bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
III‐Nitride Polymorphs: XN (X=Al, Ga, In) in the Pnma Phase
Authors: Fan Qingyang , Zhang Wenzhu , Yun Sining , Xu Jie , Song Yanxing 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe structural, mechanical, elastic anisotropy, and electronic properties, together with the stability, effective mass of holes and electrons for XN (X=Al, Ga, In) in the Pnma phase are investigated by using density functional theory calculations. The elastic constants and the phonon spectra all manifest III‐nitride polymorphs: XN (X=Al, Ga, In) in the Pnma phase in this work are mechanically and dynamically stable at ambient pressure. Al atoms, Ga atoms, and In atoms lead to new electrical and band‐gap properties: XN (X=Al, Ga, In) in the Pnma phase are all semiconductor materials with direct band gaps of 4.76 eV, 2.80 eV, and 0.66 eV, respectively, which present great application potentials in the new generation electronic devices such as ultraviolet detectors, visible light detectors, infrared detectors, violet‐light diodes, and light‐emitting diodes.
Brown coal char CO2‐gasification kinetics with respect to the char structure part II: Kinetics and correlations
Authors: Komarova Evgeniia , Abosteif Ziad , Guhl Stefan , Meyer Bernd 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCoal's physical structure is known to affect high‐temperature coal conversion processes such as gasification or combustion. This paper is Part II of the study of brown coal char structural changes during gasification. Firstly, German Lusatian brown coal was gasified in a laboratory‐scale fluidized bed reactor in CO2 within a temperature range of 800–950 °C at atmospheric pressure. Then, physical structure properties were extensively evaluated by means of various techniques. Char specific surface area and its changes during gasification reaction were evaluated using N2 and CO2 physical adsorption techniques. Adsorption isotherms were also interpreted employing unconventional methods in order to obtain the specific surface areas of pores of different sizes. Gasification kinetics were evaluated employing three widely applied kinetic models: the random pore model (RPM), the volume reaction model (VM), and the shrinking core model (SCM). Finally, the instantaneous gasification reaction rate was correlated with the char structural properties at the corresponding conversion degrees. The closest linear correlation appeared between the gasification reaction rate and the specific surface area of mesopores (as determined by N2 adsorption). Furthermore, correlations of the other structural properties with char conversion are provided. Observed structural changes were compared with the assumptions of the kinetic models.
Right atrial function by speckle tracking echocardiography in atrial septal defect: Prediction of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Vitarelli Antonio , Mangieri Enrico , Gaudio Carlo , Tanzilli Gaetano , Miraldi Fabio , Capotosto Lidia 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundMost antiarrhythmic interventional therapies for atrial fibrillation (AF) have been provided with special focus on the treatment of left‐sided valvular disease and enlarged left atrium but few studies have assessed AF associated with congenital heart disease and dilated right atrium.HypothesisWe hypothesized that right atrial (RA) function assessed by two‐dimensional (2DSTE) and three‐dimensional (3DSTE) speckle‐tracking echocardiography in patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) before and after percutaneous trancatheter closure could predict paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) development.MethodsSeventy‐three patients with hemodynamically significant secundum ASD were prospectively studied and followed up for 6 months after occluder insertion and compared with a normal age‐matched group (n = 73). A subgroup of 17 patients who developed PAF after device implantation was also studied. RA peak global longitudinal strain (PS) was determined using 2DSTE. Standard deviations (SDs) of times to peak strain (TPS) were calculated as indices of dyssynchrony. RA volumes, emptying fraction (EF), and expansion index (EI) were determined using 3DSTE.ResultsRA‐PS, EF, and EI (pre‐closure values) were reduced in patients with atrial devices compared with controls, and further reductions were observed in patients with PAF. Pre‐closure 3D‐RA‐EI (P = 0.009) and RA‐TPS (P = 0.023) were independent predictors of PAF by multivariate analysis after adjustment for age and left atrial dysfunction. The areas under the ROC‐curve (AUC) for 3D‐RA‐EI, RA‐PS, RA‐TPS (pre‐closure values) showed high discriminative values(from 0.76 to 0.85) in predicting PAF. By combining 3D‐RA‐EI and RA‐TPS, the AUC increased to 0.90.ConclusionsTwo‐dimensional and three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography was clinically helpful in ASD patients in revealing right atrial dilatation and dysfunction pre‐existent to device closure and associated with PAF development. RA parameters had a higher association with PAF compared to both the size of the implanted device and left atrial indices.
Synthesis and Characterization of Zirconium Disulfide Single Crystals and Thin‐Film Transistors Based on Multilayer Zirconium Disulfide Flakes
Authors: Shimazu Yoshihiro , Fujisawa Yutaro , Arai Kensuke , Iwabuchi Tatsuya , Suzuki Kazuya 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSingle crystals of ZrS2 of the Group IVB transition metal dichalcogenide are synthesized by a chemical vapor transport method. The crystals are characterized by Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Field‐effect transistors are fabricated on Si substrates using exfoliated multilayer ZrS2 flakes as a channel material. N‐channel characteristics with an on/off ratio of approximately 200 are observed, and the field‐effect mobility is estimated. The large hysteresis in the transfer curves and the time‐dependent drain‐to‐source current can be attributed to the charge‐trapping centers at the ZrS2/SiO2 interface. These results imply the significance of the interface and the potential applicability of ZrS2 as a novel 2D material for nanoelectronic devices.
Fluorescence‐based assay for accurate measurement of transcriptional activity in trypanosomatid parasites
Authors: Hiraiwa Priscila M. , de Aguiar Alessandra M. , Ávila Andréa R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTrypanosomatid parasites are causative agents of neglected human diseases. Their lineage diverged early from the common eukaryotic ancestor, and they evolved singular mechanisms of gene expression that are crucial for their survival. Studies on unusual and essential molecular pathways lead to new drug targets. In this respect, assays to analyze transcriptional activity will provide useful information to identify essential and specific factors. However, the current methods are laborious and do not provide global and accurate measures. For this purpose, a previously reported radiolabeling in vitro nascent mRNA methodology was used to establish an alternative fluorescent‐based assay that is able to precisely quantify nascent mRNA using both flow cytometry and a high‐content image system. The method allowed accurate and global measurements in Trypanosoma brucei, a representative species of trypanosomatid parasites. We obtained data demonstrating that approximately 70% of parasites from a population under normal growth conditions displayed mRNA transcriptional activity, whilst the treatment with α‐amanitin (75 µg/ml) inhibited the polymerase II activity. The adaptation of the method also allowed the analyses of the transcriptional activity during the cell cycle. Therefore, the methodology described herein contributes to obtaining precise measurements of transcriptional rates using multiparametric analysis. This alternative method can facilitate investigations of genetic and biochemical processes in trypanosome parasites and consequently provide additional information related to new treatment or prophylaxis strategies involving these important human parasites.
Certificateless short signature scheme from pairing in the standard model
Authors: Deng Lunzhi , Yang Yixian , Gao Ronghai , Chen Yuling 
Published: August 2018

SummaryIn a short signature scheme, the length of signature is much smaller than that of the general signature. Short signatures are widely used in low‐computation, low‐storage, and low‐bandwidth communication environments. The proof of security of all certificateless short signature schemes currently known is given in the random oracle model. In this paper, a new certificateless short signature scheme is constructed, and it is proved to be unforgeable in the standard model. Taken into account the computation costs, the scheme performs only one pairing operation, so it is more efficient than previous ones.
Synthetic isoflavones and doping: A novel class of aromatase inhibitors?
Authors: Iannone Michele , Botrè Francesco , Cardillo Nicoletta , de la Torre Xavier 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAnectodical information suggests that flavonoids may be widely used among athletes for their multiple biochemical and pharmacological effects. We have evaluated in vitro the effects of two synthetic isoflavones, methoxyisoflavone and ipriflavone, on the catalytic activity of human aromatase (CYP19), the enzyme catalyzing the conversion of androgens (ie, testosterone or androstenedione) to estrogens (ie, estradiol and estrone). The potential inhibitory effect was evaluated by measuring the rate of aromatization of testosterone, monitored by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), both in the presence and in the absence of methoxyisoflavone or ipriflavone, comparing their effects with those of synthetic aromatase inhibitors (formestane, anastrozole, and aminoglutethimide) presently included in the list of prohibited substances and methods, and of natural flavonoids (chrysin, quercetin, and daidzein), that are known inhibitors of CYP19. The preliminary results of our in vitro study show that methoxyisoflavone and ipriflavone act as competitive inhibitors of aromatase, the degree of inhibition measured in vitro being of the same order of magnitude of that of the aromatase inhibitors commonly used in anti‐estrogenic therapies. Our preliminary in vitro results indicate that, in principle, a sufficiently large intake of isoflavones could alter the kinetics of the dynamic equilibria between androgens and estrogens, suggesting their monitoring in doping control routine analysis.
Application of microwave heating with iron oxide nanoparticles in the in‐situ exploitation of oil shale
Authors: Zhu Jingyi , Yang Zhaozhong , Li Xiaogang , Qi Shuangyu , Jia Min 
Published: August 2018

AbstractOn the basis of the microwave heating method combining with hydraulic fracturing for the in‐situ exploitation of oil shale, this article investigates the effects of iron oxide nanoparticles on the performance improvement of foamed pad fluid, heating efficiency enhancement under microwave irradiation and potential reservoir damage after microwave treatment. Different products were also analyzed under multiple heating parameters by using gas chromatograph‐mass spectrometer (GC‐MS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Heating experiments showed that foamed pad fluid was better than water based pad fluid in terms of energy conservation. Results have demonstrated that iron oxide nanoparticles can not only increase nearly 75 seconds of half‐life of the foamed pad fluid, but also slightly enhance the viscosity of foamed pad fluid. Fast heating rate and energy saving were also accomplished by iron oxide nanoparticles. In the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles, it took less than 10 minutes for oil shale to reach 750°C at 1000 W, showing extremely low energy consumption. SEM experiment showed that microwave induced the creation of pores and micro fractures, and the retention of iron oxide nanoparticles inside the oil shale would not cause reservoir damage. By analyzing the products, it is recognized that reaction temperature and heating method had a great influence on the distribution of the noncondensable gases. The production of spent shale was controlled by heating method, reaction temperature, heating time, and output power. The results from this study are important to the in‐situ exploitation of oil shale and environmental protection.
Integrating Resilience Assessment in Environmental Impact Assessment
Authors: Mahmoudi Hossein , Sayahnia Romina , Esmaeilzadeh Hassan , Azadi Hossein 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

It has become important in the fields of environmental impact assessment (EIA) and resilience assessment that both disciplines begin to be considered together as complementary approaches aimed at achieving the same goals. There is a great advantage to combining the EIA methodology with a synergetic concept such as resilience, and thereby contributing to a more insightful and effective EIA process. A comprehensive approach is vital for effective assessment and management of environmental impacts and to support better decision making with regard to different planned interventions and socioecological systems. In this paper, we advocate for a hybrid environmental assessment model that combines EIA and resilience assessment. This proposed assessment approach expands the capacity of EIA to evaluate and manage the uncertainties and unexpected outcomes associated with human and natural environmental impacts. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:567–570. © 2018 SETAC

Key Points
The inclusion of resiliency concepts in an environmental impact assessment (EIA) framework is needed to ensure the long-term survival of communities and the ecosystems in which they reside. The application of resilience analysis in EIA can be a good tool for understanding systemic risks and then managing or monitoring those risks in the future. EIA practitioners should identify how much recovery would be acceptable for a certain intervention. Embedding resilience assessment into the EIA will lead to the introduction of a more comprehensive approach to improve the effectiveness of the decision-making process.
Can Resilience Thinking Be Integrated into the Strategic Environmental Assessment Process?
Authors: Jones Mike 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

This commentary discusses strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in the context of global environmental change and presents a brief overview of the science of social-ecological systems and the resilience thinking and practices that result from it. Resilience thinking and assessment have the potential to make a significant contribution to SEA, if SEA is applied (as intended) as a proactive tool for assessing development sustainability during the process of making plans, policies, and programs. So far, there is little indication that social–ecological system (SES) resilience ideas are being applied to SEA, and from a complex systems perspective, it seems that cognitive and social biases may be the primary barriers to both the improvement of SEA practice and the application of SES resilience science to SEA practice. Resilience thinking can be integrated into SEA, provided that leadership in the SEA community can create a social movement for change in practice and the policies that affect SEA procedures. Principles of complexity, uncertainty, self-organization, and cooperative problem solving may be the most important cognitive barriers to change and can be overcome through education and a learning-by-doing approach to the application of resilience assessment when appropriate in a SEA process. A deliberate change process can be undertaken in an action research approach that monitors and adapts the process according to the lessons learned in practice. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:571–577. © 2018 SETAC

Key Points
Resilience thinking and assessment has potential to improve strategic environmental assessment (SEA). Strategic environmental assessment institutions need to be changed in order to improve SEA as a sustainability assessment tool for planning, policy, and programs. Resilience thinking and assessment can be applied as part of the institutional change process. A combination of psychosociological research and action by SEA practitioners can be applied to achieve the change.
Ecological Recovery and Resilience in Environmental Risk Assessments at the European Food Safety Authority
Authors: Brock Theo , Bigler Franz , Frampton Geoff , Hogstrand Christer , Luttik Robert , Martin-Laurent Fabrice , Topping Christopher John , van der Werf Wopke , Rortais Agnes 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

A conceptual framework was developed by a working group of the Scientific Committee of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to guide risk assessors and risk managers on when and how to integrate ecological recovery and resilience assessments into environmental risk assessments (ERA). In this commentary we advocate that a systems approach is required to integrate the diversity of ecosystem services (ES) providing units, environmental factors, scales, and stressor-related responses necessary to address the context dependency of recovery and resilience in agricultural landscapes. A future challenge in the resilience assessment remains to identify the relevant bundles of ecosystem services provided by different types of agroecosystem that need to be assessed in concert. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:586–591. © 2018 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)

Key Points
We define ecological resilience as the capacity of an ecosystem to return, after a stress event, to its original or an alternative operating range of ecosystem services (ES) delivery; this is intrinsically linked to structural and functional recovery of populations that support ES. Variation in species traits, landscape properties, and exposure characteristics determine the potential for ES providing units to escape stress events in space and time. Environmental risk assessment (ERA) requires a systems approach to address effects on, and recovery of, ES delivery as an assessment endpoint for resilience. Challenges in ERA are to identify the bundles of ES provided by different types of (agro-) ecosystem, to collect information on the normal operating range of relevant ES providing units, and to define ecological production functions that enable a quantitative linkage of measurement endpoints to the delivery of key ES valued by society.
The Concept of Resilience in Ecological Risk Assessment: Scientific and Regulatory Issues
Authors: Vighi Marco , Rico Andreu 
Published: August 2018

Resilience represents one of the key components of the vulnerability of ecological systems and may refer to different levels of biological organization, from populations to the biosphere. A short description is given on the concept of resilience applied to the levels that are directly involved in ecological risk assessment (ERA): populations, communities, and ecosystems. The opportunities and challenges for measuring and quantifying resilience are discussed. Finally, some suggestions for introducing the resilience concept in regulatory ERA are proposed. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:581–585. © 2018 SETAC

Key Points
Ecological resilience must be defined at different hierarchical levels, from populations to ecosystems. At each level, indicators of resilience and possibilities for quantification may be very different. Biological traits and ecological modeling may be helpful for predicting and assessing resilience. Resilience is frequently overlooked in regulatory ecological risk assessment (ERA).
Recent Development and Application of Conductive MOFs
Authors: Li Pengfei , Wang Bo 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe electrical conductivity of crystalline MOFs is a highly demanding property. The realization of conductivity in MOFs will result in many important applications. The main challenge lies in the balance of porosity and conductivity, which needs a judicious choice of metal clusters and ligands. As a result, there are only a handful of intrinsic conductive MOFs reported with two different conductivity pathways existed independently or simultaneously. These two conductive channels are through bond or through space. A comparable strategy to develop extrinsic conductive MOFs is emerging. With several strategies to access conductive MOFs, many important applications associated with conductivity have been found, such as chemiresistive sensoring, field effective transistors, supercapacitors and so on. Overall, only a small portion of the advantages and potentials of conductive MOFs have been achieved, further development will constantly offer new opportunities.
RecGwed: A probable novel regulator in the resolution of branched DNA structures in mycobacteria
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Vijayan M. , Nagaraju Ganesh 
Published: August 2018

AbstractStructure‐specific helicases, such as RecG, play an important role in the resolution of recombination intermediates. A bioinformatic analysis of mycobacterial genomes led to the identification of a protein (RecGwed) with a C‐terminal “edge” domain, similar to the wedge domain of RecG. RecGwed is predominately found in the phylum Actinobacteria and in few human pathogens. Mycobacterium smegmatis RecGwed was able to bind branched DNA structures in vitro but failed to interact with single‐ or double‐stranded DNA. The expression of recGwed in M. smegmatis cells was up‐regulated during stationary phase/UV damage and down‐regulated during MMS/H2O2 treatment. These observations indicate the possible involvement of RecGwed in transactions during recombination events, that proceed though branched DNA intermediates. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(8):786–794, 2018
Decomposing Complex Problems Using Influential Attribute Network Graphs
Authors: Fitzpatrick Garret , Monk Ian 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe deployment of new technologies and processes within established value chains requires a thorough understanding of the complex interactions between the existing system's behavior, structure, and the economic driving factors behind them. Recognizing these interactions and their effects within the system is a critical first step in defining the right problem to solve. Influential Attributes Network (IAN) graphs can be used as pictorial depictions of system relationships and have proven to be a valuable tool for communicating to stakeholders the critical factors that are driving often ambiguous problems. For large, complex projects these graphs help to break problems into smaller, more manageable pieces and focus technology development teams on the highest impact areas. IAN graphs also help to examine how potential solutions can address original requirements and communicate traceability from system architecture decisions back to underlying economic conditions. Ultimately, this tool helps the architect reduce ambiguity, employ creativity, and manage complexity.