bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Was hat Schinkenspeck in der PCR zu suchen?
Authors: Hauk Andrea
Published: December 2015

Können Sie sich vorstellen, dass ich mir einmal ernsthaft die Frage stellte, warum man molekularen “Schinkenspeck” bei der quantitativen Echtzeit‐PCR einsetzt? Das Missverständnis klärte sich auf, als ich verstand, dass kein “molecular bacon”, wohl aber “molecular beacon” gemeint ist, was soviel wie “molekulares Leuchtfeuer” heißt. Hand auf's Herz: Wissen Sie, worum es sich hier handelt und was ein Leuchtfeuer in einer PCR verloren hat?
Are humans rational? Exploring factors influencing impulse buying intention and continuous impulse buying intention
Authors: Chen Yi‐Fen , Wang Ruo‐Yu
Published: December 2015

This study investigates the effects of consumers' impulsivity traits, option framing, product type, and cash refund promotion on consumers' online impulse buying intention. This study follows two stages to investigate factors influencing impulse buying intention and continuous impulse buying intention. In Stage 1, this study investigates the influence of impulsivity traits (high/low), option framing (+OF/−OF), and product type (hedonic product/utilitarian product) in online shopping on impulse buying intention. In Stage 2, this study explores factors moderating the continuous impulse buying intention. Cash refund promotion (high/low) serves as the moderator. The experiment results demonstrated that subjects with high impulsivity traits, “subtractive option framing (−OF), and hedonic products” are more likely to engage in impulse buying intention. In addition, cash refund promotion at a higher level increases consumers' continuous impulse buying intention. The findings provide guidance for designing appropriate online promotion situation to induce consumers' impulse buying intention that favors online retailers. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of and Mechanistic Considerations for the Enantioselective Dihydroxylation of Styrene Catalyzed by Osmate‐Laccase‐Poly(2‐Methyloxazoline) in Organic Solvents
Authors: Leurs Melanie , Spiekermann Pia S. , Tiller Joerg C.
Published: December 2015

The Sharpless dihydroxylation of styrene with the artificial metalloenzyme osmate‐laccase‐poly(2‐methyloxazoline) was investigated to find reaction conditions that allow this unique catalyst to reveal its full potential. After changing the co‐oxidizing agent to tert‐butyl hydroperoxide and optimizing the osmate/enzyme ratio, the turnover frequency and the turnover number could be increased by an order of magnitude, showing that the catalyst can compete with classical organometallic catalysts. Varying the metal in the active center showed that osmate is by far the most active catalytic center, but the reaction can also be realized with permanganate and iron(II) salts.
Levulinic Acid as a Catalyst for the Production of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural and Furfural from Lignocellulose Biomass
Authors: Seemala Bhogeswararao , Haritos Victoria , Tanksale Akshat
Published: December 2015

Levulinic acid (LA) was used as a catalyst for the first time to produce 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) and furfural (FAL) from pinewood and eucalyptus sawdust in a mono‐ or biphasic solvent system. 2‐Methyltetrahydrofuran was used as a co‐solvent with water in different ratios and temperatures (140–200 °C). Highest yields of 5‐HMF and FAL were obtained at 180 °C and 2 h reaction time; however, at 160 °C, high yields of C6 and C5 sugars were obtained. Both hydrolysis and dehydration steps were accelerated in the MTHF/water biphasic system compared to pure aqueous phase. In particular, 1:2 w/w ratio of MTHF/water resulted in the highest yield of 5‐HMF and FAL, whereas 2:1 w/w ratio showed highest yield of C6 and C5 sugars. Increasing the ratio of MTHF/water resulted in a higher fraction of dehydrated products extracted into the organic phase. LA as a catalyst is beneficial because it is miscible in both the phases and the presence of LA favours the equilibrium towards 5‐HMF production.
Continuous Gas Dehydration Using the Hygroscopic Ionic Liquid [EMIM][MeSO3] as a Promising Alternative Absorbent
Authors: Krannich Michel , Heym Florian , Jess Andreas
Published: December 2015

Continuous gas drying experiments with the hygroscopic ionic liquid [EMIM][MeSO3] show that it can be a very promising alternative drying agent to the absorbent triethylene glycol (TEG) commonly used in industrial gas drying processes. The HTU/NTU model in combination with the correlations of Onda et al. for mass transfer coefficients can be applied for the design of an absorption process with [EMIM][MeSO3]. The major advantage of this ionic liquid (IL) is that well‐known problems associated with the regeneration of the absorbent TEG can be avoided using [EMIM][MeSO3] due to extremely low vapor pressure and possible regeneration with air. The drying capacity of the IL system is about two times higher compared to TEG. Hence, a simple plant design comparable to that of industrial adsorption plants might be applied.
Combined Experimental and Predictive Uncertainty of Quantitative Structure Property Relationship Models
Authors: Müller Karsten
Published: December 2015

Quantitative structure property relationship (QSPR) models allow for estimation of unknown substance properties. Their accuracy is usually described by error metrics that compare the result of the estimation to an experimental value. However, it has to be kept in mind that measured values are not perfectly accurate as well. The actual reliability of a QSPR model is therefore often significantly lower than indicated by conventional error metrics. To deal with this issue, the combined experimental and predictive uncertainty (CEPU) is proposed. Analogously to error propagation in evaluation of experimental works, the reliability of estimation methods can be accessed by the root of the sum of the different squared contributions to overall uncertainty. Such a metric is able to describe the effects of experimental errors with uniform algebraic sign as well as of randomized experimental errors.
Trinuclear Cage‐Like ZnII Macrocyclic Complexes: Enantiomeric Recognition and Gas Adsorption Properties
Authors: Janczak Jan , Prochowicz Daniel , Lewiński Janusz , Fairen‐Jimenez David , Bereta Tomasz , Lisowski Jerzy
Published: December 2015

Three zinc(II) ions in combination with two units of enantiopure [3+3] triphenolic Schiff‐base macrocycles 1, 2, 3, or 4 form cage‐like chiral complexes. The formation of these complexes is accompanied by the enantioselective self‐recognition of chiral macrocyclic units. The X‐ray crystal structures of these trinuclear complexes show hollow metal–organic molecules. In some crystal forms, these barrel‐shaped complexes are arranged in a window‐to‐window fashion, which results in the formation of 1D channels and a combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic porosity. The microporous nature of the [Zn312] complex is reflected in its N2, Ar, H2, and CO2 adsorption properties. The N2 and Ar adsorption isotherms show pressure‐gating behavior, which is without precedent for any noncovalent porous material. A comparison of the structures of the [Zn312] and [Zn332] complexes with that of the free macrocycle H31 reveals a striking structural similarity. In H31, two macrocyclic units are stitched together by hydrogen bonds to form a cage very similar to that formed by two macrocyclic units stitched together by ZnII ions. This structural similarity is manifested also by the gas adsorption properties of the free H31 macrocycle. Recrystallization of [Zn312] in the presence of racemic 2‐butanol resulted in the enantioselective binding of (S)‐2‐butanol inside the cage through the coordination to one of the ZnII ions.
Metal–Organic Frameworks Containing Missing‐Linker Defects Leading to High Hydroxide‐Ion Conductivity
Authors: Montoro Carmen , Ocón Pilar , Zamora Félix , Navarro Jorge A. R.
Published: December 2015

The ionic conductivity properties of the face‐centered cubic [Ni8(OH)4(H2O)2(BDP_X)6] (H2BDP_X=1,4‐bis(pyrazol‐4‐yl)benzene‐4‐X with X=H (1), OH (2), NH2 (3)) metal–organic framework (MOF) systems as well as their post‐synthetically modified materials K[Ni8(OH)5(EtO)(BDP_X)5.5] (1@KOH, 3@KOH) and K3[Ni8(OH)3(EtO)(BDP_O)5] (2@KOH), which contain missing‐linker defects, have been studied by variable temperature AC impedance spectroscopy. It should be noted that these modified materials exhibit up to four orders of magnitude increase in conductivity ‐values in comparison to pristine 1–3 systems. As an example, the conductivity value of 5.86×10−9 S cm−1 (activation energy Ea of 0.60 eV) for 2 at 313 K and 22 % relative humidity (RH) increases up to 2.75×10−5 S cm−1 (Ea of 0.40 eV) for 2@KOH. Moreover, a further increase of conductivity values up to 1.16×10−2 S cm−1 and diminution of Ea down to 0.20 eV is achieved at 100 % RH for 2@KOH. The increased porosity, basicity and hydrophilicity of the 1@KOH–3@KOH materials compared to the pristine 1–3 systems should explain the better performance of the KOH‐modified materials.
N‐Alkyl‐, 1‐C‐Alkyl‐, and 5‐C‐Alkyl‐1,5‐dideoxy‐1,5‐imino‐(l)‐ribitols as Galactosidase Inhibitors
Authors: Front Sophie , Gallienne Estelle , Charollais‐Thoenig Julie , Demotz Stéphane , Martin Olivier R.
Published: December 2015

A series of 1,5‐dideoxy‐1,5‐imino‐(l)‐ribitol (DIR) derivatives carrying alkyl or functionalized alkyl groups were prepared and investigated as glycosidase inhibitors. These compounds were designed as simplified 4‐epi‐isofagomine (4‐epi‐IFG) mimics and were expected to behave as selective inhibitors of β‐galactosidases. All compounds were indeed found to be highly selective for β‐galactosidases versus α‐glycosidases, as they generally did not inhibit coffee bean α‐galactosidase or other α‐glycosidases. Some compounds were also found to be inhibitors of almond β‐glucosidase. The N‐alkyl DIR derivatives were only modest inhibitors of bovine β‐galactosidase, with IC50 values in the 30–700 μm range. Likewise, imino‐l‐ribitol substituted at the C1 position was found to be a weak inhibitor of this enzyme. In contrast, alkyl substitution at C5 resulted in enhanced β‐galactosidase inhibitory activity by a factor of up to 1000, with at least six carbon atoms in the alkyl substituent. Remarkably, the ‘pseudo‐anomeric’ configuration in this series does not appear to play a role. Human lysosomal β‐galactosidase from leukocyte lysate was, however, poorly inhibited by all iminoribitol derivatives tested (IC50 values in the 100 μm range), while 4‐epi‐IFG was a good inhibitor of this enzyme. Two compounds were evaluated as pharmacological chaperones for a GM1‐gangliosidosis cell line (R301Q mutation) and were found to enhance the mutant enzyme activity by factors up to 2.7‐fold.
Development of hyperrealistic simulations to teach concepts about colors
Authors: Martinez Borreguero Guadalupe , Naranjo Correa Francisco Luis , Perez Rodriguez Angel Luis , Suero Lopez Maria Isabel
Published: December 2015

A set of computer simulations with a higher degree of realism is presented. These hyper‐realistic simulations, used to teach basic concepts about color, were developed using the POV‐Ray software. The main aim of these simulations is to provide our students with a didactic tool in addition to their traditional laboratory practice, which can be easily implemented in e‐learning teaching platforms. The simulations of optical systems developed have resulted in graphical outputs that achieve photographic quality, which helped our students, even those with less capacity for abstraction, to combat misconceptions about color. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 330–332, 2016
Appearance of cytomegalovirus‐specific T‐cells predicts fast resolution of viremia post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Pelák Ondřej , Stuchlý Jan , Król Ladislav , Hubáček Petr , Keslová Petra , Sedláček Petr , Formánková Renata , Starý Jan , Hrušák Ondřej , Kalina Tomáš
Published: December 2015

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) specific T‐cells are known to provide long‐term control of CMV reactivation, which is a frequent complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We have studied 58 pediatric patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation who suffered from CMV reactivation to reveal which functional T cell subset is best correlating with successful reactivation resolution and which protects from reactivation episode.

Methods

Detection of 30 combinatorial subsets of four types of response to ex vivo CMV stimulation (IFNγ secretion, IL‐2 secretion, CD40L upregulation and degranulation) that were detectable on either CD8+ or CD4+ T cells through flow cytometry intracellular cytokine staining was used.

Results

We found that the presence of CD8+ dual positive (IFNγ+ and IL‐2+) cells is the most accurate functional parameter that can predict fast resolution of CMV reactivation. Next, we show that the presence of CD8+ dual positive (IFNγ+ and IL‐2+) and CD8+ IFNγ+ cells provides a protective effect (a hazard risk of 0.28 (confidence interval 0.18 – 0.43) and 0.45 (CI 0.27 – 0.75), respectively) and the presence of corticotherapy increases the risk of reactivation (HR 2.47 (CI 1.82‐3.36)). Thus, a patient without corticotherapy and with both of the critical T cell subsets present has a cumulative 19.6 times lower risk of developing CMV reactivation than a patient on corticotherapy and without CD8+ dual positive (IFNγ+ and IL‐2+) or CD8+ IFNγ+ cells.

Conclusions

We have established parameters of CMV specific functional response ex vivo that can be used in assisting clinical management of patients with CMV reactivation. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Non‐native tree in a dry coastal area in Hawai'i has high transpiration but restricts water use despite phreatophytic trait
Authors: Miyazawa Yoshiyuki , Dudley Bruce D. , Hughes R. Flint , Vandemark Joshua , Cordell Susan , Nullet Michael A. , Ostertag Rebecca , Giambelluca Thomas W.
Published: December 2015

In arid systems, phreatophytes are often among the most effective invaders because of their capacity to access and exploit groundwater resources otherwise unavailable to native vegetation. On Hawai'i Island, a non‐native phreatophyte, Prosopis pallida (kiawe), has invaded extensive dry lowland areas following its introduction in the 19th century. To better understand the influence of this invader on the host ecosystem, and vice versa, we determined transpiration characteristics of P. pallida by monitoring sap flux of mature individuals over an 18‐month period on the arid leeward coast of Hawai'i Island. Daily sap flux increased with increasing atmospheric vapour pressure deficit (D) and exhibited no clear response related to rainfall events or prolonged drought. Annual transpiration (i.e. 308 mm) was 80% higher than rainfall. Stomatal conductance decreased with increasing vapour pressure deficits more slowly than the theoretical stomatal conductance–D relationship that assumes stomatal regulation of leaf water potential above a critical level. While daily peak stomatal conductance was relatively high, it nonetheless appeared limited by high intrinsic water use efficiency (net photosynthetic rate per stomatal conductance), suggesting a constraint to unlimited groundwater absorption. In this young volcanic environment where rainfall is low and quite episodic, the success of this species likely stems from its anisohydric strategy even at the risk of cavitation, and it is altering the hydrological cycling of the areas where it is dominant. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Permanent catheter drainage system for palliation of diuretic‐resistant cardiac ascites
Authors: Bevan Jonathan , Penn Lee‐Anne , Mitchell Andrew R. J.
Published: December 2015

We report the case of a 69‐year‐old man with dilated cardiomyopathy treated with a permanent catheter drainage system for diuretic resistant cardiac ascites. At 1 year follow‐up, the patient had no heart failure related hospitalisations, displayed improved quality of life measures and had incurred no complications related to the catheter. Permanent tunnelled catheters are widely used to treat malignant ascites but may also be considered for palliation of cardiac ascites.
Gx‐50 reduces β‐amyloid‐induced TNF‐α, IL‐1β, NO, and PGE2 expression and inhibits NF‐κB signaling in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Shi Shi , Liang Dongli , Chen Yi , Xie Yilin , Wang Yingchao , Wang Lianyun , Wang Zhaoxia , Qiao Zhongdong
Published: December 2015

Chronic inflammation, which is regulated by overactivated microglia in the brain, accelerates the occurrence and development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Gx‐50 has been investigated as a novel drug for the treatment of AD in our previous studies. Here, we investigated whether gx‐50 possesses anti‐inflammatory effects in primary rat microglia and a mouse model of AD, amyloid precursor protein (APP) Tg mice. The expression of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, NO, prostaglandin E2, and the expression of iNOS and COX2 were inhibited by gx‐50 in amyloid β (Aβ) treated rat microglia; additionally, microglial activation and the expression of IL‐1β, iNOS, and COX2 were also significantly suppressed by gx‐50 in APP+ transgenic mice. Furthermore, gx‐50 inhibited the activation of NF‐κB and MAPK cascades in vitro and in vivo in APP‐Tg mice. Moreover, the expression of TLR4 and its downstream signaling proteins MyD88 and tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6) was reduced by gx‐50 in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, silencing of TLR4 reduced Aβ‐induced upregulation of IL‐1β and TRAF6 to levels similar to gx‐50 inhibition; moreover, overexpression of TLR4 increased the expression of MyD88 and TRAF6, which was significantly reduced by gx‐50. These findings provide strong evidence that gx‐50 has anti‐inflammatory effects against Aβ‐triggered microglial overactivation via a mechanism that involves the TLR4‐mediated NF‐κBB/MAPK signaling cascade.
Oral approach‐avoidance: A replication and extension for European–Portuguese phonation
Authors: Godinho Sandra , Garrido Margarida Vaz
Published: December 2015

Previous research revealed that mouth movements influence attitudes. Covert subvocal articulations inducing muscular contractions resembling ingestion movements were preferred over expectoration‐like movements, unveiling a relationship between vocal muscles' wandering and motivational states such as approach and avoidance. These findings, explained in terms of embodied cognition, suggest that specific movements are directly connected to, and more importantly, automatically activate concordant motivational states. The oral approach‐avoidance effect was replicated using the original stimulus set and a new set of stimulus developed for Portuguese. Results from two high‐powered (totalN = 407), independent replications, revealed that the preference for inward words (over outwards) exists in both sets but to a greater extent in the pool phonetically adapted for Portuguese.
Dispersed Nickel Nanoparticles on Flower‐like Layered Nickel‐Cobalt Double Hydroxides for Non‐enzymic Amperometric Sensing of Glucose
Authors: Chen Jiao , Sheng Qinglin , Wang Yan , Zheng Jianbin
Published: December 2015

The article describes the preparation of supported nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) by partial reduction of Ni,Co‐layered double hydroxide (NiCo‐LDH). The nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and their morphology and composition were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical properties of the nanocomposite were explored by cyclic voltammetry and amperometry, which revealed significant electrocatalytic behavior towards the oxidation of glucose. The resulted non‐enzymatic glucose sensor has a linear response to glucose in the 5.0 μM to 14.8 mM concentration range, a low detection limit of 1.6 μM, high sensitivity, and excellent selectivity.
Determination of Ethambutol in Aqueous Medium Using an Inexpensive Gold Microelectrode Array as Amperometric Sensor
Authors: Lima A. E. B. , Luz G. E. , Batista N. C. , Longo E. , Cavalcante L. S. , Santos R. S.
Published: December 2015

In this paper, gold microelectrode array (Au‐MEA) were employed to determination of ethambutol in aqueous medium. Au‐MEA was constructed with an electronic microchip integrated circuit. The standard curve (analytical curve) was constructed for a single microelectrode (ME) in a concentration range of 5.0×10−5 to 2.0×10−3 mol L−1, allowing estimation of both the limit of detection (LOD) (4.73×10−5 mol L−1) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) (1.57×10−4 mol L−1) for ethambutol. When the MEA was utilized, the LOD and LOQ were 1.55×10−7 and 5.18×10−7 mol L−1, respectively. Our results indicated that Au‐MEA can be utilized as amperometric sensors for ethambutol determination in aqueous media.
Hydrodynamics and mass transfer of CO2 in water in a tubular photobioreactor
Authors: Razzak Shaikh A. , Al‐Aslani Isa , Hossain Mohammad M.
Published: December 2015

Microalgae cultivation has received growing importance because of its potential applications in CO2 bio‐fixation, wastewater treatment and biofuel production. In this regard, proper design of photobioreactors is crucial for large‐scale commercial applications. The hydrodynamics of a photobioreactor has great influence on the transfer of CO2 from gas phase to liquid phase. Considering the facts, the present research focused on studying the gas holdups and mass transfer from the gas to liquid phase in a tubular photobioreactor at various superficial liquid velocities ranging from 8.4 to 22.4 cm/s and superficial gas velocities ranging from 3.66 to 8.1 cm/s. It was found that the gas holdups were radially distributed. The highest gas holdups were observed at the center zone while the lowest holdups are found near the reactor wall. CO2 mass transfer coefficient in the photobioreactor was also estimated under different superficial liquid velocities (0.206, 0.355 and 0.485 cm/s) and gas velocities (0.67, 1.16 and 1.37 cm/s). The overall mass transfer coefficient was estimated by fitting the experimental data and comparing results with an unsteady state differential mole balance equation solved by Runge‐Kutta‐Gill method. Model predictions were comparable to experimental results.
Transformation of dissolved organic phosphorus to phosphate using UV/H2O2
Authors: Sindelar Hugo R. , Lloyd Jacquline , Brown Mark T. , Boyer Treavor H.
Published: December 2015

Phosphorus (P) driven eutrophication remains a problem in waterways worldwide. High P levels can significantly alter ecosystems, changing species composition and diversity. Most current P treatment technologies cannot adequately remove recalcitrant forms of P from the water column. As a result, this study evaluated the UV/H2O2 advanced oxidation process (AOP) for the photodegradation of recalcitrant‐P in natural waters to biologically available phosphate, which is analogous to soluble reactive P (SRP). In turn, SRP can be removed using available P treatment technologies. The UV/H2O2 AOP was tested in synthetic waters and natural water from the Florida Everglades. Results showed that the photodegradation of recalcitrant P to SRP is possible using UV fluences of at least 5.1 J/cm2 and H2O2 doses of at least 50 mg H2O2/L. The UV/H2O2 AOP was able to consistently convert recalcitrant‐P to SRP in synthetic waters. However, the complex chemistry of Everglades water made consistent conversion of recalcitrant‐P to SRP hard to achieve. An increase in the efficiency of UV lights is needed to make the UV/H2O2 AOP economically feasible for conversion of recalcitrant‐P to SRP in natural waters. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 680–691, 2016
Building political will for HIV response: an operational model and strategy options
Authors: Brinkerhoff Derick W.
Published: December 2015

As global programs for HIV response look to transfer responsibility and financing increasingly to country governments, the political will to take on these responsibilities becomes increasingly prominent. However, defining and assessing political will are problematic; it involves intent and motivation, and thus is inherently difficult to observe. It is intimately connected to capacity and is contextually embedded. This article describes an operational model of political will comprised of seven components that are observable and measurable. Two case studies illustrate the application of the model and shed light on the interconnections among commitment, capacity and context: South Africa and China. Strategy options to build political will for HIV response identify possible actions for both government and civil society. Political will as a concept is most usefully viewed as integrated within larger political and bureaucratic processes, as a product of the complex array of incentives and disincentives that those processes create. However, this conclusion is not a recipe for discouragement or inaction. Agent‐based conceptualizations of policy change offer a solid grounding for building political will that supports HIV policy and programs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonsuicidal self‐injury across cultures and ethnic and racial minorities: A review
Authors: Gholamrezaei Maryam , De Stefano Jack , Heath Nancy L.
Published: December 2015

The field of nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) is dominated by research conducted with Caucasian‐majority samples in Western countries such as United States, Canada, Australia and European countries. This article critically reviewed the empirical research on NSSI in non‐Western countries and among ethnic/racial minority individuals who live in the West to give voice to and understand the patterns of NSSI among individuals who do not fall within the dominant Caucasian majority. The study found both similarities and differences between Western and non‐Western data in terms of characteristics and functions of NSSI. Differences in gender patterns in regards to prevalence of NSSI and methods used as well as presence of a more relational functionality of NSSI rather than emotion regulation functionality were two points of divergence in the findings of these studies. In addition, the findings seem to indicate that the role of ethnicity/race is mediated by important factors such as socioeconomic status (SES) and gender. Existing gaps in the literature and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Estimates of lay views about reversal multiple intelligences for self and others: Sex and cross‐cultural comparisons
Authors: Neto Félix , da Conceição Pinto Maria , Mullet Etienne , Furnham Adrian
Published: December 2015

This study focuses on lay conceptions of intelligence. It examined sex and cross‐cultural similarities and differences in estimated intelligences and beliefs about intelligence in two countries, Angola and East Timor, within the reversal theory framework. A total of 209 Angolan (109 women and 100 men) and 183 Timorese (89 women and 94 men) students were participated in this study. Participants completed a questionnaire in order to estimate their parents', partners' and own overall intelligence and the 8 reversal multiple intelligences (telic, paratelic, conformist, negativistic, autic mastery, autic sympathy, alloic mastery and alloic sympathy intelligence). Respondents also rated 6 questions about intelligence. Men rated their overall, conformist and autic mastery higher than women. Angolans rated their overall, telic, paratelic, conformist, negativistic, autic mastery, autic sympathy, alloic mastery and alloic sympathy intelligence higher than Timorese. In both countries, fathers have been perceived as more intelligent than mothers, and telic intelligence emerged as a significant predictor of overall intelligence. Principal component analysis of the 8 reversal multiple intelligences yielded one factor. Angolan participants revealed more IQ test experience than Timorese participants. Most of respondents in both countries did not believe in sex differences in intelligence. These findings are discussed by means of cross‐cultural literature.
Powdered Ca‐activated zeolite for phosphate removal from treated waste‐water
Authors: Hermassi Mehrez , Valderrama César , Moreno Natalia , Font Oriol , Querol Xavier , Batis Narjes , Cortina José L
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

A powdered zeolitic material synthesised from fly ash (FA) (NaP1‐FA) and its calcium modified form (CaP1‐NA) were studied as sorbent materials for the recovery of phosphate from treated waste‐water effluents. Phosphate‐sorption equilibrium experiments were performed by varying the experimental conditions, including solution pH, phosphate concentration, and the presence of competing ions.

RESULTS

The maximum phosphate‐sorption capacities were 57 ± 5 and 203 ± 11 mgP–PO4 g−1 for NaP1‐FA and CaP1‐NA, respectively. The sorption capacities of both zeolites in the pH range expected for waste‐water effluents (pH 7 to 9) were slightly dependent on pH, exhibiting maxima at pH 8. Phosphate removal proceeds through two main mechanisms: (a) surface complexation with ≅AlOH and ≅FeOH groups of the zeolitic structure or unreacted minerals from the FA; and (b) the formation of Ca–phosphate phases, mainly brushite.

CONCLUSIONS

The removal mechanisms were confirmed by XRD analyses and P speciation. The stabilities of the phosphate‐loaded zeolite samples evaluated by the extraction experiments confirmed their potential availabilities in soil applications. Finally, the higher solubility of brushite compared with that of Hap makes this zeolitic material promising as a novel inorganic zeolite/CaP1‐NA/brushite fertiliser. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Fluorescence microscopy study on the cytoskeletal displacements during sperm differentiation in the bush‐cricket Tylopsis liliifolia (Fabricius) (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)
Authors: Viscuso Renata , Federico Concetta , Saccone Salvatore , Bonaccorsi Bianca , Vitale Danilo G.M.
Published: December 2015

A study by fluorescence microscopy has been carried out on male gametes from testicular follicles, seminal vesicles, spermatophores, and seminal receptacles of the bush‐cricket Tylopsis liliifolia, focusing the attention on localization and movements of F‐actin and α‐tubulin during sperm differentiation, since data in this respect are lacking in the Orthoptera.

F‐actin and α‐tubulin positivity was detected in the testicular follicles, in particular at the bridges connecting spermatids of a same clone and around their nucleus, during the first differentiation stages. During the following differentiation stages in the testes, F‐actin was found at one of the spermatid poles and then, during nucleus elongation, at the whole acrosomal region. A peculiar F‐actin‐positivity was found at the flagellum, more markedly immediately posterior to the nucleus, at the basal body region of the gametes from the testicular follicles and from the other examined districts. Other interesting data from our investigations concerns the α‐tubulin displacements during the differentiation stages of the spermatid and a constant absence of α‐tubulin‐positivity where the centrioles are located. No positivity was also found for both α‐tubulin and nuclear markers at the anterior region of the gamete, where the acrosomal wings are localized. Our results, compared with what is so far known in literature for the insects, lead us to assert that microfilaments and microtubules undergo gradual displacements, markedly in the testicular follicles, during the morphogenesis of the male gamete of T. liliifolia aimed to its organization and motility and probably also to its interaction with the female gamete. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:81–88, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Upwelling and Chl‐a spatiotemporal variability along the Galician coast: dependence on circulation weather types
Authors: Picado A. , Lorenzo M. N. , Alvarez I. , deCastro M. , Vaz N. , Dias J. M.
Published: December 2015

The eastern boundaries of the world's oceans are among the most productive marine regions owing to the wind induced coastal upwelling. In this context, changes in coastal upwelling influence chlorophyll‐a (Chl‐a) concentration along the Northwest (NW) Iberian Peninsula (IP) coast. This work aimed to evaluate and quantify the influence of meteorological conditions defined by circulation weather types (CWTs) on upwelling and Chl‐a variability along the Galician coast. A seasonal (April–September and October–March) characterization of satellite wind‐derived upwelling index (UI) and Chl‐a concentration was performed dividing the Galician coast into three domains: western (North–south orientation), intermediate (Northeast‐Southwest orientation) and northern (West–east orientation) segments. Results revealed that UI and Chl‐a concentrations were different among the three coastal segments and seasons. The most favourable upwelling conditions and high Chl‐a levels occurred during April–September at western coast. During October–March, high‐primary production also occurred and therefore a correlation analysis was performed during winter between Chl‐a, UI and discharges of the main rivers. Chl‐a and discharges were strongly correlated (0.52 for Minho and 0.31 for Nalon), suggesting that Chl‐a during this period was related to signal contamination due to river discharge. The probability that Chl‐a or UI exceeded a certain value, given the occurrence of a specified CWT was computed. Results showed that along the western coastal segment the strongest relations between CWTs, upwelling and Chl‐a concentration were obtained during April–September when N and NE occurred, with probabilities higher than 70% for UI and 30% for Chl‐a. During winter only the NW type had statistically significant probabilities for UI (50%) and Chl‐a (30%). For the intermediate coastal segment during October–March (April–September), when E type occurred, high probabilities of upwelling and Chl‐a were observed [100% (66), 50% (25), respectively]. Finally, at the northern coastal segment, Chl‐a probability was highest (40–50%) under the S weather type for both seasons.
Large‐scale teleconnection patterns of Indian summer monsoon as revealed by CFSv2 retrospective seasonal forecast runs
Authors: Chattopadhyay Rajib , Rao Suryachandra A. , Sabeerali C. T. , George Gibies , Rao D. Nagarjuna , Dhakate Ashish , Salunke Kiran
Published: December 2015

The seasonal prediction skill [defined as the linear correlation (cc) between the observed and forecasted rainfall] of the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) is evaluated in the Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) model, at different lead times on the basis of its representation of large scale tropical teleconnection. Surprisingly, the model exhibits reasonable skill at a longer lead time (e.g. forecasts initialized with February initial conditions, Feb IC run, cc > 0.5) that is reasonably better when compared with that with forecast initialized at shorter lead time [April/May IC (Apr/May IC) runs, cc < 0.5]. Although the prediction skill of ISMR improves as lead time increases, the ENSO forecast skill improves as lead time decreases. Probable reasons for these counter‐intuitive findings are investigated in this study.

The model shows unrealistic teleconnection of ISMR with Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and is unable to represent the large scale rainfall pattern over the Indian land region. The Equatorial Indian Ocean Oscillation (EQUINOO) shows unrealistic teleconnection with ISMR as well as equatorial Pacific from all the initial condition runs. Unrealistic EQUINOO and the IOD teleconnection suggest that the air–sea interaction in the Indian Ocean requires to be improved in the model. The relationship between El Nino‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and monsoon in CFSv2 is realistic in terms of spatial pattern though it is somewhat stronger than that in observations.

The equatorial central Pacific sea surface temperature and rainfall show very strong cold and dry biases respectively, and these biases enhance from the Feb IC run to the May IC run. It is found that these biases are due to strong unrealistic coupled feedback in this region. As a result, the associated ENSO–monsoon teleconnection pattern shifts westward with decreasing lead time, resulting in unrealistic patterns as compared with observations, and causing a loss of prediction skill at shorter lead times.
Impact of cyclonic and anticyclonic activity on Greenland ice sheet surface mass balance variation during 1980–2013
Authors: Chen Linling , Fettweis Xavier , Knudsen Erlend M. , Johannessen Ola M.
Published: December 2015

The Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) has experienced dramatic ice loss during recent decades, but the drivers of the surface mass balance (SMB) variation remain unclear. From a dynamical perspective, extratropical cyclones and anticyclones are the major systems influencing Greenland weather conditions. Seasonal cyclonic and anticyclonic activities have been quantified for the area of 50°–90°N, 80°W–10°E during 1980–2013. Based on a singular value decomposition (SVD) analysis, we investigated the role of synoptic scale cyclonic and anticyclonic activities in determining snow accumulation (SA) and surface air temperature (SAT). Thus, the SA‐driven and melt‐driven SMB variability has been determined. SA‐related synoptic patterns identified from the leading and the second SVD modes explain up to 80% of the inter‐annual SMB variance, especially in southern and northwestern Greenland, where we found the largest and second largest amount of annual SA. SAT‐related patterns account for up to 80% of the inter‐annual SMB variation along the west and northwest coast of Greenland, where significant surface mass loss has been observed over the last decades. It should be noted that the negative phase of the SA‐related pattern derived from the first SVD mode in June‐July‐August and the positive phase of the SAT‐related (anti)cyclonic patterns have occurred more frequently since 2005, meaning that the phase change of these patterns has made a major contribution to the accelerated GrIS surface ice loss during recent years.
Study of the effects of unsupervised over‐the counter whitening products on dental enamel using μ‐Raman and μ‐EDXRF spectroscopies
Authors: Castro J. , Godinho J. , Mata A. , Silveira J. M. , Pessanha S.
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess whether the mineralization degree and elemental content in tooth enamel are altered when bleaching the teeth with two different over‐the‐counter bleaching gels, exceeding the recommendations of the manufacturer. In order to perform this evaluation, 12 healthy teeth were used, six samples were treated with Teeth Whitening Home Kit, and the other six samples were treated with WHITE! (Bingo‐UK) bought in online shopping sites, for the period of 39 days. The pH of each product and the elemental content of each sample, before and after, were obtained by energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry and phosphate (PO43‐) profile was evaluated with Raman spectroscopy. Data was analyzed accordingly to a pre‐established plan with a mixed‐model ANOVA for repeated measures, significance was set at 5%. Both products were markedly acidic and below enamel critical level of 5.5. Moreover, seven days after treatment, demineralization was significant, wherein at the end of the study the degree of demineralization seems to be permanent. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Begehrter Neutronenfänger
Authors: Osterath Brigitte
Published: December 2015

Helium ist selten und wertvoll — das gilt ganz besonders für das Isotop Helium‐3. In der Wissenschaft ist es zunehmend gefragt, und die Preise schießen in die Höhe. Ein Grund für seinen Mangel: Es gibt weniger Atomwaffen als noch vor ein paar Jahrzehnten.
Agency in Institutional Reform: Creating the Ethiopia Commodities Exchange
Authors: Brinkerhoff Jennifer M.
Published: December 2015

The role of agents and agency in institutional reform literature has largely been underplayed and decontextualized, even being described as a “black box.” Despite calls for linking individual agency with organizational and societal analysis, the specific contours of agency remain under‐theorized. This paper presents and illustrates a framework for institutional entrepreneurism, outlining the essential role and specific actions institutional entrepreneurs can contribute to introducing, promoting, and crystallizing institutional reforms. The framework identifies how institutional entrepreneurial actions shift in their targets and responses as the resource needs change in different stages of the reform process. Using the example of establishing the Ethiopia Commodities Exchange (ECX), I illustrate each stage of institutional entrepreneurial action. The ECX experience illustrates institutional entrepreneurs as networked, political actors, who announce institutional reforms through cultural efforts that make it as easy as possible for stakeholders to comply with proposed reforms. The who and the how of agency may shift through the stages of institutional reform. The ECX experience confirms that institutional reform is political and requires engaging with both macro‐level and micro‐level politics and power. The paper closes with implications for policy and practice. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Governance Reform: Getting the Fit Right
Authors: Levy Brian
Published: December 2015

This article builds on recent literature on political settlements and new institutional economics to suggest a “good‐fit” alternative to the “best practices” approaches that until recently have dominated efforts at governance reform. It introduces a typology for distinguishing systematically among different groups of countries and maps the typology to four alternative approaches to governance reform. The article then offers a set of “good‐fit” hypotheses as to the conditions under which each of the approaches is likely to be effective. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of Pressure Waves Generation in Gun Combustion Chambers During the Propellant Ignition Process
Authors: Jenaro Guillermo , Oton‐Martinez Ramon A. , Moratilla Domingo , Ramirez F. Javier
Published: December 2015

At certain conditions, propelling charges for artillery – either because of their low heat of combustion, a low vulnerability, or due to other reasons – require relatively high initiation thresholds. This phenomenon, combined with large gun chambers, high initial charge densities of materials with granular geometry and low porosity powder beds, give rise to delays and irregularities in the initiation times at various points of the propelling charges. These irregular behaviors or failures in the initiation cause pressure waves within the chambers of the weapons. This paper focuses on experimental studies and tests carried out on the processes taking place in the initiation of propelling charges, which can lead to pressure waves in the bore of howitzers and cannons. Pressure waves during initiation are considered to be particularly dangerous to the safety of users and weapons. The behavior of the initiator systems, the flame volume and its distribution throughout the length of the bore are analysed by means of pressure‐time diagrams, obtained from experimental shooting. The data are processed using the standard Fourier transform and the “discrete wavelet transform”, by means of the Daubechies functions. This allows to identify when these events occur during shooting and to determine some of the causes in order to achieve virtual elimination of the pressure waves.
Ignition Characteristics of Micro‐Energy Semiconductor Bridges with Different Ignition Compositions
Authors: Yan Nan , Bao Bingliang , Zheng Fei , Li Chaozhen
Published: December 2015

Experimental research was carried out under the stimulation of 10 μF tantalum capacitor discharge, to obtain the ignition characteristics of micro‐energy semiconductor bridges (SCB) with different ignition compositions. Meanwhile, the critical ignition voltages of different pyrotechnics were tested by the Neyer‐D optimal sensitivity test method. The results reveal that SCBs with multiple ignition compositions are entirely different in ignition voltage and current signal. These five kinds of pyrotechnics in ascending order of firing sensitivity are: refined lead styphnate, neutral lead styphnate, basic lead styphnate, zirconium/potassium chlorate, and lastly lead azide, while lead ferrocyanide/potassium perchlorate and boron/potassium nitrate are relatively insensitive to SCB.
NMR characterization of a 72 kDa transcription factor using differential isotopic labeling
Authors: Mukherjee Sulakshana P. , Borin Brendan , Quintas Pedro O. , Dyson H. Jane
Published: December 2015

NF‐κB is a major transcription factor that mediates a number of cellular signaling pathways. Crystal structure analysis gives an incomplete picture of the behavior of the protein, particularly in the free state; free monomers or dimers of NF‐κB have never been crystallized. NMR analysis gives insights into the structure and dynamics of the protein in solution, but a necessary first step is the assignment of resonances. The size of the heterodimer of the Rel homology regions of the NF‐κB monomers p65 and p50 (72 kDa) prohibits the straightforward use of triple‐resonance spectroscopy to obtain the assignments. However, the dynamic nature of the free heterodimer, in particular the independence of the DNA‐binding and dimerization domains of each monomer, allows the assignments made on differentially labeled smaller domains to be mapped successfully onto the spectrum of the larger full‐length RHR. Problematic areas such as the p65 nuclear localization sequence, which is disordered in the free protein, can be approached by residue‐specific labeling and comparison with previously‐published spectra of a short peptide with the same sequence. Overall, this NMR analysis of NF‐κB has given valuable insights into the highly dynamic nature of the free state, which is likely to play an important role in the functional cycle of NF‐κB in the cell.
Studying polyglutamine aggregation in Caenorhabditis elegans using an analytical ultracentrifuge equipped with fluorescence detection
Authors: Kokona Bashkim , May Carrie A. , Cunningham Nicole R. , Richmond Lynn , Jay Garcia F. , Durante Julia C. , Ulrich Kathleen M. , Roberts Christine M. , Link Christopher D. , Stafford Walter F. , Laue Thomas M. , Fairman Robert
Published: December 2015

This work explores the heterogeneity of aggregation of polyglutamine fusion constructs in crude extracts of transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans animals. The work takes advantage of the recent technical advances in fluorescence detection for the analytical ultracentrifuge. Further, new sedimentation velocity methods, such as the multi‐speed method for data capture and wide distribution analysis for data analysis, are applied to improve the resolution of the measures of heterogeneity over a wide range of sizes. The focus here is to test the ability to measure sedimentation of polyglutamine aggregates in complex mixtures as a prelude to future studies that will explore the effects of genetic manipulation and environment on aggregation and toxicity. Using sedimentation velocity methods, we can detect a wide range of aggregates, ranging from robust analysis of the monomer species through an intermediate and quite heterogeneous population of oligomeric species, and all the way up to detecting species that likely represent intact inclusion bodies based on comparison to an analysis of fluorescent puncta in living worms by confocal microscopy. Our results support the hypothesis that misfolding of expanded polyglutamine tracts into insoluble aggregates involves transitions through a number of stable intermediate structures, a model that accounts for how an aggregation pathway can lead to intermediates that can have varying toxic or protective attributes. An understanding of the details of intermediate and large‐scale aggregation for polyglutamine sequences, as found in neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's Disease, will help to more precisely identify which aggregated species may be involved in toxicity and disease.