bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of CryoSat-2 altimetry data for river analysis and modelling
Authors: Schneider Raphael , Godiksen Peter Nygaard , Villadsen Heidi , Madsen Henrik , Bauer-Gottwein Peter
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Availability of in situ river monitoring data, especially of data shared across boundaries, is decreasing, despite growing challenges for water resource management across the entire globe. This is especially valid for the case study of this work, the Brahmaputra Basin in South Asia. Commonly, satellite altimeters are used in various ways to provide information about such river basins. Most missions provide virtual station time series of water levels at locations where their repeat orbits cross rivers. CryoSat-2 is equipped with a new type of altimeter, providing estimates of the actual ground location seen in the reflected signal. It also uses a drifting orbit, challenging conventional ways of processing altimetry data to river water levels and their incorporation in hydrologic–hydrodynamic models. However, CryoSat-2 altimetry data provides an unprecedentedly high spatial resolution. This paper suggests a procedure to (i) filter CryoSat-2 observations over rivers to extract water-level profiles along the river, and (ii) use this information in combination with a hydrologic–hydrodynamic model to fit the simulated water levels with an accuracy that cannot be reached using information from globally available digital elevation models (DEMs) such as from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) only. The filtering was done based on dynamic river masks extracted from Landsat imagery, providing spatial and temporal resolutions high enough to map the braided river channels and their dynamic morphology. This allowed extraction of river water levels over previously unmonitored narrow stretches of the river. In the Assam Valley section of the Brahmaputra River, CryoSat-2 data and Envisat virtual station data were combined to calibrate cross sections in a 1-D hydrodynamic model of the river. The hydrologic–hydrodynamic model setup and calibration are almost exclusively based on openly available remote sensing data and other global data sources, ensuring transferability of the developed methods. They provide an opportunity to achieve forecasts of both discharge and water levels in a poorly gauged river system.
The potential of urban rainfall monitoring with crowdsourced automatic weather stations in Amsterdam
Authors: de Vos Lotte , Leijnse Hidde , Overeem Aart , Uijlenhoet Remko
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The high density of built-up areas and resulting imperviousness of the land surface makes urban areas vulnerable to extreme rainfall, which can lead to considerable damage. In order to design and manage cities to be able to deal with the growing number of extreme rainfall events, rainfall data are required at higher temporal and spatial resolutions than those needed for rural catchments. However, the density of operational rainfall monitoring networks managed by local or national authorities is typically low in urban areas. A growing number of automatic personal weather stations (PWSs) link rainfall measurements to online platforms. Here, we examine the potential of such crowdsourced datasets for obtaining the desired resolution and quality of rainfall measurements for the capital of the Netherlands. Data from 63 stations in Amsterdam (∼ 575 km2) that measure rainfall over at least 4 months in a 17-month period are evaluated. In addition, a detailed assessment is made of three Netatmo stations, the largest contributor to this dataset, in an experimental setup. The sensor performance in the experimental setup and the density of the PWS network are promising. However, features in the online platforms, like rounding and thresholds, cause changes from the original time series, resulting in considerable errors in the datasets obtained. These errors are especially large during low-intensity rainfall, although they can be reduced by accumulating rainfall over longer intervals. Accumulation improves the correlation coefficient with gauge-adjusted radar data from 0.48 at 5 min intervals to 0.60 at hourly intervals. Spatial rainfall correlation functions derived from PWS data show much more small-scale variability than those based on gauge-adjusted radar data and those found in similar research using dedicated rain gauge networks. This can largely be attributed to the noise in the PWS data resulting from both the measurement setup and the processes occurring in the data transfer to the online PWS platform. A double mass comparison with gauge-adjusted radar data shows that the median of the stations resembles the rainfall reference better than the real-time (unadjusted) radar product. Averaging nearby raw PWS measurements further improves the match with gauge-adjusted radar data in that area. These results confirm that the growing number of internet-connected PWSs could successfully be used for urban rainfall monitoring.
The U.S. Border and the Political Ontology of “Assassination Nation”: Thanatological Dispositifs
Authors: Mendieta Eduardo
Published: February 2017

In this article I set out to develop an alternative analysis of national borders that grants them moral and politically normative standing while at the same time showing the limits of such merely normative analytics. The aim is to develop a genealogical analysis of the U.S. border, which is taken here as an exemplar of how not to implement borders. The first section develops what will be called here the “mobile panopticon,” one that colonizes the so-called heartland, making of all citizens potentially extraditable subjects. The second section argues that the assemblage of institutions that make of the border not simply a geographic marker has become deeply enmeshed with the United States' peculiar institutions of hyperpenality and criminal branding, thus leading to the expansion and exacerbation of what I have called the “ethnoracial prison industrial complex.” This analysis then offers warrants for the argument that the U.S. border is no longer a neutral arbiter of sovereignty but, instead, has become a “genocidal machine.” In the closing section an engagement with Casey and Watkins's recent work on the U.S. border offers a bridge to the genealogical claim that the U.S. border is in fact a thanatological dispositif.
Complex Network Analysis of the Contiguous United States Graph
Authors: Meghanathan Natarajan
Published: February 2017

We model the contiguous states (48 states and the District of Columbia) of the United States (US) as an undirected network graph with each state represented as a node and there is an edge between two nodes if the corresponding two states share a common border. We determine a ranking of the states in the US with respect to a suite of node-level metrics: the centrality metrics (degree, eigenvector, betweenness and closeness), eccentricity, maximal clique size, and local clustering coefficient. We propose a normalization-based approach to obtain a comprehensive centrality ranking of the vertices (that is most likely to be tie-free) encompassing the normalized values of the four centrality metrics. We have applied the proposed normalization-based approach on the US States graph to obtain a tie-free ranking of the vertices based on a comprehensive centrality score. We observe the state of Missouri to be the most central state with respect to all the four centrality metrics. We have also analyzed the US States graph with respect to a suite of network-level metrics: bipartivity index, assortativity index, modularity, size of the minimum connected dominating set, algebraic connectivity and degree metrics. The approach taken in this paper could be useful for several application domains: transportation networks (to identify central hubs), politics (to identify campaign venues with larger geographic coverage), cultural and electoral studies (to identify communities of states that are relatively proximal to each other) and etc.
Visual Learning: A Learner Centered Approach to Enhance English Language Teaching
Authors: Philominraj Andrew , Jeyabalan David , Vidal-Silva Cristian
Published: February 2017

This article presents an empirical study carried out among the students of higher secondary schools to find out how English language learning occurs naturally in an environment where learners are encouraged by an appropriate method such as visual learning. The primary data was collected from 504 students with different pretested questionnaires. A selection of a series of variables is taken into consideration in the survey, which is measured and information of each one is collected to describe what is researched. The results indicate that visual learning is an essential part of the overall experience that the learners gain towards their process of language learning. Also, it constitutes a vital process of ‘Input and Interaction’ for the learner ensuring that his needs, necessities and aspirations are taken into account and by making him involved, produce genuine learning.
On Improving Text Readability by Creating a Personal Writing Style
Authors: Shen Yuru
Published: February 2017

English writing is one of the four indispensable skills that English learners need to master, but unfortunately, many Chinese college students have much difficulty composing clear, concise and coherent essays although they have studied English for at least over six years. To address the problem, the researchers and teachers in China have tried various methods, which have undoubtedly more or less played a role in helping students improve their writing, but with no obvious result. Besides, although much research has been done on readability formulas, the main factors that influence text readability, and so on, little research has been done on how to improve text readability, or how to produce readable writing. This paper, based on a brief introduction to readability and a brief account of the studies on readability and an analysis of the factors that affect text readability, proposes that we can improve the readability of a text by creating our own writing style.
Actuele opvattingen inzake civiel schadeverhaal via het strafproces
Authors: Kool Renée , Emaus Jessy
Published: February 2017

Current views as to civilian compensation through the criminal process

Crime victims’ compensation is a focal point of interest within the present Dutch penal policy. Coming forward as an injured party, crime victims may claim compensation for pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages from the prepetrator. Since the claim is of a subsidiary, civil nature, the decision making may not represent an undue burden to the criminal procedure. To further compensation, the legal criterion for accessibility was extended (2010) and policy measures were taken. The article provides an overview of the most important findings of an evaluation into to date’s practice, paying special attention to the opinion of legal professionals. Focussing on both the preparatory and the trial phase, a multidisciplinary research was executed, combining quantitative and qualitative research methods. The results show an increase of the amount of claims awarded since 2007. To date, victims’ compensation is commonly accepted within the Dutch criminal procedure. Nevertheless, the legal professionals point at the potential draw backs that sprout from the acknowledgment of the victim as a participant within the Dutch criminal proceedings.
‘Buurt Bestuurt Niet’
Authors: Schuilenburg Marc
Published: February 2017

‘Community Governs Not’: Empirical Research into Participation of Citizens in a Deprived Neighbourhood of Rotterdam

In this article, I report on an ethnographic research project conducted in 2013-2015 in Rotterdam’s neighbourhood Hillesluis on ‘Community Governs’, a community-based program which goal is to solve neighbourhood crime and disorder problems. By making use of the CLEAR model, the article focuses on three factors of effective participation of citizens: ‘Enabled to’, ‘Asked to’, and ‘Responded to’. The results indicate that making residents of a deprived neighbourhood responsible for the governing of safety and security issues is extremely difficult. It also becomes clear that the participants don’t believe that their involvement is making a difference in the neighbourhood. An importantly explanation for this is that the participants are not provided enough information to make the right decisions about which safety problems need to be tackled.
Het EVRM en een strafbaarstelling voor overtreding van een visumsysteem in de strijd tegen het terrorisme
Authors: Lentze Ernesto M.J.
Published: February 2017

The European Convention in relation to a criminal offense to breach a visa system in the fight against terrorism

A visa system covered by criminal law could adequately confront the current issues surrounding terrorism and in particular Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF’s). Classical legal research demonstrates that the idea of creating a criminal offense for breaching this visa system does not conflict with relevant human rights parameters of the European Convention, except in cases where journalists or non-journalists with a strong civil expression would be prevented to undertake obvious journalistic activities. The latter differs during a state of emergency, but this is undesirable given the fundamental role of freedom of expression within democratic constitutional societies.
A DNA barcode-based survey of terrestrial arthropods in the Society Islands of French Polynesia: host diversity within the SymbioCode Project
Authors: Ramage Thibault , Martins-Simoes Patricia , Mialdea Gladys , Allemand Roland , Duplouy Anne , Rousse Pascal , Davies Neil , Roderick George K. , Charlat Sylvain
Published: February 2017

We report here on the taxonomic and molecular diversity of 10 929 terrestrial arthropod specimens, collected on four islands of the Society Archipelago, French Polynesia. The survey was part of the ‘SymbioCode Project’ that aims to establish the Society Islands as a natural laboratory in which to investigate the flux of bacterial symbionts (e.g., Wolbachia) and other genetic material among branches of the arthropod tree. The sample includes an estimated 1127 species, of which 1098 included at least one DNA-barcoded specimen and 29 were identified to species level using morphological traits only. Species counts based on molecular data emphasize that some groups have been understudied in this region and deserve more focused taxonomic effort, notably Diptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera. Some taxa that were also subjected to morphological scrutiny reveal a consistent match between DNA and morphology-based species boundaries in 90% of the cases, with a larger than expected genetic diversity in the remaining 10%. Many species from this sample are new to this region or are undescribed. Some are under description, but many await inspection by motivated experts, who can use the online images or request access to ethanol-stored specimens.
La tension sociojuridique entre laïcité et multiculturalisme : Le bijuridisme comme clé de compréhension des débats québécois sur le rapport entre le droit et la religion
Authors: Lavoie Bertrand
Published: February 2017

Le Québec a été le théâtre, au cours des dernières années, de débats concernant l’aménagement juridique et politique de la diversité religieuse, soulevant des questionnements légitimes sur la conciliation des exigences relatives à la neutralité religieuse de l’État et celles relevant de la reconnaissance juridique de l’identité religieuse. Dans cet article, l’auteur défend l’idée selon laquelle le bijuridisme peut servir de clé de compréhension d’une tension entre laïcité et multiculturalisme. Le multiculturalisme en droit canadien permet d’offrir des réponses qui s’agencent bien avec des caractéristiques fondatrices de la tradition juridique de la common law d’origine anglaise, plus encline à concevoir des décisions contextualisées et personnalisées, par exemple l’accommodement raisonnable. De son côté, la laïcité telle que parfois représentée dans les débats au Québec peut trouver écho dans la tradition de droit civil d’origine française, où le recours à des référents abstraits et surplombants est plus fréquent, comme des déclarations de principes à portée universelle. Selon l’analyse proposée, l’existence d’une tension entre laïcité et multiculturalisme permettrait ainsi de saisir la difficile intériorisation du caractère mixte du droit québécois au sein de la culture juridique québécoise, illustrant ainsi la prégnance des « deux solitudes » du bijuridisme.
The Response of 'Golden Delicious' Apple Grafted on M 9 and MM 106 Rootstock to Chemical Fruit Thinning
Authors: Drobnjak Dragana
Published: February 2017

The effect of plant growth regulator in early stages of fruit development is to slow or stop the growth of lateral fruits and to cause their early drop. Two commercial plant growth regulator formulations naphthalene-acetamide (NAD) and naphthaleneaceticacid (NAA) were used. The applied doses of plant growth regulator were in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, for Amidthin 100-130 g/hl and Nokad 20-25 ml/hl. The first treatment was applied after full bloom, and the second when central fruit was 9-12 mm in size. The biggest effect on fruit weight and size was recorded on treated Golden Delicious fruits grafted on M 9 rootstock. It was found that minimum number of fruits per branch was on M 9 rootstock. Also, the most pronounced effect of fruit thinning regarding fruit weight and size was on trees grafted on M 9. Results showed that fruits had decreased firmness and increased dry matter content. However, it did not show significant differences in values of iodine - starch test and acid content.
Genetic control of encoding strategy in a food-sensing neural circuit
Authors: Diana Giovanni , Patel Dhaval S , Entchev Eugeni V , Zhan Mei , Lu Hang , Ch'ng QueeLim
Published: February 2017

Neuroendocrine circuits encode environmental information via changes in gene expression and other biochemical activities to regulate physiological responses. Previously, we showed that daf-7 TGFβ and tph-1 tryptophan hydroxylase expression in specific neurons encode food abundance to modulate lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans, and uncovered cross- and self-regulation among these genes (Entchev et al., 2015). Here, we now extend these findings by showing that these interactions between daf-7 and tph-1 regulate redundancy and synergy among neurons in food encoding through coordinated control of circuit-level signal and noise properties. Our analysis further shows that daf-7 and tph-1 contribute to most of the food-responsiveness in the modulation of lifespan. We applied a computational model to capture the general coding features of this system. This model agrees with our previous genetic analysis and highlights the consequences of redundancy and synergy during information transmission, suggesting a rationale for the regulation of these information processing features.
The concept of Watson’s carative factors in nursing and their (dis)harmony with patient satisfaction
Authors: Pajnkihar Majda , Štiglic Gregor , Vrbnjak Dominika
Published: February 2017

Background

Constant reviews of the caring behavior of nurses and patient satisfaction help to improve the quality of nursing. The aim of our research was to explore relationships between the level of nursing education, the perception of nurses and nursing assistants of Watson’s carative factors, and patient satisfaction.

Methods

A questionnaire survey using a convenience sample of 1,098 members of nursing teams and a purposive sample of 1,123 patients in four health care institutions in Slovenia was conducted in August 2012. A demographic questionnaire and the Caring Nurse-Patient Interactions Scale (nurse version) were delivered to the nurses. A Hospital Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Survey was delivered to discharged patients. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

Carative factor sensibility was related to the level of nursing education. Patients were satisfied with the care received from nurses, nursing assistants and hospitals, although we found differences between the perceptions of nurses and nursing assistants of carative factors and patient satisfaction. By comparing only the perceptions of nurses and nursing assistants of carative factors in health care institutions, differences were found for seven out of ten carative factors.

Discussion

We did not find major significant differences between carative factors and level of nurse education, except in one carative factor. Differences in perceptions of carative factors between health care institutions are probably the result of different institutional factors. The results can be of great benefit to nurse administrators and educators, indicating the factors that must be taken into account for enhancing patient satisfaction. Emphasis on caring theories should be placed in nursing education and their application in nursing practice.
Low‐frequency suppression of Southern Hemisphere tropospheric eddy heat flux
Authors: Zurita‐Gotor P.
Published: February 2017

This paper analyzes the variability of the zonal cospectrum of Southern Hemisphere tropospheric eddy heat flux in reanalysis data. It is shown that the reduced spectral power of low‐frequency eddy heat flux variability largely arises from the anticorrelation in the eddy heat transports by different zonal wave numbers. Although the most plausible mechanism for this relation invokes baroclinicity as a mediating agent, this hypothesis does not seem to be supported by the observed variability of baroclinicity. Low‐frequency baroclinicity variability is primarily driven by the mean meridional circulation, with only a minor role for the eddy heat flux.
Permeability, porosity, and mineral surface area changes in basalt cores induced by reactive transport of CO2‐rich brine
Authors: Luhmann Andrew J. , Tutolo Benjamin M. , Bagley Brian C. , Mildner David F. R. , Seyfried William E. , Saar Martin O.
Published: February 2017

Four reactive flow‐through laboratory experiments (two each at 0.1 mL/min and 0.01 mL/min flow rates) at 150°C and 150 bar (15 MPa) are conducted on intact basalt cores to assess changes in porosity, permeability, and surface area caused by CO2‐rich fluid‐rock interaction. Permeability decreases slightly during the lower flow rate experiments and increases during the higher flow rate experiments. At the higher flow rate, core permeability increases by more than one order of magnitude in one experiment and less than a factor of two in the other due to differences in preexisting flow path structure. X‐ray computed tomography (XRCT) scans of pre‐ and post‐experiment cores identify both mineral dissolution and secondary mineralization, with a net decrease in XRCT porosity of ∼0.7%–0.8% for the larger pores in all four cores. (Ultra) small‐angle neutron scattering ((U)SANS) data sets indicate an increase in both (U)SANS porosity and specific surface area (SSA) over the ∼1 nm to 10 µm scale range in post‐experiment basalt samples, with differences due to flow rate and reaction time. Net porosity increases from summing porosity changes from XRCT and (U)SANS analyses are consistent with core mass decreases. (U)SANS data suggest an overall preservation of the pore structure with no change in mineral surface roughness from reaction, and the pore structure is unique in comparison to previously published basalt analyses. Together, these data sets illustrate changes in physical parameters that arise due to fluid‐basalt interaction in relatively low pH environments with elevated CO2 concentration, with significant implications for flow, transport, and reaction through geologic formations.
A Combinational Effect of “Bulk” and “Surface” Shape‐Memory Transitions on the Regulation of Cell Alignment
Authors: Uto Koichiro , Aoyagi Takao , DeForest Cole A. , Hoffman Allan S. , Ebara Mitsuhiro
Published: February 2017

A novel shape‐memory cell culture platform has been designed that is capable of simultaneously tuning surface topography and dimensionality to manipulate cell alignment. By crosslinking poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) macromonomers of precisely designed nanoarchitectures, a shape‐memory PCL with switching temperature near body temperature is successfully prepared. The temporary strain‐fixed PCLs are prepared by processing through heating, stretching, and cooling about the switching temperature. Temporary nanowrinkles are also formed spontaneously during the strain‐fixing process with magnitudes that are dependent on the applied strain. The surface features completely transform from wrinkled to smooth upon shape‐memory activation over a narrow temperature range. Shape‐memory activation also triggers dimensional deformation in an initial fixed strain‐dependent manner. A dynamic cell‐orienting study demonstrates that surface topographical changes play a dominant role in cell alignment for samples with lower fixed strain, while dimensional changes play a dominant role in cell alignment for samples with higher fixed strain. The proposed shape‐memory cell culture platform will become a powerful tool to investigate the effects of spatiotemporally presented mechanostructural stimuli on cell fate.
Relationship Between the Material Properties and Pyroelectric‐Generating Performance of PZTs
Authors: Yamanaka Satoru , Kim Juyoung , Nakajima Akira , Katou Takanori , Kim Yoonho , Fukuda Tatsuo , Yoshii Kenji , Nishihata Yasuo , Baba Masaaki , Yamada Noboru , Nakayama Tadachika , Takeda Masatoshi , Niihara Koichi , Tanaka Hirohisa
Published: February 2017

In pyroelectric applications, the general figures of merit (FOMs) have been applied and reported near room temperature. We derived the modified FOMs in considering our electro‐thermodynamic cycle for the usage environment of automotive applications. The relationship between the material properties and generating performance of PZTs was investigated at various temperatures. The was suggested from FD, a FOM for a pyroelectric sensor, based on the modified pyroelectric coefficient (p); . was calculated by the change of the spontaneous polarization (PS) according to a given temperature variation during one cycle; ΔPS/ΔT (Tmax−Tmin). It was indicated that the could be effective as a FOM for the pyroelectric generating performance and the dielectric loss (tanδ ) significantly affected the generating performance in addition to under high‐temperature and electric field conditions. Furthermore, of the PZTs tested, C‐91 sample which showed the highest generating performance resulted in a generating energy of 1.3 mW cm–3 in the engine dynamometer assessment. This is 13 times greater than the generating energy reported in a previous study of C‐6 (0.1 mW cm–3).
Atomic Layer Deposition of Iron Sulfide and Its Application as a Catalyst in the Hydrogenation of Azobenzenes
Authors: Shao Youdong , Guo Zheng , Li Hao , Su Yantao , Wang Xinwei
Published: February 2017

The atomic layer deposition (ALD) of iron sulfide (FeSx) is reported for the first time. The deposition process employs bis(N,N′‐di‐tert‐butylacetamidinato)iron(II) and H2S as the reactants and produces fairly pure, smooth, and well‐crystallized FeSx thin films following an ideal self‐limiting ALD growth behavior. The FeSx films can be uniformly and conformally deposited into deep narrow trenches with aspect ratios as high as 10:1, which highlights the broad applicability of this ALD process for engineering the surface of complex 3D nanostructures in general. Highly uniform nanoscale FeSx coatings on porous γ‐Al2O3 powder were also prepared. This compound shows excellent catalytic activity and selectivity in the hydrogenation of azo compounds under mild reaction conditions, demonstrating the promise of ALD FeSx as a catalyst for organic reactions.
Effects of highly exfoliated montmorillonite layers on the properties of clay reinforced terpolymer nanocomposite plugging microspheres
Authors: Ji Jingqi , Ke Yangchuan , Pei Yang , Zhang Guoliang
Published: February 2017

In this study, exfoliated montmorillonite (MMT) nanolayers were successfully encapsulated in acrylamide/acrylic acid/2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid (AM/AA/AMPS) terpolymer microspheres by in situ inverse suspension polymerization with the aid of the organic intercalation modification and the lateral groups of terpolymer chains. The introduction of well‐dispersed MMT nanolayers reveals a significant enhancement of the comprehensive properties of these nanocomposite microspheres, such as the viscoelasticity, thermal stability, and plugging ability. Compared with the pure terpolymer, the elastic modulus (G′) of terpolymer/2.0 wt % O‐MMT nanocomposites is 4.30 times higher and the decomposition temperature of these nanocomposites increases by 40 °C. The plugging rate reaches as high as 86.6%. Besides, surface morphology, swelling degree, and wetting behavior can be effectively tuned by varying the content of exfoliated MMT. The wetting angle increases to 82.0 ° which is suitable for modifying the formation channels. These selected nanocomposite microspheres can effectively enter and plug the high permeable microchannels. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44894.
Controlled heparinase‐catalyzed degradation of polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules with heparin as responsive layer
Authors: Sun Lili , Xiong Xin , Zou Qiaogen , Ouyang Pingkai , Krastev Rumen
Published: February 2017

This work describes the enzymatic degradation of combined hollow capsules via layer‐by‐layer (LbL) self‐assembly technique. They previously showed the build‐up and characterization of capsules composed of synthetic [Poly(sodium 4‐styrene‐sulfonate)/Poly(allylamine hydrochloride)] and biodegradable (Heparin/Chitosan) polyelectrolytes. Biocatalytic response of assembled multilayer capsules provides a more functional and oriented approach in controlled release of encapsulated molecules: in this case multilayer capsule was disassembled by heparinase. Morphological change of individual capsule was assessed with Atomic Force Microscopy and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. The sustained release of encapsulated FITC‐Dextran model was realized under enzymatic degradation of the capsule shells by heparinase. The release profile of FITC‐Dextran indicated the successful control in a concentration‐dependent manner, which shows the applicability as smart drug delivery system. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44916.
Transition‐metal‐free Chemoselective Oxidative C−C Coupling of the sp3 C−H Bond of Oxindoles with Arenes and Addition to Alkene: Synthesis of 3‐Aryl Oxindoles, and Benzofuro‐ and Indoloindoles
Authors: Sattar Moh. , Rathore Vandana , Prasad Ch. Durga , Kumar Sangit
Published: February 2017

A transition‐metal (TM)‐free and halogen‐free NaOtBu‐mediated oxidative cross‐coupling between the sp3 C−H bond of oxindoles and sp2 C−H bond of nitroarenes has been developed to access 3‐aryl substituted and 3,3‐aryldisubstituted oxindoles in DMSO at room temperature in a short time. Interestingly, the sp3 C−H bond of oxindoles could also react with styrene under TM‐free conditions for the practical synthesis of quaternary 3,3‐disubstituted oxindoles. The synthesized 3‐oxindoles have also been further transformed into advanced heterocycles, that is, benzofuroindoles, indoloindoles, and substituted indoles. Mechanistic experiments of the reaction suggests the formation of an anion intermediate from the sp3 C−H bond of oxindole by tert‐butoxide base in DMSO. The addition of nitrobenzene to the in‐situ generated carbanion leads to the 3‐(nitrophenyl)oxindolyl carbanion in DMSO which is subsequently oxidized to 3‐(nitro‐aryl) oxindole by DMSO.
Life cycle assessment is the most relevant framework to evaluate biofuel greenhouse gas burdens
Authors: De Kleine Robert D. , Anderson James E. , Kim Hyung Chul , Wallington Timothy J.
Published: February 2017

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is used extensively to assess the greenhouse gas (GHG) implications of biofuels. Some argue that the common treatment of biogenic carbon emissions as being carbon neutral in LCA is flawed. From this divergent perspective, biofuels have potential benefits only if additional atmospheric CO2 is captured or feedstocks that would otherwise quickly decompose (e.g. agricultural residues) are utilized. An alternative method, Annual Basis Carbon (ABC) accounting, has recently been demonstrated for a single ethanol facility comparing the year‐over‐year GHG impacts of the cropland supplying the facility, the fuel production processes (gasoline prior to construction and ethanol after), and vehicle tailpipe emissions. Our review of the ABC method identifies inconsistencies in the treatment of the non‐fuel products: corn, soybeans, and distiller's dried grain solubles (DDGS). While these products are also consumed annually, the GHG emissions were not considered in evaluating the system performance. Furthermore, GHG impacts, both in terms of burdens from inputs and crop CO2 uptake, were not allocated to the products leaving the system. Thus in the initial state, the petroleum‐fueled system received a substantial benefit from crop CO2 uptake, but none of the subsequent emission burdens associated with the consumption of non‐fuel (i.e., food/feed) ‘exports’. In the final state, conversely, most biomass was combusted as ethanol and captured within the considered system. A system expansion is needed to better account for impacts. While concerns about the degree of carbon additionality have some merit, consequential LCA methods provide for more consistent and comprehensive approaches for evaluating biofuel GHG performance. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Dynamics of the Water Dimer + Nitric Oxide Collision
Authors: Ree Jongbaik , Kim Yoo Hang , Shin Hyung Kyu
Published: February 2017

Collision‐induced intermolecular energy transfer and intramolecular vibrational redistribution in the collision of a water dimer and nitric oxide are studied by use of quasiclassical procedures. Intermolecular energy flow is shown to occur mainly through a direct‐mode mechanism transferring relatively large amounts in strong collisions. About a quarter of the energy initially deposited in the dimer transfers to the ground state NO, while the rest redistributes among internal motions of the collision system. The main portion of initial energy deposited in the dimer redistributes in the stretches of the donor monomer through the 1:1 resonance followed by in the bend through the 1:2 resonance. Energy transfer from the excited NO to the ground‐state dimer is equally efficient, transferring more than half the initial excitation to the donor monomer, the efficiency that is attributed to the internal modes operating as energy reservoirs. The hydrogen bond shares about 15% of the initial excitation stored in both dimer‐to‐NO and NO‐to‐dimer processes as a result of strong coupling of the hydrogen bond with the proton‐donor OH bond of the monomer. A small fraction of collisions proceeds through a complex‐mode mechanism and lead to NO dissociation, the dissociated O atom showing a propensity to form a new hydrogen bond.
Relative Bioavailability of a Dolutegravir Dispersible Tablet and the Effects of Low‐ and High‐Mineral‐Content Water on the Tablet in Healthy Adults
Authors: Buchanan Ann M. , Holton Michael , Conn Ian , Davies Mark , Choukour Mike , Wynne Brian R.
Published: February 2017

Dolutegravir (DTG) is approved in the United States to treat HIV‐1‐infected patients weighing ≥30 kg. A dispersible DTG tablet formulation was recently developed for pediatric patients. This study compares the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the dispersible tablet with that of a previously evaluated granule formulation. In this randomized, open‐label, crossover study, 15 healthy adults received single oral doses of DTG 20 mg every 7 days across 5 treatment arms: granules consumed immediately after mixture with purified water, dispersible DTG consumed immediately after reconstitution in low‐mineral‐content (LMC) or high‐mineral‐content (HMC) water, and dispersible DTG consumed 30 minutes after dispersal in LMC or HMC water. Primary endpoints were bioavailability of immediately consumed dispersible tablet in LMC water relative to granule formulation reconstituted in purified water and PK of the dispersible tablet. Secondary endpoints included tolerability and palatability. The DTG dispersible tablet showed equivalent exposures to the granule formulation with geometric least‐squares mean treatment ratios of 1.06 and 1.12 for AUC0‐∞ and Cmax, respectively. DTG PK parameters were unaffected by mineral content or the 30‐minute delay. Adverse events were mild; only nausea (n = 1) was considered drug related. DTG exposure observed with the dispersible tablet supports evaluation of this formulation for further development.
Subdivision design and stewardship affect bird and mammal use of conservation developments
Authors: Farr Cooper M. , Pejchar Liba , Reed Sarah E.
Published: February 2017

Developing effective tools for conservation on private lands is increasingly important for global biodiversity conservation; private lands are located in more productive and biologically diverse areas, and they face accelerated rates of land conversion. One strategy is conservation development (CD) subdivisions, which cluster houses in a small portion of a property and preserve the remaining land as protected open space. Despite widespread use, the characteristics that make CD more or less effective at achieving biodiversity conservation are not well understood. We investigated CD's ability to successfully protect animal populations by examining bird and mammal occurrences in 14 CD subdivisions and four undeveloped areas (range: 14–432 ha) in northern Colorado, USA. Using point count and camera trap data in an occupancy modeling framework, we evaluated the relative importance of nine subdivision design factors (e.g., housing density, proportion of CD protected) and 14 stewardship factors (e.g., presence of livestock, percent native vegetation cover) in influencing the overall community composition and the probability of use by 16 birds and six mammals. We found that habitat use by 75% of birds and 83% of mammals was associated with design characteristics that maximized the natural or undisturbed land area both within and near the development (e.g., proportion of CD protected, total area of protected open space, proportion of natural land cover in the surrounding landscape). These factors were also associated with an increasing dominance of human‐sensitive bird species, larger‐bodied mammals, and mammals with larger home ranges. Habitat use by birds was also influenced by local land use composition and quality, and use by several bird and mammal species decreased with increased localized disturbances. We found few differences in habitat use between sampling sites in undeveloped areas and in CD subdivisions. These similarities indicate that, if CDs are large enough or located within a matrix of undeveloped land, they can provide habitat that supports similar use patterns as protected areas without housing development. By incorporating characteristics that promote the persistence of sensitive birds and mammals on private lands, CDs have potential to preserve native biodiversity in areas threatened by expanding residential development.
Browsing impacts on the stable isotope composition of chaparral plants
Authors: Koch Paul L. , Fox Laurel R.
Published: February 2017

We assessed the effects of herbivory on competition, water stress, and potentially biological nitrogen fixation on three species of endemic shrubs using variations in the stable isotope ratios (13C/12C and 15N/14N) in leaves of chaparral shrubs in a long‐term field experiment. While variations in isotopic ratios of plants are often attributed to abiotic stresses, impacts of biotic interactions are rarely evaluated. Our site was a low‐nutrient, chaparral community on the central California coast. In this system, deer browsing on Ceanothus rigidus, which have symbiotic N‐fixing bacteria (Frankia), was intense and suppressed growth, while the two non‐fixing shrubs (Arctostaphylos pumila and Ericameria ericoides) were not browsed heavily. For Ceanothus, excluding deer increased both plant size and the δ15N value to ~0‰; δ13C values also increased as the plants increased in mass. In Arctostaphylos and Ericameria, stable isotope values did not change, while plant sizes remained the same or even declined when deer were excluded. We interpret the change in Ceanothus δ15N values as due to increased N fixation after evaluating possible alternative explanations. The increase in Ceanothus δ13C values may be due to increased water stress with substantial shrub growth. More broadly, herbivore suppression of N fixation may impact ecosystem processes such as productivity and N cycling, as well as an ecosystem's ability to respond to increased CO2.
Human Cytochrome P450 (CYP1A2)‐dsDNA Interaction in situ Evaluation Using a dsDNA‐electrochemical Biosensor
Authors: Lopes Ilanna Campelo , Oliveira‐Brett Ana Maria
Published: February 2017

Human cytochrome CYP1A2 is one of the major hepatic cytochrome P450s involved in many drugs metabolism, and chemical carcinogens activation. The CYP1A2‐dsDNA interaction in situ evaluation using a DNA‐electrochemical biosensor and differential pulse voltammetry was investigated. A dsDNA‐electrochemical biosensor showed that CYP1A2 interacted with dsDNA causing conformational changes in the double helix chain and DNA oxidative damage. A preferential interaction between the dsDNA guanosine residues and CYP1A2 was found, as free guanine and 8‐oxoguanine, a DNA oxidative damage biomarker, oxidation peaks were detected. This was confirmed using guanine and adenine homopolynucleotides‐electrochemical biosensors. The CYP1A2‐dsDNA interaction and dsDNA conformation changes was also confirmed by UV‐Vis spectrophotometry.
Developing a new nonbinary SNP fluorescent multiplex detection system for forensic application in China
Authors: Liu Yanfang , Liao Huidan , Liu Ying , Guo Juanjuan , Sun Yi , Fu Xiaoliang , Xiao Ding , Cai Jifeng , Lan Lingmei , Xie Pingli , Zha Lagabaiyila
Published: February 2017

Nonbinary single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are potential forensic genetic markers because their discrimination power is greater than that of normal binary SNPs, and that they can detect highly degraded samples. We previously developed a nonbinary SNP multiplex typing assay. In this study, we selected additional 20 nonbinary SNPs from the NCBI SNP database and verified them through pyrosequencing. These 20 nonbinary SNPs were analyzed using the fluorescent‐labeled SNaPshot multiplex SNP typing method. The allele frequencies and genetic parameters of these 20 nonbinary SNPs were determined among 314 unrelated individuals from Han populations from China. The total power of discrimination was 0.9999999999994, and the cumulative probability of exclusion was 0.9986. Moreover, the result of the combination of this 20 nonbinary SNP assay with the 20 nonbinary SNP assay we previously developed demonstrated that the cumulative probability of exclusion of the 40 nonbinary SNPs was 0.999991 and that no significant linkage disequilibrium was observed in all 40 nonbinary SNPs. Thus, we concluded that this new system consisting of new 20 nonbinary SNPs could provide highly informative polymorphic data which would be further used in forensic application and would serve as a potentially valuable supplement to forensic DNA analysis.
Hydrogel microfluidic co‐culture device for photothermal therapy and cancer migration
Authors: Lee Jong Min , Seo Hye In , Bae Jun Hyuk , Chung Bong Geun
Published: February 2017

We developed the photo‐crosslinkable hydrogel microfluidic co‐culture device to study photothermal therapy and cancer cell migration. To culture MCF7 human breast carcinoma cells and metastatic U87MG human glioblastoma in the microfluidic device, we used 10 w/v% gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels as a semi‐permeable physical barrier. We demonstrated the effect of gold nanorod on photothermal therapy of cancer cells in the microfluidic co‐culture device. Interestingly, we observed that metastatic U87MG human glioblastoma largely migrated toward vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐treated GelMA hydrogel‐embedding microchannels. The main advantage of this hydrogel microfluidic co‐culture device is to simultaneously analyze the physiological migration behaviors of two cancer cells with different physiochemical motilities and study gold nanorod‐mediated photothermal therapy effect. Therefore, this hydrogel microfluidic co‐culture device could be a potentially powerful tool for photothermal therapy and cancer cell migration applications.
An Empirical Model and Ethnic Differences in Cultural Meanings Via Motives for Suicide
Authors: Chu Joyce , Khoury Oula , Ma Johnson , Bahn Francesca , Bongar Bruce , Goldblum Peter
Published: February 2017

Objective

The importance of cultural meanings via motives for suicide – what is considered acceptable to motivate suicide – has been advocated as a key step in understanding and preventing development of suicidal behaviors. There have been limited systematic empirical attempts to establish different cultural motives ascribed to suicide across ethnic groups.

Method

We used a mixed methods approach and grounded theory methodology to guide the analysis of qualitative data querying for meanings via motives for suicide among 232 Caucasians, Asian Americans, and Latino/a Americans with a history of suicide attempts, ideation, intent, or plan. We used subsequent logistic regression analyses to examine ethnic differences in suicide motive themes.

Results

This inductive approach of generating theory from data yielded an empirical model of 6 cultural meanings via motives for suicide themes: intrapersonal perceptions, intrapersonal emotions, intrapersonal behavior, interpersonal, mental health/medical, and external environment. Logistic regressions showed ethnic differences in intrapersonal perceptions (low endorsement by Latino/a Americans) and external environment (high endorsement by Latino/a Americans) categories.

Conclusion

Results advance suicide research and practice by establishing 6 empirically based cultural motives for suicide themes that may represent a key intermediary step in the pathway toward suicidal behaviors. Clinicians can use these suicide meanings via motives to guide their assessment and determination of suicide risk. Emphasis on environmental stressors rather than negative perceptions like hopelessness should be considered with Latino/a clients.
Ni‐W Catalysts Supported on HZSM‐5/HMS for the Hydrogenation Reaction of Aromatic Compounds: Effect of Ni/W Ratio on Activity, Stability, and Kinetics
Authors: Peyrovi M. H. , Parsafard N. , Hajiabadi M. Abdali
Published: February 2017

Ni‐W/HZSM5‐HMS catalysts were evaluated for the benzene hydrogenation reaction at 130–190°C. To study the catalyst characterization, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared, UV–vis, diffuse reflectance spectra, temperature‐programmed desorption of NH3, FT‐IR of adsorbed pyridine measurements (Py‐IR), H2 chemisorption, nitrogen adsorption–desorption, and TGA techniques were used. Kinetics of benzene hydrogenation was investigated under various hydrogen and benzene pressures, and the effect of reaction conditions on catalytic performance was studied. The results showed that bimetallic catalysts have better ability than a monometallic catalyst (Ni/HZSM5‐HMS) for this reaction, such as maximum benzene conversion (100%), minimum toluene conversion (1.76–40%), very low converted xylene, benzene selectivity (100%), good catalytic stability against coke deposition, and appropriate kinetic parameters.