragua et au Guatemala, s’interroge sur le sens de ces mesures sélectives et ciblées envisagées, et questionne le paradoxe consistant à énoncer des droits censés s’appliquer de manière universelle à des catégories restreintes de populations « ciblées » selon des critères dont les contours sont flous.
Dépossession foncière, transition agraire et capacité d’adaptation
Authors: Gironde Christophe , Ramirez Andres Torrico
Published: May 2019

Depuis le milieu des années 2000, le Nord-Est du Cambodge connaît une transition agraire rapide et radicale impulsée par des entreprises agricoles qui se sont constituées en acquérant et, en partie, en accaparant d’importantes superficies de terres agricoles, et par une forte immigration khmère. Les ménages autochtones, qui se sont vus dépossédés d’une partie de ces terres et ressources naturelles, tentent de réorganiser leurs activités productives, mais sans succès pour la majorité d’entre eux, au prix d’un mode d’exploitation des terres restantes et d’un endettement qui ne semblent pas durables. L’article analyse ces processus marqués par des inégalités économiques et sociales croissantes entre autochtones et Khmers, comme parmi les populations autochtones.
In Search of Sources in Jacobus Handl’s Opus Musicum: The “Instructio ad Musicos” and Its Significance in Relation to the Composer’s Plan
Authors: Desmet Marc
Published: May 2019

Jacobus Handl-Gallus mentions five of his own motets in the “Instructio ad musicos” placed at the beginning of Opus musicum, volume 3, in order to explain what his plan was. A close examination of these motets reveals that the texts themselves do not follow a strict liturgical prescription, which leads to the conclusion that we actually have here settings bearing the personal stamp of the composer. These examples provide useful clues leading one to reconsider the sources for the entire collection. The contents of the Opus musicum may indeed prove far less homogeneous than one might initially infer from their impeccable distribution according to the liturgical calendar.
Artistic Career of Bass Julij Betetto in Ljubljana Opera
Authors: Bohak Adam Tina
Published: May 2019

The bass Julij Betetto is considered one of the most important Slovenian and Yugoslav musical performers of the twentieth century, also leaving a deep impression on the history of European operatic singing. In an artistic career spanning over half a century he appeared in more than three thousand operatic performances, interpreting 175 roles in 140 different operas. The article looks at Betetto’s artistic career and expands previous knowledge about his thirty-six-year-long collaboration with the Ljubljana Opera, emphasizing his pedagogical influence and importance for that institution.
Responses to violence and human suffering in Christian hymnody: A study of responses to situations of violence in the work of four hymn writers
Authors: Tönsing J. Gertrud
Published: May 2019

This article looks at violence and the response to violent situations from the perspective of Christian hymnody. It examines where the content of hymns reflects experiences of violence and the hymn writers’ response to this. The work of four hymn writers is studied: two German traditional hymn writers and two contemporary English hymn writers. In each case, the article examines how they describe the violent situation, how they deal with the issue of human guilt, and what their response is. The article points out that often, hymns that deal with difficult issues do not become easily accepted in the congregational repertoire. However, as can be seen in these four cases, sometimes hymn writers do manage to find the language that can ensure that a hymn or song becomes a deep-felt way for congregations to express their feelings and experiences. Important in this acceptance is whether the hymn finds an appropriate expression of hope beyond the pain.
Multiscale sparse microcanonical models
Authors: Bruna Joan , Mallat Stéphane
Published: May 2019

We study approximations of non-Gaussian stationary processes having long range correlations with microcanonical models. These models are conditioned by the empirical value of an energy vector, evaluated on a single realization. Asymptotic properties of maximum entropy microcanonical and macrocanonical processes and their convergence to Gibbs measures are reviewed. We show that the Jacobian of the energy vector controls the entropy rate of microcanonical processes.

Sampling maximum entropy processes through MCMC algorithms require too many operations when the number of constraints is large. We define microcanonical gradient descent processes by transporting a maximum entropy measure with a gradient descent algorithm which enforces the energy conditions. Convergence and symmetries are analyzed. Approximations of non-Gaussian processes with long range interactions are defined with multiscale energy vectors computed with wavelet and scattering transforms. Sparsity properties are captured with

\mathbf{l}^1

norms. Approximations of Gaussian, Ising and point processes are studied, as well as image and audio texture synthesis.
Partial recovery bounds for clustering with the relaxed $K$-means
Authors: Giraud Christophe , Verzelen Nicolas
Published: May 2019

We investigate the clustering performances of the relaxed

K

-means in the setting of sub-Gaussian Mixture Model (sGMM) and Stochastic Block Model (SBM). After identifying the appropriate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), we prove that the misclassification error decays exponentially fast with respect to this SNR. These partial recovery bounds for the relaxed

K

-means improve upon results currently known in the sGMM setting. In the SBM setting, applying the relaxed

K

-means SDP allows us to handle general connection probabilities whereas other SDPs investigated in the literature are restricted to the (dis-)assortative case (where within group probabilities are larger than between group probabilities). Again, this partial recovery bound complements the state-of-the-art results. All together, these results put forward the versatility of the relaxed

K

-means.
Estimating graph parameters with random walks
Authors: Ben-Hamou Anna , Oliveira Roberto I. , Peres Yuval
Published: May 2019

An algorithm observes the trajectories of random walks over an unknown graph

G

, starting from the same vertex

x

, as well as the degrees along the trajectories. For all finite connected graphs, one can estimate the number of edges

m

up to a bounded factor in

O(t_{\mathrm {rel}}^{3/4}\sqrt{m/d}\,)

steps, where

t_{\mathrm {rel}}

is the relaxation time of the lazy random walk on

G

and

d

is the minimum degree in

G

. Alternatively,

m

can be estimated in

O(t_{\mathrm {unif}} + t_{\mathrm {rel}}^{5/6}\sqrt{n}\,)

, where

n

is the number of vertices and

t_{\mathrm {unif}}

is the uniform mixing time on

G

. The number of vertices

n

can then be estimated up to a bounded factor in an additional

O(t_{\mathrm {unif}}\frac{m}{n})

steps. Our algorithms are based on counting the number of intersections of random walk paths

X,Y

, i.e. the number of pairs

(t,s)

such that

X_t=Y_s

. This improves on previous estimates which only consider collisions (i.e. times

t

with

X_t=Y_t

). We also show that the complexity of our algorithms is optimal, even when restricting to graphs with a prescribed relaxation time. Finally, we show that, given either

m

or the mixing time of

G

, we can compute the “other parameter” with a self-stopping algorithm.
Odd Bedfellows, New Alliances
Authors: Balkenhol Markus , van den Hemel Ernst
Published: May 2019

Abstract In this article we want to sketch an example of how new alliances between secular and religious conservative actors and activists takes shape in contemporary Dutch society. To do so we focus on the case of a conservative catholic activist organization, Civitas Christiana,
and its activist subsidiary, Cultuur Onder Vuur ‘Culture Under Fire’. This organization has become a vocal player in several nation-wide controversies about cultural heritage, religion, and sexuality. Our analysis of Civitas Christiana’s activism shows how religious actors
and explicitly secular actors and activists align themselves around issues of cultural heritage, diversity, and sexuality. We argue that these controversies provide new insight into shifts in the politics of secularism and religion in the Netherlands.
Borgmann and the Non-Neutrality of Technology
Authors: Antonsen Trine , Lundestad Erik ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: May 2019

The paper focuses on Albert Borgmann’s philosophy of technology. We argue in support of Borgmann’s “Churchill principle” (“we shape our buildings, and afterwards they shape us”) as presented in Real American Ethics (RAE) (2006) by comparing it to findings within behavioral economics in general and to the “libertarian paternalism” of Cass R. Sunstein and Richard H. Thaler in particular. According to our interpretation of it, the Churchill principle implies that because our material environment in fact influences our choices, this environment can and should be rearranged so that we “automatically” will tend to make better decisions. Having defended the Churchill principle, we go on to discuss how this principle is related to Borgmann’s approach in Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life (TCCL) (1984). In this earlier work, Borgmann suggests we reform technology by making room for focal practices, that is, meaningful practices in which we develop our skills and excellences. We argue that while these two works have different basic approaches—rearranging the material environment in RAE and developing certain skills and excellences in TCCL—they can and ought to be seen, not as mutually excluding, but as supplementing one another. Together they form a highly salient critique of technology that takes into consideration questions of the good life without becoming overly paternalistic.
Mutual Coupling Reduction of DRA for MIMO Applications
Authors: Al Shalaby N. , El-Sherbiny S. G.
Published: May 2019

In this paper, A multiple input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna using two Square Dielectric Resonators (SDRs) is introduced. The mutual coupling between the two SDRAs is reduced using two different methods; the first method is based on splitting a spiral slot in the ground plane, then filling the slot with dielectric material, "E.=2.2". The second method is based on inserting a copper parasitic element, having the same shape of the splitted Spiral, between the two SDRAs.  The effect of replacing the copper parasitic element with Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) parasitic element "SOC12 doped long-MWCNT BP" is also studied. The antenna system is designed to operate at 6 GHz. The analysis and simulations are carried out using finite element method (FEM). The defected ground plane method gives a maximum isolation of l8dB at element spacing of 30mm (0.6λo), whereas the parasitic element method gives a maximum isolation of 42.5dB at the same element spacing.
Functional Role of Elephants in Maintaining Forest Ecosystem and Biodiversity: Lessons from Northwestern Elephant Range in India
Authors: Puri Kanchan , Yadav Vishant , Joshi Ritesh
Published: May 2019

This article focuses on the functional role of Asian elephant in maintaining forest ecosystem and biodiversity. Elephant performs different activities in forest which greatly influence ecosystem processes, plant communities and trophic structure of the community. Elephants have cascading effects in altering the vegetation regeneration and providing habitat, water and nutrients to other animals. Besides, elephants also have affirmative effects in controlling illegal poaching, promoting ecotourism and act as an indicator species to know about natural calamities. The information compiled in the present note is based on the literature available and field experience gained in the Rajaji National Park, India. Since elephants play a crucial role in ecological trajectories of ecological communities, developing a rigorous framework to evaluate the qualitative influence made by the elephants in ecosystem would be of paramount importance.
Comparative Study of CBS-Q Calculated and Experimental pKa Values for Fluoro-Acetoxy Derivative
Authors: Lawar Mustafa , Elbadwe Safia , Yalçin Ismail , Bolelli Kayhan , Sayiner Hakan Sezgin , Kandemirli Fatma
Published: May 2019

The pKa values were calculated for some acetoxy group molecules using CBS-Q method which is one of the Complete Basis Set methods to find accurate energies. The acetoxy group molecules were also planned by Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) to study their effect on paraoxonase1 activity.

The results of this study showed a strong relationship, (R2=0.99) between the calculated and experimental pka, also showed correlations between the activity of the enzyme and some of the studied descriptors. Moreover, the results of the study revealed that by using the SPSS program, there is a correlation between LUMO, Softness, Nucleofugality and Electrofugality as dependent variables and Cal. pKa as an independent variable.
Economic Appraisal of Water-Ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir: India
Authors: Wani M. H. , Baba S. H. , Baht Arshad
Published: May 2019

Aims: The aims of the current paper is to provide a comparative analysis of the water ecosystem in the state of Jammu & Kashmir in India and to highlight economic potentiality of the two nerve tributaries; “Dal Lake” and “River Jhelum” to the farmers and other communities of the Kashmiri society.

Study Design: The temperate region of Kashmir valley is bestowed with many water bodies in the form of springs, lakes and rivers. Kashmir region is world famous for its lakes viz; “Dal Lake”, “Wulur Lake”, “Mansbal Lake”, “Anchar Lake”, “Nigeen Lake”; springs viz; Kokarnag, Verinag, Achabal and “River Jhelum” etc. “Dal Lake” and “River Jhelum” are known to be the nerve tributaries of the valley and various communities are dependent on these water bodies for their livelihood.

Methodology: Contingent valuation method and willingness to pay techniques were used to analyse the data and interpret the results.

Results: The results revealed that economic value associated with the selected water bodies was worth millions of US$. Most of the population in the valley depends on these water bodies for their livelihood. In addition, the results reveal that over the years, pollution and encroachment of these water bodies has increased manifold reducing the width, depth and recreational value of these water bodies. Though every stakeholder is willing to pay for the restoration of these water bodies, however, little or no attention is being paid by the local government towards their, management, sustenance and conservation.

Conclusion: The study concludes that over the years, due to growth of population in the valley along with the ever increasing influx of floating population in terms of tourist arrivals, the selected water bodies (Dal Lake & River Jhelum) came under heavy stress, culminating into the deterioration of their aesthetic and recreational value besides drastic reduction in their revenue generation for their poor water quality and mismanagement. The restoration of these water bodies, which in addition of providing employment to the stakeholders in huge numbers also generate revenue worth millions of US$, demands devising a pragmatic policy by the government towards their conservation and restoration of their lost glory through efficient management and monitoring system.
Effects of Pesticides on Vegetative Growth and Fruit Yield of Seedless Mandarin at the Basic Design Period in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam
Authors: Tuan Nguyen Minh , Tuan Ha Minh , Dep Luan Thi , Lan Nguyen Ngoc
Published: May 2019

Aims: This study was carry out to evaluate the effects of pesticide on vegetative growth, fruit yield, fruit quality of sweet seedless Mandarin citrus seedless in basic design period at Thai Nguyen province

Study Design: The study was carried out in Dai Tu district, Thai Nguyen province in 2017-2018. The experiment included three treatments were designed in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications.

Results and Discussion: The vegetative growth of tree and shoot, fruit character and fruit quality was collected. Results indicated that T2 treatment (Trebon 10 EC) had the best results in vegetative growth, fruit quality and fruit yield.

Conclusion: It was concluded that T2 treatment application has greatly enhanced vegetative growth, fruit character, and fruit quality of sweet seedless Mandarin under field conditions.
Evolution of Tourism Policies Due to Change of Ruling Parties in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Hsiao-Ming, , Lin De-Ming , Lu Min-Ying
Published: May 2019

Tourism policy is the blueprint and roadmap for the development of tourism in a country or a region. As policymaking for the tourism industry is set in the context of wider government policies, it is highly relevant to the majority ruling party. In 2000, the long-standing ruling party in Taiwan lost its seats for the first time, which had sweeping impact on the economic, social, and political landscape on the island. This paper examines the tourism policy in Taiwan and analyzes the influence of administration changeover on the development of tourism. It is hoped that the research insight serves as reference to other countries in the formation of tourism policies going forward.  This study adopts qualitative research methods, including: historical research, document analysis, field observation and interviews. The results show that although the evolution of Taiwan's tourism policy has gone through the ruling of different political parties, they regard the development of tourism as one of the important economic policies, and strengthen the construction of scenic spots, the formulation of laws and regulations, as well as the innovation of tourism products, so that the tourism industry can be successfully developed. However, it will be influenced by the political ideas of the political parties, and the selected international tourism target markets are also different.
Grit in Online Education
Authors: Buzzetto-Hollywood Nicole , Quinn Kathy , Wang Wendy , Hill Austin
Published: May 2019

Aim: This study sought to explore the role of the elusive non-cognitive skill set known as grit, or the resolve and determination to achieve goals regardless of impediments, on student success in online education. It represents an area of exploration where there is a dearth in the available literature and reports the results of a study conducted at a Mid-Atlantic minority-serving university that examined the relationship between grit and student performance in fully online courses.

Methodology: Students were administered the standard 12-Question Grit Scale with the addition of a series of validated questions that sought to measure perceived self-learning efficacy. Additionally, student performances in online courses were recorded and correlations conducted. Basic statistical analyses such as mean, mode, standard deviation, variance, and confidence interval were calculated. Two hypotheses were introduced as part of this study and tested with Anovas and crosstabulations.

Results: This study found that higher grit scores correlated progressively to both self-discipline and self-efficacy but that a positive relationship to student achievement in fully online courses as measured with a p value of greater than .05 could not be confirmed.

Conclusion: As online education continues to grow, providing opportunities to foster and strengthen student success in online courses and programs is increasingly important. E-learning success requires that students exhibit strong self-regulation, self-discipline, resilience, dutifulness, conscientiousness, and low impulsivity all of which are attributes of grit. As such, grit is presented as a promising area of exploration for increasing student achievement in online education.
Cephalonia-lefkas Transform Fault Zone (CLTFZ) Complexity: Insights from 2015 Lefkas Earthquake Sequence
Authors: Karakonstantis Andreas , Pavlou Kyriaki , Kapetanidis Vasilis , Bozionelos Georgios
Published: May 2019

In order to define a better model for the Cephalonia-Lefkas Transform Fault Zone the sequence of 2015 Lefkas earthquake was examined. On 17 November 2015 (07:10 GMT) a major earthquake (Mw=6.4) occurred on the central-western part of Lefkas island. Several destructive events were located in the past in this fault zone, so an extensive seismotectonic study is feasible for that area. Manual analysis was performed using a custom velocity model that was determined for that purpose, applying the average travel-time residuals and location uncertainties errors minimization method. Several clusters belonging to the aftershock sequence were identified, whereas three are directly related to the causative fault, covering an area of about 25 km. The central one, which includes the mainshock, comprises of only a few aftershocks. The northern, within which the majority of aftershocks are located, lies in the central part of Lefkas island and the southern occurred close to the SW edge of the island. In addition, offshore clusters with distinct characteristics have been identified to the south, between Lefkas and Cephalonia islands. The temporal evolution of the aftershock sequence indicates that no migration was observed, given that after the occurrence of the mainshock the entire epicentral area was activated. Focal mechanisms of the Seismological Laboratory of the University of Athens showed dextral strike-slip faulting for both mainshock and major aftershocks of the sequence. Taking into account the spatial distribution of the aftershocks, supported by the tectonic and geomorphological settings of the region, a deformation pattern, consisting of the Cephalonia-Lefkas and Ithaca-Lefkas major fault zones which converge in the area of Vassiliki bay is proposed. The appearance of the southernmost clusters was interpreted by the positive Coulomb stress changes transfer due to major earthquake Mw=6.4.
Urine mRNA to identify a novel pseudoexon causing dystrophinopathy
Authors: Antoury Layal , Hu Ningyan , Darras Basil , Wheeler Thurman M.
Published: May 2019

In muscular dystrophies, identification of pathogenic pseudoexons involves sequencing of the target gene cDNA derived from muscle mRNA. Here we use a urine “liquid biopsy,” droplet digital PCR, and sequencing of PCR products to identify a novel cryptic splice site in DMD intron 67 that causes dystrophinopathy. Pseudoexon inclusion is 35% in urine cells, 34% in urine extracellular RNA (exRNA), and 54% in muscle biopsy tissue, but absent in serum exRNA. Our results suggest that cryptic splice site use varies depending on the RNA source, and that urine RNA has the potential to substitute for muscle biopsies to identify DMD pseudoexons.
Mechanically Flexible Conductors for Stretchable and Wearable E‐Skin and E‐Textile Devices
Authors: Wang Binghao , Facchetti Antonio
Published: May 2019

Considerable progress in materials development and device integration for mechanically bendable and stretchable optoelectronics will broaden the application of “Internet‐of‐Things” concepts to a myriad of new applications. When addressing the needs associated with the human body, such as the detection of mechanical functions, monitoring of health parameters, and integration with human tissues, optoelectronic devices, interconnects/circuits enabling their functions, and the core passive components from which the whole system is built must sustain different degrees of mechanical stresses. Herein, the basic characteristics and performance of several of these devices are reported, particularly focusing on the conducting element constituting them. Among these devices, strain sensors of different types, energy storage elements, and power/energy storage and generators are included. Specifically, the advances during the past 3 years are reported, wherein mechanically flexible conducting elements are fabricated from (0D, 1D, and 2D) conducting nanomaterials from metals (e.g., Au nanoparticles, Ag flakes, Cu nanowires), carbon nanotubes/nanofibers, 2D conductors (e.g., graphene, MoS2), metal oxides (e.g., Zn nanorods), and conducting polymers (e.g., poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4‐styrene sulfonate), polyaniline) in combination with passive fibrotic and elastomeric materials enabling, after integration, the so‐called electronic skins and electronic textiles.
Tetra‐PEG Based Hydrogel Sealants for In Vivo Visceral Hemostasis
Authors: Bu Yazhong , Zhang Licheng , Sun Guofei , Sun Feifei , Liu Jianheng , Yang Fei , Tang Peifu , Wu Decheng
Published: May 2019

Medical sealant devices for in vivo hemostasis are far from satisfactory in the aged society. A major challenge is effective integration of quick hemorrhage control of the increased anticoagulated patients, high safety, and facile accessibility. Here, a well‐defined ammonolysis‐based Tetra‐PEG hydrogel sealant is developed with rapid gelation speed, strong tissue adhesion, and high mechanical strength. Introduction of cyclized succinyl ester groups into a hydrogel matrix endows the sealant with fast degradable and controllably dissolvable properties. The hydrogel possesses outstanding hemostatic capabilities even under the anticoagulated conditions while displaying excellent biocompatibility and feasibility. These results reveal that the optimized hydrogel may be a facile, effective, and safe sealant for hemorrhage control in vivo.
Actively Tunable Collective Localized Surface Plasmons by Responsive Hydrogel Membrane
Authors: Gisbert Quilis Nestor , van Dongen Marcel , Venugopalan Priyamvada , Kotlarek Daria , Petri Christian , Moreno Cencerrado Alberto , Stanescu Sorin , Toca Herrera Jose Luis , Jonas Ulrich , Möller Martin , Mourran Ahmed , Dostalek Jakub
Published: May 2019

Collective (lattice) localized surface plasmons (cLSP) with actively tunable and extremely narrow spectral characteristics are reported. They are supported by periodic arrays of gold nanoparticles attached to a stimuli‐responsive hydrogel membrane, which can on demand swell and collapse to reversibly modulate arrays period and surrounding refractive index. In addition, it features a refractive index‐symmetrical geometry that promotes the generation of cLSPs and leads to strong suppression of radiative losses, narrowing the spectral width of the resonance, and increasing of the electromagnetic field intensity. Narrowing of the cLSP spectral band down to 13 nm and its reversible shifting by up to 151 nm is observed in the near infrared part of the spectrum by varying temperature and by solvent exchange for systems with a poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐based hydrogel membrane that is allowed to reversibly swell and collapse in either one or in three dimensions. The reported structures with embedded periodic gold nanoparticle arrays are particularly attractive for biosensing applications as the open hydrogel structure can be efficiently post‐modified with functional moieties, such as specific ligands, and since biomolecules can rapidly diffuse through swollen polymer networks.
In Situ Subcellular Detachment of Cells Using a Cell‐Friendly Photoresist and Spatially Modulated Light
Authors: Park Jeehun , Kim Taeyup , Choi Jong Chul , Doh Junsang
Published: May 2019

Dynamic adhesion and detachment of subcellular regions occur during cell migration, thus a technique allowing precise control of subcellular detachment of cells will be useful for cell migration study. Previous methods for cell detachment were developed either for harvesting cells or cell sheets attached on surfaces with low resolution patterning capability, or for detaching subcellular regions located on predefined electrodes. In this paper, a method that allows in situ subcellular detachment of cells with ≈1.5 µm critical feature size while observing cells under a fluorescence microscope is introduced using a cell‐friendly photoresist and spatially modulated light. Using this method, a single cell, regions in cell sheets, and a single focal adhesion complex within a cell are successfully detached. Furthermore, different subcellular regions of migrating cells are detached and changes in cell polarity and migration direction are quantitatively analyzed. This method will be useful for many applications in cell detachment, in particular when subcellular resolution is required.
A Step‐Economic Synthesis of (S)‐(−)‐Juglomycin C and (S)‐(−)‐NHAB by Dötz Benzannulation and Convergent Deprotections
Authors: Bhowmik Amit , Mulay Sandip V. , Fernandes Rodney A.
Published: May 2019

A step‐economic stereoselective synthesis of (S)‐(−)‐juglomycin C and (S)‐(−)‐NHAB is described. The synthesis features Dötz benzannulation reaction to readily assemble the desired naphthalene structure. The key alkyne fragment was synthesized via a Jacobsen hydrolytic kinetic resolution of racemic epoxide followed by regioselective ring opening. The convergent quinone formation and TBS group removal with ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) and also AlCl3‐mediated demethylation and tert‐butyl group removal in a convergent deprotection are notable features in the synthesis.
Residual descending motor pathways influence spasticity after spinal cord injury
Authors: Sangari Sina , Lundell Henrik , Kirshblum Steven , Perez Monica A.
Published: May 2019

Objective

Spasticity is one of the most common symptoms manifested in humans with spinal cord injury (SCI). The neural mechanisms contributing to its development are not yet understood. Using neurophysiological and imaging techniques, we examined the influence of residual descending motor pathways on spasticity in humans with SCI.

Methods

We measured spasticity in 33 individuals with motor complete SCI (determined by clinical examination) without preservation of voluntary motor output in the quadriceps femoris muscle. To examine residual descending motor pathways, we used magnetic and electrical stimulation over the leg motor cortex to elicit motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in the quadriceps femoris muscle and structural magnetic resonance imaging to measure spinal cord atrophy.

Results

We found that 60% of participants showed symptoms of spasticity, whereas the other 40% showed no spasticity, demonstrating the presence of 2 clear subgroups of humans with motor complete SCI. MEPs were only present in individuals who had spasticity, and MEP size correlated with the severity of spasticity. Spinal cord atrophy was greater in nonspastic compared with spastic subjects. Notably, the degree of spared tissue in the lateral regions of the spinal cord was positively correlated with the severity of spasticity, indicating preservation of white matter related to motor tracts when spasticity was present.

Interpretation

These results support the hypothesis that preservation of descending motor pathways influences spasticity in humans with motor complete SCI; this knowledge might help the rehabilitation and assessment of people with SCI. ANN NEUROL 2019
Extrinsic Polarization‐Enabled Covert Plasmonic Colors Using Aluminum Nanostructures
Authors: Cheng Lin , Wang Kun , Mao Jianyong , Goh Xiao Ming , Chu Zhiqin , Zhang Yanpeng , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2019

Subwavelength structures can provide a versatile platform for displaying various colors. Here, a reflection‐type approach to structural colors enabled by an extrinsic polarization‐dependent plasmonic resonance using aluminum nanohole arrays is presented theoretically. Usually, nanohole arrays with small hole sizes support whitish structural colors due to the narrow‐band reflection dip and high‐reflection nonresonant background. Interestingly, the lineshape of the resonance can be converted from a reflection dip with a high background to a reflection peak with negligible background using a pair of linear polarizers to select the polarization states of the incident light and the detected signal. Therefore, the resultant colors can be switched between whitish colors and vibrant colors, which are covert and overt under a white lighting condition, respectively. Due to the huge contrast between the two types of colors, this approach provides a novel scheme for the development of security‐related color labels.
Artificial Control of Cell Signaling Using a Photocleavable Cobalt(III)–Nitrosyl Complex
Authors: Shin Sangwon , Choe Jisu , Park Youngchan , Jeong Donghyun , Song Hyunjoon , You Youngmin , Seo Daeha , Cho Jaeheung
Published: May 2019

Cells use gaseous molecules such as nitric oxide (NO) to transmit both intracellular and intercellular signals. In principle, the endogenous small molecules regulate physiological changes, but it is unclear how randomly diffusive molecules trigger and discriminate signaling programs. Herein, it is shown that gasotransmitters use time‐dependent dynamics to discriminate the endogenous and exogenous inputs. For a real‐time stimulation of cell signaling, we synthesized a photo‐cleavable metal–nitrosyl complex, [CoIII(MDAP)(NO)(CH3CN)]2+ (MDAP=N,N′‐dimethyl‐2,11‐diaza[3,3](2,6)pyridinophane), which can stably deliver and selectively release NO with fine temporal resolution in the cytosol, and used this to study the extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERKs), revealing how cells use both exogenous and endogenous NO to disentangle cellular responses. This technique can be to understand how diverse cellular signaling networks are dynamically interconnected and also to control drug delivery systems.
Oxygen Isotope Labeling Experiments Reveal Different Reaction Sites for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction on Nickel and Nickel Iron Oxides
Authors: Lee Seunghwa , Banjac Karla , Lingenfelder Magalí , Hu Xile
Published: May 2019

Nickel iron oxide is considered a benchmark nonprecious catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, the nature of the active site in nickel iron oxide is heavily debated. Here we report direct spectroscopic evidence for the different active sites in Fe‐free and Fe‐containing Ni oxides. Ultrathin layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were used as defined samples of metal oxide catalysts, and 18O‐labeling experiments in combination with in situ Raman spectroscopy were employed to probe the role of lattice oxygen as well as an active oxygen species, NiOO−, in the catalysts. Our data show that lattice oxygen is involved in the OER for Ni and NiCo LDHs, but not for NiFe and NiCoFe LDHs. Moreover, NiOO− is a precursor to oxygen for Ni and NiCo LDHs, but not for NiFe and NiCoFe LDHs. These data indicate that bulk Ni sites in Ni and NiCo oxides are active and evolve oxygen via a NiOO− precursor. Fe incorporation not only dramatically increases the activity, but also changes the nature of the active sites.
Copper‐Catalyzed 1,2‐Methoxy Methoxycarbonylation of Alkenes with Methyl Formate
Authors: Budai Balázs , Leclair Alexandre , Wang Qian , Zhu Jieping
Published: May 2019

Reported here is a copper‐catalyzed 1,2‐methoxy methoxycarbonylation of alkenes by an unprecedented use of methyl formate as a source of both the methoxy and the methoxycarbonyl groups. This reaction transforms styrene and its derivatives into value‐added β‐methoxy alkanoates and cinnamates, as well as medicinally important five‐membered heterocycles, such as functionalized tetrahydrofurans, γ‐lactones, and pyrrolidines. A ternary β‐diketiminato‐CuI‐styrene complex, fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallographic analysis, is capable of catalyzing the same transformation. These findings suggest that pre‐coordination of electron‐rich alkenes to copper might play an important role in accelerating the addition of nucleophilic radicals to electron‐rich alkenes, and could have general implications in the design of novel radical‐based transformations.
Propargylsilanes as Reagents for Synergistic Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Propargylation of Carbonyl Compounds: Isolation and Characterization of σ‐Gold(I) Allenyl Intermediates
Authors: Fernández Sergio , González Jairo , Santamaría Javier , Ballesteros Alfredo
Published: May 2019

Reported herein is the isolation and characterization, for the first time, of a σ‐gold allenyl complex as an intermediate in gold catalysis. This intermediate was captured during the study of a novel gold(I)‐catalyzed propargylation of carbonyl compounds with propargylsilanes. Notably, the gold‐catalyzed propargylation reaction, which proceeds with aldehydes and ketones, can be driven to the formation of either homopropargyl silyl ethers or the in situ synthesis of corresponding 2‐silyl‐4,5‐dihydrofurans.
Nanocatalyst/Nanoplasmon‐Enabled Detection of Organic Mercury: A One‐Minute Visual Test
Authors: Donati Paolo , Moglianetti Mauro , Veronesi Marina , Prato Mirko , Tatulli Giuseppina , Bandiera Tiziano , Pompa Pier Paolo
Published: May 2019

We present a fast and sensitive nanosensor that can detect organic mercury, exploiting the combination of the catalytic and plasmonic properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The method is one‐step and completely instrument‐free, and has a colorimetric readout clearly detectable by simple visual inspection. The AuNPs catalyze efficient organic mercury reduction to the metallic form (Hg0), allowing its nucleation and amalgam formation on particle surface, with consequent aggregation‐induced plasmon shift. This leads to very rapid (1 min) and specific colorimetric detection of mercury species. The achieved limit of detection (20 ppb) is compliant with current regulatory limits in food.
Fe3O4@vitamin B1 as a sustainable superparamagnetic heterogeneous nanocatalyst promoting green synthesis of trisubstituted 1,3‐thiazole derivatives
Authors: Shaterian Hamid Reza , Molaei Parisa
Published: May 2019

Fe3O4@vitamin B1 was designed and prepared as an inexpensive and efficient heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the synthesis of new 1,3‐thiazol derivatives. The structure of the nanomagnetic catalyst was comprehensively characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry and thermogravimetric analysis. The three‐component, one‐pot condensation of arylglyoxal monohydrate, cyclic 1,3‐dicarbonyls and thioamides in water as a green solvent was applied for the preparation of 1,3‐thiazol derivatives. Simple preparation of the catalyst from commercially available materials, high catalytic activity, simple operation, short reaction times, high yields and use of green solvent are some advantages of this protocol. The superparamagnetic nanocatalyst is magnetically separable and retains its stability after recycling for at least five consecutive runs without detectable activity loss.
Chemical reactions affecting halloysite dispersion in epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Sánchez Manuel , Uicich Julieta Fabienne , Arenas Gustavo Francisco , Rodríguez Exequiel Santos , Montemartini Pablo Ezequiel , Penoff Marcela Elisabeth
Published: May 2019

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have attracted a technologic and scientific attention as reinforcements of epoxy‐based nanocomposites. However, their reported interaction with epoxy matrices is varied and the controlled dispersion of HNTs is still a challenge. In this work, we study the effect of chemical reactions taking place in the dispersion process of halloysite and their possible influence in the composite's properties. HNTs' surface was modified through an alkaline treatment and by grafting two aminosilanes with different chain lengths and functionality numbers. Evidence of homopolymerization and degradation reactions was found, depending on the surface treatment. The rheological study indicated that an interconnected network can be achieved in epoxy/HNTs blends depending on the surface chemical characteristics of the nanofillers and the blending method. The better dispersion was accomplished when ultrasonicating with the aid of a solvent. Nevertheless, the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites are not warranted by selecting a dispersion method. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47979.
Factorization‐based frequency‐weighted optimal Hankel‐norm model reduction
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Sreeram Victor
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we present frequency‐weighted optimal Hankel‐norm model reduction algorithms for linear time‐invariant continuous‐time systems by representing an original higher‐order system into new fictitious systems. The new system representations are derived through factorization of the resulting sub‐matrices that are obtained after transformations. As the proposed approaches are factorization dependent, additional results with both approaches are included using another factorization of the fictitious input–output and weight matrices. The proposed algorithms generate stable reduced models with double‐sided weights and provide a substantial improvement in the weighted error. A numerical example is given to compare the efficacy of the proposed algorithms with the well‐known frequency‐weighted techniques.
Regulation of game result for n‐person random evolutionary Boolean games
Authors: Ding Xueying , Li Haitao , Alsaadi Fuad E.
Published: May 2019

This paper investigates the regulation of game result for n‐person random evolutionary Boolean game (REBG). Using the semi‐tensor product of matrices, the n‐person REBG together with the reference evolutionary Boolean game are converted into an augmented system. Based on the augmented system, a necessary and sufficient condition is presented for the solvability of the regulation of game result of n‐person REBG by constructing a series of stochastic reachable sets. The study of an illustrative example shows the effectiveness of the obtained new results.
An evaluation of cloud vertical structure in three reanalyses against CloudSat/cloud‐aerosol lidar and infrared pathfinder satellite observations
Authors: Miao Hao , Wang Xiaocong , Liu Yimin , Wu Guoxiong
Published: May 2019

Cloud fraction is a great source of uncertainty in current models. By utilizing cloudiness fields from CloudSat/cloud‐aerosol lidar and infrared pathfinder satellite observations (CALIPSO), the three widely used reanalyses including the Interim ECWMF Re‐Analysis (ERA‐Interim), Japanese 55‐yar Reanalysis (JRA‐55), and the Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA‐2) are assessed for their representation of cloudiness. Results show all three reanalyses can basically capture the cloud horizontal pattern and vertical structure as in CloudSat/CALIPSO, yet the magnitude is markedly underestimated, in particular for JRA‐55 and MERRA‐2. Besides, all reanalyses struggle to simulate the mid‐level clouds at low latitudes. In addition to these common deficiencies, the three reanalyses have their own distinctive behaviors and differ from one another. While ERA‐Interim and JRA‐55 show better performance for low‐level clouds in the tropics, they exhibit remarkable underestimation for high‐level clouds. On the contrary, MERRA‐2 succeeds in representing high‐level clouds but dramatically underestimates the low and mid‐level clouds at low latitudes. As a measure of subgrid‐scale variability of moisture, the derived “critical relative humidity (RH
c)” from CloudSat/CALIPSO exhibits distinctive vertical structures at different latitudes, it is thus speculated that poor specification or parameterization of RH
c is responsible for these bias behaviors.
Bioeconomy for Sustainable Development
Authors: Aguilar Alfredo , Twardowski Tomasz , Wohlgemuth Roland
Published: May 2019

Bioeconomy is an emerging paradigm under which the creation, development, and revitalization of economic systems based on a sustainable use of renewable biological resources in a balanced way is rapidly spreading globally. Bioeconomy is building bridges between biotechnology and economy as well as between science, industry, and society. Biotechnology, from its ancient origins up to the present is at the core of the scientific and innovative foundation of bioeconomy policies developed in numerous countries. The challenges and perspectives of bioeconomies are immense, from resource‐efficient large‐scale manufacturing of products such as chemicals, materials, food, pharmaceuticals, polymers, flavors, and fragrances to the production of new biomaterials and bioenergy in a sustainable and economic way for a growing world population. Key success factors for different countries working on the bioeconomy vary widely from high‐tech bioeconomies, emerging diversified or diversified bioeconomies to advanced and basic primary sector bioeconomies. Despite the large variety of bioeconomies, several common elements are identified, which are simultaneously needed altogether.
Different stability‐indicating chromatographic methods for specific determination of paracetamol, dantrolene sodium, their toxic impurities and degradation products
Authors: Abdelwahab Nada S. , Abdelrahman Maha M. , Boshra John M. , Taha Ahmed A.
Published: May 2019

A well‐known analgesic (paracetamol, PAR) and skeletal muscle relaxant [dantrolene sodium (DNS)] have been analyzed without interference from their toxic impurities and degradation products. The studied PAR impurities are the genotoxic and nephrotoxic p‐amino phenol (PAP) and the hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic chloroacetanilide, while 5‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐2‐furaldehyde is reported to be a mutagenic and carcinogenic degradation product of DNS. The five studied components were determined and quantified by TLC–densitometric and RP‐HPLC methods. TLC–densitometry (method 1) used TLC silica gel and chloroform–ethyl acetate–acetic acid–triethylamine (7:3:0.5:0.05, by volume) as the mobile phase with UV scanning at 230 nm, while RP‐HPLC (method 2) was based on separation on a C18 column using methanol–water (55:45, v/v pH 3 with aqueous formic acid) as mobile phase at 1 mL/min and detection at 230 nm. The developed methods were used for determination and quantification of the five studied components in different laboratory‐prepared mixtures. The were also applied for analysis of Dantrelax® compound capsules where no interference among the studied components with each other or from excipients was observed. The methods were validated as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines, and they compared favorably with the reported ones.