bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perfil clínico-epidemiológico dos acidentes ofídicos ocorridos na ilha de Colares, Pará, Amazônia oriental
Authors: Guimarães Claudio Douglas , Palha Maria Correia , Silva Jean Carlos
Published: November 2015

Descrever o perfil clínico-epidemiológico dos acidentes ofídicos ocorridos na ilha de Colares, Pará, Brasil. O estudo consistiu em uma investigação epidemiológica transversal a partir da análise de todos os casos de envenenamento por serpentes peçonhentas atendidos no Hospital Municipal e notificados ao Sistema Nacional de Notificações e Agravos (SINAN) do Ministério da Saúde, entre janeiro de 2007 e dezembro de 2011. Os dados obtidos a partir das fichas de notificação foram analisados utilizando-se estatística descritiva simples no Microsoft Excel (versão 2007). Foram notificados ao SINAN 94 casos de acidentes ofídicos, sendo observada maior concentração dos envenenamentos no primeiro semestre de cada ano, período em que ocorrem os maiores índices pluviométricos para a região. A maioria dos acidentes aconteceu na zona rural (85,11%), durante a realização dos trabalhos braçais (55,32%), com maior incidência em homens (73,40%), predominantemente provocados por serpentes do gênero Bothrops (69,62%). Foram identificadas falhas no protocolo de soroterapia, sendo verificada sua utilização em dois casos cujas serpentes não eram peçonhentas e não administrado em dois casos confirmados de acidentes ofídicos envolvendo serpentes peçonhentas. O pé foi a região mais acometida (51,06%) e a dor, edema e manifestações vagais foram os sinais mais frequentes. Estes resultados demonstram que o município de Colares segue o perfil dos acidentes ofídicos de outras localidades rurais amazônicas, sendo necessária maior atenção dos profissionais de saúde quanto ao preenchimento das fichas de notificação e aos protocolos terapêuticos dispensados às vítimas.
The unity of mathematics
Authors: Hilton Peter , Pedersen Jean
Published: November 2015

We give a sustained example, drawn largely from earlier publications, of how we may freely pursue a line of mathematical enquiry if we are not constrained, unnaturally, to confine ourselves to a single mathematical subdiscipline; and we draw conclusions from the study of this example which are relevant at many levels of mathematical instruction.
We also include the statement and proof of a new result (Theorem 4.1) in linear algebra which is obviously fundamental to the geometrical investigation which constitutes the leit-motif of the paper.
Proof without words
Authors: Alsina C. , Monreal A.
Published: November 2015

We present a visual proof of the parallelogram law and using it we can describe a visual proof of a classical theorem on convex quadrilaterals relating sides and diagonals.
Why is the gamma function so as it is?
Authors: Gronau Detlef
Published: November 2015

This is a historical note on the gamma function Γ. The question is, why is Γ(n) for naturals n equal to (n−1)! and not equal to n! (the factorial function n! = 1·2 · · · n) ? Was A. M. Legendre responsible for this transformation, or was it L. Euler? And, who was the first who gave a representation of the so called Euler gamma function?
Dynamic methods in teaching geometry at different levels
Authors: Árki Tamás , Krisztin Német István
Published: November 2015

In this paper we summarize and illustrate our experiences on DGS-aided teaching geometry of the courses "Computer in mathematics" and "Mathematical software" held for students at Juhász Gyula Teacher Training College of University of Szeged. Furthermore, we show examples from our grammar school experiences too. The figures in this paper were made by using Cinderella ([19]) and Euklides ([21]).
Über einen allgemeinen Übungsbegriff bei verschiedenen Unterrichtsmethoden in der Planung des Mathematikunterrichtes
Authors: Ambrus Gabriella
Published: November 2015

Practice is important in the education of mathematics but is neclected in the didactic of mathematics. One of the reasons is that practice is often defined too "narrowly" and the definitions of practice have in most cases an obscure background theory. In the article a general definition of practice is given, which – in contrast to the usual definitions – views practice from the point of the pupils (practice means activity of pupils). By utilising this definition consequences will be drawn. These consequences serve as for the more exact planning of practice in education as for the analysis of the dependency of practice from teachingsmethods.
In the second part an example will be presented for planning together practice and lesson, in two different teachingsmethods (traditionel, problemsolving). The analysis of both worksheets (one for each method, identical teachingsmaterial) was made on the basis of authors practise in lessons i.e. her own concepts and the experience with pupils at a class 5. On the basis of the expectable solutions is specified – using a criteriacatalog – what was practised.
The analysis of practice leads further to the examination of above mentioned dependency from teachingsmethods.
"Upperview" algorithm design in teaching computer science in high schools
Authors: Kátai Zoltán
Published: November 2015

In this paper we are going to present a teaching/learning method and suggest a syllabus that help the high school students look at the algorithm design strategies from a so called "upperview": greedy, backtracking, divide and conquer, dynamic programming. The goal of the suggested syllabus is, beyond the presentation of the techniques, to offer the students a view that reveals them the basic and even the slight principal differences and similarities between the strategies. In consensus with the Comenius principle this is essential, if we want to master this field of programming ("To teach means scarcely anything more than to show how things differ from one another in their different purposes, forms, and origins. ... Therefore, he who differentiates well teaches well.").
The mathematics teacher trainee as an assistant teacher
Authors: Szász Réka
Published: November 2015

The experiment described in the article aims to answer two needs at once: that of assistant teachers in schools, and that of a more practical training of mathematics teachers. The answer suggested is a model of school experience where mathematics teacher trainees work as assistant teachers in schools. An attempt to realize this model is described, and it is evaluated positively.
Proof without words
Authors: Kátai Zoltán
Published: November 2015

Let us prove: If we add 1 to the product of four consecutive natural numbers, we get a square number:…
Short-Term Soil Nitrous Oxide Emissions as Affected by Enhanced Efficiency Nitrogen Fertilizers and Temporarily Waterlogged Conditions
Authors: Zurweller Brendan A. , Motavalli Peter P. , Nelson Kelly A. , Dudenhoeffer Christopher J.
Published: November 2015

 

Poorly-drained claypan soils in the Midwestern United States experience periods of short-term soil saturation shortly after pre-plant N fertilization, which may result in relatively large amounts of soil surface N2O emissions. Slowing the release or conversion of N fertilizer to soil NO3 early in the growing seasonthrough the use of enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEF) could be an effective strategy for reducing soil N2O emissions and gaseous N loss during a period of relatively low plant N demand. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of short-term soil waterlogging and pre-plant applications of conventional and EEF on soil inorganic N and N2O emissions during and up to four days following a waterlogging event during the dry down period. A two-year field study planted to corn (Zea mays L.) was initiated in 2012 on a poorly-drained claypan soil in Northeast Missouri. Waterlogging treatments were initiated at the V6 corn stage of phenological development. Main plots consisted of no waterlogging or water ponded 7 to 13 cm above the soil surface for three days, and sub-plot N fertilizer treatments [non-treated control (CO), or preplant broadcast applications of 168 kg N ha-1 of urea (NCU), urea plus nitrapyrin nitrification inhibitor (NCU+NI), and polymer coated urea (PCU)]. In 2012, greater cumulative soil N2O-N emissions of 2.8 kg N2O-N ha-1 were observed with PCU in comparison to NCU over the entire seven day sampling period. A significant portion of cumulative soil N2O emissions were associated with the four day soil drying phase in 2012, where PCU and NCU+NI had greater emissions (1.9 and 1.2 kg N2O-N ha-1) compared to NCU. The proportion of N fertilizer lost as N2O-N averaged over all pre-plant N treatments during the 2012 and 2013 sampling periods in the non-waterlogged soils were 0.04% and 0.03%, and 1.1% and 2.6% in the waterlogged soils, respectively. These results suggest that a large proportion of the cumulative soil surface N2O emissions typically observed in these poorly-drained soils over a growing season may occur during and shortly after soil waterlogging events.
Metals Leak from Tilled Soil in a Century – A Review
Authors: Bengtsson Gunnar
Published: November 2015

Toxic metals are mobilized on a large scale in modern society. Many of those metals end up in sewage sludge. The objective of this review was to elucidate the threat to groundwater due to a few metals lost from tilled sludge amended soils. It is sometimes suggested that these metals are immobilized in the topsoil and do not move downward. In contrast, dozens of long term field studies around the world indicate that penetration depths for metals increase with time since deposition.

Such studies were examined in depth in the current analysis. An equation was developed for calculation of long term mean metal penetration rates into the topsoil for copper and silver. The equation is valid for about a century but not much longer. The mean depths of a basic set of 11 cases from studies over 4 years to 100 years were predicted with a standard deviation of 11%. A typical penetration rate was 3 mm per year. There was no significant difference in penetration rate between several cations. Extremely large amendments were associated with larger penetration rates.

When metals have traversed the topsoil, the groundwater will be contaminated. The European Groundwater Pollution Directive stipulates that pesticide levels should be kept below 0.1 µg/l. When sludge is applied to agricultural soil, this level may by far be exceeded for many metals, even if strict limitations are applied to the metal contents of the sludge. This calls for careful assessment of the groundwater consequences of sludge amendment.

Extensive supplementary material provides many detailed tables, texts and references.
Isolation of Endophytic Bacteria and Amplification of 16SrDNA on Citrus in Zhaoqing Districts
Authors: Li Chongbi , Liang S. N. , Gao F. Y. , Chen K. N. , Wang J. , Zhang M. , Sun T. , Mu X. K.
Published: November 2015

Zhaoqing is the main source of Citrus in China. However, the reason of citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) is unclear and may be from endophyte. Therefore, the study of citrus endophyte is necessary. The experiment would be carried out by endophyte being isolated from citrus plant and amplifying the specific 16SrDNA fragment from endogenous bacteria to know the relation of citrus HLB to 16S rDNA of endogenous bacteria. The results showed that total 55 strains of endophytic bacteria were identified. And one specific fragment long of 1261 nt was got. Sequencing analysis showed for 91.3% homology to uncultured bacterium clone. And the 16SrDNA fragment was identified by PCR. The experiments would provide a theoretical basis for understanding the differences in pathomechanism among various HLB isolates.
Comparing Extraction and Quantity/Intensity Based Recommendations for Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium Recommendation
Authors: Nongqwenga Nqaba , Modi Albert Thembinkosi
Published: November 2015

Conventional, extraction based fertilizer recommendations for phosphorus and potassium have been shown to lack mechanistic basis, thus unreliable. This has led to an urgent need for the development and evaluation of accurate and consistent phosphorus and potassium recommendations approaches with mechanistic basis. Also it has been shown that integrating nitrogen mineralization on nitrogen recommendations, has a potential of improving nitrogen recommendations. We established two parallel pot trial studies with the objective of comparing between extraction based fertilizer recommendations with alternative strategies. The first study was to compare the effect of integrating nitrogen mineralization on N recommendations. Second pot experiment in addition to N being recommended after integrating N mineralization; P and K were also recommended with an alternative strategy, which was derived from quantity/intensity relations. No negative impacts were observed on crop growth and nutrient uptake due to the integration of mineralizable nitrogen, despite nitrogen amounts being lower compared to treatments where N was applied without adjusting for mineralizable N. The same was true for the second pot trial, P and N recommended by conventional approach were higher, yet the crop response was not concurrently improved by higher rates. Potassium rates recommended by alternative strategy were higher and this was concurrent with potassium uptake. We therefore concluded, that this NPK recommendation experimental approach (NePeKe) is superior to its conventional counterpart (NcPcKc). Hence, more reliable recommendations can be developed using this approach and this might reduce environmental footprint of agro-ecosystems, and reduce input cost for farmers where warranted.
In vitro Anthelmintic Efficacy of Medicinal Plants against Heterakis gallinarum in Village Chickens
Authors: Mwale Marizvikuru , Masika Patrick J.
Published: November 2015

Heterakis gallinarum impedes the productivity of village chickens and hence their socio-economic contribution to rural communties. Smallholder farmers are endowed with vast indigenous knowledge for controlling H. gallinarum and they predominantly use Aloe ferox, Agave sisalana and Gunnera perpensa. However, their anthelminthic efficacy is unknown. Therefore, our objective was to determine the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of A. ferox, A. sisalana and G. perpensa against H. gallinarum. Heterakis gallinarum worms were recovered from caeca of 20 village chickens. Ten worms were randomly introduced in each of the 42 petri-dishes. Treatments were positive control (distilled water), negative control (mebendazole) and A. ferox, A. sisalana and G. perpensa aqueous extracts at dosage of 7.25, 14.5, 29 and 58 mg/mL. The procedure was done in triplicate. Worm motility and mortality indices were calculated. Among plant, A. sisalana (14.5 mg/mL) had the greatest (80%) worm motility inhibition at 12-h interval (p < 0.05) and the greatest worm mortality index (80%) showing that the plant has anthelmintic properties. Seventy percent of worms were recovered after 48 h following treatment with A. ferox (58 mg/mL). Agave sisalana (14.5 mg/mL) was the most efficient plant in reducing motility and causing mortality of H. gallinarum in vitro. Findings are useful to resource-constrained farmers who use crude extracts, to select the best plant and to pharmaceutical companies for manufacturing anthelmintic drugs.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 7, No. 12
Authors: Brown Anne
Published: November 2015

Reviewer acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 7, No. 12, 2015.
Nutrient Composition and Protein Extractability of Oat Forage Harvested at Different Maturity Stages as Compared to Grain
Authors: Liu Keshun , Mahmood Khalid
Published: November 2015

Two oat varieties (CDC Dancer and Lamont) were grown in fields. Plants were harvested at three key stages: seedling (Forage 1), mid-season (Forage 2), and full grain maturity. The mature plants were separated into stover (Forage 3) and Grain. There were differential changes among measured attributes during growth. From seeds to Forage 1, crude protein (CP) and ash contents increased several fold, beta-glucan decreased, starch disappeared, and oil content remained unchanged for both oat varieties examined. As plants grew, CP, ash, oil and beta-glucan decreased, but other carbohydrates increased significantly. The CP content in Forage 1 was 5–fold higher than Forage 3 and 2-fold higher than Grain. Most macro and micro-minerals in forage followed the same changing pattern as ash. Amino acid composition of forage differed significantly from that of Grain. When subjected to aqueous media with a wide range of pH, forage harvested at each stage as well as grain all had their unique protein extractability curves. For forage, the peak value (the maximum extraction) decreased with maturity. Yet, as observed for both varieties, Forage 1 had a peak value half of that from Grain. In conclusion, based on the results from this study, nutrient composition in oat forages harvested at an early stage can be comparable or even superior to oat grains but low protein extractability limits oat forage use as an alternative protein source for non-ruminants.
Potential for Producing Viable Embryos in Post Pubertal Heifers. Comparison during the Dry and Wet Seasons in the Tropics Using a Protocol Based on FSH or eCG
Authors: Paez J. R. , Basurto H. , Cohen A. , Galina C. S.
Published: November 2015

The use of pubertal heifers to produce embryos before their natural breeding period which is normally at 3 years is a possibility that needs to be researched thus the objective of this assay was to superovulate pubertal Bos indicus heifers to obtain embryos in the dry and wet season, two phases were fodder availability is quite distinct.

Twenty Brahman heifers 18 to 24 months and weighing 300 to 330 kg were synchronized with a progesterone releasing device (CIDR, Pfizer, Mexico) for 9 days and concomitantly applying a superovulatory regimen, using a total of 280 mg of FSH (Folltropin-V Bioniche Mexico) in eight applications with decreasing dosages 12 h apart, starting with two dosages of 50 mg followed by another two of 40, two of 30, and ending with two of 20 mg.

One day before the device was withdrawn; an injection of 25 mg of prostaglandin F2a (Dinoprost Pfizer, México) was administered. For treatment with eCG an injection of 2000 I.U. of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin eCG (Folligon, Intervet México) was administrated at day 6 after CIDR insertion.

There were differences in the total follicular response between the dry season average n = 84 and the wet, average n = 51 (p < 0.05) but not between treatments. The number of good quality embryos recovered in either season was not more than 4. Response in relation to number of corpus luteum (CL) present and number of embryos was affected by season (p < 0.05) regardless of the treatment utilized.

The production of embryos in post pubertal heifers is not feasible based in our results. Heat stress, nutritional inconsistencies, season when treatment applied and age might be some of the main driving factors for this poor response.
Ready Contents or Future Skills? A Comparative Study of Teacher Education in Thailand and Finland
Authors: Vibulphol Jutarat , Loima Jyrki , Areesophonpichet Sornnate , Rukspollmuang Chanita
Published: November 2015

This study aimed to analyze the recently updated teacher education programmes in two universities in Finland and Thailand. The article reports the characteristics of the elementary and secondary school teacher education studies in the selected universities, and discusses the roles and significance of 21st century skills and their modifications in these programmes. This kind of qualitative case comparison that focuses on modern skills and intercultural programmes is a new approach.

The methods were document analysis and questionnaire-based survey. Six teacher educators who had important roles in the recent programme updates, three from each university, were the survey informants.

The findings revealed that the policies and approaches to teacher education were different. While the Thai programmes focused more on courses, the Finns had a wider educational view. Second, research, skills and teaching practice were seen to be important, but the purposes were parted. Finally, as teachers’ professional development tools, those will need further studies.
Antimicrobial Efficacy of Natural Phenolic Compounds against Gram Positive Foodborne Pathogens
Authors: Cetin-Karaca Hayriye , Newman Melissa C.
Published: November 2015

Protection of food from pathogens and spoilage organisms has been achieved by a variety of methods. Due to consumer preference, health and economic concerns in recent years, there is considerable interest to employ natural antimicrobials as an alternative to control the growth of microorganisms. This study evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of natural plant derived phenolic compounds (PDPC) including chlorogenic acid, coumarin, curcumin, ellagic acid, (-) epicatechin, eugenol, rosmarinic acid, rutin, tannic acid, thymol, thymoquinone, and xanthohumol) as preservatives in food products. Several strains of Bacillus, Listeria and Clostridium species were treated with 12 natural PDPCs. Concentrations of 5, 10, 15, and 20 ppm of each compound were evaluated by broth micro-dilution method and the MICs were determined by using optical density after 24 and 60 hours of incubation. Thymoquinone, xanthohumol and ellagic acid demonstrated the highest antimicrobial efficacy (MIC <20 ppm). Structural alterations in treated bacteria were observed via scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that the PDPCs have varying antimicrobial activities against both aerobic and anaerobic Gram-positive foodborne pathogens following 24 hour and 60 hour incubation periods, respectively. Natural sources of phenolic compounds contain major antimicrobial components and have great potential to control the growth of pathogens and be used as natural antimicrobials and food preservatives for extended storage.
This study highlighted the antimicrobial efficacy of some PDPCs which may replace the artificial antimicrobials and preservatives in food industry to partially or completely control or inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
De Hoge Raad en het Hof van Justitie van de EU als partners in de prejudiciële procedure
Authors: Timmermans C.W.A.
Published: November 2015

De Hoge Raad en het Hof van Justitie van de EU als partners in de prejudiciële procedure.

De relatie tussen de Hoge Raad en het Hof van Justitie van de EU is er een van samenwerking, niet van hiërarchie. Instrument voor deze samenwerking is de prejudiciële procedure. Hoe deze procedure optimaal te benutten? De auteur doet enkele, meer praktische suggesties, onder andere inzake de formulering van de verwijzingsbeschikking en de deelneming aan de procedure voor het Hof. Ten slotte wordt ingegaan op de prejudiciële adviesbevoegdheid voor hoogste, nationale gerechten ex Protocol 16 bij het EVRM en de relatie tot een eventuele verwijzingsplicht ex art. 267 VWEU.
CORRIGENDUM: A MIXED BOOLEAN AND DEPOSIT MODEL FOR THE MODELING OF METAL PIGMENTS IN PAINT LAYERS (2015 IMAGE ANAL STEREOL 34:125–34)
Authors: Couka Enguerrand , Willot François , Jeulin Dominique
Published: November 2015

Corrigendum of A MIXED BOOLEAN AND DEPOSIT MODEL FOR THE MODELING OF METAL PIGMENTS IN PAINT LAYERS (2015 IMAGE ANAL STEREOL 34:125–34).
Surface Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles for Antiviral Medicines by Simulating the Surface Structure of Host Cells
Authors: Yujiro Naruse
Published: November 2015

Surface functionalized gold nanoparticles that mimic the surfaces of host cells are proposed for antiviral medicines and the strategic design is theoretically described. As for the interaction between the gold nanoparticles and the viruses, the former acts as the adhesive balls for viruses. This will lead to gathering viruses and forming clusters or chains of them, bringing about four-stage antiviral mechanisms. The mechanisms are the interference against budding, reduction of diffusion velocity, inhibition of entry into host cells and the damage to RNA/DNA by X-ray exposure.
Horizon informationnel sur la formation et le travail chez de jeunes adultes non diplômés en situation de précarité
Authors: Supeno Eddy , Mongeau Venessa
Published: November 2015

Dans un contexte de raréfaction de la main-d’oeuvre qualifiée, les jeunes adultes non diplômés (JAND) constituent une population faisant l’objet d’une attention soutenue de la part des acteurs institutionnels. Leur processus d’insertion professionnelle est donc abondamment documenté, en particulier sous l’angle des sphères de vie. Une autre manière d’étudier leur insertion consiste à y identifier le rôle de l’information sur la formation et le travail, angle d’autant plus pertinent dans une société dite de l’information. Cet article propose une analyse secondaire de données collectées auprès de JAND du Québec (n=22). Les principaux constats montrent que ces JAND privilégient fortement les sources d’information relationnelles et qu’une interaction étroite semble se dégager entre leur parcours biographique, les transitions rencontrées et le type d’information recherché.
Ketoreductase TpdE fromRhodococcus jostiiTMP1: characterization and application in the synthesis of chiral alcohols
Authors: Stankevičiūtė Jonita , Kutanovas Simonas , Rutkienė Rasa , Tauraitė Daiva , Striela Romualdas , Meškys Rolandas
Published: November 2015

Background.Production of highly pure enantiomers of vicinal diols is desirable, but difficult to achieve. Enantiomerically pure diols and acyloins are valuable bulk chemicals, promising synthones and potential building blocks for chiral polymers. Enzymatic reduction of ketones is a useful technique for the synthesis of the desired enantiomeric alcohols. Here, we report on the characterization of a ketoreductase TpdE fromRhodococcus jostiiTMP1 that is a prospective tool for the synthesis of such compounds.

Results.In this study, NADPH-dependent short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase TpdE fromRhodococcus jostiiTMP1 was characterized. The enzyme exhibited broad substrate specificity towards aliphatic 2,3-diketones, butan-3-one-2-yl alkanoates, as well as acetoin and its acylated derivatives. TpdE stereospecifically reducedα-diketones to the corresponding diols. The GC-MS analysis of the reduction products of 2,3- and 3,4-diketones indicated that TpdE is capable of reducing both keto groups in its substrate leading to the formation of two new chiral atoms in the product molecule. Bioconversions of diketones to corresponding diols occurred using either purified enzyme or a whole-cellEscherichia coliBL21 (DE3) biocatalyst harbouring recombinant TpdE. The optimum temperature and pH were determined to be 30–35 °C and 7.5, respectively.

Conclusions.The broad substrate specificity and stereoselectivity of TpdE fromRhodococcus jostiiTMP1 make it a promising biocatalyst for the production of enantiomerically pure diols that are difficult to obtain by chemical routes.
Can we measure beauty? Computational evaluation of coral reef aesthetics
Authors: Haas Andreas F. , Guibert Marine , Foerschner Anja , Co Tim , Calhoun Sandi , George Emma , Hatay Mark , Dinsdale Elizabeth , Sandin Stuart A. , Smith Jennifer E. , Vermeij Mark J.A. , Felts Ben , Dustan Phillip , Salamon Peter , Rohwer Forest
Published: November 2015

The natural beauty of coral reefs attracts millions of tourists worldwide resulting in substantial revenues for the adjoining economies. Although their visual appearance is a pivotal factor attracting humans to coral reefs current monitoring protocols exclusively target biogeochemical parameters, neglecting changes in their aesthetic appearance. Here we introduce a standardized computational approach to assess coral reef environments based on 109 visual features designed to evaluate the aesthetic appearance of art. The main feature groups include color intensity and diversity of the image, relative size, color, and distribution of discernable objects within the image, and texture. Specific coral reef aesthetic values combining all 109 features were calibrated against an established biogeochemical assessment (NCEAS) using machine learning algorithms. These values were generated for ∼2,100 random photographic images collected from 9 coral reef locations exposed to varying levels of anthropogenic influence across 2 ocean systems. Aesthetic values proved accurate predictors of the NCEAS scores (root mean square error < 5 forN≥ 3) and significantly correlated to microbial abundance at each site. This shows that mathematical approaches designed to assess the aesthetic appearance of photographic images can be used as an inexpensive monitoring tool for coral reef ecosystems. It further suggests that human perception of aesthetics is not purely subjective but influenced by inherent reactions towards measurable visual cues. By quantifying aesthetic features of coral reef systems this method provides a cost efficient monitoring tool that targets one of the most important socioeconomic values of coral reefs directly tied to revenue for its local population.
Homeotic transformations and number changes in the vertebral column ofTriturusnewts
Authors: Slijepčević Maja , Galis Frietson , Arntzen Jan W. , Ivanović Ana
Published: November 2015

We explored intraspecific variation in vertebral formulae, more specifically the variation in the number of thoracic vertebrae and frequencies of transitional sacral vertebrae inTriturusnewts (Caudata: Salamandridae). Within salamandrid salamanders this monophyletic group shows the highest disparity in the number of thoracic vertebrae and considerable intraspecific variation in the number of thoracic vertebrae.Triturusspecies also differ in their ecological preferences, from predominantly terrestrial to largely aquatic. Following Geoffroy St. Hilaire’s and Darwin’s rule which states that structures with a large number of serially homologous repetitive elements are more variable than structures with smaller numbers, we hypothesized that the variation in vertebral formulae increases in more elongated species with a larger number of thoracic vertebrae. We furthermore hypothesized that the frequency of transitional vertebrae will be correlated with the variation in the number of thoracic vertebrae within the species. We also investigated potential effects of species hybridization on the vertebral formula. The proportion of individuals with a number of thoracic vertebrae different from the modal number and the range of variation in number of vertebrae significantly increased in species with a larger number of thoracic vertebrae. Contrary to our expectation, the frequencies of transitional vertebrae were not correlated with frequencies of change in the complete vertebrae number. The frequency of transitional sacral vertebra in hybrids did not significantly differ from that of the parental species. Such a pattern could be a result of selection pressure against transitional vertebrae and/or a bias towards the development of full vertebrae numbers. Although our data indicate relaxed selection for vertebral count changes in more elongated, aquatic species, more data on different selective pressures in species with different numbers of vertebrae in the two contrasting, terrestrial and aquatic environments are needed to test for causality.
Effects of sex and site on amino acid metabolism enzyme gene expression and activity in rat white adipose tissue
Authors: Arriarán Sofía , Agnelli Silvia , Remesar Xavier , Fernández-López José Antonio , Alemany Marià
Published: November 2015

Background and Objectives.White adipose tissue (WAT) shows marked sex- and diet-dependent differences. However, our metabolic knowledge of WAT, especially on amino acid metabolism, is considerably limited. In the present study, we compared the influence of sex on the amino acid metabolism profile of the four main WAT sites, focused on the paths related to ammonium handling and the urea cycle, as a way to estimate the extent of WAT implication on body amino-nitrogen metabolism.

Experimental Design.Adult female and male rats were maintained, undisturbed, under standard conditions for one month. After killing them under isoflurane anesthesia. WAT sites were dissected and weighed. Subcutaneous, perigonadal, retroperitoneal and mesenteric WAT were analyzed for amino acid metabolism gene expression and enzyme activities.

Results.There was a considerable stability of the urea cycle activities and expressions, irrespective of sex, and with only limited influence of site. Urea cycle was more resilient to change than other site-specialized metabolic pathways. The control of WAT urea cycle was probably related to the provision of arginine/citrulline, as deduced from the enzyme activity profiles. These data support a generalized role of WAT in overall amino-N handling. In contrast, sex markedly affected WAT ammonium-centered amino acid metabolism in a site-related way, with relatively higher emphasis in males’ subcutaneous WAT.

Conclusions.We found that WAT has an active amino acid metabolism. Its gene expressions were lower than those of glucose-lipid interactions, but the differences were quantitatively less important than usually reported. The effects of sex on urea cycle enzymes expression and activity were limited, in contrast with the wider variations observed in other metabolic pathways. The results agree with a centralized control of urea cycle operation affecting the adipose organ as a whole.
Non‐invasive prenatal screening for trisomy 21: Consumers' perspectives
Authors: Higuchi Emily C. , Sheldon Jane P. , Zikmund‐Fisher Brian J. , Yashar Beverly M.
Published: November 2015

Non‐invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) has the potential to dramatically increase the prenatal detection rate of Down syndrome because of improvements in safety and accuracy over existing tests. There is concern that NIPS could lead to more negative attitudes towards Down syndrome and less support for individuals with Down syndrome. To assess the impact of NIPS on support for prenatal testing, decision‐making about testing, and beliefs or attitudes about Down syndrome, we performed an Internet‐based experiment using adults (N = 1,789) recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk. Participants were randomly assigned to read a mock news article about NIPS, a mock news article about amniocentesis, or no article. The content in the two articles varied only in their descriptions of the test characteristics. Participants then answered questions about their support for testing, hypothetical testing decision, and beliefs and attitudes about Down syndrome. Reading the mock NIPS news article predicted increased hypothetical test uptake. In addition, the NIPS article group also agreed more strongly that pregnant women, in general, should utilize prenatal testing. We also found that the more strongly participants supported prenatal testing for pregnant women, the less favorable their attitudes towards individuals with Down syndrome; providing some evidence that NIPS may indirectly result in more negative perceptions of individuals with this diagnosis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photokatalytische C‐H‐Oxygenierung von Alkylbenzolen mit Riboflavintetraacetat und einem Nicht‐Häm‐Eisenkomplex
Authors: Mühldorf Bernd , Wolf Robert
Published: November 2015

Eine Mischung von Riboflavintetraacetat (RFT) mit dem Nicht‐Häm‐Eisenkomplex [Fe(TPA)(MeCN)2](ClO4)2 (TPA=Tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amin) katalysiert effizient die aerobe Photooxidation von Alkylbenzolen zu Ketonen und Carbonsäuren. Hohe Ausbeuten und Selektivitäten werden durch den flavinkatalysierten Photoredoxzyklus und die davon unabhängige katalytische Wirkung des Eisenkomplexes in der H2O2‐Disproportionierung und der Alkylbenzol‐Oxygenierung erreicht.
A postnatal peak in microglial development in the mouse hippocampus is correlated with heightened sensitivity to seizure triggers
Authors: Kim Iris , Mlsna Lauren M. , Yoon Stella , Le Brandy , Yu Songtao , Xu Dan , Koh Sookyong
Published: November 2015

Background

Explosive synaptogenesis and synaptic pruning occur in the hippocampus during the first two weeks of postnatal life, coincident with a heightened susceptibility to seizures in rodents. To determine the temporal correlation between microglial development and age‐dependent susceptibility and response to seizures, we quantified developmental changes in basal microglia levels and seizure‐induced microglial activation in the hippocampus of Cx3Cr1GFP/+ transgenic mice.

Methods

Basal levels of microglia were quantified in the hippocampi of Cx3Cr1GFP /+ mice at P0, P5, P10, P15, P20, P25, P30, P40, and P60. Seizure susceptibility and seizure‐induced microglial activation were assessed in response to febrile seizures (lipopolysaccharide followed by hyperthermia) and kainic acid‐induced status epilepticus.

Results

The density of microglia within the hippocampus increased rapidly after birth, reaching a peak during the second week of life – the age at which the animals became most vulnerable to seizure triggers. In addition, this peak of microglial development and seizure vulnerability during the second postnatal week represented the time of maximal seizure‐induced microglia activation.

Conclusions

Overreactive innate immunity mediated by activated microglia may exacerbate acute injury to neuronal synapses and contribute to the long‐term epileptogenic effects of early‐life seizures. Anti‐inflammatory therapy targeting excessive production of inflammatory mediators by activated microglia, therefore, may be an effective age‐specific therapeutic strategy to minimize neuronal dysfunction and prevent increases in susceptibility to subsequent seizures in developing animals.
Ionic Self‐Assembly and Red‐Phosphorescence Properties of a Charged Platinum(II) 8‐Quinolinol Complex Associated with Ammonium‐Based Amphiphiles
Authors: Camerel Franck , Vacher Antoine , Jeannin Olivier , Barberá Joaquín , Fourmigué Marc
Published: November 2015

A series of ionic associates based on the platinum(II) chelate of 5‐sulfo‐8‐quinolinol, [Pt(qS)2]2−, and ammonium‐based amphiphiles is described. At variance with the prototypical neutral complex Pt(q)2 (q=8‐quinolinol), these dianionic fluorophores, functionalized at the periphery with sulfonate groups, can be associated by the ionic self‐assembly approach with various ammonium cations, such as (H2 n+1Cn)2Me2N+ (n=12, 16, 18) or complex ammonium cations carrying three Cn carbon chains (n=12, 14, 16) and an additional amide group. Investigations of their luminescence properties in solution, in the solid state, and, when possible, in thin films revealed that the phosphorescence properties in condensed phases are directly correlated to intermolecular interactions between the luminescent [Pt(qS)2]2− centers. Of particular interest is also the formation of a columnar liquid‐crystalline phase around room temperature (between −25 and +180 °C), as well as the very good film‐forming ability of some of these fluorophores from organic solvents.
Gelatin‐Assisted Synthesis of Vaterite Nanoparticles with Higher Surface Area and Porosity as Anticancer Drug Containers In Vitro
Authors: Wang Anhe , Yang Yang , Zhang Xiaoming , Liu Xingcen , Cui Wei , Li Junbai
Published: November 2015

The fabrication of porous vaterite nanoparticles with improved stability in aqueous solution and higher surface area is still a challenge. Here, inspired by the formation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles, we have taken gelatin as a “surfactant” to assist in the formation of vaterite nanoparticles and help create pores on their surface due to the distinct solubility and molecular morphology of gelatin in different solutions. The formation mechanism of vaterite nanoparticles and pores was investigated in detail, indicating that the existence of gelatin has a crucial effect on the formation of vaterite nanoparticles and their stability. Meanwhile, the elution of gelatin from vaterite nanoparticles via washing with hot water accounts for their higher surface area. Their application as an anticancer drug (doxorubicin) carrier after folic acid treatment was also investigated. These nanoparticles have advantages for drug release due to their pH‐sensitive structure and also have enhanced cytotoxicity toward cancer cells due to the folic acid modification.
Hybrid Synergic Methodology to Prepare ALD Honey‐Comb Anatase Films
Authors: Visentin Francesca , El Habra Naida , Favaro Monica , Battiston Simone , Gerbasi Rosalba , Crociani Laura , Galenda Alessandro
Published: November 2015

Macroporous inorganic structures with high surface‐to‐volume ratio have been recognized as a centre of interest in many fields. Here, attention is focused on a hybrid synergic methodology to prepare honey‐comb (HC) anatase TiO2 films with increased specific surface area. The breath figures (BFs) method is exploited to produce HC polystyrene (PS) templates and atomic layer deposition (ALD) is used to conformally cover them with a TiO2 coating. Different approaches are tested to preserve the HC‐TiO2 structure during the conversion of the hybrid organic/inorganic materials into crystalline anatase films. Best results are obtained operating with ALD at 180 °C on pre‐UV cross‐linked substrates.
Joint mode selection and resource allocation for machine‐type D2D links
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Chai Kok Keong , Chen Yue , Schormans John , Alonso‐Zarate Jesus
Published: November 2015

Low‐power machine‐type communications devices in machine‐to‐machine networks are expected to operate autonomously for years, or even decades. Meanwhile, device‐to‐device (D2D) communications make large benefits on users' data rate and power consumption because of the proximity between potential D2D transmitters and receivers. In this paper, we facilitate machine‐type D2D links where the machine‐type communications devices are connected to a nearby device, such as a number of sensors connected to a gateway that acts as the relay towards the evolved NodeB. A challenging problem is the co‐channel interference caused by spectrum sharing between underlaying machine‐type D2D links and traditional cellular user equipments (CUEs). Therefore, we consider joint mode selection, radio resource allocation and power control to improve overall system data rate and reduce average traffic delay. We first formulate a problem to maximise the sum of users' utilities with signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise and power constraints for both D2D links and CUEs. Furthermore, we adopt the coalition formation game with transferable utility to solve the formulated problem. In the game model, the D2D links and CUEs that share the same resource block pair form a coalition, and the coalition formation decisions are determined by the best‐reply rule. In addition, ‘experimentation’ is introduced in the coalition formation process to improve the effectiveness of the final coalition structure. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme outperforms the scheme with heuristic greedy algorithm in terms of overall system throughput, average traffic delay and users' fairness. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An immersed boundary method for unstructured meshes in depth averaged shallow water models
Authors: Ouro Pablo , Cea Luis , Ramírez Luis , Nogueira Xesús
Published: November 2015

The representation of geometries as buildings, flood barriers or dikes in free surface flow models implies tedious and time‐consuming operations in order to define accurately the shape of these objects when using a body fitted numerical mesh. The immersed boundary method is an alternative way to define solid bodies inside the computational domain without the need of fitting the mesh boundaries to the shape of the object. In the direct forcing immersed boundary method, a solid body is represented by a grid of Lagrangian markers, which define its shape and which are independent from the fluid Eulerian mesh. This paper presents a new implementation of the immersed boundary method in an unstructured finite volume solver for the 2D shallow water equations. Moving least‐squares is used to transmit information between the grid of Lagrangian markers and the fluid Eulerian mesh. The performance of the proposed implementation is analysed in three test cases involving different flow conditions: the flow around a spur dike, a dam break flow with an isolated obstacle and the flow around an array of obstacles. A very good agreement between the classic body fitted approach and the immersed boundary method was found. The differences between the results obtained with both methods are less relevant than the errors because of the intrinsic shallow water assumptions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multicenter, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind clinical trial of escitalopram on the progression‐delaying effects in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Choe Young Min , Kim Ki Woong , Jhoo Jin Hyeong , Ryu Seung Ho , Seo Eun Hyun , Sohn Bo Kyung , Byun Min Soo , Bak Jae‐Hwa , Lee Jong‐Min , Yun Hyuk Jin , Han Myeong‐il , Woo Jong Inn , Lee Dong Young
Published: November 2015

Objectives

A series of preclinical studies have suggested that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants not only stimulate neurogenesis but also have neuroprotective effects. The present study primarily aimed to investigate whether escitalopram would decelerate the brain atrophy of patients with mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). We also assessed the effects of escitalopram on the cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms of these participants.

Methods

Seventy‐four probable AD patients without major depression were recruited from four dementia clinics of university hospitals and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio. Each group received 20 mg/day of escitalopram or placebo for 52 weeks. The primary outcome measures were the change rates of hippocampal and whole brain volume on magnetic resonance imaging for 52 weeks. The Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale—cognitive subscale, Mini‐Mental State Examination, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) were also applied.

Results

We did not find any significant differences in the changes of hippocampal or whole brain volume between the groups. Escitalopram showed significant beneficial effects on the CSDD score at 28 weeks compared with placebo (t = −2.17, df = 50.42, p = 0.035), but this finding did not persist throughout the study.

Conclusion

The findings of the present study do not support the role of escitalopram as a progression‐delaying treatment for AD. However, the negative results of the present trial should be interpreted cautiously because of the relatively small sample size. Further large‐scale escitalopram trials targeting the earlier stages of AD, even prodromal AD, are still needed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Donor Coordination for Effective Government Policies?
Authors: Leiderer Stefan
Published: November 2015

New aid approaches devised under the Paris/Accra agenda for more effective aid are expected to make a particular difference in health and education as, arguably, in these sectors aid fragmentation is particularly prevalent. This article reviews evidence from recent in‐depth country work on the extent to which the harmonisation and alignment principles, implemented through new aid modalities, have contributed to health and education outcomes in Zambia. Evidence suggests that even in a ‘model’ case for adopting Paris‐style aid instruments such as Zambia, implementation of good aid principles has been insufficient to overcome the negative side effects of uncoordinated and fragmented aid. © 2015 UNU‐WIDER. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.