bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How schools can engage with the new national film education programme
Authors: Fletcher Jane
Published: May 2014

The British Film Institute is investing £26 million in a unified programme of film education from this September, including a new national youth and education film festival. Jane Fletcher explains.
NQT special: Mentor and mentee relationships
Authors: Benziane Amy
Published: May 2014

The mentor-mentee relationship is crucial for new teachers. Amy Benziane reflects on what makes an excellent mentor and the qualities that mentees need to bring to the relationship.
NQT special: CPD beyond NQT
Authors: Weston David
Published: May 2014

David Weston discusses why NQTs should focus on their CPD during year 2 at the chalkface and looks at what your priorities might be.
NQT special: Tips to handle the pressures of NQT life
Authors: Stanley Julian
Published: May 2014

‘Fran’ is a typical NQT, whose story has been compiled by the Teacher Support Network based on the calls it receives from teachers across the country. Julian Stanley offers some advice and pointers to help NQTs and young teachers tackle the most common problems they will encounter.
Top tips for tutor time
Authors: Peter Helen
Published: May 2014

One area of schooling in which teachers often feel massively under-prepared is how to successfully lead your tutor group. Helen Peter has just released a book on the subject and offers some practical tips to help get new tutors started in September.
Life as a Teaching School
Authors: Gardener Nigel
Published: May 2014

All Saints Catholic School in Dagenham is a cohort 2 Teaching School. Nigel Gardener discusses how the status has changed school life and explains some of the projects they are now working on
Working together to develop leadership practice
Authors: Barlow Caroline
Published: May 2014

Schools in West Sussex are embracing the challenge of the Redesigning Schooling campaign to develop their leadership and educational practice in key areas. Caroline Barlow explains.
Life as a young carer – and how schools can help
Authors: Beynon Rhian
Published: May 2014

Being a young carer can have a significant impact on a child's schooling, but too often they are suffering in silence. Rhian Beynon explains more about the Be Bothered campaign while Chloe, a young carer, gives us an insight into her home and school life.
How to develop a school culture of research
Authors: Marshall Linda
Published: May 2014

Principal Linda Marshall discusses how we can support our teachers to carry out research and build a culture of evidence-based practice across our schools.
Meet the National Pupil Premium champion
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: May 2014

Respected educationalist Dr John Dunford officially began work this month as the National Pupil Premium Champion. He spoke to Dorothy Lepkowska about his new role and how he will be helping to support effective Pupil Premium practice.
Improving teaching and learning with the Bayesian method
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: May 2014

Matt Bromley does not know the secret to developing outstanding teaching and learning, but the story of the hunt for a lost American submarine in 1968 could hold the key. He introduces the brilliant simplicity of the Bayesian Method.
Introducing Traineeships
Authors: Grailey David
Published: May 2014

The government's new programme of pre-Apprenticeship course – called Traineeships – are aimed at boosting youth employability skills. David Grailey explains.
Giving effective student feedback
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: May 2014

Effective student feedback is increasingly being recognised as a key influence on learning and student achievement. Matt Bromley offers some ideas to improve your feedback strategies.
What is Student Impact?
Authors: Middlehurst Tom
Published: May 2014

If we are to transform our schooling system then we must truly engage with our students. While student voice or student leadership is common practice, Tom Middlehurst argues that we need to embrace a new concept – Student Impact.
How to care for the bite wound patient
Authors: O'Dwyer Louise
Published: May 2014

Bite wounds are commonly encountered in veterinary practice, and their initial management can make the difference between a successful case and one which proves problematic. These wounds can result in a detrimental cascade of physiological responses to the original injury including systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). These wounds require careful assessment, exploration and management and the systemic effects of the injury should also be considered as a priority. Correct and timely management of the bite wound patient can result in a positive outcome but severe cases rely heavily on close and careful assessment and monitoring of the patient as a whole.
Feline lower urinary tract disease:predisposition, causes and nursing care
Authors: Woolf Karen
Published: May 2014

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a common problem in veterinary practice. The causes of and predispositions to FLUTD are often misunderstood and this can lead to recurrence within patients.

Sex, weight, diet and stress have all been suggested as factors that increase the risk of a cat developing FLUTD. Males would appear to be more predisposed to FLUTD than females and are regularly over represented in studies of FLUTD cats. Obesity also seems to be a predisposing factor with larger cats more likely to experience FLUTD. However cats that are fed a dry diet do not appear to be significantly more likely to develop FLUTD when compared to those fed a wet diet. Stress would seem to be the most significant inciting factor in the recurrence of FLUTD with much research conducted in this area.
Common toxicoses in small animal practice: a guide for the veterinary nurse
Authors: Bill Robert
Published: May 2014

Veterinary nurses and clinicians should be familiar with common toxicants so that they can ask potential questions about the patient's history, including clinical signs and access to potentially toxic agents. This article outlines some of the toxicants commonly identified in small animal practice, including human medications, such as antidepressants, sleeping pills and paracetamol, household products, such as chocolate, grapes and antifreeze, and poisonous plants. Early diagnosis is essential to prompt immediate management.
How to submit samples correctly for analysis
Authors: Heayns Bethaney Jane
Published: May 2014

It is often the veterinary nurse (VN) who is responsible for ensuring samples are submitted correctly for analysis, whether that be for diagnostic or research purposes. There are a number of pre-analytical considerations the VN must make which help protect the integrity of the sample and therefore validity of the results. Packaging of samples is one of these important considerations as not only does packaging protect the sample, it also protects the people involved with the transport of the samples.
Influenza: are we protecting our horses effectively?
Authors: Marr Celia M
Published: May 2014

Equine flu is highly contagious and causes a range of respiratory signs, coughing, nasal discharge and fever. When it occurs in young, unprotected horses it can be particularly severe.
Anaesthetic management of a patient undergoing dental extractions with concurrent congestive heart failure and advanced tracheal collapse
Authors: Tompkins Emma
Published: May 2014

This article describes and evaluates the anaesthetic management provided to a canine patient with congestive heart failure and advanced tracheal collapse undergoing dental extractions. Thorough pre-operative assessment of the patient's clinical condition and concurrent medication is an important consideration to enable an appropriate anaesthetic protocol to be implemented. An awareness of the importance and practical application of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics within veterinary nursing should be encouraged to maximise patient care.
R2 and Idiosyncratic Risk Are Not Interchangeable
Authors: Li Bin , Rajgopal Shivaram , Venkatachalam Mohan
Published: May 2014

A growing literature investigates the association between stock return variation and several aspects of information and governance structures, in both a cross-country setting and a cross-firm setting within the U.S. Papers use either idiosyncratic stock return volatility or R2 as interchangeable measures of firm-specific return variation but report inconsistent results. An important reason for the differing interpretations is the assumption about whether lower R2 (or higher ) captures firm-specific news or noise. We document that higher (or equivalently, lower R2) resembles noise. In addition, we show, analytically and empirically, that different results obtain when using R2 or because the systematic risk inherent in the R2 metric is also correlated with the independent variable of interest. Therefore, we recommend that when assessing the association between R2 (or ) and some independent variable, researchers (1) control for elements of systematic risk and (2) triangulate their findings with other measures of information environment.

Data Availability: The data in this study are available from commercial providers, e.g., WRDS, Compustat, CRSP, I/B/E/S.
Comparing Survey and Sampling Methods for Reaching Sexual Minority Individuals in Flanders
Authors: Dewaele Alexis , Caen Maya , Buysse Ann
Published: May 2014

As part of a large sexual health study, we used two different approaches to target Sexual Minority Individuals (SMIs). Firstly, we drew on a probability sample (1,832 respondents aged 14-80) of the Flemish population in Belgium. Secondly, we set up a targeted sampling design followed by an Internet survey. Our focus was to explore how two different sampling procedures and survey designs could lead to differences in sample characteristics. Results showed that for female SMIs (we excluded male SMIs from the analyses due to their low numbers) the population sample differed from the Internet sample in terms of sociodemographic characteristics (the latter included younger and more highly educated respondents) and scores on sexual orientation dimensions (the population sample included more respondents who didn’t identify as lesbian or bisexual but reported same-sex sexual experiences and desire). Respondents’ scores on sexual health indicators differed between the samples for two of the seven variables. We discuss implications for improving the quality and validity of nonrandom samples.
Parametric Studies of Semi-Rigid Flush End Plate Joints with Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Columns
Authors: Ataei Abdolreza , Bradford Mark A.
Published: May 2014

A semi-rigid beam-to-column composite blind bolted connection is modelled using ABAQUS software. The mechanics of this innovative joint considered in the paper requires careful consideration in order to capture the response accurately using computational techniques. The composite beam is connected to a concrete-filled square column using blind bolts, and the model simulates a connection in hogging bending moment. Partial shear connection is considered, as well as the non-linear material properties and geometry of all of the constitutive components. All connection components were taken as being the same size as used in the experiments against which the method is calibrated, and furthermore the model does not need recourse to empirical push-out test data. The technique can be used to model the connections easily, resulting in rapid and reliable solutions. Using the numerical model which is calibrated accurately against experimental test results, a parametric study is carried out to investigate the pertinent parameters such as the reinforcement ratio, axial loading in the column, thickness of the concrete slab, degree of the shear connection, diameter of the blind bolts and the pretension force in them on the structural behaviour of this innovative type of joint. Based on the parametric studies, recommendations for the design of this kind of structural joint are given.
A Study of the Micrometeorological Characteristics in the Surface Layer of Kangding Airport
Authors: Wu Jun Jie , Duan Lian , Zhang Sha
Published: May 2014

The micrometeorological characteristics have been analyzed based on data of the Kangding airport during Mar., May.-Jul., Sep., 2010. Due to the variability of the westerly over the airport, it was cold and dry on Mar. and rainy season started on May. when the precipitation mainly occurred during 17:00-23:00. The obviously 30-50 day intra-seasonal oscillation of precipitation at airport was closely related to the 850-hPa U-wind at the Bay of Bengal from May. to Sep.. Because of the more cloud cover, the daily rang of temperature and station pressure was reduced.
Bending Characterization of UD Composites
Authors: Sachs Ulrich , Akkerman Remko , Haanappel Sebastiaan P.
Published: May 2014

This paper presents a novel test set-up to characterize the bending behavior of UD laminates in thermoforming conditions. An analysis of the set-up and the applied boundary conditions is presented. A validation of the test procedure using purely elastic specimens, shows its potential to accurately measure bending properties, to be used for numerical forming simulations. Preliminary bending tests were performed on UD carbon PEEK specimens, showing a visco-elastic response. The actual bending phenomenon is confirmed to be intimately related to the intra-ply shear deformation mechanism.
WACCM climate chemistry sensitivity to sprite perturbations
Authors: Arnone E. , Smith A. K. , Enell C.‐F. , Kero A. , Dinelli B. M.
Published: May 2014

Transient luminous events affect Earth's atmosphere between thunderstorm tops and the lower ionosphere through ion‐neutral chemistry reactions. Particular emphasis has been given to sprites, with models and observations suggesting a capability of perturbing atmospheric nitrogen oxides at a local level, as it is known to occur for tropospheric lightning and laboratory air discharges. However, it is as yet unknown whether sprites can be a relevant source of nitrogen oxides for the upper atmosphere. In this paper, we study the sensitivity of the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) to sprite‐like nitrogen oxide perturbations. We take a top‐down approach to estimate what magnitude sprite perturbations should have to become significant as compared to other relevant atmospheric processes and study the sensitivity of the model response within the given uncertainties. We show that, based on current predictions by sprite streamer chemistry models, sprites can perturb Tropical NOx at 70 km altitude between 0.015 ppbv (buried in the background variability) and 0.15 ppbv (about 20%), adopting a local NOx production per sprite of 1.5·1023 and 1.5·1024 molecules respectively at this altitude. Below the lowest of the adopted values, sprites are irrelevant at global scales. Sprite NOx may build up to significantly larger amounts locally above active thunderstorms, further aided by other transient luminous events and possibly terrestrial gamma ray flashes. We also use model results to interpret the available observational studies and give recommendations for future campaigns.
Valence to Core X‐ray Emission Spectroscopy
Authors: Gallo Erik , Glatzel Pieter
Published: May 2014

This Progress Report discusses the chemical sensitivity of Kβ valence to core X‐ray emission spectroscopy (vtc‐XES) and its applications for investigating 3d‐transition‐metal based materials. Vtc‐XES can be used for ligand identification and for the characterization of the valence electronic levels. The technique provides information that is similar to valence band photoemission spectroscopy but the sample environment can be chosen freely and thus allows measurements in presence of gases and liquids and it can be applied for measurements under in situ/operando or extreme conditions. The theoretical basis of the technique is presented using a one‐electron approach and the vtc‐XES spectral features are interpreted using ground state density functional theory calculations. Some recent results obtained by vtc‐XES in various scientific fields are discussed to demonstrate the potential and future applications of this technique. Resonant X‐ray emission spectroscopy is briefly introduced with some applications for the study of 3d and 5d‐transition‐metal based systems.
Definition der Halogenbrücke (IUPAC‐Empfehlungen 2013)
Authors: Schmuck Carsten , Weber Elisabeth
Published: May 2014

Der Begriff Halogenbrücke, der für eine spezifische Untergruppe der inter‐ und intramolekularen Wechselwirkungen unter Beteiligung eines Halogenatoms in einer molekularen Einheit steht, wird hier definiert. Es geht um Halogenatome, die als elektronenarme (elektrophile) Zentren fungieren und eine anziehende Wechselwirkung mit elektronenreichen (nucleophilen) Zentren eingehen.
Phosphine‐ and Hydrogen‐Free: Highly Regioselective Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Hydroaminomethylation of Olefins
Authors: Gülak Samet , Wu Lipeng , Liu Qiang , Franke Robert , Jackstell Ralf , Beller Matthias
Published: May 2014

A highly regioselective ruthenium‐catalyzed hydroaminomethylation of olefins is reported. Using easily available trirutheniumdodecacarbonyl an efficient sequence consisting of a water‐gas shift reaction, hydroformylation of olefins, with subsequent imine or enamine formation and final reduction is realized. This novel procedure is highly practical (ligand‐free, one pot) and economic (low catalyst loading and inexpensive metal). Bulk industrial as well as functionalized olefins react with various amines to give the corresponding tertiary amines generally in high yields (up to 92 %), excellent regioselectivities (n/iso>99:1), and full chemoselectivity in favor of terminal olefins.
Synthesis of Imidazole Derivatives and Study of the ON‐Based Different Memory Performances
Authors: Liu Haifeng , Zhuang Hao , Li Hua , Lu Jianmei
Published: May 2014

We report the synthesis of two imidazole‐based small molecules with different planarity of terminal aromatic rings and their application in memory devices with a sandwich configuration. The optical, electric, and the on‐based device performances were systematically investigated. Surprisingly, the device based on BT‐PMZ exhibited volatile static random access memory (SRAM) behavior, whereas that based on BT‐BMZ showed nonvolatile write‐once‐read‐many‐times (WORM) behavior. Further studies on the film morphology and the molecular electronic structure were carried out to investigate the underlying mechanism for the large difference in their performance. Moreover, the performance of the device that incorporates a LiF buffer layer (5 nm) embedded at the interface between the BT‐BMZ active layer and the Al top electrode as well as that of the device with a cold‐deposited top electrode of mercury droplet was further investigated. At that point a dramatic change in memory performance of the devices from the WORM to SRAM type was observed. The intrinsic volatile SRAM performance for the two molecules results from the moderate electron‐withdrawing strength of the acceptor moieties and thus weak trapping of the charge carriers.
A combined spectroscopic and molecular docking approach to characterize binding interaction of megestrol acetate with bovine serum albumin
Authors: Shi Jie‐hua , Zhu Ying‐yao , Wang Jing , Chen Jun
Published: May 2014

The binding interactions between megestrol acetate (MA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) under simulated physiological conditions (pH 7.4) were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism and molecular modeling. The results revealed that the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA was quenched by MA due to formation of the MA–BSA complex, which was rationalized in terms of a static quenching procedure. The binding constant (Kb) and number of binding sites (n) for MA binding to BSA were 2.8 × 105 L/mol at 310 K and about 1 respectively. However, the binding of MA with BSA was a spontaneous process due to the negative ∆G0 in the binding process. The enthalpy change (∆H0) and entropy change (∆S0) were – 124.0 kJ/mol and –295.6 J/mol per K, respectively, indicating that the major interaction forces in the binding process of MA with BSA were van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding. Based on the results of spectroscopic and molecular docking experiments, it can be deduced that MA inserts into the hydrophobic pocket located in subdomain IIIA (site II) of BSA. The binding of MA to BSA leads to a slight change in conformation of BSA but the BSA retained its secondary structure, while conformation of the MA has significant change after forming MA–BSA complex, suggesting that flexibility of the MA molecule supports the binding interaction of BSA with MA. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biodistribution study of free and microencapsulated 6‐methylcoumarin in Wistar rats by HPLC
Authors: Hernández Aura Rocío , Ospina Luis Fernando , Aragón Diana Marcela
Published: May 2014

A sensitive, specific and reproducible HPLC method has been developed and validated for the quantitative determination of 6‐methylcoumarin (6MC) in plasma and other tissues in Wistar rats. A C18 column was used with UV detection at 321 nm and a gradient system consisting of methanol‐deionized water was used as mobile phase. The retention time for 6MC was 14.921 min and no interfering peaks were observed for any of the matrices. Linear relationships (r2 > 0.997) were obtained between the peak height ratios and the corresponding biological sample concentrations over the range 0.4–12.8 µg/mL. Precision and accuracy were evaluated; the coefficient of variation and the relative error for all of the organs were <2 and 7%, respectively. The limit of quantitation was 0.20 µg/mL for the heart and 0.30 µg/mL for the other tissues evaluated. This HPLC method was successfully used in the determination of 6MC in the biodistribution study after administration of 200 mg/kg of both 6MC‐free and 6MC‐loaded polymeric microparticles. In this study, extensive 6MC was found, in both free and microencapsulated forms, in all the organs tested. The 6MC‐free showed a range of between 1.7 and 11.5 µg/g, while the microencapsulated 6MC showed concentrations of between 6.35 and 17.7 µg/g, suggesting that 6MC improved absorption rate. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An all‐in‐one efficient lane‐changing model for virtual traffic
Authors: Wang Hua , Mao Tianlu , Kang Xingchen , Wang Zhaoqi
Published: May 2014

Modeling lane changes realistically play an important role in traffic animations. Existing models for traffic simulations mostly focus on lane‐changing decision‐making. They cannot describe how lane‐changing processes go on. Though some methods in motion planning can be further used to describe the processes, they are time‐consuming. In this paper, we present an all‐in‐one model for lane‐changing animations. We transform all conditions for lane‐changing decision‐making into constraints on lane‐changing trajectories. We use two polynomials designed in moving reference frames to describe the trajectories. The whole lane‐changing process, whether it can occur and how it goes on, is determined by whether there is a valid trajectory. It only takes O(1) time for the determination. Experiment results show that our model can describe lane‐changing processes realistically and efficiently. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive skeleton‐driven cages for mesh sequences
Authors: Chen Xue , Feng Jieqing
Published: May 2014

The design of a compact and effective representation is a critical step in fully utilizing the abundant raw mesh‐based animation resources. In this paper, we present a high‐level control structure for animated mesh sequences referred to as an adaptive skeleton‐driven cage representation. This approach combines a skeleton and cage to express time‐varying shape details and offer flexible control for rigid limb motions. The initial skeleton is inferred by sketching on the rest pose mesh. The corresponding cage is constructed by using an adaptive cross‐section‐based method. Then, the initial skeleton and cage are propagated to the other meshes in the sequence. Additionally, the generated cage sequence can be automatically refined to improve the mesh reconstruction quality. Our results and comparisons demonstrate that the proposed approach is an intuitive, compact, and efficient representation. We demonstrate its potential through a variety of applications, such as animation compression, deformation transfer and pose editing. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flock morphing animation
Authors: Wang Xinjie , Zhou Linling , Deng Zhigang , Jin Xiaogang
Published: May 2014

We propose a new animation technique, called flock morphing, to create special morphing effects between two arbitrary 3D objects by combining the features of 3D morphing and flock animation. Its core idea is first to tetrahedralize the source 3D mesh and regard each tetrahedron as an agent in a flock and then continually generate the flock morphing animation until the target mesh emerges, formed by the same set of tetrahedra. By applying plausible trajectory planning scheme and smooth deformation algorithm, we demonstrate that our proposed method can simultaneously achieve visually desired morphing effects. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure–Performance Correlation of Nanocellulose‐Based Polymer Electrolytes for Efficient Quasi‐solid DSSCs
Authors: Chiappone Annalisa , Bella Federico , Nair Jijeesh R. , Meligrana Giuseppina , Bongiovanni Roberta , Gerbaldi Claudio
Published: May 2014

Nanoscale microfibrillated cellulose (NMFC) was introduced into a light‐cured polymeric matrix to result in a green, cheap, and highly efficient quasi‐solid electrolyte for the next‐generation of bio‐based dye‐sensitized solar cells. The effect of NMFC on the photovoltaic parameters and performance of the resulting photo‐electrochemical cells was thoroughly investigated, and a noticeable increase in both the photocurrent (due to optical phenomena) and the photovoltage (through a shielding effect on the recombination reactions) was demonstrated. Upon thorough optimization of the amount of NMFC introduced into the polymeric network, sunlight conversion efficiencies as high as 7.03 and 8.25 % were achieved at simulated light intensities of 1.0 and 0.4 sun, respectively. Furthermore and outstandingly, the addition of NMFC positively affected the long‐term stability of the device, which was able to retain >95 % of its initial efficiency after 500 h of extreme aging conditions.
Organic Fluorescent Thermometers Based on Borylated Arylisoquinoline Dyes
Authors: Pais Vânia F. , Lassaletta José M. , Fernández Rosario , El‐Sheshtawy Hamdy S. , Ros Abel , Pischel Uwe
Published: May 2014

Borylated arylisoquinolines with redshifted internal charge‐transfer (ICT) emission were prepared and characterized. Upon heating, significant fluorescence quenching was observed, which forms the basis for a molecular thermometer. In the investigated temperature range (283–323 K) an average sensitivity of −1.2 to −1.8 % K−1 was found for the variations in fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime. In the physiological temperature window (298–318 K) the average sensitivity even reaches values of up to −2.4 % K−1. The thermometer function is interpreted as the interplay between excited ICT states of different geometry. In addition, the formation of an intramolecular Lewis pair can be followed by 11B NMR spectroscopy. This provides a handle to monitor temperature‐dependent ground‐state geometry changes of the dyes. The role of steric hindrance is addressed by the inclusion of a derivative that lacks the Lewis pair formation.
Experimental and Theoretical Characterization of 5,10‐Diminoporphodimethenes: Dearomatized Porphyrinoids from Palladium‐Catalyzed Hydrazinations of 5,10‐Diarylporphyrins
Authors: Bašić Bruno , Locos Oliver B. , Rintoul Llew , Kan Jinglan , Jiang Jianzhuang , Arnold Dennis P.
Published: May 2014

Invited for this month’s cover is the group of Prof. Dennis P. Arnold from Queensland University of Technology, Australia. The cover picture shows the optimised geometry, the electron density difference map for the HOMO‐LUMO transition, and the simulated and experimental electronic absorption spectra of a nickel(II) 5,10‐diiminoporphodimethene, a new type of porphyrinoid in which the macrocycle is electronically partitioned into tri‐ and monopyrrolic units. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201300433
Finite‐time l2 − l∞ synchronization for discrete‐time nonlinear chaotic systems via information‐constrained delayed feedback
Authors: Wang Jing , Shen Hao , Park Ju H. , Wu Zheng‐Guang
Published: May 2014

This article is concerned with the problem of finite‐time
synchronization control for a class of discrete‐time nonlinear chaotic systems under unreliable communication links. Our aim is to design a delayed feedback controller such that the resulting synchronization error system is stochastically finite‐time bounded with a guaranteed
performance level over a finite time interval. Some sufficient conditions for the solvability of the above problem are established. A delayed feedback control scheme involving constrained information about the past state is presented. Finally, the Fold chaotic system is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed approach. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 138–146, 2015
Additional sex combs‐like family genes are required for normal cardiovascular development
Authors: McGinley Andrea L. , Li Yanyang , Deliu Zane , Wang Q. Tian
Published: May 2014

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect. However, the majority of CHD cases have unknown etiology. Here we report the identification of ASXL2 and ASXL1, two homologous chromatin factors, as novel regulators of heart development. Asxl2−/− fetuses have reduced body weight and display congenital heart malformations including thickened compact myocardium in the left ventricle, membranous ventricular septal defect, and atrioventricular valval stenosis. Although most Asxl2−/− animals survive to term, the neonates have patent ductus arteriosus and consequent lung hemorrhage and die soon after birth. Asxl1−/− fetuses have reduced body weight and display cleft palate, anophthalmia as well as ventricular septal defects and a failure in lung maturation. From these results, we conclude that normal heart development requires both ASXL proteins. In particular, ASXL2 plays an important role in heart morphogenesis and the transition from fetal to postnatal circulation. genesis 52:671–686, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Networks development between nicotinic chemical probes and Ca9–22 oral cancer cells by general proteomics analyses
Authors: Li Ruei‐Nian , Wu Chin‐Jen , Yu Zong‐Jing , Chang Hsueh‐Wei , Liang Shih‐Shin
Published: May 2014

Tobacco includes thousands of chemicals such as nicotine, which causes numerous diseases including oral cancer. We synthesized nicotinic acid based probes by chemical modification to identify the proteins expressed by the oral cancer cell line Ca9–22 that interact with the nicotinic functional group. Proteins belonging to human oral squamous cell carcinoma were pulled down by a probe carrier based on nicotinic acid, which was reacted with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane to compose nicotinic acid linked 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane exposed on the SiO2 surface. Oral cancer cell lysates were incubated with the nicotinic acid chemical probes to identify the interactions between the nicotinic group and oral cancer cell line extracted proteins. The interactions between the chemical probes and proteins identified as their targets were confirmed by consulting chemicals databases. Interestingly, chaperone proteins (e.g., heat‐shock proteins and endoplasmin) that were found to interact with nicotinic acid were identified as binding partners in ribosomal and nucleosome assembly complexes.
Probability weighted indices for improved ecosystem report card scoring
Authors: Fox David R.
Published: May 2014

This paper outlines a new method for computing an ecosystem index using probability weighted moments (PWMs) in place of conventional moments. Conventional methods of index construction are based on a scaled measure of the discrepancy between the sample mean and a guideline or reference value and as such tend to reflect only gross movements in distributionallocation. PWMs on the other hand allow for a more targeted assessment through the incorporation of a weighting function specified by the analyst. We refer to the resulting index as aprobability weighted indexor PWI. Although all data are used in the computation of the PWI, they do not necessarily contribute equally to the final result as is the case with conventional moments. Computational formulae and associated R code are provided, which allow the PWIs and their standard errors to be unbiasedly estimated from empirical data. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inflation and Unemployment Forecasting with Genetic Support Vector Regression
Authors: Sermpinis Georgios , Stasinakis Charalampos , Theofilatos Konstantinos , Karathanasopoulos Andreas
Published: May 2014

In this paper a hybrid genetic algorithm–support vector regression (GA‐SVR) model in economic forecasting and macroeconomic variable selection is introduced. The proposed algorithm is applied to the task of forecasting US inflation and unemployment. GA‐SVR genetically optimizes the SVR parameters and adapts to the optimal feature subset from a feature space of potential inputs. The feature space includes a wide pool of macroeconomic variables that might affect the two series under study. The forecasting performance of GA‐SVR is benchmarked with a random walk model, an autoregressive moving average model, a moving average convergence/divergence model, a multi‐layer perceptron, a recurrent neural network and a genetic programming algorithm. In terms of our results, GA‐SVR outperforms all benchmark models and provides evidence on which macroeconomic variables can be relevant predictors of US inflation and unemployment in the specific period under study. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Chronic fatigue syndrome model demonstrates mechanical allodynia and muscular hyperalgesia via spinal microglial activation
Authors: Yasui Masaya , Yoshimura Takashi , Takeuchi So , Tokizane Kyohei , Tsuda Makoto , Inoue Kazuhide , Kiyama Hiroshi
Published: May 2014

Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) display multiple symptoms, such as chronic widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive dysfunction. Abnormal pain sensation may be the most serious of these symptoms; however, its pathophysiology remains unknown. To provide insights into the molecular basis underlying abnormal pain in CFS and FMS, we used a multiple continuous stress (CS) model in rats, which were housed in a cage with a low level of water (1.5 cm in depth). The von Frey and Randall–Seritto tests were used to evaluate pain levels. Results showed that mechanical allodynia at plantar skin and mechanical hyperalgesia at the anterior tibialis (i.e., muscle pain) were induced by CS loading. Moreover, no signs of inflammation and injury incidents were observed in both the plantar skin and leg muscles. However, microglial accumulation and activation were observed in L4–L6 dorsal horn of CS rats. Quantification analysis revealed a higher accumulation of microglia in the medial part of Layers I–IV of the dorsal horn. To evaluate an implication of microglia in pain, minocycline was intrathecally administrated (via an osmotic pump). Minocycline significantly attenuated CS‐induced mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia. These results indicated that activated microglia were involved in the development of abnormal pain in CS animals, suggesting that the pain observed in CFS and FMS patients may be partly caused by a mechanism in which microglial activation is involved. GLIA 2014;62:1407–1417
Synthesis of Novel Dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6‐ ether‐Functionalized Benzimidazoles and its Applications in Colorimetric Recognition to Hg2+ and as Antifungal Agents
Authors: Jagadale S. D. , Sawant A. D. , Patil P. P. , Patil D. R. , Mulik A. G. , Chandam D. R. , Sankpal S. A. , Deshmukh M. B.
Published: May 2014

New crown ether‐functionalized benzimidazoles was designed and synthesized via formylation of dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6 followed by condensation with different o‐phenylene diamines. The complexation properties of crown ether‐functionalized benzimidazoles with various metals (K+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Co2+, Hg2+) were examined using UV–vis spectroscopy. Hg2+ showed a well‐defined peculiar absorption maximum at 366 nm exclusively. All these newly synthesized compounds were screened for antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae, respectively.
Reductions of the components of the calreticulin/calnexin quality‐control system by proteasome inhibitors and their relevance in a rodent model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kuang Xiu‐Li , Liu Fang , Chen Huifang , Li Yiping , Liu Yimei , Xiao Jian , Shan Ge , Li Mingjie , Snider B. Joy , Qu Jia , Barger Steven W. , Wu Shengzhou
Published: May 2014

Evidence indicates that the ubiquitin‐proteasome system and the endoplasmic retculum (ER) quality‐control system work in concert to ensure that proteins are correctly folded in the ER and that misfolded proteins are retrotransported to the cytosol for degradation by proteasomes. Dysfunction of either system results in developmental abnormalities and even death in animals. This study investigates whether and how proteasome inhibition impacts the components of the calreticulin (CRT)/calnexin (CNX) glycoprotein folding machinery, a typical ER protein quality‐control system, in the context of early neuronal injury. Here we report that proteasome inhibitor treatments, at nonlethal levels, reduced protein levels of CRT and ERp57 but not of CNX. These treatments increased protein levels of CRT in culture media, an effect blocked by brefeldin A, an inhibitor of protein trafficking; by contrast, ERp57 was not detected in culture media. Knockdown of CRT levels alone increased the vulnerability of SH‐SY5Y, a neuronal cell line, to 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) toxicity. In a rat model of Parkinson's disease, intrastriatal 6‐OHDA lesions resulted in decreased levels of CRT and ERp57 in the midbrain. These findings suggest that reduction of the components of CRT/CNX glycoprotein quality‐control system may play a role in neuronal injury in Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders associated with dysfunction of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Projected changes in temperature and precipitation in ten river basins over China in 21st century
Authors: Sun Qiaohong , Miao Chiyuan , Duan Qingyun
Published: May 2014

Present and future climate change information is required to develop adaptation and mitigation strategies at national and international levels. This study assessed the simulated surface air temperature (SAT) and precipitation (PR) over China from 24 models involved in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). The reliability ensemble average (REA) is applied to project the SAT and PR change under representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios over China in the 21st century. The results show that most CMIP5 models tend to underestimate SAT and overestimate PR in China. Models generally agree better with the observed SAT than PR. For SAT, the ensemble prediction shows that warming is expected all over China for all RCPs. The warming trend from 2006 to 2099 in China is 0.87 ± 0.14 °C 100 year−1, 2.47 ± 0.48 °C 100 year−1, 5.85 ± 0.73 °C 100 year−1 for RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively. Northern regions experience more warming than southern regions. The Songhua River basin warms the most, considering the ten studied basins for RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. Under RCP 2.6, the largest warming trend occurs in the Huaihe River basin. For PR, the spatial pattern of PR change has zonal characteristics. The girds with the maximum linear trend, i.e. >7.5 mm decade−1, are concentrated in the upper Yangtze River basin. For temporal scale, PR in China is also projected to increase during the 21st century by 4.89 ± 2.30% 100 year−1, 8.67 ± 6.27% 100 year−1 and 13.39 ± 12.58% 100 year−1 for RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively. PR tends to decrease in the Yangtze River basin, Southeast River Drainage and Pearl River basin during the early period (2011–2030) for all RCPs, largely increase thereafter. However, uncertainties are unavoidable for SAT and PR projections. The PR uncertainty exceeds the temperature uncertainty. More studies regarding the analysis of narrowing uncertainties are essential for a better understanding of climate change.
Linking Land Cover Changes in the Sub‐Alpine and Montane Belts to Changes in a Torrential River
Authors: Sanjuán Yasmina , Gómez‐Villar Amelia , Nadal‐Romero Estela , Álvarez‐Martínez Javier , Arnáez José , Serrano‐Muela María P. , Rubiales Juan Manuel , González‐Sampériz Penélope , García‐Ruiz José M.
Published: May 2014

Channel changes are the consequence of changes in sediment yield from the slopes and in the connectivity between slopes and channels because of distinct land use and climate impacts. In this study, we investigated the characteristics and evolution of a short reach in the headwater of the Ijuez River, central–southern Pyrenees. Assessment of a series of sedimentary and geomorphic structures confirmed major changes to the valley bottom, mainly related to changes in the intensity of human activity. The oldest sedimentary structure is a terrace level located 3 to 4 m above the current alluvial plain. General deforestation, overgrazing and recurring fires in the montane belt (1100–1600 m a.s.l.) have led to increased soil erosion and connectivity, and to the triggering of debris flows that have been deposited on the fluvial terrace. Woody fragments from within the debris flows were dated using accelerator mass spectrometry 14C radiocarbon techniques (AMS), yielding ages between 100 and 115 cal years bp, which coincides with the period of maximum deforestation and human density in the Pyrenees. Depopulation and farmland abandonment since the beginning of the 20th century has resulted in generalized natural and artificial reforestation, a shrinkage of the eroded areas and a decline in connectivity between slopes and the channel. The most important consequence has been channel incision and narrowing, and the development of a sediment armour layer. Active sediment transport is continuing, although there has been a decrease in sediment yield from the slopes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen‐Bonding Interactions and Molecular Packing in Polyimide Fibers Containing Benzimidazole Units
Authors: Dong Jie , Yin Chaoqing , Zhang Zixin , Wang Xinyu , Li Haibei , Zhang Qinghua
Published: May 2014

Rigid‐rod polyimides (PI) containing benzimidazole moieties were synthesized and spun into fibers by a wet‐spinning method. The resultant fibers exhibited an optimum tensile strength of 2.15 GPa and an initial modulus of 105 GPa with a low elongation of 2.2%. The PI fibers consisting of various ratios of 2,2′‐bis(trifluoromethyl)‐4,4′‐diaminobiphenyl (TFMB) and 2‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐5‐aminobenzimidazole (BIA) were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and two‐dimensional wide angle X‐ray diffraction (2D WAXD). Direct evidence of hydrogen‐bonding involving the NH groups of BIA and the imide carbonyls is presented. Qualitative and quantitative information of this molecular interaction was obtained and discussed. This has been considered as a main factor responsible for the significantly improved mechanical properties of the PI fibers. 2D WAXD and molecular mechanics modeling were used to simulate the structure of the aromatic PI fibers. As a result, the addition of BIA in the main chains is to increase the regularity of the molecule packing, which plays an important role in the enhanced strength of the PI fibers with more BIA loadings.
CE–ESI‐MS for bottom‐up proteomics: Advances in separation, interfacing and applications
Authors: Heemskerk Anthonius A.M. , Deelder André M. , Mayboroda Oleg A.
Published: May 2014

With the development of more sensitive hyphenation strategies for capillary electrophoresis–electrospray‐mass spectrometry the technique has reemerged as technique with high separation power combined with high sensitivity in the analysis of peptides and protein digests. This review will discuss the newly developed hyphenation strategies for CE–ESI‐MS and their application in bottom‐up proteomics as well as the applications in the same time span, 2009 to present, using co‐axial sheathliquid. Subsequently all separate aspects in the development of a CE–ESI‐MS method for bottom‐up proteomics shall be discussed, highlighting certain applications and discussing pros and cons of the various choices. The separation of peptides in a capillary electrophoresis system is discussed including the great potential for modeling of this migration of peptides due to the simple electrophoretic separation process. Furthermore, the technical aspects of method development are discussed, namely; background electrolyte choice, coating of the separation capillary and chosen loading method. Finally, conclusions and an outlook on future developments in the field of bottom‐up proteomics by CE–ESI‐MS will be provided. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 35:259–271, 2016.
The Huntington's disease dysphagia scale
Authors: Heemskerk Anne‐Wil , Verbist Berit M. , Marinus Johan , Heijnen Bas , Sjögren Elisabeth V. , Roos Raymund A.C.
Published: May 2014

Background

Little is known about the swallowing disturbances of patients with Huntington's disease; therefore, we developed the Huntington's Disease Dysphagia Scale.

Methods

The scale was developed in four stages: (1) item generation, (2) comprehension testing, (3) evaluation of reliability, (4) item reduction and validity testing. The questionnaire was presented twice to 50 Huntington's disease patients and their caregivers. The Kruskal‐Wallis test was used to evaluate whether the severity of swallowing difficulties increased with advancing disease. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to examine the construct validity with the Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire.

Results

The final version contained 11 items with five response options and exhibited a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.728. The severity of swallowing difficulties was significantly higher in more advanced Huntington's disease. The correlation with the Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire was 0.734.

Conclusion

We developed a valid and reliable 11‐item scale to measure the severity of dysphagia in Huntington's disease. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Andersen–Tawil syndrome: Report of 3 novel mutations and high risk of symptomatic cardiac involvement
Authors: Kostera‐Pruszczyk Anna , Potulska‐Chromik Anna , Pruszczyk Piotr , Bieganowska Katarzyna , Miszczak‐Knecht Maria , Bienias Piotr , szczałuba krzysztof , Lee Hsien‐Yang , Quinn Emily , Ploski Rafal , Kaminska Anna , Ptáček Louis J.
Published: May 2014

Introduction: Andersen–Tawil syndrome (ATS) is a potassium channelopathy affecting cardiac and skeletal muscle. Periodic paralysis is a presenting symptom in some patients, whereas, in others, symptomatic arrhythmias or prolongation of QT in echocardiographic recordings will lead to diagnosis of ATS. Striking intrafamilial variability of expression of KCNJ2 mutations and rarity of the syndrome may lead to misdiagnosis. Methods: We report 15 patients from 8 Polish families with ATS, including 3 with novel KCNJ2 mutations. Results: All patients had dysmorphic features; periodic paralysis affected males more frequently than females (80% vs. 20%), and most attacks were normokalemic. Two patients (with T75M and T309I mutations) had aborted sudden cardiac death. An implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator was utilized in 40% of cases. Conclusions: KCNJ2 mutations cause a variable phenotype, with dysmorphic features seen in all patients studied, a high penetrance of periodic paralysis in males and ventricular arrhythmia with a risk of sudden cardiac death. Muscle Nerve 51: 192–196, 2015