bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Pyrazole‐Based Highly Selective Colorimetric Chemosensor for Hg2+ Ion in Semi‐Aqueous Medium
Authors: Karuppusamy P. , Senthilvelan J. , Vijayakumar V. , Sarveswari S.
Published: January 2020

In this study, a pyrazole‐based (Py‐KS) chemosensor was successfully designed and synthesized via Knoevenagel condensation and utilized as a colorimetric chemosensor for selective determination of Hg2+ in semi‐aqueous media. The probe exhibits a typical absorption band at 519 nm upon interaction with Hg2+, which is responsible for remarkable color change from yellow to pink. The detection limit of Py‐KS for the analysis of Hg2+ was found to be 4.73×10−7 M. The binding modes of interaction of Py‐KS with Hg2+ have been determined by Job's plot which exhibits 2:1 (Py‐KS: Hg2+) ratio, and further confirmed with 1H NMR titration and FT‐IR analysis. The association constant of Py‐KS‐Hg2+ complex was found as 1.2×103 M−1 using Benesi‐Hildebrand method. The probe could be recyclable after appropriate treatment with the reagents such as EDTA. Moreover, the designed probe Py‐KS has successfully demonstrated for the detection of Hg2+ in real sample analysis.
Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Some Amide Functionalized 1H‐Benzo[d]imidazole‐2‐thiol Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Singu Padma S. , Kanugala Sirisha , Dhawale Sachin A. , Kumar C. Ganesh , Kumbhare Ravindra M.
Published: January 2020

A series of novel amide functionalized 1H‐benzo[d]imidazole‐2‐thiol derivatives 4 a‐o were prepared from substituted benzimidazole‐2‐thiol 1 a‐c. All the final compounds were screened for antimicrobial, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and anti‐biofilm activities against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial strains. Amongst all the synthesized derivatives, compounds 4 c, 4 e, 4 f, 4 g, 4 k and 4 o exhibiting promising antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains were identified. Moreover, the compound 4 c showed highly significant antimicrobial activity (MIC value of 1.9 μg/mL) and broad‐spectrum anti‐biofilm activity which was identified as a potential lead molecule.
Association of Non‐covalent Interactions C−H…X(X=O, F, Cl, π) and Cl…π with Hydrogen Bond Interactions N−H…O in Molecular Assembly of New Phosphoramides: A Combined X‐Ray Crystallography and Topology (AIM and Hirshfeld) Analysis
Authors: Sebghati Marjan , Tarahhomi Atekeh , Kozakiewicz Anna
Published: January 2020

Crystal structures of six new phosphoramides with the main parts [C(O)NH]P(O)[N]2and [NH]2P(O)[N] were determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction and characterized by spectroscopic methods (FT‐IR and1H,13C,31P NMR). X‐ray crystallography data manifest that the hydrogen bond interactions N−H…O (in all structures) accompanied by some contacts such as C−H…X(X=π, O, F and Cl) and π…π dominate the molecular architectures. Some non‐classical interactions such as Cl…π are also found in feature packing of some studied structures. A detailed investigation of these intermolecular interactions in order to illustrate the importance of non‐classical interactions in construction of molecular assemblies is presented by Hirshfeld surface (HS) analysis reflected the most important van der Waals (vdW) contributions and “Quantum Theory Atom In Molecule” (QTAIM) method especially in term of energetic feature. Hirshfeld surface analysis reveals that the prevalent interactions are of the type O…H for all structures coupled with some other short contacts such as C…C and H…F recognized by red spots on Hirshfeld surfaces and enrichment ratios (E) larger than unity (E> 1). These results are confirmed by AIM method classifying the hydrogen bond interactions N−H…O as moderate non‐covalent closed‐shell interactions and the remaining interactions above‐mentioned as vdW closed‐shell interactions in the studies phosphoric triamides. Such study to categorize the popular hydrogen bond interactions N−H…O in phosphoric triamides and the weak interactions in their molecular packing are used for the first time.
Fullerene Stability by Geometrical Thermodynamics
Authors: Parker Michael C. , Jeynes Chris
Published: January 2020

This work proves that stability of C60 is a geometrical property of the thermodynamics of the system: a significant methodological advance since a detailed treatment of the energetics may be avoidable. This approach may be fruitful,  not only for fullerenes but also for general problems of molecular stability and in other applications of conformational chemistry. For the non‐chiral C60, C384, and the weakly‐chiral C28, C76 and C380 (of these, C380 and C384 are classed as “unspirallable”), Schlegel projections are used to show that these fullerenes can all be represented by pairs of spirals counter‐propagating in anti‐parallel (C2) symmetry. For C60, the high symmetry is used to construct an analytical approximation for the spherical double‐spirals, shown mathematically to be Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) using the formalism of Quantitative Geometrical Thermodynamics (QGT). Therefore C60 is necessarily stable. This MaxEnt stability criterion is general, depending only on the geometry and not the kinematics of the system.   The sense and degree of chirality for C76 and C380 is also quantified using a Shannon entropy‐based fragmentation metric.
Preparation, Characterization and Application of Copper Schiff base Complex Supported on MCM‐41 as a Recyclable Catalyst for the Ullmann‐type N‐arylation Reaction
Authors: Niakan Mahsa , Asadi Zahra , Zare Sayeh
Published: January 2020

In this study, a Cu‐Schiff base complex supported on highly ordered mesoporous silica MCM‐41 was successfully prepared to form a heterogeneous catalyst. The structural and textural properties of the newly prepared catalyst were determined by various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques such as FT‐IR, BET, TGA, DRS UV‐vis, EDX, XPS, ICP‐OES, XRD, and TEM. The catalyst was used in the N‐arylation of various amines through formation of intramolecular C(aryl)‐N bond from the relevant aryl halides (Ar−I and Ar−Br) with amines by coupling reactions of Ullmann type. The significant advantages of this protocol were generality, low metal content, high yield of products, and simple work‐up procedure. Moreover, the catalyst could be recycled efficiently for seven runs without any appreciable decrease in reactivity and no leaching of copper was found during this course.
Chalcogenborines and Derivatives: Probing the Origin of Relative Thermodynamic Stabilities
Authors: Muhammad Rouf Alvi , Iqbal Sajid , Ejaz Anam
Published: January 2020

Chalcogenborines (or BX‐doped benzenes, where X=O/S) are interesting for intriguing photophysical and electronic properties. In spite of several advances, origin of their relative thermodynamic stability remains elusive. Now, based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we reveal that the relative stability of their mono BX‐doped isomers (here called BX isomers) is in a good relation with the geometry, natural bond orbital partial atomic charges (qs) and bonding energy. Substitution by an electronegative F group in a BX stabilizes boron position significantly than the carbon. On the other hand, substitution by an electropositive SiH3 group imparts small stability to carbon position than the boron. The qs in the parent BX can predict relative stability of the F‐substituted isomers excellently. However, such speculation fails for the SiH3‐substituted isomers due to the close electronegativity of SiH3, C and B. These findings could be helpful for the synthesis of BX derivatives.
One‐step Green Synthetic Approach for the Preparation of Orange Light Emitting Copper Nanoclusters for Sensitive Detection of Mercury(II) Ions
Authors: Cai Zhifeng , Zhu Ruitao , Pang Shulin , Tian Fang , Zhang Caifeng
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we synthesized water‐soluble fluorescent Cu nanoclusters (Cu NCs) through simple reduction reaction with 2‐mercaptobenzimidazole as a protective agent, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizer and ascorbic acid as a reducing agent for the first time. The optical properties and structures of as‐prepared Cu NCs were characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy, UV‐vis, FT‐IR, TEM and XPS. The characterization results showed that the Cu NCs had better fluorescence intensity, high dispersion and large Stokes shift. The Cu NCs had excellent stability against photo‐illumination and ionic strength and displayed an excitation‐independent fluorescence characteristic. The as‐prepared Cu NCs was selectively and sensitively quenched by Hg2+. Furthermore, the fluorescence of Cu NCs was linearly quenched in the range of 2–40 μM (concentration of Hg2+) with a detection limit of 23.0 nM. More importantly, this prepared Cu NCs could be successfully utilized as a probe for detection of Hg2+ in real water samples.
Synthesis and Antiproliferative Evaluation of 5′‐Arylchalcogenyl‐3‐(phenylselanyl‐triazoyl)‐thymidine
Authors: Quoos Natália , Dornelles Luciano , Buss Julieti , Begnini Karine Rech , Collares Tiago , Seixas Fabiana K. , Garcia Fabio Dutra , Rodrigues Oscar E. D.
Published: January 2020

This article discloses the synthesis and biological in vitro activity of a novel class of compounds derived from 5′‐arylchalcogenyl‐3‐(phenylselanyl‐triazoyl)‐thymidine as antitumor agents in the 5637 bladder carcinoma. The synthesis of the new molecules obtained good yields and proved to be efficient. The antitumor biological property, which was presented by a series of these unpublished compounds, demonstrates the importance of the presence of the nucleoside portion and the chalcogenium atom in the molecule.
Recent Progress in the Removal of Heavy Metal Ions from Water Using Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Shayegan Hossein , Ali Gomaa A. M. , Safarifard Vahid
Published: January 2020

The efficient adsorption of heavy metal ions from wastewater has become a serious challenge from both environmental and biological viewpoints. Recently, porous metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), with metallic clusters and organic linkers, have been developed as promising structures in the capture of different toxic and hazardous substances, including heavy metal ions, because of their unique features. Here there is a collection for recent progress in the field of water remediation from the variable‐valent metals in polluted water and the corresponding MOFs which are able to remove these pollutant agents from water. Meanwhile, effective factors in the absorption of metal ions are discussed. MOFs are considered to be a promising candidate for metal ions removal from wastewater.
Osmium(IV) Halide Complexes with Dimethyl Sulfoxide[H(dmso)2][OsX5(dmso‐κO)], X=Cl, Br: Synthesis, Structure, and Properties
Authors: Rudnitskaya Olga V. , Dobrokhotova Ekaterina V. , Kultyshkina Ekaterina K. , Tereshina Tatiana A. , Trigub Alexander L. , Zubavichus Yan V. , Khrustalev Victor N.
Published: January 2020

Two osmium complexes of common formula [H(dmso)2][OsIVХ5(dmso‐κO)] 1 (Х=Cl) and 2 (Х=Br) are synthesized via the reaction of H2OsX6 (Х=Cl, Br) with DMSO. The complex 1 crystallized in the orthorhombic space group Pca21. For 2, two orthorhombic polymorphs are found, namely, 2 a in space group Cmcm and 2 b in space group Pbca. Within the [H(dmso)2]+ cations of 1 and 2 a, the cis‐configuration of the DMSO moieties has been observed for the first time. The complexes are characterized by a set of spectroscopic (NMR, IR, UV‐Vis, EXAFS/XANES) and diffraction (single crystal and powder) techniques. Both complexes 1 and 2 retain their molecular structures in DMSO and acetone solutions, as evidenced by Os L3‐edge EXAFS/XANES. 1H NMR spectra of 1 and 2 in DMSO solutions reveal signals of coordinated DMSO. In acetone solutions, signals of the [H(dmso)2]+ cations are observed in addition to those of coordinated neutral DMSO.
A novel economic analysis on multiterminal VSC HVDC systems with wind farms by hierarchical small‐signal stability constrained OPF
Authors: Kim Sangwon , Yokoyama Akihiko , Takaguchi Yusuke , Takano Tomihiro , Mori Kazuyuki , Izui Yoshio
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a novel economic analysis for multiterminal voltage‐source converter high‐voltage direct current (MTDC) systems with wind farms is developed. Both the reinforcement and operation methods of an MTDC system are determined hierarchically in the proposed approach. Based on these methods, not only wind power transmission but also the MTDC system is capable of contributing to the power transmission among alternating current (AC) grids in cases of low wind power production cases. As a consequence, the economic benefits produced by the MTDC system can be increased. This paper also focuses on the sensitivity analysis of small‐signal stability constraints on the developed approach. It is demonstrated that the system for wind power transmission without any MTDC systems is exposed to instability, which is solved by the proposed method. On top of that, the small‐signal stability improvement effect of the MTDC system is analyzed from the economic viewpoint. Under strict small‐signal stability constraints, the economic benefits obtained by the MTDC system increase. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Language Use in the Classroom: Balancing Target Language Exposure With the Need for Other Languages
Authors: Brevik Lisbeth M. , Rindal Ulrikke
Published: January 2020

Recent trends in language education have promoted the use of students’ linguistic repertoires in the classroom. However, research is lacking into how languages are actually used in target language instruction. This study contributes new knowledge from lower secondary classrooms in Norway, combining a large data set of video observed English lessons (N= 60) of naturally occurring instruction over time, with a survey of students’ (N= 179) experiences of their teachers’ language practices. The study reports how languages were used and perceived in seven classrooms across Grades 9–10. Findings indicate three main patterns. First, there was considerable variation in language use in these classrooms, which seemed dependent on the teacher rather than students and school. Second, there was hardly any use of languages other than the language of schooling (Norwegian) and the target language (English), but a few references to linguistic repertoires signalled a focus on multilingualism in some classrooms. Third, survey data indicate that students perceived teachers’ use of Norwegian, regardless of amount, helpful. The study demonstrates teachers’ and students’ balancing of target language exposure with the need for other languages, even with extensive variation in the use of English and Norwegian and infrequent references to students’ other linguistic repertoires in most classrooms.
Cost comparison and optimization of gas electric hybrid heat pumps
Authors: Amirkhizi Tara S. , Jensen Ida G.
Published: January 2020

The residential heating sector can offer significant load‐shifting possibilities to the energy system. Currently 400,000 households in Denmark are heated by natural gas boilers. The power consumption corresponding to these boilers can offer high value to the stabilization of the wind intensive Danish energy system. Gas electric hybrid heat pumps (GEHHPs) are individual heat pumps consisting of an electric heat pump and a gas boiler. They enable a fully flexible operation of electric heat pumps by supplementing electricity with gas when necessary. In this paper, we construct a cost optimization model of a GEHHP and compare the levelized cost of heat of this system with other individual heating systems. We investigate the changes in the operation schedule of the GEHHP, both from a socio‐ and a private‐economic perspective, and analyze how certain economic and technological framework conditions influence their operation schedule. Our article shows that the end‐consumer's optimal operation schedule uses the gas boiler component of the GEHHP 24% of the time. Additionally, comparing the levelized cost of heat of the GEHHP with other heating alternatives proves that the GEHHP setup is the most cost efficient individual heating alternative.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Systems Analysis > Economics and Policy

Energy Systems Economics > Economics and Policy

Energy Systems Economics > Systems and Infrastructure
The second-order effect of Earth’s rotation on Cryosat-2 fully focused SAR processing
Authors: Kleinherenbrink Marcel , Smith Walter H. F. , Naeije Marc C. , Slobbe D. Cornelis , Hoogeboom Peter
Published: January 2020

We investigated the sensitivity of fully focused SAR (FF-SAR) processing of Cryosat-2 altimeter data to Earth rotation. Earth’s rotation causes scatterers at varying cross-track locations to have a different relative velocity with respect to the satellite. This second-order effect of Earth rotation on the phase is currently not corrected for in FF-SAR processing of altimetry data. The difference is largest near the poles, where the satellite flies parallel to the equator. Not correcting for the second-order effect yields a parabolic shape in the counter-rotated phase, which increases with the cross-track distance. Its effect is, however, limited by the time-in-view of the scatterer, which is shorter at the edge of the altimeter footprint, and therefore destructive interference will not occur when using Cryosat-2 data. For Cryosat-2, the only expected effect is a reduction in power and along-track resolution in the waveform tail and in the grating lobes. If the FF-SAR processor focuses on one point, and there is a bright scatterer at another, then there is a residual parabolic phase, whose sign and shape depend on the cross-track distance and whether the signal is left or right of the chosen focal point. In theory, if the viewed scene only has few bright coherent scatterers, then it might be possible to determine the cross-track position of each. In practice, however, natural targets are rarely coherent over the integration time.
Gynaecomastia in the Durban Breast Unit: A Comparison of HIV‐ and Non‐HIV‐Infected Individuals
Authors: Osman Safeeya , Mansoor E. , Buccimazza I.
Published: January 2020

Background

The clinical profile of gynaecomastia patients, both in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive and HIV‐negative patients, in resource‐limited settings remains largely undocumented. The aim of this study was to compare and contrast these groups with a view to developing an appropriate treatment algorithm for the South African population.

Methods

A retrospective chart review at the Durban Breast Unit for the period 2000–2015 was undertaken with ethics approval [BE012/16 (sub‐study of BCA173/15)]. Statistical analysis was done with IBM SPSS version 25. A p value <0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results

One hundred and four patients were documented. The mean age was 37 years. Gynaecomastia was most commonly attributed to puberty, HAART, other medications or an idiopathic aetiology. HIV status was known in 49 patients. There was a 97% prevalence of HAART use in the HIV‐positive subgroup (n = 31). Efavirenz was the most common inciting drug. Incidence of gynaecomastia correlated with duration of HAART use. Age, late presentation, advanced Simon grade and bilateral disease appear to necessitate surgical intervention more frequently.

Conclusion

Patients on HAART are advised to seek early advice upon noticing gynaecomastia. Drug cessation/change is likely to assist only upon early presentation resulting in static progression, and ultimate cure would still entail surgical excision. Extensive blood and imaging studies should be done only where clinically indicated and can be considered in cases of recurrence post‐surgery. Management option must be discussed with patients, and surgeons are required to be familiar with the various surgical techniques necessary to treat gynaecomastia.
A Low‐Cost Synthetic Abdominal Wall Model (“Raj Model”) for the Training of Laparoscopic Port Insertion
Authors: Kailavasan Mithun , Berridge Christopher , Kandaswamy Gokul , Rai Bhavan , Wilkinson Beverley , Jain Sunjay , Biyani Chandra Shekhar , Gowda Basavaraj
Published: January 2020

Objective

To assess the content validity of a low‐cost bench‐top model (“Raj Model”) for the training of laparoscopic port insertion at the Urology Simulation Bootcamp course (USBC).

Materials and methods

A low‐cost abdominal wall model of 40 × 40 cm was created to simulate laparoscopic port placement. The model was made using different synthetic materials to represent layers (skin—vinyl sheet, subcutaneous fat—10 mm soft foam, anterior rectus sheath and muscle—floor mat, posterior rectus sheath—masking wall tape, peritoneum—sellotape). Each model was used by up to 3 trainees to practise laparoscopic port placement. The model was assessed for content validity by trainees and experts using a 5‐point Likert scale.

Result

In total, 88 trainees and 6 experts participated in the study. For all aspects of the synthetic abdominal wall, good (4) or very good (5) scores ranged from 52.7–69.2%, whereas very poor (1) rating ranged from 0 to 4.3%. There was no significant difference in responses for the content validity of the model between trainees and experts. There was a high intraclass correlation amongst responses from trainees (0.89) and experts (0.79). Approximately 76.3% of trainees and experts felt that the model is suitable for training.

Conclusion

This is the first validation study of a low‐cost abdominal wall model for teaching laparoscopic port placement for trainees. Our study demonstrates that this synthetic model has high content validity and is useful for surgical training.
Correction to: Towards clinical grating-interferometry mammography
Authors: Arboleda Carolina , Wang Zhentian , Jefimovs Konstantins , Koehler Thomas , Van Stevendaal Udo , Kuhn Norbert , David Bernd , Prevrhal Sven , Lång Kristina , Forte Serafino , Kubik-Huch Rahel Antonia , Leo Cornelia , Singer Gad , Marcon Magda , Boss Andreas , Roessl Ewald , Stampanoni Marco
Published: January 2020

The article Towards clinical grating-interferometry mammography, written by Carolina Arboleda, Zhentian Wang, Konstantins Jefimovs, Thomas Koehler, Udo Van Stevendaal, Norbert Kuhn, Bernd David, Sven Prevrhal, Kristina Lång, Serafino Forte, Rahel Antonia Kubik-Huch, Cornelia Leo
Early onset sepsis calculator implementation is associated with reduced healthcare utilization and financial costs in late preterm and term newborns
Authors: Achten Niek B. , Visser Douwe H. , Tromp Ellen , Groot Wim , van Goudoever Johannes B. , Plötz Frans B.
Published: January 2020

The neonatal early onset sepsis (EOS) calculator is a novel tool for antibiotic stewardship in newborns, associated with a reduction of empiric antibiotic treatment for suspected EOS. We studied if implementation of the EOS calculator results in less healthcare utilization and lower financial costs of suspected EOS. For this, we compared two single-year cohorts of hospitalizations within 3 days after birth in a Dutch nonacademic teaching hospital, before and after implementation of the EOS calculator. All admitted newborns born at or after 35 weeks of gestation were eligible for inclusion. We analyzed data from 881 newborns pre-implementation and 827 newborns post-implementation. We found significant reductions in EOS-related laboratory tests performed and antibiotic days, associated with implementation of the EOS calculator. Mean length of hospital stay was shorter, and EOS-related financial costs were lower after implementation among term, but not among preterm newborns.

Conclusion: In addition to the well-known positive impact on antibiotic stewardship, implementation of the EOS calculator is also clearly associated with reductions in healthcare utilization related to suspected EOS in late preterm and term newborns and with a reduction in associated financial costs among those born term.What is Known:• The early-onset sepsis (EOS) calculator is a novel tool for antibiotic stewardship in newborns, associated with a reduction in empiric antibiotic treatment for suspected EOS.What is New:• In newborns at risk for EOS, EOS calculator implementation is associated with a significant reduction in laboratory investigations related to suspected EOS and significantly shorter stay in those born term.• EOS calculator implementation in term newborns is associated with a mean reduction of €207 in costs for EOS-related care per admitted newborn.
Hypoxia preconditioning protects neuronal cells against traumatic brain injury through stimulation of glucose transport mediated by HIF-1α/GLUTs signaling pathway in rat
Authors: Wu Xiaogang , Wang Chunlin , Wang Jinbiao , Zhu Meijie , Yao Yinsheng , Liu Jiachuan
Published: January 2020

Hypoxia preconditioning (HPC), a well-established preconditioning model, has been shown to protect the brain against severe hypoxia or ischemia caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI), but the mechanism has not been well elucidated. Anaerobic glycolysis is the major way for neurons to produce energy under cerebral ischemia and hypoxia after TBI, and it requires large amounts of glucose. We hypothesized that glucose transport, as a rate-limiting step of glucose metabolism, may play key roles in the neuroprotective effects of HPC on cerebral cortex tissue against TBI. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of HPC on glucose transport activity of rat cerebral cortex tissue after TBI through examining the gene expression of two major glucose transporters (GLUT1 and GLUT3) and their upstream target gene hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with HPC (50.47 kPa, 3 h/d, 3d). Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, the rats were injured using the Feeney free falling model. Cortex tissues of injured rats were removed at 1 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 1 day, 3 days, 7 d, and 14 days post-injury for histological analysis. Compared with TBI alone, HPC before TBI resulted in the expression of HIF-1α, GLUT1, and GLUT3 to increase at 1 h; they were markedly increased at 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 1 day, and 3 days and decreased thereafter (p < 0.05). HPC before TBI could improve neuronal survival in rats by examining NeuN staining and observing reduced apoptosis by examining TUNEL staining. The result showed that HPC before TBI could increase the expression of GLUT1 and GLUT3. And through double immunofluorescence staining for GLUT3 and NeuN, the results strongly suggest that HPC improved glucose transport activity of neurons in rats with TBI. In summary, our results further support that HPC can improve hypoxia tolerance and attenuate neuronal loss of cerebral cortex in rats after TBI. The mechanism is mainly related to the increase of glucose transport activity through inducing GLUT1 and GLUT3 expression through upregulating HIF-1α expression.
Data association and uncertainty pruning for tracks determined on short arcs
Authors: Pirovano Laura , Principe Gennaro , Armellin Roberto
Published: January 2020

When building a space catalogue, it is necessary to acquire multiple observations of the same object for the estimated state to be considered meaningful. A first concern is then to establish whether different sets of observations belong to the same object, which is the association problem. Due to illumination constraints and adopted observation strategies, small objects may be detected on short arcs, which contain little information about the curvature of the orbit. Thus, a single detection is usually of little value in determining the orbital state due to the very large associated uncertainty. In this work, we propose a method that both recognizes associated observations and sequentially reduces the solution uncertainty when two or more sets of observations are associated. The six-dimensional (6D) association problem is addressed as a cascade of 2D and 4D optimization problems. The performance of the algorithm is assessed using objects in geostationary Earth orbit, with observations spread over short arcs.
Perspectives of future pharmacists on the potential for development and implementation of pharmacist prescribing in Qatar
Authors: Diab Mohammad Issam , Ibrahim Angham , Abdallah Oraib , El-Awaisi Alla , Zolezzi Monica , Ageeb Rwedah Anwar , Elkhalifa Wishah Hamza Imam , Awaisu Ahmed
Published: January 2020

Background Pharmacists in many developed countries have been granted prescribing authorities under what is known as “non-medical prescribing” or “pharmacist prescribing”. However, such prescribing privileges are not available in many developing countries. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the perspectives of future pharmacists (recent pharmacy graduates and pharmacy students) on pharmacist prescribing and its potential implementation in Qatar. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used: (1) a cross-sectional survey using a pre-tested questionnaire and; (2) focus group discussions to allow for an in-depth understanding of the issue, with a focus on pharmacists prescribing competencies as well as barriers for its implementation. Main outcome measures Future pharmacists’ perspectives and attitudes towards pharmacist prescribing in Qatar. Results The majority of the respondents (94.4%) indicated awareness of the prescribing competency related to selecting treatment options. Furthermore, the majority (92.4%) believed that pharmacists should undergo prescribing training and accreditation before been legally allowed to prescribe, a point that was reiterated in the focus group discussions. Participants generally expressed support for collaborative and supplementary prescribing models when developing prescribing frameworks for Qatar. Four categories emerged under the theme barriers to implementation of pharmacist prescribing: lack of prescribing competency, pharmacist mindset, lack of accessibility to patient records and counseling rooms, and diversity of education and training background. Conclusion The majority of recent pharmacy graduates and students were in favor of pharmacist prescribing been implemented in Qatar. However, a special training program was deemed necessary to qualify pharmacists to prescribe safely and effectively.
Learning Multi-human Optical Flow
Authors: Ranjan Anurag , Hoffmann David T. , Tzionas Dimitrios , Tang Siyu , Romero Javier , Black Michael J.
Published: January 2020

The optical flow of humans is well known to be useful for the analysis of human action. Recent optical flow methods focus on training deep networks to approach the problem. However, the training data used by them does not cover the domain of human motion. Therefore, we develop a dataset of multi-human optical flow and train optical flow networks on this dataset. We use a 3D model of the human body and motion capture data to synthesize realistic flow fields in both single- and multi-person images. We then train optical flow networks to estimate human flow fields from pairs of images. We demonstrate that our trained networks are more accurate than a wide range of top methods on held-out test data and that they can generalize well to real image sequences. The code, trained models and the dataset are available for research.
The structure–activity relationship review of the main bioactive constituents of Morus genus plants
Authors: Yan Jiejing , Ruan Jingya , Huang Peijian , Sun Fan , Zheng Dandan , Zhang Yi , Wang Tao
Published: January 2020

Morus genus plants are mainly distributed in the temperate to tropical areas over the world and include 17 species and two subspecies. Due to their excellent pharmacological activity, security in food additives and high value in the national economy, Morus genus plants have drawn more and more attention in recent years. In the light of the references published over the last few decades, flavonoids, benzofurans, stilbenes, and Diels–Alder adducts have been reported to be the main bioactive constituents of Morus genus plants. This review summarizes the compounds with excellent bioactivities isolated from Morus genus plants as well as their structure–activity relationships (SARs), which might be useful for the further research and development of Morus genus plants.

Graphic abstract

The aromatic heterocycles with excellent bioactivities isolated from Morus genus plants as well as their structure–activity relationships (SARs) were summarized.
Nutrient recycling: from waste to crop
Authors: Hidalgo D. , Corona F. , Martín-Marroquín J. M.
Published: January 2020

Within the transition to a bio-based economy from a fossil reserve-based world, we face the vital dare of closing nutrient cycles and moving to a more practical and balanced resource management, taking into account not only the economical but also the environmental perspective. The manufacture and transportation of mineral fertilizers are activities that require large amounts of fossil energy. Therefore, the dependence that agriculture has on fertilizers based on mineral reserves (mainly P, N, and K) should be considered as a very serious threat to human food security and climate change. On the other hand, the existing forecast on phosphorus reserves is pessimistic. According to the latest published figures on population growth and estimated demand for nutrients in the future, depletion of this material is expected to occur within a maximum of 300 years. At the same time, the agricultural demand that exists for mineral fertilizers is constantly growing. The main reason is the increase in the world population, together with the increase in meat consumption and the popularity of energy crops. Despite these negative perspectives, the processing or elimination of waste streams causes uncontrolled dispersion in the environment of a large amount of minerals. Thus, a new global effort is needed to draw a new scenario where improved nutrient use efficiency and, at the same time, reduced nutrient losses provide the bases for a more circular economy, to produce more necessary inputs, as food or energy, as the same time as decreasing environmental impact. This paper will show the process options which can “upcycle” and recover residual nutrients to high-quality end-products, defined by efficient nutrient use and will reveal the key issues to face with novel biofertilizer products and changing policies.
Frei-Chen bases based lossy digital image compression technique
Authors: Al-khassaweneh Mahmood , AlShorman Omar
Published: January 2020

In the big data era, image compression is of significant importance in today’s world. Importantly, compression of large sized images is required for everyday tasks; including electronic data communications and internet transactions. However, two important measures should be considered for any compression algorithm: the compression factor and the quality of the decompressed image. In this paper, we use Frei-Chen bases technique and the Modified Run Length Encoding (RLE) to compress images. The Frei-Chen bases technique is applied at the first stage in which the average subspace is applied to each 3 × 3 block. Those blocks with the highest energy are replaced by a single value that represents the average value of the pixels in the corresponding block. Even though Frei-Chen bases technique provides lossy compression, it maintains the main characteristics of the image. Additionally, the Frei-Chen bases technique enhances the compression factor, making it advantageous to use. In the second stage, RLE is applied to further increase the compression factor. The goal of using RLE is to enhance the compression factor without adding any distortion to the resultant decompressed image. Integrating RLE with Frei-Chen bases technique, as described in the proposed algorithm, ensures high quality decompressed images and high compression rate. The results of the proposed algorithms are shown to be comparable in quality and performance with other existing methods.
BIBLICAL LAW IN GRECO-ROMAN ATTIRE: THE CASE OF LEVIRATE MARRIAGE IN LATE ANTIQUE CHRISTIAN LEGAL TRADITIONS
Authors: Monnickendam Yifat
Published: January 2020

What happened to biblical law when transferred into late antique Christianity? How can answering this question provide a paradigm that helps us understand the rise and development of late antique Christian legal traditions? In the first centuries of the Common Era, the Christian legal tradition began to evolve in Roman, Greek, rabbinic, and biblical contexts. Focusing on the biblical institution of levirate marriage, this article offers a paradigm that elucidates how Christians might have adopted, adapted, and sometimes rejected their legal heritage; it may illuminate the overall development of Christian legal discourse. Following a short survey of the rabbinic adaptation of biblical levirate marriage and the Roman and Christian rulings regarding this practice, I analyze the Christian exegetical and theological discourse on levirate marriage, focusing on the acceptance or rejection of levirate marriage as a whole and adaptations to the biblical institution. This analysis demonstrates the disparity between the rabbinic discourse, the Christian and Roman rulings, and the theological and exegetical discourse. It shows how Christians remodeled their biblical heritage according to Greek and Roman legal concepts, namely the Roman adoption and the Greekepiklerate, and treated it as part of inheritance law and child-parent relationships, whereas the rabbis used different adaptations and treated it as part of matrimonial law and sexual relationships. This discussion therefore recontextualizes the legal discourse, positioning the Christian approach to levirate marriage as a complex case of legal transplant and adaptation of a legal heritage.
M 1–92 revisited: the chemistry of a common envelope nebula?
Authors: Alcolea Javier , Agúndez Marcelino , Bujarrabal Valentín , Castro Carrizo Arancha , Desmurs Jean-François , Sánchez-Contreras Carmen , Santander-García Miguel
Published: January 2020

We report on new molecular-line observations of the bipolar pre-planetary nebula M 1–92. The new IRAM 30 m MRT and NOEMA data shows the presence of shock induced chemistry in the nebula. From the derived [17O]/[18O] ratio, we suggest that the sudden mass loss event responsible for the formation of the nebula 1200 yr ago may also have resulted in the premature end of the AGB phase of the central star.
Binary evolution and double sequences of blue stragglers in globular clusters
Authors: Jiang Dengkai , Chen Xuefei , Li Lifang , Han Zhanwen
Published: January 2020

Binary evolution can produce different blue-straggler binaries, for example, blue stragglers with a bright, red component, or with a faint, blue component. In globular clusters, these blue-straggler binaries are generally observed as a single star, because two components can not be distinguished. Therefore, these blue-straggler binaries can be located in different regions of the color-magnitude diagram of globular clusters, e.g. blue sequence and red sequence observed in M30. We suggest that binary evolution can contribute to the blue stragglers in both of the sequences. Some blue stragglers in the blue sequence may have a faint white dwarf companion, while the red sequence includes some binaries experiencing mass transfer. It should be noted that the red sequence may also have other binaries, for example, the binaries just finished the mass transfer, and the binaries including a blue straggler (the accretors) that have evolved away from the blue sequence.
Populations of accreting white dwarfs
Authors: Chen Hai-Liang , Woods Tyrone E. , Yungelson Lev , Gilfanov Marat , Han Zhanwen
Published: January 2020

Using a hybrid binary population synthesis approach, we modelled the formation and evolution of populations of accreting white dwarfs (WDs) for differing star formation histories. We found that the delay time distribution of SNe Ia in the single degenerate scenario is inconsistent with observations. Additionally, we found that our predicted X-ray and UV emission of populations of accreting WDs are consistent with the X-ray luminosities of early-type galaxies observed by Chandra and the HeII 4686 Å/Hβ line ratio measured in stacked SDSS spectra of passively evolving galaxies. Moreover, we found that the majority of current novae in elliptical-like galaxies have low-mass WDs, long decay times, long recurrence periods and are relatively faint. In contrast, the majority of current novae in spiral-like galaxies have massive WDs, short decay times, short recurrence periods and are relatively bright. Our predicted distribution of mass-loss timescales in an M31-like galaxy is consistent with observations for Andromeda.
Kepler K2: A Search for Very Red Stellar Objects
Authors: Hartig E. , Hinkle K. H. , Lebzelter T.
Published: January 2020

Analyzing 41 targets data of the Kepler K2 Campaign 2 mission suspected to be Long Period Variables (LPVs), we developed a method for the prediction of periods longer than the observation period of 77.48d using the 3500 data points provided by K2. The ‘Self-Flat-Field’ method (K2SFF or SFF) of the ‘ Kepler K2 High Level Science Product’ (K2HLSP) corrected the instrumental effects best.
The Impact of AGB Stars on Galaxies
Authors: Boyer Martha L.
Published: January 2020

At the end of their evolution, asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars undergo strong pulsation, mass loss, and dust production. Their mass loss results in substantial chemical and dust enrichment of the interstellar medium. Dust evolution models and isotope abundances in presolar grains suggest that AGB stars play a key role in both dust evolution and the star formation process. They are also the brightest stars in galaxies, potentially dominating in the near-infrared. As a result, AGB stars have a significant influence on the evolution and appearance of their host galaxies and thus must be accounted for when interpreting a galaxy’s integrated light. I will highlight new results that describe the impact AGB stars have on galaxies, including how AGB stars are used to probe galaxy evolution.
The End: Witnessing the Death of Extreme Carbon Stars
Authors: Sloan G. C. , Kraemer K. E. , McDonald I. , Zijlstra A. A.
Published: January 2020

A Last affiliation changed 3 to 4 against MS. Please check and confirm if it is fine. small number of the sample of 184 carbon stars in the Magellanic Clouds show signs that they are in the act of evolving off of the asymptotic giant branch. Most carbon stars grow progressively redder in all infrared colors and develop stronger pulsation amplitudes as their circumstellar dust shells become optically thicker. The reddest sources, however, have unexpectedly low pulsation amplitudes, and some even show blue excesses that could point to deviations from spherical symmetry as they eject the last of their envelopes. Previously, all dusty carbon-rich AGB stars have been labeled “extreme,” but that term should be reserved for the truly extreme carbon stars. These objects may well hold the clues needed to disentangle what actually happens when a star ejects the last of its envelope and evolves off of the AGB.
AGB stars in Gaia DR2
Authors: Lebzelter Thomas , Mowlavi Nami , Marigo Paola , Lecoeur-Taibi Isabelle , Trabucchi Michele , Pastorelli Giada , Wood Peter ,   Collaboration
Published: January 2020

Gaia Data Release 2 (DR2; April 25, 2018) provides astrometric and photometric data for more than a billion stars - among them many AGB stars. As part of DR2 the light curves of several hundreds of thousand variable stars, including many long-period variable (LPV) candidates, are made available. The publication of the light curves and LPV-specific attributes in addition to the standard DR2 products offers a unique opportunity to study AGB stars. In this contribution, we present the first results for AGB stars based on the analysis of the Gaia data performed after their release. As an immediate result of the Gaia DR2 LPV database we introduce a new photometric index capable of efficiently distinguishing AGB stars of different masses and chemical properties.
Metallic Line Doubling in the Spectra of the Variable Star R Scuti
Authors: Chafouai K. , Benhida A. , Sefyani F. , Ghout A. , Benkhaldoun Z. , Mathias P. , Gillet D. , El Jariri Y.
Published: January 2020

In this work, we present spectroscopic results of the variable star R Scuti, obtained during the campaign of measures led in 2016 at the Oukaimeden observatory in Morrocco. High resolution spectra (R ≍ 12 000) were obtained between 4289 Å and 7125 Å. This intensive observing campaign spanned over 26 nights from June to November 2016.
The discovery of an asymmetric detached shell around the “fresh” carbon AGB star TX Psc
Authors: Brunner M. , Mečina M. , Maercker M. , Dorfi E. A. , Kerschbaum F. , Olofsson H. , Rau G.
Published: January 2020

We present ALMA observations of the circumstellar envelope around the AGB carbon star TX Psc in molecular CO(2–1) emission, and detect a previously unknown detached shell with filamentary structure and elliptical shape. Up to now, all observed detached shells are found around carbon AGB stars and are of remarkable spherical symmetry. The elliptical shell around TX Psc is the first clear exception to that rule, with TX Psc being classified as rather ’’fresh’’ carbon star, that most likely has only experienced very few thermal pulses yet. We investigate and discuss the 3D structure of the CSE and its most likely formation scenarios, as well as the link of this peculiar detached shell to the AGB evolutionary status of TX Psc.
Morpho-Kinematics of the Circumstellar Environments around Post-AGB Stars
Authors: Ueta Toshiya , Izumiura Hideyuki , Yamamura Issei , Otsuka Masaaki
Published: January 2020

We observed two proto-planetary nebulae, HD 56126 representing a source with an elliptical circumstellar shell, and IRAS 16594−4656 representing a source with a bipolar circumstellar shell, with ALMA in the 12CO and 13CO J=3−2 lines and neighboring continuum to see how the morpho-kinematics of CO gas and dust emission properties in their circumstellar environments differ.
Herschel Planetary Nebula Survey Plus (HerPlaNS+)
Authors: Ueta Toshiya , Aleman Isabel , Otsuka Masaaki , Exter Katrina ,   the HerPlaNS consortium
Published: January 2020

We present the current status update of the Herschel Planetary Nebula Survey Plus project (HerPlaNS+) based on the original General Observer HerPlaNS survey program during the OT1 cycle and the follow-up exhaustive archival search of PN observations using the PACS and SPIRE instruments on-board the Herschel Space Observatory.
Understanding jets in post-AGB close binaries
Authors: Bollen Dylan , Kamath Devika , Van Winckel Hans , De Marco Orsola
Published: January 2020

We have discovered jets in post-AGB binaries. The orbital motion allows us to carry out tomography of the jet as light from the primary star shines through the jet cone. Jets play a major role in many astrophysical environments, from young stellar objects to galaxies. They are also used to study the energetics of accretion phenomena in systems such as red transients and stellar mergers. We use high-resolution, optical, time-series spectra to constrain theories of jet launching, and the impact of jets on the evolution of these post-AGB binaries.
Accretion in common envelope evolution
Authors: Chamandy Luke , Frank Adam , Blackman Eric G. , Carroll-Nellenback Jonathan , Liu Baowei , Tu Yisheng , Nordhaus Jason , Chen Zhuo , Peng Bo
Published: January 2020

Common envelope evolution (CEE) occurs in some binary systems involving asymptotic giant branch (AGB) or red giant branch (RGB) stars, and understanding this process is crucial for understanding the origins of various transient phenomena. CEE has been shown to be highly asymmetrical and global 3D simulations are needed to help understand the dynamics. We perform and analyze hydrodynamic CEE simulations with the adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) code AstroBEAR, and focus on the role of accretion onto the companion star. We bracket the range of accretion rates by comparing a model that removes mass and pressure using a subgrid accretion prescription with one that does not. Provided a pressure-release valve, such as a bipolar jet, is available, super-Eddington accretion could be common. Finally, we summarize new results pertaining to the energy budget, and discuss the overall implications relating to the feasibility of unbinding the envelope in CEE simulations.