bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An analysis of competition, efficiency and soundness in the South African banking sector
Authors: Moyo Busani 
Published: September 2018

Background: The banking sector plays an important role in economic activity: it mobilises savings and channels them to productive sectors thus encouraging the efficient allocation of resources. The competitive nature of the environment under which the banking sector operates is of paramount importance.Aim: The main aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between competition, efficiency and soundness in the South African banking sector.Setting: The setting for this study was the South African banking sector.Methods: We used a data set of 17 local and international banks for the period 2004–2015 and stochastic frontier models to analyse efficiency.Results: Results show that the impact of competition on efficiency depended on the measure of competition used. When using the Lerner index there was a negative effect of competition on efficiency while the opposite was true when using the theoretically robust Boone indicator.Conclusion: In the case of bank soundness, competition using the Boone indicator is negatively related to the Z score, implying that competition enhances bank soundness and these results supported the prudent and efficient management hypothesis.
Sequences of Primitive and Non-primitive BCH Codes
Authors: Ansari A. S. , Shah T. , Ur-Rahman Zia , Andrade Antonio A. 
Published: September 2018

In this work, we introduce a method by which it is established that; how a sequence of non-primitive BCH codes can be obtained by a given primitive BCH code. For this, we rush to the out of routine assembling technique of BCH codes and use the structure of monoid rings instead of polynomial rings. Accordingly, it is gotten that there is a sequence $\{C_{b^{j}n}\}_{1\leq j\leq m}$, where $b^{j}n$ is the length of $C_{b^{j}n}$, of non-primitive binary BCH codes against a given binary BCH code $C_{n}$ of length $n$. Matlab based simulated algorithms for encoding and decoding for these type of codes are introduced. Matlab provides built in routines for construction of a primitive BCH code, but impose several constraints, like degree $s$ of primitive irreducible polynomial should be less than $16$. This work focuses on non-primitive irreducible polynomials having degree $bs$, which go far more than 16.
Impact, Frequency, and Severity of Restless Legs Syndrome in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in Argentina
Authors: Carnero Contentti Edgar , López Pablo A. , Nadur Debora , Balbuena María Eugenia , Finkelstein Ana Mariel , Tkachuk Verónica 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Background:
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) frequency, and its association with depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and fatigue, has not been previously studied in Latin American patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to assess RLS frequency in patients with MS living in Argentina and to examine potential associations with depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study (n = 427) was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire, including International RLS Study Group criteria, to compare RLS frequency in patients with MS versus controls. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Fatigue Severity Scale were administered to all participants. Insomnia, excessive daytime somnolence, and other risk factors in patients with MS with RLS were analyzed using logistic regression.

Results:
We included 189 patients with definite MS and 238 controls. The RLS frequency was 29.1% in patients with MS versus 13.0% in controls (odds ratio [OR] = 2.74, P = .00005). Moreover, clinically significant RLS (csRLS; ie, symptoms present ≥2 days per week) frequency was 19.4% in patients with MS versus 4.2% in controls (OR = 5.37, P &lt; .00001). Longer MS duration and presence of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and smoking cigarettes were all significantly associated with RLS. Multivariate analysis showed that anxiety and fatigue were significantly associated with MS with RLS and MS with csRLS.

Conclusions:
Both RLS and csRLS showed strong association with MS, supporting the need to screen for anxiety/depression, sleep quality, and fatigue in this patient population. We believe that identifying the presence and severity of these conditions would contribute to better MS management and treatment.
An integrative and citizen science based approach to the rediscovery and redescription of the only known high-altitude endemic Pill Millipede, Glomeris aurita Koch (Diplopoda, Glomerida)
Authors: Wesener Thomas 
Published: September 2018

The pill millipede species Glomeris aurita Koch, 1847 remained of relative unknown origin and appearance until its recent rediscovery in samples from the Bergamasque Alps, northern Italy. In order to provide an integrative redescription and accurate identification of the high-altitude microendemic G. aurita, COI barcode sequences from three individuals coming from two different localities were obtained. These sequences are compared with those of the syntopic endemic G. oblongoguttata Verhoeff, 1894, the widespread black morph of G. romana Verhoeff, 1900, as well as several widespread species including G. marginata Villers, 1789, G. connexa Koch, 1847, and G. klugii Brandt, 1833, which have rare colour morphs that exhibit some similarity to G. aurita. To rule-out any identity confusion of G. aurita with other high-altitude or little-known Italian Glomeris, specimens of G. transalpina Koch, 1836, G. oropensis Verhoeff, 1934, and G. primordialis Verhoeff, 1932 were also added to the dataset. Altogether, 24 sequences were compared. Morphologically, the specimens of G. aurita were studied utilizing scanning electron microscopy as well as non-invasive micro-CT technology. The distribution of both Bergamasque endemics, G. aurita and G. oblongoguttata, could be mapped and compared utilizing samples from the Museo civico di Scienze Naturali di Bergamo, as well as photographic evidence from an Italian naturalist forum. G. aurita has a very short active period and is the first known pill millipede species restricted to mountain tops and cold places, possibly representing a Nunatak survivor.
Assessment of the bacterial community structure in shallow and deep sediments of the Perdido Fold Belt region in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Sánchez-Soto Jiménez Ma. Fernanda , Cerqueda-García Daniel , Montero-Muñoz Jorge L. , Aguirre-Macedo Ma. Leopoldina , García-Maldonado José Q. 
Published: September 2018

The Mexican region of the Perdido Fold Belt (PFB), in northwestern Gulf of Mexico (GoM), is a geological province with important oil reservoirs that will be subjected to forthcoming oil exploration and extraction activities. To date, little is known about the native microbial communities of this region, and how these change relative to water depth. In this study we assessed the bacterial community structure of surficial sediments by high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene at 11 sites in the PFB, along a water column depth gradient from 20 to 3,700 m, including five shallow (20–600 m) and six deep (2,800–3,700 m) samples. The results indicated that OTUs richness and diversity were higher for shallow sites (OTUs = 2,888.2 ± 567.88;H′ = 9.6 ± 0.85) than for deep sites (OTUs = 1,884.7 ± 464.2;H′ = 7.74 ± 1.02). Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination revealed that shallow microbial communities grouped separately from deep samples. Additionally, the shallow sites plotted further from each other on the NMDS whereas samples from the deeper sites (abyssal plains) plotted much more closely to each other. These differences were related to depth, redox potential, sulfur concentration, and grain size (lime and clay), based on the environmental variables fitted with the axis of the NMDS ordination. In addition, differential abundance analysis identified 147 OTUs with significant fold changes among the zones (107 from shallow and 40 from deep sites), which constituted 10 to 40% of the total relative abundances of the microbial communities. The most abundant OTUs with significant fold changes in shallow samples corresponded toKordiimonadales, Rhodospirillales,Desulfobacterales(Desulfococcus), Syntrophobacterales and Nitrospirales(GOUTA 19,BD2-6,LCP-6), whilstChromatiales,Oceanospirillales(Amphritea,Alcanivorax),Methylococcales,Flavobacteriales,Alteromonadales(Shewanella,ZD0117) andRhodobacteraleswere the better represented taxa in deep samples. Several of the OTUs detected in both deep and shallow sites have been previously related to hydrocarbons consumption. Thus, this metabolism seems to be well represented in the studied sites, and it could abate future hydrocarbon contamination in this ecosystem. The results presented herein, along with biological and physicochemical data, constitute an available reference for further monitoring of the bacterial communities in this economically important region in the GoM.
Adaptive leader‐following state consensus of multiagent systems with switching topology
Authors: Song Ge , Tao Gang 
Published: September 2018

SummaryIn this paper, an adaptive leader‐following consensus problem of multiagent systems with possibly persistent switching topology is solved. The control goal is to achieve state consensus of multiagent systems with switching topology in the presence of system parameter uncertainties. After introducing an indicator function, a new uniform nominal controller structure is developed to ensure consensus for multiagent systems with switching topology for the case of known system parameters, which provides the a priori knowledge for the adaptive control design. Then, an adaptive state consensus control scheme is developed for dealing with unknown dynamics of both the leader and the followers, for multiagent systems with switching topology. Complete stability and asymptotic state consensus analysis is shown to guarantee the desired consensus performance despite possibly persistent topology switches. A simulation study with several different cases is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive consensus control scheme.
5D Entanglement in Star Polymer Dynamics
Authors: Korolkovas Airidas 
Published: September 2018

AbstractStar polymers are within the most topologically entangled macromolecules. For a star to move the current theory is that one arm must retract to the branch point. The probability of this event falls exponentially with molecular weight, and a quicker relaxation pathway eventually takes over. With a simulation over a hundred times faster than earlier studies, it is demonstrated that the mean square displacement scales with a power law 1/16 in time, instead of the previously assumed zero. It suggests that star polymer motion is the result of two linear relaxations coinciding in time. By analogy to linear polymers, which reptate with a random walk embedded in a 3D network, we show that star polymers relax by a random walk in a 5D network.
C2‐Symmetric Bicyclic Bisborane Catalysts: Kinetic or Thermodynamic Products of a Reversible Hydroboration of Dienes
Authors: Tu Xian‐Shuang , Zeng Ning‐Ning , Li Ru‐Ye , Zhao Yu‐Quan , Xie De‐Zhen , Peng Qian , Wang Xiao‐Chen 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe prepared a new class of chiral C2‐symmetric bicyclic bisborane catalysts by addition reactions of internal dienes with the Piers borane, HB(C6F5)2, and an analogue, HB(p‐C6F4H)2. The dependence of the addition pattern on the reaction temperature allowed us to selectively prepare two diastereomeric catalysts from a single diene precursor. The bisboranes prepared in situ exhibited excellent activity (turnover numbers up to 200 at −40 °C) and enantioselectivity (up to 95 % ee) in imine hydrogenation reactions.
Sigmatropic Dearomatization/Defluorination Strategy for C−F Transformation: Synthesis of Fluorinated Benzofurans from Polyfluorophenols
Authors: Okamoto Koichi , Hori Mitsuki , Yanagi Tomoyuki , Murakami Kei , Nogi Keisuke , Yorimitsu Hideki 
Published: September 2018

AbstractFacile synthesis of fluorinated benzofurans from polyfluorophenols has been accomplished by means of a sigmatropic dearomatization/defluorination strategy composed of three processes: (1) interrupted Pummerer reaction of ketene dithioacetal monoxides with polyfluorophenols followed by [3,3] sigmatropic rearrangement, (2) Zn‐mediated smooth reductive removal of fluoride from the dearomatized intermediate, and (3) acid‐promoted cyclization/aromatization. Mechanistic investigations revealed important characteristic reactivity of polyfluorophenols in the present system. Some of the fluorinated benzofuran products were transformed by utilizing the 2‐methylsulfanyl moieties.
Bowel dysfunction after sigmoid resection for cancer and its impact on quality of life
Authors: Elfeki H , Larsen H M , Emmertsen K J , Christensen P , Youssef M , Khafagy W , Omar W , Laurberg S 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Background
Several studies have explored functional outcomes after rectal cancer surgery, but bowel dysfunction after sigmoid resection for cancer has hardly been considered. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and pattern of bowel dysfunction after resection for sigmoid cancer, and the impact of bowel function on quality of life (QoL) by comparison with patients who had polypectomy for cancer.

Methods
This was a national cross-sectional study. Data were collected from the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group database, and a questionnaire regarding bowel function and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 QoL questionnaire was sent to all Danish colonic cancer survivors treated with sigmoid resection or polypectomy between 2001 and 2014.

Results
A total of 3295 patients (3061 sigmoid resection, 234 polypectomy) responded to the questionnaire (response rate 63·8 per cent). Twelve bowel symptoms were more prevalent after sigmoid resection, including: excessive straining, fragmentation, bloating, nocturnal defaecation, bowel false alarm, liquid stool incontinence, incomplete evacuation and sense of outlet obstruction. QoL impairment owing to bowel symptoms was reported in 16·6 per cent of patients in the resection group and 10·1 per cent after polypectomy (P = 0·008). Obstructed defaecation symptoms (ODS) were encountered significantly more often after sigmoid resection than following polypectomy (17·9 versus 7·3 per cent; P &lt; 0·001). In the resection group, patients with ODS had substantial impairment on most aspects of QoL assessed by the EORTC QLQ-C30.

Conclusion
Sigmoid resection for cancer is associated with an increased risk of long-term bowel dysfunction; obstructed defaecation is prevalent and associated with substantial impairment of QoL.
C‐BEAM: A confidence‐based evaluation of MCQs for providing feedback to instructors
Authors: Aleem Abdul , Gore Manoj M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMultiple‐choice questions (MCQs) examination is the most preferred methodology for evaluating knowledge in a specific context for a large number of students. The problem with MCQs is that students apply probabilistic approach to guess answers for scoring marks. Depending on the accuracy of the prediction, it may happen that the examinees who have little or no knowledge score more than or equal to the examinees who have better knowledge. Unexpected failures of the candidates who have passed MCQ based prestigious competitive examinations have also been observed. To overcome these contradictions, this article proposes a novel Confidence‐Based Evaluation Approach for MCQs (C‐BEAM) that curb the use of probabilistic prediction. The proposed marking scheme has been compared with well‐known marking schemes like no‐negative marking, one‐fourth negative marking, and one‐third negative marking. These marking schemes have been applied for the evaluation of eight MCQ quizzes on three engineering subjects that were attempted by more than 500 students at MNNIT Allahabad, India. The analysis of results proves C‐BEAM marking scheme as more effective than other compared methods in minimizing the effect of guessed answers. In addition to the effectiveness, C‐BEAM forms the basis for the confidence‐based feedback of students. This article also applies association rule mining methods to the evaluation data generated from C‐BEAM method for discovering association rules. These rules are confidence‐based feedback of students that would help instructors to improve the teaching process.
Systemic lupus erythematosus with refractory ulcerated livedoid vasculopathy: Successful treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and warfarin
Authors: Yoshioka Katsunobu , Tateishi Chiharu , Kato Hiromi , Chen Ko‐Ron 
Published: September 2018

Key Clinical MessageWe reported a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by livedoid vasculopathy (LV), who responded well to intravenous immunoglobulin and warfarin. Cutaneous lesions of LV resemble those of cutaneous vasculitis. LV should be included in the differential diagnosis of leg ulcerations even in the presence of autoimmune disorders.
When the Surface Matters: Prebiotic Peptide‐Bond Formation on the TiO2 (101) Anatase Surface through Periodic DFT‐D2 Simulations
Authors: Pantaleone Stefano , Ugliengo Piero , Sodupe Mariona , Rimola Albert 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe mechanism of the peptide‐bond formation between two glycine (Gly) molecules has been investigated by means of PBE‐D2* and PBE0‐D2* periodic simulations on the TiO2 (101) anatase surface. This is a process of great relevance both in fundamental prebiotic chemistry, as the reaction univocally belongs to one of the different organizational events that ultimately led to the emergence of life on Earth, as well as from an industrial perspective, since formation of amides is a key reaction for pharmaceutical companies. The efficiency of the surface catalytic sites is demonstrated by comparing the reactions in the gas phase and on the surface. At variance with the uncatalyzed gas‐phase reaction, which involves a concerted nucleophilic attack and dehydration step, on the surface these two steps occur along a stepwise mechanism. The presence of surface Lewis and Brönsted sites exerts some catalytic effect by lowering the free energy barrier for the peptide‐bond formation by about 6 kcal mol−1 compared to the gas‐phase reaction. Moreover, the co‐presence of molecules acting as proton‐transfer assistants (i.e., H2O and Gly) provide a more significant kinetic energy barrier decrease. The reaction on the surface is also favorable from a thermodynamic standpoint, involving very large and negative reaction energies. This is due to the fact that the anatase surface also acts as a dehydration agent during the condensation reaction, since the outermost coordinatively unsaturated Ti atoms strongly anchor the released water molecules. Our theoretical results provide a comprehensive atomistic interpretation of the experimental results of Martra et al. (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 4671), in which polyglycine formation was obtained by successive feedings of Gly vapor on TiO2 surfaces in dry conditions and are, therefore, relevant in a prebiotic context envisaging dry and wet cycles occurring, at mineral surfaces, in a small pool.
Rhodium(III) Complex with a Bulky Cyclopentadienyl Ligand as a Catalyst for Regioselective Synthesis of Dihydroisoquinolones through C−H Activation of Arylhydroxamic Acids
Authors: Trifonova Evgeniya A. , Ankudinov Nikita M. , Kozlov Maxim V. , Sharipov Mikhail Y. , Nelyubina Yulia V. , Perekalin Dmitry S. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCatalytic reaction of arylhydroxamic acids with alkenes represents a convenient method for preparation of biologically active dihydroisoquinolones. Here, the rhodium(III) complex [(C5H2tBu2CH2tBu)RhCl2]2, which allows one to carry out such reactions with high regioselectivity to obtain 4‐substituted dihydroisoquinolones in 72–97 % yields, is described. The regioselectivity is provided by the bulky cyclopentadienyl ligand of the catalyst, which is formed through a [2+2+1] cyclotrimerization of tert‐butylacetylene. The catalytic reaction tolerates various distant functional groups in alkenes, but is inhibited by bulky (e.g., tBu) or strongly coordinating (e.g., imidazolyl) substituents. Some of the prepared dihydroisoquinolones effectively inhibit growth of phytopathogenic fungi.
Steel Gases as Ancient and Modern Challenging Resource; Historical Review, Description of the Present, and a Daring Vision
Authors: Frey Andreas , Goeke Volker , Voss Christian 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSteel is a critical material for many aspects of modern life. Transport systems, communications, civil infrastructure, and industrial engineering could not survive without it, yet the steel industry is reported to be responsible for 5 – 7 % of anthropogenic CO2 emissions making it a major contributor to climate change. Efficient utilization of the carbon rich by‐products of steel production in order to avoid CO2 emissions is vital. Traditionally by‐product gases have been used as fuel‐gas for heating applications or for power generation. Alternative chemical applications are now being developed based upon utilization of the gases as raw materials for chemicals production.
Chemotherapy for Fighting Schistosomiasis: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Mäder Patrick , Rennar Georg A. , Ventura Alejandra M. Peter , Grevelding Christoph G. , Schlitzer Martin 
Published: September 2018

AbstractChemotherapy based on repeated doses of praziquantel remains the most effective control strategy against schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by platyhelminths of the genus Schistosoma spp. Its long‐term use, however, raises serious concerns about drug resistance against praziquantel. Therefore, it is generally acknowledged that alternative treatment options are urgently needed. This Review summarizes data on relinquished drugs as well as recent advances in the area of antischistosomal compounds from a medicinal chemistry point of view. Furthermore, insights into the structure–activity relationships of each class of compounds are presented including in vitro and in vivo data, if available. Although many compounds have demonstrated good antischistosomal activity in vitro, they offer little promise to replace praziquantel. Nevertheless, the race to develop novel antischistosomal agents is ongoing.
In Vivo Evaluation of Ligand Targeted Drug Conjugates for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Krishnan Mena Asha , Pandit Amit , Chelvam Venkatesh 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe development of small molecule ligand–targeted therapeutics is currently of paramount importance for treatment of cancer due to their potential to reduce system toxicity and increase potency of a delivered chemotherapeutic drug. The main aim of a targeted drug‐delivery technique is to release the drug cargo selectively into tumor tissues, avoiding off‐site toxicity to healthy tissues and organs during chemotherapy. In this strategy, a chemotherapeutic drug is conjugated to a homing ligand, which has high affinity for proteins over‐expressed on cancer cells, via a peptide linker and a self‐immolative segment that facilitates intracellular release of drug cargo. During development of targeted drug conjugates, preclinical evaluation in tumor models of small animals like mice adds valuable data on the clinical performance of the drug. This article contains a set of protocols for implantation of tumor, determination of optimum dosage required for effective treatment, and estimation of maximum tolerated dose required for any visible side effects during treatment of cancer in tumor models of mice. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.