bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate change and microfinance
Authors: Dowla Asif 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe ongoing emission of greenhouse gases by human activities will continue to increase the temperature of the earth. Within the populations that will be most affected by global warming, the plight of many individuals is linked to the ability of microfinance institutions (MFIs) to adapt to the consequences of climate change. In this paper, we will explain the process through which climate change will impact the MFIs and their clients, and more importantly, how they can adapt to these changes. Further, we will show that in addition to being a threat, climate change also opens up opportunities for the MFIs and their clients. We recommend that the MFIs climate‐proof their existing products and services and develop new products and partnerships to deal with the consequences of climate change.
Structural Characterization of i‐Motif Structure in the Human Acetyl‐CoA Carboxylase 1 Gene Promoters and Their Role in the Regulation of Gene Expression
Authors: Kaulage Mangesh H. , Bhattacharya Santanu , Muniyappa K. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe polypurine/polypyrimidine‐rich sequences within the promoters (PI and PII) of human acetyl coenzyme A (CoA) carboxylase 1 (ACC1) gene play a vital role in determining hormone‐ or diet‐inducible expression of ACC1. PI and PII contain consecutive runs of three and three to five G/C base pairs, respectively. In a previous study, G‐rich DNA sequences of human ACC1 PI and PII were found to fold into G‐quadruplex structures; these consequently acted as strong barriers to transcription and DNA replication. Typically, stretches of C‐rich sequences that coexist with stretches of guanines have the capacity to form another four‐stranded secondary structure known as an i‐motif. However, studies on the i‐motif structure are limited and its functional significance is unclear. In the current study, through the use of a combination of different techniques, it is demonstrated that C‐rich single‐stranded DNA derived from ACC1 PI and PII form intramolecular i‐motif structures and affect normal DNA metabolic processes. Additionally, the C‐rich strands of PI and PII in duplex DNA adopt the i‐motif conformation in crowded solution environments at neutral pH. Notably, the i‐motif‐forming sequences of PI and PII suppressed luciferase gene transcription in HeLa cells. Furthermore, substitution of a nucleotide sequence that has no potential to form the i‐motif structure increases luciferase gene expression in HeLa cells. These results support the idea that C‐rich sequences within ACC1 PI and PII can form intramolecular i‐motif structures, cause suppression of transcription, and thus reveal the functional significance of C‐rich sequences in the regulation of ACC1 gene expression.
Material data mining in Nianyi Chen's scientific family
Authors: Lu Wencong , Lv Wei , Zhang Qing , Lu Kailiang , Ji Xiaobo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe origin of the material data mining (MDM) field in China can be traced back to Professor Nianyi Chen's pioneering contributions in the 80s of the 20th century. His scientific protégés have inherited his research legacy and been continuously pursuing research in this field. The present article provides an overview on the MDM research conducted by Nianyi Chen's scientific family, by reviewing these achievements of the formation criteria of amorphous phases in ternary fluorides, the discovery of new compounds in molten salt systems, the design of layered double hydroxide with desired specific surface area, and the discovery of perovskite material with desired Curie temperature. These achievements indicate that the MDM is a powerful approach in material discovery and innovation and will play a more important role in the development of Materials Genome Initiative and Materials Informatics.
Diversifying Cross‐Coupling Strategies, Catalysts and Monomers for the Controlled Synthesis of Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Baker Matthew A. , Tsai Chia‐Hua , Noonan Kevin J. T. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractChain‐growth polymerization of aromatic building blocks (termed catalyst‐transfer polycondensation or CTP) has emerged as a powerful method for the controlled synthesis of conjugated polymers. CTP affords semiconducting materials with predictable molecular weights, relatively narrow molar mass distributions and tailored backbone compositions (e.g. blocks, gradients, stars). Homogeneous catalysis utilizing transition metals has played a critical role in the rise of this field and this Minireview is designed to highlight some of the catalysts employed for these polycondensations. Some descriptions of the metal and ancillary ligands are included, along with which catalysts have been used for different aromatic monomers. Cross‐coupling strategies are discussed briefly for ease of use. Finally, some potential future directions are described for further evolution of this exciting area.
One‐step Access to Resorcinsalens—Solvent‐Dependent Synthesis, Tautomerism, Self‐sorting and Supramolecular Architectures of Chiral Polyimine Analogues of Resorcinarene
Authors: Szymkowiak Joanna , Warżajtis Beata , Rychlewska Urszula , Kwit Marcin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSubstituted 2,4‐ and 4,6‐dihydroxyisophthalaldehydes were condensed with optically pure and racemic trans‐1,2‐diaminocyclohexane to form resorcinarene‐like polyimine macrocycles (resorcinsalens), the structure and stoichiometry of which were controlled by the choice of the reaction medium. Particularly, the cyclocondensation reactions were driven by the solubility, tautomerization, or by social self‐sorting. The resorcinsalens crystallized as inclusion compounds, in which the guest molecules were situated either in channels or in voids. In the highly hydrated crystals of one of the [2+2] macrocycles and chloroform‐solvated crystals of a [4+4] product the channels were interconnected, as in zeolites, enabling possible migration of loosely bound solvent molecules in three dimensions. The association mode depended on the structural modification of the host molecule and the type of included solvent molecule(s).
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Cascade Synthesis of Benzofuranylmethylidene‐Benzoxasiloles: Elucidating Reaction Mechanism and Efficient Solid‐State Fluorescence
Authors: Namba Tomoya , Hayashi Yoshihiro , Kawauchi Susumu , Shibata Yu , Tanaka Ken 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA new synthetic route to highly fluorescent benzofuranylmethylidenebenzoxasiloles through cationic rhodium(I)/binap complex‐catalyzed cascade cycloisomerization of bis(2‐ethynylphenol)silanes has been developed involving 1,2‐silicon and 1,3‐carbon (alkyne) migrations followed by oxycyclization. The present synthesis requires only three steps, starting from commercially available dichlorodiisopropylsilane, which is markedly shorter than our previous synthesis (eight steps starting from commercially available chlorodiisopropylsilane). Theoretical calculations elucidated the mechanism of the above cascade cycloisomerization. This reaction is initiated by the formation of a rhodium vinylidene not through direct 1,2‐silicon migration but rather through an unprecedented stepwise 1,5‐silicon migration followed by C−Si bond‐forming cyclization from a dearomatized allenylrhodium complex. Subsequent 1,3‐carbon (alkyne) migration leading to a η3‐allenyl/propargyl‐rhodium complex followed by oxycyclization through π‐bond (alkyne) activation with the cationic rhodium(I) complex affords the benzofuranylmethylidenebenzoxasilole product. The structure–fluorescence property relationships of the thus obtained benzofuranylmethylidenebenzoxasiloles were investigated, which revealed that good fluorescence quantum yields were generated in the solution state (φF=69–87 %) by introduction of electron‐donating alkyl and phenyl groups on two phenoxy groups. In the powder state, 4‐methyl‐ and 4‐methoxy‐phenoxy derivatives exhibited efficient blue fluorescence (φF=52 % and 46 %, respectively). Especially, the 4‐methylphenoxy derivative was thermally stable, and exhibited strong narrow‐band fluorescence in the film state (blue, φF=95 %) and redshifted strong narrow‐band fluorescence (green, φF=90 %) in the crystalline state as a result of the formation of an offset π‐stacked dimer; the latter was confirmed by X‐ray crystallographic analysis and by theoretical calculations.
Self‐Sorting of Metal–Organic Polymeric Assemblies in Gels: Selective Templation and Catalysis of Homodimers
Authors: Konavarapu Satyanarayana K. , Dey Avishek , Garai Abhijit , Biradha Kumar 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe development of generic strategy is essential for the construction of higher order supramolecular assemblies from the mixture of molecular components. Such higher order aggregations are possible through a self‐sorting phenomenon, which is not well‐explored in gel materials. Here, first examples of self‐sorting in the coordination polymer (CP) based gels have been explored using three and four component systems. The self‐sorting phenomenon has been monitored through a [2+2] photochemical reaction in the gel state and characterized by 1H NMR, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and single crystal XRD analyses. Furthermore, AgI was shown to act as a supramolecular catalyst for the [2+2] photochemical reaction in gels.
Defining Ownership: An empirical assessment of the ownership measures
Authors: Sur Sujit , Gassmann Horand , Zhang Jing 
Published: February 2018

AbstractOwnership is considered to be one of the crucial governance mechanisms; however, there have been no systematic attempts at validating the construct and measures used to operationalize ownership. We review the current understanding of ownership and the measures used by each perspective, namely blockholder/dispersed shareholder perspective, owner identity perspective, and aggregated ownership perspective. We thereafter critique each of these perspectives, offer hypotheses regarding their validity, and empirically assess each ownership measure vis‐à‐vis firm performance outcomes. We utilize a sample of 3,990 US firms to test our hypotheses and find no consistent results for the blockholder measure, or for the owner identity measure. However, the aggregated ownership measure consistently accounts for significant increases in explanation of variance in firm performance. Copyright © 2018 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insight into color aesthetics from probabilistic perception modeling
Authors: Bittermann Michael S. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA model of human visual perception is described. An observer is represented having no a‐priori preference for color or geometric properties of the objects in his visual field. The model includes computational representations of effectiveness and efficiency of visual memory allocation that are both based on likelihood. In the computations, the colorimetric quantities color difference, chroma, and lightness are of fundamental importance, being the state variables of model. Computer experiments are carried out verifying the validity of the model. Multiple corroborations between model outcome and commonly observed phenomena are pinpointed, indicating that aesthetical experience denotes an optimal state of visual system as to processing efficiency.
Influence of repeated firings on the color parameters of two different all‐ceramic materials
Authors: Fehmi Gönüldaş , Ersan Çelik , Caner Öztürk 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAll‐ceramics materials have been widely used in dental practice due to advantages of esthetic outcome. Color parameters, one of the major factors for the esthetic outcome, are affected from different factors such as repeated firings, chemical composition and thickness. In clinical practice, ceramics were frequently subjected to the repeated firings, but the effects of the repeated firings on the color parameters have been underestimated or unknown, so the aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the repeated firings on the color parameters of all‐ceramic materials. Two commercially available A2 shaded all‐ceramic systems were used in this study (lithium disilicate pressable ceramics and computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing [CAD/CAM] fabricated zirconia). Ten samples for each group (zirconia and lithium disilicate) were prepared and subjected to repeated firings, respectively (1st, 3rd, 5th). Color measurements were performed after each repeated firings using a colorimeter (Minolta CR 321, Konica Minolta, Tokyo, Japan). The perceptibility threshold and acceptability threshold for color changes (ΔE00) was defined as 0.8 and 1.8, respectively. Statistical analysis of the results was performed by using repeated measures ANOVA for color parameters and using non‐parametric Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann‐Whitney‐U test for ΔE00 values (P < .05). L*, a* values showed statistically significant differences for lithium disilicate pressable ceramics and were not significant the zirconia specimens. ΔE00 values were above the perceptibility level for both lithium disilicate and zirconia specimens. Repeated firings affect the color parameters of the lithium disilicate specimens. As a result of repeated firings, lithium disilicate ceramics become lighter and greener.
Efficient routing and reconfiguration in virtualized HPC environments with vSwitch‐enabled lossless networks
Authors: Tasoulas Evangelos , Zahid Feroz , Gran Ernst Gunnar , Begnum Kyrre , Johnsen Bjørn Dag , Skeie Tor 
Published: February 2018

SummaryTo meet the demands of communication‐intensive workloads in the cloud, virtual machines (VMs) should utilize low overhead network communication paradigms. In general, such paradigms enable VMs to directly communicate with the hardware by means of a passthrough technology like Single‐Root I/O Virtualization (SR‐IOV). However, when passthrough‐based virtualization is coupled with lossless interconnection networks, live migrations introduce scalability challenges due to the substantial network reconfiguration overhead. With these challenges in mind, we proposed a virtual switch (vSwitch) SR‐IOV architecture for InfiniBand in our previous work titled “Towards the InfiniBand SR‐IOV vSwitch Architecture”. In this paper, we first suggest solutions to rectify the space‐domain scalability issues that are present in vSwitch‐enabled subnets as a result of the VMs using dedicated layer‐two addresses. Then, we discuss routing strategies for virtualized environments using vSwitches and present a routing algorithm for Fat‐Trees. We also present a reconfiguration method that minimizes imposed reconfiguration overhead on Fat‐Trees. We perform an extensive evaluation of our prototype algorithms, and as vSwitch‐enabled hardware does not yet exist, we deduce from empirical observations by emulating vSwitches with existing hardware, as well as large‐scale simulations. Our results show significant reduction in the reconfiguration times as route recalculations can be eliminated, and for certain scenarios, the number of reconfiguration subnet management packets sent to switches is reduced from several hundred thousand down to a single one without degrading the routing quality.
The relationship between the therapeutic alliance and clinical outcomes in cognitive behaviour therapy for adults with depression: A meta‐analytic review
Authors: Cameron Sarah Kate , Rodgers Jacqui , Dagnan Dave 
Published: February 2018

Research consistently provides evidence for the relationship between the therapeutic alliance (TA) and outcome across various therapies and presenting problems. Depression is considered the leading cause of disability worldwide, and there is substantial evidence for the efficacy for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) in its treatment. At present, there is lack of clarity specifically about the relationship between the TA and outcome in CBT for depression. The present review is the first meta‐analytic review to explore this relationship and also considering moderators. Within a random‐effects model, an overall mean effect size of r = 0.26 (95% CI [.19–.32]) was found, indicating that the TA was moderately related to outcome in CBT for depression. The mean TA–outcome correlation is consistent with existing meta‐analysis that looked across a broad range of presenting problems and psychological therapies. A secondary exploratory analysis of moderators suggested the TA–outcome relationship varied according to the TA rater, where the relationship was weaker for therapist raters compared with clients and observer raters. Additionally, the results indicated that the TA–outcome relationship marginally increased over the course of CBT treatment. The results of the meta‐analysis are discussed in reference to the wider body of research, methodological limitations, clinical implications, and future directions for research.
Radio interference challenges in a multiprotocol compact RF hardware platform for home and building automation applications
Authors: Oudji Salma , Courreges Stanis , Paillard Jean‐Noël , Meghdadi Vahid , Michel Pierre 
Published: February 2018

SummaryIn the field of smart home and smart building, there is a wide range of products using various proprietary and open standards for their interconnection. However, the coexistence of those standards imposes serious constraints because of the inherent nature of the radio frequency propagation. A way to investigate this issue is to study the interferences in a compact hardware platform/box in which several radio transceivers work side by side, potentially causing interference and radio link degradation due to antennas coupling. To achieve this analysis and predict the radio issues, a simulation tool was developed, and several experimental tests were conducted indoors and outdoors to validate the simulation model. The compact platform investigated consists of multiprofile KNX‐RF modules for home automation and smart grid control, and a radio alarm module for security needs. Simulations were conducted using MATLAB/Simulink, which are based on a calculation of bit error rate according to the signal to noise ratio in order to deduce the radio coverage range in different interference scenarios. The simulation tool developed was optimized to match the behavior of a specific transceiver commonly used for KNX‐RF devices. Yet the tool can be adapted to simulate other kinds of transceivers. Furthermore, the methodology applied to evaluate the cross‐technology interference can be extended to other technologies like Wi‐Fi, ZigBee, and EnOcean.
How scientists perceive the evolutionary origin of human traits: Results of a survey study
Authors: Tuomisto Hanna , Tuomisto Matleena , Tuomisto Jouni T. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractVarious hypotheses have been proposed for why the traits distinguishing humans from other primates originally evolved, and any given trait may have been explained both as an adaptation to different environments and as a result of demands from social organization or sexual selection. To find out how popular the different explanations are among scientists, we carried out an online survey among authors of recent scientific papers in journals covering relevant fields of science (paleoanthropology, paleontology, ecology, evolution, human biology). Some of the hypotheses were clearly more popular among the 1,266 respondents than others, but none was universally accepted or rejected. Even the most popular of the hypotheses were assessed “very likely” by <50% of the respondents, but many traits had 1–3 hypotheses that were found at least moderately likely by >70% of the respondents. An ordination of the hypotheses identified two strong gradients. Along one gradient, the hypotheses were sorted by their popularity, measured by the average credibility score given by the respondents. The second gradient separated all hypotheses postulating adaptation to swimming or diving into their own group. The average credibility scores given for different subgroups of the hypotheses were not related to respondent's age or number of publications authored. However, (paleo)anthropologists were more critical of all hypotheses, and much more critical of the water‐related ones, than were respondents representing other fields of expertise. Although most respondents did not find the water‐related hypotheses likely, only a small minority found them unscientific. The most popular hypotheses were based on inherent drivers; that is, they assumed the evolution of a trait to have been triggered by the prior emergence of another human‐specific behavioral or morphological trait, but opinions differed as to which of the traits came first.
Ancient pathogen DNA in human teeth and petrous bones
Authors: Margaryan Ashot , Hansen Henrik B. , Rasmussen Simon , Sikora Martin , Moiseyev Vyacheslav , Khoklov Alexandr , Epimakhov Andrey , Yepiskoposyan Levon , Kriiska Aivar , Varul Liivi , Saag Lehti , Lynnerup Niels , Willerslev Eske , Allentoft Morten E. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRecent ancient DNA (aDNA) studies of human pathogens have provided invaluable insights into their evolutionary history and prevalence in space and time. Most of these studies were based on DNA extracted from teeth or postcranial bones. In contrast, no pathogen DNA has been reported from the petrous bone which has become the most desired skeletal element in ancient DNA research due to its high endogenous DNA content. To compare the potential for pathogenic aDNA retrieval from teeth and petrous bones, we sampled these elements from five ancient skeletons, previously shown to be carrying Yersinia pestis. Based on shotgun sequencing data, four of these five plague victims showed clearly detectable levels of Y. pestis DNA in the teeth, whereas all the petrous bones failed to produce Y. pestis DNA above baseline levels. A broader comparative metagenomic analysis of teeth and petrous bones from 10 historical skeletons corroborated these results, showing a much higher microbial diversity in teeth than petrous bones, including pathogenic and oral microbial taxa. Our results imply that although petrous bones are highly valuable for ancient genomic analyses as an excellent source of endogenous DNA, the metagenomic potential of these dense skeletal elements is highly limited. This trade‐off must be considered when designing the sampling strategy for an aDNA project.
Potential influence of nutrient availability along a hillslope: Peatland gradient on aspen recovery following fire
Authors: Depante M. , Petrone R.M. , Devito K.J. , Kettridge N. , Macrae M.L. , Mendoza C. , Waddington J.M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe Boreal Plains (BP) of Western Canada have been exposed to increasing disturbance by wildfire and host a mixture of upland‐wetland‐pond complexes with substantial quantities of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) throughout the terrestrial areas. The ability of these tree species to regenerate within both upland and wetland areas of the BP following wildfire is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of fire on nutrient dynamics in soil and water in peatlands and forested landscapes in the BP and relate this to aspen regeneration. Nutrient concentrations, nutrient supply rates, and net nutrient mineralization rates were determined in burned and unburned sections of a peatland and forest and compared with the regeneration of aspen. NO3−, NH4+, and P varied spatially throughout the landscape, and differences were observed between peatland and upland areas. In general, differences in nutrient dynamics were not observed between burned and unburned areas, with the exception of P. Nutrient and growth data suggest that aspen do not require nutrient‐rich conditions for regeneration and instead relied on forest litter to satisfy nutrient demands. Although the peatlands contained high nutrients, aspen did not flourish in the combination of anoxic and aerobic organic‐rich soils present in this area. Although aspen may use peat water and nutrients through their rooting zones, peatlands are unsuitable for aspen re‐establishment in the long‐term. However, the combination of abundant nutrients in surface mineral soils in peat margins may indicate the vulnerability of margins to upland transformations in later successional stages.