bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pour la normalisation des catalogues au Canada
Authors: Sylvestre Guy
Published: February 2019

Présentation des cinquante-huit recommandations du Groupe de travail sur la normalisation du catalogage adressées au Directeur général de la Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, et décisions prises par le Directeur général pour appliquer ces recommandations.
Des stages en bibliotechnique
Authors: Blanchet Louise , Paquette Diane
Published: February 2019

La période, la durée des stages, les types de bibliothèques où ils s’effectuent, les critères de sélection de ces dernières, autant de questions abordées par les auteurs de cet article. On y traite également du rôle du responsable chargé d’évaluer les stages, des réactions des stagiaires face à cette expérience, de même que de l’attitude générale du directeur de bibliothèque et de l’employeur.
Digital assessment of mathematics: Opportunities, issues and criteria
Authors: Drijvers Paul
Published: February 2019

Digital assessment of mathematics is becoming widespread, but still comes with limitations and constraints. A central question is how to design digital tests that assess mathematical knowledge in a valid way. Based on literature on validity and on assessment with and through technology, we identify arguments for and opportunities of digital assessment of mathematics, as well as its main issues. Through three case descriptions, different ways to design digital tests are explored. As a conclusion, we make a plea for assessment environments which offer rich opportunities for students to “do” mathematics and for test designers to design rich items; automated scoring also needs further development, with respect to the scoring of intermediate steps in problem-solving strategies.
Vehicle Routing with Compartments Under Product Incompatibility Constraints
Authors: Tasar Bahar , Türsel Eliiyi Deniz , Kandiller Levent
Published: February 2019

This study focuses on a distribution problem involving incompatible products which cannot be stored in a compartment of a vehicle. To satisfy different types of customer demand at minimum logistics cost, the products are stored in different compartments of fleet vehicles, which requires the problem to be modeled as a multiple-compartment vehicle routing problem (MCVRP). While there is an extensive literature on the vehicle routing problem (VRP) and its numerous variants, there are fewer research papers on the MCVRP. Firstly, a novel taxonomic framework for the VRP literature is proposed in this study. Secondly, new mathematical models are proposed for the basic MCVRP, together with its multiple-trip and split-delivery extensions, for obtaining exact solutions for small-size instances. Finally, heuristic algorithms are developed for larger instances of the three problem variants. To test the performance of our heuristics against optimum solutions for larger instances, a lower bounding scheme is also proposed. The results of the computational experiments are reported, indicating validity and a promising performance of an approach.
Proposal of a Conceptual Architecture System for Informing the User in the IoT Environment
Authors: Periša Marko , Marković Goran , Kolarovszki Peter , Madleňák Radovan
Published: February 2019

Design and development of systems for delivering real-time information to people with disabilities and elderly persons need to be based on defined user requirements. For this purpose, the user requirements have been defined in this paper according to the everyday needs of people who use traffic networks and move in closed spaces. The logical presentation of the functionality of the informing system operation and its subsystems includes all the information (data) important for designing a user information delivery system. The paper presents a conceptual architecture system for delivering user informing services related to the environment based on the Internet of Things concept. The aim of the user informing service is an increase in the level of mobility of persons with disabilities and the senior age groups of users. In order to check the operation of the proposed architecture, the informing system operation was monitored on Arduino Uno and Raspberry Pi platforms in laboratory conditions. A simulation confirmed the interdependence of individual data from different subsystems in order to provide real-time information to the system user. The proposed conceptual architecture can contribute to a more efficient approach to the modeling of assistive technologies (with the aim of informing the users) based on dew/fog/cloud technologies in the Internet of Things  environment.
Adaptation of olfactory receptor abundances for efficient coding
Authors: Teşileanu Tiberiu , Cocco Simona , Monasson Rémi , Balasubramanian Vijay
Published: February 2019

Olfactory receptor usage is highly heterogeneous, with some receptor types being orders of magnitude more abundant than others. We propose an explanation for this striking fact: the receptor distribution is tuned to maximally represent information about the olfactory environment in a regime of efficient coding that is sensitive to the global context of correlated sensor responses. This model predicts that in mammals, where olfactory sensory neurons are replaced regularly, receptor abundances should continuously adapt to odor statistics. Experimentally, increased exposure to odorants leads variously, but reproducibly, to increased, decreased, or unchanged abundances of different activated receptors. We demonstrate that this diversity of effects is required for efficient coding when sensors are broadly correlated, and provide an algorithm for predicting which olfactory receptors should increase or decrease in abundance following specific environmental changes. Finally, we give simple dynamical rules for neural birth and death processes that might underlie this adaptation.
Impaired voice processing in reward and salience circuits predicts social communication in children with autism
Authors: Abrams Daniel Arthur , Padmanabhan Aarthi , Chen Tianwen , Odriozola Paola , Baker Amanda E , Kochalka John , Phillips Jennifer M , Menon Vinod
Published: February 2019

Engaging with vocal sounds is critical for children’s social-emotional learning, and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often ‘tune out’ voices in their environment. Little is known regarding the neurobiological basis of voice processing and its link to social impairments in ASD. Here, we perform the first comprehensive brain network analysis of voice processing in children with ASD. We examined neural responses elicited by unfamiliar voices and mother’s voice, a biologically salient voice for social learning, and identified a striking relationship between social communication abilities in children with ASD and activation in key structures of reward and salience processing regions. Functional connectivity between voice-selective and reward regions during voice processing predicted social communication in children with ASD and distinguished them from typically developing children. Results support the Social Motivation Theory of ASD by showing reward system deficits associated with the processing of a critical social stimulus, mother’s voice, in children with ASD.

Editorial note: This article has been through an editorial process in which the authors decide how to respond to the issues raised during peer review. The Reviewing Editor's assessment is that minor issues remain unresolved (see decision letter).
Motion sensing superpixels (MOSES) is a systematic computational framework to quantify and discover cellular motion phenotypes
Authors: Zhou Felix Y , Ruiz-Puig Carlos , Owen Richard P , White Michael J , Rittscher Jens , Lu Xin
Published: February 2019

Correct cell/cell interactions and motion dynamics are fundamental in tissue homeostasis, and defects in these cellular processes cause diseases. Therefore, there is strong interest in identifying factors, including drug candidates that affect cell/cell interactions and motion dynamics. However, existing quantitative tools for systematically interrogating complex motion phenotypes in timelapse datasets are limited. We present Motion Sensing Superpixels (MOSES), a computational framework that measures and characterises biological motion with a unique superpixel ‘mesh’ formulation. Using published datasets, MOSES demonstrates single-cell tracking capability and more advanced population quantification than Particle Image Velocimetry approaches. From > 190 co-culture videos, MOSES motion-mapped the interactions between human esophageal squamous epithelial and columnar cells mimicking the esophageal squamous-columnar junction, a site where Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma often arise clinically. MOSES is a powerful tool that will facilitate unbiased, systematic analysis of cellular dynamics from high-content time-lapse imaging screens with little prior knowledge and few assumptions.
Basalin is an evolutionarily unconstrained protein revealed via a conserved role in flagellum basal plate function
Authors: Dean Samuel , Moreira-Leite Flavia , Gull Keith
Published: February 2019

Most motile flagella have an axoneme that contains nine outer microtubule doublets and a central pair (CP) of microtubules. The CP coordinates the flagellar beat and defects in CP projections are associated with motility defects and human disease. The CP nucleate near a ‘basal plate’ at the distal end of the transition zone (TZ). Here, we show that the trypanosome TZ protein ‘basalin’ is essential for building the basal plate, and its loss is associated with CP nucleation defects, inefficient recruitment of CP assembly factors to the TZ, and flagellum paralysis. Guided by synteny, we identified a highly divergent basalin ortholog in the related Leishmania species. Basalins are predicted to be highly unstructured, suggesting they may act as ‘hubs’ facilitating many protein-protein interactions. This raises the general concept that proteins involved in cytoskeletal functions and appearing organism-specific, may have highly divergent and cryptic orthologs in other species.
A new glassfrog (Centrolenidae) from the Chocó-Andean Río Manduriacu Reserve, Ecuador, endangered by mining
Authors: Guayasamin Juan M. , Cisneros-Heredia Diego F. , Vieira José , Kohn Sebastián , Gavilanes Gabriela , Lynch Ryan L. , Hamilton Paul S. , Maynard Ross J.
Published: February 2019

We describe a new glassfrog from Río Manduriacu Reserve, Imbabura Province, on the Pacific slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. The new species can be distinguished from most other glassfrogs by having numerous yellow spots on the dorsum and lacking membranes among fingers. Both morphological and molecular data support the placement of the species in the genusNymphargus. We present a new mitochondrial phylogeny ofNymphargusand discuss the speciation patterns of this genus; most importantly, recent speciation events seem to result from the effect of the linearity of the Andes. Finally, although the new species occurs within a private reserve, it is seriously endangered by mining activities; thus, following IUCN criteria, we consider the new species as Critically Endangered.
Effectiveness of the Public Distribution System: A Critical Review
Authors: Sahoo Alok Kumar , Krishna D. K. , Kumbhare N. V.
Published: February 2019

Public Distribution System (PDS) started from 1997 for providing essential commodities like rice, wheat, sugar etc. to a large number of people through a network of 5.35 lakh Fair Price Shops (FPS) on a recurring basis at a subsidized price to boost food and nutritional security in India. Whether the PDS is effective to reach targeted people is under serious concern. The problem arises as supply exceeds demand at Minimum Support Price (MSP) of food grains. Over the last 7 years, the average procurement of food grains (rice and wheat) has been around 25 per cent of production. The rising MSP of foodgrains during the last 7 years which enhances the chance of increased subsidy amount given by government resulting increased quantity of food grains procurement and inflation in input prices at constant Central Issue Prices (CIP). Gulati and Saini [1] evaluated under various studies- since 1999-2000 to 2011-12 which narrates about rising leakages of food grains from 9 per cent in 1999-2000 to 36 per cent in 2011-12. In terms of absolute quantity of grains pilfered, of the total quantity of 25.91 MMT pilfered, UP stands at the top with almost 4 MMT (15.3%) pilfered from PDS in 2011-12. There are 39.6 per cent poor having ration cards and 60.4 per cent poor having no cards. There are 26.3 per cent non-poor having ration cards causing inclusion error. The exclusion error is severe as a Type-II error causing 70.5 per cent total in India. There are many loopholes in PDS, leading to ineffectiveness and inefficiency in achieving its objectives. It needs reforms like the transparent selection of beneficiaries, universalization, end to end computerization, more commodities to be included, an effective grievance redressal agency, ADHAAR based PDS, the inclusion of innovative schemes like food coupon, smart card etc. More or less, the innovative mechanism in PDS has to be assessed before implementation to enhance effectiveness and check further error.
Laxative Effects of Aqueous Extract of Sida acuta Leaves in Loperamide- Induced Constipation in Wistar Rats
Authors: Chukwuemeka Nweje- Anyalowu Paul , Adejoh Idakwoji Precious , Osafanme Iserhienrhien Lucky , Duniya Sheneni Victor , Boniface Momoh Theophilus
Published: February 2019

Aim: To investigate the laxative potentials of aqueous leaf extract of Sida acuta in loperamide-induced constipation in Wistar rats.

Methods: Constipation was induced by oral administration of loperamide (3 mg/kg b.wt.). The constipated rats were orally treated daily either with 200, 400, 800 mg/kg body weight per day of the extract or 0.21 mg/kg bisacodyl (reference drug) for 7 days while the normal and constipated control groups received distilled water. The feeding characteristics, body weight, faecal properties and gastrointestinal transit ratio were monitored throughout the study period.

Results: There was significant decrease (p < 0.05) between normal and constipated rats in the number of faecal pellets and water content of faecal pellets while there was no significant changes in the feed/ water intake and body weight of rats .Administration of the graded doses of the extract to the constipated rats significantly and dose- dependently normalized (p < 0.05) the number of faecal pellets/ water content of faecal pellets and gastrointestinal ratio compared to the constipated control.

Conclusion: The aqueous root extract of Sida acuta possesses laxative activity in loperamide- induced constipated rats.
Impacts of Restoration Projects on a Sahelian Woody Vegetation after 21 Years: The Simiri Plateaus (Niger) Case Study
Authors: Abdou Laouali , Mamoudou Boubacar Moussa , Rabiou Habou , Mahamane Ali , Seghieri Josiane
Published: February 2019

To face the soil and vegetation degradation in Niger, anti-erosion structures, such as scarification of the surface of the ground, half-moons, benches, trenches, stony cordons, were built in 1989 on three Simiri plateaus. Native and introduced woody species were planted and grasses were sown within the structures. This study aims at evaluating what has become the restoration of the woody vegetation cover compared to an un-restored woody cover located on a nearby similar site. Dendrometric parameters and alpha and beta diversities of the four woody stands in 36 sampled plots were analyzed and compared. The following dendrometric values were found significantly lower in the control than in the restored stands: 3.9% against 12.4-16.8% for the recovery rate, 4.3 against 6.3-10.2 cm for the largest stem diameter, 0.2 against 0.8-1.2 m²/ha for the basal area, and 1.6 against 2.0-2.5 m for the tree height. However, the number of stems per trees was found significantly greater in the un-restored stand (6.6) than in the restored ones (1.8-2.7). The values of dendrometric parameters remained low, as well as the alpha and beta diversities whatever the stand. Nevertheless, population perceptions on the restoration impacts that were collected through focus groups indicated positive impacts on downstream crop yields.
Tolerance and Phenotypic Analysis of Irrigated Rice Genotypes under Iron Toxicity
Authors: Streck Eduardo Anibele , Aguiar Gabriel Almeida , Facchinello Paulo Henrique Karling , Perin Lais , Silva Pedro Ujacov da , Júnior Ariano Martins de Magalhães
Published: February 2019

Introduction: The development of tolerant rice genotypes is the main tool to minimize the problem caused by the excess of iron in the soil.

Aims: The study aims to evaluate the response of genotypes of the Embrapa breeding program of irrigated rice against iron stress, as well as to envision the relationship of the effect of this disorder on leaf mass production in different phenological phases of the plant.

Study Design: The trial was established in a randomized block design with additional controls, with the plots consisting of four rows 3 m long with 0.20 m spacing between rows.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in the experimental field of Embrapa Temperate Climate Lowlands Station, in a period of nine years, consisting of the harvest of 2006/2007 until 2014/2015.

Methodology: It was evaluated 255 lines along with 4 additional control cultivars with known tolerance levels. The symptoms were evaluated at 40, 70 and 100 days after plant emergence through a visual assessment in the field, based on the standard evaluation system for rice. In addition to the determination of the average toxicity levels of genotypes, the mass was collected, constituted by the dry matter of shoot, for the detection of interrelationships through their correlations.

Results: It was found that 58.82% of the developed irrigated rice lines show good tolerance to toxicity by excess iron. The association of the content of dry matter of shoots and the levels of indirect toxicity of iron showed a significant negative correlation (-0.6848), being that the highest magnitude of negative correlation was at 70 DAE (-0.6161).

Conclusion: There is variability for tolerance to indirect iron toxicity between the irrigated rice genotypes assessed. The breeding program of irrigated rice of Embrapa has been effective in developing genotypes with tolerance by excess iron in the soil over nine years. There is a negative association between the content of dry matter of shoots and the levels of indirect iron toxicity.
Analysis of Fracture Networks of the Black Volta Catchment in Côte D’ivoire
Authors: Kouame Armel. K. , Ta Marc Youan , Lasme O. Zéphir De , Baka Derving , Njeugeut Carine. A. M. , Kouame Fernand K.
Published: February 2019

A good knowledge of fracturing leads to a better exploitation of the groundwater of the areas in crystalline basement. This study area of interests the catchment of Black Volta area in north eastern Côte d’Ivoire. Its aims to characterize the fracture networks of the catchment of Black Volta. Various methods were used notably mapping using satellite image processing, statistical and geostatistical analysis.

The results showed that fracturing of Black Volta area is dense and homogeneous. Statistical analysis of geometric parameter of the fracturing such as fracture lengths and spacing are distributed respectively according to power law and gamma law. The deployment of the fracturing in this area is organized and the experimental variogram is characterized by two nested elementary structures. The practical ranges of these two elementary variograms are respectively 34, 5 km to 60 km. Results indicate that the fracturing of Black Volta area reached a stage of advanced development and is complex. Fracturing of Black Volta area is now well known and the groundwater modeling can be undertaking.
The Effects of Personality Types and Demographic Factors on Overconfidence Bias and Decision Making of Investment Types
Authors: Tjandrasa Benny Budiawan , Tjandraningtyas Jacqueline Mariae
Published: February 2019

In financial management theories an investor will act rationally and make a desicion to invest based on the rules in the financial management theory. Nevertheless, in reality the decision making to invest is very often irrational and not in accordance with the financial management theory. This deviation is caused by the bias of investors’ behaviour in making a decision. Investors who only focus on the return of an investment without paying attention to the risks are said to experience overconfidence bias. This research analyses the factors which are considered to influence investors with overconfidence bias in deciding the investment types. The factors are personality type, marital status, income level, work experience, and fields of study that have been taken. This research can contribute to completing the study of financial management, particularly in the investment decision and putting psychological factors in the analysis of financial management
Pattern Recognition
Authors: Kulkarni Kuldeep , Turaga Pavan , Srivastava Anuj , Chellappa Rama
Published: February 2019

In this article, we review the past development, current trends, and possible future directions within the broad field of pattern recognition. We consider three main building blocks of pattern recognition systems: feature extraction, dimensionality reduction, and classifier learning. In each case, we discuss both the classical and the contemporary methods. We also provide historical perspectives and present the pros and cons of choices made at each stage of building pattern recognition systems.
Anomaly Detection in Sequential Data: Principles and Case Studies
Authors: Andrade Thiago , Gama João , Ribeiro Rita P. , Sousa Wesllen , Carvalho André
Published: February 2019

Humans are frequently looking for patterns and uniformity to support their choices and decisions. Whatever falls outside the expected can be said to be an anomaly. However, in many practical situations, the presence of anomalies can provide valuable insights, which can point out useful novelties. Thus, in predictive maintenance, for example, anomaly detection is useful to predict equipment failures and prevent losses at technical and financial levels. Most modern equipment has logging systems that allow to collect a high diversity of data regarding the equipment operation and working conditions. One such case is about several human activities. In both applications, looking for anomalies is a relevant task. The large amount of data, collected during a long period of time, makes the analysis by humans unfeasible. Data mining techniques can automatically extract models for anomaly and novelty detection from these data. These techniques, when used in predictive systems, are able to detect anomalies and issue an alert before they start, avoiding interruptions and breakdowns. After briefly describing the main aspects of anomaly detection and the most popular approaches and techniques, this article presents an overview of the main anomaly detection techniques used for predictive maintenance.
Resonant Cavity Antennas
Authors: Hashmi Raheel M. , Esselle Karu P.
Published: February 2019

This article introduces resonant cavity antennas (RCAs) and leads the reader to develop an operational understanding of the design processes and considerations related to various types of RCAs. RCAs are a class of medium‐to‐high gain antennas, often having a single excitation location (as opposed to antenna arrays) and a simple configuration. These are a convenient alternative to antenna arrays and reflector antennas in space‐constrained applications where robustness, performance, and aesthetic appeal are equally important. The article discusses recent research results and trends particularly focusing on advances that have the potential to yield practical advantages, such as compactness, low profile, and high efficiency. The article reviews progress on gain bandwidth enhancement, achieving high aperture efficiency, multiband operation, and methods for aperture phase correction in RCAs.
Delay‐Tolerant Networks
Authors: Francesco De Pellegrini
Published: February 2019

Delay Tolerant Networks (DTNs) have appeared in the context of space explorations and are engineered in order to solve the problem of intermittent connectivity. In this article, we revise the main lines of research in DTN, covering the evolution of the DTN domain towards mobile ad hoc networks, social network analysis and performance evaluation.
Molecular determinants on extracellular loop domains that dictate interaction between β‐arrestin and human APJ receptor
Authors: Ashokan Anisha , Kameswaran Mythili , Aradhyam Gopala Krishna
Published: February 2019

The human APJ receptor (APJR), activated by apelin isoforms, regulates cardiovascular functions and fluid homeostasis. Understanding its structure‐function relationship is crucial for a comprehensive knowledge of signalling aberrations that cause several physiological disorders. Here, we demonstrate the influence of extracellular loop (ECL) domains in the mechanism of β‐arrestin‐mediated signalling from human APJR: Apelin system. Alanine mutations of evolutionarily conserved residues were characterized using receptor internalization, β‐arrestin pull‐down, Akt phosphorylation and cell migration assay. C281A and 268KTL270‐AAA in ECL3 were deficient in all assays, whereas 183MDYS186‐AAAA mutant in ECL2 showed impaired β‐arrestin‐mediated signalling but demonstrated Gi‐dependent cell migration. Our findings establish that conserved residues in the extracellular domain play a prominent role in modulating receptor interactions with the β‐arrestin signalling cascade.
Systematic Review of Economic Evaluations of Cycling Versus Swapping Medications in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis After Failure to Respond to Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
Authors: Karpes Matusevich Aliza R. , Suarez‐Almazor María E. , Cantor Scott B. , Lal Lincy S. , Swint J. Michael , Lopez‐Olivo Maria A.
Published: February 2019

Objective

To systematically review the modeling approaches and quality of economic analyses comparing cycling tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) to swapping to a therapy with a different mode of action in patients with rheumatoid arthritis whose initial TNFi failed.

Methods

We searched electronic databases, gray literature, and references of included publications until July 2017. Two reviewers independently screened citations. Reporting quality was assessed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) statement. Data regarding modeling methodology were extracted.

Results

We included 7 articles comprising 19 comparisons. Three studies scored ≥16 of 24 on the CHEERS checklist. Most models used a lifetime horizon, took a payer perspective, employed a 6‐month cycle length, and measured treatment efficacy in terms of the American College of Rheumatology improvement criteria. We noted possible sources of bias in terms of transparency and study sponsorship. In the cost‐utility comparisons, the median incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was US $70,332 per quality‐adjusted life‐year for swapping versus cycling strategies. Rituximab was more effective and less expensive than TNFi in 7 of 11 comparisons. Abatacept (intravenous) compared to TNFi was less cost‐effective than rituximab. Common influential parameters in sensitivity analyses were the rituximab dosing schedule, assumptions regarding disease progression, and the estimation of utilities.

Conclusion

Differences in the design, key assumptions, and model structure chosen had a major impact on the individual study conclusions. Despite the existence of multiple reporting standards, there continues to be a need for more uniformity in the methodology reported in economic evaluations of cycling versus swapping strategies after TNFi in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
In Vivo Toxicity Assessment of Hybrid Diatomite Nanovectors Using Hydra vulgaris as a Model System
Authors: Terracciano Monica , De Stefano Luca , Tortiglione Claudia , Tino Angela , Rea Ilaria
Published: February 2019

Drug nanocarriers based on nanostructured materials are very promising for precision and personalized medicine applications. Diatomite porous biosilica has been recently proposed as a novel and effective material in formulations of drug systems for oral and systemic delivery. In this paper, the cytotoxicity of hybrid diatomite silica functionalized nanovectors is assessed in vivo in a living model organism, the cnidarian freshwater polyp Hydra vulgaris. Hydra specimens are exposed to modified diatomite nanoparticles by prolonged incubation within their medium. Uptake and toxicological effects on Hydra are examined from viability and genetic points of view. High concentrations, up to 3.5 g L−1 for 72 h, of diatomite modified nanoparticles do not affect Hydra morphology nor do growth rate and the genetic analysis confirm the biosafety of this material, opening the way to new applications in nanomedicine.
Bismuth Doping–Induced Stable Seebeck Effect Based on MAPbI3 Polycrystalline Thin Films
Authors: Xiong Yan , Xu Ling , Wu Ping , Sun Lin , Xie Guo , Hu Bin
Published: February 2019

In this article, the thermoelectric properties of a Bi‐doped CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) perovskite thin film are studied. Bi‐doped MAPbI3 thin film samples are fabricated, and it is found that Bi doping could greatly enhance the stability and thermoelectric properties of MAPbI3. The Bi dopant located at the grain boundaries to modify the carrier channel near grain boundaries, which is observed via scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, efficiently reduces ion migration and facilitates charge transport. In addition, the Bi dopant can also passivate the defects in bulk MAPbI3, increasing the polarization effect of MAPbI3 which is demonstrated by the capacitance‐frequency measurement, thus greatly enhancing the mobility of Bi‐doped MAPbI3. In addition, Bi‐doped MAPbI3 leads to grain size reduction; the small size effect not only effectively hinders the MAPbI3's crystal phase transition from the tetragonal phase to the cubic phase, but it could also make the structure of MAPbI3 more stable. Especially, the Seebeck voltage variation of Bi‐doped perovskite was less than that of the undoped one, meaning Bi doping would lead to a much more stable state in MAPbI3 thin films. The results show that Bi‐doped MAPbI3 is a promising approach to develop high stable thermoelectric and photovoltaic properties in organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite materials.
Prolonging Ultralong Organic Phosphorescence Lifetime to 2.5 s through Confining Rotation in Molecular Rotor
Authors: Li Mengping , Ling Kun , Shi Huifang , Gan Nan , Song Lulu , Cai Suzhi , Cheng Zhichao , Gu Long , Wang Xuan , Ma Chaoqun , Gu Mingxing , Wu Qi , Bian Lifang , Liu Mingli , An Zhongfu , Ma Huili , Huang Wei
Published: February 2019

Developing ultralong organic phosphorescence (UOP) materials has become a growing concern. To date, it remains a formidable challenge to prolong the lifetime of ultralong phosphorescence under ambient conditions. A series of fluoro‐substituted phenylboronic acid derivatives with UOP feature under ambient conditions is reported here. The UOP lifetime of 2,4‐difluorophenylboronic acid (24FBP) crystal is up to 2.50 s, which is the longest emission lifetime among the reported single‐component pure organic phosphors. Combining the experimental and theoretical study, upon stabilization of triplet excitons by H‐aggregation, it is reasoned that rotation confinement in molecular rotors plays a critical role in prolonging the UOP lifetime. Given the feature of ultralong luminescence, 24FBP phosphor is successfully applied to anticounterfeiting. This result will pave the way toward tuning the UOP lifetime and expanding the scope of metal‐free organic phosphorescent materials with ultralong luminescence and their applications.
Efficient Plasmonic Au/CdSe Nanodumbbell for Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation beyond Visible Region
Authors: Wang Hongzhi , Gao Yuying , Liu Jia , Li Xinyuan , Ji Muwei , Zhang Erhuan , Cheng Xiaoyan , Xu Meng , Liu Jiajia , Rong Hongpan , Chen Wenxing , Fan Fengtao , Li Can , Zhang Jiatao
Published: February 2019

In this communication, light harvesting and photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen generation beyond the visible region are realized by an anisotropic plasmonic metal/semiconductor hybrid photocatalyst with precise control of their topology and heterointerface. Controlling the intended configuration of the photocatalytic semiconductor to anisotropic Au nanorods' plasmonic hot spots, through a water phase cation exchange strategy, the site‐selective overgrowth of a CdSe shell evolving from a core/shell to a nanodumbbell is realized successfully. Using this strategy, tip‐preferred efficient photoinduced electron/hole separation and plasmon enhancement can be realized. Thus, the PEC hydrogen generation activity of the Au/CdSe nanodumbbell is 45.29 µmol cm−2 h−1 (nearly 4 times than the core/shell structure) beyond vis (λ > 700 nm) illumination and exhibits a high faradic efficiency of 96% and excellent stability with a constant photocurrent for 5 days. Using surface photovoltage microscopy, it is further demonstrated that the efficient plasmonic hot charge spatial separation, which hot electrons can inject into CdSe semiconductors, leads to excellent performance in the Au/CdSe nanodumbbell.
An Emergency Medicine Remediation Consult Service: Access to Expert Remediation Advice and Resources
Authors: Egan Daniel J. , Gentges Joshua , Regan Linda , Smith Jessica L. , Williamson Kelly , Murano Tiffany
Published: February 2019

Resident remediation is a complex and common issue in emergency medicine programs and requires a specific knowledge base. The Remediation Task Force (RTF) of the Council of Residency Directors in Emergency Medicine (CORD‐EM) was created to identify remediation best practices and to develop tools for program directors. Initially housed on a Wiki page, and now located within the CORD‐EM website, the RTF provides resources including accepted universal language for documentation and sample remediation plans. The RTF also created a remediation consult service composed of experienced educators to provide real‐time structured feedback and advice to submitted remediation scenarios with consultation outcomes and conclusions uploaded to the website. CORD‐EM members now have easy access to online resources and expert advice for remediation queries through the consult service. The combination of online resources and access to real‐time expert advice is an innovative approach to improving resident remediation and recognizing best practices.
Optimization‐based identification of CO2 capture and utilization processing paths for life cycle greenhouse gas reduction and economic benefits
Authors: Roh Kosan , Al‐Hunaidy Ali S. , Imran Hasan , Lee Jay H.
Published: February 2019

This paper introduces a mathematical formulation to identify promising CO2 capture and utilization (CCU) processing paths and assess their production rates by solving an optimization problem. The problem is cast as a multi‐objective one by simultaneously maximizing a net profit and life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction. Three case studies are illustrated using an exemplary CCU processing network. The results indicate the optimal solution is greatly influenced by the scale of CO2 emission source, market demand, and hydrogen availability. Moreover, with the current system of measuring the GHG reduction regarding a business‐as‐usual level, if the aim is to achieve a GHG reduction within a national boundary, the question of whether CCU plants producing a product of same functionality through conventional means, which the CO2‐based product can replace, exists in the country can come into consideration. This systematic identification will assist decision‐making regarding future R&D investment and construction of large‐scale CCU plants.
Stem succulence controls flower and fruit production but not stem growth in the desert shrub ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens)
Authors: Killingbeck Keith T.
Published: February 2019

Premise of the Study

The C3 desert shrub ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) completely lacks xeromorphic leaves but is uncommonly both stem succulent and repetitively drought deciduous (documented to have produced many foliation–defoliation cycles during a growing season). Both adaptations conserve water in this xerophyte, but are the roles of succulence and deciduousness merely redundant? The observation that year‐to‐year reproductive effort was relatively consistent while vegetative growth was not offered a critical clue that, coupled with long‐term precipitation data, helped answer this question.

Methods

At two sites in the Chihuahuan Desert in southern New Mexico, United States, 22 ocotillos were studied annually for more than two decades to explore the relationships among reproductive effort, vegetative stem growth, and patterns of precipitation.

Key Results

Vegetative stem growth occurred in mid‐ to late summer (July–September), the season of maximum precipitation in the Chihuahuan Desert, and was significantly related to summer precipitation received in the year of growth. Reproductive effort occurred in early to late spring (April–June), which with winter account for minimum precipitation during the year, but was significantly related to summer precipitation received in the previous year, suggesting the importance of stem succulence and stored water.

Conclusions

While highly variable summer precipitation was responsible for enormous fluctuations in annual ocotillo stem growth, stem succulence insulated reproductive effort from such immense variability. Stem‐stored water allowed the production of flowers and fruits to proceed relatively consistently during the driest years and during the driest time of year in the Chihuahuan Desert.
Preventing Neighborhood Disorder: Comparing Alternative Models of Collective Efficacy Theory Using Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Gearhart Michael C.
Published: February 2019

Highlights

Develops mutual efficacy to make “efficacy” an explicit component within collective efficacy theory

Compares three models of collective efficacy theory using structural equation modeling

Summarizes conceptual and empirical critiques of collective efficacy theory
Seeding variability of different alpha synuclein strains in synucleinopathies
Authors: Candelise Niccolò , Schmitz Matthias , Llorens Franc , Villar‐Piqué Anna , Cramm Maria , Thom Tobias , da Silva Correia Susana Margarida , da Cunha José Eriton Gomes , Möbius Wiebke , Outeiro Tiago F. , Álvarez Valentina González , Banchelli Martina , D'Andrea Cristiano , de Angelis Marella , Zafar Saima , Rabano Alberto , Matteini Paolo , Zerr Inga
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Currently, the exact reasons why different α‐synucleinopathies exhibit variable pathologies and phenotypes are still unknown. A potential explanation may be the existence of distinctive α‐synuclein conformers or strains. Here, we intend to analyze the seeding activity of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease (PD) brain‐derived α‐synuclein seeds by real‐time quaking‐induced conversion (RT‐QuIC) and to investigate the structure and morphology of the α‐synuclein aggregates generated by RT‐QuIC.

Methods

A misfolded α‐synuclein–enriched brain fraction from frontal cortex and substantia nigra pars compacta tissue, isolated by several filtration and centrifugation steps, was subjected to α‐synuclein/RT‐QuIC analysis. Our study included neuropathologically well‐characterized cases with DLB, PD, and controls (Ctrl). Biochemical and morphological analyses of RT‐QuIC products were conducted by western blot, dot blot analysis, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy.

Results

Independently from the brain region, we observed different seeding kinetics of α‐synuclein in the RT‐QuIC in patients with DLB compared to PD and Ctrl. Biochemical characterization of the RT‐QuIC product indicated the generation of a proteinase K–resistant and fibrillary α‐synuclein species in DLB‐seeded reactions, whereas PD and control seeds failed in the conversion of wild‐type α‐synuclein substrate.

Interpretation

Structural variances of α‐synuclein seeding kinetics and products in DLB and PD indicated, for the first time, the existence of different α‐synuclein strains in these groups. Therefore, our study contributes to a better understanding of the clinical heterogeneity among α‐synucleinopathies, offers an opportunity for a specific diagnosis, and opens new avenues for the future development of strain‐specific therapies. Ann Neurol 2019;85:691–703
Nanozyme‐Catalyzed Cascade Reactions for Mitochondria‐Mimicking Oxidative Phosphorylation
Authors: Xu Youqian , Fei Jinbo , Li Guangle , Yuan Tingting , Xu Xia , Li Junbai
Published: February 2019

Multiple‐enzyme‐involving cascade reactions that yield bioenergy are necessary in natural oxidative phosphorylation. However, in vitro applications are hampered by the sensitivity of catalytic activity to environmental adaptation. Herein, we explore nanozyme‐catalyzed cascade reactions in an assembled hybrid architecture for mitochondria‐mimicking oxidative phosphorylation. Hollow silica microspheres containing trapped gold nanoparticles were synthesized to promote two enzyme‐like catalytic reactions that transform glucose into gluconic acid in the presence of oxygen. The resulting transmembrane proton gradient drives natural ATP synthase reconstituted on the surface to convert ADP and inorganic phosphate into ATP. The assembled architecture possesses high activity for oxidative phosphorylation, comparable to that of natural mitochondria. This study provides a new natural–artificial hybrid prototype for exploring bioenergy supply systems and holds great promise for ATP‐powered bioapplications.
An Aqueous Dual‐Ion Battery Cathode of Mn3O4 via Reversible Insertion of Nitrate
Authors: Jiang Heng , Wei Zhixuan , Ma Lu , Yuan Yifei , Hong Jessica J. , Wu Xianyong , Leonard Daniel P. , Holoubek John , Razink Joshua James , Stickle William F. , Du Fei , Wu Tianpin , Lu Jun , Ji Xiulei
Published: February 2019

We report reversible electrochemical insertion of NO3− into manganese(II, III) oxide (Mn3O4) as a cathode for aqueous dual‐ion batteries. Characterization by TGA, FTIR, EDX, XANES, EXAFS, and EQCM collectively provides unequivocal evidence that reversible oxidative NO3− insertion takes place inside Mn3O4. Ex situ HRTEM and corresponding EDX mapping results suggest that NO3− insertion de‐crystallizes the structure of Mn3O4. Kinetic studies reveal fast migration of NO3− in the Mn3O4 structure. This finding may open a new direction for novel low‐cost aqueous dual‐ion batteries.
Development of Dual and Selective Degraders of Cyclin‐Dependent Kinases 4 and 6
Authors: Jiang Baishan , Wang Eric S. , Donovan Katherine A. , Liang Yanke , Fischer Eric S. , Zhang Tinghu , Gray Nathanael S.
Published: February 2019

Cyclin‐dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) are key regulators of the cell cycle, and there are FDA‐approved CDK4/6 inhibitors for treating patients with metastatic breast cancer. However, due to conservation of their ATP‐binding sites, development of selective agents has remained elusive. Here, we report imide‐based degrader molecules capable of degrading both CDK4/6, or selectively degrading either CDK4 or CDK6. We were also able to tune the activity of these molecules against Ikaros (IKZF1) and Aiolos (IKZF3), which are well‐established targets of imide‐based degraders. We found that in mantle cell lymphoma cell lines, combined IKZF1/3 degradation with dual CDK4/6 degradation produced enhanced anti‐proliferative effects compared to CDK4/6 inhibition, CDK4/6 degradation, or IKZF1/3 degradation. In summary, we report here the first compounds capable of inducing selective degradation of CDK4 and CDK6 as tools to pharmacologically dissect their distinct biological functions.
The Arene‐Stabilized η5‐Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl Arsenic Dication [(η5‐Cp*)As(toluene)]2+
Authors: Zhou Jiliang , Liu Liu Leo , Cao Levy L. , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: February 2019

Double chloride abstraction of Cp*AsCl2 gives the dicationic arsenic species [(η5‐Cp*)As(tol)][B(C6F5)4]2 (2) (tol=toluene). This species is shown to exhibit Lewis super acidity by the Gutmann–Beckett test and by fluoride abstraction from [NBu4][SbF6]. Species 2 participates in the FLP activation of THF affording [(η2‐Cp*)AsO(CH2)4(THF)][B(C6F5)4]2 (5). The reaction of 2 with PMe3 or dppe generates [(Me3P)2As][B(C6F5)4] (6) and [(σ‐Cp*)PMe3][B(C6F5)4] (7), or [(dppe)As][B(C6F5)4] (8) and [(dppe)(σ‐Cp*)2][B(C6F5)4]2 (9), respectively, through a facile cleavage of C−As bonds, thus showcasing unusual reactivity of this unique As‐containing compound.
A Polymer Coating Transfer Enrichment Method for Direct Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Lipids in Biofluid Samples
Authors: Zhang Wenpeng , Chiang Spencer , Li Zishuai , Chen Qinhua , Xia Yu , Ouyang Zheng
Published: February 2019

A porous polymer coating transfer enrichment method is developed for the direct mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of lipids. The enrichment is fast (ca. 1 min) and enables the profiling and quantitation of lipids in small‐volume biofluid samples. Coupled with a photochemical Paternò–Büchi reaction, this method enables the fast determination of lipid structure at the C=C location level and point‐of‐care lipid biomarker analysis.
Investigation of design parameters in generating antifouling and lubricating surfaces using hydrophilic polymer brushes
Authors: Pidhatika Bidhari , Nalam Prathima C.
Published: February 2019

Long‐term stability of hydrophilic surface coatings that prevent fouling, cell adhesion and present a lubricious interface for biomaterials has been widely investigated in recent years. As an alternative to the gold standard poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(2‐oxazoline)‐based coatings are promising due to their higher stability against oxidative degradation in comparison to PEG. In this study, we compare the antifouling and tribological properties of PEG and poly(2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PMOXA) brush structures as a function of structural design parameters such as grafting density, chain length, and the monomer solubility. Brush properties such as hydration (number of H2O molecules per monomer), shear modulus, and serum adsorption as a function of design parameters were estimated using optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy and quartz crystal microbalance/dissipation techniques. At high monomer surface densities, PMOXA showed approximately three times higher structurally associated H2O molecules per monomer in comparison to PEG brushes, leading to stiffer PMOXA brushes. We found that the chain stiffening of PMOXA brushes lead to higher macroscopic coefficients of friction; however presented similar adsorbed serum mass (high antifouling properties) when compared to PEG brushes. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47659.