bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Half-dimensional collapse of ends of manifolds of nonpositive curvature
Authors: Avramidi Grigori , Nguyễn-Phan T. Tâm
Published: November 2019

This paper accomplishes two things. First, we construct a geometric analog of the rational Tits building for general noncompact, complete, finite volume n-manifolds M of bounded nonpositive curvature. Second, we prove that this analog has dimension less than $$\lfloor n/2\rfloor $$⌊n/2⌋.
Effect of CIMicifuga racemosa on metaBOLIC parameters in women with menopausal symptoms: a retrospective observational study (CIMBOLIC)
Authors: Friederichsen Lena , Nebel Sabine , Zahner Catherine , Bütikofer Lukas , Stute Petra
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To compare the influence of Cimicifuga racemosa extract (CR, Ze 450) and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) on metabolic parameters and body weight in symptomatic menopausal women.

Methods

In this monocentric retrospective cohort study, women over 40 years old with a first consultation between 2009 and 2016 were screened. Included in the final analysis were women treated with either MHT or CR and having at least one follow-up consultation. Metabolic serum parameters (lipids, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR), body weight, and menopausal symptoms [Menopause Rating Scale (MRS)-II] were the main outcome measures. Statistical analysis by uni- and multi-variable linear mixed-effects regression models assuming a linear effect of time.

Results

174 women were included in the final analysis (CR n = 32, MHT n = 142). There was no difference between the groups regarding baseline characteristics (age, BMI, serum metabolic parameters, hormones, and blood pressure) and total MRS-II score, while reproductive stage differed significantly with more postmenopausal women treated with CR (83%) than MHT (55%) (p = 0.038). Median follow-up time was 12 months. In both groups, metabolic serum parameters and body weight did not change over the follow-up period, while total and MRS-II subscores improved.

Conclusion

Menopausal symptoms improved significantly in both groups (MHT and CR), while serum metabolic parameters and body weight did not change in MHT- or CR-treated women.
Mortality from cardiovascular disease in a cohort of Swedish seafarers
Authors: Eriksson Helena P. , Forsell Karl , Andersson Eva
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate whether Swedish seafarers have increased mortality from cardiovascular disease compared with the general population.

Methods

Register-based longitudinal cohort study of 85,169 Swedish seafarers where all subjects with a minimum of 30 days service registered in the Seafarers’ Register 1985–2013 were included. Mortality from coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and total mortality for comparison were analysed by calculating standardised mortality ratios (SMRs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Mortality was further analysed by gender, duty on board, type of vessel, and over time.

Results

There was no increase in either mortality from cardiovascular disease or total mortality for seafarers, who had worked solely on passenger ferries. Mortality from coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease was increased for male seafarers < 46 years old who had worked on different types of vessels, SMR 1.48 (95% CI 1.06–2.01) and SMR 1.93 (95% CI 1.16–3.02), respectively. Analysing the seafarers by duty showed significantly increased SMRs from coronary heart disease in males aged < 46 of the categories “deck crew” and “engine officer/crew (ever)”. The total mortality for seafarers who had worked on different types of vessels was increased; males SMR 1.05 (95% CI 1.02–1.09) and females SMR 1.17 (95% CI 1.04–1.30), but decreased over time.

Conclusions

No increased mortality on passenger ferries but younger male seafarers on different types of vessels had increased mortality from cardiovascular disease. Reduction of hazardous occupational exposures onboard is important, such as shift work, stress and noise.
Solution formulas for differential Sylvester and Lyapunov equations
Authors: Behr Maximilian , Benner Peter , Heiland Jan
Published: November 2019

The differential Sylvester equation and its symmetric version, the differential Lyapunov equation, appear in different fields of applied mathematics like control theory, system theory, and model order reduction. The few available straight-forward numerical approaches when applied to large-scale systems come with prohibitively large storage requirements. This shortage motivates us to summarize and explore existing solution formulas for these equations. We develop a unifying approach based on the spectral theorem for normal operators like the Sylvester operator $${\mathcal {S}}(X)=AX+XB$$S(X)=AX+XB and derive a formula for its norm using an induced operator norm based on the spectrum of A and B. In view of numerical approximations, we propose an algorithm that identifies a suitable Krylov subspace using Taylor series and use a projection to approximate the solution. Numerical results for large-scale differential Lyapunov equations are presented in the last sections.
Biochemical characterization ofSerpula lacrymansiron-reductase enzymes in lignocellulose breakdown
Authors: Nurika Irnia , Eastwood Daniel C , Bugg Timothy D H , Barker Guy C
Published: November 2019

Putative iron-reductase (IR) genes from Serpula lacrymans with similarity to the conserved iron-binding domains of cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) enzymes have been identified. These genes were cloned and expressed to functionally characterize their activity and role in the decomposition of lignocellulose. The results show that IR1 and IR2 recombinant enzymes have the ability to depolymerize both lignin and cellulose, are capable of the reduction of ferric iron to the ferrous form, and are capable of the degradation of nitrated lignin. Expression of these genes during wheat straw solid-state fermentation was shown to correlate with the release of compounds associated with lignin decomposition. The results suggest that both IR enzymes mediate a non-enzymatic depolymerisation of lignocellulose and highlight the potential of chelator-mediated Fenton systems in the industrial pre-treatment of biomass.
An analytical study of vibration in functionally graded piezoelectric nanoplates: nonlocal strain gradient theory
Authors: Sharifi Z. , Khordad R. , Gharaati A. , Forozani G.
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we analytically study vibration of functionally graded piezoelectric (FGP) nanoplates based on the nonlocal strain gradient theory. The top and bottom surfaces of the nanoplate are made of PZT-5H and PZT-4, respectively. We employ Hamilton’s principle and derive the governing differential equations. Then, we use Navier’s solution to obtain the natural frequencies of the FGP nanoplate. In the first step, we compare our results with the obtained results for the piezoelectric nanoplates in the previous studies. In the second step, we neglect the piezoelectric effect and compare our results with those obtained for the functionally graded (FG) nanoplates. Finally, the effects of the FG power index, the nonlocal parameter, the aspect ratio, and the side-tothickness ratio, and the nanoplate shape on natural frequencies are investigated.
Cosmic biology in perspective
Authors: Wickramasinghe N. C. , Wickramasinghe Dayal T. , Tout Christopher A. , Lattanzio John C. , Steele Edward J.
Published: November 2019

A series of astronomical observations obtained over the period 1986 to 2018 supports the idea that life is a cosmic rather than a purely terrestrial or planetary phenomenon. These include (1) the detection of biologically relevant molecules in interstellar clouds and in comets, (2) mid-infrared spectra of interstellar grains and the dust from comets, (3) a diverse set of data from comets including the Rosetta mission showing consistency with biology and (4) the frequency of Earth-like or habitable planets in the Galaxy. We argue that the conjunction of all the available data suggests the operation of cometary biology and interstellar panspermia rather than the much weaker hypothesis of comets being only the source of the chemical building blocks of life. We conclude with specific predictions on the properties expected of extra-terrestrial life if it is discovered on Enceladus, Europa or beyond. A radically different biochemistry elsewhere can be considered as a falsification of the theory of interstellar panspermia.
Alternative NADH dehydrogenase extends lifespan and increases resistance to xenobiotics in Drosophila
Authors: Gospodaryov Dmytro V. , Strilbytska Olha M. , Semaniuk Uliana V. , Perkhulyn Natalia V. , Rovenko Bohdana M. , Yurkevych Ihor S. , Barata Ana G. , Dick Tobias P. , Lushchak Oleh V. , Jacobs Howard T.
Published: November 2019

Mitochondrial alternative NADH dehydrogenase (aNDH) was found to extend lifespan when expressed in the fruit fly. We have found that fruit flies expressing aNDH from Ciona intestinalis (NDX) had 17–71% lifespan prolongation on media with different protein-tocarbohydrate ratios except NDX-expressing males that had 19% shorter lifespan than controls on a high protein diet. NDX-expressing flies were more resistant to organic xenobiotics, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and alloxan, and inorganic toxicant potassium iodate, and partially to sodium molybdate treatments. On the other hand, NDX-expressing flies were more sensitive to catechol and sodium chromate. Enzymatic analysis showed that NDX-expressing males had higher glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, whilst both sexes showed increased glutathione S-transferase activity.
A simple enzymatic assay for the quantification of C1-specific cellulose oxidation by lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases
Authors: Keller M. B. , Felby C. , Labate C. A. , Pellegrini V. O. A. , Higasi P. , Singh R. K. , Polikarpov I. , Blossom B. M.
Published: November 2019

Objective

The development of an enzymatic assay for the specific quantification of the C1-oxidation product, i.e. gluconic acid of cellulose active lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs).

Results

In combination with a β-glucosidase, the spectrophotometrical assay can reliably quantify the specific C1- oxidation product of LPMOs acting on cellulose. It is applicable for a pure cellulose model substrate as well as lignocellulosic biomass. The enzymatic assay compares well with the quantification performed by HPAEC-PAD. In addition, we show that simple boiling is not sufficient to inactivate LPMOs and we suggest to apply a metal chelator in addition to boiling or to drastically increase pH for proper inactivation.

Conclusions

We conclude that the versatility of this simple enzymatic assay makes it useful in a wide range of experiments in basic and applied LPMO research and without the need for expensive instrumentation, e.g. HPAEC-PAD.
Dewatering of foam-laid and water-laid structures and the formed web properties
Authors: Lehmonen Jani , Retulainen Elias , Paltakari Jouni , Kinnunen-Raudaskoski Karita , Koponen Antti
Published: November 2019

The use of aqueous foams as a carrier fluid for pulp fibers instead of water has re-emerged in the paper and board industry in recent years. In foam forming, a surfactant is needed to reduce the surface tension of the carrier liquid and to create foam as a process fluid and flowing medium. This presents the following questions: (1) How do the water forming and foam forming processes differ? (2) How do the obtained wet/dry fibre sheets differ after forming and after wet pressing? (3) Which differences in the process behavior and sheet properties are due to the surfactant, and which are due to the presence of air bubbles in the flowing medium? The answers to these questions were sought by using an experimental academic approach and by applying a special dynamic vacuum assisted sheet former. Although foams are much more viscous than water, dewatering times were found to be approximately equal in water and foam forming at higher vacuum levels. The hydrodynamic resistance of sheet was approximately constant during water forming, while in foam forming resistance was initially even smaller than in water forming but it increased with time, being substantially higher at the end of the forming process. In certain cases, surfactant alone was found to have a similar, albeit often lower, effect on the sheet properties of foam. Surfactant improved sheet dryness (both after forming and wet pressing), lowered density, and lowered strength properties also in water forming. Foam, on the other hand, had a crucial effect particularly on certain structural properties such as formation and porosity. The difference between water and foam-laid sheets typically reduced in line with higher wet pressing pressure. This suggests that the role of surface tension and foam bubbles in controlling interfiber contact is overridden by wet pressing pressure. Thus applying foam as a carrier fluid has characteristic effects both on the papermaking process and the end product properties. The main features of foam forming can be explained by the chemical effects caused by the surfactant, and the structural effects caused by the foam bubbles.

Graphic abstract
24-Epibrassinolide modulates primary metabolites, antioxidants, and phytochelatins in Acutodesmus obliquus exposed to lead stress
Authors: Talarek-Karwel Marta , Bajguz Andrzej , Piotrowska-Niczyporuk Alicja
Published: November 2019

Aquatic organisms are exposed to many stressors, e.g., heavy metals. Brassinosteroids, a plant hormone group, can effectively stimulate plants to defend against the negative impact of a heavy metal. The present study was conducted with an aim to find out the influence of 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) onAcutodesmus obliquustreated with 0.01 and 500 μM of lead (Pb) ions during 7 days of cultivation. Pb has a toxic effect on algal cultures because it limits both the growth and development and induces oxidative stress. Simultaneously, 1 μM EBL was involved in protecting algal cells against the toxic effect of Pb. Despite the presence of Pb, EBL significantly increased the number of algal cells and their metabolite content (e.g., proteins, monosaccharides, chlorophylls, carotenes, and xanthophylls). Cultures treated concurrently with EBL and Pb were characterized by a reduction in their content of endogenous Pb, H2O2, and malondialdehyde. Also, EBL increased the activity of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and the content of ascorbate and glutathione. EBL increased the phytochelatin synthase activity, thereby enhancing the production of phytochelatins accountable for both binding and detoxification of Pb. These results indicate the influence of EBL on the inhibitory effect of Pb inA. obliquus. These findings help to clarify the role of BRs in the algal adaptation to the prevailing stressful conditions.
1-D velocity model for the North Korean Peninsula from Rayleigh wave dispersion of ambient noise cross-correlations
Authors: Lee Sang-Jun , Rhie Junkee , Kim Seongryong , Kang Tae-Seob , Cho Chang Soo
Published: November 2019

Monitoring seismic activity in the north Korean Peninsula (NKP) is important not only for understanding the characteristics of tectonic earthquakes but also for monitoring anthropogenic seismic events. To more effectively investigate seismic properties, reliable seismic velocity models are essential. However, the seismic velocity structures of the region have not been well constrained due to a lack of available seismic data. This study presents 1-D velocity models for both the inland and offshore (western East Sea) of the NKP. We constrained the models based on the results of a Bayesian inversion process using Rayleigh wave dispersion data, which were measured from ambient noise cross-correlations between stations in the southern Korean Peninsula and northeast China. The proposed models were evaluated by performing full moment tensor inversion for the 2013 Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) nuclear test. Using the composite model consisting of both inland and offshore models resulted in consistently higher goodness of fit to observed waveforms than previous models. This indicates that seismic monitoring can be improved by using the proposed models, which resolve propagation effects along different paths in the NKP region.
Ring-opening polymerization of monosubstituted oxiranes in the presence of potassium hydride: determination of initiation course and structure of macromolecules by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Grobelny Zbigniew , Jurek-Suliga Justyna , Golba Sylwia
Published: November 2019

Several monosubstituted oxiranes were polymerized with suspension of potassium hydride (KH) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at room temperature. This heterogeneous process resulted in polyethers with various starting groups depending on the kind of monomer. The macromolecules formed in ring-opening polymerization of monosubstituted oxiranes were analyzed by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization - Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). It was stated, that initiation of propylene oxide (PO) polymerization with KH proceeded via three ways, i.e. cleavage of oxirane ring in the β-position, monomer deprotonation and deoxygenation. Potassium isopropoxide, potassium allyloxide and potassium hydroxide were the real initiators. The main reactions, which occur in the initiation step, depend on the type of monomer used. In the case of allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) and phenyl glycidyl ether (PGE) deprotonation of the monomer did not occur. During initiation of glycidyl ethers oxirane ring was opened and also linear ether bond between glycidyl group and oxygen atom was cleaved under influence of KH. Interestingly, formation of new kinds of macromolecules was observed in the systems containing glycidyl ethers, which do not possess mers of the monomers used. Mechanisms of the studied processes were presented and discussed. Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C NMR) was used as supporting technique for analysis of the obtained polymers. Number average molar masses of the polymers (Mn) determined by Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) were about two times higher than calculated ones. It indicated that half of used KH did not take part in the initiation step.
Value of Geologically Derived Features in Machine Learning Facies Classification
Authors: Halotel Julie , Demyanov Vasily , Gardiner Andy
Published: November 2019

The aim of this work is to demonstrate how geologically interpretative features can improve machine learning facies classification with uncertainty assessment.
Manual interpretation of lithofacies from wireline log data is traditionally performed by an expert, can be subject to biases, and is substantially laborious and time consuming for very large datasets. Characterizing the interpretational uncertainty in facies classification is quite difficult, but it can be very important for reservoir development decisions. Thus, automation of the facies classification process using machine learning is a potentially intuitive and efficient way to facilitate facies interpretation based on large-volume data. It can also enable more adequate quantification of the uncertainty in facies classification by ensuring that possible alternative lithological scenarios are not overlooked. An improvement of the performance of purely data-driven classifiers by integrating geological features and expert knowledge as additional inputs is proposed herein, with the aim of equipping the classifier with more geological insight and gaining interpretability by making it more explanatory. Support vector machine and random forest classifiers are compared to demonstrate the superiority of the latter. This study contrasts facies classification using only conventional wireline log inputs and using additional geological features. In the first experiment, geological rule-based constraints were implemented as an additional derived and constructed input. These account for key geological features that a petrophysics or geological expert would attribute to typical and identifiable wireline log responses. In the second experiment, geological interpretative features (i.e., grain size, pore size, and argillaceous content) were used as additional independent inputs to enhance the prediction accuracy and geological consistency of the classification outcomes. Input and output noise injection experiments demonstrated the robustness of the results towards systematic and random noise in the data. The aspiration of this study is to establish geological characteristics and knowledge to be considered as decisive data when used in machine learning facies classification.
Visuospatial Neglect - a Theory-Informed Overview of Current and Emerging Strategies and a Systematic Review on the Therapeutic Use of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation
Authors: Zebhauser Paul Theo , Vernet Marine , Unterburger Evelyn , Brem Anna-Katharine
Published: November 2019

Visuospatial neglect constitutes a supramodal cognitive deficit characterized by reduction or loss of spatial awareness for the contralesional space. It occurs in over 40% of right- and 20% of left-brain-lesioned stroke patients with lesions located mostly in parietal, frontal and subcortical brain areas. Visuospatial neglect is a multifaceted syndrome - symptoms can be divided into sensory, motor and representational neglect - and therefore requires an individually adapted diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Several models try to explain the origins of visuospatial neglect, of which the “interhemispheric rivalry model” is strongly supported by animal and human research. This model proposes that allocation of spatial attention is balanced by transcallosal inhibition and both hemispheres compete to direct attention to the contralateral hemi-space. Accordingly, a brain lesion causes an interhemispheric imbalance, which may be re-installed by activation of lesioned, or deactivation of unlesioned (over-activated) brain areas through noninvasive brain stimulation. Research in larger patient samples is needed to confirm whether noninvasive brain stimulation can improve long-term outcomes and whether these also affect activities of daily living and discharge destination.
Marrow Fat-Secreted Factors as Biomarkers for Osteoporosis
Authors: Herrmann Markus
Published: November 2019

Purpose of Review

The age-related accumulation of bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) negatively impacts bone metabolism and hematopoiesis. This review provides an overview about BMAT-secreted factors as biomarkers for BMAT accumulation and osteoporosis risk.

Recent Findings

The adipokines leptin and adiponectin are regulators of BMAT. It remains to be clarified if locally produced adipokines substantially contribute to their peripheral serum levels and if they influence bone metabolism beyond that of extraosseous adipokine production. Existing data also suggests that BMAT disturbs bone metabolism primarily through palmitate-mediated toxic effects on osteoblasts and osteocytes, including dysregulated autophagy and apoptosis.

BMAT-secreted factors are important modulators of bone metabolism. However, the majority of our understanding about MAT-secreted factors and their paracrine and endocrine effects is derived from in vitro studies and animal experiments. Therefore, more research is needed before BMAT-secreted biomarkers can be applied in medical practice.
Greer’s ‘Bad Sex’ and the Future of Consent
Authors: Brooks Victoria
Published: November 2019

Germaine Greer’s polemic ‘On Rape’ has proved controversial and has served to further divide feminist opinion on the way to move forward from #MeToo in consent reform. Greer’s work, along with other second wave feminists, has been rejected by third wave feminist scholarship for simultaneously minimising the harm caused to victims of sexual violence and claiming that rape is not ‘catastrophic’, with Naomi Wolf being Greer’s most vocal and powerful opponent. Yet, I claim that in maintaining this position in opposition to Greer we are missing the real transformative power of Greer’s revival of second-wave arguments in relation to reforming our laws on consent post #MeToo. The consent framework and the definition of consent under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 has been readily criticised for its vague definition of ‘freedom’ and ‘capacity’ in that such a definition misses the subtler, yet powerful, ways in which victims are coerced and abused—those which are most insidious, since they are embedded within the fabric of our society, and within the ‘tissue’ of heterosex. Greer’s position that rape is ‘bad sex’ may well hold some truth—since bad sex for women has long been accepted as part of life albeit reduced to sufferance and duty. Inevitably, this leads us to the conclusion that there are many more instances of rape than we thought, and many more women suffering, than we thought. This article examines this position and argues for urgent research on women’s sexuality, and radical intervention in the law and academia, in the quest for consent law reform.
The Japanese Breast Cancer Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis, 2018 Edition
Authors: Uematsu Takayoshi , Nakashima Kazutaka , Kikuchi Mari , Kubota Kazunori , Suzuki Akihiko , Nakano Shogo , Hirokaga Kouichi , Yamaguchi Ken , Saji Shigehira , Iwata Hiroji
Published: November 2019

This article updates readers as to what is new in the Japanese Breast Cancer Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis, 2018 Edition. Breast cancer screening issues are covered, including matters of breast density and possible supplemental modalities, along with appropriate pre-operative/follow-up diagnostic breast imaging tests. Up-to-date clinical practice guidelines for breast cancer screening and diagnosis should help to provide patients and clinicians with not only evidence-based breast imaging options, but also accurate and balanced information about the benefits and harms of intervention, which ultimately enables shared decision making about imaging test plans.
Chronic inflammation: key player and biomarker-set to predict and prevent cancer development and progression based on individualized patient profiles
Authors: Qian Shehua , Golubnitschaja Olga , Zhan Xianquan
Published: November 2019

A strong relationship exists between tumor and inflammation, which is the hot point in cancer research. Inflammation can promote the occurrence and development of cancer by promoting blood vessel growth, cancer cell proliferation, and tumor invasiveness, negatively regulating immune response, and changing the efficacy of certain anti-tumor drugs. It has been demonstrated that there are a large number of inflammatory factors and inflammatory cells in the tumor microenvironment, and tumor-promoting immunity and anti-tumor immunity exist simultaneously in the tumor microenvironment. The typical relationship between chronic inflammation and tumor has been presented by the relationships between Helicobacter pylori, chronic gastritis, and gastric cancer; between smoking, development of chronic pneumonia, and lung cancer; and between hepatitis virus (mainly hepatitis virus B and C), development of chronic hepatitis, and liver cancer. The prevention of chronic inflammation is a factor that can prevent cancer, so it effectively inhibits or blocks the occurrence, development, and progression of the chronic inflammation process playing important roles in the prevention of cancer. Monitoring of the causes and inflammatory factors in chronic inflammation processes is a useful way to predict cancer and assess the efficiency of cancer prevention. Chronic inflammation-based biomarkers are useful tools to predict and prevent cancer.
Correction to: Keeping pace with forestry: Multi-scale conservation in a changing production forest matrix
Authors: Felton Adam , Löfroth Therese , Angelstam Per , Gustafsson Lena , Hjältén Joakim , Felton Annika M. , Simonsson Per , Dahlberg Anders , Lindbladh Matts , Svensson Johan , Nilsson Urban , Lodin Isak , Hedwall P. O. , Sténs Anna , Lämås Tomas , Brunet Jörg , Kalén Christer , Kriström Bengt , Gemmel Pelle , Ranius Thomas
Published: November 2019

In the original published article, the sentence “Nevertheless, semi-natural forest remnants continue to be harvested and fragmented (Svensson et al. 2018; Jonsson et al. 2019), and over 2000 forest-associated species (of 15 000 assessed) are listed as threatened on Sweden’s red-list, largely represented by macro-fungi, beetles, lichens and butterflies (Sandström 2015).”under the section Introduction was incorrect. The correct version of the sentence is “Nevertheless, semi-natural forest remnants continue to be harvested and fragmented (Svensson et al. 2018; Jonsson et al. 2019), and approximately 2000 forest-associated species (of 15 000 assessed) are on Sweden’s red-list, largely represented by macro-fungi, beetles, lichens and butterflies (Sandström 2015).”
Gastrodin Derivatives from Gastrodia elata
Authors: Xu Cheng-Bo , Guo Qing-Lan , Wang Ya-Nan , Lin Sheng , Zhu Cheng-Gen , Shi Jian-Gong
Published: November 2019

Nine new gastrodin derivatives, including seven p-hydroxybenzyl-modified gastrodin ethers (1–7), 6′-O-acetylgastrodin (8), and 4-[α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 →6)-β-d-glucopyranosyloxy]benzyl alcohol (9), together with seven known derivatives, were isolated from an aqueous extract of Gastrodia elata (“tian ma”) rhizomes. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1–4, 7, 10, and 11 were also isolated from a reaction mixture by refluxing gastrodin and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol in H2O. As both gastrodin and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol exist in the plant, the reaction results provide evidence for the production and increase/decrease of potential effective/toxic components when “tian ma” is decocted solely or together with ingredients in Chinese traditional medicine formulations, though the isolates were inactive in the preliminarily cell-based assays at concentrations of 10 μM. Moreover, using ultra-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRESIMS), 4, 7, 10, and 11, as well as component variations, were detectable in the freshly prepared extracts of different types of samples, including the freeze-dried fresh G. elata rhizomes.

Graphic Abstract
Formulation of a new finite element based on assumed strains for membrane structures
Authors: Fortas Lahcene , Belounar Lamine , Merzouki Tarek
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a new triangular membrane finite element with in-plane drilling rotation has been developed using the strain-based approach for static and free vibration analyses. The proposed element, having three degrees of freedom at each of the three corner nodes, is based on assumed strain functions satisfying both compatibility and equilibrium equations. Numerical investigations have been conducted using several tests, including static and free vibration problems, and the obtained results are compared with analytical and numerical available solutions. It is found that efficient convergence characteristics and accurate results can be achieved using the developed element.
Dilemma in two game structures for a closed-loop supply chain under the influence of government incentives
Authors: Saha Subrata , Nielsen Izabela Ewa , Majumder Sani
Published: November 2019

The government organizations grant incentives to promote green product consumption, improve green product quality, boost remanufacturing activities, etc. through various policies. The objective of this study is to highlight pros and cons of two incentive policies, namely (1) incentive on manufacturer’s R&D investment and (2) direct incentive to consumer based on greening level of the product on the optimal pricing and investment decisions in improving used product return and greening level decisions in a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC). Optimal decisions are derived under manufacturer and retailer-Stackelberg games, and results are compared to explore characteristics of optimal decisions, consumer surplus, and environmental improvement under two marketing strategies of a manufacturer. It is found that the greening level and used product return rate in a CLSC are always higher under retailer-Stackelberg game. If the manufacturer sets a target for greening level, the CLSC members may receive higher profits if consumer receives incentive because of higher consumer surplus. However, environmental improvement may be lower. If the manufacturer sets a product return goal, then CLSC members may compromise with consumer surplus or environmental improvement for receiving higher profits. In the presence of direct incentive to consumers, CLSC members can trade with product at lower greening level for higher profits. Moreover, investment in improving used product return is always less compared to the investment in improving greening level.
Origin of the hydrate bound gases in the Juhugeng Sag, Muli Basin, Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liu Shiming , Tan Furong , Huo Ting , Tang Shuheng , Zhao Weixiao , Chao Haide
Published: November 2019

The Juhugeng Sag, located in northwest of the Muli Basin, Tibetan Plateau, has been investigated for coal and petroleum resources during the past several decades. There have been successful recoveries of gas hydrates during recent years from the Middle Jurassic Yaojie Formation that offer insight into the origin of the hydrocarbon gases from the complex sag feature. This study examines the organic geochemical and stable carbon isotopic characteristics of shale and coal samples from the Middle Jurassic Yaojie Formation of the Juhugeng Sag, as well as compares with carbon isotopes, gas amounts and components of hydrate-bound gas. A total of 19 samples from surface mining, including 12 samples of black shale and 7 samples of coal, were analysed using a micro-photometer, a gas chromatograph, Rock–Eval and isotope methods. All the shale samples contained 100% type I kerogen, and the random vitrinite reflectance values vary from 0.65% to 1.32% and achieve thermal pyrolysis phase. Isotope values of methane (δ13C ranging from − 52.6‰ to − 39.5‰ andδD ranging from − 285‰ to − 227‰) in the hydrate bound gases suggest that the methane originates mainly from thermogenic contributions. It is proposed that ethane from the gas hydrate is thermogenic-produced, and this conjecture is supported by the fact that most of the gas hydrate also contains more than 30% of thermogenic C2+hydrocarbons and is similar to structure II hydrate. Carbon isotope data from the gas hydrates show a positive carbon isotope series (δ13C1 < δ13C2 < δ13C3), with ethaneδ13C values being lighter than − 28.5‰, as high consistency with source rocks from the Jurassic period indicate thermal oil-prone gas. A model of the accumulation of gas hydrate is plotted. However, the gaseous sources of gas hydrates may be a subject for more research.
All Binder-Free Electrodes for High-Performance Wearable Aqueous Rechargeable Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: He Bing , Man Ping , Zhang Qichong , Fu Huili , Zhou Zhenyu , Li Chaowei , Li Qiulong , Wei Lei , Yao Yagang
Published: November 2019

Extensive efforts have recently been devoted to the construction of aqueous rechargeable sodium-ion batteries (ARSIBs) for large-scale energy-storage applications due to their desired properties of abundant sodium resources and inherently safer aqueous electrolytes. However, it is still a significant challenge to develop highly flexible ARSIBs ascribing to the lack of flexible electrode materials. In this work, nanocube-like KNiFe(CN)6 (KNHCF) and rugby ball-like NaTi2(PO4)3 (NTP) are grown on carbon nanotube fibers via simple and mild methods as the flexible binder-free cathode (KNHCF@CNTF) and anode (NTP@CNTF), respectively. Taking advantage of their high conductivity, fast charge transport paths, and large accessible surface area, the as-fabricated binder-free electrodes display admirable electrochemical performance. Inspired by the remarkable flexibility of the binder-free electrodes and the synergy of KNHCF@CNTF and NTP@CNTF, a high-performance quasi-solid-state fiber-shaped ARSIB (FARSIB) is successfully assembled for the first time. Significantly, the as-assembled FARSIB possesses a high capacity of 34.21 mAh cm−3 and impressive energy density of 39.32 mWh cm−3. More encouragingly, our FARSIB delivers superior mechanical flexibility with only 5.7% of initial capacity loss after bending at 90° for over 3000 cycles. Thus, this work opens up an avenue to design ultraflexible ARSIBs based on all binder-free electrodes for powering wearable and portable electronics.
The Landscape Ecology of Rivers: from Patch-Based to Spatial Network Analyses
Authors: Erős Tibor , Lowe Winsor H.
Published: November 2019

Purpose of Review

We synthesize recent methodological and conceptual advances in the field of riverscape ecology, emphasizing areas of synergy with current research in landscape ecology.

Recent Findings

Recent advances in riverscape ecology highlight the need for spatially explicit examinations of how network structure influences ecological pattern and process, instead of the simple linear (upstream-downstream) view. Developments in GIS, remote sensing, and computer technologies already offer powerful tools for the application of patch- and gradient-based models for characterizing abiotic and biotic heterogeneity across a range of spatial and temporal scales. Along with graph-based analyses and spatial statistical stream network models (i.e., geostatistical modelling), these approaches offer improved capabilities for quantifying spatial and temporal heterogeneity and connectivity relationships, thereby allowing for rigorous and high-resolution analyses of pattern, process, and scale relationships.

Spatially explicit network approaches are able to quantify and predict biogeochemical, hydromorphological, and ecological patterns and processes more precisely than models based on longitudinal or lateral riverine gradients alone. Currently, local habitat characteristics appear to be more important than spatial effects in determining population and community dynamics, but this conclusion may change with direct quantification of the movement of materials, energy, and organisms along channels and across ecosystem boundaries—a key to improving riverscape ecology. Coupling spatially explicit riverscape models with optimization approaches will improve land protection and water management efforts, and help to resolve the land sharing vs. land sparing debate.
Chip-to-Chip Authentication Method Based on SRAM PUF and Public Key Cryptography
Authors: Karageorgos Ioannis , Isgenc Mehmet M. , Pagliarini Samuel , Pileggi Larry
Published: November 2019

In today’s globalized integrated circuit (IC) ecosystem, untrusted foundries are often procured to build critical systems since they offer state-of-the-art silicon with the best performance available. On the other hand, ICs that originate from trusted fabrication cannot match the same performance level since trusted fabrication is often available on legacy nodes. Split-Chip is a dual-IC approach that leverages the performance of an untrusted IC and combines it with the guaranties of a trusted IC. In this paper, we provide a framework for chip-to-chip authentication that can further improve a Split-Chip system by protecting it from attacks that are unique to Split-Chip. A hardware implementation that utilizes an SRAM-based PUF as an identifier and public key cryptography for handshake is discussed. Circuit characteristics are provided, where the trusted IC is designed in a 28-nm CMOS technology and the untrusted IC is designed in an also commercial 16-nm CMOS technology. Most importantly, our solution does not require a processor for performing any of the handshake or cryptography tasks, thus being not susceptible to software vulnerabilities and exploits.
Online health information–seeking behavior by endocrinology patients
Authors: Kyriacou Angelos , Sherratt Cathy
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Given that the Internet is important for health-related information (HRI) and the fact that online health information (OHI)–seeking behavior has never been studied in endocrinology, we set out to examine how and why the Internet is utilized for HRI, the frequency of such activity, its impact, future information needs, and the effect of language.

Methods

A mainly quantitative, embedded mixed-methods study was performed, employing a questionnaire survey. We included 312 patients (78.4% response rate).

Results

OHI-seeking was reported by 175 patients (56.1%), especially in younger (p = 0.037) and more educated (p = 0.006) patients. OHI-seekers perceived OHI to be high-quality (135, 77.1%) but 104 (59.4%) were unaware of website certification tools. Among OHI-seekers, 63 (36.6%) reported positive behavioral changes after seeking OHI. Only 45 (25.7%) OHI-seekers discussed their gathered information with their endocrinologist. If an interactive e-learning module was available, 194/312 (62.2%) patients expressed willingness to use it, especially those reporting a need for more HRI (p = 0.024). Native speakers were more likely to report that OHI did not meet their information needs (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

OHI-seeking by patients attending the endocrinology outpatients is widely practiced. The availability of OHI in the native language and e-learning modules may enhance the utility of the Internet for health information.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Over Layered Double Hydroxides Using Various Divalent Metal Ions
Authors: Pan Guoxiang , Xu Minhong , Zhou Kai , Meng Yue , Chen Haifeng , Guo Yuhua , Wu Tao
Published: November 2019

To apply hydrotalcites more effectively to the problem of dye wastewater, the effects of divalent metal ions on the structure and stability of hydrotalcites, especially on their photocatalytic activity, were compared. In the present study, M/Cr hydrotalcites (M3Cr-CO3-LDHs) (in which M = Mg, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn), where the M/Cr molar ratio was 3, were prepared by the co-precipitation method. The structures and properties were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), and UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). The results showed that five kinds of M3Cr-CO3-LDHs were synthesized successfully, and the layered structure of the samples obtained was regular and the crystal phase was single. When methylene blue (MB) solution was exposed to ZnCr-CO3-LDHs, H2O2, and visible light irradiation, more than 90.67% of the methylene blue (MB) was removed after 140 min. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was in the order: Co3Cr-CO3-LDHs > Mg3Cr-CO3-LDHs > Cu3Cr-CO3-LDHs > Zn3Cr-CO3-LDHs > Ni3Cr-CO3-LDHs. The results of a catalytic mechanism study showed that photocatalytic degradation of MB involved a demethylation reaction, with the reactive species containing •O2-, •OH, and h+.
Coercive, enabling, diagnostic, and interactive control: Untangling the threads of their connections
Authors: Bisbe Josep , Kruis Anne-Marie , Madini Paola
Published: November 2019

Recent accounting research has connected the coercive and enabling types of formalisation (C/E) (Adler and Borys, 1996) with the distinction between diagnostic and interactive controls (D/I) proposed by Simons (1995, 2000) to tackle research questions on complex control situations involving both the degree of employee autonomy and patterns of management attention. The diverse conceptual approaches used for connecting C/E and D/I have led to fragmentation in the literature and raise concerns about their conceptual clarity. In this paper, we assess the conceptual clarity of various forms of connection between C/E and D/I. Firstly, we conduct an in-depth content analysis of 59 recent papers, and inductively identify three points of conceptual ambiguity and divergence in the literature (namely, the perspective from which a phenomenon is studied; whether categories capture choices driven by design or by style-of-use; and the properties of control systems). We also observe that the literature proposes various forms of connection (i.e. coexistence, inclusion, and combination approaches). Secondly, we use the three detected points of ambiguity and divergence as assessment criteria, and evaluate the extent to which conceptual clarity is at risk under each form of connection. Based on this assessment, we provide guidelines to enhance the conceptual clarity of the connections between C/E and D/I, propose several research models, and indicate opportunities for future research in this area.
Prevention of Alzheimer's disease by treating mild cognitive impairment with combinations chosen from eight available drugs
Authors: Fessel Jeffrey
Published: November 2019

Several hundred clinical trials of initially promising drugs have failed to produce meaningful clinical improvement of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is probably because there are at least 25 biochemical pathways known to be aberrant that underpin the disease, and unless there is a single drug that addresses all or most of them, even promising drugs if given alone are unlikely to succeed. Because so many pathways are potentially at fault, it is quite possible that no treatment might succeed. However, because amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) often precedes AD and, assuming that those with aMCI who progress to AD commence with insufficient risk factors for AD but accrue them later, then it is likely that fewer pathways need addressing in aMCI than in AD to either prevent progression of aMCI to AD or effect its reversion. Published reports show that eight drugs, that is, dantrolene, erythropoietin, lithium, memantine, minocycline, piracetam, riluzole, and silymarin, address many of the pathways underlying MCI and AD. Among those eight drugs, combinations between either two or three of them have combined nonoverlapping actions that benefit enough of the approximately 25 pathways at fault so that their convergent efficacy has the potential to prevent aMCI from progressing to AD. The combinations should be subjected to a clinical trial in persons with aMCI to establish their safety and efficacy.
Reflections on the Challenges of Writing a (Pre-)History of the “Polarized” Present
Authors: Zimmer Thomas
Published: November 2019

Polarization is everywhere. It is, according to the Pew Research Center, “a defining feature of American politics today.” Elected officials, journalists, and political pundits seem to agree that it is a severe problem in urgent need of fixing, maybe even the root of all evil that plagues the United States, from dysfunction in Congress to the decay of social and cultural norms. Many historians, too, have embraced the concept of polarization for its explanatory power: It has emerged as the closest thing to a master narrative for recent American history. In this interpretation, the “liberal consensus” that had dominated mid-twentieth-century American politics and intellectual life—the widely shared acceptance of New Deal philosophy and broad agreement on the desirable contours of society and the pursuit of certain kinds of public good—gave way after the 1960s to an age of heightened tension, dividing Americans into two camps that since then have regarded each other with deepening distrust. Yet too few historians have reflected on the limits and potential pitfalls of using polarization as a governing historical paradigm. It is high time, therefore, to pause to consider the larger implications of approaching the past through the prism of polarization.