bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of a Trust Approach in Multi-Organization Environments
Authors: Toumi Khalifa , Cavalli Ana , Andrés César
Published: June 2014

A Multi-Organization Environment is composed of several players that depend on each other for resources and services. In order to manage the security of the exchange process the authors introduce the concept of trust. The authors show how adding this aspect of the cooperative work. In particular, the authors provide a framework where the concepts of trust requirement and trust evaluation play important roles for defining trust vectors. These vectors evaluate a set of requirements, under some conditions, and provide a degree of confidence. In the authors' framework they consider two different types of vectors. On the one hand a vector that relates a user to an organization and on the other hand a vector that links two organizations. Different simulations are presented in this paper in order to show this approach. Moreover, the authors show how these vectors are evaluated and shared among the different organizations. Finally, the authors propose a possible architecture to explain how to integrate their trust module in MOE in order to enhance the security.
Remote E-Voting Using the Smart Card Web Server
Authors: Cobourne Sheila , Kyrillidis Lazaros , Mayes Keith , Markantonakis Konstantinos
Published: June 2014

Voting in elections is the basis of democracy, but voting at polling stations may not be possible for all citizens. Remote (Internet) e-voting uses the voter's own equipment to cast votes, but is potentially vulnerable to many common attacks, which affect the election's integrity. Security can be improved by distributing vote processing over many web servers installed in tamper-resistant, secure environments, using the Smart Card Web Server (SCWS) on a mobile phone Subscriber Identity Module (SIM). A generic voting model is proposed, using a SIM/SCWS voting application with standardised Mobile Network Operator (MNO) management procedures to process the votes cast. E-voting systems Prêt à Voter and Estonian I-voting are used to illustrate the generic model. As the SCWS voting application is used in a distributed processing architecture, e-voting security is enhanced: to compromise an election, an attacker must target many individual mobile devices, rather than a centralised web server.
Comparison of Business Process Models as Part of BPR Projects
Authors: Tka Mouna , Ghannouchi Sonia Ayachi
Published: June 2014

Business Process Reengineering (BPR) is one of the existing methods in the literature that lead to evolutionary changes and adjustments that have become a necessity in today's business. As part of BPR projects, we need to compare process models to reference models to detect differences and propose improvements thereafter to remedy them. This paper presents a state of the art on works that were interested in comparing models of business process models and defines an approach for comparing two business processes and measuring the gap between them. The proposed approach has been developed and was tested with software development processes.
On being African and Reformed? Towards an African Reformed theology enthused by an interlocution of those on the margins of society
Authors: Tshaka Rothney S.
Published: June 2014

This article was first given as an inaugural lecture. As such, it sets out a particular agenda for the researcher’s interest. Here, the notions of being African and Reformed are interrogated. The research notes that these notions are rarely used in the same vein. It is admitted that notions tend to pick up different meanings as they evolve, so these notions are especially seen in that light. The theological hegemony, which in the South African academic circles had become enveloped in the Reformed identity, is here forced to critically consider Africanness. This is considered significant, especially in a context where the Christian faith is seen to be flourishing in the global South. The article challenges attempts at explaining what Africanness mean as a front to perpetuate a status quo that from its inception never thought much of Africa and or Africanness. The author argues that the African Reformed Christian must acknowledge is status as a partial outsider in Reformed theological discourses.
An overview of smart water networks
Authors: Cahn Amir
Published: June 2014

There are numerous incentives for water utilities to adopt smart water networks, which provide utilities a comprehensive framework for optimizing operations, maintenance, and customer service and which offer solutions to common challenges.
Thinking About Your Finished Water Storage Tanks
Authors: Roberson J. Alan
Published: June 2014

During two meetings of national water associations in April in Washington, D.C., Peter Grevatt ‐ director of the US Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water ‐ mentioned storage tanks as one of the two sort of new important issues from USEPA's perspective (a later column will discuss the second issue and ‐ spoiler alert ‐ it's Legionella). Storage tanks have been on the regulatory radar for a while, but given this recent mention, tanks may (or may not) have become more of a priority for some sort of regulatory action. But it's still not completely clear whether a storage tank regulation is in the future.
Drones—Up in the Air?
Authors: Steinmeyer Edwin A. , Fiveash John L.
Published: June 2014

Drones, or unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) as they are officially known, seem to be everywhere these days, particularly in the news. Almost weekly there are reports of new uses being found or proposed for UASs. Delivering packages and textbooks, filming television shows and movies, and even traveling into the eyes of hurricanes to collect data are some of the tasks being assigned to UASs. Probably of more interest to the readers of this journal, UASs can be used for aerial and three‐dimensional mapping, monitoring water facilities, use, levels, and flows, and collecting any kind of data at any location. But likely the most asked questions these days are who can operate a UAS and under what circumstances.
Talk Is Cheap, and Water Is Cheap
Authors: Maxwell Steve
Published: June 2014

A recent USEPA review notes the difficulty of accurately pinpointing or quantifying the value of water, because it depends upon so many multiple dimensions, such as “the volume of water supplied, where the water is supplied, when it is supplied, whether the supply is reliable, and whether the quality of the water meets the requirements of the intended use.” The review concludes by saying that “protecting and efficiently managing our water resources is essential to maintaining a strong, vibrant economy.”
PDF neuron firing phase-shifts key circadian activity neurons in Drosophila
Authors: Guo Fang , Cerullo Isadora , Chen Xiao , Rosbash Michael
Published: June 2014

Our experiments address two long-standing models for the function of the Drosophila brain circadian network: a dual oscillator model, which emphasizes the primacy of PDF-containing neurons, and a cell-autonomous model for circadian phase adjustment. We identify five different circadian (E) neurons that are a major source of rhythmicity and locomotor activity. Brief firing of PDF cells at different times of day generates a phase response curve (PRC), which mimics a light-mediated PRC and requires PDF receptor expression in the five E neurons. Firing also resembles light by causing TIM degradation in downstream neurons. Unlike light however, firing-mediated phase-shifting is CRY-independent and exploits the E3 ligase component CUL-3 in the early night to degrade TIM. Our results suggest that PDF neurons integrate light information and then modulate the phase of E cell oscillations and behavioral rhythms. The results also explain how fly brain rhythms persist in constant darkness and without CRY.
Evolution of histone 2A for chromatin compaction in eukaryotes
Authors: Macadangdang Benjamin R , Oberai Amit , Spektor Tanya , Campos Oscar A , Sheng Fang , Carey Michael F , Vogelauer Maria , Kurdistani Siavash K
Published: June 2014

During eukaryotic evolution, genome size has increased disproportionately to nuclear volume, necessitating greater degrees of chromatin compaction in higher eukaryotes, which have evolved several mechanisms for genome compaction. However, it is unknown whether histones themselves have evolved to regulate chromatin compaction. Analysis of histone sequences from 160 eukaryotes revealed that the H2A N-terminus has systematically acquired arginines as genomes expanded. Insertion of arginines into their evolutionarily conserved position in H2A of a small-genome organism increased linear compaction by as much as 40%, while their absence markedly diminished compaction in cells with large genomes. This effect was recapitulated in vitro with nucleosomal arrays using unmodified histones, indicating that the H2A N-terminus directly modulates the chromatin fiber likely through intra- and inter-nucleosomal arginine–DNA contacts to enable tighter nucleosomal packing. Our findings reveal a novel evolutionary mechanism for regulation of chromatin compaction and may explain the frequent mutations of the H2A N-terminus in cancer.
Association of Polar Early Career Scientists Promotes Professional Skills
Authors: Pope Allen , Fugmann Gerlis , Kruse Frigga
Published: June 2014

As a partner organization of AGU, the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS; http://www.apecs.is) fully supports the views expressed in Wendy Gordon's Forum article “Developing Scientists' ‘Soft’ Skills” (Eos, 95(6), 55, doi:10.1002/2014EO060003). Her recognition that beyond research skills, people skills and professional training are crucial to the success of any early‐career scientist is encouraging.
Communicating Climate Science: A Historic Look to the Future
Authors: Byrne James , Andronova Natasha , Rasch Philip
Published: June 2014

The June 2013 Chapman Conference brought together a diverse group of researchers, educators, and media for 5 days in Colorado to explore how to better communicate climate science. Multidisciplinary thinking was a key theme of the meeting. Participant expertise included urban planning, science, psychology, philosophy, history, film and documentary production, communications, journalism, public relations, and business. All helped to create a stimulating and inspirational atmosphere. The meeting program accommodated almost 100 submitted abstracts.
The search for patterns in yearly Arctic sea ice extents and declines
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: June 2014

As Arctic regions become more accessible due to unprecedented warming, there is a growing need for better predictions of when sea ice is navigable and when freeze‐ups occur. Previous research and observations have found that thermodynamic effects, in the form of solar radiation and albedo feedbacks, are important factors in the year‐to‐year variability of sea ice melting and freeze‐up timing, but a better understanding is needed.
Widespread Alaska glacier retreat likely not due to climate change
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: June 2014

Alaska's Columbia Glacier, which has shed half its mass since 1957, is a dramatic example of how quickly glaciers can shrink. Yet while Columbia has shown a huge decline, a new analysis by McNabb and Hock has found that other glaciers in the region have retreated far less, or even advanced, over the past 6 decades.
Biology of Green Sulfur Bacteria
Authors: Imhoff Johannes F
Published: June 2014

Green sulfur bacteria have gained much attention because of a number of highly interesting features including unique structures of the photosynthetic apparatus and the presence of chlorosomes as very powerful light antenna that can capture minute amounts of light. This has important ecological consequences, because the efficient light‐harvesting determines the ecological niche of these bacteria at the lowermost part of stratified environments where the least of light is available. Furthermore, the strict dependency on photosynthesis to provide energy for growth and the obligate phototrophy of green sulfur bacteria together with their characteristic sulfur metabolism have provoked much interest in their physiology, ecology and genomics. The oxidation of sulfide as their outmost important photosynthetic electron donor involves the deposition of elemental sulfur globules outside the cells and separates the process of sulfide oxidation to sulfate into two parts. This is the basis for stable syntrophic associations between green sulfur bacteria and sulfur‐ and sulfate‐reducing bacteria in which the sulfur compounds are recycled. The green sulfur bacteria are distantly related to other bacteria and represent the phylum Chlorobi, though the known representatives are taxonomically treated as Chlorobiaceae with the generaChlorobium,Chlorobaculum,ProsthecochlorisandChloroherpeton.

Key Concepts:

Green sulfur bacteria depend on light for life due to their obligate phototrophic metabolism.

Green sulfur bacteria perform a highly efficient photosynthesis due to the presence of light harvesting organelles, the chlorosomes, which are filled with special bacteriochlorophyll molecules.

Green sulfur bacteria inhabit the lowermost part of the photic environments due to their efficient light capture.

Green sulfur bacteria inhabit the lowermost part of the chemocline in the stratified environment due to their sensitivity to oxygen, their high sulfide tolerance and their dependence in light.

Green sulfur bacteria are important drivers of oxidation of reduced sulfur compounds in the stratified, sulfide‐containing environment receiving low irradiation.
Arthropod‐borne Viruses
Authors: Vanlandingham Dana L , McElroy Horne Kate
Published: June 2014

Arthropod‐borne viruses (arboviruses) may infect and replicate in haematophagus insects and arachnids when the arthropods take a bloodmeal from an infected vertebrate. Following an appropriate incubation period, the arthropod may transmit the amplified virus to susceptible vertebrates when the arthropod takes a subsequent bloodmeal. Of more than 500 recognised arboviruses, almost 100 cause a wide variety of illnesses in humans, livestock, and/or wildlife species ranging from subclinical infection to mild febrile disease, haemorrhagic fever, encephalitis or death. Arboviruses have wide geographic distributions which are largely dependent upon their vectors, and different arboviruses can be found on all continents including Antarctica. Since very few specific antiviral therapies or arbovirus vaccines exist, control focuses primarily on vector elimination and education on arthropod avoidance. Arbovirus prevalence has increased dramatically during the past 3 decades, with viral emergence and re‐emergence driven by urbanisation, increased international travel and commercial transportation, and expanding vector distribution.

Key Concepts:

Arboviruses infect and replicate in insects and ticks and may be transmitted during blood feeding to susceptible vertebrates, including humans.

‘Arbovirus’ is an ecological term, and the recognised arboviruses are found in the familiesTogaviridae, Flaviviridae, Bunyaviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Reoviridae, and Asfarviridae.

Most arboviruses are single‐stranded RNA viruses.

Infection with an arbovirus may be asymptomatic or may cause fever, haemorrhage, encephalitis, with or without sequelae and death.

Currently licensed human vaccines only exist for yellow fever virus (YFV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV).

Arbovirus prevalence in specific regions fluctuates, but emergence and re‐emergence has caused an increase in human infections over the past 30 years.
Mutation–Selection Balance
Authors: Trotter Meredith V
Published: June 2014

An organism's genome is continually being altered by mutations, the vast majority of which are harmful to the organism or its descendants, because they reduce the bearer's viability or fertility. Consequently, in every generation, natural selection acts to weed out these deleterious mutations. The opposing processes of mutation and selection balance each other so that the frequency in a population of a deleterious mutation remains at an equilibrium value determined by the strength of selection and the frequency of mutation. The classic model of mutation–selection balance assumes a single biallelic locus under constant selection. In reality, selection and mutation can vary in time and space, loci can have multiple alleles, and the genome comprises many loci. Mutation–selection balance across the genome depends on factors such as linkage, recombination, mating system, epistasis, pleiotropy and the distribution of fitness effects of new mutations. Mutation–selection dynamics also inform genetic variance for quantitative traits under stabilising selection.

Key Concepts:

A deleterious mutation at a single locus has an expected equilibrium frequency determined by the rate at which it is produced by mutation, and the rate at which selection removes it from the population.

The decrease in population fitness due to the accumulation of deleterious mutations under mutation–selection balance is called mutational load.

In finite populations, deleterious mutations can depart from their equilibrium frequency, be lost or go to fixation, all by stochastic drift.

Equilibrium expectations under the neutral model of mutation–selection balance provide important null hypotheses for measuring selection in natural populations.

Mutation–selection dynamics at multiple loci depend on many factors such as dominance, recombination rate, linkage, epistasis, pleiotropy, mating system and population size.

Variation at quantitative genetic traits can also be maintained by a balance between stabilizing selection and mutation.
Macromolecular Interactions: Aptamers
Authors: Rodesch Matthew J , Ozers* Mary Szatkowski , Warren Christopher L
Published: June 2014

Short nucleic acids can fold into unique three‐dimensional configurations, known as aptamers, to elicit binding of a specific target. The structure of an aptamer, such as stem‐loops, g‐quadruplexes and pseudoknots, directs its ability to recognise and discriminate specific targets. There are significant advantages to aptamers over antibodies, including ease and cost of production as well as lack of immunogenicity. Traditionally, aptamers have been generated by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment. Aptamers have been developed against a range of targets including proteins, small molecules, intracellular targets, cell‐surface receptors and whole cells, and have thus far resulted in one Food and Drug Administration‐approved therapeutic. Although technical challenges as well as a restrictive intellectual property landscape have hindered the progress of aptamers for direct therapeutic use, they have gained applications as conjugate vehicles for targeted delivery of other therapeutic molecules, in molecular imaging, and as biosensors in increasingly sophisticated detection and monitoring devices.

Key Concepts:

Nucleic acid aptamers specifically bind a target molecule, including proteins and small molecules, serving as the functional equivalent of chemical antibodies.

Aptamers can adopt a multitude of unique three‐dimensional configurations that are required for specific binding of targets.

Aptamers are superior to antibodies with regard to ease of production and lack of immunogenicity.

Aptamers are traditionally discovered using systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment.

Aptamers have been used for a variety of applications including direct therapeutics, vehicles for targeted delivery of compounds, biosensors, diagnostic imaging and nanomachinery.
Molecular Genetics of Human Facial Dysostoses
Authors: Czeschik Johanna Christina , Wieczorek Dagmar
Published: June 2014

Human facial dysostoses comprise mandibulofacial (MFDs) and acrofacial dysostoses (AFDs). Both types are characterised by similar craniofacial dysmorphisms, which are assumed to be caused by an abnormal development of the neural crest cells. Craniofacial anomalies consist of downslanting palpebral fissures, lower eyelid coloboma with or without absence of lower eyelashes medial to the defect, hypoplasia of the zygomatic complex, micrognathia and microtia often associated with hearing loss. The facial anomalies are associated with limb anomalies in the AFDs, which are preaxial, postaxial or cannot be classified into one of these groups.

The molecular basis for most of the MFDs and AFDs is unknown. For Treacher Collins syndrome (TCOF1, POLR1DandPOLR1C) and MFD type Hutterite (TCOF1), the molecular basis is known which is also true for three of the AFDs, Nager syndrome (SF3B4), Miller syndrome (DHODH) and AFD type Guion‐Almeida (EFTUD2).

Key Concepts:

In human facial dysostoses, the development of the structures of the first and second branchial arches is disturbed.

Facial dysostoses can be subdivided into those with normal extremities, the mandibulofacial dysostoses (MFDs), and those with anomalies of limbs, the acrofacial dysostoses.

TCOF1mutations are causal for Treacher Collins syndrome and MFD type Hutterite.

POLR1DandPOLR1Cmutations are causal for Treacher Collins syndrome.

SF3B4mutations are causal for Nager syndrome.

EFTUD2mutations are causal for ADGA.

DHODHmutations are causal for Miller syndrome.

EVCandEVC2mutations are causal for Weyers syndrome.
An anisotropic ink based on crystalline nanocellulose: Potential applications in security printing
Authors: Chindawong Chakkresit , Johannsmann Diethelm
Published: June 2014

Polymer dispersions containing crystalline nanocellulose have been used as birefringent inks. When printed onto dark paper, the letters are darker than the background if viewed without polarizers, while they are brighter than the background if viewed with crossed polarizers. This type of contrast inversion can have applications in security printing and optical authentication. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41063.
Amorphous poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) nanoparticles prepared with recombinant phasins and PHB depolymerase
Authors: Rho Jong Kook , Choi Mun Hwan , Gutierrez Merced , Tian Baoxia , Yoo Taesik , Baek Jung Eun , Shah Mohsin , Yoon Sung Chul
Published: June 2014

Phasin protein (PhaP) is known to anchor into the matrix of phospholipid surrounding polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA) inclusion bodies formed in bacterial cells and regulate the size of the granules, as well as the number of PHA granules. To investigate the effect of phasin on the formation of artificial poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)) granules in vitro, (His)6‐tagged or GST‐fusion recombinant phasin was prepared and utilized for the artificial granule preparation. In addition, a P(3HB) depolymerase was coloaded with the recombinant phasin to prepare self‐degradable phasin‐coated P(3HB) granules. A water/chloroform two‐phase emulsion technique was used, in which the emulsification was carried out by sonication, and the chloroform in the emulsion was removed by stirring‐aided evaporation at room temperature or 65°C. Slower chloroform removal at room temperature produced better spherically shaped P(3HB) nanogranules, which were uniformly sized (∼100 to 200 nm in diameter). The self‐degradability of P(3HB) depolymerase‐loaded P(3HB) nanogranules was investigated. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41074.
In vivo and in vitro metabolism of aspirin eugenol ester in dog by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Shen Youming , Liu Xiwang , Yang Yajun , Li Jianyong , Ma Ning , Li Bing
Published: June 2014

Aspirin eugenol ester (AEE) is a promising drug candidate for treatment of inflammation, pain and fever and prevention of cardiovascular diseases with fewer side effects than its precursor, aspirin. Investigation into its metabolic process in target animal species will help to illustrate its mechanism of action and to establish its residual mark compound to formulate its dosage. Six beagle dogs were orally given a dose of 20 mg kg−1 of AEE and one dog was used to prepare blank liver microsomes. Their liver microsomes were prepared for in vitro study and their plasma and urine were collected for in vivo metabolic analysis using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. In this study we identified 10 metabolites, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 in phase I and M6, M7, M8, M9, M10 in phase II. Based on the metabolites of AEE, the pathways of AEE metabolism in dog were demonstrated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Triazine‐Based Mesoporous Covalent Imine Polymers as Solid Supports for Copper‐Mediated Chan–Lam Cross‐Coupling N‐Arylation Reactions
Authors: Puthiaraj Pillaiyar , Pitchumani Kasi
Published: June 2014

The synthesis of a novel mesoporous covalent imine polymeric (MCIPs) material, involving simple Schiff‐base chemistry, is reported. This highly functionalised nitrogen‐rich material acts as a good support for immobilising CuII ions, exhibiting excellent catalytic activity in promoting the Chan–Lam cross‐coupling reaction between biologically active amines and arylboronic acids. The performance of this catalyst is also evident from its broad substrate scope, high stability, real heterogeneity, mild reaction conditions and reusability without loss of activity. The observed results will provide additional scope on the design and catalytic applications of this emerging class of materials.
Multifunctional Supramolecular Dendrimers with an s‐Triazine Ring as the Central Core: Liquid Crystalline, Fluorescence and Photoconductive Properties
Authors: Bucoş Madalina , Sierra Teresa , Golemme Attilio , Termine Roberto , Barberá Joaquín , Giménez Raquel , Serrano José Luis , Romero Pilar , Marcos Mercedes
Published: June 2014

Novel liquid crystal (LC) dendrimers have been synthesised by hydrogen bonding between an s‐triazine as the central core and three peripheral dendrons derived from bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid. Symmetric acid dendrons bearing achiral promesogenic units have been synthesised to obtain 3:1 complexes with triazine that exhibit LC properties. Asymmetric dendrons that combine the achiral promesogenic unit and an active moiety derived from coumarin or pyrene structures have been synthesised in order to obtain dendrimers with photophysical and electrochemical properties. The formation of the complexes was confirmed by IR and NMR spectroscopy data. The liquid crystalline properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, polarising optical microscopy and X‐ray diffractometry. All complexes displayed mesogenic properties, which were smectic in the case of symmetric dendrons and their complexes and nematic in the case of asymmetric dendrons and their dendrimers. A supramolecular model for the lamellar mesophase, based mainly on X‐ray diffraction studies, is proposed. The electrochemical behaviour of dendritic complexes was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The UV/Vis absorption and emission properties of the compounds and the photoconductive properties of the dendrons and dendrimers were also investigated
High‐Performing Red‐Light‐Emitting Pyrotechnic Illuminants through the Use of Perchlorate‐Free Materials
Authors: Moretti Jared D. , Sabatini Jesse J. , Poret Jay C.
Published: June 2014

The development of perchlorate‐free M662 40 mm illuminating pyrotechnic compositions is described. On the bases of cost, performance, and sensitivity, potassium periodate was determined to be most effective potassium perchlorate replacement in the compositions tested. The optimal periodate‐based composition exceeded the performance of the perchlorate‐containing control, exhibited low sensitivity values to impact, friction, and electrostatic discharge, and had high thermal onset temperatures.
Catalytic Performance of Vanadium MIL‐47 and Linker‐Substituted Variants in the Oxidation of Cyclohexene: A Combined Theoretical and Experimental Approach
Authors: Vandichel Matthias , Biswas Shyam , Leus Karen , Paier Joachim , Sauer Joachim , Verstraelen Toon , Van Der Voort Pascal , Waroquier Michel , Van Speybroeck Veronique
Published: June 2014

The epoxidation of cyclohexene has been investigated on a metal–organic framework MIL‐47 containing saturated V+IV sites linked with functionalized terephthalate linkers (MIL‐47‐X, X=OH, F, Cl, Br, CH3, NH2). Experimental catalytic tests have been performed on the MIL‐47‐X materials to elucidate the effect of linker substitution on the conversion. Notwithstanding the fact that these substituted materials are prone to leaching in the performed catalytic tests, the initial catalytic activity of these materials correlates with the Hammett substituent constants. In general, substituents led to an increased activity relative to the parent MIL‐47. To rationalize the experimental findings, first‐principles kinetic calculations were performed on periodic models of MIL‐47 to determine the most important active sites by creating defect structures in the interior of the crystalline material. In a next step these defect structures were used to propose extended cluster models, which are able to reproduce in an adequate way the direct environment of the active metal site. An alkylperoxo species V+VO(OOtBu) was identified as the most abundant and therefore the most active epoxidation site. The structure of the most active site was a starting basis for the construction of extended cluster models including substituents. They were used for quantifying the effect of functionalization of the linkers on the catalytic performance of the heterogeneous catalyst MIL‐47‐X. Electron‐withdrawing as well as electron‐donating groups have been considered. The epoxidation activity of the functionalized models has been compared with the measured experimental conversion of cyclohexene. The agreement is fairly good. This combined experimental–theoretical study makes it possible to elucidate the structure of the most active site and to quantify the electronic modulating effects of linker substituents on the catalytic activity.
Heart rate following short‐term beta‐blocker titration predicts all‐cause mortality in elderly chronic heart failure patients: insights from the CIBIS‐ELD trial
Authors: Düngen Hans‐Dirk , Musial‐Bright Lindy , Inkrot Simone , Apostolović Svetlana , Edelmann Frank , Lainščak Mitja , Šekularac Nikola , Störk Stefan , Tahirovic Elvis , Tscholl Verena , Krackhardt Florian , Loncar Goran , Trippel Tobias D. , Gelbrich Götz
Published: June 2014

Aims

Beta‐blockers (BBs) improve outcomes in heart failure. Results from the Cardiac Insufficiency Bisoprolol Study in Elderly (CIBIS‐ELD) trial previously demonstrated the feasibility of heart rate, not maximum dose, as a treatment goal. In this pre‐specified analysis, we investigated the prognostic value of achieved heart rate after BB optimization on long‐term mortality.

Methods and results

Elderly heart failure patients from the CIBIS‐ELD trial were invited to participate in a follow‐up examination 4 years after the initial 12‐week BB up‐titration period. The relationship between all‐cause mortality, BB dose, and heart rate after titration and potentially confounding clinical variables was analysed by multivariable Cox regression. In total, 728 patients (38% women; mean age 72.9 ± 5.4 years) were included. During a mean follow‐up period of 45 ± 9 months, 134 patients (19%) died, thus accumulating 2268 patient‐years at risk. There was no significant difference in baseline heart rate for survivors and non‐survivors (P = 0.19). In models adjusting for age, sex, BB pre‐treatment, ventricular function, heart rate, and NYHA class at baseline, a heart rate increase by 10 b.p.m. following up‐titration was associated with a subsequent mortality hazard ratio of 1.19 (95% confidence interval 1.02–1.38, P = 0.023). The heart rate range with the lowest mortality and the fewest treatment‐related adverse events was 55–64 b.p.m. The achieved BB dose was not associated with mortality risk.

Conclusion

The heart rate after up‐titration, but not BB dose, predicted all‐cause mortality risk in elderly patients with chronic heart failure. These patients should be titrated to resting heart rates between 55 and 64 b.p.m.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Aqueous Plutonium(IV) Desferrioxamine B Complexes
Authors: Boggs Mark A. , Mason Harris , Arai Yuji , Powell Brian A. , Kersting Annie B. , Zavarin Mavrik
Published: June 2014

Two aqueous PuIV‐desferrioxamine B (DFOB) complexes were characterized by one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR techniques and an unexpected dimeric PuIVDFOB‐di‐μ‐(O/OH)‐PuIVDFOB complex was identified. Both “Curie” and “anti‐Curie” behavior were observed for the dimeric species, yet the monomeric species only showed “anti‐Curie” behavior. Diffusion ordered spectroscopy experiments showed an increase in particle size for the two species, which is indicative of a dimeric species. Bond lengths and coordination numbers estimated from X‐ray absorption spectroscopy are consistent with the proposed structures.
Enzymatic synthesis and characterization of 1‐lipoyl‐2‐palmitoyl phosphatidylcholine: A novel phospholipid containing lipoic acid
Authors: Kaki Shiva Shanker , Balakrishna Marrapu , Prasad Rachapudi B. N.
Published: June 2014

Bioorganic synthesis of a novel phospholipid, 1‐lipoyl‐2‐palmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (LPPC) was carried out using dipalmitoylphosphotidylcholine (DPPC) and lipoic acid as substrates via lipase catalyzed transesterification reaction at controlled water activity. A high lipoic acid concentration and low water activity were necessary for the enzymatic acidolysis reaction in an organic solvent medium at ambient temperature. Four immobilized lipases were examined for the incorporation of lipoic acid into DPPC. The transesterification reaction resulted in formation of the desired product along with the lyso PC as a by‐product at controlled water activity of 0.11 in 96 h using Lipozyme RM IM lipase. The composition of the modified PC showed that 41.07 mol% of lipoic acid was incorporated into DPPC. The transesterification was regioselective with nearly 91% incorporation of lipoic acid in the sn‐1 position with about 4% incorporation in the sn‐2 position in the product PC. The prepared LPPC can have applications as a lipid based prodrug of lipoic acid and also can have potential applications in drug solubilization and release studies.

Practical applications: Novel phospholipid bearing lipoic acid as an active ingredient is synthesized via enzymatic route. It is a smart combination of two biologically active molecules with proven activities. The prepared phospholipid can have potential applications in nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and biomedical fields. This molecule can help to address the bioavailability issues of lipoic acid. The product can have applications in controlled release of lipoic acid due to incorporation into a phospholipid.

Lipase‐catalyzed synthesis of 1‐lipoyl‐2‐palmitoyl phosphatidylcholine.
Population genetic structure of an invasive forensically important insect
Authors: Bao Fanchen , Wells Jeffrey D.
Published: June 2014

The forensic utility of an insect can depend in part on its population structure. Although some native North American species have been characterized in this fashion, information is lacking for species that were introduced from elsewhere and that might have lower genetic diversity and less geographic differentiation. We surveyed Chrysomya megacephala, an Asian fly present in the continental USA since the 1980s. Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism profiles were generated from adult insects collected across Florida and in Mobile, Alabama. Analysis of Molecular Variance on 151 polymorphic loci found significant but very small variation among samples. STRUCTURE and principal coordinate analyses produced the same two clusters in the population, consistent with C. megacephala in Florida having originated from two separate source populations. A weak negative correlation between genetic and geographic distances probably reflected the geographic arrangement of the genetic clusters. A positive relative relatedness coefficient for each sample indicated that flies arriving at a bait within a short time were likely to be close relatives, consistent with the earlier results for native North American carrion flies. However, genetic diversity estimated for the introduced Florida C. megacephala was lower than for native species or for published data on Malaysian C. megacephala, perhaps reflecting the genetic effects of being introduced to a new geographic region. Genetic assignment, a method that has been proposed as a way to infer corpse postmortem relocation, was much less successful for C. megacephala compared to the native species, possibly reflecting a history of admixture.
Hypervalent Iodine Catalyzed Cyclization of Aryl‐Substituted Alkanoic Acids
Authors: Li Tingting , Xiang Changbin , Zhang Bijun , Yan Jie
Published: June 2014

A novel and efficient procedure was developed for direct preparation of aryl‐substituted lactones from corresponding aryl‐substituted alkanoic acids, catalyzed by the in situ generated hypervalent iodine intermediate from iodobenzene (PhI). In this protocol, aryl‐substituted alkanoic acids were treated with m‐chloroperbenzoic acid (mCPBA) and KBr in the presence of a catalytic amount of PhI in 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol at room temperature for 24 h, resulting in corresponding aryl lactones in moderate‐to‐good yields.
Formal Synthesis of (−)‐Cyclaradine Using Ring Closing Metathesis
Authors: Raju Gurrapu , Rao Jalagam Prasada , Rao Batchu Venkateswara
Published: June 2014

The stereoselective formal synthesis of (−)‐cyclaradine from the inexpensively available starting material L‐glutamic acid is described, using Eschenmoser's reagent, and applying Luche reduction, Grignard reaction, and ring closing metathesis (RCM) as the key steps.
A Novel Synthesis of Quinazolines by Cyclization of 1‐(2‐Isocyanophenyl)alkylideneamines Generated by the Treatment of 2‐(1‐Azidoalkyl)phenyl Isocyanides with NaH
Authors: Ezaki Kosuke , Kobayashi Kazuhiro
Published: June 2014

A new and efficient method for the synthesis of quinazolines has been developed. Thus, N‐[2‐(1‐azidoalkyl)phenyl]formamides 1 are dehydrated with POCl3 to give the corresponding 2‐(1‐azidoalkyl)phenyl isocyanides 2, which are then treated with NaH in DMF at 0° to give quinazolines 6 in satisfactory yields via cyclization of 1‐(2‐isocyanophenyl)alkylideneamine intermediates 4. This methodology can be applied to the synthesis of the 7‐azaanalogs of quinazolines, i.e., pyrido[3,4‐d]pyrimidines 9.
Cloud Software: How to Validate Third‐Party Vendors
Authors: Fanning Kurt
Published: June 2014

The increased outsourcing of applications and data processing by firms raises an important issue: How should you validate the actions of the third‐party vendors? The Sarbanes‐Oxley Act and other compliance issues require some form of judgment of those actions. This article explains the authoritative guidance for reporting on such service organizations. The author looks at assessing the validity of the service provider's internal control, privacy compliance, and other aspects from both the user's and deliverer's point of view.
The Personal Epistemologies of Civil Engineering Faculty
Authors: Montfort Devlin , Brown Shane , Shinew Dawn
Published: June 2014

Background

The personal epistemologies of engineering faculty are an important and as yet underinvestigated aspect of engineering education. In this study, personal epistemology is defined as the stances an individual takes on issues related to knowledge and knowing, such as what it means to know, what counts as knowledge, and what makes some knowledge true.

Purpose (Hypothesis)

This research characterizes the personal epistemologies of engineering faculty members with particular emphasis on contributing to the development of a theoretical framework to support and guide future research.

Design/Method

Semistructured interviews explored broad epistemological issues but were individually tailored to ensure open discourse. The interviews were situated in the domain of the participants' own research in civil engineering; this domain provided a familiar and rich research site in which to explore their epistemologies and allowed for richer interpretations through reference to other research linking research practice with epistemology.

Results

The participants expressed a stance that assumed an objective reality and verified the truth of their knowledge through observation, which assumes access to that objective reality. Participants simultaneously evaluated their knowledge based on its truth and usefulness. The participants' discussions reflected their perceptions of the complexity and wide scope of the “real” world – thereby moving beyond simplified categorizations such as positivist, into new and unexplored epistemologies.

Conclusions

The participants' epistemologies are discussed in terms of their implications for engineering education practice and research, as well as personal epistemology research.
Fast, simple, and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography method for measuring vitamins A and E in human blood plasma
Authors: Yuan Chao , Burgyan Maria , Bunch Dustin R. , Reineks Edmunds , Jackson Raymond , Steinle Roxanne , Wang Sihe
Published: June 2014

Vitamins A and E are fat‐soluble vitamins that play important roles in several physiological processes. Monitoring their concentrations is needed to detect deficiency and guide therapy. In this study, we developed a high‐performance liquid chromatography method to measure the major forms of vitamin A (retinol) and vitamin E (α‐tocopherol and γ‐tocopherol) in human blood plasma. Vitamins A and E were extracted with hexane and separated on a reversed‐phase column using methanol as the mobile phase. Retinol was detected by ultraviolet absorption, whereas tocopherols were detected by fluorescence emission. The chromatographic cycle time was 4.0 min per sample. The analytical measurement range was 0.03–5.14, 0.32–36.02, and 0.10–9.99 mg/L for retinol, α‐tocopherol, and γ‐tocopherol, respectively. Intr‐aassay and total coefficient of variation were <6.0% for all compounds. This method was traceable to standard reference materials offered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Reference intervals were established using plasma samples collected from 51 healthy adult donors and were found to be 0.30–1.20, 6.0–23.0, and 0.3–3.2 mg/L for retinol, α‐tocopherol, and γ‐tocopherol, respectively. In conclusion, we developed and validated a fast, simple, and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography method for measuring the major forms of vitamins A and E in human plasma.
Revisit rates and diagnoses following pediatric tonsillectomy in a large multistate population
Authors: Shay Sophie , Shapiro Nina L. , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: June 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Investigate the incidence and characteristics of revisits following ambulatory pediatric tonsillectomy/adenotonsillectomy.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study using national databases.

Methods

Ambulatory pediatric (age <18.0 years) tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy cases were extracted from the 2010 State Ambulatory Surgery, Emergency Department, and Inpatient databases for New York, Florida, Iowa, and California. First and second revisits within the 14‐day postoperative period were tabulated. Diagnoses, procedure codes, and mortality were examined.

Results

There were 36,221 pediatric tonsillectomies/adenotonsillectomies (mean age 7.4 years, 51.4% male). Overall, 2,740 patients (7.6%) had a revisit after pediatric tonsillectomy; 402 patients (1.1%) had a second revisit. Among revisits, 6.3% revisited the ambulatory surgery center, 77.5% revisited the emergency department, and 16.2% were readmitted as an inpatient. Among all tonsillectomies, bleeding occurred in 2.0% and 0.5% within the first and second revisits, respectively. A second revisit had a statistically higher association with a primary bleeding diagnosis than the first revisit (P < .001). Among all cases, 0.75% underwent a surgical procedure for bleeding at a first revisit compared to 0.25% during a second revisit. Acute pain was the primary diagnosis in 18.4% and 11.2% of first and second revisits; fever/vomiting/dehydration were primary diagnoses in 28.2% and 17.9%, respectively. There were two mortalities (0.0055%) within the 14‐day postoperative interval.

Conclusions

This large‐scale analysis describes the current rates and diagnoses of revisits, hospital readmission, and surgical intervention following ambulatory pediatric tonsillectomy. Many revisits centered on pain control and dehydration, suggesting that more adequate symptom control may prevent a large proportion of revisits.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 125:457–461, 2015
Profile Distribution of Carbon Fractions Under Long‐term Rice‐wheat and Maize‐wheat Production in Alfisols and Inceptisols of Northwest India
Authors: Kukal Surinder Singh , Saha Debasish , Sharma Puneet , Sharma Banarsi Dass
Published: June 2014

The knowledge of profile distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) in long‐term agricultural systems could help to store atmospheric carbon in the soil. We investigated profile distribution of easily oxidisable Walkley–Black SOC pool (SOCWB) under long‐term rice‐wheat (R‐W) and maize‐wheat (M‐W) cropping systems under soils of different pedogenesis. The soil samples were collected from the characteristic genetic horizons and analysed for carbon fractions. The SOCWB was the highest in soils under R‐W systems in both Alfisols and Inceptisols. The SOCWB stock in the deeper profile horizons under R‐W system was significantly (p < 0·05) higher than that under M‐W system especially in Typic Hapludalfs. Long‐term R‐W system could store on average 3·55 Mg ha−1 more SOCWB than M‐W system in the Ap horizon. The SOCWB stock in the Ap horizon of all pedons was significantly (p < 0·05) higher in Alfisols than that in Inceptisols. About 60–90% of the total profile SOCWB stock was contributed by B‐horizon because of its greater extent. Considering the whole profile, clay was negatively correlated with SOC fractions; however, the SOC fractions were closely related to each other. This study reveals that the distribution of SOCWB is different in long‐term R‐W and M‐W systems not only in surface but also in the deeper horizons and the magnitude of the variation is influenced by the specific pedogenic processes. This indicates the significance of profile SOCWB stock instead of topsoil SOCWB stock in quantifying carbon retention potential of the long‐term management practices. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gold‐loading magnetic core–shell organic/inorganic nanocomposites: facile preparation and multiple properties
Authors: Chen Lingnan , Zeng Birong , Wu Yueguang , Xie Jianjie , Yu Shirong , Yuan Conghui , Luo Weiang , Xu Yiting , Dai Lizong
Published: June 2014

Magnetic composite nanospheres (MCS) were first prepared via mini‐emulsion polymerization. Subsequently, the hybrid core–shell nanospheres were used as carriers to support gold nanoparticles. The as‐prepared gold‐loading magnetic composite nanospheres (Au‐MCS) had a hydrophobic core embed with γ‐Fe3O4 and a hydrophilic shell loaded by gold nanoparticles. Both the content of γ‐Fe3O4 and the size of gold nanoparticles could be controlled in our experiments, which resulted in fabricating various materials. On one hand, the Au‐MCS could be used as a T2 contrast agent with a relaxivity coefficient of 362 mg−1 ml S−1 for magnetic resonance imaging. On the other hand, the Au‐MCS exhibited tunable optical‐absorption property over a wavelength range from 530 nm to 800 nm, which attributed to a secondary growth of gold nanoparticles. In addition, dynamic light scattering results of particle sizing and Zeta potential measurements revealed that Au‐MCS had a good stability in an aqueous solution, which would be helpful for further applications. Finally, it showed that the Au‐MCS were efficient catalysts for reductions of hydrophobic nitrobenzene and hydrophilic 4‐nitrophenol that could be reused by a magnetic separation process. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.