bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wave energy resource assessment with AltiKa satellite altimetry: A case study at a wave energy site
Authors: Goddijn‐Murphy Lonneke , Martín Míguez Belén , McIlvenny Jason , Gleizon Philippe
Published: June 2015

A simple model to estimate wave power at a coastal site from satellite radar altimetry is proposed. We used data from the AltiKa altimeter on board the SARAL satellite because of its superior performance near the coast. The deep water approximation was applied to our 60 m deep site along with a simple empirical model to estimate wave period, T, from altimeter significant wave height, Hs, and backscattering coefficient, σ0. A known relation between zero‐crossing period, Tz, and wave energy period, TE, was used in combination with Hs to calculate wave power per meter wave crest (P). The annual and seasonal mean values of P using AltiKa parameters largely agreed with known ranges of P at the site. A comparison with shallower sites and sites closer to the coast revealed that for estimation of Tz from AltiKa the water depth could be taken into account and an empirical relation is given.
Feedback processes responsible for El Niño‐La Niña amplitude asymmetry
Authors: Im Seul‐Hee , An Soon‐Il , Kim Seon Tae , Jin Fei‐Fei
Published: June 2015

To analyze El Niño‐La Niña asymmetry, Bjerknes Stability Index analysis applied separately for El Niño and La Niña events. The growth rate of the El Niño is larger than that of the La Niña. Their difference is mainly due to an increased positive dynamical feedback. The enhanced sensitivity of the ocean's dynamic response to wind stress in El Niño is a primary cause for the increase in the positive dynamical feedbacks and is originated from the nonlinear response of atmospheric pattern to sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies, in particular the eastward shift of maximum wind loading and the equator‐confined wind patch during El Niño. The sensitivity of the wind intensity to SST anomalies is larger during El Niño; however, its impact is not greater than others. Difference in the negative feedbacks is mainly attributed to the damping by shortwave feedback, with the latent heat flux feedback being a secondary contributor.
Improvements of the shock arrival times at the Earth model STOA
Authors: Liu H.‐L. , Qin G.
Published: June 2015

Prediction of the shocks' arrival times (SATs) at the Earth is very important for space weather forecast. There is a well‐known SAT model, Shock Time of Arrival (STOA), which is widely used in the space weather forecast. However, the shock transit time from STOA model usually has a relative large error compared to the real measurements. In addition, STOA tends to yield too much “yes” prediction, which causes a large number of false alarms. Therefore, in this work, we work on the modification of STOA model. First, we give a new method to calculate the shock transit time by modifying the way to use the solar wind speed in STOA model. Second, we develop new criteria for deciding whether the shock will arrive at the Earth with the help of the sunspot numbers and the angle distances of the flare events. It is shown that our work can improve the SATs prediction significantly, especially the prediction of flare events without shocks arriving at the Earth.
Idealized global nonhydrostatic atmospheric test cases on a reduced‐radius sphere
Authors: Klemp J. B. , Skamarock W. C. , Park S.‐H.
Published: June 2015

Idealized simulations on a reduced‐radius sphere can provide a useful vehicle for evaluating the behavior of nonhydrostatic processes in nonhydrostatic global atmospheric dynamical cores provided the simulated cases exhibit good agreement with corresponding flows in a Cartesian geometry, and for which there are known solutions. Idealized test cases on a reduced‐radius sphere are presented here that focus on both dry and moist dynamics. The dry dynamics cases are variations of mountain‐wave simulations designed for the Dynamical Core Model Intercomparison Project (DCMIP), and permit quantitative comparisons with linear analytic mountain‐wave solutions in a Cartesian geometry. To evaluate moist dynamics, an idealized supercell thunderstorm is simulated that has strong correspondence to results obtained on a flat plane, and which can be numerically converged by specifying a constant physical diffusion. A simple Kessler‐type routine for cloud microphysics is provided that can be readily implemented in atmospheric simulation models. Results for these test cases are evaluated for simulations with the Model for Prediction across scales (MPAS). They confirm close agreement with corresponding simulations in a Cartestian geometry; the mountain‐wave results agree well with analytic mountain‐wave solutions, and the simulated supercells are consistent with other idealized supercell simulation studies and exhibit convergent behavior.
A Flexible Encapsulation Structure for Ambient‐Air Operation of Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Asadpoordarvish A. , Sandström A. , Edman L.
Published: June 2015

The emerging field of organic electronics is heralded because it promises low‐cost and flexible devices, and it was recently demonstrated that a light‐emitting electrochemical cell (LEC) can be fabricated with cost‐efficient methods under ambient air. However, the LEC turns sensitive to oxygen and water during light‐emission, and it is therefore timely to identify flexible encapsulation structures. Here, we demonstrate that a multilayer film, featuring a water and oxygen barrier property of ≈1 × 10–3 g/m2/day and ≈1 × 10–3 cm3/m2/bar/day respectively, is fit for this task. By sandwiching an LEC between such multilayer barriers, as attached by a UV‐curable epoxy, we realize flexible LECs with performance on par with identical glass‐encapsulated devices, and which remain functional after one year storage under air.
Synthesis and characterization of polymerizable epoxy resin surfactants
Authors: Wang Yue , He Zhipeng , Liu Qiong , Huang He
Published: June 2015

Polymerizable epoxy resin (PER) surfactants have been prepared from the reaction of bisphenol A epoxy resin with acrylic acid, followed by the reaction with polyethylene glycol (PEG) with different molecular weights. The reaction procedures were monitored by chemical titrations, infrared spectroscopy, and NMR. The products show typical surface‐active properties as but much higher water solubility than nonpolymerizable nonionic surfactant OP‐10. With the increase of PEG's molecular weight, the HLB value, the water solubility, and the critical micellar concentration (CMC) of the PER surfactants, the cloud point of the PER surfactant solutions, as well as the solubilization capability of the PER surfactants to organic compounds increase under the experimental conditions. The copolymerization under UV radiation indicated that about 75–80 wt % of PER surfactants participated in the copolymerization with epoxy diacrylate (EdA), except for the PER surfactant with the lowest PEG molecular weight of 1 k. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42598.
Intact Automatic Imitation and Typical Spatial Compatibility in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Challenging the Broken Mirror Theory
Authors: Sowden Sophie , Koehne Svenja , Catmur Caroline , Dziobek Isabel , Bird Geoffrey
Published: June 2015

A lack of imitative behavior is frequently described as a core feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and is consistent with claims of mirror neuron system dysfunction in these individuals. Previous research has questioned this characterization of ASD however, arguing that when tests of automatic imitation are used—which do not require higher‐level cognitive processing—imitative behavior is intact or even enhanced in individuals with ASD. In Experiment 1, 60 adult individuals with ASD and a matched Control group completed an automatic imitation task in which they were required to perform an index or a middle finger lift while observing a hand making either the same, or the alternate, finger movement. Both groups demonstrated a significant imitation effect whereby actions were executed faster when preceded by observation of the same action, than when preceded by the alternate action. The magnitude of this “imitation effect” was statistically indistinguishable in the ASD and Control groups. Experiment 2 utilized an improved automatic imitation paradigm to demonstrate that, when automatic imitation effects are isolated from those due to spatial compatibility, increasing autism symptom severity is associated with an increased tendency to imitate. Notably, there was no association between autism symptom severity and spatial compatibility, demonstrating the specificity of the link between ASD symptoms and increased imitation. These results provide evidence against claims of a lack of imitative behavior in ASD, and challenge the “Broken Mirror Theory of Autism.” Autism Res 2016, 9: 292–300. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel method to assess human population exposure induced by a wireless cellular network
Authors: Varsier Nadège , Plets David , Corre Yoann , Vermeeren Günter , Joseph Wout , Aerts Sam , Martens Luc , Wiart Joe
Published: June 2015

This paper presents a new metric to evaluate electromagnetic exposure induced by wireless cellular networks. This metric takes into account the exposure induced by base station antennas as well as exposure induced by wireless devices to evaluate average global exposure of the population in a specific geographical area. The paper first explains the concept and gives the formulation of the Exposure Index (EI). Then, the EI computation is illustrated through simple phone call scenarios (indoor office, in train) and a complete macro urban data long‐term evolution scenario showing how, based on simulations, radio‐planning predictions, realistic population statistics, user traffic data, and specific absorption rate calculations can be combined to assess the index. Bioelectromagnetics. 36:451–463, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vps26B‐retromer negatively regulates plasma membrane resensitization of PAR‐2
Authors: Bugarcic Andrea , Vetter Irina , Chalmers Silke , Kinna Genevieve , Collins Brett M. , Teasdale Rohan D.
Published: June 2015

Retromer is a trimeric complex composed of Vps26, Vps29, and Vps35 and has been shown to be involved in trafficking and sorting of transmembrane proteins within the endosome. The Vps26 paralog, Vps26B, defines a distinct retromer complex (Vps26B‐retromer) in vivo and in vitro. Although endosomally associated, Vps26B‐retromer does not bind the established retromer transmembrane cargo protein, cation‐independent mannose 6‐phosphate receptor (CI‐M6PR), indicating it has a distinct role to retromer containing the Vps26A paralog. In the present study we use the previously established Vps26B‐expressing HEK293 cell model to address the role of Vps26B‐retromer in trafficking of the protease activated G‐protein coupled receptor PAR‐2 to the plasma membrane. In these cells there is no apparent defect in the initial activation of the receptor, as evidenced by release of intracellular calcium, ERK1/2 signaling and endocytosis of activated receptor PAR‐2 into degradative organelles. However, we observe a significant delay in plasma membrane repopulation of the protease activated G protein‐coupled receptor PAR‐2 following stimulation, resulting in a defect in PAR‐2 activation after resensitization. Here we propose that PAR‐2 plasma membrane repopulation is regulated by Vps26B‐retromer, describing a potential novel role for this complex.
Promoted Fe2O3‐Al2O3‐CuO Chromium‐Free Catalysts for High‐Temperature Water‐Gas Shift Reaction
Authors: Meshkani Fereshteh , Rezaei Mehran
Published: June 2015

Promoted Fe2O3‐Al2O3‐CuO (FAC) chromium‐free catalysts were prepared for high‐temperature water‐gas shift reactions and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller method (BET), temperature‐programmed reduction (TPR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The catalytic results revealed that among the investigated promoted catalysts with Ce, La, Zn, Y, and Mn as promoters, the Mn‐promoted sample showed higher activity compared to the other promoted catalysts. Increasing the Mn content improved the surface area and catalytic activity. The FAC catalyst promoted with a high Mn content exhibited maximum activity and relatively high stability in high‐temperature water‐gas shift reaction.
Comparison of Preparation Methods of Iron‐Based Catalysts for High‐Temperature Water‐Gas Shift Reaction
Authors: Meshkani Fereshteh , Rezaei Mehran
Published: June 2015

The influence of preparation methods on structural and catalytic properties of the Fe2O3‐Cr2O3‐CuO catalyst during the high‐temperature water‐gas shift reaction was determined. The prepared samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller method (BET), and temperature‐programmed reduction (TPR). The results revealed that the type of coprecipitation, i.e., simple, inverse, and differential, had a significant effect on both structural and catalytic properties. The catalyst prepared by the simple precipitation method exhibited higher activity than the catalysts generated by inverse and differential coprecipitation and the commercial catalyst. The types of precipitation agent and iron and chromium precursors were found to have a significant impact on the structural and catalytic features.
Improved fruit fly optimization algorithm optimized wavelet neural network for statistical data modeling for industrial polypropylene melt index prediction
Authors: Wang Wenchuan , Zhang Miao , Liu Xinggao
Published: June 2015

This paper presents the development of wavelet neural network (WNN) with an improved fruit fly optimization algorithm (IFOA) for the melt index prediction in the industrial propylene polymerization process. The structure, calculation, and prediction process of WNN are proposed, and the improved details of IFOA are introduced, which can enhance the searching efficiency and improve the searching quality over the traditional fruit fly optimization algorithm. Finally, the WNN–IFOA model can obtain the least predicting errors compared with other existing models and shows better generality for the online melt index prediction from the experimental results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bestimmung der Lastgrenzen konventioneller Strukturpackungen und Anstaupackungen mithilfe des Wallis‐Plots
Authors: Yildirim Ömer , Flechsig Steve , Brinkmann Ulf , Kenig Eugeny Y.
Published: June 2015

Für die fluiddynamische Auslegung von konventionellen Strukturpackungen und Anstaupackungen, bei denen zwei fluide Phasen im Gegenstrom geführt werden, ist die hinreichend genaue Vorhersage der Lastgrenzen essentiell. Ausgehend vom sogenannten Wallis‐Plot kann ein empirischer Ansatz zur Beschreibung von Flutgrenzen generiert werden. In dieser Arbeit wird basierend auf experimentellen Daten zu den Flutgrenzen von konventionellen Struktur‐ und Anstaupackungen eine auf dem Wallis‐Plot beruhende Korrelation erweitert. Diese ermöglicht eine Berechnung der Lastgrenzen in Abhängigkeit verschiedener Parameter. Die ermittelte Korrelation wird in ein bestehendes Fluiddynamikmodell zur Berechnung der Druckverluste von Anstaupackungen integriert.
Provable multiple replication data possession with full dynamics for secure cloud storage
Authors: Zhang Yafang , Ni Jianbing , Tao Xiaoling , Wang Yong , Yu Yong
Published: June 2015

Cloud storage has been gaining tremendous popularity among individuals and corporations because of its low maintenance cost and on‐demand services for the clients. To improve the availability and the reliability of critical data, storing multiple replicas on multiple servers is a commonly used strategy. Currently, several provable data possession (PDP) protocols for multiple replicas of dynamic data have been proposed to ensure the integrity of outsourced multi‐copy data, but the efficiency of these protocols on verifying multiple replicas one by one is not satisfactory. In this paper, we propose a provable multiple replication data possession protocol with full dynamics, named MR‐DPDP. In MR‐DPDP, we utilize a novel authenticated data structure called Merkle hash tree with rank to support both full dynamic data updates and efficient integrity verification. In addition, our construction with RSA signature can support both variable‐sized file blocks and public verification. Through security proof and performance evaluation, we demonstrate that MR‐DPDP not only is sound but also incurs less communication overhead when updating data blocks as well as verifying a proof of the integrity of multiple replicas. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2D light scattering static cytometry for label‐free single cell analysis with submicron resolution
Authors: Xie Linyan , Yang Yan , Sun Xuming , Qiao Xu , Liu Qiao , Song Kun , Kong Beihua , Su Xuantao
Published: June 2015

Conventional optical cytometric techniques usually measure fluorescence or scattering signals at fixed angles from flowing cells in a liquid stream. Here we develop a novel cytometer that employs a scanning optical fiber to illuminate single static cells on a glass slide, which requires neither microfluidic fabrication nor flow control. This static cytometric technique measures two dimensional (2D) light scattering patterns via a small numerical aperture (0.25) microscope objective for label‐free single cell analysis. Good agreement is obtained between the yeast cell experimental and Mie theory simulated patterns. It is demonstrated that the static cytometer with a microscope objective of a low resolution around 1.30 μm has the potential to perform high resolution analysis on yeast cells with distributed sizes. The capability of the static cytometer for size determination with submicron resolution is validated via measurements on standard microspheres with mean diameters of 3.87 and 4.19 μm. Our 2D light scattering static cytometric technique may provide an easy‐to‐use, label‐free, and flow‐free method for single cell diagnostics. © 2015 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
How to transform a metabolic syndrome score into an insulin sensitivity value?
Authors: Hermans Michel P. , Bouenizabila Evariste , Ahn Sylvie A. , Rousseau Michel F.
Published: June 2015

Background

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) predicts cardiovascular risk and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus. The presence of a MetS is defined by the clustering of ≥3 out of 5 cardiometabolic criteria (hyperglycemia; hypertension; enlarged waist; low high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol; and hypertriglyceridemia), each of which is connected with insulin resistance. It is not known whether the severity of MetS, ranked from the sextet of scores range [0/5 to 5/5], is linearly related to reduced insulin sensitivity (IS) and/or lesser hyperbolic product across the glycemic spectrum.

Patients and methods

A total of 839 adults (54 normoglycemic; 785 with abnormal glucose homeostasis, among whom 711 type 2 diabetes mellitus) had insulin sensitivity assessed together with their cardiometabolic phenotype.

Results

There was a significant gradient according to interval‐scale MetS score in insulinemia; body mass index; (visceral) fat; hepatic steatosis; and macroangiopathy. There was an inverse linear relationship between increasing MetS scores and decreased insulin sensitivity, allowing to define an insulin resistance‐predicting linear equation: IS (%) = [−15.1 × MetS score] + 109.4 (R2 = 0.221). For each MetS category, mean IS values did not significantly differ between groups of patients across the glycemic spectrum. The hyperbolic product (β‐cell function × IS) and/or its loss rate were inversely related to MetS severity.

Conclusion

Insulin sensitivity is linearly and inversely related to MetS severity across the 6 scores. This novel way to exploit information intrinsic to the MetS criteria provides an easy and low cost means to quantify insulin sensitivity across the glycemic spectrum. Moreover, a higher MetS score is associated with lesser residual insulin secretion, and faster B‐cell function loss. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two eggs, two different constraints: a potential explanation for the puzzling intraclutch egg size dimorphism inEudyptespenguins
Authors: Poisbleau Maud , Dehnhard Nina , Demongin Laurent , Quillfeldt Petra , Eens Marcel
Published: June 2015

Phenotypic plasticity and phenotypic stability are major components of the adaptive evolution of organisms to environmental variation. The invariant two‐egg clutch size ofEudyptespenguins has recently been proposed to be a unique example of a maladaptive phenotypic stability, while their egg mass is a plastic trait. We tested whether this phenotypic plasticity during reproduction might result from constraints imposed by migration (migratory carry‐over effect) and breeding (due to the depletion of female body reserves). For the first time, we examined whether these constraints differ between eggs within clutches and between egg components (yolk and albumen). The interval between colony return and clutch initiation positively influenced the yolk mass, the albumen mass, and the subsequent total egg mass of first‐laid eggs. This time interval had only a slight negative influence on the yolk mass of second‐laid eggs and no influence on their albumen and subsequent total masses. For both eggs, female body mass at laying positively influenced albumen and total egg masses. Female investment into the entire clutch was not related to the time in the colony before laying but increased with female body mass. These novel results suggest that the unique intraclutch egg size dimorphism exhibited inEudyptespenguins, with first‐laid eggs being consistently smaller than second‐laid eggs, might be due to a combination of constraints: a migratory carry‐over effect on the first‐laid egg and a body reserve depletion effect on the second‐laid egg. Both these constraints might explain why the timing of reproduction, especially egg formation, is narrow in migratory capital breeders.
Scaling nitrogen and carbon interactions: what are the consequences of biological buffering?
Authors: Weston David J. , Rogers Alistair , Tschaplinski Timothy J. , Gunter Lee E. , Jawdy Sara A. , Engle Nancy L. , Heady Lindsey E. , Tuskan Gerald A. , Wullschleger Stan D.
Published: June 2015

Understanding the consequences of elevated CO2 (eCO2; 800 ppm) on terrestrial ecosystems is a central theme in global change biology, but relatively little is known about how altered plant C and N metabolism influences higher levels of biological organization. Here, we investigate the consequences of C and N interactions by genetically modifying the N‐assimilation pathway in Arabidopsis and initiating growth chamber and mesocosm competition studies at current CO2 (cCO2; 400 ppm) and eCO2 over multiple generations. Using a suite of ecological, physiological, and molecular genomic tools, we show that a single‐gene mutant of a key enzyme (nia2) elicited a highly orchestrated buffering response starting with a fivefold increase in the expression of a gene paralog (nia1) and a 63% increase in the expression of gene network module enriched for N‐assimilation genes. The genetic perturbation reduced amino acids, protein, and TCA‐cycle intermediate concentrations in the nia2 mutant compared to the wild‐type, while eCO2 mainly increased carbohydrate concentrations. The mutant had reduced net photosynthetic rates due to a 27% decrease in carboxylation capacity and an 18% decrease in electron transport rates. The expression of these buffering mechanisms resulted in a penalty that negatively correlated with fitness and population dynamics yet showed only minor alterations in our estimates of population function, including total per unit area biomass, ground cover, and leaf area index. This study provides insight into the consequences of buffering mechanisms that occur post‐genetic perturbations in the N pathway and the associated outcomes these buffering systems have on plant populations relative to eCO2.
Metabolic plasticity of human T cells: Preserved cytokine production under glucose deprivation or mitochondrial restriction, but 2‐deoxy‐glucose affects effector functions
Authors: Renner Kathrin , Geiselhöringer Anna‐Lena , Fante Matthias , Bruss Christina , Färber Stephanie , Schönhammer Gabriele , Peter Katrin , Singer Katrin , Andreesen Reinhard , Hoffmann Petra , Oefner Peter , Herr Wolfgang , Kreutz Marina
Published: June 2015

The strong link between T‐cell metabolism and effector functions is well characterized in the murine system but hardly investigated in human T cells. Therefore, we analyzed glycolytic and mitochondrial activity in correlation to function in activated human CD4 and CD8 T cells. Glycolysis was barely detectable upon stimulation but accelerated beyond 24 h, whereas mitochondrial activity was elevated immediately in both T‐cell populations. Glucose deprivation or mitochondrial restriction reduced proliferation, had only a transient impact on “on‐blast formation” and no impact on viability, IFN‐γ, IL‐2, IL‐4, and IL‐10 production, whereas TNF was reduced. Similar results were obtained in bulk T cells and T‐cell subsets. Elevated respiration under glucose restriction demonstrated metabolic flexibility. Administration of the glycolytic inhibitor 2‐deoxy‐glucose suppressed both glycolysis and respiration and exerted a strong impact on cytokine production that persisted for IFN‐γ after removal of 2‐deoxy‐glucose. Taken together, glycolytic or mitochondrial restriction alone compromised proliferation of human T cells, but barely affected their effector functions. In contrast, effector functions were severely affected by 2‐deoxy‐glucose treatment.
Synthesis of a Phosphinate Analogue of the Antitumour Phospholipid Edelfosine
Authors: Markoulides Marios S. , Regan Andrew C.
Published: June 2015

The first concise synthesis of a phosphinate analogue of the antitumour ether phospholipid edelfosine is described. The key synthetic step comprised the free‐radical addition reaction of phosphinic acid to a functionalised allyl ether, to incorporate the hydrophobic tail into a monosubstituted H‐phosphinic acid. The hydrophilic head group was then added by using a silyl phosphonite based Michael addition. The reported synthetic study lays the groundwork for the synthesis of modified phosphinate phospholipid derivatives to facilitate investigations on their biological activity as membrane‐targeting antitumour agents.
Cyclocarbonylative Sonogashira Reactions of 1‐Ethynylbenzyl Alcohols: Synthesis of 1‐Carbonylmethylene‐1,3‐Dihydroisobenzofurans
Authors: Aronica Laura Antonella , Giannotti Luca , Tuci Giulia , Zinna Francesco
Published: June 2015

In this work, we present a carbonylative Sonogashira reaction of o‐ethynyl benzyl alcohols and aryl iodides, followed by a cyclization process to selectively give carbonylmethylene isobenzofurans in high yields and in an atom‐economic fashion. The reaction can be carried out in the absence of CuI, with a small amount of PdCl2(PPh3)2 (0.2–0.5 mol‐%), using aryl iodides bearing both electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating groups. Of the two possible stereoisomeric products, Z‐isobenzofuran derivatives were obtained as major products. But, when the reaction was extended to a secondary alcohol, an interesting switch in stereoselectivity was observed.
Interaction between meander dynamics and floodplain heterogeneity in a large tropical sand‐bed river: the Rio Beni, Bolivian Amazon
Authors: Schwendel Arved C. , Nicholas Andrew P. , Aalto Rolf E. , Sambrook Smith Greg H. , Buckley Simon
Published: June 2015

The evolution of meandering river floodplains is predominantly controlled by the interplay between overbank sedimentation and channel migration. The resulting spatial heterogeneity in floodplain deposits leads to variability in bank erodibility, which in turn influences channel migration and planform development. Despite the potential significance of these feedbacks, few studies have quantified their impact upon channel evolution and floodplain construction in dynamic settings (e.g. locations characterized by rapid channel migration and high rates of overbank sedimentation). This study employs a combination of field observations, geographic information system (GIS) analysis of satellite imagery and numerical modelling to investigate these issues along a 375 km reach of the Rio Beni in the Bolivian Amazon. Results demonstrate that the occurrence of clay‐rich floodplain deposits promotes a significant reduction in channel migration rates and distinctive styles of channel evolution, including channel straightening and immobilization of bend apices leading to channel narrowing. Clay bodies act as stable locations limiting the propagation of planform disturbances in both upstream and downstream directions, and operate as ‘hinge’ points, around which the channel migrates. Spatial variations in the erodibility of clay‐rich floodplain material also promote large‐scale (10–50 km) differences in channel sinuosity and migration, although these variables are also likely to be influenced by channel gradient and tectonic effects that are difficult to quantify. Numerical model results suggest that spatial heterogeneity in bank erodibility, driven by variable bank composition, may force a substantial (c. 30%) reduction in average channel sinuosity, compared to situations in which bank strength is spatially homogeneous. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Butyltins, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, organochlorine pesticides, and polychlorinated biphenyls in sediments and bivalve mollusks in a mid-latitude environment from the Patagonian coastal zone
Authors: Commendatore Marta G. , Franco Marcos A. , Gomes Costa Patricia , Castro Italo B. , Fillmann Gilberto , Bigatti Gregorio , Esteves José L. , Nievas Marina L.
Published: June 2015

Butyltins (BTs), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were assessed in a mid-latitude environment of the Patagonian coast, distant from significant pollutant sources. Bioaccumulation processes through bottom sediment resuspension were suggested by BTs level (expressed as ng of tin [Sn] g–1 dry wt) found in surface sediment (<limit of detection [LOD]–166.5 ng [Sn] g–1 dry wt) and bivalve mollusks (29.4–206.0 ng [Sn] g–1 dry wt); whereas imposex incidence was only 15% in the gastropod Pareuthria plumbea collected near a harbor. Low hydrocarbon pollution was found in sediments and bivalves with ∑PAHs(16) ranging from <LOD to 94.9 ng g–1 dry weight and from <LOD to 54.9 ng g−1 dry weight, respectively. Values were typical of locations distant from pollutant sources and showed different compositional patterns for both substrates. However, concentrations for some individual PAHs in sediments were found over the threshold effect level. On average, ΣPCB did not exceed the sediment quality guidelines being 0.57 ± 0.88 ng g–1 dry weight in sediments and 0.41 ± 0.26 ng g−1 dry weight in bivalves. Average ΣOCPs in sediments were 0.53 ± 0.34 ng g−1 dry weight and ranged from <LOD to 0.22 ng g–1 dry weight in bivalves, showing a different pattern and suggesting a different accumulation pathway as was found for PAHs. Although both discrete and atmospheric sources can be considered for PAHs, organochlorines pollution was clearly related to atmospheric global transport, indicating that in the studied area, OCPs and PCBs experience permanent or temporal deposition during their migration to southern zones. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2750–2763. © 2015 SETAC
Advancing tracer‐aided rainfall–runoff modelling: a review of progress, problems and unrealised potential
Authors: Birkel Christian , Soulsby Chris
Published: June 2015

Using conservative tracers to aid conceptual rainfall–runoff modelling has gained momentum over the past decade. Tracer data have been invaluable in providing rich insights into runoff sources, flow paths and water age that cannot be established by simple rainfall–runoff dynamics alone. Accordingly, this has provided a focus for fertile dialogue between field hydrologists and modellers in joint efforts to understand catchment function and incorporate this in runoff models. Central to this has been the utility of tracers in establishing the differences between the timescales of the celerity of the rainfall–runoff response and the timescales of the pore velocity of water. The literature now has numerous examples of using tracers to aid modelling as a learning framework. Despite this progress, utilization of tracer‐aided models and exploitation of their evident advantages by the wider modelling community have been slow. This in part reflects lack of suitable data sets at many sites and the fact that studies to date have highlighted various problems and challenges when trying to integrate tracers into rainfall–runoff models (e.g. increased parameterisation). Nevertheless, interest in tracer‐aided modelling has continued to build as there have been marked improvements in the reliability and economics of field and laboratory methods for collecting spatially distributed and high temporal resolution tracer data sets. Consequently, we stand on the threshold of unprecedented advances in applications of this area. Here, we critically evaluate the progress to date and assess the challenges that remain. The key current research frontiers with the greatest potential for rapid advancement are as follows: (1) to go beyond hydrograph simulation alone and build more realistic models of catchment functioning based on tracer data, (2) investigations into the nonlinear, threshold‐type, non‐stationary and hysteresis‐driven nature of how catchments process water and solutes, (3) detailed eco‐hydrological studies of connectivity patterns and the role of vegetation on water partitioning and (4) the assessment of anthropogenic influences on the catchment hydrological cycle. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of windflow calculations on simulations of alpine snow accumulation, redistribution and ablation
Authors: Musselman Keith N. , Pomeroy John W. , Essery Richard L. H. , Leroux Nicolas
Published: June 2015

Wind redistribution, radiation and turbulent heat fluxes determine seasonal snow accumulation and melt patterns in alpine environments. Mathematical representations of windflow vary in complexity and introduce uncertainty to snow modelling. To characterize this uncertainty, a spatially distributed snow model that considers the physics of blowing snow transport and sublimation and the energy fluxes contributing to snowpack ablation were evaluated for its ability to simulate seasonal snow patterns around a windy alpine ridge in the Canadian Rockies. The model was forced with output from three windflow models of varying computational complexity and physical realism: (i) a terrain‐based empirical interpolation of station observations, (ii) a simple turbulence model and (iii) a computational fluid dynamics model. Compared with wind measurements, the windflow simulations produced similar and relatively accurate (biases lower than ±1.1 m s−1) wind speed estimates. However, the snow mass budget simulated by the snow model was highly sensitive to the windflow simulation used. Compared with measurements, distributed snow model depth and water equivalent errors were smallest using either of the two turbulence models, with the best representation of downwind drifts by the computational fluid dynamics model. Sublimation was an important mass loss from the ridge, and windflow model choice resulted in cumulative seasonal sublimation differences ranging from 10.5% to 19.0% of seasonal snowfall. When aggregated to larger scales, differences in cumulative snowmelt and snow transport were negligible, but persistent differences in sublimation and snow‐covered area suggest that windflow model choice can have significant implications at multiple scales. Uncertainty can be reduced by using physically based windflow models to drive distributed snow models. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deep brush‐based cytology in tonsils resected for benign diseases
Authors: Franceschi Silvia , Combes Jean‐Damien , Dalstein Véronique , Caudroy Stéphanie , Clifford Gary , Gheit Tarik , Tommasino Massimo , Clavel Christine , Lacau St Guily Jean , Birembaut Philippe ,   for the Study of Natural History of Human Papillomavirus Infection and Precancerous Lesions in the Tonsils (SPLIT)
Published: June 2015

A fraction of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), especially in the tonsil, is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), mainly HPV16. Noninvasive diagnostic methods to detect precancerous lesions in the tonsil would be useful, e.g., liquid‐based cytology (LBC). However, ill‐characterized precancerous lesions may be hidden in the depth of the tonsillar crypts. We therefore conducted a study on HPV and tonsillar precancerous lesions to evaluate, among other things, the utility of LBC obtained by deep brushing of the resected tonsils. Two hundred non‐paediatric patients (mean age: 30.3 years) who underwent tonsillectomy for infection‐related conditions (69%) or other conditions (mainly obstructive sleep apnoea, 31%) were included. An ultra‐sensitive Luminex bead‐based platform was used to test for the DNA of 21 mucosal HPV types; 56% of slides were unsatisfactory due to low number of squamous epithelial cells or the masking effect of a large number of lymphocytes. Three patients (1.5%; 95% CI: 0.5–4.3) showed suspicious cytological findings (atypical squamous cells‐cannot exclude high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, ASC‐H) while 3 others were HPV‐positive (2 for HPV16 and 1 for HPV39). None of the ASC‐H patients and HPV‐positive patients showed dysplasia at histological examination. The rarity of HPV infection in the tonsil conflicts with the relatively frequent detection of the virus in the mouth. In conclusion, aggressive deep brushing of tonsils, while hardly applicable in vivo, is unlikely to be a reliable method to detect precancerous lesions. The absence of OPC screening modalities places the priority on multi‐purpose primary prevention strategies, i.e., HPV vaccination and reduction of smoking and drinking.
Layering Literacies and Contemporary Learning
Authors: Abrams Sandra Schamroth , Russo Michael P.
Published: June 2015

This article explores how adolescents layer literacies in and outside school. Findings from a longitudinal study of gaming in a public library, as well as data related to the use of Portal 2 in a New York City middle school classroom, reveal how the students created, showcased, analyzed, and experimented with online and offline artifacts and knowledge. By examining the ways youths collaboratively and independently moved about their various practices, the authors not only address characteristics of contemporary learning but also call for flexible opportunities for agentive and layered meaning making.
Galvanic corrosion of nitinol under deaerated and aerated conditions
Authors: Pound Bruce G.
Published: June 2015

Various studies have examined the corrosion rate of nitinol generally under deaerated conditions. Likewise, galvanic corrosion studies have typically involved deaerated solutions. This work addressed the effect of galvanic coupling on the corrosion current of electropolished nitinol in phosphate buffered saline and 0.9% sodium chloride under dearated and aerated conditions for times up to 24 h. Tests were performed on nitinol alone and coupled with MP35N in both the mechanically polished and passivated conditions. Aeration and galvanic coupling were found to have relatively little effect, indicating that the corrosion current is controlled by the anodic reaction. The current can be attributed entirely to Ni2+ dissolution, which appears to be governed by solid‐state mass transport of Ni2+ through the passive oxide film. Because corrosion of EP nitinol is controlled by the anodic reaction, contact between EP nitinol and MP35N or other biomedical Co‐Cr alloys is unlikely to result in significant galvanic effects in vivo. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1322–1327, 2016.
Pharmacodynamics and tolerability of repository corticotropin injection in healthy human subjects: A comparison with intravenous methylprednisolone
Authors: Lal Ritu , Bell Stacie , Challenger Rashida , Hammock Vakessa , Nyberg Mary , Decker Dima , Becker Patrice M. , Young David
Published: June 2015

Repository corticotropin injection (porcine adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH] analog) and intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) are used to treat inflammatory conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) exacerbations and rheumatoid arthritis. This multiple‐dose, randomized, crossover, open‐label study evaluated and compared pharmacodynamic outcomes in subjects who received ACTH analog (80 U subcutaneously) or IVMP (1 g) daily for 5 days. Specific outcome measures included IVMP and cortisol concentrations, total cortisol‐equivalent exposure, immune cell population changes, and tolerability. IVMP and ACTH analog increased granulocyte numbers and decreased lymphocyte counts; effects on both were significantly less pronounced with ACTH analog. Based on total cortisol‐equivalent exposure (assuming linearity), administration of 80 U of ACTH analog equates to 30 mg IVMP. Because IVMP doses significantly higher than 30 mg are usually required to treat MS exacerbations, the lower cortisol‐equivalent exposure of 80 U ACTH analog supports the hypothesis that efficacy of ACTH analog results from both steroid‐dependent and ‐independent properties. Adverse events were mild in severity; subject incidence for adverse‐event reporting was similar following both regimens. The clinical relevance of these findings in autoimmune disease populations is unknown and requires further evaluation.
Biocompatible citric acid‐coated iron oxide nanoparticles to enhance the activity of first‐line anti‐TB drugs in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Padwal Priyanka , Bandyopadhyaya Rajdip , Mehra Sarika
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

The development of drug resistant Mycobacterium strains is a serious health concern causing impairment in tuberculosis (TB) therapy. Using Mycobacterium smegmatis as a model, the possible enhancement in the efficacy of first‐line anti‐TB drugs, isoniazid and rifampicin, is explored by using a combined strategy of treating the cells simultaneously with both drug and nanoparticles. The latter can target the tough cell wall of mycobacteria.

RESULTS

Biocompatible citric acid‐coated iron oxide (magnetite) nanoparticles (CA‐MNP) were synthesized by a co‐precipitation route with an average diameter of 9 nm. The uptake of nanoparticles by M. smegmatis was proportional to its concentration up to 32 µg mL−1. Real‐time studies on fluorescent tracers demonstrate that the nanoparticles enhance membrane permeability, aiding in a higher influx of drugs into the cells. Intracellular rifampicin levels were enhanced 2‐fold in the presence of CA‐MNP, compared with that in the absence of CA‐MNP. Similarly, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, measured as an indication of intracellular isoniazid, increased in cells treated with both nanoparticles and isoniazid, compared with when only the drug was used.

CONCLUSION

CA‐MNP in conjunction with either isoniazid or rifampicin displayed a synergistic effect in inhibiting bacterial growth, leading to a 2‐fold reduction in the drug dosage. This study demonstrates that the enhanced uptake of existing anti‐Tb drugs using nanoparticles is a possible option in tuberculosis treatment. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimization of the application of the Fenton chemistry for the remediation of a contaminated soil with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Pardo Fernando , Peluffo Marina , Santos Aurora , Romero Arturo
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

A contaminated soil with 100 mg kg−1 each of the following pollutants: anthracene (ANT), phenanthrene (PHE), pyrene (PYR) and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) was treated by three different kinds of Fenton's reaction without pH adjustment, Fenton‐like reaction (hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with a ferric iron salt (Fe(III)), Fenton catalyzed with nanoparticles of zerovalent iron (nZVI), and Fenton‐like reaction coupled simultaneously with soil washing, using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as surfactant.

The influence of initial iron concentration (1–5 mmol L−1), oxidant dosage (88–1765 mmol L−1), type of iron initially added (Fe(III) or nZVI) and effect of surfactant addition were tested.

RESULTS

Almost total conversion of ANT and BaP was achieved for the majority of the experiments, having obtained the best results for the Fenton like reaction with initial Fe(III) concentration of 5 mmol L−1, where a total abatement for all contaminants was obtained in less than 10 days. Besides, the coupling of Fenton reagent and soil washing enhanced the removal of the PAHs studied. 9–10 anthraquinone (ATQ) was detected as the main aromatic intermediate.

CONCLUSIONS

The results put forward in this work reveal the suitability of new effective alternatives to conventional Fenton Reagent for the removal of PAH in soils. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Anti‐Ramsey Problems for t Edge‐Disjoint Rainbow Spanning Subgraphs: Cycles, Matchings, or Trees
Authors: Jahanbekam Sogol , West Douglas B.
Published: June 2015

We seek the maximum number of colors in an edge‐coloring of the complete graph not having t edge‐disjoint rainbow spanning subgraphs of specified types. Let , , and denote the answers when the spanning subgraphs are cycles, matchings, or trees, respectively. We prove for and for . We prove for and for . We also provide constructions for the more general problem in which colorings are restricted so that colors do not appear on more than q edges at a vertex.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Enaminones: Synthesis of Some 1,3,4‐Thiadiazole Linked to Pyrazole, Pyridine, Benzimidazolopyrimidine, Pyrazolopyrimidine, Pyrazolotriazine and Triazolotriazine Derivatives
Authors: Raslan Mohamed A. , Omran Omran A.
Published: June 2015

1,3,4‐Thiadiazole‐enaminone (6) was synthesized via reaction of the benzamide (5) with DMF‐DMA. The simple thiadiazole‐enaminone (6) was used as a synthetic precursor for the synthesis of a wide variety of new heterocyclic compounds, including the 5‐substituted‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole derivatives (7), (8), (16), (17) and (18), which were obtained via reactions of (6) with nitrogen nucleophiles. Also, reactions of enaminone (6) with carbon nucleophiles afforded the respective 1,3,4‐thiadiazoles (10a,10b). Diazotization of the benzamide (20) with the heteroaromatic amine salts gave the hydrazone derivatives (21) and (22). Cyclization of the latter hydrazones yielded the corresponding pyrazolotriazine and 1,2,4‐triazolotriazine derivatives (23) and (24), respectively. All newly synthesized compounds were elucidated by considering the data of both elemental and spectral analysis.
Invoking forbidden modes in SnO2 nanoparticles using tip enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Bonu Venkataramana , Das A. , Sivadasan A. K. , Tyagi A. K. , Dhara Sandip
Published: June 2015

Raman forbidden modes and surface defect‐related Raman features in SnO2 nanostructures carry information about disorder and surface defects which strongly influence important technological applications like catalysis and sensing. Because of the weak intensities of these peaks, it is difficult to identify these features by using conventional Raman spectroscopy. Tip enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) studies conducted on SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) of size 4 and 25 nm have offered significant insights of prevalent defects and disorders. Along with one order enhancement in symmetry allowed Raman modes, new peaks related to disorder and surface defects of SnO2 NPs were found with significant intensity. Temperature‐dependent Raman studies were also carried out for these NPs and correlated with the TERS spectra. For quasi‐quantum dot sized 4‐nm NPs, the TERS study was found to be the best technique to probe the finite size‐related Raman forbidden modes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.