bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of land use on total suspended solid and dissolved ion concentrations: Baton Rouge, Louisiana area
Authors: Carlson D.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Past studies in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana area considered streamwater quality during storm events but ignored water quality during low flow periods. This study includes determination of streamwater quality during low flow time periods for none watersheds in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. These samples were collected during dry-low flow periods as indicated by water levels at USGS stream gauging sites for each stream. Chemical analysis for ions was completed using colorimeters and gravimetric analysis for total dissolved solids (TDS) and total suspended solids (TSS). Land use appears to impact concentrations of ions, TDS and TSS in a variety of ways during periods of low flow. The two most rural watersheds, which are mainly underdeveloped, have higher concentrations of Fe and Mn. By contrast the three most urban watersheds, that are mainly commercial, industrial or residential, have higher concentrations of Si, SO4 and TDS.
Downstream hydraulic geometry of alluvial rivers
Authors: Julien P. Y.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. This article presents a three-level approach to the analysis of downstream hydraulic geometry. First, empirical concepts based on field observations of "poised" conditions in irrigation canals are examined. Second, theoretical developments have been made possible by combining basic relationships for the description of flow and sediment transport in alluvial rivers. Third, a relatively new concept of equivalent channel widths is presented. The assumption of equilibrium may describe a perpetual state of change and adjustments. The new concepts define the trade-offs between some hydraulic geometry parameters such as width and slope. The adjustment of river widths and slope typically follows a decreasing exponential function and recent developments indicate how the adjustment time scale can be quantified. Some examples are also presented to illustrate the new concepts presented and the realm of complex river systems.
River, delta and coastal morphological response accounting for biological dynamics
Authors: Goldsmith W. , Bernardi D. , Schippa L.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Management and construction can increase resilience in the face of climate change, and benefits can be enhanced through integration of biogenic materials including shells and vegetation. Rivers and coastal landforms are dynamic systems that respond to intentional and unintended manipulation of critical factors, often with unforeseen and/or undesirable resulting effects. River management strategies have impacts that include deltas and coastal areas which are increasingly vulnerable to climate change with reference to sea level rise and storm intensity. Whereas conventional assessment and analysis of rivers and coasts has relied on modelling of hydrology, hydraulics and sediment transport, incorporating additional biological factors can offer more comprehensive, beneficial and realistic alternatives. Suitable modelling tools can provide improved decision support. The question has been whether current models can effectively address biological responses with suitable reliability and efficiency. Since morphodynamic evolution exhibits its effects on a large timescale, the choice of mathematical model is not trivial and depends upon the availability of data, as well as the spatial extent, timelines and computation effort desired. The ultimate goal of the work is to set up a conveniently simplified river morphodynamic model, coupled with a biological dynamics plant population model able to predict the long-term evolution of large alluvial river systems managed through bioengineering. This paper presents the first step of the work related to the application of the model accounting for stationary vegetation condition. Sensitivity analysis has been performed on the main hydraulic, sedimentology, and biological parameters. The model has been applied to significant river training in Europe, Asia and North America, and comparative analysis has been used to validate analytical solutions. Data gaps and further areas for investigation are identified.
Predicting location and length of ephemeral gullies with a process-based Topographic Index model
Authors: Sheshukov A. Y.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Ephemeral gully (EG) erosion can be a major source of sediment in agricultural watersheds and predicting the location and length of EGs is important to assess sediment source areas. Topographic index (TI) models utilize topographic-only factors to locate concentrated flow paths on agricultural fields. In this paper, the TI-model is expanded by incorporating an overland flow equation that describes surface excess rate, roughness, and soil critical shear stress. An un-calibrated Process-Based (PB) topographic index model was applied to an agricultural watershed in Central Kansas and the results were compared with a calibrated Slope-Area (SA) model. The analysis showed that the PB model slightly over-predicted topographic properties of ephemeral gullies compared to the observed data. Accuracy of the SA model depended on the selected threshold value.
Real-Time Performance of Hybrid Mobile Robot Control Utilizing USB Protocol
Authors: Augustyn Jacek
Published: March 2015

This article discusses the problem of usability of the USB 2.0 protocol in the area of real-time control of a mobile robot. Optimization methods of data transfer handling were proposed. The impact of the optimization results on the entire system's performance was examined in practice. As a test-bed, a hybrid system composed of two devices communicating by direct USB connection was implemented. The first of the mentioned devices was a 32-bit SoC micro-system serving as a direct control unit, and the second one was an off-the-shelf PDA providing supervisory control and logging. Due to this design, the system meets regimes of the real-time constraints and maintains continuity of a data stream at a large bandwidth. The real-time performances of subsystems and the entire system were experimentally examined depending on various operating conditions. Thanks to the performed experiments, the dependency of real-time limits on operational parameters has been determined.
The Potential of an Environmentally Friendly Business Strategy — Research from the Czech Republic
Authors: Krause Josef
Published: March 2015

This article deals with the importance of environmental factors for business strategy. It discusses the potential benefits to companies which show concern for the environment beyond their legal obligations.

The main contribution of this article is in presentation of the results of a questionnaire survey concerning customer views on products certified as ‘environmentally friendly’. The knowledge of the respondents concerning individual instruments was not great. Most of the respondents were unwilling to pay more than 20% more for environmentally friendly products in comparison with conventional products. Only 38% of the respondents bought environmentally friendly products repeatedly.
Defensive Routines in Engineering Managers and Non-Engineering Managers — A Case Analysis
Authors: Riley Tyria , Cudney Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2015

There is a perception that engineers experience challenges in areas such as communication, conflict resolution, and leadership. Defensive routines are actions implemented as a result of being in an embarrassing or threatening situation. This research uses a case study approach to measure whether defensive routines are more common in engineering managers or non-engineering managers. Twenty-seven managers created case studies based on their unique experiences as managers. These case studies were scored, and the results of this research indicate that engineering managers employ defensive routines more commonly than non-engineering managers.
Recorregut peripatètic de recerca geològica per la comarca del Vallès Occidental: des del Castell de Guanta al Turó de Tres Pins i al Castell de Guanta
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: March 2015

Itinerari realitzat el 15 de febrer de 2014. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut de l’itinerari discorrerà, quasi en la seva totalitat pel Sistema Mediterrani, i més concretament per la Serralada Prelitoral Catalana (la seva unitat més externa). Així doncs, la quasi totalitat del recorregut per les vessants SE del Farell, per aquesta unitat geològica. En aquesta part del recorregut, es trobaran materials mesozoics del Triàsic (i molt ocasionalment materials paleozoics de l´Ordovicià). Tot i així, part dels recorreguts es realitzaran per la Depressió Geològica de l´Ebre, entre afloraments de materials cenozoics. Per altra banda, i com ja s’entreveu al títol, el recorregut de l’itinerari discorrerà sols per la comarca del Vallès Occidental, pel terme de Sentmenat, en la seva totalitat, també.
La langue de l’autre ou l’expulsion des hôtes ?
Authors: Gambier Yves
Published: March 2015

Les documents sur les rapports entre minorités et États sont encore souvent basés sur des catégorisations rigides et dichotomiques, maintes fois en contradiction avec les mobilités liées à la mondialisation. Dans les changements en cours, les langues demeurent un sujet tabou dont le refoulement laisse place au recours à une lingua franca. Les tensions contemporaines appellent à une redéfinition des droits et des minorités linguistiques. Comment une politique linguistique établie il y a plusieurs décennies peut-elle assumer les défis des minorités et des migrants, sans oublier celui des expatriés ? Les Roms (minorité fabriquée) et l’évolution de la Finlande bilingue (minorité historique des suédophones) serviront d’exemples pour tenter de mieux appréhender les situations présentes et repenser le concept de minorité.
Bilinguisme officiel et traduction au Canada : les interprétations littéraires de Patrice Desbiens et de Jacques Brault / E. D. Blodgett
Authors: Leclerc Catherine
Published: March 2015

Transfiguration de Jacques Brault et E. D. Blodgett (1998), et L’homme invisible/The Invisible Man (1981) de Patrice Desbiens se situent à la croisée des langues officielles canadiennes. L’un est un échange entre un poète québécois et un poète albertain ; l’autre, le récit de l’expérience entre les langues d’un protagoniste franco-ontarien. Ces textes poétiques empruntent – mais pour les détourner – les codes de l’édition bilingue. Ils ont tous deux été lus comme des parodies du bilinguisme symétrique promu par la Loi sur les langues officielles du Canada. Le présent article veut rendre compte de leur relation, à la fois idéologique et formelle, avec le bilinguisme officiel et avec les pratiques traductionnelles qui lui sont associées. Il s’intéresse autant au cadre commun que le bilinguisme officiel leur procure qu’aux manières, divergentes, dont il s’en démarque. En ce sens, il propose un comparatisme portant non seulement sur les imaginaires respectifs de l’anglais et du français au Canada et sur leurs zones de contact, mais surtout sur les enjeux des différents types de rapports à la traduction émanant de telles zones. D’une tension entre deux espaces sociolinguistiques à la fois séparés et en interaction, il invite à déplacer le regard vers l’hétérogénéité de leurs lieux de rencontre les plus intenses.
Traduction, bilinguisme et langue de travail : une étude de cas au sein de la fonction publique fédérale canadienne
Authors: Leblanc Matthieu
Published: March 2015

Seront présentés, dans le présent article, les résultats partiels d’une étude ethnographique menée dans un ministère de la fonction publique canadienne situé en milieu minoritaire francophone (Moncton, Nouveau-Brunswick). Il sera notamment question de la place qu’occupe la traduction dans ce milieu de travail et du rôle qu’elle y joue. L’étude révèle que même si l’anglais et le français sont les langues officielles de travail dans ce ministère (en vertu de laLoi sur les langues officiellesdu Canada), c’est l’anglais qui demeure la langue de travail commune ; c’est ainsi grâce à la traduction que le ministère est en mesure de répondre à ses obligations en matière de langue de travail. Il s’agit donc d’un environnement de travail diglossique où les deux langues, malgré leur statut officiel, n’ont ni le même poids ni le même prestige. Cette situation soulève des questions importantes sur la place du français comme langue de travail, les stratégies de traduction privilégiées, les rapports de pouvoir entre les langues et les locuteurs, et enfin l’efficacité de la politique linguistique institutionnelle du gouvernement du Canada.
Bilingualism and Literary (Non-)Translation: The Case of Trieste and Its Hinterland
Authors: Ožbot Martina
Published: March 2015

This article addresses the question of weak translation activity in bilingual settings. It presents an analysis of the situation in the city of Trieste and its surroundings, where a substantial Slovene minority has lived for centuries alongside the Romance-speaking (mainly Italian) population as well as various other smaller ethnic groups. The Italian and the Slovene communities have had different histories and at various points conflicts between them have arisen, sparked by national issues and complicated further by political circumstances. To a large extent, the two ethnic groups have lived parallel lives, often showing only minimal interest in each other’s culture. This has had an impact on literary translation, the output of which has been rather modest until recently, and often even more so on the reception of translated works – in spite of the city’s rich literature in both Italian and Slovene. This article seeks to identify and explore the nature of this translational relationship, taking into account the underlying social, political, cultural, literary, and linguistic factors. It argues that the situation began to change in the early 1990s when the asymmetries between the two ethnic groups started to diminish and the Slovene culture and language gained greater recognition, which in turn opened new prospects for translation.
Impaired fast-spiking interneuron function in a genetic mouse model of depression
Authors: Sauer Jonas-Frederic , Strüber Michael , Bartos Marlene
Published: March 2015

Rhythmic neuronal activity provides a frame for information coding by co-active cell assemblies. Abnormal brain rhythms are considered as potential pathophysiological mechanisms causing mental disease, but the underlying network defects are largely unknown. We find that mice expressing truncated Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia 1 (Disc1), which mirror a high-prevalence genotype for human psychiatric illness, show depression-related behavior. Theta and low-gamma synchrony in the prelimbic cortex (PrlC) is impaired in Disc1 mice and inversely correlated with the extent of behavioural despair. While weak theta activity is driven by the hippocampus, disturbance of low-gamma oscillations is caused by local defects of parvalbumin (PV)-expressing fast-spiking interneurons (FS-INs). The number of FS-INs is reduced, they receive fewer excitatory inputs, and form fewer release sites on targets. Computational analysis indicates that weak excitatory input and inhibitory output of FS-INs may lead to impaired gamma oscillations. Our data link network defects with a gene mutation underlying depression in humans.
Gut bacteria are rarely shared by co-hospitalized premature infants, regardless of necrotizing enterocolitis development
Authors: Raveh-Sadka Tali , Thomas Brian C , Singh Andrea , Firek Brian , Brooks Brandon , Castelle Cindy J , Sharon Itai , Baker Robyn , Good Misty , Morowitz Michael J , Banfield Jillian F
Published: March 2015

Premature infants are highly vulnerable to aberrant gastrointestinal tract colonization, a process that may lead to diseases like necrotizing enterocolitis. Thus, spread of potential pathogens among hospitalized infants is of great concern. Here, we reconstructed hundreds of high-quality genomes of microorganisms that colonized co-hospitalized premature infants, assessed their metabolic potential, and tracked them over time to evaluate bacterial strain dispersal among infants. We compared microbial communities in infants who did and did not develop necrotizing enterocolitis. Surprisingly, while potentially pathogenic bacteria of the same species colonized many infants, our genome-resolved analysis revealed that strains colonizing each baby were typically distinct. In particular, no strain was common to all infants who developed necrotizing enterocolitis. The paucity of shared gut colonizers suggests the existence of significant barriers to the spread of bacteria among infants. Importantly, we demonstrate that strain-resolved comprehensive community analysis can be accomplished on potentially medically relevant time scales.
Image Systems Simulation
Authors: Farrell Joyce E. , Wandell Brian A.
Published: March 2015

Image systems simulation plays an important role in the design and evaluation of a range of devices, from large‐scale remote sensing to the smallest biomedical imaging instruments. We review principles of image systems simulation that are applicable to the design and evaluation of consumer imaging devices. In this application the main goal is to help engineering team members measure and understand how each of the many system components influences image quality. We show how to combine models for scene radiance, optics, sensors, image processing and displays into a unified simulation. We then illustrate how to use simulations to evaluate design tradeoffs, invent new imaging systems, and optimize image‐processing algorithms.
The Organic Flatland—Recent Advances in Synthetic 2D Organic Layers
Authors: Cai Song‐Liang , Zhang Wei‐Guang , Zuckermann Ronald N. , Li Zhan‐Ting , Zhao Xin , Liu Yi
Published: March 2015

Ultrathin, 2D organic layers of sub‐ten nanometer thicknesses and high aspect ratios have received a great deal of attention for their graphene‐like topological features and emerging properties. Rational synthetic strategies have led to the realization of periodic 2D layers with unprecedented structural precision. Herein, recent progress on the synthesis of 2D organic layers, including methods based on both non‐covalent and covalent interactions, is summarized, and potential applications are highlighted. Such 2D organic nanostructures have a brilliant future as prospective multifunctional materials, showing great promise as platforms for engineering novel optoelectronic, interfacial, and bioactive properties.
Mosaic trisomy 15 in a liveborn infant
Authors: McPadden Jacob , Helm Benjamin M. , Spangler Brooke B. , Ross Leslie P. , Boles Debra B. , Schrier Vergano Samantha A.
Published: March 2015

With only a small number of cases in the medical literature, mosaic trisomy 15 in liveborn infants is very rare. Despite its rarity, similar features among individuals have been described, including intrauterine growth retardation, craniofacial abnormalities and facial dysmorphisms, cardiac disease, and other organ anomalies. Very few liveborns have survived the first year of life. We report here on a term infant with growth restriction and multiple congenital anomalies who was found to have mosaic trisomy 15. The proband presented with some frequently reported findings such as dysmorphic facies and overlapping fingers, and the uncommon finding of whorled hypopigmentation. Previously unreported findings include abnormal cerebral vasculature and dysplastic kidneys. We add this new phenotypic information to widen the spectrum previously reported and provide a review of the literature to date. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Feeding behavior and aggression in wild Siberut macaques (Macaca siberu) living under low predation risk
Authors: Richter Christin , Gras Pierre , Hodges Keith , Ostner Julia , Schülke Oliver
Published: March 2015

Investigating which factors influence feeding competition is crucial for our understanding of the diversity of social relationships. Socio‐ecological models differ in their predictions whether predation risk directly influences feeding competition and which factors exactly predict contest competition. We investigated feeding competition in Siberut macaques (Macaca siberu), a species endemic to Siberut Island (West Sumatra, Indonesia). Siberut macaques experience low predation risk, as major predators (felids, raptors) are absent. They are therefore appropriate subjects to test the prediction that low predation risk reduces feeding competition. To estimate contest potential, we quantified size, spatial distribution and density of food plants, and the availability of alternative resources. We recorded behavior in food patches using a modified focal tree method. Food patches, sorted by decreasing average feeding group size, included large trees (40% of focal plant observations), lianas/strangler (16%), medium trees (9%), small (palm) trees (20%), and rattan (15%). Most food patches were clumped but occurred at low densities relative to the area of average group spread. Thus, availability of alternative food patches was low. Although food patch characteristics indicate high contest potential, the observed aggression rate (0.13 bouts between adults/h) was low relative to other primates. Average feeding group size was small relative to total group size, and feeding group size matched crown volume. Perceived predation risk was low, based on spatial and feeding behavior of juveniles. Together, these results suggest that predation risk may influence feeding competition. Social and temporal factors (patch feeding time), but not ecological factors (fruit abundance in patch and forest, alternative resources) predicted aggression frequency in food patches. Overall, comparative data are still relatively scarce, and researchers should collect more data on group spread, sub‐grouping, perceived predation risk, and aggression in food patches before we can draw final conclusions about the role of predation risk for feeding competition. Am. J. Primatol. 77:741–752, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metal‐Catalyzed “On‐Demand” Production of Carbonyl Sulfide from Carbon Monoxide and Elemental Sulfur
Authors: Farrell Wesley S. , Zavalij Peter Y. , Sita Lawrence R.
Published: March 2015

The group 6 molybdenum(II) cyclopentadienyl amidinate (CPAM) bis(carbonyl) complex [Cp*Mo{N(iPr)C(Ph)N(iPr)}(CO)2] (Cp*=η5‐C5Me5) serves as a precatalyst for the high‐yielding photocatalytic production of COS from CO and S8 under near‐ambient conditions (e.g., 10 psi, 25 °C). Further documented is the isolation and structural characterization of several key transition‐metal intermediates which collectively support a novel molybdenum(IV)‐based catalytic cycle as being operative. Finally, in the presence of an excess amount of a primary amine, it is demonstrated that this catalytic system can be successfully used for the “on‐demand” generation and utilization of COS as a chemical reagent for the synthesis of ureas.
Targeted Fluorination with the Fluoride Ion by Manganese‐Catalyzed Decarboxylation
Authors: Huang Xiongyi , Liu Wei , Hooker Jacob M. , Groves John T.
Published: March 2015

We describe the first catalytic decarboxylative fluorination reaction based on the nucleophilic fluoride ion. The reported method allows the facile replacement of various aliphatic carboxylic acid groups with fluorine. Moreover, the potential of this method for PET imaging has been demonstrated by the successful 18F labeling of a variety of carboxylic acids with radiochemical conversions up to 50 %, representing a targeted decarboxylative 18F labeling method with no‐carrier‐added [18F]fluoride. Mechanistic probes suggest that the reaction proceeds through the interaction of the manganese catalyst with iodine(III) carboxylates formed in situ from iodosylbenzene and the carboxylic acid substrates.
Oxidative CH Bond Functionalization and Ring Expansion with TMSCHN2: A Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Approach to Dibenzoxepines and Dibenzoazepines
Authors: Stopka Tobias , Marzo Leyre , Zurro Mercedes , Janich Simon , Würthwein Ernst‐Ulrich , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Alemán José , Mancheño Olga García
Published: March 2015

Tricyclic dibenzoxepines and dibenzazepines are important therapeutic agents for the pharmaceutical industry and academic research. However, their syntheses are generally rather tedious, requiring several steps that involve a Wagner–Meerwein‐type rearrangement under harsh conditions. Herein, we present the first copper(I)‐catalyzed oxidative CH bond functionalization and ring expansion with TMSCHN2 to yield these important derivatives in a facile and straightforward way.
Ruthenium(II)‐Catalyzed CH Activation/Alkyne Annulation by Weak Coordination with O2 as the Sole Oxidant
Authors: Warratz Svenja , Kornhaaß Christoph , Cajaraville Ana , Niepötter Benedikt , Stalke Dietmar , Ackermann Lutz
Published: March 2015

Aerobic oxidative CH functionalizations of weakly coordinating benzoic acids have been accomplished with versatile ruthenium(II) biscarboxylates under ambient oxygen or air. Mechanistic studies identified the key factors controlling the elementary step of the oxidation of the ruthenium(0) complex.
Introduction to the Anatomy of the Head of a Neonate Gray Whale (Mysticeti, Eschrichtius robustus)
Authors: Berta Annalisa , Ekdale Eric G. , Deméré Thomas A. , Reidenberg Joy S.
Published: March 2015

The gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) is the sole living representative of the mysticete (baleen whale) family Eschrichtiidae. Previous anatomical work on gray whales has been limited owing, in part, to difficulties of specimen access. These contributions to the anatomy of the gray whale head based on dissection of a stranded specimen from northern California include detailed investigation of internal and external features that confirm existing information and provide new evidence for their functional roles, particularly in thermoregulation and feeding. Anat Rec, 298:643–647, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Processing of Spontaneous Emotional Responses in Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Effect of Stimulus Type
Authors: Cassidy Sarah , Mitchell Peter , Chapman Peter , Ropar Danielle
Published: March 2015

Recent research has shown that adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have difficulty interpreting others' emotional responses, in order to work out what actually happened to them. It is unclear what underlies this difficulty; important cues may be missed from fast paced dynamic stimuli, or spontaneous emotional responses may be too complex for those with ASD to successfully recognise. To explore these possibilities, 17 adolescents and adults with ASD and 17 neurotypical controls viewed 21 videos and pictures of peoples' emotional responses to gifts (chocolate, a handmade novelty or Monopoly money), then inferred what gift the person received and the emotion expressed by the person while eye movements were measured. Participants with ASD were significantly more accurate at distinguishing who received a chocolate or homemade gift from static (compared to dynamic) stimuli, but significantly less accurate when inferring who received Monopoly money from static (compared to dynamic) stimuli. Both groups made similar emotion attributions to each gift in both conditions (positive for chocolate, feigned positive for homemade and confused for Monopoly money). Participants with ASD only made marginally significantly fewer fixations to the eyes of the face, and face of the person than typical controls in both conditions. Results suggest adolescents and adults with ASD can distinguish subtle emotion cues for certain emotions (genuine from feigned positive) when given sufficient processing time, however, dynamic cues are informative for recognising emotion blends (e.g. smiling in confusion). This indicates difficulties processing complex emotion responses in ASD. Autism Res 2015, 8: 534–544. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polyvinyl pyrrolidone capped fluorescent anthracene nanoparticles for sensing fluorescein sodium in aqueous solution and analytical application for ophthalmic samples
Authors: Bhopate Dhanaji P. , Mahajan Prasad G. , Garadkar Kalyanrao M. , Kolekar Govind B. , Patil Shivajirao R.
Published: March 2015

Based on the known complexation ability between polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and fluorescein sodium (FL Na+), fluorescent PVP capped anthracene nanoparticles (PVP‐ANPs) were prepared using a reprecipitation method for detection of fluorescein in aqueous solution using the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) approach. A dynamic light scattering histogram of PVP‐ANPs showed narrower particle size distribution and the average particle size was 15 nm. The aggregation‐induced enhanced emission (AIEE) of PVP‐ANPs was red shifted from its monomer by 1087.22 cm−1. The maximum emission was seen to occur at 420 nm. The presence of FL Na+ in the vicinity of PVP‐ANPs quenched the fluorescence of PVP‐ANPs because of its adsorption on the surface of PVP‐ANPs in aqueous suspension. The FL Na+ and PVP‐ANPs were brought close enough, typically to 7.89 nm, which was less than the distance of 10 nm that is required between the energy donor–acceptor molecule for efficient FRET. The quenching results fit into the Stern–Volmer relationship even at temperatures greater than ambient temperatures. The thermodynamic parameters determined from FRET results helped to propose binding mechanisms involving hydrophobic and electrostatic molecular interaction. The fluorescence quenching results were used further to develop an analytical method for estimation of fluorescein sodium from ophthalmic samples available commercially in the market. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current progress of targetron technology: Development, improvement and application in metabolic engineering
Authors: Liu Ya‐Jun , Zhang Jie , Cui Gu‐Zhen , Cui Qiu
Published: March 2015

Targetrons are mobile group II introns that can recognize their DNA target sites by base‐pairing RNA‐DNA interactions with the aid of site‐specific binding reverse transcriptases. Targetron technology stands out from recently developed gene targeting methods because of the flexibility, feasibility, and efficiency, and is particularly suitable for the genetic engineering of difficult microorganisms, including cellulolytic bacteria that are considered promising candidates for biomass conversion via consolidated bioprocessing. Along with the development of the thermotargetron method for thermophiles, targetron technology becomes increasingly important for the metabolic engineering of industrial microorganisms aiming at biofuel/chemical production. To summarize the current progress of targetron technology and provide new insights on the use of the technology, this paper reviews the retrohoming mechanisms of both mesophilic and thermophilic targetron methods based on various group II introns, investigates the improvement of targetron tools for high target efficiency and specificity, and discusses the current applications in the metabolic engineering for bacterial producers. Although there are still intellectual property and technical restrictions in targetron applications, we propose that targetron technology will contribute to both biochemistry research and the metabolic engineering for industrial productions.
Determination of sparstolonin B by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry: application to pharmacokinetic study of sparstolonin B in rat plasma
Authors: Zou Nuo‐Shu , Liang Qiao‐Li , Li Ping , Liu Jie , Liu Xiao , Kang An , Deng Hai‐Shan
Published: March 2015

Sparstolonin B (SsnB), a spontaneous isocoumarin compound isolated from the tuber of Scirpus yagara Ohwi. (Cyperaceae), possesses potent anti‐inflammatory and antitumor activity. In the present study, a rapid and simple UHPLC/MS/MS method for determination of SsnB in rat plasma was developed and validated. Plasma samples were pretreated by liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate containing rhein as an internal standard and separated on a C18 column at 35 °C, with a gradient mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and water containing 0.2% (v/v) formic acid within 2.1 min. MS/MS detection was accomplished in multiple reaction monitoring mode with negative electrospray ionization. The precursor–product ion transitions were m/z 266.9 [M–H]− → m/z 211.0 for SsnB and m/z 283.2 [M–H]− → m/z 239.0 for IS. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision (RSD) was <8.98% and the accuracy (RE) ranged from −7.40 to 4.50%. The extraction recoveries ranged from 96.28 to 97.30%. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using Win Nonlin53 software. The absolute bioavailability of SsnB was estimated to be 6.98%. The proposed method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of SsnB in rats after intravenous administration with a dose of 0.5 mg/kg and oral administration at a dose of 5 mg/kg. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘Rosie 2’ A Child Protection Simulation: Perspectives on Neglect and the ‘Unconscious At Work’
Authors: Reeves Jane , Drew Isobel , Shemmings David , Ferguson Heather
Published: March 2015

Neglect is the most common category for abuse of children under one. It is prevalent in large families; where there is a mother with low self‐esteem and frequent changes of partner. Because neglect is difficult to work with, the Centre for Child Protection at the University of Kent has developed a child protection simulation – ‘Rosie 2’ – which is designed to train child protection professionals. It follows a social worker and health visitor on a virtual home visit to a family where neglect is a significant concern, and offers a safe opportunity to explore practice options. A small‐scale research project has been conducted whereby highly sensitive eye tracker technology and facial recognition software were used to examine the emotional responses exhibited by social workers and health visitors during this ‘virtual visit’. The results indicate that the prevailing emotion exhibited by the professional group showed a ‘neutral’ response. There were significant differences between the groups, with health visitors displaying more sadness, and social workers demonstrating greater surprise and disgust. The article discusses these findings in the context of debates on compassion fatigue and emotional response within child protection. We conclude by discussing how the findings can enhance professionals' supervision. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘There were significant differences between the groups’

Key Practitioner Messages

Neglect is a chronic problem in some families and can have long‐term effects on practitioners including burnout, compassion fatigue and secondary trauma.

Simulations can provide immersive, realistic environments for child protection training and ‘Rosie 2’ has been developed for this purpose.

Eye tracker technology coupled with simulations can provide insight into the unconscious emotional impact on practitioners of child protection work. This can potentially support and inform supervision.

‘Simulations can provide immersive, realistic environments for child protection training’
Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis of the Parents under Pressure Programme for Methadone‐Maintained Parents
Authors: Dalziel Kim , Dawe Sharon , Harnett Paul H. , Segal Leonie
Published: March 2015

Children living in families with parental substance abuse are at high risk of child maltreatment and associated adverse outcomes. A trial of methadone‐maintained parents randomised to the Parents under Pressure (PuP) parenting programme reported significant improvements in family functioning relative to standard care or a brief intervention, as indicated by a reduction in scores on the Child Abuse Potential Inventory. We sought to determine the cost‐effectiveness of the PuP programme to inform policy and programme implementation. The cost per expected case of child maltreatment prevented was calculated and compared with the estimated lifetime costs of maltreatment and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Compared to usual care, the PuP programme costs an additional AU$8777 (£4880) per family to deliver. Assuming the most conservative estimate of one in five cases of maltreatment prevented, a cost‐effectiveness estimate of AU$43 975 (£24 451) per case of potential maltreatment prevented for the PuP group was obtained. This is significantly less than the estimated mean lifetime cost of a case of child maltreatment of AU$200 000 (2013 present value) (£110 000). For 100 families in this population treated with PuP, there would be a net present value saving of an estimated AU$3.1 million (£1.7 million). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘The cost per expected case of child maltreatment prevented was calculated and compared with the estimated lifetime costs of maltreatment’

Key Practitioner Messages

The PuP programme is a cost‐effective and likely cost‐saving means of preventing maltreatment in opioid‐dependent parents in receipt of methadone maintenance.

These data suggest that investment in intensive home‐based parenting programmes addressing multiple domains in very high‐risk families, including substance‐misusing parents, may result in both improvements in clinical outcomes and considerable net cost savings.

Even though intensive programmes may seem more expensive, because the costs of maltreatment are so substantial, the cost of doing nothing or minimally intervening is likely to be more costly for society.

‘The cost of doing nothing or minimally intervening is likely to be more costly for society’
Dual‐Modal Magnetic Resonance/Fluorescent Zinc Probes for Pancreatic β‐Cell Mass Imaging
Authors: Stasiuk Graeme J. , Minuzzi Florencia , Sae‐Heng Myra , Rivas Charlotte , Juretschke Hans‐Paul , Piemonti Lorenzo , Allegrini Peter R. , Laurent Didier , Duckworth Andrew R. , Beeby Andrew , Rutter Guy A. , Long Nicholas J.
Published: March 2015

Despite the contribution of changes in pancreatic β‐cell mass to the development of all forms of diabetes mellitus, few robust approaches currently exist to monitor these changes prospectively in vivo. Although magnetic‐resonance imaging (MRI) provides a potentially useful technique, targeting MRI‐active probes to the β cell has proved challenging. Zinc ions are highly concentrated in the secretory granule, but they are relatively less abundant in the exocrine pancreas and in other tissues. We have therefore developed functional dual‐modal probes based on transition‐metal chelates capable of binding zinc. The first of these, Gd⋅1, binds ZnII directly by means of an amidoquinoline moiety (AQA), thus causing a large ratiometric Stokes shift in the fluorescence from λem=410 to 500 nm with an increase in relaxivity from r1=4.2 up to 4.9 mM−1 s−1. The probe is efficiently accumulated into secretory granules in β‐cell‐derived lines and isolated islets, but more poorly by non‐endocrine cells, and leads to a reduction in T1 in human islets. In vivo murine studies of Gd⋅1 have shown accumulation of the probe in the pancreas with increased signal intensity over 140 minutes.
Two‐Dimensional Crystals from Reduced Symmetry Analogues of Trimesic Acid
Authors: Barnard Rachel A. , Dutta Ananya , Schnobrich Jennifer K. , Morrison Christine N. , Ahn Seokhoon , Matzger Adam J.
Published: March 2015

The two‐dimensional assembly of multicarboxylated arenes is explored at the liquid–graphite interface using scanning tunneling microscopy. Symmetry variations were introduced via phenylene spacer addition and the influence of these perturbations on the formation of hydrogen‐bonded motifs from an alkanoic acid solvent is observed. This work demonstrates the importance of symmetry in 2D crystal formation and draws possible links of this behavior to prediction of coordination modes in three‐dimensional coordination polymers.
The Challenge of Deciphering Linkage Isomers in Mixtures of Oligomeric Complexes Derived from 9‐Methyladenine and trans‐(NH3)2PtII Units
Authors: Ibáñez Susana , Mihály Béla , Sanz Miguel Pablo J. , Steinborn Dirk , Pretzer Irene , Hiller Wolf , Lippert Bernhard
Published: March 2015

Metal coordination to N9‐substituted adenines, such as the model nucleobase 9‐methyladenine (9MeA), under neutral or weakly acidic pH conditions in water preferably occurs at N1 and/or N7. This leads, not only to mononuclear linkage isomers with N1 or N7 binding, but also to species that involve both N1 and N7 metal binding in the form of dinuclear or oligomeric species. Application of a trans‐(NH3)2PtII unit and restriction of metal coordination to the N1 and N7 sites and the size of the oligomer to four metal entities generates over 50 possible isomers, which display different feasible connectivities. Slowly interconverting rotamers are not included in this number. Based on 1H NMR spectroscopic analysis, a qualitative assessment of the spectroscopic features of N1,N7‐bridged species was attempted. By studying the solution behavior of selected isolated and structurally characterized compounds, such as trans‐[PtCl(9MeA‐N7)(NH3)2]ClO4⋅2H2O or trans,trans‐[{PtCl(NH3)2}2(9MeA‐N1,N7)][ClO4]2⋅H2O, and also by application of a 9MeA complex with an (NH3)3PtII entity at N7, [Pt(9MeA‐N7)(NH3)3][NO3]2, which blocks further cross‐link formation at the N7 site, basic NMR spectroscopic signatures of N1,N7‐bridged PtII complexes were identified. Among others, the trinuclear complex trans‐[Pt(NH3)2{μ‐(N1‐9MeA‐N7)Pt(NH3)3}2][ClO4]6⋅2H2O was crystallized and its rotational isomerism in aqueous solution was studied by NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. Interestingly, simultaneous PtII coordination to N1 and N7 acidifies the exocyclic amino group of the two 9MeA ligands sufficiently to permit replacement of one proton each by a bridging heterometal ion, HgII or CuII, under mild conditions in water.
Enhanced Electrochemiluminescence from a Stoichiometric Ruthenium(II)–Iridium(III) Complex Soft Salt
Authors: Swanick Kalen N. , Sandroni Martina , Ding Zhifeng , Zysman‐Colman Eli
Published: March 2015

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) and electrochemistry are reported for a heterometallic soft salt, [Ru(dtbubpy)3][Ir(ppy)2(CN)2]2 ([Ir][Ru][Ir]), consisting of a 2:1 ratio of complementary charged Ru and Ir complexes possessing two different emission colors. The [Ru]2+ and [Ir]− moieties in the [Ir][Ru][Ir] greatly reduce the energy required to produce ECL. Though ECL intensity in the annihilation path was enhanced 18× relative to that of [Ru(bpy)3]2+, ECL in the co‐reactant path with tri‐n‐propylamine was enhanced a further 4×. Spooling spectroscopy gives insight into ECL mechanisms: the unique light emission at 634 nm is due to the [Ru]2+* excited state and no [Ir]−* was generated in either route. Overall, the soft salt system is anticipated to be attractive and suitable for the development of efficient and low‐energy‐cost ECL detection systems.
Supramolecular Interaction of Fullerenes with a Curved π‐Surface of a Monomeric Quadruply Ring‐Fused Porphyrin
Authors: Saegusa Yuta , Ishizuka Tomoya , Kojima Tatsuhiro , Mori Shigeki , Kawano Masaki , Kojima Takahiko
Published: March 2015

Molecular binding of fullerenes, C60 and C70, with the ZnII complex of a monomeric ring‐fused porphyrin derivative (2‐py) as a host molecule, which has a concave π‐conjugated surface, has been confirmed spectroscopically. The structures of associated complexes composed of fullerenes and 2‐py were explicitly established by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The fullerenes in the 2:1 complexes, which consist of two 2‐py molecules and one fullerene molecule, are fully covered by the concave surfaces of the two 2‐py molecules in the crystal structure. In contrast, in the crystal structure of the 1:1 complex consisting of one 2‐py molecule and one C60 molecule, the C60 molecule formed a π–π stacked pair with a C60 molecule in the neighboring complex using a partial surface, which was uncovered by the 2‐py molecule. Additionally, the molecular size of fullerene adopted significantly affects the 1H NMR spectral changes and the redox properties of 2‐py upon the molecular binding.
Cancer during pregnancy and the postpartum period: A population‐based study
Authors: Andersson Therese M.‐L. , Johansson Anna L. V. , Fredriksson Irma , Lambe Mats
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to assess patterns of cancer occurrence during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

METHODS

This was a register‐based study using data from the Swedish Multi‐Generation Register and the National Cancer Register from 1963 to 2007. Pregnancy‐associated cancer (PAC) was defined as a malignancy detected during pregnancy or within 2 years of delivery and was assessed in 7 time windows: pregnancy, trimesters 1‐3, 0‐6 months, 7‐12 months, and second year postpartum. Population incidence rates by 5‐year age groups and periods were used to estimate the expected number of PACs for each site. The observed versus the expected (O/E) number of cases was estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

The 3 most common malignancies during pregnancy were melanoma (n = 232), breast (n = 139) and cervical cancer (n = 139). With a slightly different rank order, these cancers are also the most common in women of childbearing age. The number of observed cases during pregnancy was lower than expected for all cancers, with a combined O/E ratio for all sites of 0.46 (95% CI, 0.43‐0.49). The O/E ratio was close to 1 during all postpartum intervals, including 0‐6 months (0.93; 95% CI, 0.88‐0.98), 7‐12 months (0.96; 95% CI, 0.91‐1.01), and during the second year after delivery (0.95; 95% CI, 0.92‐0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of cancer during pregnancy was lower than expected for all sites, a finding that could not be explained entirely by delayed diagnosis. A rebound in the number of observed cases after delivery was restricted to melanoma, nervous system malignancies, and breast and thyroid cancer. Cancer 2015;121:2072–2077. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Selective Aerobic Oxidation of 5‐HMF into 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid with Pt Catalysts Supported on TiO2‐ and ZrO2‐Based Supports
Authors: Ait Rass Hicham , Essayem Nadine , Besson Michèle
Published: March 2015

Pt catalysts prepared over different metallic oxide supports were investigated in the oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) in alkaline aqueous solutions with air, to examine the combined effect of the support and base addition. The base (nature and amount) played a significant role in the degradation or oxidation of HMF. Increasing amounts of the weak NaHCO3 base improved significantly the overall catalytic activity of Pt/TiO2 and Pt/ZrO2 by accelerating the oxidation steps, especially for the aldehyde group. This was highlighted by a proposed kinetic model that gave very good concentration–time fittings. Moreover, the promotion of the catalyst with bismuth yielded a PtBi/TiO2 catalytic system with improved activity and stability. Y2O3 and La2O3ZrO2‐supported catalysts exhibited lower activity than Pt/ZrO2, which suggests no cooperative effect of the weakly basic properties introduced and the homogeneous base. Quantitative oxidation of HMF (0.1 M) and high yields of FDCA (>99 %) were obtained in less than 5 h by using an HMF/Pt molar ratio of 100 and Na2CO3 as a weak base over PtBi/TiO2 (Bi/Pt=0.22).
An anonymous biometric‐based remote user‐authenticated key agreement scheme for multimedia systems
Authors: Mishra Dheerendra , Kumari Saru , Khan Muhammad Khurram , Mukhopadhyay Sourav
Published: March 2015

We analyze the security of the Li et al. authentication scheme and show its vulnerability to off‐line password‐guessing and replay attacks. We design a new anonymous authentication scheme. The proposed scheme not only removes the drawback of the scheme of the Li et al. scheme but also protects user's anonymity. Moreover, we show validity of our proposed scheme using Burrows, Abadi, and Needham logic. Our scheme is comparable in terms of the communication and computational overhead with related schemes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.