bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Development Path of Vietnamese Accounting System
Authors: Thuong Tran Thi
Published: April 2018

After implement “Doi Moi” process in 1986, the Vietnamese accounting system has reformed significantly. To date, the structure of Vietnamese accounting system includes four levels, namely, (1) accounting law, (2) decrees, (3) decisions and Vietnamese Accounting Standards (VASs) and (4) circulars. Particularly, Vietnamese National Assembly promulgated accounting laws in 2003 and 2015. The VASs were promulgated based on the first version of International Accounting Standards (IASs), however until now, the VASs have been not yet amended. Meanwhile IASs have been adjusted regularly and upgraded to IFRSs by International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) since 2001. Moreover, in terms of quantity, Vietnam only promulgated 26 VASs, whereas IASB issued 43 IASs/IFRSs (consist of 27 IASs and 16 IFRSs). Actually, Vietnam became a member of Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1995. On December 31st 2015, the ASEAN set up ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and as a result, Vietnam is a member of AEC. The one of objectives of AEC is convergence accounting field, through allowance movement freedom of skilled labor in accounting sector within ASEAN members. The research of Backer et al. (2007) mentioned that the accounting harmonization and convergence have became the great topics relevant to international integration in many countries. Therefore, the study shows history and development of Vietnamese accounting law and accounting standards and analyzes the role of each component in Vietnamese accounting system. Especially, the study provides the experience in accounting harmonization from ACE members to evidence the necessary of harmonization with IASs/IFRSs of Vietnam.
An Empirical Study of Investors’ Disposition Effect in China Based on Open Data from the Chinese Stock Markets
Authors: Cai Huan , Wang Meining , Bai Chaonan
Published: April 2018

This paper focuses on investors’ different behavioral biases in China’s segmented stock markets and investigates the correlation between average holding periods, stock returns and investors’ disposition effect between 2010 and 2014. The results show that the disposition effect is prevalent in A-share market but is very weak in Growth Enterprise market and there is a lack of evidence to support the existence of disposition effect in B-share market. The study supports the view that investors’ experience and sophistication can partly help reduce investors’ behavioral biases in stock markets. It also indicates that investors in A-shares market prefer to hold stocks with larger market capitalization for longer periods, while investors of B-shares markets and Growth Enterprise market do not reveal a specific preference for market capitalization.
The Effect of Acquisition on Income Statement Items in Acquired Company (Subsidiary Company) - Case Study
Authors: Al Hayek Mohammad Ali
Published: April 2018

The current study aimed at identifying the effect of acquisition on income statement items in acquired company (subsidiary company), a case study of Irbid Electricity (IDECO). In order to achieve this objective, the researcher has carried out an analytical study that applied the descriptive analytical approach, using the necessary scientific knowledge on the different aspects of the study by reference to the previous studies and the scientific references, the use of the statistical approach to analyze the study data represented by the actual data taken from Irbid Electricity (IDECO) for the period (2002-2016). The results of the study showed statistically significant differences in energy sales average, energy purchase cost, other operating revenues, other revenues, operating expenses, and earning per share before and after acquisition, and also, the results have shown no significant differences between the average of other expenses before and after acquisition. The most important recommendations of the study were the necessity of taking advantage of the experiences of acquisitions and thinking of it seriously, working to raise awareness of the importance of acquisition and clarify its positive effects, and to benefit from global experiences in the acquisition and its positive impact.
The Impact of RMB Exchange Rate Fluctuation on Price Level in China: An Empirical Analysis Based on the Vector Error Correction Model
Authors: Pan Songlijiang
Published: April 2018

With the improvement of RMB internationalization level, the impact of the changing international financial environment on China’s economy is becoming more and more serious, so it is increasingly important to study the transfer effect of exchange rate changing on Chinese prices. Based on the monthly data from August 2005 to October 2016 and by constructing vector error correction model, this paper empirically examines the transfer effect of RMB exchange rate changes on China’s price level. It is found that: 1) The transfer effect of nominal effective exchange rate of RMB on the single price index is smooth. 2) The transfer effect of RMB nominal effective exchange rate on China’s price index is incomplete and there is a certain delay. For each unit of appreciation of RMB, the consumer price index will fall by 0.18 units. Import price index (IPI) respond most quickly to exchange rate movements, while producer price index (PPI) and consumer price index (CPI) slow down in turn. 3) The error correction model analysis shows that the nominal effective exchange rate of RMB has a certain self-correcting mechanism for the transfer effect of China’s price index.
Feminism, Capitalism, and Nancy Fraser’s "Terrain of Battle"
Authors: Cicerchia Lillian ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2018

In this paper I argue that Nancy Fraser’s theory of social reproduction is misleading and that the process of exploitation is more central to women’s oppression than Fraser’s theory suggests. I argue that Fraser’s theory of women’s oppression is continuous with her theory of capitalism and political agency. I critique Fraser’s theory of capitalism at a structural level to clarify some of the ambiguity in her position about the difference between production and reproduction. I then compare Fraser’s view with a structural view of class to make my critique and extend it to her theoretical distinction between status and class.
MIMO PID Control of Rotors with Electromagnetic Bearings
Authors: KUSEYRİ İbrahim Sina
Published: April 2018

Rotors with electromagnetic bearings are inherently
unstable systems; hence feedback control is an integral part of  their operation.  While the rotor dynamics is linear and
time-invariant  at  constant 
operation  speed,  electromagnetic bearing  model 
is  non-linear. Non-linear bearing
dynamics can be linearized at an operating point using a constant bias current.
In this paper we design a MIMO PID controller for horizontal rotor/active
magnetic bearing systems and compare its performance with respect to SISO
decentralized PID control. Dynamic coupling in rotor dynamics causes gyroscopic
forces to act at orthogonal directions on the rotor. SISO PID control lacks  sufficient 
performance  as  it 
has  limited capability to
compensate for the gyroscopic effects due to angular motions in transverse directions
which can be caused by couple (dynamic) unbalance forces.
A model system of gene-enzyme nomenclature in the genome era applied to aromatic biosynthesis
Authors: Xia Fangfang , Bonner Carol A , Jensen Roy A
Published: April 2018

Background: The accurate annotation of functional roles for newly sequenced genes of genomes is not a simple matter. Function is, of course, related to amino-acid sequence and to domain structure but not always in straightforward ways. Even where given functional roles have been identified experimentally, the application of an uneven and erratic nomenclature has generated confusion on the part of annotators and has produced errors that tend to become progressively compounded in database repositories. Results: The pathway that is deployed in nature for aromatic biosynthesis exemplifies an accumulation of chaotic nomenclature and a variety of annotation dilemmas. We view this pathway as one that is sufficiently complex to pose most of the common problems, and yet is one that at the same time is of a manageable size. A set of guidelines has been developed for naming genes of aromatic-pathway biosynthesis and the corresponding gene products, and we suggest that these can be generalized for application to other metabolic pathways. Conclusion: A system of nomenclature for aromatic biosynthesis is presented that is logical, consistent, and evolutionarily informative.
Iranian EFL Teachers’ Perceptions of Learning Accent
Authors: Galbat Hassan , Sa’adi Farhad Fahandezh
Published: April 2018

Since the appearance of “Audio-lingual Method”, the issue of foreign accent has been the focus of many researchers and many teachers attempted to sound as native like as possible to better teach native English accent. The present study attempted to uncover the Iranian EFL teachers’ perceptions on accent, the way they viewed their own accent, and how English accent can be improved. Totally 50 male and female teachers with different age range, qualifications, teaching and learning experiences participated in the study. The data of the study were collected using Teachers’ Perceptions of Accent Questionnaire developed by the researcher and semi-structured interviews. Based on the analysis performed on the data collected through questionnaires and interviews, it was found that teachers care about learning accent and they considered it valuable and important. They admitted that they have foreign accent to some degree and they did not seem to be happy with foreign accent and were more in favour of native like accent. Regarding the strategies to improve English accent, they mentioned techniques like listening to authentic language, understanding pronunciation rules, and comparing people’s accent with their own accent, watching English movies, noticing stress, and pronunciation patterns, imitating, speaking with native people, using books, and recording and monitoring their own speeches.
Coseismic Stress and Strain Field Changes Investigation Through 3‐D Finite Element Modeling of DInSAR and GPS Measurements and Geological/Seismological Data: The L'Aquila (Italy) 2009 Earthquake Case Study
Authors: Castaldo R. , de Nardis R. , DeNovellis V. , Ferrarini F. , Lanari R. , Lavecchia G. , Pepe S. , Solaro G. , Tizzani P.
Published: April 2018

We investigate the L'Aquila 2009 earthquake (AQE,Mw6.3, Italy) through a 3‐D Finite Element (FE) mechanical model based on the exploitation of ENVISAT DInSAR and GPS measurements and an independently generated fault model. The proposed approach mainly consists of (a) the generation of a 3‐D fault model of the active structures involved in the sequence and those neighboring to them, benefiting of a large geological and seismological data set; (b) the implementation of the generated 3‐D fault model in a FE environment, by exploiting the elastic dislocation theory and considering the curved fault geometry and the crustal heterogeneities information; and (c) the optimization of the seismogenic crustal blocks model parameters in order to reproduce the geodetic measurements. We show that our modeling approach allows us to well reproduce the coseismic surface displacements, including their significant asymmetric pattern, as shown by the very good fit between the modeled ground deformations and the geodetic measurements. Moreover, a comparative analysis between our FE model results and those obtained by considering a classical analytical (Okada) model, for both the surface displacements and the Coulomb stress changes, has been performed. Our model permits to investigate the coseismic stress and strain field changes relevant to the investigated volume and their relationships with the surrounding geological structures; moreover, it highlights the very good correlation with the seismicity spatial distribution. The retrieved stress field changes show different maxima: (a) at few kilometers depth, within the main event surface rupture zone; (b) at depths of 5–9 km in correspondence of main event hypocentral area, along the SW dipping Paganica Fault System (PFS); and (c) at depths of 12–14 km, in correspondence of the largest aftershock hypocentral area, along a steep segment of an underlying east dipping basal detachment. Moreover, the main event hypocenter is localized in a region of high‐gradient strain field changes, while a deeper volumetric dilatation lobe involves the largest aftershock zone. From these findings, we argue that the AQE hanging wall downward movement along the steep portion of PFS might have been modulated by the underlying basal detachment; on the other hand, the coseismic eastward motion of the PFS footwall might have triggered further slip on the OS, thus releasing the largest aftershock on an independent source. The retrieved stress and strain field changes, which support the active role of the OS, have been also validated through a comparative analysis with those obtained from independent geological, seismological, and GPS measurements.
Models to Estimate Fate, Exposure, and Effects of Chemicals
Authors: Van Zelm Rosalie , Oldenkamp Rik , Huijbregts Mark A.J. , Hendriks A. Jan
Published: April 2018

This chapter outlines models to quantify fate, exposure, and effects of chemicals on humans and the environment. These models can be applied in risk assessment of chemicals and life cycle assessment of products. These models are able to handle multiple chemicals based on specific properties of chemicals and species. In other words, models will be addressed that can be used in case of limited data availability. The chapter discusses the application of the models in risk assessment and life cycle assessment. Finally, recent developments in the field to improve the existing models are outlined, such as approaches to address chemicals that behave differently from the bulk of neutral organic chemicals and the uncertainties and variability faced.
Expanding Rational Molecular Design beyond Pharma: Metrics to Guide Safer Chemical Design
Authors: Anastas Nicholas D. , Leazer John , Gonzalez Michael A. , DeVito Stephen C.
Published: April 2018

The demand for safer, healthier, and sustainable products, materials, and processes has been increasing over the past several years. Differentiating which chemicals are relatively less hazardous than others, often referred to as “greener” or “sustainable,” demands a comprehensive, holistic approach employing the highest level of life cycle thinking available. A well‐designed framework provides a clear process for identifying those structural features of a molecule that have the potential to initiate mechanisms that lead to demonstrated toxicity, and linking those features with a putative or known adverse outcome. These newly identified features will provide guidance to suggest molecular structures and transformation pathways that reduce or eliminate toxicity. This approach also includes hazard reduction tactics for the synthetic methodologies to produce greener, and more sustainable materials and products.This chapter draws from principles of toxicology and chemistry as a means for effectively and efficiently designing molecules that are more likely to be safer for humans and the environment than are many chemicals currently in commerce. Integrating modern toxicology into the art and science of molecular design is the ultimate goal and the ultimate challenge to designing safer, sustainable products and processes.
In Vivo Photoacoustic Imaging of Livers Using Biodegradable Hyaluronic Acid‐Conjugated Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Donghyun , Beack Songeun , Yoo Jounghyun , Kim Su‐Kyoung , Lee Changho , Kwon Woosung , Hahn Sei Kwang , Kim Chulhong
Published: April 2018

The diagnosis of liver diseases is generally carried out via ultrasound imaging, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The emerging photoacoustic imaging is an attractive alternative to diagnose even early stage of liver diseases providing high‐resolution anatomical and functional information in deep tissue noninvasively. However, the liver has insufficient photoacoustic contrast due to low optical absorbance in the near‐infrared windows. Here, a new hyaluronate–silica nanoparticle (HA–SiNP) conjugate for liver‐specific delivery and imaging for the diagnosis of liver diseases is developed. The HA–SiNP conjugates show high liver‐specific targeting efficiency, strong optical absorbance near‐infrared windows, excellent biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The liver‐specific targeting efficiency is verified by in vitro cellular uptake test, and in vivo and ex vivo photoacoustic imaging. In vivo photoacoustic imaging shows that photoacoustic amplitude in the liver injected with HA–SiNP conjugates is 4.4 times higher than that of the liver injected with SiNP. The biocompatibility and biodegradability of HA–SiNP conjugates are verified by cell viability test, optical spectrum analysis of urine, and inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectroscopy (ICP‐MS) analysis. Taken together, HA–SiNP conjugates may be developed as a promising liver targeted photoacoustic imaging contrast agent and liver‐targeted drug delivery agent.
Dielectric Screening Meets Optimally Tuned Density Functionals
Authors: Kronik Leeor , Kümmel Stephan
Published: April 2018

A short overview of recent attempts at merging two independently developed methods is presented. These are the optimal tuning of a range‐separated hybrid (OT‐RSH) functional, developed to provide an accurate first‐principles description of the electronic structure and optical properties of gas‐phase molecules, and the polarizable continuum model (PCM), developed to provide an approximate but computationally tractable description of a solvent in terms of an effective dielectric medium. After a brief overview of the OT‐RSH approach, its combination with the PCM as a potentially accurate yet low‐cost approach to the study of molecular assemblies and solids, particularly in the context of photocatalysis and photovoltaics, is discussed. First, solvated molecules are considered, with an emphasis on the challenge of balancing eigenvalue and total energy trends. Then, it is shown that the same merging of methods can also be used to study the electronic and optical properties of molecular solids, with a similar discussion of the pros and cons. Tuning of the effective scalar dielectric constant as one recent approach that mitigates some of the difficulties in merging the two approaches is considered.
Blade‐Cast Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells in Air with Excellent Morphology, Efficiency, and Stability
Authors: Zhang Lin , Lin Baojun , Hu Bo , Xu Xianbin , Ma Wei
Published: April 2018

Blade‐coating serving as a prototype tool for slot‐die coating can be very compatible with large‐area roll‐to‐roll coating. Using blade‐coating in an ambient environment, an average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.03% is achieved in nonfullerene organic solar cells, which is higher than that of the optimal spin‐coated device with a PCE of 9.41%. It is demonstrated that blade‐coating can induce a higher degree of molecular packing for both conjugated polymer donors and small‐molecular acceptors as it helps to produce a seeding film containing numerous crystal grains, subsequently providing nucleation sites for the residual solution when the motion of the blade exposes a liquid front. Due to this effect, blade‐coating can partially replace the role of the additive 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO) and thus achieves the optimized morphology with fewer additives. Moreover, it is found that the blade‐coated film with 0.25% DIO possesses not only a smaller domain size but also higher domain purity, suggesting more D/A (donor/acceptor) interfaces and a purer phase domain as compared to the spin‐coated film with 1% DIO. Encouragingly, the blade‐coated device with less DIO (0.25%) exhibits much better stability than the spin‐coated device with 1% DIO, showing excellent prospects.
2D Perovskites with Short Interlayer Distance for High‐Performance Solar Cell Application
Authors: Ma Chunqing , Shen Dong , Ng Tsz‐Wai , Lo Ming‐Fai , Lee Chun‐Sing
Published: April 2018

2D perovskites have emerged as one of the most promising photovoltaic materials owing to their excellent stability compared with their 3D counterparts. However, in typical 2D perovskites, the highly conductive inorganic layers are isolated by large organic cations leading to quantum confinement and thus inferior electrical conductivity across layers. To address this issue, the large organic cations are replaced with small propane‐1,3‐diammonium (PDA) cations to reduce distance between the inorganic perovskite layers. As shown by optical characterizations, quantum confinement is no longer dominating in the PDA‐based 2D perovskites. This leads to considerable enhancement of charge transport as confirmed with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, time‐resolved photoluminescence, and mobility measurements. The improved electric properties of the interlayer‐engineered 2D perovskites yield a power conversion efficiency of 13.0%. Furthermore, environmental stabilities of the PDA‐based 2D perovskites are improved. PDA‐based 2D perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with encapsulation can retain over 90% of their efficiency upon storage for over 1000 h, and PSCs without encapsulation can maintain their initial efficiency at 70 °C for over 100 h, which exhibit promising stabilities. These results reveal excellent optoelectronic properties and intrinsic stabilities of the layered perovskites with reduced interlayer distance.
Iridescent Chiral Nematic Mesoporous Organosilicas with Alkylene Spacers
Authors: Terpstra Andrea S. , Arnett Loryn P. , Manning Alan P. , Michal Carl A. , Hamad Wadood Y. , MacLachlan Mark J.
Published: April 2018

Mesoporous organosilica films with chiral nematic structures are prepared with a bridging urea group and with alkylene bridges, where the length of the alkylene bridge varies from C1–C6. To synthesize these materials, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are used as liquid crystal templates, which coassemble with the organosilica precursor to give composite materials with a chiral nematic structure of CNCs embedded within. Removal of the CNCs by acid hydrolysis results in free‐standing, mesoporous organosilica films with long‐range chiral nematic ordering of the porous network. It is found that increasing the length of the organosilica bridging groups causes phase separation between the organosilica precursors and the aqueous CNC suspension. This problem is solved through two distinct methods: combining the long alkylene‐bridged precursors with shorter precursors or by using a mixed solvent system of water and dimethylformamide during self‐assembly. The new chiral nematic mesoporous organosilica films display photonic properties, good thermal stabilities, and interconnected pore structures.
Copper Mediated Three‐Component Reactions of Alkynes, Azides, and Propargylic Carbonates: Synthesis of 5‐Allenyl‐1,2,3‐Triazoles
Authors: Wu Feifei , Zhou Wei , Chen Kai , Chen Wanzhi , Liu Miaochang , Wu Huayue
Published: April 2018

A copper‐mediated one‐pot sequential reaction of terminal alkynes, azides, and propargylic carbonates is reported. The three component reaction occurs readily at room temperature to afford a 5‐allenyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles in high yields, providing a straightforward approach to 1,3,5‐trisubstituted triazoles using easily available Cu(I) reagent.

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3D Visible‐Light Invisibility Cloak
Authors: Zheng Bin , Zhu Rongrong , Jing Liqiao , Yang Yihao , Shen Lian , Wang Huaping , Wang Zuojia , Zhang Xianmin , Liu Xu , Li Erping , Chen Hongsheng
Published: April 2018

The concept of an invisibility cloak is a fixture of science fiction, fantasy, and the collective imagination. However, a real device that can hide an object from sight in visible light from absolutely any viewpoint would be extremely challenging to build. The main obstacle to creating such a cloak is the coupling of the electromagnetic components of light, which would necessitate the use of complex materials with specific permittivity and permeability tensors. Previous cloaking solutions have involved circumventing this obstacle by functioning either in static (or quasistatic) fields where these electromagnetic components are uncoupled or in diffusive light scattering media where complex materials are not required. In this paper, concealing a large‐scale spherical object from human sight from three orthogonal directions is reported. This result is achieved by developing a 3D homogeneous polyhedral transformation and a spatially invariant refractive index discretization that considerably reduce the coupling of the electromagnetic components of visible light. This approach allows for a major simplification in the design of 3D invisibility cloaks, which can now be created at a large scale using homogeneous and isotropic materials.
Recent advances in treatment for colorectal liver metastasis
Authors: Oki Eiji , Ando Koji , Nakanishi Ryota , Sugiyama Masahiko , Nakashima Yuichiro , Kubo Nobuhide , Kudou Kensuke , Saeki Hiroshi , Nozoe Tadahiro , Emi Yasunori , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: April 2018

A major challenge for the management of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is the multidisciplinary approach including surgery. Resection is the most important treatment strategy to prolong the survival of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Even when resection is not possible as a primary treatment, it may still be carried out for curative intent after effective chemotherapy. Therefore, resection should always be considered when conducting chemotherapy for CRLM. Neoadjuvant anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody has shown a high response rate for RAS wild CRC. However, whether anti‐EGFR antibody is superior to antivascular endothelial growth factor antibody for all types of CRLM is yet to be determined. Recently, several randomized control trials of first‐line therapy for advanced CRC have been conducted, and some of them are ongoing. The optimal chemotherapy regimen and tumor biology indicated for neoadjuvant chemotherapy as well as conversion surgery are expected to be determined in the near future.
Phylogenomics reveals an extensive history of genome duplication in diatoms (Bacillariophyta)
Authors: Parks Matthew B. , Nakov Teofil , Ruck Elizabeth C. , Wickett Norman J. , Alverson Andrew J.
Published: April 2018

Premise of the Study

Diatoms are one of the most species‐rich lineages of microbial eukaryotes. Similarities in clade age, species richness, and primary productivity motivate comparisons to angiosperms, whose genomes have been inordinately shaped by whole‐genome duplication (WGD). WGDs have been linked to speciation, increased rates of lineage diversification, and identified as a principal driver of angiosperm evolution. We synthesized a large but scattered body of evidence that suggests polyploidy may be common in diatoms as well.

Methods

We used gene counts, gene trees, and distributions of synonymous divergence to carry out a phylogenomic analysis of WGD across a diverse set of 37 diatom species.

Key Results

Several methods identified WGDs of varying age across diatoms. Determining the occurrence, exact number, and placement of events was greatly impacted by uncertainty in gene trees. WGDs inferred from synonymous divergence of paralogs varied depending on how redundancy in transcriptomes was assessed, gene families were assembled, and synonymous distances (Ks) were calculated. Our results highlighted a need for systematic evaluation of key methodological aspects of Ks‐based approaches to WGD inference. Gene tree reconciliations supported allopolyploidy as the predominant mode of polyploid formation, with strong evidence for ancient allopolyploid events in the thalassiosiroid and pennate diatom clades.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that WGD has played a major role in the evolution of diatom genomes. We outline challenges in reconstructing paleopolyploid events in diatoms that, together with these results, offer a framework for understanding the impact of genome duplication in a group that likely harbors substantial genomic diversity.
A novel ECEL1 mutation expands the phenotype of distal arthrogryposis multiplex congenita type 5D to include pretibial vertical skin creases
Authors: Stattin Eva‐Lena , Johansson Josefin , Gudmundsson Sanna , Ameur Adam , Lundberg Staffan , Bondeson Marie‐Louise , Wilbe Maria
Published: April 2018

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by multiple joint contractures often in association with other congenital abnormalities. Pretibial linear vertical creases are a rare finding associated with arthrogryposis, and the etiology of the specific condition is unknown. We aimed to genetically and clinically characterize a boy from a consanguineous family, presenting with AMC and pretibial vertical linear creases on the shins. Whole exome sequencing and variant analysis revealed homozygous novel missense variants of ECEL1 (c.1163T > C, p.Leu388Pro, NM_004826) and MUSK (c.2572C > T, p.Arg858Cys, NM_005592). Both variants are predicted to have deleterious effects on the protein function, with amino acid positions highly conserved among species. The variants segregated in the family, with healthy mother, father, and sister being heterozygous carriers and the index patient being homozygous for both mutations. We report on a unique patient with a novel ECEL1 homozygous mutation, expanding the phenotypic spectrum of Distal AMC Type 5D to include vertical linear skin creases. The homozygous mutation in MUSK is of unknown clinical significance. MUSK mutations have previously shown to cause congenital myasthenic syndrome, a neuromuscular disorder with defects in the neuromuscular junction.
Transcobalamin receptor defect: Identification of two new cases through positive newborn screening for propionic/methylmalonic aciduria and long‐term outcome
Authors: Hannah‐Shmouni Fady , Cruz Vivian , Schulze Andreas , Mercimek‐Andrews Saadet
Published: April 2018

Likely pathogenic variants in CD320 cause transcobalamin receptor defect, a recently discovered inborn errors of cobalamin metabolism. Only 12 cases have been reported to date. There are no long‐term clinical and biochemical outcome reports since its first description. In this report, we present two new cases and report their long‐term treatment outcome. Two asymptomatic cases were identified through a positive newborn screening for propionic/methylmalonic aciduria. Biochemical abnormalities were normalized on a short course of oral cyanocobalamin (1 mg/day). Direct sequencing of CD320 identified a known pathogenic variant (c.262_264GAG; p.Glu88del) confirming the diagnosis of transcobalamin receptor defect. To date, both patients remain asymptomatic with normal neurodevelopment more than 6 years. Our two new cases with transcobalamin receptor defect due to pathogenic variants in CD320 further expand our knowledge and provide a reassuring long‐term good neurodevelopmental outcome. Identification of additional cases requires the consideration of transcobalamin receptor defect in the differential diagnosis of newborns with confirmed positive newborn screening for methylmalonic acidurias.
Choroid plexus hyperplasia and chromosome 9p gains
Authors: Boxill Martin , Becher Naja , Sunde Lone , Thelle Thomas
Published: April 2018

Choroid plexus hyperplasia leading to communicating hydrocephalus is a rare disorder with only 24 patients reported so far in the literature. Furthermore, genetic information is only available for six of these cases: In one patient the condition was associated with trisomy 9p, in one patient with trisomy 9 mosaicism and in three patients with tetrasomy 9p. Here, we describe four additional patients with choroid plexus hyperplasia leading to various levels of hydrocephalus, and gain of the entire chromosome 9p region: Three with trisomy 9p and one with tetrasomy 9p. The three patients with trisomy 9p were siblings. Normal karyotypes were identified in the lymphocytes of the parents. Likely one of the parents is a mosaic for a cell line with trisomy 9p in the gonads. We demonstrate the importance of correctly diagnosing choroid plexus hyperplasia as the cause of hydrocephalus in patients with chromosome 9p gain since ventriculoperitoneal shunting is likely to fail due to intolerable formation of ascites.
A novel splice site variant in ITPR1 gene underlying recessive Gillespie syndrome
Authors: Paganini Leda , Pesenti Chiara , Milani Donatella , Fontana Laura , Motta Silvia , Sirchia Silvia Maria , Scuvera Giulietta , Marchisio Paola , Esposito Susanna , Cinnante Claudia Maria , Tabano Silvia Maria , Miozzo Monica Rosa
Published: April 2018

Gillespie syndrome (GLSP) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by partial aniridia, hypotonia, progressive cerebellar hypoplasia, nonprogressive ataxia, and intellectual disability. All causative variants to date affect the central or the 3ʹ‐terminal domains of ITPR1 gene and exhibit autosomal recessive or dominant inheritance pattern. We investigated by exome sequencing the molecular cause of GLSP in a family composed by consanguineous healthy parents, two affected siblings and one healthy son. We found the novel splice site variant c.278_279 + 2delACGT located at the 5ʹ‐end of ITPR1. The affected siblings were homozygotes, their parents heterozygous carriers and the variant was absent in the healthy son, indicating a recessive inheritance pattern. The deletion abolished the splice‐donor site at exon 5/intron 5 junction, causing the skipping of exon 5 and the generation of a premature STOP codon. The mutation is predicted to result in the synthesis of a 64‐amino acids nonfunctional protein. The mutant transcript comprised >96% of ITPR1 mRNA in the affected siblings, indicating that a small amount of wild‐type transcript was still present. The novel autosomal recessive mutation here reported is the first variant affecting the ITPR1 N‐terminal suppressor domain, thus extending the spectrum of the pathogenetic variants in GLSP and the range of the associated clinical manifestations.
A time to be born: Variation in the hour of birth in a rural population of Northern Argentina
Authors: Chaney Carlye , Goetz Teddy G. , Valeggia Claudia
Published: April 2018

Objectives

The present study aimed at investigating the timing of birth across the day in a rural population of indigenous and nonindigenous women in the province of Formosa, Argentina in order to explore the variation in patterns in a non‐Western setting.

Materials and methods

This study utilized birth record data transcribed from delivery room records at a rural hospital in the province of Formosa, northern Argentina. The sample included data for Criollo, Wichí, and Toba/Qom women (n = 2421). Statistical analysis was conducted using directional statistics to identify a mean sample direction. Chi‐square tests for homogeneity were also used to test for statistical significant differences between hours of the day.

Results

The mean sample direction was 81.04°, which equates to 5:24 AM when calculated as time on a 24‐hr clock. Chi‐squared analyses showed a statistically significant peak in births between 12:00 and 4:00 AM. Birth counts generally declined throughout the day until a statistically significant trough around 5:00 PM.

Discussion

This pattern may be associated with the circadian rhythms of hormone release, particularly melatonin, on a proximate level. At the ultimate level, giving birth in the early hours of the morning may have been selected to time births when the mother could benefit from the predator protection and support provided by her social group as well as increased mother‐infant bonding from a more peaceful environment.
Distinct Electron Conductance Regimes in Bacterial Decaheme Cytochromes
Authors: Barrozo Alexandre , El‐Naggar Mohamed Y. , Krylov Anna I.
Published: April 2018

Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 gains energy by extracellular electron transfer to solid surfaces. They employ c‐type cytochromes in two Mtr transmembrane complexes, forming a multiheme wire for electron transport across the cellular outer membrane. We investigated electron‐ and hole‐transfer mechanisms in the external terminal of the two complexes, MtrC and MtrF. Comparison of computed redox potentials with previous voltammetry experiments in distinct environments (isolated and electrode‐bound conditions of PFV or in vivo) suggests that these systems function in different regimes depending on the environment. Analysis of redox potential shifts in different regimes indicates strong coupling between the hemes via an interplay between direct Coulomb and indirect interactions through local structural reorganization. The latter results in the screening of Coulomb interactions and explains poor correlation of the strength of the heme‐to‐heme interactions with the distance between the hemes.
Dynamic Interfacial Adhesion through Cucurbit[n]uril Molecular Recognition
Authors: Liu Ji , Tan Cindy Soo Yun , Scherman Oren A.
Published: April 2018

Supramolecular building blocks, such as cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n])‐based host–guest complexes, have been extensively studied at the nano‐ and microscale as adhesion promoters. Herein, we exploit a new class of CB[n]‐threaded highly branched polyrotaxanes (HBP‐CB[n]) as aqueous adhesives to macroscopically bond two wet surfaces, including biological tissue, through the formation of CB[8] heteroternary complexes. The dynamic nature of these complexes gives rise to adhesion with remarkable toughness, displaying recovery and reversible adhesion upon mechanical failure at the interface. Incorporation of functional guests, such as azobenzene moieties, allows for stimuli‐activated on‐demand adhesion/de‐adhesion. Macroscopic interfacial adhesion through dynamic host–guest molecular recognition represents an innovative strategy for designing the next generation of functional interfaces, biomedical devices, tissue adhesives, and wound dressings.
In‐situ‐Methoden zur Charakterisierung elektrochemischer NiFe‐Sauerstoffentwicklungskatalysatoren
Authors: Zhu Kaiyue , Zhu Xuefeng , Yang Weishen
Published: April 2018

NiFe‐Materialien sind hervorragende Elektrokatalysatoren für die Sauerstoffentwicklungsreaktion (OER). Zur Entwicklung effizienterer Katalysatoren werden umfangreichere Kenntnisse zur Aktivitätssteigung der OER sowie über deren Mechanismus benötigt. Dafür sind In‐situ‐Charakterisierungsmethoden erforderlich, die Untersuchungen unter OER‐Bedingungen ermöglichen, um Zwischenprodukte der OER sowie OER‐aktive Zentren und Phasen zu identifizieren. In diesem Kurzaufsatz werden die neuesten Fortschritte bei der In‐situ‐Charakterisierung von NiFe‐basierten Elektrokatalysatoren mit Raman‐Spektroskopie, XAS, APXPS, Mößbauer‐Spektroskopie, UV/Vis‐Spektroskopie, DEMS und SI‐SECM zusammengefasst. Die Ergebnisse belegen nicht nur die Strukturumwandlung und fortschreitende Oxidation der katalytischen Spezies unter OER‐Bedingungen, sondern auch die entscheidende Rolle von Ni und Fe. Die Notwendigkeit für die Entwicklung neuer In‐situ‐Methoden und Rechnungen zum OER‐Mechanismus für die gezielte Entwicklung neuer, hochaktiver OER‐Elektrokatalysatoren wird diskutiert.
Genetically Engineered Supercharged Polypeptide Fluids: Fast and Persistent Self‐Ordering Induced by Touch
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ma Chao , Sun Jing , Shao Baiqi , Portale Giuseppe , Chen Dong , Liu Kai , Herrmann Andreas
Published: April 2018

Mechanically induced disorder–order transitions have been studied in fluid surfactant solutions or polymer thermotropic liquid crystals. However, isothermally induced ordered phases do not persist after cessation of shear, which limits their technological applicability. Moreover, no such stimuli‐responsive materials involving biomacromolecules have been reported although biopolymer liquids are gaining a lot of attention. A biological fluid system is introduced in which anionic polypeptides are complexed with cationic surfactants. The resulting fluids exhibited very sensitive isotropic–nematic transition triggered by shear. The formed liquid crystal was preserved after cessation of mechanical stimulus. Self‐ordering behavior of the material was achieved through water flow and finger pressing. The latter mechanical induction resulted in the formation of complex pattern that can be read out by birefringence, allowing the recording of fingerprint information.
Development of the Vinylogous Pictet–Spengler Cyclization and Total Synthesis of (±)‐Lundurine A
Authors: Nash Aaron , Qi Xiangbing , Maity Pradip , Owens Kyle , Tambar Uttam K.
Published: April 2018

A novel vinylogous Pictet–Spengler cyclization has been developed for the generation of indole‐annulated medium‐sized rings. The method enables the synthesis of tetrahydroazocinoindoles with a fully substituted carbon center, a prevalent structural motif in many biologically active alkaloids. The strategy has been applied to the total synthesis of (±)‐lundurine A.
Highly Efficient and Stereoselective Thioallylation of Alkynes: Possible Gold Redox Catalysis with No Need for a Strong Oxidant
Authors: Wang Jin , Zhang Shuyao , Xu Chang , Wojtas Lukasz , Akhmedov Novruz G. , Chen Hao , Shi Xiaodong
Published: April 2018

Stereoselective thioallylation of alkynes under possible gold redox catalysis was accomplished with high efficiency (as low as 0.1 % catalyst loading, up to 99 % yield) and broad substrate scope (various alkynes, inter‐ and intramolecular fashion). The gold(I) catalyst acts as both a π‐acid for alkyne activation and a redox catalyst for AuI/III coupling, whereas the sulfonium cation generated in situ functions as a mild oxidant. This novel methodology provides an exciting system for gold redox catalysis without the need for a strong oxidant.
Ultrathin Chiral Metal–Organic‐Framework Nanosheets for Efficient Enantioselective Separation
Authors: Guo Jun , Zhang Yin , Zhu Yanfei , Long Chang , Zhao Meiting , He Meng , Zhang Xiaofei , Lv Jiawei , Han Bing , Tang Zhiyong
Published: April 2018

Chiral metal–organic framework (CMOF) nanosheets only a few layers thick remain a virgin land waiting for exploration. Herein, the first examples of ultrathin CMOF nanosheets are prepared by the confinement growth of two‐dimensional (2D) chiral layers, which are assembled by helical metal–organic chains within microemulsion. This convenient and easily scaled up inverse microemulsion method gives a series of 2D CMOF nanosheets composed of variable metal nodes or chiral ligands. More significantly, thanks to the exceptionally large number of chiral sites exposed on surfaces, the as‐obtained CMOF nanosheets exhibit much higher enantioselectivity in chiral separation compared with their bulk counterparts.
Oxidation Catalysis by an Aerobically Generated Dess–Martin Periodinane Analogue
Authors: Maity Asim , Hyun Sung‐Min , Wortman Alan K. , Powers David C.
Published: April 2018

Hypervalent iodine(V) reagents, such as Dess–Martin periodinane (DMP) and 2‐iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX), are broadly useful oxidants in chemical synthesis. Development of strategies to generate these reagents from dioxygen (O2) would immediately enable use of O2 as a terminal oxidant in a broad array of substrate oxidation reactions. Recently we disclosed the aerobic synthesis of I(III) reagents by intercepting reactive oxidants generated during aldehyde autoxidation. In this work, aerobic oxidation of iodobenzenes is coupled with disproportionation of the initially generated I(III) compounds to generate I(V) reagents. The aerobically generated I(V) reagents exhibit substrate oxidation chemistry analogous to that of DMP. The developed aerobic generation of I(V) has enabled the first application of I(V) intermediates in aerobic oxidation catalysis.
Mononuclear Co(III), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of tridentate di‐tert‐butylphenylhydrazone: Synthesis, characterization, X‐ray crystal structures, Hirshfeld surface analysis, molecular docking and in vivo anti‐inflammatory activity
Authors: Chimmalagi Geeta H. , Kendur Umashri , Patil Sunil M. , Gudasi Kalagouda B. , Frampton Christopher S. , Budri Mahantesh B. , Mangannavar Chandrashekhar V. , Muchchandi Iranna S.
Published: April 2018

A new hydrazone (LH2) derived from the condensation of 2‐(4‐fluorobenzamido)benzohydrazide with 3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde was used to synthesize Co(III), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes. These were characterized using various physicochemical, thermal, spectroscopic and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction techniques. All the complexes crystallize in a monoclinic crystal system with P21/n space group and Z = 4. Structural studies of [Co(L)(LH)]⋅H2O indicate the presence of both amido and imidol tautomeric forms of the ligand, resulting in a distorted octahedral geometry around the Co(III) ion. On the other hand, in the [Ni(L)(DMF)] and [Cu(L)(H2O)] complexes, the ligand coordinates to the metal through imidol form resulting in distorted square planar geometry, in which the fourth position is occupied by the oxygen of coordinated DMF in [Ni(L)(DMF)] and by a water molecule in [Cu(L)(H2O)]. Hirshfeld surface calculations were performed to explore hydrogen bonding and C―H⋅⋅⋅π interactions. Molecular docking studies were carried out to study the interaction between the synthesized compounds and proteins (cyclooxygenase‐2 and 5‐lipoxygenase). The complexes along with the parent ligand were screened for their in vivo anti‐inflammatory activity, using the carrageenan‐induced rat paw oedema method. The complexes show significant anti‐inflammatory potencies.
Novel design of recyclable copper(II) complex supported on magnetic nanoparticles as active catalyst for Beckmann rearrangement in poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Keyhaniyan Mahdi , Shiri Ali , Eshghi Hossein , Khojastehnezhad Amir
Published: April 2018

Copper complex‐functionalized magnetic core–shell nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2‐Lig‐Cu) were prepared and characterized using various techniques. The activity of the new catalyst was tested for the Beckmann rearrangement. The reaction conditions allow for the conversion of a wide variety of aldoximes, including aromatic and heterocyclic ones, to amides in good to excellent yields. High efficiency, mild reaction conditions, easy work‐up, use of poly(ethylene glycol) as a green medium and simple purification of products are important advantages of this system. Moreover, the eco‐friendly heterogeneous nanocatalyst could be easily recovered from the reaction mixture using an external magnet and reused several times.
Iron‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction: Heterogeneous palladium and copper‐free Heck and Sonogashira cross‐coupling reactions catalyzed by a reusable Fe(III) complex
Authors: Hajipour Abdol R. , Abolfathi Parisa , Tavangar‐Rizi Zeinab
Published: April 2018

An interesting silica‐supported iron catalyst was successfully prepared and demonstrated as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for cross‐coupling reactions of aryl halides. The as‐prepared nanocatalyst was well characterized and found to be highly efficient in Heck reaction under mild and sustainable conditions (water as solvent at 80 °C in short reaction time). Furthermore, the obtained catalyst was used as an efficient, inexpensive and green heterogeneous catalyst for Sonogashira cross‐coupling reactions of various aryl iodides and provided the corresponding products with moderate to good yields. This phosphine, copper and palladium‐free catalyst was simply recovered from the reaction mixture and recycled five times without substantial decrease in its catalytic activity.