bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Sulfamic Acid‐Catalyzed Carbon‐Carbon and Carbon‐Heteroatom Bond Forming Reactions: An Overview
Authors: Brahmachari Goutam , Banerjee Bubun
Published: May 2016

Review: latest developments on sulfamic acid‐catalyzed organic transformations reporteduring the last decade
ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic Transformations of Organic Compounds and Biomass Derivatives with Functionalized Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Liu Xiaofang , Zhang Heng , Chang Fei , Huang Shan , Yang Kaili , Yang Song
Published: May 2016

Review: 116 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Regioselectivity in Palladium‐Catalyzed Direct Arylation of 5‐Membered Ring Heteroaromatics
Authors: Bheeter Charles Beromeo , Chen Lu , Soule Jean‐Francois , Doucet Henri
Published: May 2016

Review: 230 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Stimuli and Shape Responsive ′Boron‐containing′ Luminescent Organic Materials
Authors: Mukherjee Sanjoy , Thilagar Pakkirisamy
Published: May 2016

Review: 198 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Organic Small‐Molecule Mechanofluorochromic Materials
Authors: Luo Miao , Zhou Xie
Published: May 2016

Review: recent progress in pure organic mechanofluorochromic systems, structure and itapplications; 86 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Thiophene Oxidation and Reduction Chemistry
Authors: Lu Yuzhi , Dong Ze , Wang Pengcheng , Zhou Hai‐Bing
Published: May 2016

Review: 158 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Chemical Properties of Chromone‐3‐carboxylic Acid
Authors: Kornev Mikhail Yu. , Sosnovskikh Vyacheslav Ya.
Published: May 2016

Review: [80 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Furan Ring as a Surrogate for Carboxy Group
Authors: Gutnov Andrey
Published: May 2016

Review: [11 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Isatoic Anhydride Derivatives
Authors: Bogdanov Andrei V. , Mironov Vladimir F.
Published: May 2016

Review: [14 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Indazoloquinazoline System
Authors: Roopan Selvaraj Mohana , Palaniraja Jeyakannu
Published: May 2016

Review: [16 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Emerging Organosulfonium Electrophiles as Unique Reagents for Carbon—Sulfur Bond Formation: Prospects in Synthetic Chemistry of Organosulfur Compounds
Authors: Aida Fuyuki , Oyaizu Kenichi
Published: May 2016

Review: [54 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Acidic Properties and Structure‐Activity Correlations of Solid Acid Catalysts Revealed by Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Zheng Anmin , Li Shenhui , Liu Shang‐Bin , Deng Feng
Published: May 2016

Review: 40 refs.
A Turn‐On Fluorescent Probe for Highly Selective and Sensitive Detection of Palladium
Authors: Zhou Junliang , Zhang Jian , Ren Hang , Dong Xiaochun , Zheng Xing , Zhao Weili
Published: May 2016

A novel turn‐on fluorescent probe for the detection of palladium has been designed. The probe can selectively and sensitively detect palladium in solution, and the limit of detection was calculated to be 11.4 nmol·L−1. Furthermore, the probe was successfully used for fluorescence imaging of palladium in living cells.
Extraction of Rutin and Rhoifolin by Inorganic Borate Functionalized Magnetic Particles
Authors: Huang Yu , Qi Aidi , Han Bao‐Hang
Published: May 2016

We demonstrate a facile approach for smart time‐saving extraction of active components of rutin and rhoifolin by a new kind of magnetic particles (MPs). The inorganic borate functionalized magnetic particles are quasi‐spherical with an average diameter of 200–220 nm. The MPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction techniques. The inorganic boron content in MPs was confirmed by electron‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The extraction and release efficiency of MPs were investigated. The smart borate‐decorated magnetic particles show a specific extraction towards the active components containing cis‐1,2 diol moieties. Rutin and rhoifolin were extracted at 16.55 and 22.49 mg/g, respectively. The recycling test shows that MPs can be reused and maintain a significant efficiency for seven cycles. Hence, a novel structured and reusable magnetic nanomaterial for extracting rutin and rhoifolin was developed. This strategy of specific extraction will be an important method to obtain the active components with some structure features through designing various structured particles.
Undulated 2D Covalent Organic Frameworks Based on Bowl‐Shaped Cyclotricatechylene
Authors: Zhen Jingru , Ding Sanyuan , Wang Wei , Liu Junmin , Sun Junliang , Huang Zhitang , Zheng Qiyu
Published: May 2016

Two 2D wavy hexagonal hexahydroxyl cyclotricatechylene (CTC) based COFs, CTC‐COF‐2 and CTC‐COF‐3 were synthesized through solvothermal reaction. The bowl‐shaped conformation caused CTC skeletons packed in a columnar manner with the same oriented units, thus forming an undulated structure. The gas adsorption properties of CTC‐COFs were investigated, which show the potential application abilities in hydrogen storage of CTC‐COFs. The introduction of pyrene into CTC‐COF‐3 makes it a potential semiconducting π‐conjugated material.
On the complexities of utilizing large‐scale lightpath‐connected distributed cyberinfrastructure
Authors: Maassen Jason , van Werkhoven Ben , van Meersbergen Maarten , Bal Henri E. , Kliphuis Michael , Brunnabend Sandra E. , Dijkstra Henk A. , van Malenstein Gerben , de Vos Migiel , Kuijpers Sylvia , Boele Sander , Wolfrat Jules , Hill Nick , Wallom David , Grimm Christian , Kranzlmüller Dieter , Ganpathi Dinesh , Jha Shantenu , Khamra Yaakoub El , Bryan Frank O. , Kirtman Benjamin , Seinstra Frank J.
Published: May 2016

In Autumn 2013, we—an international team of climate scientists, computer scientists, eScience researchers, and e‐Infrastructure specialists—participated in the enlighten your research global competition, organized to showcase advanced lightpath technologies in support of state‐of‐the‐art research questions. As one of the winning entries, our enlighten your research global team embarked on a very ambitious project to run an extremely high resolution climate model on a collection of supercomputers distributed over two continents and connected using an advanced 10 G lightpath networking infrastructure. Although good progress was made, we were not able to perform all desired experiments due to a varying combination of technical problems, configuration issues, policy limitations and lack of (budget for) human resources to solve these issues. In this paper, we describe our goals, the technical and non‐technical barriers, we encountered and provide recommendations on how these barriers can be removed so future project of this kind may succeed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A half‐bridge resonant DC/DC converter with satisfactory soft‐switching characteristics
Authors: Guan Yueshi , Wang Yijie , Xu Dianguo , Wang Wei
Published: May 2016

In this paper, a half‐bridge resonant DC/DC converter with constant output voltage is proposed, which possesses good soft‐switching characteristics. At rated operating point, the switches can operate almost without switching‐on and off losses. Further, at whole working range, both zero‐voltage‐switching mode of switches and zero‐current‐switching mode of diodes are maintained. Thus, the converter can achieve a high efficiency. Experimental results verify the low switching losses and high efficiency characteristics based on a 200 W prototype. System efficiency is as high as 96% and always above 90% when output power changes from 100% to 20%. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An integrated controller for high‐frequency LCLC resonant inverter with phase‐shifted control and frequency regulation
Authors: Liu Junfeng , Zeng Jun
Published: May 2016

High‐frequency alternating current has an extensive application as a result of outstanding advantages. The aim of the study is to develop a high‐frequency power source to feed the auxiliary loads of vehicle application such as electric fans, blower motors, and lighting. A feasible implementation of high‐frequency power source is examined by a full‐bridge LCLC resonant inverter. The corresponding control scheme is proposed for the fourth‐order resonant inverter to confront the control challenges of low output harmonics and dynamic nonlinear load. Firstly, an analysis parameter Sr is defined to address the possible impacts of the varying operational frequency to output THD and ZVS features. Secondly, an integrated control scheme is presented to implement pulse‐width control at heavy load and frequency regulation at light load. Lastly, an experimental prototype is accomplished with the peak voltage of 35 V and the output power of 120 W. The accordance of experimental results and theoretical analysis testifies that the proposed control scheme can achieve the low harmonics and high conversion efficiency over a wide scope of operational conditions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generation of an inducible fibroblast cell line for studying direct cardiac reprogramming
Authors: Vaseghi Haley Ruth , Yin Chaoying , Zhou Yang , Wang Li , Liu Jiandong , Qian Li
Published: May 2016

Direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs) through forced expression of cardiac‐lineage specific transcription factors holds promise as an alternative strategy for cardiac regeneration. To facilitate research in iCM reprogramming, we generated a suite of new tools. We developed a transformed cell line derived from mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF). This fibroblast cell line (MEF‐T) harbors an αMHC‐eGFP reporter transgene for rapid detection of newly derived iCMs. The MEF‐T cell line is highly proliferative and easily transfected and transduced, making it an ideal tool for transgene expression and genetic manipulation. Additionally, we generated a Tet‐On inducible polycistronic iCM reprogramming construct for the temporal regulation of reprogramming factor expression. Furthermore, we introduced this construct into MEF‐T and created an inducible reprogrammable fibroblast cell line. These tools will facilitate future research in cell fate reprogramming by enabling the temporal control of reprogramming factor expression as well as high‐throughput screening using libraries of small molecules, noncoding RNAs, and siRNAs. genesis 54:398–406, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Drivers of aboveground wood production in a lowland tropical forest of West Africa: teasing apart the roles of tree density, tree diversity, soil phosphorus, and historical logging
Authors: Jucker Tommaso , Sanchez Aida Cuni , Lindsell Jeremy A. , Allen Harriet D. , Amable Gabriel S. , Coomes David A.
Published: May 2016

Tropical forests currently play a key role in regulating the terrestrial carbon cycle and abating climate change by storing carbon in wood. However, there remains considerable uncertainty as to whether tropical forests will continue to act as carbon sinks in the face of increased pressure from expanding human activities. Consequently, understanding what drives productivity in tropical forests is critical. We used permanent forest plot data from the Gola Rainforest National Park (Sierra Leone) – one of the largest tracts of intact tropical moist forest in West Africa – to explore how (1) stand basal area and tree diversity, (2) past disturbance associated with past logging, and (3) underlying soil nutrient gradients interact to determine rates of aboveground wood production (AWP). We started by statistically modeling the diameter growth of individual trees and used these models to estimate AWP for 142 permanent forest plots. We then used structural equation modeling to explore the direct and indirect pathways which shape rates of AWP. Across the plot network, stand basal area emerged as the strongest determinant of AWP, with densely packed stands exhibiting the fastest rates of AWP. In addition to stand packing density, both tree diversity and soil phosphorus content were also positively related to productivity. By contrast, historical logging activities negatively impacted AWP through the removal of large trees, which contributed disproportionately to productivity. Understanding what determines variation in wood production across tropical forest landscapes requires accounting for multiple interacting drivers – with stand structure, tree diversity, and soil nutrients all playing a key role. Importantly, our results also indicate that logging activities can have a long‐lasting impact on a forest's ability to sequester and store carbon, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding old‐growth tropical forests.
Cytological study on Sertoli cells and their interactions with germ cells during annual reproductive cycle in turtle
Authors: Ahmed Nisar , Yufei Huang , Yang Ping , Muhammad Yasir Waqas , Zhang Qian , Liu Tengfei , Hong Chen , Lisi Hu , Xiaoya Chu , Chen Qiusheng
Published: May 2016

Sertoli cells (SCs) play a central role in the development of germ cells within functional testes and exhibit varying morphology during spermatogenesis. This present study investigated the seasonal morphological changes in SCs in the reproductive cycle of Pelodiscus sinensis by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunohistochemistry. During hibernation period with the quiescent of spermatogenesis, several autophagosomes were observed inside the SCs, the processes of which retracted. In early spermatogenesis, when the germ cells started to proliferate, the SCs contained numerous lipid droplets instead of autophagosomes. In late spermatogenesis, the SCs processes became very thin and contacted several round/elongated spermatids in pockets. At this time, abundant endoplasmic reticulum and numerous mitochondria were present in the SCs. The organization of the tight junctions and the adherens junctions between the SCs and germ cells also changed during the reproductive cycle. Moreover, SCs were involved in the formation of cytoplasmic bridges, phagophores, and exosome secretions during spermatogenesis. Tubulobulbar complexes (TBC) were also developed by SCs around the nucleus of the spermatid at the time of spermiation. Strong, positive expression of vimentin was noted on the SCs during late spermatogenesis compared with the hibernation stage and the early stage of spermatogenesis. These data provide clear cytological evidence about the seasonal changes in SCs, corresponding with their different roles in germ cells within the Chinese soft‐shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis.
Predicting the distributions of predator (snow leopard) and prey (blue sheep) under climate change in the Himalaya
Authors: Aryal Achyut , Shrestha Uttam Babu , Ji Weihong , Ale Som B. , Shrestha Sujata , Ingty Tenzing , Maraseni Tek , Cockfield Geoff , Raubenheimer David
Published: May 2016

Future climate change is likely to affect distributions of species, disrupt biotic interactions, and cause spatial incongruity of predator–prey habitats. Understanding the impacts of future climate change on species distribution will help in the formulation of conservation policies to reduce the risks of future biodiversity losses. Using a species distribution modeling approach by MaxEnt, we modeled current and future distributions of snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and its common prey, blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), and observed the changes in niche overlap in the Nepal Himalaya. Annual mean temperature is the major climatic factor responsible for the snow leopard and blue sheep distributions in the energy‐deficient environments of high altitudes. Currently, about 15.32% and 15.93% area of the Nepal Himalaya are suitable for snow leopard and blue sheep habitats, respectively. The bioclimatic models show that the current suitable habitats of both snow leopard and blue sheep will be reduced under future climate change. The predicted suitable habitat of the snow leopard is decreased when blue sheep habitats is incorporated in the model. Our climate‐only model shows that only 11.64% (17,190 km2) area of Nepal is suitable for the snow leopard under current climate and the suitable habitat reduces to 5,435 km2 (reduced by 24.02%) after incorporating the predicted distribution of blue sheep. The predicted distribution of snow leopard reduces by 14.57% in 2030 and by 21.57% in 2050 when the predicted distribution of blue sheep is included as compared to 1.98% reduction in 2030 and 3.80% reduction in 2050 based on the climate‐only model. It is predicted that future climate may alter the predator–prey spatial interaction inducing a lower degree of overlap and a higher degree of mismatch between snow leopard and blue sheep niches. This suggests increased energetic costs of finding preferred prey for snow leopards – a species already facing energetic constraints due to the limited dietary resources in its alpine habitat. Our findings provide valuable information for extension of protected areas in future.
Cooperative High‐Temperature Spin Crossover Accompanied by a Highly Anisotropic Structural Distortion
Authors: Gural'skiy Il'ya A. , Golub Bohdan O. , Shylin Sergii I. , Ksenofontov Vadim , Shepherd Helena J. , Raithby Paul R. , Tremel Wolfgang , Fritsky Igor O.
Published: May 2016

Spin transitions are a spectacular example of molecular switching that can provoke extreme electronic and structural reorganizations in coordination compounds. A new 3D cyanoheterometallic framework, [Fe(pz){Au(CN)2}2], has been synthesized in which a highly cooperative spin crossover has been observed at 367 and 349 K in heating and cooling modes, respectively. Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed a complete transition between the diamagnetic and paramagnetic states of the iron centres. The low‐spin‐to‐high‐spin transition induced a drastic structural distortion involving a large one‐directional expansion (ca. 10.6 %) and contraction (ca. 9.6 %) of the lattice. Negative thermal expansion along the c axis was detected below and above the transition temperature.
Quality changes of Antarctic krill powder during long term storage
Authors: Nielsen Nina Skall , Lu Henna Fung Sieng , Bruheim Inge , Jacobsen Charlotte
Published: May 2016

Krill is a valuable sustainable resource of omega‐3 fatty acids and protein, which may be processed into a krill powder for human consumption. The objective of this study was to investigate the stability of krill powder when stored for up to 12 months at room temperature. In addition, the effect of packaging in vacuum was observed. The stability was assessed by changes in concentrations of lipid classes, antioxidants, pyrroles and lipid, and Strecker‐derived volatiles. Some degradation occurred during storage at room temperature. Thus, a minor increase in volatiles, an increase in free fatty acids and a concomitant decrease in antioxidants, tocopherol, and astaxanthin was observed. In addition, there was a minor decrease in phospholipids and n‐3 fatty acids; however, storage at vacuum improved the oxidative stability of krill powder.

Practical applications: For the use of krill powder in human nutrition, it is important, that the quality and stability is sufficiently high to retain the nutritional value during storage. This study contributes with information about the stability during storage up to 12 months at room temperature and the effect of packaging the powder in vacuum.

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) is a shrimp‐like marine crustacean. It is rich in omega‐3 fatty acids, primarily bound in phospholipids in the sn‐2 position of the molecule, making it highly bioavailable. Krill may be processed into powder also rich in protein and astaxanthin. Stability of krill powder, stored for up to 12 months at room temperature, showed slight lipid oxidation.
Build an online hub around student enrollment needs for increased retention, completion
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: May 2016

PHOENIX — Hurdles created by admission and enrollment processes should never be a barrier to an education. Creating an online space that streamlines the process as much as possible for your student body can help cut down on the frustration and attrition associated with dealing with bureaucracy. In a session from the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers annual conference, Sherry M. Phillips, director of registration and records; and Stephanie Prazenka, associate director of records and registration, both from the Montgomery County Community College System, shared best practices and lessons learned from their move to an online one‐stop shop for admissions, registration and financial aid. The initiative uses Colleague® Student Self‐Service to improve student retention, progression toward degree and completion.
Prediction of input energy spectrum: attenuation models and velocity spectrum scaling
Authors: Alıcı F. S. , Sucuoğlu Halûk
Published: May 2016

Recent improvements in performance‐based earthquake engineering require realistic description of seismic demands and accurate estimation of supplied capacities in terms of both forces and deformations. Energy based approaches have a significant advantage in performance assessment because excitation and response durations, accordingly energy absorption and dissipation characteristics, are directly considered whereas force and displacement‐based procedures are based only on the maximum response parameters. Energy‐based procedures mainly consist of the prediction of earthquake input energy imposed on a structural system during an earthquake and energy dissipation performance of the structure.

The presented study focuses on the prediction of earthquake input energy. A large number of strong‐ground motions have been collected from the Next Generation Attenuation (NGA) project database, and parametric studies have been conducted for considering the effects of soil type, epicentral distance, moment magnitude, and the fault type on input energy. Then prediction equations for input energy spectra, which are expressed in terms of the equivalent velocity (Veq) spectra, are derived in terms of these parameters. Moreover, a scaling operation has been developed based on consistent relations between pseudo velocity (PSV) and input energy spectra. When acceleration and accordingly velocity spectrum is available for a site from probabilistic seismic hazard analysis, it is possible to estimate the input energy spectrum by applying velocity scaling. Both of these approaches are found successful in predicting the Veq spectrum at a site, either from attenuation relations for the considered earthquake source or from the results of probabilistic seismic hazard analysis conducted for the site. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The remarkable impact of renewable energy generation in Sicily onto electricity price formation in Italy
Authors: Meneguzzo Francesco , Ciriminna Rosaria , Albanese Lorenzo , Pagliaro Mario
Published: May 2016

During the first half of 2015, for the first time, the zonal electricity price in Sicily decreased below than the national wholesale price in Italy. Showing the unique pattern of electricity consumption in Italy's largest region at different time scales, we identify the effectiveness of the impact of renewable power generation on utility‐scale in Sicily upon the whole of Italy's electricity market. Increasing the electrification of the energy end uses, as it is happening despite prolonged reduction in electricity demand, will lead to further benefits for power consumers throughout the whole country.
Variable‐rate staircase codes with RS component codes for optical wireless transmission
Authors: Kukieattikool Pratana , Goertz Norbert
Published: May 2016

We investigate staircase codes, a class of high‐performance forward‐error‐correction codes for high‐rate transmission, and propose staircase codes with adaptive rates for time‐variant optical wireless channels. The variable‐rate staircase codes are used in a type‐II hybrid automatic repeat request framework such that throughput is maximised by avoiding retransmissions of the whole staircase blocks that initially—at high code rate—may not have been decoded successfully. These rate‐adaptive staircase codes employ at their core the standard Bose–Chaudhuri–Hochquenghem component codes, but they are concatenated with Reed–Solomon codes as extra components to implement burst‐error correction and rate‐adaptivity. Bit error performance and throughput of the rate‐adaptive staircase codes are investigated by analysis and confirmed with simulation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iridoid Glycosides and Phenolic Compounds from the Flowers of Vitex agnus‐castus
Authors: Kırmızıbekmez Hasan , Demir Dicle
Published: May 2016

A new and rare type of iridoid glycoside, agnusoside (1), a new caffeoylquinic acid derivative, castusic acid (2), and a new sugar ester, 1,2‐di‐(4‐hydroxybenzoyl)‐β‐glucopyranose (3), along with ten known compounds belonging to iridoid glycosides (agnuside, trans‐eurostoside), caffeoylquinic acid derivatives (chlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acid A), flavonoids (isoorientin, isovitexin, kaempferol 3‐O‐sophoroside, luteolin 6‐C‐(2′′‐O‐trans‐caffeoyl)glucopyranoside, and simple phenolic acids (4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid), chemical classes were isolated from the flowers of Vitex agnus‐castus. The structures of the isolates were established by extensive 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopic analysis as well as HR‐ESI‐MS. Agnusoside (1) represents an unusual type of iridoid glycoside with its 6‐keto C(4) nonsubstituted aglycone.
Knockdown of COUP‐TFII inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis through upregulating BRCA1 in renal cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Zheng Jia , Qin Weijun , Jiao Dian , Ren Jing , Wei Ming , Shi Shengjia , Xi Wenjin , Wang He , Yang An‐Gang , Huan Yi , Wen Weihong
Published: May 2016

COUP‐TFII belongs to the nuclear receptor family, which is highly expressed in many kinds of tumors. Previous studies have shown that COUP‐TFII can promote tumor progression through regulating tumor angiogenesis and cell proliferation and migration of certain cancer cells. However, the function of COUP‐TFII in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is not clear. Here, we showed that clinical RCC tumor tissues showed much higher COUP‐TFII expression level than adjacent normal tissues. When COUP‐TFII was knocked down in RCC 769‐P and 786‐O cells by siRNA or shRNA‐expressing lentivirus, the cell proliferation was markedly inhibited, and apoptosis increased. Moreover, the tumor growth of COUP‐TFII knockdown 769‐P and 786‐O xenografts in nude mice was also obviously inhibited. Using qRT‐PCR and Western blot, we showed that the expression of the tumor suppressor gene BRCA1 was upregulated in COUP‐TFII knockdown cells. Simultaneously knockdown of BRCA1 and COUP‐TFII partially rescued the inhibited cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in COUP‐TFII single knockdown cells. These results indicate that COUP‐TFII may play an oncogenic role in RCC, and COUP‐TFII may promote tumor progression through inhibiting BRCA1.
Gastrointestinal and liver disease in Adult Life After Childhood Cancer in Scandinavia: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Asdahl Peter Haubjerg , Winther Jeanette Falck , Bonnesen Trine Gade , De Fine Licht Sofie , Gudmundsdottir Thorgerdur , Holmqvist Anna Sällfors , Malila Nea , Tryggvadottir Laufey , Wesenberg Finn , Dahlerup Jens Frederik , Olsen Jørgen Helge , Hasle Henrik ,   on behalf of the ALiCCS study group
Published: May 2016

Survival after childhood cancer diagnosis has remarkably improved, but emerging evidence suggests that cancer‐directed therapy may have adverse gastrointestinal late effects. We aimed to comprehensively assess the frequency of gastrointestinal and liver late effects among childhood cancer survivors and compare this frequency with the general population. Our population‐based cohort study included all 1‐year survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden diagnosed from the 1940s and 1950s. Our outcomes of interest were hospitalization rates for gastrointestinal and liver diseases, which were ascertained from national patient registries. We calculated standardized hospitalization rate ratios (RRs) and absolute excess rates comparing hospitalizations of any gastrointestinal or liver disease and for specific disease entities between survivors and the general population. The study included 31,132 survivors and 207,041 comparison subjects. The median follow‐up in the hospital registries were 10 years (range: 0–42) with 23% of the survivors being followed at least to the age of 40 years. Overall, survivors had a 60% relative excess of gastrointestinal or liver diseases [RR: 1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6–1.7], which corresponds to an absolute excess of 360 (95% CI: 330–390) hospitalizations per 100,000 person‐years. Survivors of hepatic tumors, neuroblastoma and leukemia had the highest excess of gastrointestinal and liver diseases. In addition, we observed a relative excess of several specific diseases such as esophageal stricture (RR: 13; 95% CI: 9.2–20) and liver cirrhosis (RR: 2.9; 95% CI: 2.0–4.1). Our findings provide useful information about the breadth and magnitude of late complications among childhood cancer survivors and can be used for generating hypotheses about potential exposures related to these gastrointestinal and liver late effects.
Assessing the role of alternative response rates and reinforcer rates in resistance to extinction of target responding when combining stimuli
Authors: Podlesnik Christopher A. , Bai John Y. H. , Skinner Katherine A.
Published: May 2016

Studies of behavioral momentum reveal that reinforcing an alternative response in the presence of a target response reduces the rate of target responding but increases its persistence, relative to training the target response on its own. Because of the parallels between these studies and differential‐reinforcement techniques to reduce problem behavior in clinical settings, alternative techniques to reduce problem behavior without enhancing its persistence are being explored. One potential solution is to train an alternative response in a separate stimulus context from problem behavior before combining the alternative stimulus with the target stimulus. The present study assessed how differences in reinforcement contingencies and rate for alternative responding influenced resistance to extinction of target responding when combining alternative and target stimuli in pigeons. Across three experiments, alternative stimuli signaling a response–reinforcer dependency and greater reinforcer rates more effectively decreased the persistence of target responding when combining alternative and target stimuli within the same extinction tests, but not when compared across separate extinction tests. Overall, these findings reveal that differences in competition between alternative and target responding produced by contingencies of alternative reinforcement could influence the effectiveness of treating problem behavior through combining stimulus contexts.
Phytoplankton of the North Central Sargasso Sea, 1950–521
Authors: RILEY GORDON A.
Published: May 2016

U. S. Weather Ship personnel operating at Lat. 35°N, Long. 48°W obtained approximately weekly collections of water samples for phytoplankton enumeration at five depths between 0 and 150 m for a two‐year period beginning in February, 1950. Temperature and Secchi disk measurements and zooplankton collections also were made. The average concentration of phytoplankton was sparse, but it extended through a long vertical column, in agreement with previous observations. There was a diatom increase in April of each year, which appeared to be analogous to the vernal augmentation in temperate waters although of miniature size. The seasonal minimum occurred in autumn, and the population tended to be larger in winter than in summer. Destruction of the seasonal thermocline between December and March presumably increased the rate of nutrient supply at that season, but light and turbulence were critical factors. Hence the development of winter diatom pulses was correlated with the stability of the water column. The species composition was mainly subtropical or ubiquitous, but occasional localized concentrations of temperate‐water diatoms suggested eddy transfer from the north. Analysis of previous oceanographic observations in the region by three independent methods indicated an average daily rate of net phytoplankton production of about 0.15 g carbon per m2 of sea surface, or a quarter to a third of the observed rates in highly productive temperate waters.
Relationship Retween Food Supply and Condition of Wild Brown Trout, Salmo trutta Linnaeus, in a Michigan Stream
Authors: ELLIS ROBERT J. , GOWING HOWARD
Published: May 2016

Field study revealed great differences in the biological productivity of two adjacent areas of a Michigan trout stream resulting from the entrance of domestic sewage into the stream between the two areas. Monthly samples were collected from the two areas to determine the seasonal cycles in abundance of bottom fauna, feeding habits of the trout, and coefficient of condition of the brown trout. In the less productive area upstream, a paucity of food of aquatic origin caused a sharp decline in condition of the fish, a reduction in the quantity of food per stomach, and a shift to a diet containing a considerable portion of terrestrial organisms. In the more productive area downstream (which, throughout the year, had a greater volume of bottom fauna than the unproductive area) trout maintained a significantly higher and much less variable coefficient of condition, their stomachs contained more food in midsummer and did not show the increase in terrestrial foods.
The Euphausiid Crustaceans Thysanopoda aequalis Hansen and Thysanopoda subaequalis Boden, Their Taxonomy and Distribution in the Pacific1
Authors: BODEN BRIAN P. , BRINTON EDWARD
Published: May 2016

The original specific criteria given for Thysanopoda subaequalis are shown to be unreliable. However, on fresh morphological and distributional evidence it is decided that the species is valid. Its diagnosis is modified and the distribution of the species, in relation with Thysanopoda aequalis, is discussed.
Selective ensemble‐mean technique for tropical cyclone track forecast by using time‐lagged ensemble and multi‐centre ensemble in the western North Pacific
Authors: Du Yugang , Qi Liangbo , Cao Xiaogang
Published: May 2016

This article investigates the impacts of both the time‐lagged ensemble technique and the multi‐centre ensemble prediction system (EPS) on tropical cyclone (TC) track forecasts. Four EPSs from European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and China Meteorological Administration (CMA) participating in the TIGGE project are considered, and 60 TCs in the western North Pacific from 2010 to 2012 are investigated. The time‐lagged ensemble uses single‐centre EPS (SCE) initialized at different times to increase ensemble members for specific forecast times. Both the means of selected EPS members (SEAV) method and the ensemble‐mean method are applied to the time‐lagged ensemble, respectively. Verification results show that the time‐lagged ensemble yields marginal changes in forecast position errors compared with its zero‐lag counterparts for all SCEs by applying the SEAV method. The mean forecast position errors by the ensemble‐mean method are greater when adding previous data compared with the SEAV method.

A variety of multi‐centre EPSs (MCEs) composed of SEAV‐integrated SCEs are investigated. These MCEs, labelled according to their component SCEs, are EC&NCEP, EC&CMA, EC&JMA, EC&NCEP&CMA, EC&NCEP&JMA and EC&NCEP&CMA&JMA. The EC&NCEP MCE, for example, is a SEAV‐integrated combination of the ECMWF and NCEP ensemble TC forecast tracks. It is found that MCE track forecasts are more accurate than SCE track forecasts. EC&NCEP has the best performance among all MCEs. In addition, MCEs are compared with an equally weighted consensus of deterministic model forecasts (MCDs). The MCEs outperform their corresponding MCDs at 24 h. Sensitivity tests on the weights of component SCEs in SEAV‐derived MCEs are conducted. For lead times within 72 h, if the component SCEs in an MCE have comparable performances, the MCE with equal weights of SCEs will be more accurate than those of non‐equal weights of SCEs. Otherwise, non‐equal weights of SCEs are more suitable for MCEs. However, for lead times longer than 72 h, the above result is not convincing.
Challenges and Opportunities in Cross‐Platform Media Measurement
Authors: Marks Richard
Published: May 2016

For a perspective on the challenges and likely direction for multi‐channel multi‐platform research, let's start by defining terms; in this case what we mean by cross‐media and cross‐platform.
The Small Screen Takes Centre Stage
Authors: Bowman Jo
Published: May 2016

While much of the talk about China is about slowing growth, WPP China CEO Bessie Lee highlights the increasing power of mobile in a market that's still expanding.
Socio economic status in the digital age
Authors: Smurthwaite John
Published: May 2016

Many marketing and research professionals believe that the use of SES (socio economic status) as an issue should be dead and buried. With the growing number of segmentation models being generated via digital path to purchase, social media, analytics and more direct niche targeting through an array of smart digital mobile devices, many will say that SES may seem an anachronism from the analogue past. So why are we reviving this topic once more?
Probabilistic measures of cost‐effectiveness
Authors: Bebu Ionut , Mathew Thomas , Lachin John M.
Published: May 2016

Several probability‐based measures are introduced in order to assess the cost‐effectiveness of a treatment. The basic measure consists of the probability that one treatment is less costly and more effective compared with another. Several variants of this measure are suggested as flexible options for cost‐effectiveness analysis. The proposed measures are invariant under monotone transformations of the cost and effectiveness measures. Interval estimation of the proposed measures are investigated under a parametric model, assuming bivariate normality, and also non‐parametrically. The delta method and a generalized pivotal quantity approach are both investigated under the bivariate normal model. A non‐parametric U‐statistics‐based approach is also investigated for computing confidence intervals. Numerical results show that under bivariate normality, the solution based on generalized pivotal quantities exhibits accurate performance in terms of maintaining the coverage probability of the confidence interval. The non‐parametric U‐statistics‐based solution is accurate for sample sizes that are at least moderately large. The results are illustrated using data from a clinical trial for prostate cancer therapy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influences of superplasticizers on the basic and drying creep of concrete
Authors: Qian Chunxiang , Zhang Yi , Huang Haoliang , Qu Jun , Guo Jinqiang
Published: May 2016

The influences of naphthalene‐based plasticizers and polycarboxylate acid/salt superplasticizers on the creep of concrete, including basic creep and drying creep, were investigated. The internal relative humidity and pore structure of concrete and the surface tension of the pore solution were tested. The results show that polycarboxylate acid/salt superplasticizers refine capillary pores in concrete and reduce the surface tension of the pore solution, and also restrain internal moisture transmission and redistribution. As a result, creep of the concrete is reduced. Compared with naphthalene‐based plasticizer, polycarboxylate acid/salt superplasticizer causes a greater reduction of drying creep, but a smaller reduction of basic creep. This is because the moisture redistribution is quite feeble and quickly balanced in a sealed condition. Concrete with polycarboxylate acid/salt superplasticizer has the lowest creep value because polycarboxylate acid/salt superplasticizer improves the degree of hydration and reduces the porosity of macro pores.
Use of double decidual sac sign to confirm intrauterine pregnancy location prior to sonographic visualization of embryonic contents
Authors: Richardson A. , Hopkisson J. , Campbell B. , Raine‐Fenning N.
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the double decidual sac sign (DDSS) for predicting an intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) prior to visualization of embryonic contents, using modern high‐resolution transvaginal sonography (TVS).

Methods

The study was conducted following STARD guidelines and participants were recruited prospectively from Nurture Fertility, Nottingham, UK, following in‐vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment between 1 January 2015 and 31 October 2015. Women were excluded if there was no evidence of intrauterine fluid collection during the index test, a yolk sac or fetal pole was visible during the index test, no outcome data were available or pregnancy location could not be determined by the reference standard. The index test consisted of TVS at 32–34 days' gestation using a high‐frequency transvaginal probe. Reference standard was TVS at 7 weeks' gestation. The outcome of interest was an IUP.

Results

A total of 67 intrauterine fluid collections were observed and included in the analysis, of which 61 exhibited the DDSS and 65 were proven to be IUPs. Two ectopic pregnancies were included, neither of which demonstrated the DDSS. The DDSS therefore had a sensitivity of 93.9% (95% CI, 85.0–98.3%), specificity of 100% (95% CI, 15.8–100%) and overall diagnostic accuracy of 94.0% (95% CI, 88.3–99.7%) for predicting an IUP. The negative likelihood ratio and positive and negative predictive values were 0.06 (95% CI, 0.02–0.16), 100% (95% CI, 94.1–100%) and 33.3% (95% CI, 4.3–77.7%), respectively.

Conclusion

With modern high‐resolution TVS, presence of the DDSS can be used to confirm accurately IUP location prior to sonographic visualization of embryonic contents, and therefore to exclude effectively ectopic pregnancy. Absence of the DDSS, however, does not preclude an IUP. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Synthesis of Alkyl Monoglucoside Citric Monoester and Properties of Its Sodium Salt
Authors: Jin Zhu , Zhang Jun , Yang Xiuquan , Zhou Yuan
Published: May 2016

A series of disodium alkyl monoglucoside citric monoesters (AG‐EC) were synthesized with an indirect method using glucosides, lauryl/decyl/octyl alcohol and citric acid. The structure and composition of the synthesized surfactants were defined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The surface properties, foaming ability and wetting ability were investigated. AG‐EC surfactants exhibited excellent water solubility which eliminated the defect of long‐chain alkyl glucoside. All three surfactants showed high surface activities. AG12‐EC and AG10‐EC showed remarkable foaming abilities in distilled water and hard water. Aqueous solutions of AG‐EC surfactants spread slowly on a parafilm surface.
Why there will be no Helsinki Ii–-and why Confidence Building with Putin's Russia is a Bad Idea
Authors: Freudenstein Roland
Published: May 2016

Over the last 10 years, Russia under Putin has turned into an illiberal empire that is determined to weaken the West as a precondition for its own survival. This fact is still not fully appreciated by those Western leaders who believe that a return to cooperation with Russia is both necessary and possible. Germany's Social Democrats are particularly prominent among these leaders. They intend to use Germany's 2016 presidency of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe to lay the groundwork for a step-by-step confidence-building effort, eventually leading to a new European security architecture. Such hopes are utterly futile. They are based on old illusions about detente and Ostpolitik. Moreover, they are understood by the Kremlin to be signs of weakness and appeasement. Instead of answering every Russian act of aggression with new offers for talks, the West should prepare for a long confrontation with Russia, maintain unity, and strengthen defence and deterrence.
Obstacles to a Syrian Peace: The Interference of Interests
Authors: Habets Ingrid
Published: May 2016

Syria's peaceful revolution for dignity and democracy turned into a brutal civil war when the regime of Bashir al-Assad continued to commit atrocities against its people. Since then the war has become complicated, involving jihadist groups, regional actors and the international community. This article outlines the difficulties of creating a peace process for Syria, given not only the opposing interests of the groups at war, but also those of the international community. Two models for peace negotiations, those of Palestine and Sudan, are then analysed as possible paths for the Syrian negotiations. While it should be remembered that the war is a result of a call for dignity, an outcome that does not appease Iran, Turkey, Russia, the West and Saudi Arabia will simply be impossible to achieve.
Academic well‐being and smoking among 14‐ to 17‐year‐old schoolchildren in six European cities
Authors: Kinnunen Jaana M. , Lindfors Pirjo , Rimpelä Arja , Salmela‐Aro Katariina , Rathmann Katharina , Perelman Julian , Federico Bruno , Richter Matthias , Kunst Anton E. , Lorant Vincent
Published: May 2016

It is well established that poor academic performance is related to smoking, but the association between academic well‐being and smoking is less known. We measured academic well‐being by school burnout and schoolwork engagement and studied their associations with smoking among 14‐ to 17‐year‐old schoolchildren in Belgium, Germany, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal. A classroom survey (2013 SILNE survey, N = 11,015) was conducted using the Short School Burnout Inventory and the Schoolwork Engagement Inventory. Logistic regression, generalized linear mixed models, and ANOVA were used. Low schoolwork engagement and high school burnout increased the odds for daily smoking in all countries. Academic performance was correlated with school burnout and schoolwork engagement, and adjusting for it slightly decreased the odds for smoking. Adjusting for socioeconomic factors and school level had little effect. Although high school burnout and low schoolwork engagement correlate with low academic performance, they are mutually independent risk factors for smoking.
Manufacturing Germans: Singer Manufacturing Company and American Capitalism in the Russian Imagination during World War I
Authors: SAWYER BENJAMIN
Published: May 2016

Just months after the outbreak of World War I, rumors spread throughout the Russian Empire that Singer Manufacturing Company’s wholly owned Russian subsidiary, Kompaniia Zinger, was a German company that was actively engaged in espionage on behalf of the German military. Even though these rumors were untrue, they unleashed a wave of actions against the company that Singer’s officials were unable to stop, ultimately leading to tremendous losses for the firm. The central argument of this article is that the power of the accusations of Singer’s German ties rested far more on the nature of the company’s business model than on the national affiliation of its personnel or evidence of espionage. In the context of World War I–era Russia, many Russians took Singer’s operations not as those of an international capitalist enterprise, but rather as evidence of the company’s questionable foreign character. This perspective helps us to understand why Singer’s management had such difficulty shaking the accusations of its German ties; if what was suspicious about the company was the very foundation of its business model, then its continued operation meant that it necessarily exhibited characteristics that reinforced the basis for said suspicion. These findings have implications for international business history, the history of late-Tsarist Russia, and the history of capitalism.