bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absolute configuration assignment of (+)‐fluralaner using vibrational circular dichroism
Authors: Kong John , Joyce Leo A. , Liu Jinchu , Jarrell Tiffany M. , Culberson J. Chris , Sherer Edward C.
Published: October 2017

The absolute configurations of the separated enantiomers of fluralaner, a racemic animal health product used to prevent fleas and ticks, have been assigned using vibrational circular dichroism (VCD). The crystallographic structure of the active enantiomer (+)‐fluralaner has previously been shown to have the (S) configuration using small molecule crystallography. We sought a faster analytical method to determine the absolute configuration of the separated enantiomers. When comparing the measured IR (infrared) and VCD spectra, it is apparent that the amide carbonyl groups appear in the IR but are nearly absent in the VCD. Computational work to calculate the VCD and IR using in vacuo models, implicit solvation, and explicitly solvated complexes has implicated conformational averaging of the carbonyl VCD intensities.
RIoTBench: An IoT benchmark for distributed stream processing systems
Authors: Shukla Anshu , Chaturvedi Shilpa , Simmhan Yogesh
Published: October 2017

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging technology paradigm where millions of sensors and actuators help monitor and manage physical, environmental, and human systems in real time. The inherent closed‐loop responsiveness and decision making of IoT applications make them ideal candidates for using low latency and scalable stream processing platforms. Distributed stream processing systems (DSPS) hosted in cloud data centers are becoming the vital engine for real‐time data processing and analytics in any IoT software architecture. But the efficacy and performance of contemporary DSPS have not been rigorously studied for IoT applications and data streams. Here, we propose RIoTBench, a real‐time IoT benchmark suite, along with performance metrics, to evaluate DSPS for streaming IoT applications. The benchmark includes 27 common IoT tasks classified across various functional categories and implemented as modular microbenchmarks. Further, we define four IoT application benchmarks composed from these tasks based on common patterns of data preprocessing, statistical summarization, and predictive analytics that are intrinsic to the closed‐loop IoT decision‐making life cycle. These are coupled with four stream workloads sourced from real IoT observations on smart cities and smart health, with peak streams rates that range from 500 to 10 000 messages/second from up to 3 million sensors. We validate the RIoTBench suite for the popular Apache Storm DSPS on the Microsoft Azure public cloud and present empirical observations. This suite can be used by DSPS researchers for performance analysis and resource scheduling, by IoT practitioners to evaluate DSPS platforms, and even reused within IoT solutions.
Mono‐ and Di‐Alkylation Processes of DNA Bases by Nitrogen Mustard Mechlorethamine
Authors: Larrañaga Olatz , de Cózar Abel , Cossío Fernando P.
Published: October 2017

The reactivity of nitrogen mustard mechlorethamine (mec) with purine bases towards formation of mono‐ (G‐mec and A‐mec) and dialkylated (AA‐mec, GG‐mec and AG‐mec) adducts has been studied using density functional theory (DFT). To gain a complete overview of DNA‐alkylation processes, direct chloride substitution and formation through activated aziridinium species were considered as possible reaction paths for adduct formation. Our results confirm that DNA alkylation by mec occurs via aziridine intermediates instead of direct substitution. Consideration of explicit water molecules in conjunction with polarizable continuum model (PCM) was shown as an adequate computational method for a proper representation of the system. Moreover, Runge–Kutta numerical kinetic simulations including the possible bisadducts have been performed. These simulations predicted a product ratio of 83:17 of GG‐mec and AG‐mec diadducts, respectively.
Transposon Insertion Site Sequencing (TIS‐Seq): An Efficient and High‐Throughput Method for Determining Transposon Insertion Site(s) and Their Relative Abundances in a PiggyBac Transposon Mutant Pool by Next‐Generation Sequencing
Authors: Veeranagouda Yaligara , Didier Michel
Published: October 2017

The PiggyBac (PB) transposon has emerged as a novel mutagenesis tool for understanding gene function and for phenotypic screening in eukaryotes. Successful screening of PB transposon mutants relies on efficient identification of transposon insertion site(s) (TIS) in mutant cells. However, currently available methods suffer from time‐consuming steps. Here, we present the method for transposon insertion site sequencing (TIS‐Seq) for high‐throughput identification of TIS in transposon mutants. TIS‐Seq provides qualitative and quantitative information on mutants present in a given PB transposon mutant library. TIS‐Seq also facilitates identification of TIS in up to 96 individual/hand‐picked mutants in a single MiniSeq/MiSeq run. TIS‐Seq is a versatile method that can be easily modified to identify TIS from any kind of transposon mutant, as long as one end of the DNA sequence is known. Therefore, TIS‐Seq is a promising method for transposon mutant screening. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Spatial early warning signals in a lake manipulation
Authors: Butitta Vince L. , Carpenter Stephen R. , Loken Luke C. , Pace Michael L. , Stanley Emily H.
Published: October 2017

Rapid changes in state have been documented for many of Earth's ecosystems. Despite a growing toolbox of methods for detecting declining resilience or early warning indicators (EWIs) of ecosystem transitions, these methods have rarely been evaluated in whole‐ecosystem trials using reference ecosystems. In this study, we experimentally tested EWIs of cyanobacteria blooms based on changes in the spatial structure of a lake. We induced a cyanobacteria bloom by adding nutrients to an experimental lake and mapped fine‐resolution spatial patterning of cyanobacteria using a mobile sensor platform. Prior to the bloom, we detected theoretically predicted spatial EWIs based on variance and spatial autocorrelation, as well as a new index based on the extreme values. Changes in EWIs were not discernible in an unenriched reference lake. Despite the fluid environment of a lake where spatial heterogeneity driven by biological processes may be overwhelmed by physical mixing, spatial EWIs detected an approaching bloom suggesting the utility of spatial metrics for signaling ecological thresholds.
Implications of historical interactions between herbivory and fire for rangeland management in African savannas
Authors: Venter Zander S. , Hawkins Heidi‐Jayne , Cramer Michael D.
Published: October 2017

Herbivory and fire are important drivers of ecosystem processes within African rangelands. We explore whether mid‐Holocene African savannas were dominated by herbivory as a means of cycling nutrients, and whether fire perhaps played a lesser role than today. Evidence from savanna ecology, paleoecology, and historical literature indicates higher herbivore densities in mid‐Holocene and pre‐colonial times compared to present. While fire may increase or decrease forage availability for herbivores, depending on the nutrient status of the environment, herbivory tends to decrease fire intensity and frequency by decreasing fuel loads. Given this competitive relationship between fire and herbivory and the higher herbivore densities of the past, we suggest that some fire‐dominated present‐day savannas are the product of anthropogenic alterations in herbivore and fire regimes, including the increasing use of fire as a tool for managing ecosystems. We discuss whether managing for an alternative stable state dominated by herbivory could stimulate ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling and production, and whether this will achieve the same management objectives traditionally satisfied by fire. Management implications may include the adaptive manipulation of herbivore densities over time and space to maintain an appropriate carrying capacity for the rainfall and soil nutrient status of the area, occasional use of fire, and including a diversity of herbivore functional guilds.
Direct and context‐dependent effects of light, temperature, and phytoplankton shape bacterial community composition
Authors: Paver Sara F. , Kent Angela D.
Published: October 2017

Species interactions, environmental conditions, and stochastic processes work in concert to bring about changes in community structure. However, the relative importance of specific factors and how their combined influence affects community composition remain largely unclear. We conducted a multi‐factorial experiment to (1) disentangle the direct and interaction‐mediated effects of environmental conditions and (2) augment our understanding of how environmental context modulates species interactions. We focus on a planktonic system where interactions with phytoplankton effect changes in the composition of bacterial communities. Further, light and temperature conditions can influence bacteria directly as well as through their interactions with phytoplankton. Epilimnetic bacteria from two humic lakes were combined with phytoplankton assemblages from each lake (home or away) or a no‐phytoplankton control and incubated for 5 d under all combinations of light (surface, ~25% surface irradiance) and temperature (five levels from 10° to 25°C). Observed light effects were primarily direct, while phytoplankton and temperature effects on bacterial community composition were highly interdependent. The influence of temperature on aquatic bacteria was consistently mediated by phytoplankton and most pronounced for bacteria incubated with “away” phytoplankton treatments, likely due to the availability of novel phytoplankton‐derived resources. The effects of phytoplankton on bacterial community composition were generally increased at higher temperatures. Incorporating mechanisms underlying the observed interdependent effects of species interactions and environmental conditions into modeling frameworks may improve our ability to forecast ecological responses to environmental change.
Ly6Chigh monocytes facilitate transport of Murid herpesvirus 68 into inflamed joints of arthritic mice
Authors: LeBel Manon , Egarnes Benoit , Brunet Alexandre , Lacerte Patricia , Paré Alexandre , Lacroix Steve , Brown Jacques P. , Gosselin Jean
Published: October 2017

Viruses, particularly the Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) has long been suspected to exacerbate acute arthritic symptoms. However, the cell populations that contribute to import viruses into the inflamed tissues remain to be identified. In the present study, we have investigated the role of monocytes in the transport of Murid herpesvirus 68 (MHV‐68), a mouse virus closely related to EBV, using the serum transfer‐induced arthritis (STIA) model. We found compelling evidence that MHV‐68 infection markedly increased disease severity in NR4A1−/− mice, which are deficient for Ly6Clow monocytes. In contrast, the MHV‐68‐induced enhancement of joint inflammation was lessened in CCR2−/− mice, suggesting the involvement of inflammatory Ly6Chigh monocytes in viral transport. We also observed that following selective depletion of monocyte subsets by administration of clodronate, MHV‐68 transport into the synovium occurs only in the presence of Ly6Chigh monocytes. Tracking of adoptively transferred Ly6Chigh GFP infected monocytes into arthritic CCR2−/− mice by two‐photon intravital microscopy showed that this monocyte subset has the capacity to deliver viruses to inflamed AR joints, as confirmed by the detection of viral DNA in inflamed tissues of recipient mice. We thus conclude that Ly6Chigh monocytes import MHV‐68 when they are mobilized to the inflamed arthritic joint.
Multifunctional Luminescence Sensors Assembled with Lanthanide and a Cyclotriveratrylene‐Based Ligand
Authors: Ma Li , Zhang Qin , Wu Hua , Yang Jin , Liu Ying‐Ying , Ma Jian‐Fang
Published: October 2017

By using a cyclotriveratrylene‐based ligand 5,12,19‐trimethoxy‐6,13,20‐tricarboxy‐methoxy‐cyclotriveratrylene (H3L), four lanthanide‐based compounds, Eu(L)(DMF)2 (1), Tb(L)(DMF)2 (2), Gd(L)(DMF)2 (3), and Yb(L)(DMF)(H2O) (4), have been constructed. Compounds 1–3 are isostructural and show charming two‐bowl interlocked chains linked by L3– anions and Ln3+ cations. The chains are further linked by C–H···π interactions to form two‐dimensional supramolecular layers, respectively. In 4, L3– anions bridge Yb3+ ions to yield a fascinating three‐dimensional framework. The compounds are characterized by IR and powder X‐ray diffraction. Their solid UV/Vis spectra and fluorescence properties are also studied. By fluorescence detection of metal cations, anions, and organic small molecules, compounds 1 and 2 exhibit high selectivity and sensitivity to Fe3+ ions, MnO4– anions, and nitromethane by quenching processes.
Copper Sensing in Alkaline Electrolyte Using Anodic Stripping Voltammetry by Means of a Lead Mediator
Authors: Duay Jonathon , Ortiz‐Santiago Joed E. , Lambert Timothy N.
Published: October 2017

Anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) is an analysis technique that permits the selective and quantitative analysis of metal ion species in solution. It is most commonly applied in neutral to acidic electrolyte largely due to inherent metal ion solubility. Bismuth (Bi) is a common film used for ASV due to its good sensitivity, overall stability and insensitivity to O2. ASV, utilizing a Bi film, along with cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) as the plating mediators, has recently been adapted to determine zinc (Zn) concentrations in highly alkaline environments (30 % NaOH or 35 % M KOH). Successful analysis of Zn in alkaline relies on the ability of the hydroxide to form soluble metal anion species, such as Bi(OH)4− and Zn(OH)42−. Here, we look to extend this technique to detect and quantify copper (Cu) ions in these highly basic electrolytes. However, in general, the use of ASV to detect and quantify Cu ion concentrations is notoriously difficult as the Cu stripping peak potential overlays with that of Bi from the common Bi film electrode. Here, an ASV method for determining Cu concentration in alkaline solutions is developed utilizing Pb as a deposition mediator. As such, it was found that when analyzing Cu solutions in the presence of Pb, the stripping voltammetry curves present separate and defined Cu stripping peaks. Different analyzes were made to find the best stripping voltammetry performance conditions. As such, an accumulation time of 5 minutes, an accumulation potential of≤−1.45 V vs. Hg/HgO, and a concentration of 35 wt% KOH were determined to be the conditions that presented the best ASV results. Utilizing these conditions, calibration curves in the presence of 5.0 ppm Pb showed the best linear stripping signal correlation with an r‐squared value of 0.991 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.67 ppm. These results give way to evaluating Cu concentrations using ASV in aqueous alkaline solutions.
A comprehensive look at the return predictability of variance risk premia
Authors: Byun Suk Joon , Frijns Bart , Roh Tai‐Yong
Published: October 2017

The discrepancy between in‐sample and out‐of‐sample predictability of common predictors for asset returns has been widely discussed in the literature. We examine the out‐of‐sample predictability and its economic significance of Variance risk premium (VRP), which recently has shown empirical success in predicting asset returns in‐sample. Extensive analysis indicates strong out‐of‐sample predictability of the VRP for U.S. stock index, currencies, credit index, and equity portfolios. However, we do not find any evidence for predictability of bond and commodity markets. We demonstrate economic significance by providing profitable market timing strategies exploiting the out‐of‐sample forecasting power of the VRP in a real time setting.
Safety assessment of existing retaining structures
Authors: Rebhan Matthias J. , Vorwagner Alois , Kwapisz Maciej , Marte Roman , Tschuchnigg Franz , Burtscher Stefan L.
Published: October 2017

Over the last years, an increase of damages and defects of geotechnical structures has been observed during detailed safety assessments. This is mostly related to the rising age of these structures and the related decrease of the bearing capacity. The handling and dealing with these existing structures will be a challenging task for future civil engineers. This article should give an insight into damages and defects of retaining structures, which are quite difficult to detect and evaluate in terms of safety and risk. The first part of the article gives a short overview on the state of the art when it comes to the safety assessment of existing retaining structures and introduces a new, currently being edited, ÖGG guideline for this field of civil engineering. The second part deals with corrosion‐induced damages on cantilever walls and shows first results of the research project SIBS (safety assessment of existing retaining structures).
Maintenance of rail tunnels – Strategy with vision
Authors: Heissenberger Roman , Holcik Alfred
Published: October 2017

Rail tunnels in Austria have to be amortized over an economic life of 150 years, so asset allocation has to focus on project control, project support and on predictive maintenance of tunnel lining and dewatering systems. Especially in view of the increase in total tunnel length by more than 100 per cent within the next ten years, the principles of predictive maintenance have to be improved. For this purpose, the development of proofed hybrid multi‐scale methods is necessary. These methods have been used in the past to evaluate stresses in shotcrete linings, and future strategies could use the same methods for stress evaluation in the whole support structure. The second major point concentrates on work on monitoring and prediction of deposits in drain pipes. We have to look closely at filling levels and the degree of hardness of the deposits.
Good documentation is always objective
Authors: Scholz Marcus , Spaun Georg
Published: October 2017

The basis for reliable geological documentation is absolute objectivity. The encountered geological conditions should be documented to the latest technical and scientific standards without any ulterior motive. This is so important because geological documentation is often the basis for essential decisions or assessments. The significance of geological documentation is sometimes underestimated. Without reliable documentation, facts are irretrievably lost. Sometimes geological documentation is biased, and principally serves for the justification of claims or serves to negate deviations from the conditions predicted in the tender documents. This sort of documentation is wrong and can also damage reputations.
DB major project Stuttgart‐Ulm, Albaufstieg‐Steinbühl Tunnel – Tunnel excavation and lining in karst
Authors: Joham Kurt , Voringer Jürgen
Published: October 2017

The central problem with tunnelling in karstified rock mass is the karst structures, which can be empty, partially or completely filled. The filling can consist of soil, water or a combination of both. Before the start of tunnelling in the Steinbühl Tunnel, a section of the new DB line between Stuttgart and Ulm, the various structures had to be expected at any time. The associated risks could be reduced through good work preparation, high qualitative investigation measures and good miners and engineers. The geotechnical aspects of tunnelling were of great significance, from the tunnel excavation to the provision of a durable lining.
The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement: a global perspective
Authors: Cozier Muriel
Published: October 2017

Will the decision by the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change impact the process and the speed of deploying carbon capture and storage? Does this move put China in the driving seat as the world leader in deployment of clean technology and carbon capture and storage (CCS)? Here, Muriel Cozier looks at some of the reaction to the US decision and assess what impact, if any, this pullout might have on the global efforts to tackle climate change. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What factors affect physicians' labour supply: Comparing structural discrete choice and reduced‐form approaches
Authors: Kalb Guyonne , Kuehnle Daniel , Scott Anthony , Cheng Terence Chai , Jeon Sung‐Hee
Published: October 2017

Little is known about the response of physicians to changes in compensation: Do increases in compensation increase or decrease labour supply? In this paper, we estimate wage elasticities for physicians. We apply both a structural discrete choice approach and a reduced‐form approach to examine how these different approaches affect wage elasticities at the intensive margin. Using uniquely rich data collected from a large sample of general practitioners (GPs) and specialists in Australia, we estimate 3 alternative utility specifications (quadratic, translog, and box‐cox utility functions) in the structural approach, as well as a reduced‐form specification, separately for men and women. Australian data is particularly suited for this analysis due to a lack of regulation of physicians' fees leading to variation in earnings. All models predict small negative wage elasticities for male and female GPs and specialists passing several sensitivity checks. For this high‐income and long‐working‐hours population, the translog and box‐cox utility functions outperform the quadratic utility function. Simulating the effects of 5% and 10% wage increases at the intensive margin slightly reduces the full‐time equivalent supply of male GPs, and to a lesser extent of male specialists and female GPs.
Importance of lymph node ratio for locoregional recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa
Authors: Safi Ali‐Farid , Grandoch Andrea , Nickenig Hans‐Joachim , Zöller Joachim E. , Kreppel Matthias
Published: October 2017

Background

There is no published study on the influence of lymph node ratio on locoregional recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the buccal mucosa. Therefore, we focused in our study on this specific anatomic subsite.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 95 patients from 2003‐2013 with treatment‐naive SCC of the buccal mucosa. Exclusion criteria were neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, perioperative death, N3 disease, unresectable disease, synchronous malignancy, and follow‐up <3 months. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

Significant correlations were found between locoregional recurrence and pathologic N classification (P < .001), grading (P = .001), and lymph node ratio (P < .001). Multivariate analysis indicated lymph node ratio as an independent risk factor for locoregional recurrence (P = .002). A cutoff value under 7% led to a 10.383‐fold higher risk of incurring a locoregional recurrence.

Conclusion

Lymph node ratio is a useful parameter to stratify the risk of locoregional recurrence in patients with SCC of the buccal mucosa.
Barriers and facilitators for implementation of family medicine–oriented model of primary care in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A qualitative study
Authors: Racic Maja , Pekez‐Pavlisko Tanja , Jokovic Sandra
Published: October 2017

Introduction

A health care system reform and the development of a new primary health care model, oriented toward family medicine, have been implemented to improve the quality of health services in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The primary objective of this article was to identify factors that hinder or facilitate implementation of family medicine in the country.

Methods

The qualitative study was performed by focus groups sessions, involving 54 family physicians, selected from 15 geographical regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Consolidated criteria for conducting and reporting qualitative research were used for conceptualizing the study. The discussions were transcribed verbatim and content analyzed.

Results

Family medicine is found to be partially implemented, mainly because of weak collective action of stakeholders, different degrees of consolidation and lack of coordination between primary and secondary health care. Physicians' workload, perception of financial pressure, and negative aspect of contracting were identified as barriers to implementation as well. Focused patient education or advertising campaigns are seen as the important activities assisting the promotion of family medicine.

Conclusion

Although many steps forward have been made in the reform and implementation of the family medicine–oriented model of primary health care in Bosnia and Herzegovina, our results revealed that there is still much room for improvement. Particular attention should be paid to establishing common goals and reaching mutual understanding with key stakeholders.
Association between antipsychotic treatment and leptin levels across multiple psychiatric populations: An updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Ragguett Renee‐Marie , Hahn Margaret , Messina Giovanni , Chieffi Sergio , Monda Marcellino , De Luca Vincenzo
Published: October 2017

Objective

Antipsychotics (APs) are associated with metabolic syndrome, with increases in leptin proposed as an underlying mechanism of AP‐induced weight gain. Currently available meta‐analyses on this topic have limited their populations of interest to those diagnosed with schizophrenia. The purpose of this meta‐analysis is to explore the relationship between leptin levels and AP use across multiple psychiatric diagnoses, and also in healthy controls.

Method

Systematic electronic searches were conducted using PubMed and OVID: Medline. Longitudinal studies were included if showing leptin levels before and after AP use. We included participants with any psychiatric disorders and mentally healthy participants, if exposed to AP use. The differences in leptin levels were evaluated using Hedges' g with a random effects model.

Results

Forty‐two studies were found (36 schizophrenia, 2 bipolar disorder, 1 anorexia nervosa, and 3 healthy controls), encompassing 66 study arms and 1,156 participants. The meta‐analysis showed that regardless of diagnoses, leptin levels increase with AP use (Hedges' g = 0.811, p ≤ .001).

Conclusion

Leptin increases induced by APs are present across all diagnoses. More comprehensive research is needed to understand the relationship between AP use and leptin levels across multiple diagnoses.
Hydrologic metrics for status‐and‐trends monitoring in urban and urbanizing watersheds
Authors: Booth Derek B. , Konrad Christopher P.
Published: October 2017

Local governmental agencies are increasingly undertaking potentially costly “status‐and‐trends” monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of stormwater control measures and land‐use planning strategies or to satisfy regulatory requirements. Little guidance is presently available for such efforts, and so we have explored the application, interpretation, and temporal limitations of well‐established hydrologic metrics of runoff changes from urbanization, making use of an unusually long‐duration, high‐quality data set from the Pacific Northwest (USA) with direct applicability to urban and urbanizing watersheds. Three metrics previously identified for their utility in identifying hydrologic conditions with biological importance that respond to watershed urbanization—TQmean (the fraction of time that flows exceed the mean annual discharge), the Richards‐Baker Index (characterizing flashiness relative to the mean discharge), and the annual tally of wet‐season day‐to‐day flow reversals (the total number of days that reverse the prior days' increasing or decreasing trend)—are all successful in stratifying watersheds across a range of urbanization, as measured by total contributing area of urban development. All metrics respond with statistical significance to multidecadal trends in urbanization, but none detect trends in watershed‐scale urbanization over the course of a single decade. This suggests a minimum period over which dependable trends in hydrologic alteration (or improvement) can be detected with confidence. The metrics also prove less well suited to urbanizing watersheds in a semi‐arid climate, with only flow reversals showing a response consistent with prior findings from more humid regions. We also explore the use of stage as a surrogate for discharge in calculating these metrics, recognizing potentially significant agency cost savings in data collection with minimal loss of information. This approach is feasible but cannot be implemented under current data‐reporting practices, requiring measurement of water‐depth values and preservation of the full precision of the original recorded data. With these caveats, however, hydrologic metrics based on stage should prove as or more useful, at least in the context of status‐and‐trends monitoring, as those based on subsequent calculations of discharge.
Influence of turbidity and aeration on the albedo of mountain streams
Authors: McMahon Alexander , Moore R. D.
Published: October 2017

Stream surface albedo plays a key role in the energy balance of rivers and streams that are exposed to direct solar radiation. Most physically based analyses and models have incorporated a constant stream albedo between 0.03 and 0.10, based primarily on measurements from low‐gradient streams with low suspended sediment concentrations. However, albedo should vary with solar elevation angle, suspended sediment concentration, aeration, and fraction of direct versus diffuse radiation. The objective of this study was to quantify the dependence of albedo of mountain streams on the controlling factors and to develop a predictive model for use in physically based analysis and modelling of stream temperature, especially for future climate and land‐use scenarios. Stream surface albedo was measured at nine sites with a variety of gradients and suspended sediment characteristics in the southern Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. As expected, albedo of low‐gradient, non‐white water (flatwater) streams increased with solar elevation angle, suspended sediment concentration, and proportion of diffuse to direct solar radiation, ranging between 0.025 during cloudy periods over clear water to 0.25 for turbid water at elevation angles of less than 20°. Albedo was enhanced in steep reaches or at channel steps and cascades where flow was visibly aerated, with a range of 0.09 to 0.33. In clear weather, albedo exhibited notable diurnal variability at flatwater sampling sites. For example, during late summer, surface albedo typically fluctuated between 0.08 and 0.15 on a daily basis at a flatwater site on the highly turbid, glacier‐fed Lillooet River. Multiple regression models explained approximately 60% and 40% of the variance under cross validation for flatwater and white water data subsets, respectively, with corresponding root mean square errors of approximately 0.02 and 0.06.
Analytical and experimental study on dissolved pollutant wash‐off over impervious surfaces
Authors: Xiao Yang , Zhang Taotao , Wang Lei , Liang Dongfang , Xu Xingwu
Published: October 2017

Non‐point source pollution in the impervious surface of city, which including dissolved and particulate pollutants, is a significant source of water pollution. Simple first‐order decay models can generally simulate the cumulative wash‐off process of the particulate pollutants. There is inadequate knowledge as to whether or not they are suitable for dissolved pollutants. This study presents a mathematical wash‐off model for dissolved pollutants, which combines analytical equations for overland flows and the exponential equation for the pollutant wash‐off. A series of laboratory experiments have been conducted to verify this wash‐off model. It shows that the pollutant concentration and pollutant transport rate can be predicted well by the newly developed equations. It is found that the pollutant concentration monotonically decreases to zero as the accumulated pollutants are washed off, whereas the pollutant transport rate first increases to the maximum value and then decreases to zero. The maximum pollutant transport rate is found to increase with the decrease of the arrival time of the maximum value. The difference between the simplified exponential model and the amended wash‐off equation depends on the initial residual percentage (Pc), but the present equation generally provides a more accurate representation of the wash‐off process of dissolved pollutants.
The Cosmic‐ray Soil Moisture Observation System (Cosmos) for Estimating the Crop Water Requirement: New Approach
Authors: Ragab R. , Evans J.G. , Battilani A. , Solimando D.
Published: October 2017

Soil moisture is a crucial parameter to determine the crop water requirement for irrigation. The soil moisture deficit (SMD) of the root zone is an indicator that can be used to determine the exact crop water requirement. Application of the recent technology of COsmic‐ray Soil Moisture Observation System (Cosmos) provides continuous, integrated, area‐based values, with a measurement radius of up to 400 m, whilst being non‐invasive.

In a field experiment in Italy, the Cosmos probe was used over a mixed crop area during the cropping seasons of 2014 and 2015. The results showed that soil moisture values obtained by Cosmos were comparable with those obtained for the top 0–60 cm layer soil moisture measured by sensors, soil cores, profile probes and with values simulated by the SALTMED model. This indicates that the Cosmos probe's effective depth of sensing is within the top 0–60 cm. Knowing that almost 80% of the crop root system is accommodated within the top 0–60 cm, the Cosmos measurement could be useful for monitoring the soil water status and SMD in the root zone in irrigated agriculture. The Cosmos system could be made operational for irrigation managers to determine when and how much to irrigate. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative study of rice husk biochars for aqueous antibiotics removal
Authors: Zeng Zhi‐wei , Tian Si‐rong , Liu Yun‐guo , Tan Xiao‐fei , Zeng Guang‐ming , Jiang Lu‐hua , Yin Zhi‐hong , Liu Ni , Liu Shao‐bo , Li Jiang
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Antibiotics are widely used for the treatment of bacterial infections in humans and animals, but it can be released into water sources due to incomplete metabolism in humans or via discharge from drug manufacturers.

RESULTS

The efficiency of removal of three antibiotics was enhanced with increasing biochar dosage. The adsorption of three antibiotics by RH700 was much higher than by RH300 and RH500, which might be due to the larger surface area and adsorption pore volume of RH700 (211.76 m2 g‐1 and 6.25 nm, respectively). In addition, the adsorption capacity was greatly affected by the solution pH, background electrolyte and humic acid. The kinetics experiment data were well fitted by the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The maximum adsorption capacities of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC), doxycycline hydrochloride (DC) and ciprofloxacin (CF) based on the Langmuir model by RH700 at 318 K were 80.9, 85.2 and 36.1 mg g‐1, respectively. RH700 exhibited high affinity for antibiotics, mainly ascribed to the chemical interaction between oxygen‐containing functional groups (phenolic hydroxyl group, carboxyl and alkoxy groups) of the biochar surface and TC, DC and CF.

CONCLUSION

The rice husk biochar produced at high temperature could be applied as a potential adsorbent for removal of antibiotics from water. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Spontaneous distal rupture of the plantar fascia
Authors: Gitto Salvatore , Draghi Ferdinando
Published: October 2017

Spontaneous ruptures of the plantar fascia are uncommon injuries. They typically occur at its calcaneal insertion and usually represent a complication of plantar fasciitis and local treatment with steroid injections. In contrast, distal ruptures commonly result from traumatic injuries. We describe the case of a spontaneous distal rupture of the plantar fascia in a 48‐year‐old woman with a low level of physical activity and no history of direct injury to the foot, plantar fasciitis, or steroid injections.
Highly efficient solid phase supported radiosynthesis of [11C]PiB using tC18 cartridge as a “3‐in‐1” production entity
Authors: Boudjemeline Mehdi , Hopewell Robert , Rochon Pierre‐Luc , Jolly Dean , Hammami Iness , Villeneuve Sylvia , Kostikov Alexey
Published: October 2017

Pittsburgh compound B ([11C]PiB) is the gold standard positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for the in vivo imaging of amyloid plaques. Currently, it is synthesized by either solution chemistry or using a “dry loop” approach followed by HPLC purification within 30 minutes starting from [11C]CO2. Here, we report a novel, highly efficient solid phase supported carbon‐11 radiolabeling procedure using commercially available disposable tC18 cartridge as a “3‐in‐1” entity: reactor, purifier, and solvent replacement system. [11C]PiB is synthesized by passing gaseous [11C]CH3OTf through a tC18 cartridge preloaded with a solution of precursor. Successive elution with aqueous ethanol solutions allows for nearly quantitative separation of the reaction mixture to provide chemically and radiochemically pure PET tracer. [11C]PiB suitable for human injection is produced within 10 minutes starting from [11C]CH3OTf (20 min from [11C]CO2) in 22% isolated yield not corrected for decay and molar activity of 190 GBq/μmol using 0.2 mg of precursor. This technique reduces the amount of precursor and other supplies, avoids use of preparative HPLC and toxic solvents, and decreases the time between consecutive production batches. Solid phase supported technique can facilitate [11C]PiB production compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and improve synthesis reliability.
Modified proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR‐MS) operating conditions for in vitro and in vivo analysis of wine aroma
Authors: Sémon Etienne , Arvisenet Gaëlle , Guichard Elisabeth , Le Quéré Jean‐Luc
Published: October 2017

With proton transfer reaction‐mass spectrometry standard operating conditions, analysis of alcoholic beverages is an analytical challenge. Ethanol reacts with the primary ion H3O+ leading to its depletion and to formation of ethanol‐related ions and clusters, resulting in unstable ionization and in significant fragmentation of analytes. Different methods were proposed but generally resulted in lowering the sensitivity and/or complicating the mass spectra. The aim of the present study was to propose a simple, sensitive, and reliable method with fragmentation as low as possible, linearity within a realistic range of volatile organic compounds concentrations, and applicability to in vivo dynamic aroma release (nosespace) studies of wines.

For in vitro analyses, a reference flask containing a hydro‐alcoholic solution (10% ethanol) was permanently connected to the PTR‐MS inlet in order to establish ethanol chemical ionization conditions. A low electric field strength to number density ratio E/N (80 Td) was used in the drift‐tube. A stable reagent ion distribution was obtained with the primary protonated ethanol ion C2H5OH2+ accounting for more than 80% of the ionized species. The ethanol dimer (C2H5OH)2H+ accounted for only 10%. Fragmentation of some aroma molecules important for white wine flavor (various esters, linalool, cis‐rose oxide, 2‐methylpropan‐1‐ol, 3‐methylbutan‐1‐ol, and 2‐phenylethanol) was studied from same ethanol content solutions connected alternatively with the reference solution to the instrument inlet. Linear dynamic range and limit of detection (LOD) were determined for ethyl hexanoate. Fragmentation of the protonated analytes was limited to a few ions of low intensity, or to specific fragment ions with no further fragmentation. Association and/or ligand switching reactions from ethanol clusters were only significant for the primary alcohols. Interpretation of the mass spectra was straightforward with easy detection of diagnostic ions. These results made this ethanol ionization method suitable for direct headspace analyses of model wines and to their nosespace analyses.
Genotypes of human metapneumovirus circulating during 2010‐2012 in children from Panama
Authors: Ábrego Leyda E. , Mirazo Santiago , Delfraro Adriana , Franco Danilo , Castillo Marlene , Gaitán Melissa , Castillo Juan , Moreno Brechla , Pascale Juan M. , Arbiza Juan
Published: October 2017

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common causative agent of severe respiratory tract infections in children under 5 years old, the elderly and immunocompromised patients, being responsible for 5‐15% of all viral respiratory infections requiring hospitalization. Though HMPV was included in the surveillance program for respiratory viruses in 2010, its genotype distribution remains unknown. Herein, 45 positive samples to HMPV from children ≤5 years old were characterized by phylogenetic analysis based on N gene sequence. Results showed the co‐circulation of four sub‐lineages: A2a (8.8%), A2b (55.5%), B1 (15.6%), and B2 (20%), demonstrating the genetic heterogeneity of HMPV circulating in Panamá.
The microlevel actions undertaken by owner‐managers in improving the sustainability practices of cultural and creative small and medium enterprises: A United Kingdom–Italy comparison
Authors: Del Giudice Manlio , Khan Zaheer , De Silva Muthu , Scuotto Veronica , Caputo Francesco , Carayannis Elias
Published: October 2017

This article discusses microlevel actions undertaken by owner‐managers, and how such actions affect stakeholders in enhancing the sustainability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the knowledge on which is lacking in the extant literature. The paper, by adopting an inductive analytical approach, draws key insights from the literature on microfoundations and sustainability and evidence from representatives of 5 Cultural and Creative Industry SMEs in Italy and of 5 in the United Kingdom. The findings suggest that owner‐managers play a crucial role when engaging in sustainability activities jointly with employees and other stakeholders, through which individual‐level actions enhance collective organizational‐level sustainability practices. The U.K. and Italian cases highlight 2 contrasting approaches to dealing with sustainability; thus, the paper contributes to the emerging literature on SME microfoundations and sustainability.
Investigation of secondary structure evolution of micellar casein powder upon aging by FTIR and SRCD: consequences on solubility
Authors: Nasser Sarah , Hédoux Alain , Giuliani Alexandre , Le Floch‐Fouéré Cécile , Santé‐Lhoutellier Véronique , de Waele Isabelle , Delaplace Guillaume
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Synchrotron radiation circular dichroism (SRCD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to examine the conformation evolution of micellar casein (MC) powder during storage and to determine whether the spectral changes could be related to their solubility evolution.

RESULTS

A loss in intensity of SRCD spectra as a function of storage time has been observed. Quantification of secondary structures revealed losses of α‐helix content during storage. Moreover, a redshift of the amide I band in the FTIR spectrum was demonstrated during the storage and was interpreted as a rearrangement of the secondary structure of the protein, which is in line with the SRCD results. The qualitative results obtained by FTIR clearly support the quantitative evolution of the secondary structure obtained by the analysis of SRCD spectra. Principal component analysis (PCA) of FTIR spectra permits a good separation of samples according to the storage time. PCA shows that the evolution of secondary structures and solubility loss are closely linked.

CONCLUSION

With the quantitative data provided by SRCD spectra, it was established that, whatever the storage conditions, a unique curve exists between loss of α‐helix content and loss in solubility, showing that loss of α‐helix content is a marker of solubility loss for the MC powders studied. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Reduction of androstenone perception in pan‐fried boar meat by different masking strategies
Authors: Egea Macarena , Linares María Belén , Gil Marta , López María Belén , Garrido María Dolores
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Consumers highly sensitive to androstenone María (AND) will probably reject meat from entire male pigs, which tends to have high levels of this hormone. To avoid this, the effect of different masking strategies (sprinkling with mixed spices or fennel, marinating and breading with garlic–parsley or curry) on the sensory parameters of pork loin chops obtained from entire animals with high levels of AND (1.0–2.9 mg kg−1 AND in fat) and castrated animals (<0.4 mg kg−1 AND in fat), both with low levels of skatole (<0.1 mg kg−1 skatole in fat) was investigated.

RESULTS

The garlic–parsley breadcrumbs led to the highest reduction in the perception of AND compared with the other masking strategies used, and preserved the juiciness of the product. There was a negative correlation between AND and fat content.

CONCLUSION

AND odor and flavor can be reduced in meat from entire male pigs by using suitable strategies, the best strategy being the garlic–parsley breadcrumbs. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Bloom termination of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella: Vertical migration behavior, sediment infiltration, and benthic cyst yield
Authors: Brosnahan Michael L. , Ralston David K. , Fischer Alexis D. , Solow Andrew R. , Anderson Donald M.
Published: October 2017

New resting cyst production is crucial for the survival of many microbial eukaryotes including phytoplankton that cause harmful algal blooms. Production in situ has previously been estimated through sediment trap deployments, but here was instead assessed through estimation of the total number of planktonic cells and new resting cysts produced by a localized, inshore bloom of Alexandrium catenella, a dinoflagellate that is a globally important cause of paralytic shellfish poisoning. Our approach utilizes high frequency, automated water monitoring, weekly observation of new cyst production, and pre‐ and post‐bloom spatial surveys of total resting cyst abundance. Through this approach, new cyst recruitment within the study area was shown to account for at least 10.9% ± 2.6% (SE) of the bloom's decline, ∼ 5× greater than reported from comparable, sediment trap based studies. The observed distribution and timing of new cyst recruitment indicate that: (1) planozygotes, the immediate precursor to cysts in the life cycle, migrate nearer to the water surface than other planktonic stages and (2) encystment occurs after planozygote settlement on bottom sediments. Near surface localization by planozygotes explains the ephemerality of red surface water discoloration by A. catenella blooms, and also enhances the dispersal of new cysts. Following settlement, bioturbation and perhaps active swimming promote sediment infiltration by planozygotes, reducing the extent of cyst redistribution between blooms. The concerted nature of bloom sexual induction, especially in the context of an observed upper limit to A. catenella bloom intensities and heightened susceptibility of planozygotes to the parasite Amoebophrya, is also discussed.
A–π–D–π–A Electron‐Donating Small Molecules for Solution‐Processed Organic Solar Cells: A Review
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhu Lingyun , Shuai Zhigang , Wei Zhixiang
Published: October 2017

Organic solar cells based on semiconducting polymers and small molecules have attracted considerable attention in the last two decades. Moreover, the power conversion efficiencies for solution‐processed solar cells containing A–π–D–π–A‐type small molecules and fullerenes have reached 11%. However, the method for designing high‐performance, photovoltaic small molecules still remains unclear. In this review, recent studies on A–π–D–π–A electron‐donating small molecules for organic solar cells are introduced. Moreover, the relationships between molecular properties and device performances are summarized, from which inspiration for the future design of high performance organic solar cells may be obtained.