bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a novel rodenticide: acute sub-lethal effects of a methaemoglobin-inducing agent
Authors: Quy RJ , Gibson TJ , Lambert MS , Eason CT , Gregory NG
Published: October 2015

In a series of experiments the welfare of para-aminovalerophenone (PAVP) sub-lethally poisoned rats (Rattus norvegicus) was assessed. The experiments: (i) examined the acute methaemoglobin (MetHb) profile over time; (ii) refined the LD50 estimate for PAVP in adult female rats; (iii) developed and validated three neurological tests; and (iv) assessed rats for neurological deficit following prolonged methaemoglobinaemia. The results from the first three experiments were used to refine the sub-lethal study. In the sub-lethal experiment 20 rats were gavaged with a single dose of 40 mg kg−1PAVP (based on an LD50 estimate of 43.3 mg kg−1). Control rats (n = 10) were treated with the carrier only. Eleven (surviving) PAVP-treated rats and controls were assessed over a two-week period. Rats were tested for forelimb grip strength, stability on an inclined plane and the ability to remove tape wrapped around a forepaw in order to determine deficits in motor functions and sensorimotor integration. Signs of recovery began 3-6 h post-dosing, with all animals showing no outward signs of poisoning within 48 h, and over the 14-day post-treatment monitoring period they gained weight and increased their food consumption. There was no significant overall difference in performance between PAVP-treated and control rats in any of the three neurological tests. In the inclined plane test, performance of sub-lethally PAVP-poisoned rats appeared to be temporarily impaired with treated animals slipping at a lower angle than controls on day two. During the tape removal test, four PAVP-treated rats failed to remove the tape within the 3-min time limit on one occasion each (4/77 occasions) up to seven days post-dosing. The severity and duration of signs following acute sub-lethal PAVP poisoning appeared to be lower than those reported for existing rodenticides. It is likely that the results presented in this study extend to other MetHb-inducers.
Slow and steady wins the race? No signs of reduced welfare in smaller broiler breeder hens at four weeks of age
Authors: Lindholm C , Calais A , Jönsson J , Yngwe N , Berndtson E , Hult E , Altimiras J
Published: October 2015

Broiler breeder chickens are commonly reared under strict feed-restriction regimes to reduce obesity-induced health and fertility problems during adult life, and are assumed to experience a reduced welfare due to the resulting hunger. In these conditions, feed competition could influence the growth rate, so that the individuals falling behind in growth would experience more stress and hunger. We hypothesised that these chickens are poor competitors due to a reactive coping style and experience a further reduced welfare situation before size-sorting (‘grading’) at four weeks of age. Our results from open field, tonic immobility and home pen activity monitoring show signs of lower fear and higher home-pen activity levels in smaller hens and do not support the idea of reactive coping. H/L ratios of smaller hens were also found to be lower, indicating less stress in these birds. Dissections of smaller and larger four-week breeder hens may offer an explanation in the form of a relatively larger gastrointestinal tract in smaller birds. We argue that this is a form of habituation to restricted feeding, offering these birds a physiological stress coping mechanism, and that low early growth rate may not always be a sign of poorer welfare in broiler breeders.
Stereotypic mice are aggressed by their cage-mates, and tend to be poor demonstrators in social learning tasks
Authors: Harper L , Choleris E , Ervin K , Fureix C , Reynold K , Walker M , Mason G
Published: October 2015

Stereotypic behaviours (SBs) are linked with behavioural inflexibility and resemble symptoms of autism, suggesting that stereotypic animals could have autistic-like social impairments. SBs are also common in caged mice. We therefore hypothesised relationships between stereotypic and social behaviours, predicting that highly stereotypic mice would give/receive more agonism and be less effective in social learning tasks. Experiment One used C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice in non-enriched or enriched housing (15 cages each); Experiment Two, more cages (six non-enriched, 44 enriched) plus a third strain (BALB/c). Across both experiments, enrichment reduced SB and agonism (aggression, plus ‘displacements’ where one mouse supplants another at a resource). These effects appeared related: housing effects on agonism became negligible when SB was statistically controlled for, and, at least in enriched cages, SB covaried with receiving aggression. In Experiment Three, 20 DBAs varying in SB from Experiment Two acted as demonstrators in a ‘social transmission of food preferences’ task. They were fed a novel flavour (shatavari powder), then each mingled with a familiar but flavour-naïve C57 observer. Observers were subsequently offered two novel flavours: shatavari or marjoram. Those spontaneously choosing more shatavari (n = 10) tended to have had less stereotypic demonstrators than the other ten observer mice. Overall, highly stereotypic mice thus received more agonism — an effect with obvious welfare implications that can be reduced with enrichment — and seemed potentially less effective at inducing flavour preferences in conspecifics. Such effects are consistent with social impairment, suggesting that reducing SB may perhaps enhance interactions between conspecifics.
Transport of horses for slaughter in Iceland
Authors: Roy RC , Cockram MS , Dohoo IR , Ragnarsson S
Published: October 2015

There is interest in the transportation of horses (Equus caballus) to slaughter and a need to assess the welfare implications of this practice. Forty-six loads of 7-35 horses transported for 0.33 to 3.10 h to a slaughter plant in Iceland were studied. Adults and foals were transported together and then placed in separate pens overnight in the lairage. This acted as a weaning procedure for the foals. Between one and eleven horses per load (59 adults and 129 foals) were observed during loading and at the slaughter plant, blood was sampled at slaughter and carcases were observed. No wounds were observed before transport, but 1.6% of horses had small, superficial bleeding wounds after transport. The respiration rate was greater after, compared to before, transport. Blood lactate concentration measured after lairage and slaughter was greater than normal in both adults and foals, 13% of adults and 20% of foals had a blood glucose concentration lower than normal, and 58% of adults and 25% of foals had a plasma total protein concentration greater than normal. Forty-four percent of adults and 17% of foals were bruised. There were no pre-existing conditions affecting the fitness of the horses for transportation. The effects of transport on the physiological responses and the severity of bruising were relatively minor. However, the results suggested that the handling, transport and lairage of the horses resulted in injury and signs of exertion or stress that were not compatible with optimal management practices. The mild dehydration in adults might have been associated with restricted access to drinking water during lairage of lactating mares. Controlled studies are required to identify the specific practices used in Iceland that result in injury and dehydration.
Investigating the role of coat colour, age, sex, and breed on outcomes for dogs at two animal shelters in the United States
Authors: Svoboda HJ , Hoffman CL
Published: October 2015

The popular press frequently reports that coat colour bias negatively impacts shelter adoption rates for black domestic dogs. This phenomenon, commonly called ‘black dog syndrome’ (BDS), reportedly increases the likelihood of euthanasia for black dogs and negatively affects the length of black dogs’ time to adoption. While organisations may focus on BDS and ways to promote black dogs, it is possible that the influences of other important factors, such as sex, age and breed, may be overlooked. To evaluate the veracity of BDS and examine the impact of various phenotypic traits on shelter outcomes, we analysed four years of intake and outcome data from two animal shelters in the Pacific Northwestern United States. Results indicated that the average length of availability for adoption (LOA) for black dogs was not significantly longer than that for other coloured dogs, nor was the rate of euthanasia of black dogs significantly higher than average. On the other hand, age and breed group were consistent predictors of shelter outcomes across the two shelters. Older dogs tended to have longer LOA and to be euthanised at rates higher than expected. Bully breeds had significantly longer LOA in both shelters and, compared to other breeds, were euthanised at higher than expected rates. The methods implemented in this study could be utilised by other shelters to inform intake and marketing strategies.
L’effet réseau sur la délocalisation des PME1
Authors: Gallego-Roquelaure Virginie
Published: October 2015

L’objet de cet article est de rapprocher deux registres de connaissances – la délocalisation en PME et les réseaux de PME – afin d’en questionner la relation. Pour ce faire, le modèle UPPSALA et le concept d’isomorphisme institutionnel sont mobilisés afin de mettre en lumière le rôle des réseaux, qu’ils soient inter-organisationnels ou inter-individuels, dans la décision de délocalisation des PME.

Cette analyse de la littérature sera confrontée à une étude qualitative menée auprès de deux PME appartenant au même système productif local (SPL).

Les résultats soulignent l’influence du SPL qui peut à la fois encourager une délocalisation induite via un isomorphisme mimétique et également freiner cette stratégie par un isomorphisme coercitif.
Une approche gestaltiste de la performance de la jeune entreprise technologique innovante
Authors: Khiari Sonia , Zouaoui Mahmoud , Smida Ali
Published: October 2015

Considérées comme l’un des principaux leviers du développement économique d’un pays, les jeunes entreprises technologiques innovantes (JETI) sont à l’origine de l’introduction de nouvelles technologies, de l’exploration d’opportunités commerciales et de la création des marchés de l’avenir.

Malgré l’intérêt considérable porté à la performance des JETI (Jiao et al., 2013 ; Chen, 2009 ; Song et al., 2008), les recherches concernant ses déterminants ont plutôt adopté une approche contingente que gestaltiste, alors que de nombreux travaux soulignent que la pertinence de cette dernière perspective est de pouvoir intégrer divers éléments dans une démarche holiste (Ketchen, Thomas et Snow, 1993 ; Harms et al., 2009 ; Witmeur et Biga Diambeidou, 2010) de manière à dépasser les conflits de l’approche contingente relatifs à l’analyse d’une multitude de relations bivariées (Henninger-Vacher, 1999 ; 2000).

L’objectif de cet article est de contribuer à améliorer la compréhension de la performance de la JETI par la proposition d’une modélisation gestaltiste s’inscrivant dans le cadre de l’approche configurationnelle et permettant d’expliquer les différences de performance. Pour y parvenir, une enquête quantitative a été menée auprès d’un échantillon de 95 jeunes entreprises technologiques innovantes (JETI) du secteur des services informatiques en France. Les conclusions de ce travail peuvent alors constituer une grille de lecture permettant d’apporter un éclairage instructif sur les voies privilégiées de la performance de la JETI et faire l’objet auprès des praticiens, de réflexions et d’analyses complémentaires à leurs pratiques voire de développement d’un outil d’aide à la décision à destination des entrepreneurs.
De l’aide ? Pour quoi faire ?
Authors: Bolduc Catherine , Gauthier Sonia
Published: October 2015

Bon nombre d’hommes qui se présentent en thérapie reconnaissent peu leurs comportements violents. Dans ces conditions, comment les amener à se responsabiliser s’ils ne se sentent guère concernés? C’est à partir de cette problématique qu’un groupe d’information et de sensibilisation à la violence conjugale et familiale a été créé afin d’aider les hommes non volontaires à un suivi à augmenter leur disposition au changement. Cet article présente une réflexion à l’égard de l’implantation de ce groupe à l’organisme Option.
LynA regulates an inflammation-sensitive signaling checkpoint in macrophages
Authors: Freedman Tanya S , Tan Ying X , Skrzypczynska Katarzyna M , Manz Boryana N , Sjaastad Frances V , Goodridge Helen S , Lowell Clifford A , Weiss Arthur
Published: October 2015

Clustering of receptors associated with immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs) initiates the macrophage antimicrobial response. ITAM receptors engage Src-family tyrosine kinases (SFKs) to initiate phagocytosis and macrophage activation. Macrophages also encounter nonpathogenic molecules that cluster receptors weakly and must tune their sensitivity to avoid inappropriate responses. To investigate this response threshold, we compared signaling in the presence and absence of receptor clustering using a small-molecule inhibitor of Csk, which increased SFK activation and produced robust membrane-proximal signaling. Surprisingly, receptor-independent SFK activation led to a downstream signaling blockade associated with rapid degradation of the SFK LynA. Inflammatory priming of macrophages upregulated LynA and promoted receptor-independent signaling. In contrast, clustering the hemi-ITAM receptor Dectin-1 induced signaling that did not require LynA or inflammatory priming. Together, the basal-state signaling checkpoint regulated by LynA expression and degradation and the signaling reorganization initiated by receptor clustering allow cells to discriminate optimally between pathogens and nonpathogens.
Retroactive modulation of spike timing-dependent plasticity by dopamine
Authors: Brzosko Zuzanna , Schultz Wolfram , Paulsen Ole
Published: October 2015

Most reinforcement learning models assume that the reward signal arrives after the activity that led to the reward, placing constraints on the possible underlying cellular mechanisms. Here we show that dopamine, a positive reinforcement signal, can retroactively convert hippocampal timing-dependent synaptic depression into potentiation. This effect requires functional NMDA receptors and is mediated in part through the activation of the cAMP/PKA cascade. Collectively, our results support the idea that reward-related signaling can act on a pre-established synaptic eligibility trace, thereby associating specific experiences with behaviorally distant, rewarding outcomes. This finding identifies a biologically plausible mechanism for solving the ‘distal reward problem’.
Predicting glacio‐hydrologic change in the headwaters of the Zongo River, Cordillera Real, Bolivia
Authors: Frans Chris , Istanbulluoglu Erkan , Lettenmaier Dennis P. , Naz Bibi S. , Clarke Garry K. C. , Condom Thomas , Burns Pat , Nolin Anne W.
Published: October 2015

In many partially glacierized watersheds glacier recession driven by a warming climate could lead to complex patterns of streamflow response over time, often marked with rapid increases followed by sharp declines, depending on initial glacier ice cover and rate of climate change. Capturing such “phases” of hydrologic response is critical in regions where communities rely on glacier meltwater, particularly during low flows. In this paper, we investigate glacio‐hydrologic response in the headwaters of the Zongo River, Bolivia, under climate change using a distributed glacio‐hydrological model over the period of 1987–2100. Model predictions are evaluated through comparisons with satellite‐derived glacier extent estimates, glacier surface velocity, in situ glacier mass balance, surface energy flux, and stream discharge measurements. Historically (1987–2010) modeled glacier melt accounts for 27% of annual runoff, and 61% of dry season (JJA) runoff on average. During this period the relative glacier cover was observed to decline from 35 to 21% of the watershed. In the future, annual and dry season discharge is projected to decrease by 4% and 27% by midcentury and 25% and 57% by the end of the century, respectively, following the loss of 81% of the ice in the watershed. Modeled runoff patterns evolve through the interplay of positive and negative trends in glacier melt and increased evapotranspiration as the climate warms. Sensitivity analyses demonstrate that the selection of model surface energy balance parameters greatly influences the trajectory of hydrological change projected during the first half of the 21st century. These model results underscore the importance of coupled glacio‐hydrology modeling.
Comparison of rotational temperature derived from ground‐based OH airglow observations with TIMED/SABER to evaluate the Einstein coefficients
Authors: Liu Weijun , Xu Jiyao , Smith A. K. , Yuan Wei
Published: October 2015

Ground‐based observations of the OH(9–4, 8–3, 6–2, 5–1, and 3–0) band airglows over Xinglong, China (40°24′N, 117°35′E) from December 2011 to 2014 are used to calculate rotational temperatures. The temperatures are calculated using five commonly used Einstein coefficient data sets. The kinetic temperature from Thermosphere, Ionosphere, Mesosphere, Energetics and Dynamics/Sounding the Atmosphere by Broadband Emission of Radiation (SABER) is completely independent of the OH rotational temperature. SABER temperatures are weighted vertically by weighting functions calculated for each emitting vibrational state from two SABER OH volume emission rate profiles. By comparing the ground‐based OH rotational temperature with SABER's, five Einstein coefficient data sets are evaluated. The results show that temporal variations of the rotational temperatures are well correlated with SABER's; the linear correlation coefficients are higher than 0.72, but the slopes of the fit between the SABER and rotational temperatures are not equal to 1. The rotational temperatures calculated using each set of Einstein coefficients produce a different bias with respect to SABER; these are evaluated over each of the vibrational levels to assess the best match. It is concluded that rotational temperatures determined using any of the available Einstein coefficient data sets have systematic errors. However, of the five sets of coefficients, the rotational temperature derived with Langhoff et al.'s (1986) set is most consistent with SABER. In order to get a set of optimal Einstein coefficients for rotational temperature derivation, we derive their ratios from ground‐based OH spectra and SABER temperatures statistically using 3 years of data. The use of a standard set of Einstein coefficients will be beneficial for comparing rotational temperatures observed at different sites.
Remote sensing‐based estimation of annual soil respiration at two contrasting forest sites
Authors: Huang Ni , Gu Lianhong , Black T. Andrew , Wang Li , Niu Zheng
Published: October 2015

Soil respiration (Rs), an important component of the global carbon cycle, can be estimated using remotely sensed data, but the accuracy of this technique has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we proposed a methodology for the remote estimation of annual Rs at two contrasting FLUXNET forest sites (a deciduous broadleaf forest and an evergreen needleleaf forest). A version of the Akaike's information criterion was used to select the best model from a range of models for annual Rs estimation based on the remotely sensed data products from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer and root‐zone soil moisture product derived from assimilation of the NASA Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer soil moisture products and a two‐layer Palmer water balance model. We found that the Arrhenius‐type function based on nighttime land surface temperature (LST‐night) was the best model by comprehensively considering the model explanatory power and model complexity at the Missouri Ozark and BC‐Campbell River 1949 Douglas‐fir sites. In addition, a multicollinearity problem among LST‐night, root‐zone soil moisture, and plant photosynthesis factor was effectively avoided by selecting the LST‐night‐driven model. Cross validation showed that temporal variation in Rs was captured by the LST‐night‐driven model with a mean absolute error below 1 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1 at both forest sites. An obvious overestimation that occurred in 2005 and 2007 at the Missouri Ozark site reduced the evaluation accuracy of cross validation because of summer drought. However, no significant difference was found between the Arrhenius‐type function driven by LST‐night and the function considering LST‐night and root‐zone soil moisture. This finding indicated that the contribution of soil moisture to Rs was relatively small at our multiyear data set. To predict intersite Rs, maximum leaf area index (LAImax) was used as an upscaling factor to calibrate the site‐specific reference respiration rates. Independent validation demonstrated that the model incorporating LST‐night and LAImax efficiently predicted the spatial and temporal variabilities of Rs. Based on the Arrhenius‐type function using LST‐night as an input parameter, the rates of annual C release from Rs were 894–1027 g C m−2 yr−1 at the BC‐Campbell River 1949 Douglas‐fir site and 818–943 g C m−2 yr−1 at the Missouri Ozark site. The ratio between annual Rs estimates based on remotely sensed data and the total annual ecosystem respiration from eddy covariance measurements fell within the range reported in previous studies. Our results demonstrated that estimating annual Rs based on remote sensing data products was possible at deciduous and evergreen forest sites.
Diagnosing DYNAMO convection with weak temperature gradient simulations
Authors: Sentić Stipo , Sessions Sharon L. , Fuchs Željka
Published: October 2015

Determining relationships between convective and environmental diagnostics can improve our understanding of mechanisms controlling tropical convection, and consequently, result in better representations of convection in coarsely resolved models. We identify important diagnostic relationships in observations taken during the Dynamics of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (DYNAMO) campaign and perform weak temperature gradient (WTG) simulations of DYNAMO convection to determine if the observed relationships are reproduced in our model. We find that the WTG approximation models local changes in the diagnostics used in the study—precipitation rate, atmospheric stability, moisture, and gross moist stability (GMS)—and reproduces diagnostic relationships suggested in previous studies; an increase in precipitation rate is correlated with increased atmospheric moisture content, which, in turn, is correlated with greater atmospheric stability. Large‐scale atmospheric stability—changes of which might be related to balanced dynamics, we speculate—seems to be a candidate for a convective controlling mechanism. Observed and modeled interactions of local convection with the large‐scale environment—quantified by the GMS—are in agreement with the theory of Inoue and Back (2015b); the GMS increases from small, positive or negative, values during developing convection and further increases for decaying convection past a critical GMS found at peak precipitation rates, atmospheric stability, and moisture content. Understanding the link between the critical GMS and the diagnostics—still a standing problem—could further our understanding of interactions between local convection and the large‐scale environment.
Clinical Trials and Experimental Science, Bias Against Women in
Authors: Rosser Sue V.
Published: October 2015

Revelations of gender bias in science and engineering research led to investigations of the various levels at which the bias might pervade both basic research and its translation into health practice and technology. Examples demonstrate that unintentional bias may be reflected in at least four states of application of the scientific method: (1) exclusion of females as experimental and design subjects; (2) choice and definition of problems to be studied; (3) methods and approaches used in data gathering; and (4) theories and conclusions drawn from the data. Uncovering one source of bias opens the door to revealing others such as race, class, and disability that may distort research and its translation into practice and products. Removing bias may expand research results, practice, and products to benefit the population as a whole.
Trans Identities, Psychological Perspectives
Authors: Sangganjanavanich Varunee Faii
Published: October 2015

Trans identities refer to a transgender identity umbrella overarching a variety of gender non‐conforming people within the transgender community. In general, trans identities represent transgender, transsexual, cross‐dresser, drag queen, intersex, androgyny, genderqueer, genderless, and bigender people. While transgender is a broader term used to refer to gender non‐conforming people, diversity within the transgender community exists. Many critiques advocate that trans lived experience and gender diversity should be viewed neither as deviant behaviors nor as mental disorders. Trans identities are simply a reflection of diverse human sexuality.
Birth Control, History and Politics of
Authors: Gordon Linda
Published: October 2015

Birth control is neither modern nor medical, and for most of its long history was uncontroversial. As far back in history as evidence is available, every society tried to practice some form of reproduction control. They were not always successful, of course. Some methods were difficult to practice, such as male withdrawal before ejaculation. Other methods were dangerous, such as taking poisons or beating the abdomen. Abortion, the most common method, done by inserting an object into the uterus, could be painful and dangerous, thought nowhere near as much as childbirth. These risky procedures stand as testimony to how important it was to so many to control childbearing.
Human Rights and Gender
Authors: Naples Nancy A. , Gurr Barbara
Published: October 2015

The specification of women's rights became more evident during the United Nations Decade for Women (1976–1985), which included the organization of international conferences in Mexico City in 1975, Copenhagen in 1980, and Nairobi in 1985. During these years, important documents were developed for addressing women's rights, including the 1976 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that recognized the equal right of men and women to the enjoyment of all civil and political rights set forth in the present Covenant (Article 3) and the 1979 Convention to End Discrimination Against Women that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. One result of this decade‐long movement to insert the needs of women into human rights discourse was the recognition that all issues are women's issues; a more material result was the formalization of the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), which is now part of UN Women.
Asylum, Sexual Orientation and
Authors: Raj Senthorun
Published: October 2015

This entry explores the relationship between sexual orientation and asylum law. Focusing on the way in which sexuality is constructed in refugee law, this entry outlines the international context of sexual orientation and gender identity human rights, the developing recognition of sexual orientation refugee claims, the problematic use of stereotypes when adjudicating asylum claims, the changing scope of sexual orientation persecution, and the nexus between sexual identity and persecution.
Flexible Battery‐Less Bioelectronic Implants: Wireless Powering and Manipulation by Near‐Infrared Light
Authors: Liu Hongzhong , Zhao Tingting , Jiang Weitao , Jia Rui , Niu Dong , Qiu Guanglin , Fan Lin , Li Xin , Liu Weihua , Chen Bangdao , Shi Yongsheng , Yin Lei , Lu Bingheng
Published: October 2015

Bioelectronics, which can provide electrical impulses to precisely modulate the body's neural circuits, spark great interests of industry and academia. Yet the technologies to power and manipulate these devices, such as wireless powering and remote manipulation, remain challenging. Here, by investigating the pyroelectric performances of poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) and its remote‐manipulation ability under near‐infrared‐ray (nIR) irradiation, a flexible battery‐less implantable device is proposed, constructed by laminated graphene–PVDF–graphene sandwiches, which can be wirelessly powered and supply regulatable electrical pulses for nerve stimulation by nIR irradiation. The flexible and compact device (20 mm × 20 mm in area, 0.2 mm in thickness) can generate electrical pulses with controllable amplitude and width, and shows an excellent ability to stimulate nerves, i.e., sciatic nerve of a frog and a rat heart, by remote control. The flexible and remote‐manipulative battery‐less device should find uses in the design and fabrication of bioelectronics‐related applications.
Plasmon‐Enhanced Fluorescence‐Based Core–Shell Gold Nanorods as a Near‐IR Fluorescent Turn‐On Sensor for the Highly Sensitive Detection of Pyrophosphate in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Wang Le , Song Quanwei , Liu Qiuling , He Dacheng , Ouyang Jin
Published: October 2015

Developing plasmon‐enhanced fluorescence (PEF) technology for identifying important biological molecules has a profound impact on biosensing and bioimaging. However, exploration of PEF for biological application is still at a very early stage. Herein, novel PEF‐based core–shell nanostructures as a near‐infrared fluorescent turn‐on sensor for highly sensitive and selective detection of pyrophosphate (PPi) in aqueous solution are proposed. This nanostructure gold nanorod (AuNR)@SiO2@meso‐tetra(4‐carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) contains a gold nanorod core with an aspect ratio of 2.3, a silica shell, and TCPP molecules covalently immobilized onto the shell surface. The silica shell is employed a rigid spacer for precisely tuning the distance between AuNR and TCPP and an optimum fluorescence enhancement is obtained. Due to the quenching effect of Cu2+, the copper porphyrin (TCPP‐Cu2+) results in a weak fluorescence. In the presence of PPi, the strong affinity between Cu2+ and PPi can promote the disassembly of the turn‐off state of TCPP‐Cu2+ complexes, and therefore the fluorescence can be readily restored. By virtue of the amplified fluorescence signal imparted by PEF, this nanosensor obtains a detection limit of 820 × 10−9m of PPi with a good selectivity over several anions, including phosphate. Additionally, the potential applicability of this sensor in cell imaging is successfully demonstrated.
Biomimetic Nanostructured Interfaces for Hierarchical Composites
Authors: Malakooti Mohammad H. , Zhou Zhi , Spears John H. , Shankwitz Timothy J. , Sodano Henry A.
Published: October 2015

Creating a hierarchical interface between the reinforcement and matrix phases of fiber reinforced polymer composites has become an effective strategy toward development of bioinspired structural composites. The resulting materials display exceptional characteristics such as having both high stiffness and high toughness simultaneously, which is rare in homogeneous materials. Although the efficacy of nanostructured interfaces has been established, the mechanisms associated with their performance have not been explored yet. Here, strain transfer across a nanowire interphase is visualized in order to understand the working principles of physical interface modifications. This is accomplished by using a functionally graded piezoelectric interface composed of nanowires, as their piezoelectric properties can be utilized to control the strain on one side of the interface. It is demonstrated that the nanowire “whiskers” cause an even strain transfer from the reinforcement phase into the matrix phase, eliminating stress concentration between the phases.
A Combination of Metal and Organic Catalysis: Highly Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Construction of Fluorinated 2‐Aminocyclopenta[b]pyran Derivatives
Authors: Peng Jiahuan , Zhao Bo‐Liang , Du Da‐Ming
Published: October 2015

An efficient highly diastereo‐ and enantioselective protocol to access optically pure fluorine‐containing 2‐amino‐cyclopenta[b]pyran derivatives using Lewis acid catalysis and organocatalysis sequence has been developed. The corresponding products could be obtained in good to excellent yields with good to excellent diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity (up to 99:1 dr, >99% ee).

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Visible Light‐Induced Radical Cyclization of Ethyl 2‐(N‐Arylcarbamoyl)‐2‐Chloroiminoacetates: Synthesis of Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones
Authors: Li Dianjun , Ma Haichao , Yu Wei
Published: October 2015

This paper reveals that visible light irradiation with Ru(phen)3Cl2 as photocatalyst can induce ethyl 2‐(N‐arylcarbamoyl)‐2‐chloroiminoacetates to undergo NCl cleavage to give α‐(aminocarbonyl)iminyl radicals under an argon atmosphere. The subsequent cyclization of the thus formed iminyl radicals affords quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐one products in good yield in the presence of an inorganic base such as Na2CO3. The reactions proceeded very well even without using a photocatalyst when DMF was used as the solvent. These protocols provide a new, simple method for the generation of iminyl radicals, and the reactions described herein constitute an efficient method for the synthesis of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐one derivatives.

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Biomolecular Fishing for Calixarene Partners by a Chemoproteomic Approach
Authors: Tommasone Stefano , Talotta Carmen , Gaeta Carmine , Margarucci Luigi , Monti Maria Chiara , Casapullo Agostino , Macchi Beatrice , Prete Salvatore Pasquale , Ladeira De Araujo Adriana , Neri Placido
Published: October 2015

MS‐based chemical‐proteomics technology is introduced herein as a third general strategy to study the biomolecular recognition properties of given calixarene derivatives. In particular, we demonstrate that a simply designed calix[4]arene derivative 1 a bearing acetamido groups at the exo rim (pAC), when linked to a solid support, is able to fish out a specific protein (PDI protein) from a crude extract of HeLa cells. Western blot and surface plasmon resonance studies confirmed the direct interaction between PDI and the linker‐free pAC derivative 1 b with considerable affinity, and in vitro tests showed its inhibition of PDI chaperone activity. In accordance with the role of PDI in a variety of human cancers, biological tests showed that pAC 1 b was cytotoxic and cytostatic toward CAL‐27 and PC‐3 cancer cell lines in vitro. Docking studies showed that H bonds and hydrophobic interactions contribute to the stabilization of the PDI/pAC complex.
A Set of Activity‐Based Probes to Visualize Human (Immuno)proteasome Activities
Authors: de Bruin Gerjan , Xin Bo Tao , Kraus Marianne , van der Stelt Mario , van der Marel Gijsbert A. , Kisselev Alexei F. , Driessen Christoph , Florea Bogdan I. , Overkleeft Herman S.
Published: October 2015

Proteasomes are therapeutic targets for various cancers and autoimmune diseases. Constitutively expressed proteasomes have three active sites, β1c, β2c, and β5c. Lymphoid tissues also express the immunoproteasome subunits β1i, β2i, and β5i. Rapid and simultaneous measurement of the activity of these catalytic subunits would assist in the discovery of new inhibitors, improve analysis of proteasome inhibitors in clinical trials, and simplify analysis of subunit expression. In this work, we present a cocktail of activity‐based probes that enables simultaneous gel‐based detection of all six catalytic human proteasome subunits. We used this cocktail to develop specific inhibitors for β1c, β2c, β5c, and β2i, to compare the active‐site specificity of clinical proteasome inhibitors, and to demonstrate that many hematologic malignancies predominantly express immunoproteasomes. Furthermore, we show that selective and complete inhibition of β5i and β1i is cytotoxic to primary cells from acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) patients.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Regioselective C7‐Functionalization of N‐Pivaloylindoles
Authors: Xu Lanting , Zhang Chao , He Yupeng , Tan Lushi , Ma Dawei
Published: October 2015

An efficient rhodium‐catalyzed method for direct CH functionalization at the C7 position of a wide range of indoles has been developed. Good to excellent yields of alkenylation products were observed with acrylates, styrenes, and vinyl phenyl sulfones, whereas the saturated alkylation products were obtained in good yield with α,β‐unsaturated ketones. Both the N‐pivaloyl directing group and the rhodium catalyst proved to be crucial for high regioselectivity and conversion.
Ratio Control for Continuously Variable Transmissions with Minimal Sensor Configuration
Authors: Steinberger Martin , Horn Martin
Published: October 2015

In this paper, a model‐based controller for an electrically actuated hybrid belt continuously variable transmission is developed. The main goal is to track a desired transmission ratio. A nonlinear model of the transmission dynamics is presented and an identification procedure for the unknown model parameters given. A control structure with two degrees of freedom is used to achieve the desired tracking performance. The proposed concept allows a straightforward realization of the control algorithm, the number of required sensors is reduced to a minimum. It is demonstrated by means of test rig experiments, that the proposed approach yields very satisfactory results over the entire operation range.
Decadal trends of the annual amplitude of global precipitation
Authors: Wang Bin , Li Xiaofan , Huang Yanyan , Zhai Guoqing
Published: October 2015

In this study, decadal trends of the annual amplitude of global precipitation are compared in Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Merged Analysis of Precipitation (CMAP), Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP), and National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis data sets. The analysis reveals decreasing trends in the CMAP and reanalysis data and a flat trend in the GPCP data. The decreasing trends are mainly associated with the increasing trend of low annual minimum precipitation rate in the CMAP data and high annual minimum precipitation rate in the reanalysis data. The trend in the GPCP data is flat because of the balance between decreasing trends along equatorial oceans and increasing trends over subtropical oceans.
Spectrofluorimetric determination of the antineoplastic agent lomustine based on the sensitizing effect of β‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Fisli Hassina , Bensouilah Nadjia , Abdaoui Mohamed
Published: October 2015

The effects of solvent dipolarity/polarizability and solvent–solute hydrogen bonding on the photophysical properties of the antineoplastic drug lomustine were analysed by means of the linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) concept proposed by Kamlet and Taft. The LSER method enabled the overall solvent effects to be quantitatively estimated and separated into specific and non‐specific contributions. The molecular encapsulation of lomustine by β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) has been studied using fluorescence spectroscopy. The results are discussed in terms of the binding parameter and the effect of the solvent used. It was concluded that β‐CD forms a 1:1 inclusional complex with lomustine in acetonitrile solution and its association constant was calculated to be 500 M−1. In addition, and for the first time, a simple, rapid and high sensitive fluorimetric method for the determination of lomustine was developed based upon the enhancement effect produced through complex formation with β‐CD. The new approach for the quantification of lomustine in the presence of β‐CD was described in aqueous and organic solutions. Better limits of detection (0.31 µg ml−1) and quantification (1.05 µg ml−1) were obtained in aqueous solution with respect to those obtained in organic solvent. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical Signals of Synthetic Disaccharide Derivatives Dominate Rhamnolipids at Controlling Multiple Bacterial Activities
Authors: Singh Nischal , Shetye Gauri S. , Zheng Hewen , Sun Jiayue , Luk Yan‐Yeung
Published: October 2015

Microbes secrete molecules that modify their environment. Here, we demonstrate a class of synthetic disaccharide derivatives (DSDs) that mimics and dominates the activity of naturally secreted rhamnolipids by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The DSDs exhibit the dual function of activating and inhibiting the swarming motility through a concentration‐dependent activity reversal that is characteristic of signaling molecules. Whereas DSDs tethered with a saturated farnesyl group exhibit inhibition of both biofilm formation and swarming motility, with higher activities than rhamnolipids, a saturated farnesyl tethered with a sulfonate group only inhibits swarming motility but promote biofilm formation. These results identified important structural elements for controlling swarming motility, biofilm formation, and bacterial adhesion and suggest an effective chemical approach to control intertwined signaling processes that are important for biofilm formation and motilities.
Endomyocardial biopsy safety and clinical yield in pediatric myocarditis: An Italian perspective
Authors: Brighenti Maurizio , Donti Andrea , Giulia Gagliardi Maria , Maschietto Nicola , Marini Davide , Lombardi Maristella , Vairo Ugo , Agnoletti Gabriella , Milanesi Ornella , Pongiglione Giacomo , Bonvicini Marco ,   on behalf of the Italian Society of Pediatric Cardiology
Published: October 2015

Objectives

The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the safety, the impact of endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) results in myocarditis management and the incidence of different etiologies of myocarditis in a pediatric population.

Background

Although EMB is an established diagnostic tool to evaluate suspected myocarditis, there is lack of clear diagnostic and management guidelines for myocarditis in pediatric patients, particularly in infants.

Methods

We performed a retrospective database review and subsequent outcomes analysis from five Italian pediatric cardiology centers to identify patients aged 0–18 years who underwent EMB for suspected myocarditis or inflammatory cardiomyopathy (ICMP) between 2009 and 2011.

Results

EMB was performed in 41 children, of which 16 were male. The population ranged between 16 days of age to 17 years (mean age at EMB = 5.2 ± 4.9 years). The overall incidence of EMB‐related complications was 15.5% (31.2% in infants, and 6.8% in children > 1 year of age; P = 0.079) while the incidence of EMB‐driven treatment changes was 29.2%. Histological examination together with PCR on heart biopsy specimens allowed an etiological diagnosis in 26/41 patients (63%). Among the 15 patients (36.5%) with diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) 11 had idiopathic DCM. Finally, we found an overall incidence of death/cardiac transplantation of 24%.

Conclusions

In a pediatric population with suspected myocarditis/ICMP, EMB was useful in confirming the diagnosis only in 41% of cases but showed an overall diagnostic power of 63%. As complications of EBM are not negligible, particularly in infants, the risk/benefit ratio should be taken into account in each patient. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polymer‐Supported Optically Active fac(S)‐Tris(thiotato)rhodium(III) Complex for Sulfur‐Bridging Reaction With Precious Metal Ions
Authors: Aizawa Sen‐Ichi , Tsubosaka Soshi
Published: October 2015

The optically active mixed‐ligand fac(S)‐tris(thiolato)rhodium(III) complexes, ΔL‐fac(S)‐[Rh(aet)2(L‐cys‐N,S)]− (aet = 2‐aminoethanethiolate, L‐cys = L‐cysteinate) (1) and ΔLL‐fac(S)‐[Rh(aet)(L‐cys‐N,S)2]2− were newly prepared by the equatorial preference of the carboxyl group in the coordinated L‐cys ligand. The amide formation reaction of 1 with 1,10‐diaminodecane and polyallylamine gave the diamine‐bridged dinuclear Rh(III) complex and the single‐chain polymer‐supported Rh(III) complex with retention of the ΔL configuration of 1, respectively. These Rh(III) complexes reacted with Co(III) or Co(II) to give the linear‐type trinuclear structure with the S‐bridged Co(III) center and the two Δ‐Rh(III) terminal moieties. The polymer‐supported Rh(III) complex was applied not only to the CD spectropolarimetric detection and determination of a trace of precious metal ions such as Au(III), Pt(II), and Pd(II) but also to concentration and extraction of these metal ions into the solid polymer phase. Chirality 28:85–91, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Association of Transfer Rate From Hospitals Without Revascularization Capabilities and Mortality Risk for Older Non–ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Shen Lan , Shah Bimal R. , Li Shuang , Thomas Laine , Wang Tracy Y. , Alexander Karen P. , Peterson Eric D. , He Ben , Roe Matthew T.
Published: October 2015

Background

Interhospital transfer invasive management patterns and implications for older non–ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients initially presenting to non–revascularization‐capable hospitals have not been explored.

Hypothesis

Patients admitted to hospitals with a higher transfer proportion have lower risk of long‐term mortality.

Methods

We linked CRUSADE Registry data on 5678 patients age ≥65 years from 65 United States non–revascularization‐capable hospitals (2003–2006) with inpatient Medicare longitudinal claims. Hospitals were categorized according to hospital‐level patient transfer‐out rates, low (≤40%) vs high (>40%). The associations between transfer‐out rates and 30‐day, 6‐month, and 3‐year mortality risk were evaluated using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Hospital‐level transfer‐out rates varied widely (median, 43%; interquartile range, 31%–54%). Compared with patients from low–transfer‐out hospitals (n = 2715), patients from high–transfer‐out hospitals (n = 2963) were more likely to be male, less likely to have renal insufficiency and prior heart failure, and had lower long‐term CRUSADE mortality risk scores. These patients also more commonly received evidence‐based acute medications before transfer and underwent subsequent revascularization after transfer. The adjusted risks of mortality at various time intervals were similar for those from high– vs low–transfer‐out hospitals: 30 days (hazard ratio: 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.79‐1.14), 6 months (0.97, 0.84‐1.12), and 3 years (1.01, 0.91‐1.11).

Conclusions

Transfer rates for older NSTEMI patients vary widely among non–revascularization‐capable hospitals. Despite lower predicted mortality risk and higher rates of post‐transfer revascularization, patients from high–transfer‐out hospitals had a similar risk for short‐ and long‐term mortality compared with those from low–transfer‐out hospitals.
Design Principles for Peptide‐Amphiphile‐Induced Liposomal Receptor‐Targeting with Intracellular Thermosensitivity
Authors: Shroff Kamlesh , Liu Dalong , Aravalli Rajagopal N. , Forster Colleen L. , Pengo Thomas , Sanders Mark A. , Ebbini Emad S. , Kokkoli Efrosini
Published: October 2015

Thermosensitive stealth liposomes were created by mixing lipids and PEGylated lipids with single‐tail peptide‐amphiphiles. We demonstrated for the first time that the peptide‐amphiphiles provided receptor‐specific binding and cell internalization while inducing the thermosensitive properties of the liposomes. The formulations were stable at 37 °C in the presence of serum, with faster release of their encapsulated load at 41 °C compared to stealth liposomes without the peptide‐amphiphiles or commercially available thermosensitive stealth liposomes. The thermosensitive properties of our formulation were also examined in vivo. Preliminary work showed increased release of the encapsulated calcein after heating the liver of a mouse with a dual‐mode ultrasound array system for 20 s to 41–43 °C, 4 h after receiving tail vein injections of the liposomes, compared to a mouse that received the liposomal injections but no heating. The receptor‐targeting ability of the peptide‐functionalized liposomes was examined in vitro with MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells. Our liposomes outperformed the other formulations as they showed specific binding, receptor‐mediated endocytosis, and increased intracellular temperature‐triggered release of encapsulated calcein.