bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classical Bifurcation Diagrams by Quantum Means
Authors: Ivanchenko Mikhail V. , Kozinov Eugene A. , Volokitin Valentin D. , Liniov Alexey V. , Meyerov Iosif B. , Denisov Sergey V.
Published: July 2017

Asymptotic state of an open quantum system may change substantially upon variations of system parameters. These changes can be often identified as bifurcation transitions in the classical mean‐filed equations describing evolution of the relevant observables. We demonstrate that these bifurcations can be made visible as changes in the structure of the asymptotic density matrix of the original quantum system. By using an N‐boson dimer, we present quantum ‘bifurcation diagrams’ for the pitchfork and saddle‐node bifurcations (in the stationary dimer) and visualize a period‐doubling transition to chaos (in a periodically modulated dimer).
Re2O7‐Mediated Dehydrative Cyclization Reactions: Total Synthesis of Herboxidiene and Its 12‐Desmethyl Analogue
Authors: Rohrs Tyler M. , Qin Qi , Floreancig Paul E.
Published: July 2017

Re2O7 catalysis effects efficient and stereoselective dehydrative cyclization reactions from monoallylic diols, with stereocontrol arising from thermodynamic equilibration. This method was applied to a rapid synthesis of the spliceosome inhibitor herboxidiene. The route was also utilized for the synthesis of an analogue that highlights the importance of a single methyl group in biasing the conformation in the acyclic region of the molecule.
Diethyldisulfoammonium chlorometallates as heterogeneous Brønsted–Lewis acidic catalysts for one‐pot synthesis of 14‐aryl‐7‐(N‐phenyl)‐14H‐dibenzo[a,j]acridines
Authors: Dutta Arup Kumar , Gogoi Pinky , Borah Ruli
Published: July 2017

A new series of Brønsted–Lewis acidic diethyldisulfoammonium chlorometallates, [DEDSA][FeCl4] and [DEDSA]2[Zn2Cl6], were synthesized as solid materials from the reaction of [(Et)2N(SO3H)2][Cl] ionic liquid with transition metal chlorides (FeCl3 and ZnCl2) at 80 °C in neat condition for 2 h. The chlorometallates were fully characterized using various spectroscopic and analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared, UV–visible and Raman spectroscopies, powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray and thermogravimetric analyses, Hammett acidity and elemental analyses. Their catalytic activity was studied as reusable heterogeneous catalysts for the three‐component synthesis of novel 14‐aryl‐7‐(N‐phenyl)‐14H‐dibenzo[a,j]acridines under solvent‐free conditions at 100 °C.
Simultaneous removal of Cu2+ and Cr3+ ions from aqueous solution based on Complexation with Eriochrome cyanine‐R and derivative spectrophotometric method
Authors: Bagheri Ahmad Reza , Ghaedi Mehrorang , Dashtian Kheibar , Hajati Shaaker , Bazrafshan Ali Akbar
Published: July 2017

TiO2 nanoparticles deposited on activated carbon (TiO2–NP–AC) was prepared and characterized by XRD and SEM analysis. Subsequently, simultaneous ultrasound‐assisted adsorption of Cu2+ and Cr3+ ions onto TiO2‐NPs‐AC after complexation via eriochrome cyanine R (ECR) has been investigated with UV–Vis and FAA spectrophotometer. Spectra overlapping of the ECR‐Cu and ECR‐Cr complex was resolve by derivative spectrophotometric technique. The effects of various parameters such as initial Cu2+ (A) and Cr3+ (B) ions concentrations, TiO2‐NPs‐AC mass (C), sonication time (D) and pH (E) on the removal percentage were investigated and optimized by central composite design (CCD). The optimize conditions were set as: 4.21 min, 0.019 mg, 20.02 and 13.22 mg L−1 and 6.63 for sonication time, TiO2–NP–AC mass, initial Cr3+ and Cu2+ ions concentration and pH, respectively. The experimental equilibrium data fitting to Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich models show that the Langmuir model is a good and suitable model for evaluation and the actual behavior of adsorption process and maximum adsorption capacity of 105.26 and 93.46 mg g−1 were obtained for Cu2+ and Cr3+ ions, respectively. Kinetic evaluation of experimental data showed that the adsorption processes followed well pseudo second order and intraparticle diffusion models.
Biohybrid based on layered terbium hydroxide and applications as drug carrier and biological fluorescence probe
Authors: Ju Ruijun , Gu Qingyang
Published: July 2017

Aspirin (abbr. ASA) is intercalated into the layered terbium hydroxide (LTbH) by anion exchange method. Structure, chemical compositions, thermostability, morphology, luminescence property, cytotoxic effects and controlled‐release behaviors have been investigated. The ASA molecules may embed between layers with monolayered vertical arrangement, and the thermal stability of organics was enhanced after intercalation. The Tb3+ luminescence in ASA‐LTbH composites was enhanced compared with LTbH precusor and the luminescence intensity increased with the deprotonation degree. The cytotoxic effect of LTbH was observed with a sulforhodamine B (SRB) colorimetric assay, which revealed that the LTbH showed low cytotoxic effects. In addition, the ASA‐LTbH composites exhibited a sustained release of ASA in Na2HPO4‐NaH2PO4 buffer solution at pH 6.86 and 37°C. Construction of LRHs composites with drug molecules provided a beneficial pathway for preparing biohybrid based on LRHs, which may have potential applications in drug delivery carrier and biological fluorescence probe.
Study of crosslinked copolymer nanospheres with temperature resistance, salinity resistance, and deep profile control
Authors: Zhou Ming , Nie Xincheng , Zhou Lei , Hou Liutong , Zhao Jinzhou , Yang Yan
Published: July 2017

Three crosslinked copolymer nanospheres were prepared by inverse microemulsion polymerization. Resistance temperature and resistance salinity of the copolymer CP(AM‐AA‐AMPS) [crosslinked poly(acrylamide‐acrylic acid‐2‐acrylamide‐2‐methylacrylic sulfonic acid)] nano‐spheres were superior to the CPAM (crosslinked polyacrylamide) nano‐spheres and CP(AM‐AA) [crosslinked poly(acrylamide‐acrylic acid)] nano‐spheres. The nanospheres had a tendency to plug the high‐permeability layer and drive crude oil from the low‐permeability layer. Meanwhile, these nanospheres displaced crude oil that existed in the pores or throats when they were conveyed in porous media. Consequently, deep profile control and oil displacement could be entirely actualized, and the ultimate goal of enhanced oil recovery could be achieved for high‐temperature and high‐salinity reservoirs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45131.
Improving the barrier character of polylactide/phenoxy immiscible blend using poly(lactide‐co‐ɛ‐caprolactone) block copolymer as a compatibilizer
Authors: Sangroniz Ainara , Chaos Ana , Garcia Yohana M. , Fernández Jorge , Iriarte Marian , Etxeberria Agustin
Published: July 2017

The improvement of the barrier character of polylactide by the addition of poly(hydroxy ether) of bisphenol A (Phenoxy) and poly(lactide‐co‐ɛ‐caprolactone) copolymer that acts as a compatibilizer is studied. First, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy show that the addition of the copolymer allows to obtain a miscible ternary system. The permeability of polylactide to water vapor, oxygen, and carbon dioxide is enhanced with the addition of phenoxy but better improvement in its barrier character is obtained with the addition of the compatibilizer. The effects of different factors such as miscibility, glass transition temperature, and crystallinity on the transport properties are analyzed. Several permeability prediction models for heterogeneous systems have been applied obtaining quite good results for water vapor and oxygen permeability. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45396.
Combinatorial genome and protein engineering yields monoclonal antibodies with hypergalactosylation from CHO cells
Authors: Chung Cheng‐yu , Wang Qiong , Yang Shuang , Ponce Sean A. , Kirsch Brian J. , Zhang Hui , Betenbaugh Michael J.
Published: July 2017

One of the key quality attributes of monoclonal antibodies is the glycan pattern and distribution. Two terminal galactose residues typically represent a small fraction of the total glycans from antibodies. However, antibodies with defined glycosylation properties including enhanced galactosylation have been shown to exhibit altered properties for these important biomedical modalities. In this study, the disruption of two α‐2,3 sialyltransferases (ST3GAL4 and ST3GAL6) from Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells was combined with protein engineering of the Fc region to generate an IgG containing 80% bigalactosylated and fucosylated (G2F) glycoforms. Expression of the same single amino acid mutant (F241A) IgG in CHO cells with a triple gene knockout of fucosyltransferase (FUT8) plus ST3GAL4 and ST3GAL6 lowered the galactosylation glycoprofile to 65% bigalactosylated G2 glycans. However, overexpression of IgGs with four amino acid substitutions recovered the G2 glycoform composition approximately 80%. Combining genome and protein engineering in CHO cells will provide a new antibody production platform that enables biotechnologists to generate glycoforms standards for specific biomedical and biotechnology applications.
Counselling for people affected by cancer: The impact outside a healthcare setting
Authors: Banks Tim , Pearce Sioned , French Helen , Lloyd Ann‐Marie , Lewis Ian
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Study objectives were to measure the impact of counselling for people affected by cancer outside a national or private healthcare setting, such as a hospital or clinic, following treatment, and shed light on the nuances of this by gender, age and cancer status.

Methods

CORE‐10 was used to measure psychological distress among a practice‐based sample affected by cancer including a comparator group of those who had not yet received counselling.

Setting

The study was conducted in counselling offices outside a clinical or healthcare setting, both in terms of physical infrastructure and in terms of funding mechanisms.

Participants

A total of 158 participants were selected based on the following inclusion criteria: completion of a full set of CORE‐10, having completed six sessions of counselling at the time of analysis.

Results

Results show psychological distress improves for all receiving counselling outside a national or private healthcare setting according to the CORE‐10 scores. Those ‘affected by cancer’ are initially more distressed and benefit more from counselling than ‘cancer patients’. In comparison with females, male comparator group scores increase (gets worse) between ‘assessment’ and ‘first’ counselling session, before they have received any counselling.

Conclusions

The article concludes that counselling ‘outside’ a healthcare setting appears to be beneficial to anyone diagnosed or affected by cancer. Benefits vary by demographic group and exploring the meaning behind variations requires further, qualitative, investigation.
Ethical social justice: Do the ends justify the means?
Authors: Liang Belle , Chung Agnes , Diamonti Alfred‐John , Douyon Christina M. , Gordon Jena R. , Joyner Emily D. , Meerkins Tera M. , Rene Kirsten M. , Sienkiewicz Stephanie‐Ann , Weber Amanda , White Allison E. , Wilson Eva S.
Published: July 2017

This article offers an ethical decision‐making model, informed by community psychology values, as a means for guiding psychologists when engaging in social justice‐oriented work. The applicability of this model is demonstrated through a case analysis elucidating how America's psychologists individually and collectively arrived at the decision to endorse torture—ostensibly as a means for preventing terrorism. Critics have wondered how the American Psychological Association succumbed to these involvements, and how to prevent such ethical lapses in the future. Unfortunately, the American Psychological Association's ethical codes fail to provide explicit guidance for psychologists' involvement in social justice work that impacts communities and systems. To address this gap, we present a values‐driven, ethical decision‐making framework that may be used to guide psychologists' future practices. This framework infuses fundamental community psychology values (i.e., caring and compassion; health; self‐determination and participation, human diversity, social justice; and critical reflexivity) into a 9‐step model.
Self‐Supported Worm‐like PdAg Nanoflowers as Efficient Electrocatalysts towards Ethylene Glycol Oxidation
Authors: Xu Hui , Yan Bo , Zhang Ke , Wang Jin , Li Shumin , Wang Caiqin , Xiong Zhiping , Shiraishi Yukihide , Du Yukou
Published: July 2017

Advancing the intrinsic catalytic performances of electrocatalysts is believed to be an efficient approach for alleviating the energy crisis and environmental pollution. However, many drawbacks of the newly established catalysts such as large size, poor corrosion resistance, and anti‐poisoning make them exhibit limited electrocatalytic performances. To address these challenges, we herein embody the advantages of both composition and morphology to successfully fabricate self‐supported worm‐like PdAg nanoflowers (PdAg NFs) with the assistance of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. Such special PdAg NFs with a high active surface area of 42.36 m2 g−1 display much better electrocatalytic performances with mass and specific activities of 5545 mA mg−1 and 12.82 mA cm−2 towards ethylene glycol oxidation, which are 6.9 and 2.1 times higher than that of commercial Pd/C, respectively. Our efforts in this work may open up a new way to maximize the electrocatalytic performance of catalysts by designing and adjusting their morphologies. We also trust that the electrocatalysts fabricated in this work can be applied as potential anodic catalysts and beyond.
Intelligent tools to model photocatalytic degradation of beta‐naphtol by titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Ijadpanah‐Saravi Hossein , Safari Mehdi , Noruzi‐Masir Behrooz , Darban Ahmad Khodadadi , Bakhshi Puyan
Published: July 2017

Feasibility of applying intelligent tools in prediction and optimization of photocatalytic degradation of beta‐naphthol using the titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were conducted in this study. Biphasic TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized using the controlled hydrolysis of TiCl4, and their properties were studied using the X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy methods. Therefore, factors affecting photocatalytic degradation of beta‐naphthol including impurity concentration, catalyst content, acidity, and aeration rate were monitored and controlled. The laboratory data showed that degradation rate of beta‐naphthol is a complicated nonlinear function of monitored variables. Two models including artificial network trained with particle swarm optimization (ANN‐PSO) and adaptive neuro‐fuzzy interference system trained with particle swarm optimization (ANFIS‐PSO) were used for prediction of this system. The results showed presence of a significant relation between the real and predicted data of these 2 models. However, ANFIS‐PSO can be more efficiently applied for prediction and optimization of photocatalytic behavior of TiO2 nanoparticles as for degradation of beta‐naphthol as compared to ANN‐PSO. As an advantage, ANFIS eliminates the problems of fuzzy logic, such as creation of membership functions, and local minima, which should be located in design of ANN, and through PSO algorithm, it could be a very powerful tool for simulating kinds of processes.
Tris(2,4,6‐trifluorophenyl)borane: An Efficient Hydroboration Catalyst
Authors: Lawson James R. , Wilkins Lewis C. , Melen Rebecca L.
Published: July 2017

The metal‐free catalyst tris(2,4,6‐trifluorophenyl)borane has demonstrated its extensive applications in the 1,2‐hydroboration of numerous unsaturated reagents, namely alkynes, aldehydes and imines, consisting of a wide array of electron‐withdrawing and donating functionalities. A range of over 50 borylated products are reported, with many reactions proceeding with low catalyst loading under ambient conditions. These pinacol boronate esters, in the case of aldehydes and imines, can be readily hydrolyzed to leave the respective alcohol and amine, whereas alkynyl substrates result in vinyl boranes. This is of great synthetic use to the organic chemist.
Dehydrogenation of Isobutane to Isobutene with Carbon Dioxide over SBA‐15‐Supported Chromia‐Ceria Catalysts
Authors: Wei Chunling , Xue Fangqi , Miao Changxi , Yue Yinghong , Yang Weimin , Hua Weiming , Gao Zi
Published: July 2017

A series of SBA‐15‐supported chromia‐ceria catalysts with 3% Cr and 1%–5% Ce (3Cr‐Ce/SBA) were prepared using an incipient wetness impregnation method. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption, SEM, TEM‐EDX, Raman spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, XPS and H2‐TPR, and their catalytic performance for isobutane dehydrogenation with CO2 was tested. The addition of ceria to SBA‐15‐supported chromia improves the dispersion of chromium species. 3Cr‐Ce/SBA catalysts are more active than SBA‐15‐supported chromia (3Cr/SBA), which is due to a higher concentration of Cr6+ species present on the former catalysts. The 3Cr‐3Ce/SBA catalyst shows the highest activity, which gives 35.4% isobutane conversion and 89.6% isobutene selectivity at 570 °C after 10 min of the reaction.
PdCl2(Ph3P)2/Salicylaldimine Catalyzed Diarylation of Anilines with Unactivated Aryl Chlorides
Authors: Tao Xiaochun , Li Lei , Zhou Yu , Qian Xuanying , Zhao Min , Cai Liangzhen , Xie Xiaomin
Published: July 2017

Triphenylphosphine and salicylaldimine could be used as a mixed ligand system to obtain a high catalytic activity for palladium catalyzed diarylation of primary anilines with unactivated aryl chlorides by the synergistic effect of ligands. The activity and selectivity of the catalytic system could be improved by modifying the structure of salicylaldimine. In refluxing o‐xylene, PdCl2(Ph3P)2 with 2,5‐ditrifluoromethyl N‐phenylsalicylaldimine as a coligand shows high efficiency for the diarylation of various anilines. The catalytic system shows good toleration for the steric hindrance of the substrates. The facile catalytic system works as well on the multiple arylation of 1,1′‐biphenyl‐ 4,4′‐diamine with aryl chlorides to afford N,N,N′,N′‐tetraaryl‐1,1′‐biphenyl‐4,4′‐diamines which are important intermediates of organic light emitting diode (OLED) hole transport materials.
Die Chemie des Fußballs – Eine fächerübergreifende Unterrichtsreihe über Natur‐ und Kunststoffe in Trikots und Fußbällen
Authors: Kern Katharina , Hornung Gabriele
Published: July 2017

Ein Ziel schulischer Ausbildung ist es, Schülerinnen und Schüler auf das gesellschaftliche Leben vorzubereiten. Die wachsende Komplexität wissenschaftlicher Fragestellungen, der sich unsere Gesellschaft stellen muss, verlangt nach Unterrichtsinhalten und ‐konzepten, die interdisziplinäre Lösungsansätze fordern. Dies kann Fachunterricht allein nicht leisten. Mit fächerübergreifendem Unterricht bietet sich eine Möglichkeit, komplexe wissenschaftliche Fragestellungen über fachliche Grenzen hinaus zu bearbeiten. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt eine fächerübergreifende Unterrichtsreihe in Chemie und Sport, bei der über die Verbindung beider Fächer Motivation und Interesse für chemische Lerninhalte geweckt werden kann. Den Schülerinnen und Schülern wird hierbei ermöglicht, ihr Wissen über Struktur‐Eigenschafts‐Beziehungen verschiedener Natur‐ und Kunststoffe auf alltägliche Sportgegenstände anzuwenden. Der dazu für das Verständnis notwendige Perspektivenwechsel von der makro‐ auf die submikroskopische Ebene wird durch selbst entworfene Modelle unterstützt und gefördert. Im Sportunterricht liegt der Schwerpunkt der fächerübergreifenden Unterrichtsreihe insbesondere auf der Sinnperspektive „Leistung“.
Thalamic connections of the core auditory cortex and rostral supratemporal plane in the macaque monkey
Authors: Scott Brian H. , Saleem Kadharbatcha S. , Kikuchi Yukiko , Fukushima Makoto , Mishkin Mortimer , Saunders Richard C.
Published: July 2017

In the primate auditory cortex, information flows serially in the mediolateral dimension from core, to belt, to parabelt. In the caudorostral dimension, stepwise serial projections convey information through the primary, rostral, and rostrotemporal (AI, R, and RT) core areas on the supratemporal plane, continuing to the rostrotemporal polar area (RTp) and adjacent auditory‐related areas of the rostral superior temporal gyrus (STGr) and temporal pole. In addition to this cascade of corticocortical connections, the auditory cortex receives parallel thalamocortical projections from the medial geniculate nucleus (MGN). Previous studies have examined the projections from MGN to auditory cortex, but most have focused on the caudal core areas AI and R. In this study, we investigated the full extent of connections between MGN and AI, R, RT, RTp, and STGr using retrograde and anterograde anatomical tracers. Both AI and R received nearly 90% of their thalamic inputs from the ventral subdivision of the MGN (MGv; the primary/lemniscal auditory pathway). By contrast, RT received only ∼45% from MGv, and an equal share from the dorsal subdivision (MGd). Area RTp received ∼25% of its inputs from MGv, but received additional inputs from multisensory areas outside the MGN (30% in RTp vs. 1–5% in core areas). The MGN input to RTp distinguished this rostral extension of auditory cortex from the adjacent auditory‐related cortex of the STGr, which received 80% of its thalamic input from multisensory nuclei (primarily medial pulvinar). Anterograde tracers identified complementary descending connections by which highly processed auditory information may modulate thalamocortical inputs.
Comprehensive analysis of network traffic data
Authors: Miao Yuantian , Ruan Zichan , Pan Lei , Zhang Jun , Xiang Yang
Published: July 2017

With the large volume of network traffic flow, it is necessary to preprocess raw data before classification to gain the accurate results speedily. Feature selection is an essential approach in preprocessing phase. The principal component analysis (PCA) is recognized as an effective and efficient method. In this paper, we classify network traffic flows by using the PCA technique together with 6 machine learning algorithms—Naive Bayes, decision tree, 1‐nearest neighbor, random forest, support vector machine, and H2O. We analyzed the impact of PCA on the classification results by applying each algorithm with and without PCA onto the data set. Experiments were set out by varying the size of input data sets, and the performances were measured from 2 aspects, including average overall accuracy and F‐measure. The computational time was also considered in analyzing the performance. Our results showed that random forest and 1‐nearest neighbor were the top 2 algorithms among all the 6 regarding the 2 metrics mentioned above. Then we continued the study of PCA impact on per class level with these 2 algorithms as examples. And the positive correlation between overall impact and the number of class with significant impact was revealed. Lastly, the visualization was used in exploring the reasons of the impacts caused by PCA. Two factors are considered in PCA's impact on per class level: benefit for classes grouped by PCA and mislabeled error interfered by nearby groups.
Cocaine Hydrochloride Structure in Solution Revealed by Three Chiroptical Methods
Authors: Fagan Patrik , Kocourková Lucie , Tatarkovič Michal , Králík František , Kuchař Martin , Setnička Vladimír , Bouř Petr
Published: July 2017

Structure and flexibility of natural compounds determine their biological activity. In the present study, electronic circular dichroism (ECD), vibrational circular dichroism (VCD), and Raman optical activity (ROA) spectra of cocaine hydrochloride in aqueous solutions were measured and related to the structure with the aid of density functional theory (DFT) computations. Additional measurements in deuterated environment made assignment of vibrational bands easier. The results suggest that the prevalent cocaine conformation in solution differs from that adopted in hydrochloride crystal. The spectroscopic results and computational analysis are consistent with X‐ray structures of known cocaine‐receptor complexes, in which the compound adopts a variety of conformations. All three kinds of chiroptical spectra exhibited significantly greater conformational sensitivity than unpolarized absorption or Raman scattering. The ROA technique provided the largest number of well‐resolved bands, bearing rich structural information.
Concentration‐Gradient Multichannel Flow‐Stream Membrane Capacitive Deionization Cell for High Desalination Capacity of Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Kim Choonsoo , Lee Juhan , Srimuk Pattarachai , Aslan Mesut , Presser Volker
Published: July 2017

We present a novel multichannel membrane flow‐stream capacitive deionization (MC‐MCDI) concept with two flow streams to control the environment around the electrodes and a middle channel for water desalination. The introduction of side channels to our new cell design allows operation in a highly saline environment, while the feed water stream in the middle channel (conventional CDI channel) is separated from the electrodes with anion‐ and cation‐exchange membranes. At a high salinity gradient between side (1000 mm) and middle (5 mm) channels, MC‐MCDI exhibited an unprecedented salt‐adsorption capacity (SAC) of 56 mg g−1 in the middle channel with charge efficiency close to unity and low energy consumption. This excellent performance corresponds to a fourfold increase in desalination performance compared to the state‐of‐the‐art in a conventional CDI cell. The enhancement originates from the enhanced specific capacitance in high‐molar saline media in agreement with the Gouy–Chapman–Stern theory and from a double‐ion desorption/adsorption process of MC‐MCDI through voltage operation from −1.2 to +1.2 V.
Nonannual tree rings in a climate‐sensitive Prioria copaifera chronology in the Atrato River, Colombia
Authors: Herrera‐Ramirez David , Andreu‐Hayles Laia , del Valle Jorge I. , Santos Guaciara M. , Gonzalez Paula L. M.
Published: July 2017

In temperate climates, tree growth dormancy usually ensures the annual nature of tree rings, but in tropical environments, determination of annual periodicity can be more complex. The purposes of the work are as follows: (1) to generate a reliable tree‐ring width chronology for Prioria copaifera Griseb. (Leguminoceae), a tropical tree species dwelling in the Atrato River floodplains, Colombia; (2) to assess the climate signal recorded by the tree‐ring records; and (3) to validate the annual periodicity of the tree rings using independent methods. We used standard dendrochronological procedures to generate the P. copaifera tree‐ring chronology. We used Pearson correlations to evaluate the relationship of the chronology with the meteorological records, climate regional indices, and gridded precipitation/sea surface temperature products. We also evaluated 24 high‐precision 14C measurements spread over a range of preselected tree rings, with assigned calendar years by dendrochronological techniques, before and after the bomb spike in order to validate the annual nature of the tree rings. The tree‐ring width chronology was statistically reliable, and it correlated significantly with local records of annual and October–December (OND) streamflow and precipitation across the upper river watershed (positive), and OND temperature (negative). It was also significantly related to the Oceanic Niño Index, Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and the Southern Oscillation Index, as well as sea surface temperatures over the Caribbean and the Pacific region. However, 14C high‐precision measurements over the tree rings demonstrated offsets of up to 40 years that indicate that P. copaifera can produce more than one ring in certain years. Results derived from the strongest climate–growth relationship during the most recent years of the record suggest that the climatic signal reported may be due to the presence of annual rings in some of those trees in recent years. Our study alerts about the risk of applying dendrochronology in species with challenging anatomical features defining tree rings, commonly found in the tropics, without an independent validation of annual periodicity of tree rings. High‐precision 14C measurements in multiple trees are a useful method to validate the identification of annual tree rings.
Explosive radiation and spatial expansion across the cold environments of the Old World in an avian family
Authors: Liu Baoyan , Alström Per , Olsson Urban , Fjeldså Jon , Quan Qing , Roselaar Kees C. S. , Saitoh Takema , Yao Cheng‐te , Hao Yan , Wang Wenjuan , Qu Yanhua , Lei Fumin
Published: July 2017

Our objective was to elucidate the biogeography and speciation patterns in an entire avian family, which shows a complex pattern of overlapping and nonoverlapping geographical distributions, and much variation in plumage, but less in size and structure. We estimated the phylogeny and divergence times for all of the world's species of Prunella based on multiple genetic loci, and analyzed morphometric divergence and biogeographical history. The common ancestor of Prunella was present in the Sino‐Himalayan Mountains or these mountains and Central Asia–Mongolia more than 9 million years ago (mya), but a burst of speciations took place during the mid‐Pliocene to early Pleistocene. The relationships among the six primary lineages resulting from that differentiation are unresolved, probably because of the rapid radiation. A general increase in sympatry with increasing time since divergence is evident. With one exception, species in clades younger than c. 3.7 my are allopatric. Species that are widely sympatric, including the most recently diverged (2.4 mya) sympatric sisters, are generally more divergent in size/structure than allo‐/parapatric close relatives. The distributional pattern and inferred ages suggest divergence in allopatry and substantial waiting time until secondary contact, likely due to competitive exclusion. All sympatrically breeding species are ecologically segregated, as suggested by differences in size/structure and habitat. Colonizations of new areas were facilitated during glacial periods, followed by fragmentation during interglacials—contrary to the usual view that glacial periods resulted mainly in fragmentations.
Evaluation of an automated protocol for efficient and reliable DNA extraction of dietary samples
Authors: Wallinger Corinna , Staudacher Karin , Sint Daniela , Thalinger Bettina , Oehm Johannes , Juen Anita , Traugott Michael
Published: July 2017

Molecular techniques have become an important tool to empirically assess feeding interactions. The increased usage of next‐generation sequencing approaches has stressed the need of fast DNA extraction that does not compromise DNA quality. Dietary samples here pose a particular challenge, as these demand high‐quality DNA extraction procedures for obtaining the minute quantities of short‐fragmented food DNA. Automatic high‐throughput procedures significantly decrease time and costs and allow for standardization of extracting total DNA. However, these approaches have not yet been evaluated for dietary samples. We tested the efficiency of an automatic DNA extraction platform and a traditional CTAB protocol, employing a variety of dietary samples including invertebrate whole‐body extracts as well as invertebrate and vertebrate gut content samples and feces. Extraction efficacy was quantified using the proportions of successful PCR amplifications of both total and prey DNA, and cost was estimated in terms of time and material expense. For extraction of total DNA, the automated platform performed better for both invertebrate and vertebrate samples. This was also true for prey detection in vertebrate samples. For the dietary analysis in invertebrates, there is still room for improvement when using the high‐throughput system for optimal DNA yields. Overall, the automated DNA extraction system turned out as a promising alternative to labor‐intensive, low‐throughput manual extraction methods such as CTAB. It is opening up the opportunity for an extensive use of this cost‐efficient and innovative methodology at low contamination risk also in trophic ecology.
Alkali‐Metal‐Mediated Frameworks Based on Bis(2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylate)cobalt(II) Species
Authors: Mai Hien Duy , Lee Inme , Lee Sangdon , Yoo Hyojong
Published: July 2017

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with compositional multiplicity show unique topologies as well as enhanced chemical and physical properties. The construction of mixed‐metal frameworks containing more than one type of metal element can provide further structural versatility and diversity. The combination of transition‐ and alkali‐metal elements in a framework can result in interesting materials with substantial advantages. Herein, we report a synthetic strategy for the mixed transition‐ and alkali‐metal frameworks [Na2Co(PDA)2] (1, PDA = 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylate) and [K2Co(PDA)2] (2). The solid‐state structures of these frameworks show that two PDA ligands chelate to a cobalt ion to form a Co(PDA)22– species, which in turn undergoes further assembly mediated by alkali‐metal cations (Na+ or K+) to give mixed‐metal framework structures. The {[KCo(PDA)2]–·[NH2(CH3)2]+} framework (3) is also prepared by a change in stoichiometry. The multiple coordination of alkali metal atoms to the carboxylate oxygen atoms of the PDA ligands of the Co(PDA)22– species generates unique three‐dimensional architectures. As 2 and 3 react with NaOH, the coordinated K+ exchanges readily with Na+ in aqueous solution, and finally 1 crystallizes. The strong ionic character and small size of Na+ account for the facile transformations of 2 and 3. Temperature‐dependent magnetization studies reveal that 1 exhibits distinct magnetic susceptibility relative to those of 2 and 3.
Synthesis, Characterisation and Hydrogen Bonding of Isostructural Group 10 Metal Halido Complexes Bearing a POCOP Ligand
Authors: Joksch Markus , Haak Julia , Spannenberg Anke , Beweries Torsten
Published: July 2017

An isostructural series of nickel, palladium and platinum halido complexes of the type [(POCOP)MX] [POCOP = κ3‐C5H3‐2,6‐(OPtBu2)2; X = F, Cl, I] was prepared and fully characterised. Molecular structures of complexes 1‐I, 2‐I, 3‐Cl and 3‐I are reported and show the typical distorted square‐planar coordination geometries. In the presence of HF, Ni and Pt fluorido complexes 1‐F and 3‐F show pronounced hydrogen bonding to HF to form bifluorido complexes 1‐FHF and 3‐FHF, respectively, which were characterised by X‐ray analysis. In the solid state, all complexes are isomorphous and crystallise in the triclinic space group P1.
Fractional Gaussian noise: Prior specification and model comparison
Authors: Sørbye Sigrunn Holbek , Rue Håvard
Published: July 2017

Fractional Gaussian noise (fGn) is a stationary stochastic process used to model antipersistent or persistent dependency structures in observed time series. Properties of the autocovariance function of fGn are characterised by the Hurst exponent (H), which, in Bayesian contexts, typically has been assigned a uniform prior on the unit interval. This paper argues why a uniform prior is unreasonable and introduces the use of a penalised complexity (PC) prior for H. The PC prior is computed to penalise divergence from the special case of white noise and is invariant to reparameterisations. An immediate advantage is that the exact same prior can be used for the autocorrelation coefficient ϕ of a first‐order autoregressive process AR(1), as this model also reflects a flexible version of white noise. Within the general setting of latent Gaussian models, this allows us to compare an fGn model component with AR(1) using Bayes factors, avoiding the confounding effects of prior choices for the two hyperparameters H and ϕ. Among others, this is useful in climate regression models where inference for underlying linear or smooth trends depends heavily on the assumed noise model.
Isochron‐burial dating of glaciofluvial deposits: First results from the Swiss Alps
Authors: Akçar Naki , Ivy‐Ochs Susan , Alfimov Vasily , Schlunegger Fritz , Claude Anne , Reber Regina , Christl Marcus , Vockenhuber Christof , Dehnert Andreas , Rahn Meinert , Schlüchter Christian
Published: July 2017

In this study, we use isochron‐burial dating to date the Swiss Deckenschotter, the oldest Quaternary deposits of the northern Alpine Foreland. Concentrations of cosmogenic10Be and26Al in individual clasts from a single stratigraphic horizon can be used to calculate an isochron‐burial age based on an assumed initial ratio and the measured26Al/10Be ratio. We suggest that, owing to deep and repeated glacial erosion, the initial isochron ratio of glacial landscapes at the time of burial varies between 6.75 and 8.4. Analysis of 22 clasts of different lithology, shape, and size from one 0.5 m thick gravel bed at Siglistorf (Canton Aargau) indicates low nuclide concentrations: <20 00010Be atoms/g and <150 00026Al atoms/g. Using an26Al/10Be ratio of 7.6 (arithmetical mean of 6.75 and 8.4), we calculate a mean isochron‐burial age of 1.5 ± 0.2 Ma. This age points to an average bedrock incision rate between 0.13 and 0.17 mm/a. Age data from the Irchel, Stadlerberg, and Siglistorf sites show that the Higher Swiss Deckenschotter was deposited between 2.5 and 1.3 Ma. Our results indicate that isochron‐burial dating can be successfully applied to glaciofluvial sediments despite very low cosmogenic nuclide concentrations. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐step forecasting in the presence of breaks
Authors: Hännikäinen Jari
Published: July 2017

This paper analyzes the relative performance of multi‐step AR forecasting methods in the presence of breaks and data revisions. Our Monte Carlo simulations indicate that the type and timing of the break affect the relative accuracy of the methods. The iterated autoregressive method typically produces more accurate point and density forecasts than the alternative multi‐step AR methods in unstable environments, especially if the parameters are subject to small breaks. This result holds regardless of whether data revisions add news or reduce noise. Empirical analysis of real‐time US output and inflation series shows that the alternative multi‐step methods only episodically improve upon the iterated method.
Effects of quince seed, almond, and tragacanth gum coating on the banana slices properties during the process of hot air drying
Authors: Farahmandfar Reza , Mohseni Maedeh , Asnaashari Maryam
Published: July 2017

Due to early deterioration of banana in drying process, almond, quince seed, and tragacanth gums as edible coatings were determined. For this purpose, banana slices were coated in 0.7% solution of each gum and one group remained uncoated as the control. The samples were examined at specific times considering the weight loss, color analyzing (a*, b*, and L*) through the method computer vision, color difference index, browning index, and rehydration after the samples being dried. The results showed that the weight loss of the coated samples was significantly (p < .05) higher than the uncoated samples which can be due to the alteration or destruction of the cell membrane. The almond gum‐coated samples had significantly a lower ultimate browning index and quince seed gum‐coated samples showed the highest rehydration. So, the gums coating is an effective way to preserve the quality characteristics of the banana slices.
What goes wrong with the allocation of domestic and international resources for HIV?
Authors: Sterck Olivier C.
Published: July 2017

This paper examines how domestic and international financing for HIV is, and ought to be, distributed. We build a theoretical framework that decomposes domestic and international financing for HIV into nonlinear functions of national income, HIV prevalence, and government effectiveness. We test this model, paying particular attention to nonlinearities and to problems of bad controls, multicollinearity, and reverse causality. Finally, we use the fitted values of quartile regressions to study how much countries could reasonably pay domestically and how much they should receive from donors. Worryingly, countries with higher financial means receive on average more aid per PLHIV than very poor ones, and countries with higher HIV prevalence receive on average less aid per people living with HIV. The normative analysis concludes that US$3.08 billion of fiscal space could be created in LIC and MIC. We identify the countries that could be allocated more aid.
Comparing Beerkan infiltration tests with rainfall simulation experiments for hydraulic characterization of a sandy‐loam soil
Authors: Di Prima Simone , Bagarello Vincenzo , Lassabatere Laurent , Angulo‐Jaramillo Rafael , Bautista Inmaculada , Burguet Maria , Cerdà Artemi , Iovino Massimo , Prosdocimi Massimo
Published: July 2017

Saturated soil hydraulic conductivity, Ks, data collected by ponding infiltrometer methods and usual experimental procedures could be unusable for interpreting field hydrological processes and particularly rainfall infiltration. The Ks values determined by an infiltrometer experiment carried out by applying water at a relatively large distance from the soil surface could however be more appropriate to explain surface runoff generation phenomena during intense rainfall events. In this study, a link between rainfall simulation and ponding infiltrometer experiments was established for a sandy‐loam soil. The height of water pouring for the infiltrometer run was chosen, establishing a similarity between the gravitational potential energy of the applied water, Ep, and the rainfall kinetic energy, Ek. To test the soundness of this procedure, the soil was sampled with the Beerkan estimation of soil transfer parameters procedure of soil hydraulic characterization and two heights of water pouring (0.03 m, i.e., usual procedure, and 0.34 m, yielding Ep = Ek). Then, a comparison between experimental steady‐state infiltration rates, isR, measured with rainfall simulation experiments determining runoff production and Ks values for the two water pouring heights was carried out in order to discriminate between theoretically possible (isR ≥ Ks) and impossible (isR < Ks) situations. Physically possible Ks values were only obtained by applying water at a relatively large distance from the soil surface, because isR was equal to 20.0 mm h−1 and Ks values were 146.2–163.9 and 15.2–18.7 mm h−1 for a height of water pouring of 0.03 and 0.34 m, respectively. This result suggested the consistency between Beerkan runs with a high height of water pouring and rainfall simulator experiments. Soil compaction and mechanical aggregate breakdown were the most plausible physical mechanisms determining reduction of Ks with height. This study demonstrated that the height from which water is poured onto the soil surface is a key parameter in infiltrometer experiments and can be adapted to mimic the effect of high intensity rain on soil hydraulic properties.
Limited effects of pre‐existing maternal antisocial behaviours on infant neurodevelopment: A pilot study
Authors: Currie Lisa , Pajer Kathleen , Gardner William , Cake Heather , Shaw Sarah , Patterson Victoria
Published: July 2017

Antisocial behaviour disorders (ABDs) are among the most costly and treatment resistant of all psychiatric syndromes. Select neurodevelopmental abnormalities have been labelled a risk factor for ABDs, but it is unknown if maternal ABDs are associated with early neurodevelopmental abnormalities. This study tested whether infants of ABD mothers had more neurodevelopmental abnormalities than mothers with no psychiatric disorder (ND). Thirty‐nine pregnant women (49% with ABDs; 51% no psychiatric disorder) were recruited from the community. Infant neurodevelopment was assessed at ≤1 and 8 weeks using the Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale and at 16 weeks of age using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development‐III. There was no significant group difference at ≤8 weeks. At 16 weeks, ABD mothers rated their infants higher on the Adapted Behaviours subscale, specifically on the leisure and self‐directed scales, when corrected for substance use and socio‐economic status. This pilot study found higher maternal ratings of Adapted Behaviours at 16 weeks, which may be due to unrealistic expectations about infant development.

Highlights

Maternal Antisocial behaviour disorders (ABDs) do not impact early infant neurodevelopment at ≤ 8 weeks old as measured by standardized assessment.

Mothers with ABDs view their infants at 16 weeks as better adapted than women without any psychiatric disorder.

Specifically, mothers with ABDs reported their infants as better adapted on the leisure and self‐direction subscales of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development‐III. This finding may be due to less knowledge about normal infant adaptive behavior.
Gibberellin‐regulated protein in Japanese apricot is an allergen cross‐reactive to Pru p 7
Authors: Inomata Naoko , Miyakawa Mami , Aihara Michiko
Published: July 2017

Background

Gibberellin‐regulated protein (GRP, also known as peamaclein) was recently identified as a new marker allergen related to systemic reactions in peach allergy; however, its role in other fruit allergies is unknown.

Objective

To investigate the allergenicity of Japanese apricot (JA) GRP and clarify the clinical characteristics of JA allergy patients with GRP sensitization.

Methods

Seven patients (two males, five females, mean age 28.0 years) diagnosed with JA allergy based on relevant clinical history, positive skin test and/or challenge test were enrolled. JA GRP with a molecular weight of 6896.5 Da was purified by ion‐exchange column chromatography. We performed enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), IgE‐immunoblotting, basophil activating tests (BATs), and skin prick tests (SPTs) with purified JA GRP. To investigate the cross‐reactivity between JA GRP and native Pru p 7 (nPru p 7), we performed ELISA inhibition tests. We measured specific IgE levels against apricot, peach, rPru p 1, rPru p 3, and rPru p 4 using ImmunoCAP.

Results

ELISA and IgE‐immunoblotting using JA GRP showed positive reactions in six (85.7%) and seven (100%) patients, respectively. Five patients who provided informed consent for BATs and SPTs using JA GRP had positive results. In four patients who underwent ELISA inhibition tests using JA GRP and nPru p 7, IgE binding to one GRP inhibited binding to the other. The positivity for specific IgE against apricot, peach, rPru p 1, rPru p 3, and rPru p 4 was 14.3%, 57.1%, 0%, 0%, and 0%, respectively. Patients developed allergic reactions that were frequently accompanied with facial swelling, especially of the eyelids, which was dependent on cofactors, such as exercise.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

These results indicated that GRP might be a causative allergen of JA allergy, whose onset frequently requires a cofactor, such as exercise, and might be cross‐reactive between JAs and peaches.