bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Tsushima leopard cat exhibits extremely low genetic diversity compared with the Korean Amur leopard cat: Implications for conservation
Authors: Ito Hideyuki , Inoue-Murayama Miho
Published: July 2019

We examined genetic diversity of the wild Tsushima leopard cat—a regional population of the Amur leopard cat—using microsatellite markers. In addition, we compared genetic diversity of the Tsushima leopard cat with that of the Korean population of Amur leopard cat. Although bias should be considered when applying cross-species amplification, the Tsushima leopard cat showed a lower index of molecular genetic diversity than did the Korean population. These results were consistent with those obtained using other genetic markers, such as mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome sequences. This low genetic diversity of the wild Tsushima leopard cat may be derived from the founding population. Furthermore, our results suggest that the captive populations held in Japanese zoos may show extremely low genetic diversity, leading to difficulties in genetic management of the Tsushima leopard cat. Moreover, the two regional populations were clearly separated using these marker sets. In the present study, we demonstrated that the genetic diversity of the Tsushima leopard cat is extremely low compared with that of the continental regional population. Importantly, the Japanese captive population forex situconservation was derived from a founding population with extremely low genetic diversity; hence, we assume that both the captive and wild populations showed extremely low genetic diversities. Our findings emphasize the need to develop carefully considered management strategies for genetic conservation.
Herbivore corridors sustain genetic footprint in plant populations: a case for Spanish drove roads
Authors: García-Fernández Alfredo , Manzano Pablo , Seoane Javier , Azcárate Francisco M. , Iriondo Jose M. , Peco Begoña
Published: July 2019

Habitat fragmentation is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem productivity mediated by direct human impact. Its consequences include genetic depauperation, comprising phenomena such as inbreeding depression or reduction in genetic diversity. While the capacity of wild and domestic herbivores to sustain long-distance seed dispersal has been proven, the impact of herbivore corridors in plant population genetics remains to be observed. We conducted this study in the Conquense Drove Road in Spain, where sustained use by livestock over centuries has involved transhumant herds passing twice a year en route to winter and summer pastures. We compared genetic diversity and inbreeding coefficients ofPlantago lagopuspopulations along the drove road with populations in the surrounding agricultural matrix, at varying distances from human settlements. We observed significant differences in coefficients of inbreeding between the drove road and the agricultural matrix, as well as significant trends indicative of higher genetic diversity and population nestedness around human settlements. Trends for higher genetic diversity along drove roads may be present, although they were only marginally significant due to the available sample size. Our results illustrate a functional landscape with human settlements as dispersal hotspots, while the findings along the drove road confirm its role as a pollinator reservoir observed in other studies. Drove roads may possibly also function as linear structures that facilitate long-distance dispersal across the agricultural matrix, while localP. lagopuspopulations depend rather on short-distance seed dispersal. These results highlight the role of herbivore corridors for conserving the migration capacity of plants, and contribute towards understanding the role of seed dispersal and the spread of invasive species related to human activities.
Predicting the potential distribution of the Asian citrus psyllid,Diaphorina citri(Kuwayama), in China using the MaxEnt model
Authors: Wang Rulin , Yang Hua , Luo Wei , Wang Mingtian , Lu Xingli , Huang Tingting , Zhao Jinpeng , Li Qing
Published: July 2019

Background

Citrus huanglongbing (HLB) is a destructive disease of citrus and a major threat to the citrus industry around the world. This disease accounts for substantial economic losses in China every year.Diaphorina citriKuwayama is one of the major vectors by which citrus HLB is spread under natural conditions in China. Research is needed to identify the geographic distribution ofD. citriand its major areas of occurrence and to formulate measures for early warning, monitoring, and control of this pest and citrus HLB.

Methods

In this study, the ecological niche modelling software MaxEnt (maximum entropy model) was combined with ArcGIS (a geographic information system) to predict the potential geographic distribution ofD. citriin China. Key environmental factors and the appropriate ranges of their values were also investigated.

Results

Our results show that the training data provided a good forecast (AUCmean= 0.988). The highly suitable areas forD. citriin China are mainly concentrated to the south of the Yangtze River, and the total area is 139.83 × 104km2. The area of the moderately suitable areas is 27.71 × 104km2, with a narrower distribution than that of the highly suitable area. The important environmental factors affecting the distribution ofD. citriwere min temperature of coldest month, mean temperature of coldest quarter, precipitation of wettest quarter, mean temperature of warmest quarter, precipitation of warmest quarter, max temperature of warmest month, and temperature seasonality. These results provide a valuable theoretical basis for risk assessments and control ofD. citri.

Discussion

The predicted results showed that there were highly suitable areas forD. citriin Chongqing, Hubei, Anhui, and Jiangsu. Therefore, the possibility exists for the further spread ofD. citriin China in the future. Extreme temperature variables, especially the min temperature of the coldest month, play an important role in the distribution ofD. citriand are most closely related to the distribution ofD. citri.
Difficulties in the Incorporation of Augmented Reality in University Education: Visions from the Experts
Authors: Barroso-Osuna Julio , Gutiérrez-Castillo Juan Jesús , Llorente-Cejudo Mªdel Carmen , Ortiz Rubicelia Valencia
Published: July 2019

“Augmented reality” (AR) is presented as technology that harmonizes, in real time and with user collaboration, digital information with physical information through different technological supports. Such are AR possibilities, that when it is incorporated into teaching, students show high satisfaction rates and positive attitudes for its use, but at the same time, a series of limitations and obstacles can be noticed. As an attempt to investigate the technical, curricular and organizational difficulties of AR incorporation in training contexts, an instrument “AR obstacle questionnaire” (CORA) was designed, which in turn was administered to a total of 264 subject experts for validation through the Delphi method, subsequently applying the “K coefficient” (
$${\rm{K = }}{1 \over 2}$$
Kc (knowledge coefficient) + Ka (argumentation coefficient)), selecting those experts who obtained a ≥ 0,8 score in the coefficient. Among the results obtained in the study we manage to point out the main obstacles involving AR implementation into university education: the lack of teacher training and improvement, the few educational experiences found, lack of conceptual foundation, limited educational research and lack of institutional support.
Com-educational Platforms: Creativity and Community for Learning
Authors: Sánchez-López Iván , Pérez-Rodríguez Amor , Fandos-Igado Manuel
Published: July 2019

Education is at a time of redefinition and transformation, in line with an era characterized by considerable technological development and profound social changes. One would expect it to be accompanied by a media context in which narrative models are transformed by the impact of digitalization, affecting student-teacher interactions. However, it has been observed that the media usage of an entire generation emphasizes the gap between formal education and young people’s everyday digital life. Within this framework, and at the international level, a series of innovative pedagogical proposals have emerged, which approach education from the field of communication: Minecraft Education, NFB Education, Educ’Arte, Scratch and 7 de Cinema. We have called them com-educational platforms, because of their investment in the education-communication vector, based on an educommunicative idea. The proposed study implements a multimodal discourse analysis (MDA) to gain an in-depth knowledge of its characteristics. Beyond their individual idiosyncrasies, our analysis reveals a common central feature: the placement of community-creativity combination as the core phenomenon for learning.
Cramér-Rao Bound of Direction Finding Using Uniform Arc Arrays
Authors: Nyokabi Veronicah , Kitavi Dominic Makaa , Ngari Cyrus Gitonga
Published: July 2019

Direction-of-Arrival estimation accuracy using arc array geometry is considered in this paper.There is a scanty use of Uniform Arc Array (UAA) in conjunction with Cramer-Rao bound (CRB)for Direction-of-Arrival estimation. This paper proposed to use Uniform Arc Array formed from a considered Uniform Circular Array (UCA) in conjunction with CRB for Direction-of-Arrival estimation. This Uniform Arc Array is obtained by squeezing all sensors on the Uniform Circular Array circumference uniformly onto the Arc Array. Cramer-Rao bounds for the Uniform Arc Array and that of the Uniform Circular Array are derived. Comparison of performance of the Uniform Circular Array and Uniform Arc Array is done. It was observed that Uniform Arc Array has better estimation accuracy as compared to Uniform Circular Array when number of sensors equals four and ve and azimuth angle ranging between $$\frac{\pi}{9}~ and ~\frac{7}{18}\pi~ and~ also ~\frac{10}{9}\pi ~and ~\frac{25}{18}\pi$$. However, UCA and UAA have equal performance when the number of sensors equals three and the azimuth angle ranging between 0 and 2π. UCA has better estimation accuracy as compared to UAA when the number of sensors equals four and ve and the azimuth angle ranging between 

$$\frac{\pi}{2} ~and~ \pi ~and ~also~ \frac{3}{2}\pi ~and~ 2\pi$$
Molecular determinants of complex formation between DNA and the AT‐rich interaction domain of BAF250a
Authors: Maulik Aditi , Giri Malyasree , Singh Mahavir
Published: July 2019

AT‐rich interaction domain (ARID)‐containing BAF250a protein is a central DNA‐binding subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin‐remodeling complex. ARIDs are found in several eukaryotic proteins that play roles in different aspects of cellular physiology. However, despite their biological importance, ARIDs remain relatively uncharacterized for their dynamics and DNA binding. Here, we have probed the structure and DNA‐binding properties of BAF250a ARID. We show that the core BAF250a ARID interacts with DNA sequences with low micromolar affinities. NMR chemical shift perturbation (CSP) results reveal a number of conserved residues in ARID that are involved in DNA binding. An NMR CSP‐based docking model of ARID–DNA complexes reveals that BAF250a ARID possesses necessary determinants of specific DNA binding.
Wafer‐Scale Fabrication of Conducting Polymer Hydrogels for Microelectrodes and Flexible Bioelectronics
Authors: Kleber Carolin , Lienkamp Karen , Rühe Jürgen , Asplund Maria
Published: July 2019

Future‐oriented directions in neural interface technologies point towards the development of multimodal devices that combine different functionalities such as neural stimulation, neurotransmitter sensing, and drug release within one platform. Conducting polymer hydrogels (CPHs) are suggested as materials for the coating of standard metal electrodes to add functionalities such as local delivery of therapeutic drugs. However, to make such coatings truly useful for multimodal devices, it is necessary to develop process technologies that allow the micropatterning of CPHs onto selected electrode sites. In this study, a wafer‐scale fabrication procedure is presented, which is used to coat the CPH, based on the hydrogel P(DMAA‐co‐5%MABP‐co‐2,5%SSNa) and the conducting polymer poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), onto flexible neural probes. The resulting material has favorable properties for the generation of recording electrodes and in addition offers a convenient platform for biofunctionalization. By controlling the PEDOT content within the hydrogel matrix, charge injection limits of up to 3.7 mC cm−2 are obtained. Long‐term stability is tested by immersing coated samples in phosphate‐buffered saline solution at 37 °C for 1 year. Non‐cytotoxicity of the coatings is confirmed with a direct cell culture test using a fluorescent neuroblastoma cell line.
SnTe@MnO2‐SP Nanosheet–Based Intelligent Nanoplatform for Second Near‐Infrared Light–Mediated Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Zhang Hanjie , Zeng Weiwei , Pan Chao , Feng Liwen , Ou Meitong , Zeng Xiaowei , Liang Xin , Wu Meiying , Ji Xiaoyuan , Mei Lin
Published: July 2019

Near infrared light, especially the second near‐infrared light (NIR II) biowindows with deep penetration and high sensitivity are widely used for optical diagnosis and phototherapy. Here, a novel kind of 2D SnTe@MnO2‐SP nanosheet (NS)‐based nanoplatform is developed for cancer theranostics with NIR II‐mediated precise optical imaging and effective photothermal ablation of mouse xenografted tumors. The 2D SnTe@MnO2‐SP NSs are fabricated via a facile method combining ball‐milling and liquid exfoliation for synthesis of SnTe NSs, and surface coating MnO2 shell and soybean phospholipid (SP). The ultrathin SnTe@MnO2‐SP NSs reveal notably high photothermal conversion efficiency (38.2% in NIR I and 43.9% in NIR II). The SnTe@MnO2‐SP NSs inherently feature tumor microenvironment (TME)‐responsive biodegradability, and the main metabolite TeO32− shows great antitumor effect, coupling synergetic chemotherapy for cancer. Moreover, the SnTe@MnO2‐SP NSs also exhibit great potential for fluorescence, photoacoustic (PA), and photothermal imaging agents in the NIR II biowindow with much higher resolution and sensitivity. This is the first report, as far as is known, with such an inorganic nanoagent setting fluorescence/PA/photothermal imaging and photothermal therapy in NIR II biowindow and TME‐responsive biodegradability rolled into one, which provide insight into the clinical potential for cancer theranostics.
Highly Conductive Ferroelectric Cellulose Composite Papers for Efficient Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Oh Hwisu , Kwak Sung Soo , Kim Bosung , Han Eunju , Lim Guh‐Hwan , Kim Sang‐Woo , Lim Byungkwon
Published: July 2019

Paper‐based electronics has attracted growing interest owing to many advantages of papers including low‐cost, abundance, flexibility, biocompatibility, and environmental friendliness. Despite recent progress in paper electronics, however, development of a high‐performance paper‐based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), which is a power‐generating device that converts mechanical energy into electric energy by coupling triboelectrification and electrostatic induction, remains a challenge mainly due to weak electron‐donating tendency of cellulose‐based papers. In this work, highly conductive ferroelectric cellulose composite papers containing silver nanowires and BaTiO3 nanoparticles are fabricated, and their successful application for realizing a large‐area TENG with enhanced electrical output performance is demonstrated. It is found that triboelectric charge generation on the ferroelectric cellulose composite paper can be promoted by simple poling treatment, which significantly enhances TENG performance. The ferroelectric cellulose composite paper–based TENG exhibits an electrical output performance that surpasses those of aluminum‐based and pristine cellulose–based TENGs by more than two times, as well as outstanding output stability without a noticeable degradation in performance during 10 000 cycles of a repeated pushing test. The work demonstrates the great potential of multifunctional cellulose‐based papers for TENG and other self‐powered electronic applications.
Self‐Catalyzed Growth of Co, N‐Codoped CNTs on Carbon‐Encased CoSx Surface: A Noble‐Metal‐Free Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalyst for Flexible Solid Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Lu Qian , Yu Jie , Zou Xiaohong , Liao Kaiming , Tan Peng , Zhou Wei , Ni Meng , Shao Zongping
Published: July 2019

The self‐catalyzed growth of nanostructures on material surfaces is one of the most time‐ and cost‐effective ways to design multifunctional catalysts for a wide range of applications. Herein, the use of this technique to develop a multicomponent composite catalyst with CoSx
core encapsulated in an ultrathin porous carbon shell entangled with Co, N‐codoped carbon nanotubes is reported. The as‐prepared catalyst has a superior catalytic activity for oxygen evolution and oxygen reduction reactions, an ultralow potential gap of 0.74 V, and outstanding durability, surpassing most previous reports. Such superiority is ascribed, in part, to the unique 3D electrode architecture of the composite, which is favorable for transporting oxygen species and electrons and creates a synergy between the components with different functionalities. Moreover, the flexible solid Zn–air battery assembled with such an air electrode shows a steady discharge voltage plateau of 1.25 V and a round‐trip efficiency of 70% at 1 mA cm−2. This work presents a simple strategy to design highly efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts and may pave the way for the practical application of these materials in many energy conversion/storage devices.
Emergence of the Vortex State in Confined Ferroelectric Heterostructures
Authors: Hsu Shang‐Lin , McCarter Margaret R. , Dai Cheng , Hong Zijian , Chen Long‐Qing , Nelson Christopher T. , Martin Lane W. , Ramesh Ramamoorthy
Published: July 2019

The manipulation of charge and lattice degrees of freedom in atomically precise, low‐dimensional ferroelectric superlattices can lead to exotic polar structures, such as a vortex state. The role of interfaces in the evolution of the vortex state in these superlattices (and the associated electrostatic and elastic boundary conditions they produce) has remained unclear. Here, the toroidal state, arranged in arrays of alternating clockwise/counterclockwise polar vortices, in a confined SrTiO3/PbTiO3/SrTiO3 trilayer is investigated. By utilizing a combination of transmission electron microscopy, synchrotron‐based X‐ray diffraction, and phase‐field modeling, the phase transition as a function of layer thickness (number of unit cells) demonstrates how the vortex state emerges from the ferroelectric state by varying the thickness of the confined PbTiO3 layer. Intriguingly, the vortex state arises at head‐to‐head domain boundaries in ferroelectric a1/a2 twin structures. In turn, by varying the total number of PbTiO3 layers (moving from trilayer to superlattices), it is possible to manipulate the long‐range interactions among multiple confined PbTiO3 layers to stabilize the vortex state. This work provides a new understanding of how the different energies work together to produce this exciting new state of matter and can contribute to the design of novel states and potential memory applications.
Leveraging of MEMS Technologies for Optical Metamaterials Applications
Authors: Ren Zhihao , Chang Yuhua , Ma Yiming , Shih Kailing , Dong Bowei , Lee Chengkuo
Published: July 2019

Tunable metamaterial devices have experienced explosive growth in the past decades, driving the traditional electromagnetic (EM) devices to evolve into diversified functionalities by manipulating EM properties such as amplitude, frequency, phase, polarization, and propagation direction. However, one of the bottlenecks of these rapidly developed metamaterials technologies is limited tunability caused by the intrinsic frequency‐dependent property of exotic tunable material. To overcome such limitation, the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) enabling micro/nanoscale manipulation is developed to actively control “meta‐atom” in terahertz and infrared region, which brings frequency‐scalable tunability and complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor‐compatible functional meta‐devices. Beyond tunability, novel chemical sensing platforms of molecular identification and dynamic monitoring of the biochemical process can be achieved by integrating micro/nanofluidics channels with metamaterial resonators. Additionally, incorporating metamaterial absorbers with MEMS resonators brings another research interest in MEMS zero‐power devices and radiation sensors. Furthermore, moving from 2D metasurfaces to 3D metamaterials, enhanced EM properties like novel resonance mode, giant chirality, and 3D manipulation reinforce the application in biochemical and physical sensors as well as functional meta‐devices, paving the way to realize multi‐functional sensing and signal processing on a hybrid smart‐sensor microsystem for booming healthcare, environmental monitoring, and the Internet of Things applications.
Terahertz Biochemical Molecule‐Specific Sensors
Authors: Seo Minah , Park Hyeong‐Ryeol
Published: July 2019

The terahertz (THz) spectrum is the focus of basic research in solid‐state physics, chemistry, and materials science as well as applications in next‐generation communications, far‐infrared bolometer, bio/chemical‐sensing, and medical imaging. This wavelength range is at the intersection between photonics and electronics, presenting tremendous opportunities to boost fundamental light–matter interactions enabled by plasmonic nanostructures, metamaterials, and inherent molecular vibrational modes, which occur on time scales of tens of femtoseconds to picoseconds. Recently, engineered metamaterials have presented unique platforms for sensing applications due to their ability to boost such light–matter interactions on the nanoscale and to their spectral selectivity in a wide range from the mid‐infrared to the THz region. Their resonant response can be tuned to that of the intra‐ and intermolecular vibrational modes of target bio/chemical molecules. The emerging fields of highly sensitive and selective mid‐infrared and THz spectroscopies based on metamaterials and plasmonic nanostructures are reviewed. Furthermore, practical applications of these next generation spectroscopic sensors are also discussed, where the sensor platforms will lead to a great impact in the advancement of ultrasmall‐quantity detection of explosives, nondestructive inspection of hazardous materials, food safety, and conformational dynamics of biomolecules in their aqueous environment.
Quasi‐Harmonic Lattice Dynamics of a Prototypical Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Ryder Matthew R. , Maul Jefferson , Civalleri Bartolomeo , Erba Alessandro
Published: July 2019

Quasi‐harmonic lattice‐dynamical calculations are performed to investigate the combined effect of temperature and pressure on the structural and mechanical properties of a prototypical metal–organic framework material: MOF‐5. The softening upon compression of an phonon mode at the Γ point in the high‐symmetry F structure is identified, which leads to a symmetry reduction and a group–subgroup phase transition to a low‐symmetry F phase for compressions larger than 0.8%. The effect of the symmetry reduction on the equation‐of‐state of MOF‐5 is investigated, which provides a static bulk modulus K reducing from 17 to 14 GPa and a corresponding change of (pressure derivative of K) from positive to negative. The effect of pressure on the negative thermal expansion of the framework and on its mechanical response is analyzed. The evolution of the mechanical anisotropy of MOF‐5 as a function of pressure is also determined, which allows identifying the occurrence of a shear‐induced mechanical instability at 0.45 GPa.
Fine‐Tunable and Injectable 3D Hydrogel for On‐Demand Stem Cell Niche
Authors: Hong Ki Hyun , Kim Young‐Min , Song Soo‐Chang
Published: July 2019

Stem‐cell‐based tissue engineering requires increased stem cell retention, viability, and control of differentiation. The use of biocompatible scaffolds encapsulating stem cells typically addresses the first two problems. To achieve control of stem cell fate, fine‐tuned biocompatible scaffolds with bioactive molecules are necessary. However, given that the fine‐tuning of stem cell scaffolds is associated with UV irradiation and in situ scaffold gelation, this process is in conflict with injectability. Herein, a fine‐tunable and injectable 3D hydrogel system is developed with the use of thermosensitive poly(organophosphazene) bearing β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD PPZ) and two types of adamantane‐peptides (Ad‐peptides) that are associated with mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation and that serve as stoichiometrically controlled pendants for fine‐tuning. Given that complexation of hosts and guests subject to strict stoichiometric control is achieved with simple mixing, these fabricated hydrogels exhibit well‐aligned, fine‐tuning responses, even in living animals. Injection of MSCs in fine‐tuned hydrogels also results in various chondrogenic differentiation levels at three weeks postinjection. This is attributed to the differential controls of Ad‐peptides, if MSC preconditioning is excluded. Eventually, the fine‐tunable and injectable 3D hydrogel could be applied as platform technology by simply switching the types of peptides bearing adamantane and their stoichiometry.
Li–Ti Cation Mixing Enhanced Structural and Performance Stability of Li‐Rich Layered Oxide
Authors: Liu Shuai , Liu Zepeng , Shen Xi , Wang Xuelong , Liao Sheng‐Chieh , Yu Richeng , Wang Zhaoxiang , Hu Zhiwei , Chen Chien‐Te , Yu Xiqian , Yang Xiaoqing , Chen Liquan
Published: July 2019

Li‐rich layered metal oxides are one type of the most promising cathode materials in lithium‐ion batteries but suffer from severe voltage decay during cycling because of the continuous transition metal (TM) migration into the Li layers. A Li‐rich layered metal oxide Li1.2Ti0.26Ni0.18Co0.18Mn0.18O2 (LTR) is hereby designed, in which some of the Ti4+ cations are intrinsically present in the Li layers. The native Li–Ti cation mixing structure enhances the tolerance for structural distortion and inhibits the migration of the TM ions in the TMO2 slabs during (de)lithiation. Consequently, LTR exhibits a remarkable cycling stability of 97% capacity retention after 182 cycles, and the average discharge potential drops only 90 mV in 100 cycles. In‐depth studies by electron energy loss spectroscopy and aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy demonstrate the Li–Ti mixing structure. The charge compensation mechanism is uncovered with X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and explained with the density function theory calculations. These results show the superiority of introducing transition metal ions into the Li layers in reinforcing the structural stability of the Li‐rich layered metal oxides. These findings shed light on a possible path to the development of Li‐rich materials with better potential retention and a longer lifespan.
The efficacy and safety of two commercial house dust mite extracts for allergic rhinitis: a head‐to‐head study
Authors: Li Jie , Wu Yuying , Yang Yongshi , Huang Nan , Li Wenjing , Zhang Shuchen , Jiang Qing , Yang Lin , Zhu Rongfei
Published: July 2019

Background

Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of house dust mite (HDM) immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis (AR). We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of 2 commercial HDM extracts in a Chinese AR population.

Methods

This was an open‐label study. HDM‐associated AR patients were randomized into Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) extracts (Alutard SQ; ALK, Hørsholm, Denmark) and Dp/Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) extracts (NovoHelisen Depot [NHD]; Allergopharma, Reinbek, Germany) groups. All patients received subcutaneous injections for 1 year, and were followed every 3 months during that 1‐year period. Symptom score, medication score, and adverse reactions were recorded. The primary endpoint was the total combined symptom and medication score (CSMS) during the efficacy evaluation period. Blood samples were taken for specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), IgG4, and IgE‐blocking factor tests at baseline and after the 1‐year treatment.

Results

A total of 230 AR patients were randomized; 29 patients dropped out. Analysis of the primary endpoint demonstrated significant reductions in CSMS of 1.8 vs 3.1 (p < 0.001) in the Alutard group and 1.8 vs 3.3 (p < 0.001) in the NHD group compared with baseline. The 2 groups presented equal effectiveness with regard to CSMS, symptom score, and medication score (p > 0.05). The treatment was well tolerated in both groups; 17 (14.8%) patients experienced systemic reactions (SRs) in the Alutard group and 13 (11.3%) in the NHD group. The rates of SRs showed no difference in the 2 groups (p > 0.05), and no anaphylaxis occurred. IgG4 and IgE‐blocking factor to Dp and Df were increased significantly in both groups after the 1‐year treatment.

Conclusion

Our study confirmed the equal efficacy and safety profile of both commercial extracts in HDM‐associated AR patients.
Degradation studies of quetiapine fumarate by liquid chromatography–diode array detection and tandem mass spectrometry methods
Authors: de Diego Marta , Campos Cristóbal , Correa Diana , Mennickent Sigrid , Godoy Ricardo , Vergara Carola
Published: July 2019

Quetiapine fumarate (QUE) is an antipsychotic agent with a chemical structure that is susceptible to degradation; therefore, it is important to study its stability using appropriate analytical tools. Knowledge of the stability profile of a drug is important because chemical degradation of its active component often results in a loss of potency, affecting its efficacy and safety. This current work reports degradation studies of QUE as drug substance, under different stress conditions such as oxidation, hydrolysis, heat, humidity and photolysis, by a stability‐indicating LC method. The chemical stability was evaluated using a simple HPLC/diode array detection method, with a core‐shell C18 column under isocratic conditions, which allows the separation of all primary degradation products (DPs) in a short run time. QUE was mainly degraded under oxidative and hydrolytic conditions, with the formation of three and two DPs, respectively, which were identified by electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry. The method was properly validated in terms of linearity, accuracy, precision, selectivity, robustness and quantitation limit. Commercial tablets containing 25 mg of QUE were quantified, with results obtained within the United States Pharmacopeia limits. The proposed method is suitable to assess the stability and perform routine analysis of QUE in pharmaceutical samples.
Psychological and physiological effects of viewing a money plant by older adults
Authors: Hassan Ahmad , Qibing Chen , Yinggao Liu , Tao Jiang , Li Guo , Jiang Mingyan , Nian Li , Bing‐Yang Lv
Published: July 2019

Background

Observing plants can induce neurophysiological responses that can alleviate stress and reduce anxiety. However, few studies have examined such effects in older adults.

Methods

The physiological and psychological effects of observing nature (visual observation of a money plant) on 50 older Chinese women (age range: 58–90 years, SD: 8.5 years) were investigated. The participants observed a healthy money plant in a planter for 5 min; the lack of presence of a plant was used as a control. Physiological measurements were assessed using electroencephalography, and the STAI was used as a psychological assessment.

Results

After a 5‐min observation of a money plant as compared with the control condition, systolic blood pressure significantly decreased, variations in both high alpha and high beta brainwaves were found, and psychological measurements revealed lower anxiety scores.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that viewing a money plant for 5 min may enhance both psychological and physiological relaxation in older adults.
Patient‐based prediction algorithm of relapse after allo‐HSCT for acute Leukemia and its usefulness in the decision‐making process using a machine learning approach
Authors: Fuse Kyoko , Uemura Shun , Tamura Suguru , Suwabe Tatsuya , Katagiri Takayuki , Tanaka Tomoyuki , Ushiki Takashi , Shibasaki Yasuhiko , Sato Naoko , Yano Toshio , Kuroha Takashi , Hashimoto Shigeo , Furukawa Tatsuo , Narita Miwako , Sone Hirohito , Masuko Masayoshi
Published: July 2019

Although allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) is a curative therapy for high‐risk acute leukemia (AL), some patients still relapse. Since patients simultaneously have many prognostic factors, difficulties are associated with the construction of a patient‐based prediction algorithm of relapse. The alternating decision tree (ADTree) is a successful classification method that combines decision trees with the predictive accuracy of boosting. It is a component of machine learning (ML) and has the capacity to simultaneously analyze multiple factors. Using ADTree, we attempted to construct a prediction model of leukemia relapse within 1 year of transplantation. With the model of training data (n = 148), prediction accuracy, the AUC of ROC, and the κ‐statistic value were 78.4%, 0.746, and 0.508, respectively. The false positive rate (FPR) of the relapse prediction was as low as 0.134. In an evaluation of the model with validation data (n = 69), prediction accuracy, AUC, and FPR of the relapse prediction were similar at 71.0%, 0.667, and 0.216, respectively. These results suggest that the model is generalized and highly accurate. Furthermore, the output of ADTree may visualize the branch point of treatment. For example, the selection of donor types resulted in different relapse predictions. Therefore, clinicians may change treatment options by referring to the model, thereby improving outcomes. The present results indicate that ML, such as ADTree, will contribute to the decision‐making process in the diversified allo‐HSCT field and be useful for preventing the relapse of leukemia.
Chief looks to be collaborative within and outside the campus force
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: July 2019

Chief Mary Ritayik's rise from patrol officer to the top position in the police department at the State University of New York New Paltz was marked by several opportunities arriving unexpectedly over two decades. Arguably the most pivotal one came when a new chief was hired from a municipal department and began to struggle with not having a second in command in the campus police's organizational structure.
Follow these tips for successful meetings
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: July 2019

I worked for a president whose senior leadership meetings dragged on for four to five hours, usually straight through lunchtime. The agenda included 30 to 40 items and never seemed to change much. By the end of the marathon, we were so hungry and mentally drained we weren't thinking clearly or creatively.
Was coach's action protected by qualified immunity?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: July 2019

When the plaintiff — a student‐athlete — played on the Purdue University North‐Central baseball team in 2015, the head coach allegedly: (1) treated white players more favorably than the plaintiff and the other Hispanic players, (2) disciplined Hispanic players more severely for misconduct than white players, and (3) gave Hispanic players less playing time.
Look at college sports from different perspectives
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: July 2019

Tom McMillen's life experiences have certainly given him a unique perspective on the world of college sports. The most recruited high school student‐athlete of his era, McMillen played basketball at the University of Maryland, was selected as a Rhodes scholar, and went on to earn his M.A. from Oxford University before playing 11 years in the NBA. From there, he served three terms in the U.S. Congress, co‐sponsoring the Student Right‐to‐Know Act. A founding member of the Knight Foundation's Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, McMillen became president and CEO of the LEAD1 Association in 2015.
Continuous‐Flow Di‐N‐Alkylation of 1H‐Benzimidazole in a Fixed‐Bed Reactor
Authors: Sauk Tobias , Henke Laurids , Xiao Chunyu , Hartig Dave , Scholl Stephan
Published: July 2019

A new process for a continuous‐flow di‐N‐alkylation of 1H‐benzimidazole to 1H‐benzimidazole‐3‐ium iodide by methylene iodide in the presence of potassium carbonate in a fixed‐bed reactor is presented. The synthesis was transferred from batch to continuous operation with similar yields and conversion rates. Moreover, the influence of temperature and residence time in the continuous flow setup was characterized; optimized conditions led to a doubling of yield. In addition, the continuous flow allowed for a better control of the two‐step reaction by adding an additional tube reactor after the fixed bed that further enhanced the overall performance. With this, the continuous‐flow system presented itself as superior due to higher available temperatures and a better controllability.
Effects of the Hydrogen Bonding Network on Electrophilic Activation and Electrode Passivation: Electrochemical Chlorination and Bromination of Aromatics
Authors: Chen Bocheng , Yang Yi , Yang Yuhao , Liu Shiwen , Chen Qianjin , Zeng Xiaojun , Xu Bo
Published: July 2019

We have developed an environmentally friendly electrocatalytic protocol for the chlorination and bromination of electron‐rich arenes and aromatic boronic acids. The hydrogen bonding network generated from hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) and AcOH plays a vital role in the activation of halogen electrophiles generated electrochemically. The hydrogen bonding network also plays an essential role in the reduction of electrode passivation.
Synthesis and Applications of Graphene/Iron(III) Oxide Composites
Authors: Lu Wenjie , Guo Xiaotian , Yang Biao , Wang Sibo , Liu Yong , Yao Hang , Liu Chun‐Sen , Pang Huan
Published: July 2019

Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) has attracted great attention, owing to its abundant natural resources, environmental friendliness, and low cost. Nevertheless, this material possesses an inferior rate capability and a cycle stability that is similar to most transition metal oxides. Graphene, with a one‐atom‐thick 2D structure, possesses superior mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and stability, and excellent electrical and electrochemical behaviors. The hierarchical structure of graphene/Fe2O3 composites provides a porous conductive network, close contact between the graphene and Fe2O3, a stress buffer space for charge transport, and superior structural stability. This composite consists of high conductivity graphene with interconnected Fe2O3, thus exposing abundant active sites for redox reactions and providing sufficient contacts with the electrolyte. Consequently, materials composed of Fe2O3 and graphene have been widely explored, owing to their outstanding synergistic effects. Graphene can effectively limit the volume expansion and agglomeration of Fe2O3, whereas Fe2O3 can prevent the re‐stacking of graphene at the same time. This article mainly discusses the preparation of Fe2O3/graphene materials and their applications, including supercapacitors, rechargeable batteries, catalysis, and so forth. In addition, the perspectives and challenges of Fe2O3/graphene materials for different applications are also discussed.
Superior performing nano‐enabled metal oxide varistors
Authors: Tan Daniel Q.
Published: July 2019

Commercial metal oxide varistor devices are subject to nonuniformity, defects and coarse grain size, low working voltage, high leakage current, and mechanical cracking issues. This work tempted to make use of nanopowders and alternative sintering processes to achieve uniform microstructure and superior varistor performance. These nano‐enabled compositions exhibit lower sintering temperatures (650‐1050°C), smaller grain sizes (0.5‐2 μm), enhanced nonlinear coefficient (30‐130) in DC I‐V characteristics, higher varistor voltages (240‐2500 V/mm), and low leakage current (<1 μA/cm2). Conventional sintering offers highest nonlinearity. Spark plasma sintering and microwave sintering techniques show advantages in reducing grain sizes and sintering temperatures. Spark plasma sintering is particularly effective in achieving better varistor performance for the nano‐enabled MOV compositions after a post‐SPS sintering for sufficient oxygen diffusion. Microwave sintering needs higher sintering temperatures and additional research for the nano‐enabled MOV compositions to offer equivalent electrical properties.
Total Synthesis of the Endocannabinoid Uptake Inhibitor Guineensine and SAR Studies
Authors: Bartholomäus Ruben , Nicolussi Simon , Baumann Alice , Rau Mark , Simão Ana Catarina , Gertsch Jürg , Altmann Karl‐Heinz
Published: July 2019

Guineensine ((2E,4E,12E)‐13‐(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol‐5‐yl)‐N‐isobutyltrideca‐2,4,12‐trienamide) is a plant‐derived natural product that inhibits reuptake of the endocannabinoid anandamide with sub‐micromolar potency. We have established a highly efficient total synthesis of guineensine, which provided the natural product in only five steps from commercially available 3‐nonyn‐1‐ol in 17 % overall yield, relying on the attachment of the benzodioxolyl moiety to the unsaturated fatty acid chain by means of a Suzuki coupling as the key step. Subsequent SAR studies revealed that replacement of the N‐isobutyl group in the natural product by various alkyl, arylalkyl, or aryl groups is generally well tolerated, and derivatives could be identified that are slightly more potent anandamide reuptake inhibitors than guineensine itself. In contrast, modifications of the benzodioxolyl moiety led to decreased activity. Intriguingly, a change in the configuration of the C4=C5 double bond from E to Z was found to be very well tolerated, in spite of the associated change in the overall geometry of the molecule.
Novel type of sub‐retinal pigment shield in the miniaturized compound eye of Trichogramma evanescens
Authors: Mohr Tobias , Meinertzhagen Ian A. , Fischer Stefan
Published: July 2019

Pigment granules, found in different cell types of the retina in insect compound eyes, fulfill important functions. They isolate the individual ommatidia from stray light, regulate the angular sensitivity, and restrict the light that reaches the photoreceptor according to ambient light intensities. Descriptions of pigment cells within the retina are included in ultrastructural eye descriptions, but knowledge of pigment cell types beneath the retina and basal matrix (BM) are relatively limited in insects. In the miniaturized parasitoid wasp Trichogramma evanescens Westwood 1833, a sub‐retinal pigment shield is formed by pigment‐bearing cells, which appear in two‐dimensional TEM sections to form a separate population beneath the BM. By using three‐dimensional reconstructions of serial‐section transmission electron microscopy, it was possible to reveal that the sub‐retinal pigment shield of T. evanescens is not formed by a separate cell type, but by extensions of the lateral rim pigment cells that penetrate gaps in the BM. The reconstruction is supported by evidence from a statistical analysis of pigment granule volumes of all pigment bearing cell types in the retina and rim region. The study reveals the first known case of the participation of lateral rim cells in a sub‐retinal pigment shield in an insect eye. As neither pigmented extensions of secondary pigment cells, nor pigment granules in the extensions of the cone cell projections are present above the BM in T. evanescens, the sub‐retinal extensions of the lateral rim cells can be seen as a functional adaptation to miniaturization in order to maintain a proximal shielding function.
The effect of miniaturized manual versus mechanical instruments on calculus removal and root surface characteristics: An in vitro light microscopic study
Authors: Profili Fabia , Sparabombe Scilla , Tawse Smith Andrew , D'Isidoro Orlando , Quaranta Alessandro
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate by light microscopy analysis the effect of the use of miniaturised piezoelectric tips versus mini‐five area specific curets on calculus removal and postoperative root surface alterations.

Methods

A total of 20 extracted teeth were used. Two square surfaces (5×5 mm) were marked on each root surface with a diamond bur mounted on a high‐speed handpiece. Before and after instrumentation, a series of magnified images (4.2×) of each experimental surface were taken with a standardized approach. According to a randomization list, the two surfaces on each sample were instrumented in a standardised fashion either with a mine‐five curet or a slim piezoelectric tip. The images were processed using an imaging software. Data were summarised as means and standard deviations for the two outcomes (calculus and alterations.) at each time (pre and post) for both of the groups (manual and mechanical).

Results

Both manual and mechanical instrumentation significantly reduced the calculus deposits (p < .001) without significant differences between the two groups. Both manual and mechanical treatments significantly increased alterations (p < .01). There was a statistically significant evidence of a greater increase in alterations from mechanical treatment.

Conclusions

Slim mechanical piezoelectric tips and manual mini‐five area‐specific curets have similar effects on calculus removal. Manual instrumentation results in a more homogeneous postoperative root surface with less root alterations.
Female directors and gender issues reporting: The impact of stakeholder engagement at country level
Authors: García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Oliveira Marcelle Colares , Martínez‐Ferrero Jennifer
Published: July 2019

Recent studies have investigated how women on boards impact corporate social responsibility reporting, a voluntary strategy clearly influenced by board composition in general and gender diversity in particular. However, this research goes further and proposes to provide evidence about how female directors influence gender issues reporting. Moreover, this research also examines the moderating effect between gender diversity on boards and country‐level factors related to stakeholder orientation. For an international sample of 8,609 firm‐year observations from 2007 to 2016 and by regressing several logit models for panel data, it was found that female directors increase the probability of voluntary reporting on gender issues. Moreover, the findings also suggest that institutional forces related to stakeholder pressures reinforce this effect; the greater reporting on gender issues that female directors achieve is even higher when firms are located in stakeholder‐oriented countries.