bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergetic mechanism and enantioseparation of aromatic β‐amino acids by biphasic chiral high‐speed counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Han Chao , Luo Jianguang , Li Zhongrui , Zhang Yingqi , Zhao Huijun , Kong Lingyi
Published: April 2016

A biphasic chiral recognition system based on chiral ligand exchange with Cu(II)‐N‐n‐dodecyl‐L‐proline and hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin as an additive was developed to enantioseparate aromatic β‐amino acids by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography. The biphasic chiral recognition system was established with an n‐butanol/water (1:1, v/v) solvent system by adding N‐n‐dodecyl‐L‐proline and Cu(II) ions to the organic phase and hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin to the aqueous phase. Several separation parameters, such as temperature, pH value, and chiral selector concentration, were systematically investigated by enantioselective liquid–liquid extraction. Under the optimal separation conditions, 54.5 mg of (R,S)‐β‐phenylalanine and 74.3 mg of (R,S)‐β‐3,4‐dimethoxyphenylalanine were baseline enantioseparated. More importantly, the synergistic enantiorecognition mechanism, based on the Cu(II)‐N‐n‐dodecyl‐L‐proline and hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, was discussed for the first time.
High‐temperature corrosion of aluminized and chromized Fe‐10.4%Cr steels in N2/H2S/H2O‐mixed gas
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Lee Dong Bok
Published: April 2016

Fe‐10.4Cr‐0.8Mn‐0.2Si‐0.1C (at%) steel was either chromized or aluminized via pack cementation, and corroded at 800 °C for up to 100 h in 1 atm of (N2/3.1%H2O/2.42%H2S)‐mixed gas. The corrosion of the chromized coating resulted in the formation of an outer Cr2S3 and an inner Cr2O3 scale. Later, an FeS scale formed over the preformed Cr2S3/Cr2O3 scale. The corrosion of the aluminized coating led to the formation of the thin α‐Al2O3 scale. At the later stage of corrosion, discrete nodules that consisted mostly of Al2O3 and Al2S3 formed locally. Aluminizing was more effective than chromizing in increasing the corrosion resistance of the steel, due mainly to the formation of α‐Al2O3.
Comparison of corrosion rates obtained from laboratory and field data
Authors: Ruppert J. , Frimmel F. , Baier R. , Binder G.
Published: April 2016

Generally, corrosion rates for sheet pile walls observed in nature and those obtained in the laboratory are different. In order to compare natural and laboratory corrosion rates, corrosion tests were carried out with an electrochemical corrosion cell. Various mild steel samples which were taken out from different sheet pile structures were examined with synthetic brackish water and synthetic seawater as immersion media. It was ensured that the electrical conductivity and the pH‐values were identical to those of the natural waters from which the sheet pile samples came from. The experimental results indicate that underwater corrosion rates in nature are only about one tenth to one eighth of the laboratory values. The corrosion rates in nature depend on the media and the corrosion zone. Furthermore, in laboratory test procedures, the initial corrosion is always tested whereas in nature a “protecting” layer of rust is formed, that lowers corrosion. Therefore, comparison of the values of the experiments with those from nature should be defined in accordance to age and zone of hydraulic steel structures. As a consequence, a corrosion coefficient with consideration of the age of structures was formed. The introduction of the coefficients's dependence on the lifetime of the construction allows improved corrosion rate predictions when the chemical composition of the immersion media is detected.
Estimates of densities for Lévy processes with lower intensity of large jumps
Authors: Sztonyk Paweł
Published: April 2016

We obtain general lower estimates of transition densities of jump Lévy processes. We use them for processes with Lévy measures having bounded support, processes with exponentially decaying Lévy measures for large times and for processes with high intensity of small jumps for small times.
The Role of Cathepsin D in the Pathogenesis of Human Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Vidoni Chiara , Follo Carlo , Savino Miriam , Melone Mariarosa A. B. , Isidoro Ciro
Published: April 2016

In familial neurodegenerative disorders, protein aggregates form continuously because of genetic mutations that drive the synthesis of truncated or unfolded proteins. The oxidative stress imposed by neurotransmitters and environmental neurotoxins constitutes an additional threat to the folding of the proteins and the integrity of organelle membranes in neurons. Failure in degrading such altered materials compromises the function of neurons and eventually leads to neurodegeneration. The lysosomal proteolytic enzyme Cathepsin D is the only aspartic‐type protease ubiquitously expressed in all the cells of the human body, and it is expressed at high level in the brain. In general, cathepsin D mediated proteolysis is essential to neuronal cell homeostasis through the degradation of unfolded or oxidized protein aggregates delivered to lysosomes via autophagy or endocytosis. More specifically, many altered neuronal proteins that hallmark neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., the amyloid precursor, α‐synuclein, and huntingtin) are physiologic substrates of cathepsin D and would abnormally accumulate if not efficiently degraded by this enzyme. Furthermore, experimental evidence indicates that cathepsin D activity is linked to the metabolism of cholesterol and of glycosaminoglycans, which accounts for its involvement in neuronal plasticity. This review focuses on the unique role of cathepsin D mediated proteolysis in the pathogenesis of human neurodegenerative diseases.
Susceptibility tensor imaging (STI) of the brain
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Chunlei , Duong Timothy Q. , van Zijl Peter C. M. , Li Xu
Published: April 2016

Susceptibility tensor imaging (STI) is a recently developed MRI technique that allows quantitative determination of orientation‐independent magnetic susceptibility parameters from the dependence of gradient echo signal phase on the orientation of biological tissues with respect to the main magnetic field. By modeling the magnetic susceptibility of each voxel as a symmetric rank‐2 tensor, individual magnetic susceptibility tensor elements as well as the mean magnetic susceptibility and magnetic susceptibility anisotropy can be determined for brain tissues that would still show orientation dependence after conventional scalar‐based quantitative susceptibility mapping to remove such dependence. Similar to diffusion tensor imaging, STI allows mapping of brain white matter fiber orientations and reconstruction of 3D white matter pathways using the principal eigenvectors of the susceptibility tensor. In contrast to diffusion anisotropy, the main determinant factor of the susceptibility anisotropy in brain white matter is myelin. Another unique feature of the susceptibility anisotropy of white matter is its sensitivity to gadolinium‐based contrast agents. Mechanistically, MRI‐observed susceptibility anisotropy is mainly attributed to the highly ordered lipid molecules in the myelin sheath. STI provides a consistent interpretation of the dependence of phase and susceptibility on orientation at multiple scales. This article reviews the key experimental findings and physical theories that led to the development of STI, its practical implementations, and its applications for brain research. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Software‐defined network‐based prioritization to avoid video freezes in HTTP adaptive streaming
Authors: Petrangeli Stefano , Wauters Tim , Huysegems Rafael , Bostoen Tom , De Turck Filip
Published: April 2016

HTTP adaptive streaming (HAS) is becoming the de facto standard for video streaming services over the Internet. In HAS, each video is segmented and stored in different qualities. Rate adaptation heuristics, deployed at the client, allow the most appropriate quality level to be dynamically requested, based on the current network conditions. It has been shown that state‐of‐the‐art heuristics perform suboptimal when sudden bandwidth drops occur, therefore leading to freezes in the video playout, the main factor influencing users' quality of experience (QoE). This issue is aggravated in case of live events, where the client‐side buffer has to be kept as small as possible in order to reduce the playout delay between the user and the live signal. In this article, we propose a framework capable of increasing the QoE of HAS clients by reducing video freezes. The framework is based on OpenFlow, a widely adopted protocol to implement the software‐defined networking principle. An OpenFlow controller is in charge of introducing prioritized delivery of HAS segments, based on the network conditions and the HAS clients' status. Particularly, the HAS clients' status is obtained without any explicit clients‐to‐controller communication, and thus, no extra signaling is introduced into the network. Moreover, this OpenFlow controller is transparent to the quality decision process of the clients, as it assists the delivery of the segments, but it does not determine the actual quality to be requested. In order to provide a comprehensive analysis of the proposed approach, we investigate the performance of the proposed OpenFlow‐based framework in the presence of realistic Internet cross‐traffic. Particularly, we model two types of applications, namely, HTTP web browsing and progressive download video streaming, which currently represent the majority of Internet traffic together with HAS. By evaluating this novel approach through emulation in several multi‐client scenarios, we show how the proposed approach can reduce freeze time for the HAS clients due to network congestion up to 10 times compared with state‐of‐the‐art heuristics, without impacting the performance of the cross‐traffic applications. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Online identifier–actor–critic algorithm for optimal control of nonlinear systems
Authors: Lin Hanquan , Wei Qinglai , Liu Derong
Published: April 2016

In this paper, a novel identifier–actor–critic optimal control scheme is developed for discrete‐time affine nonlinear systems with uncertainties. In contrast to traditional adaptive dynamic programming methodology, which requires at least partial knowledge of the system dynamics, a neural‐network identifier is employed to learn the unknown control coefficient matrix working together with actor–critic‐based scheme to solve the optimal control online. The critic network learns the approximate value function at each step. The actor network attempts to improve the current policy based on the approximate value function. The weights of all neural networks are updated at each sampling instant. Lyapunov theory is utilized to prove the stability of closed‐loop system. It shows that system states and neural network weights are uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, simulations are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the developed method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical and degradation properties of natural fiber‐reinforced PLA composites: Jute, sisal, and elephant grass
Authors: Gunti Rajesh , Ratna Prasad A.V. , Gupta A.V.S.S.K.S.
Published: April 2016

An experimental study has been carried out to investigate and characterize the properties of elephant grass fiber reinforced fully biodegradable poly lactic acid (PLA) composites. The composites were prepared with various weight fractions of untreated and treated fibers in PLA matrix using injection moulding technique. The tensile strength of PLA composite with treated elephant grass at 20% fiber loading was 18.14% and 24% higher than that of treated jute/PLA composite and plain PLA, respectively. While the flexural strength of treated elephant grass/PLA composite at same fiber loading was 4% and 22% higher than that of treated sisal composite and plain PLA, respectively. The impact strength of composites with untreated elephant grass, sisal and jute fibers were 129.5%, 111.5% and 22.3%, respectively higher when compared with plain PLA. The water absorption rate increased in all the composites as the fiber content increased and the absorption rate reduced with successive alkali treatment on the fibers. The thermal stability of the composite had been reduced with successive alkali treatments as evident from the TGA analysis. The percentage weight loss in all the composites was linearly increasing with number of days of soil burial. The degradation was high in composite with untreated fibers at highest weight fraction. Using enzymatic environment, the degradation was much faster compared to soil burial. Significant effect of surface modification was evident during observing surface morphology of tensile fractured and soil degraded surfaces of the composites using SEM. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1125–1136, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dimensions of dependence and their influence on the outcome of cognitive behaviour therapy for health anxiety: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tyrer Peter , Wang Duolao , Tyrer Helen , Crawford Mike , Cooper Sylvia
Published: April 2016

Background

The personality trait of dependence is common in health‐seeking behaviour. We therefore examined its impact in a large randomized controlled trial of psychological treatment for health anxiety.

Aims

To test whether dependent personality traits were positive or negative in determining the outcome of an adapted form of cognitive behaviour therapy for health anxiety (CBT‐HA) over the course of 5 years and whether dependent personality dysfunction could be viewed dimensionally in a similar way to the new ICD‐11 diagnostic system for general personality disorder.

Method

Dependent personality dysfunction was assessed using a self‐rated questionnaire, the Dependent Personality Questionnaire, at baseline in a randomized controlled trial of 444 patients from medical clinics with pathological health anxiety treated with a modified form of CBT‐HA or standard treatment in the medical clinics, with assessment on five occasions over 5 years. Dependent personality dysfunction was assessed using four severity groups.

Results

Patients with mild and moderate dependent personality disorder treated with CBT‐HA showed the greatest reduction in health anxiety compared with standard care, and those with no dependent dysfunction showed the least benefit. Patients with higher dependent traits received significantly more treatment sessions (8.6) than those with low trait levels (5.4) (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The results suggest that patients treated with cognitive behaviour therapy for health anxiety respond better if they have moderate dependent personality. The reasons for this may be related to better adherence to psychological treatment and greater negative effects of frequent reassurance and excessive consultation in those treated in standard care. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The intriguing class of altan‐molecules
Authors: Zanasi Riccardo , Della Porta Paolo , Monaco Guglielmo
Published: April 2016

altan‐molecules are formed from parent molecules with outgoing C–H bonds by substituting the C–H bonds with C–C bonds to alternating carbon atoms of an annulene. If the outgoing C–H bonds are even, which happens for totally fused aromatic hydrocarbons, the altan‐molecule has a 4n perimeter expected to hold a paratropic circulation, in consideration of its poor coupling with the inner part of the molecule. This qualitative expectation is borne out in many systems by ab initio and tight‐binding calculations, but it breaks down when the perimeters of the parent molecule and its altan derivative are of close dimensions. The theoretical design of these molecules is reviewed. The possible importance of their anions and their open‐shell singlet ground states is also briefly discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational study of substituent effects on the gas‐phase stabilities of N‐phenylguanidinium ions
Authors: Nakata Kazuhide , Siehl Hans‐Ullrich , Maas Gerhard , Fujio Mizue
Published: April 2016

Relative gas‐phase stabilities of ring‐substituted N‐phenylguanidinium ions were determined at the B3LYP/6‐311+G(2d,p) level of theory, and the substituent effects were analyzed by the Yukawa–Tsuno equation. The total stabilization energies (TSEs) of the ring‐substituted cations were determined by the chloride‐transfer reaction. The substituent‐effect analysis showed a considerable amount of contamination from the chloride salts in the TSEs. The cation stabilization energies (CSEs) were then determined by an isodesmic reaction where the neutral species are substituted benzenes. The substituent‐effect analysis gave r+ = −0.04, which indicates a very small through‐resonance. The dihedral angle φ between the guanidinium and benzene ring moieties was found to be orthogonal in the fully optimized cation. The r+ value decreased with the decrease in φ, to give r+ = −0.15 in the planar cation. The degree of the through‐resonance decreased as the cation approached the planar structure. A detailed investigation with NBO analyses indicated through‐resonance mechanisms concerned by the π–σ* interaction between the benzene π‐electron system and the adjacent bonds as well as the direct interaction between the benzene π‐electron system and the distant p‐orbital at the β‐position. The former becomes dominant as the structure of the cation approaches an orthogonal conformation (φ = 90°), while the latter becomes dominant as the structure approaches the planar conformation (φ = 0°). The r+ value changed with the dihedral angle φ, reflecting the sum of these interactions. The mechanisms of stabilization and delocalization caused by the substituents attached to the guanidinium ion unit are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From toroidal to rod‐like nanostructure, a mechanism study for the reversible morphological control on amphiphilic triblock copolymer micelles
Authors: Wang Zhida , Sun Fengman , Huang Shilin , Yan Changfeng
Published: April 2016

Mechanism of the morphological changes between toroidal and rod‐like nanostructures of P4VP‐b‐PS‐b‐P4VP amphiphilic triblock copolymer micelles has been investigated in aqueous solution. This transition is proved to be highly reversible and tunable upon changing temperature. The toroidal structure, evolving from fibers at 20 °C, can transform to rod‐like morphology as the temperature either gradually or directly increases to 80 °C, and vice versa. However, the transition mechanisms are quite different in different temperature‐changing processes. The structure and thickness of the micelles are dependent on the specific temperature, whereas the transition mechanism is related to the method of the temperature change. These morphological changes are considered as a result from the interaction parameter between the solvent and the copolymer blocks, especially the hydrophobic block. Our research complements the external control over the reversible morphological transition of block copolymer micelles without changing the composition of the system or introducing additional influencing factors. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 1450–1457
Unusual presentation: Concurrent IgA deficiency and idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis
Authors: Erkoçoğlu Mustafa , Civelek Ersoy , Kocabaş Can Naci
Published: April 2016

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare disorder that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with hemoptysis, recurrent alveolar hemorrhage, dyspnea and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The frequent association of autoimmune disorders with IPH and a favorable response to steroids suggest the presence of an underlying immune disorder. Here we present a case of a patient with cough, fever, and cyanosis who was also diagnosed with IPH and concurrent selective immunoglobulin A deficiency. This presentation is a unique presentation because of the co‐occurrence of these two disorders. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:E34–E36. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
From Synthesis to Formulation and Final Application
Authors: Nouguez Bruno , Eck Geneviève
Published: April 2016

Meeting the requirements for insensitive munitions remains a complex route, where all the steps of the production process have to be addressed. NTO is a choice component, especially for large munitions. Various compositions have been optimized, which are now available, in pressed or cast PBX as well as melt cast formulations. Standard products such as RDX have been improved by the synthesis or crystallization methods, giving reduced sensitivity formulations. Some cast PBX can sustain severe shaped charge jet impacts, thanks to their large critical diameter, and are candidates as main filling of large munitions such as IM Mk82. The formulation step is addressing not only new binder principles, allowing an increase in the filler and thus energy contents, but also a bi‐component innovative method to get a semi continuous filling process where the pot life is no longer an issue. Finally a partial toolset for designing IM features is proposed with a recent example of successful application.
Passivation effect of water vapour on thin film polycrystalline Si solar cells
Authors: Pikna Peter , Müller Martin , Becker Christiane , Fejfar Antonín
Published: April 2016

In this work, we investigated a passivation of both surface and bulk of polycrystalline silicon films by water vapour. To assess the passivation effect we used Suns‐VOC method to measure the open‐circuit voltage VOC of polycrystalline silicon thin film solar cells. The treatment conditions, i.e. temperature, steam pressure, duration, were systematically varied to optimise the passivation process. According to our results, there is a parameter interaction because the same passivation effect can be achieved at different treatment conditions. A sufficiently high temperature (350–450 °C) is necessary for a successful silicon passivation. The impact of this parameter cannot be replaced either by an elevated steam pressure or a prolonged exposure time. Nevertheless, the passivation effect of steam can be strengthened by an elevated steam pressure. Different gases were tested beside water vapour, e.g. H2, H2 + H2O, O2 + H2O, air, but none of them resulted in higher VOC than pure steam (360 mV from starting 220 mV). Results from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicate that water vapour passivation is rather oxidation while hydrogen plays a significant supporting role in the process. We conclude that the water vapour passivation is able to passivate defects in the whole silicon volume. However, its passivation effect is not strong enough to become an adequate alternative to the plasma hydrogenation with the best result of VOC ∼497 mV. On the other hand, it provides advantage of simplicity (no vacuum system and deionised water steam as the only input).

Recombination activity of defects in polycrystalline Si can be suppressed by their saturation for instance in hydrogen plasma (Si–H) or in water vapour (Si–O–Si).
Objective filtering of the local correlation tensor
Authors: Michel Y. , Ménétrier B. , Montmerle T.
Published: April 2016

The local correlation tensor (LCT), also referred to as the local correlation Hessian, the inverse of which is known as the Daley tensor, has proven a useful diagnostic of the spatial variability of background‐error correlations in data assimilation. The LCT (or its inverse) is also used in several correlation models, including those based on recursive filters, the diffusion equation and spatial deformations. It can be estimated from the variances of the background errors and of their spatial derivatives. Additional terms involving the spatial derivatives of the standard deviations are often neglected. This approximation is first discussed for ensembles of forecasts at the global scale.

In the context of numerical weather prediction (NWP), only limited ensemble sizes are computationally affordable, meaning that the LCT is affected by sampling noise. The estimation of the LCT may be improved by an efficient spatial filtering designed to remove this sampling noise. Recently, a linear filtering theory was developed by the authors for the purpose of filtering background‐error covariances objectively, with applications to variance filtering and localization (in a convective‐scale model). We discuss several practical filters for the LCT that are designed to preserve its symmetric positive‐definite character. This can be achieved by filtering the raw LCT itself, or by filtering the numerator and the denominator separately within the aforementioned approximation. This also requires a positive filter, a feature not present in earlier attempts. Finally, it is shown that the LCT can be estimated robustly from small ensembles and that this estimation benefits from our objective spatial filtering, equivalent to increasing the sample size by a factor of 1.5–3 depending on the model variable and the vertical level at which it is defined.
A Bivariate Semiparametric Control Chart Based on Order Statistics
Authors: Koutras Markos V. , Sofikitou Elisavet M.
Published: April 2016

In this article, a new bivariate semiparametric Shewhart‐type control chart is presented. The proposed chart is based on the bivariate statistic (X(r), Y(s)), where X(r) and Y(s) are the order statistics of the respective X and Y test samples. It is created by considering a straightforward generalization of the well‐known univariate median control chart and can be easily applied because it calls for the computation of two single order statistics. The false alarm rate and the in‐control run length are not affected by the marginal distributions of the monitored characteristics. However, its performance is typically affected by the dependence structure of the bivariate observations under study; therefore, the suggested chart may be characterized as a semiparametric control chart.

An explicit expression for the operating characteristic function of the new control chart is obtained. Moreover, exact formulae are provided for the calculation of the alarm rate given that the characteristics under study follow specific bivariate distributions. In addition, tables and graphs are given for the implementation of the chart for some typical average run length values and false alarm rates. The performance of the suggested chart is compared with that of the traditional χ2 chart as well as to the nonparametric SN2 and SR2 charts that are based on the multivariate form of the sign test and the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, respectively. Finally, in order to demonstrate the applicability of our chart, a case study regarding a real‐world problem related to winery production is presented. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of the Entering Stock, Migration Dynamics and Fish Pass Fidelity of European Eel in the Belgian Meuse River
Authors: Nzau Matondo B. , Benitez J. P. , Dierckx A. , Philippart J. C. , Ovidio M.
Published: April 2016

Migration dynamics of incoming eels in Belgium via Lixhe in the Meuse River were investigated using two fish passes with different configurations—net traps and automatic detection stations—as tools to distinguish resident and migrating eels. From April to September 2013, 435 eels (P50 length, 403 mm; range, 196–836 mm) were caught (daily maxima catch, 90 eels per day), 90% between 13 June and 1 August (50 days) and P50 on 19 July. Eels migrated mostly at 19–26 °C (P50, 24.4 °C), river discharge 65–314 m3 s−1 (P50, 84 m3 s−1), during the dark at 00:00–05:00 h and during both the waxing and waning phases of moonlight. From 396 eels tagged and released 0.3 km downstream of the Lixhe dam, 6.8% of them were recaptured, and 37.4% were detected. Migration flux was estimated at 7184 eels (0.863 t) using the mark‐recapture method and decreased to 1156 eels (0.139 t) using automatic transponder detection. Most eels probably migrated through a sluice located downstream of Lixhe to reach the upper Meuse via the Albert Canal. Eels moved almost independently to the configuration of the fish passes and their location, but most eels displayed fidelity to the fish pass where they were captured. Migrant eels showed a wide range of size and life stages, with a higher proportion of eels (80%) belonging to the yellow eel stage. A lower proportion of eels (6%) had a larger size and presented an advanced continental silvering process corresponding to the migrating stage before their transatlantic migration. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atomic‐scale characterization of the equilibrium β phase in Mg‐Nd‐Y alloy by means of HAADF‐STEM
Authors: Zheng Jingxu , Chen Bin
Published: April 2016

The β phase in Mg‐Nd‐Y alloy, which forms during isothermal ageing, is proved to be Mg41Nd5 by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) results as compositional evidence and by atomic‐scaled high angle annular dark field–scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF‐STEM) direct images from [001]β, , and as structural evidence. SCANNING 38:743–746, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perfect undetectability of network steganography
Authors: Frączek Wojciech , Szczypiorski Krzysztof
Published: April 2016

The paper presents StegBlocks, which defines a new concept for performing undetectable hidden communication. StegBlocks is a general approach for constructing methods of network steganography. In StegBlocks, one has to determine objects with defined properties, which will be used to transfer hidden messages. The objects are dependent on a specific network protocol (or application) used as a carrier for a given network steganography method. Moreover, the paper presents the approach to perfect undetectability of network steganography, which was developed based on the rules of undetectability for general steganography. The approach to undetectability of network steganography was used to show the possibility of developing perfectly undetectable network steganography methods using the StegBlocks concept. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seeing Agnes: Notes on a Transgender Biocultural Ethnomethodology
Authors: O'Brien Jodi
Published: April 2016

In this article, I revisit Harold Garfinkel's classic ethnomethodological account of Agnes, a transgender woman he met in the 1950s. I situate this case in its larger historical context, within the arc of a contemporary transgender studies, and incorporate recent material from bio‐neuro‐cultural studies of gender and sexuality. Within this framework I ask: what can ethnomethodology learn from transgender studies and what can it contribute.
Using Literacy Notebooks in Kindergarten
Authors: Harrison Kelly
Published: April 2016

What better place for young little minds who are full of energy and eager to soak up as much information as possible than a notebook for them to collect their new learning and thoughts? What is it about notebooks that makes writing and learning fun? I wanted to experience the magical feeling that notebooks create with my students–hence, the literacy notebook was born in my classroom! The literacy notebook consists of four different sections: reading, writing, poems/songs, and vocabulary that are marked with colored tabs. Literacy notebooks have made a world of change in my classroom. Students are confident in reading text and love looking back at the work they've done. If you're looking to change the dynamic of your literacy block, literacy notebooks might be the change you are looking for!
Beyond The Lorax
Authors: Boggs George L. , Wilson Nance S. , Ackland Robert T. , Danna Stephen , Grant Kathy B.
Published: April 2016

Five teacher educators discuss children's literature addressing Earth's changing climate. They present tools for evaluating the quality of resources likely to help teachers and students stimulate conceptual and emotional development rather than anxiety or oversimplification. An annotated selection of current books along with a checklist to evaluate children's literature oriented toward issues of climate change is presented to help teachers choose appropriate literature for facilitating students’ development of scientifically, socially, and ecologically responsible thinking and decision‐making.
The Baldwin rules: revised and extended
Authors: Gilmore Kerry , Mohamed Rana K. , Alabugin Igor V.
Published: April 2016

The Baldwin rules constitute one of the clearest examples of the success which can be obtained through the application of stereoelectronic concepts to reaction design. With thousands of examples, the predictive power of these rules is inarguable. However, time has revealed a number of exceptions and gray areas within these rules, leading to extensions and revisions. In this review, we will present an overview of how subsequent studies of ring closure have clashed with several of Baldwin's predictions, leading to the revision of some classes of ring closure (alkyne cyclizations, electrophilic closures, etc.). We also discuss for which the original rules were vague (epoxides) or absent (promoted cyclizations), and the evidence revealed since Baldwin's work that has allowed for a better understanding of these ambiguities. With the concise summation of these amendments, this review aims to present an overview of the understanding of cyclization reactions to date. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2016, 6:487–514. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1261

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory
What is in a “common” name? A call for consistent terminology for nonnative Sus scrofa
Authors: Keiter David A. , Mayer John J. , Beasley James C.
Published: April 2016

Sus scrofa is both a destructive invasive species and a popular game animal in many parts of the world, but there is a lack of consistency and accuracy in how scientists and wildlife managers refer to wild‐living members of the species. The growing importance of this invasive species necessitates that scientists, managers, and policy‐makers standardize use of a common name in a taxonomically accurate manner to effectively communicate to the general public and scientific community. In this commentary, we discuss the current terminology used for S. scrofa and, based upon the history of introductions of this species, propose that these animals be referred to as wild pigs within their introduced range unless it is known that the population consists of genetically pure wild boar or domestic pigs that have recently been released and become feral. Use of the term “wild pig” should reduce the potential to misclassify populations as a result of genetic introgression and evolution following release. Furthermore, we recommend that, when appropriate, the terms “nonnative” or “invasive” be included to describe wild pigs in their introduced range to emphasize their negative impacts on natural and anthropogenic environments. The effective control of wild pig populations considered to be invasive will require informed public support and sound scientific management, necessitating clear communication about this species among the research community, wildlife managers, and the general public. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
The 2-alkyl-2H-indazole regioisomers of synthetic cannabinoids AB-CHMINACA, AB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, and 5F-AB-PINACA are possible manufacturing impurities with cannabimimetic activities
Authors: Longworth Mitchell , Banister Samuel D. , Mack James B. C. , Glass Michelle , Connor Mark , Kassiou Michael
Published: April 2016

Indazole-derived synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) featuring an alkyl substituent at the 1-position and l-valinamide at the 3-carboxamide position (e.g., AB-CHMINACA) have been identified by forensic chemists around the world, and are associated with serious adverse health effects. Regioisomerism is possible for indazole SCs, with the 2-alkyl-2H-indazole regioisomer of AB-CHMINACA recently identified in SC products in Japan. It is unknown whether this regiosiomer represents a manufacturing impurity arising as a synthetic byproduct, or was intentionally synthesized as a cannabimimetic agent. This study reports the synthesis, analytical characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of commonly encountered indazole SCs AB-CHMINACA, AB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, 5F-AB-PINACA and their corresponding 2-alkyl-2H-indazole regioisomers. Both regioisomers of each SC were prepared from a common precursor, and the physical properties, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy of all SC compounds are described. Additionally, AB-CHMINACA, AB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, and 5F-AB-PINACA were found to act as high potency agonists at CB1 (EC50 = 2.1–11.6 nM) and CB2 (EC50 = 5.6–21.1 nM) receptors in fluorometric assays, while the corresponding 2-alkyl-2H-indazole regioisomers demonstrated low potency (micromolar) agonist activities at both receptors. Taken together, these data suggest that 2-alkyl-2H-indazole regioisomers of AB-CHMINACA, AB-FUBINACA, AB-PINACA, and 5F-AB-PINACA are likely to be encountered by forensic chemists and toxicologists as the result of improper purification during the clandestine synthesis of 1-alkyl-1H-indazole regioisomers, and can be distinguished by differences in gas chromatography–mass spectrometry fragmentation pattern.
Fatty Acid Binding Protein‐1 (FABP1) and the Human FABP1 T94A Variant: Roles in the Endocannabinoid System and Dyslipidemias
Authors: Schroeder Friedhelm , McIntosh Avery L. , Martin Gregory G. , Huang Huan , Landrock Danilo , Chung Sarah , Landrock Kerstin K. , Dangott Lawrence J. , Li Shengrong , Kaczocha Martin , Murphy Eric J. , Atshaves Barbara P. , Kier Ann B.
Published: April 2016

The first discovered member of the mammalian FABP family, liver fatty acid binding protein (FABP1, L‐FABP), occurs at high cytosolic concentration in liver, intestine, and in the case of humans also in kidney. While the rat FABP1 is well studied, the extent these findings translate to human FABP1 is not clear—especially in view of recent studies showing that endocannabinoids and cannabinoids represent novel rat FABP1 ligands and FABP1 gene ablation impacts the hepatic endocannabinoid system, known to be involved in non‐alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) development. Although not detectable in brain, FABP1 ablation nevertheless also impacts brain endocannabinoids. Despite overall tertiary structure similarity, human FABP1 differs significantly from rat FABP1 in secondary structure, much larger ligand binding cavity, and affinities/specificities for some ligands. Moreover, while both mouse and human FABP1 mediate ligand induction of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor‐α (PPARα), they differ markedly in pattern of genes induced. This is critically important because a highly prevalent human single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (26–38 % minor allele frequency and 8.3 ± 1.9 % homozygous) results in a FABP1 T94A substitution that further accentuates these species differences. The human FABP1 T94A variant is associated with altered body mass index (BMI), clinical dyslipidemias (elevated plasma triglycerides and LDL cholesterol), atherothrombotic cerebral infarction, and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Resolving human FABP1 and the T94A variant's impact on the endocannabinoid and cannabinoid system is an exciting challenge due to the importance of this system in hepatic lipid accumulation as well as behavior, pain, inflammation, and satiety.
Within‐person changes in mindfulness and self‐compassion predict enhanced emotional well‐being in healthy, but stressed adolescents
Authors: Galla Brian M.
Published: April 2016

Meditation training programs for adolescents are predicated on the assumptions that mindfulness and self‐compassion can be directly cultivated, and further, that doing so is beneficial for emotional well‐being. Yet, very little research with adolescents has tested these assumptions directly. In the current study, I examined longitudinal relationships between changes in mindfulness and self‐compassion and changes in emotional well‐being among healthy, but stressed adolescents who participated in five‐day, intensive meditation retreats. Immediately before and after the retreats, and then three months later, 132 adolescents (Mage = 16.76 years, 61% female) completed questionnaires measuring mindfulness, self‐compassion, and emotional well‐being. Repeated measures ANOVA showed adolescents improved in mindfulness, self‐compassion, and all indices of emotional well‐being immediately following the retreat (Cohen's d = |0.39–1.19|), and many of these improvements were maintained three months later (Cohen's d = |0.04–0.68|). Further, multilevel growth curve analyses with time‐varying covariates indicated within‐person changes in self‐compassion predicted enhanced emotional well‐being more consistently than within‐person changes in mindfulness. Specifically, increases in self‐compassion predicted reductions in perceived stress, rumination, depressive symptoms, and negative affect, and conversely, increases in positive affect and life satisfaction (pseudo‐R2 variance explained = 5.9% and 15.8%, ps < 0.01).
From the child to the neighbourhood: Longitudinal ecological correlates of young adolescents' emotional, social, conduct, and academic difficulties
Authors: Rowe Susan L. , Zimmer‐Gembeck Melanie J. , Hood Michelle
Published: April 2016

Guided by Bronfenbrenner's (1977) ecological framework, we investigated the correlates of changes in early adolescents' emotional, conduct, social and academic difficulties over a 2‐year period of time. A representative sample of Australian early adolescents (N = 3797, 51% boys) completed questionnaires and interviews when they were age 10 (T1) and two years later at age 12 (T2). Parents also participated. Adolescents' difficulties increased over time, but there was no difference in academic difficulties between T1 and T2. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that temperamental factors of persistence and reactivity accounted for the most unique variance in adolescents' difficulties. Factors at each ecological level, including neighbourhood advantage, school connection, and family factors, were also uniquely associated with adolescents' change in difficulties over time. Although ecological effects were small, the study highlights the significant unique roles that proximal and distal social contexts play in the development of difficulties.
The efficacy of submucosal corticosteroid injection and dilatation in subglottic stenosis of different aetiology
Authors: Wierzbicka M , Tokarski M , Puszczewicz M , Szyfter W
Published: April 2016

Objective:

To determine the long-term efficacy of submucosal corticosteroid injection plus dilatation for subglottic stenosis as a single modality treatment in granulomatosis with polyangiitis and relapsing polychondritis, as compared with idiopathic subglottic stenosis and traumatic subglottic stenosis.

Method:

Patients who underwent dilatation for autoimmune causes were identified. Corticosteroid injection into the submucosa of a stenotic segment was followed by serial dilatation. Definitive improvement was defined as good airway patency for more than 24 months with no further procedures needed. Clinical, demographic and procedural data were recorded.

Results:

Patients (n= 45) were divided into three subglottic stenosis groups: traumatic (n= 24), idiopathic (n= 9) and autoimmune (n= 12). Patients were treated with dilatations, with a median follow-up time of 76 months. Six patients were tracheostomy-dependent. There were no statistical differences in the number of final improvements between autoimmune, idiopathic and traumatic groups, with values of 75, 56 and 71 per cent, respectively. There was no statistical difference between granulomatosis with polyangiitis plus relapsing polychondritis and idiopathic subglottic stenosis in terms of decannulation rates.

Conclusion:

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis and relapsing polychondritis patients have better improvement rates than patients with other subglottic stenosis types.
Sleep, circadian rhythm and body weight: parallel developments
Authors: Westerterp-Plantenga Margriet S.
Published: April 2016

Circadian alignment is crucial for body-weight management, and for metabolic health. In this context, circadian alignment consists of alignment of sleep, meal patterns and physical activity. During puberty a significant reduction in sleep duration occurs, and pubertal status is inversely associated with sleep duration. A consistent inverse association between habitual sleep duration and body-weight development occurs, independent of possible confounders. Research on misalignment reveals that circadian misalignment affects sleep-architecture and subsequently disturbs glucose–insulin metabolism, substrate oxidation, leptin- and ghrelin concentrations, appetite, food reward, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal-axis activity and gut-peptide concentrations enhancing positive energy balance and metabolic disturbance. Not only aligning meals and sleep in a circadian way is crucial, also regular physical activity during the day strongly promotes the stability and amplitude of circadian rhythm, and thus may serve as an instrument to restore poor circadian rhythms. Endogenicity may play a role in interaction of these environmental variables with a genetic predisposition. In conclusion, notwithstanding the separate favourable effects of sufficient daily physical activity, regular meal patterns, sufficient sleep duration and quality sleep on energy balance, the overall effect of the amplitude and stability of the circadian rhythm, perhaps including genetic predisposition, may integrate the separate effects in an additive way.
Grassroots Englishes in tourism interactions
Authors: Schneider Edgar W.
Published: April 2016

The world is shrinking – globalization has been one of the main forces transforming today's life patterns. One of its manifestations, one that has proliferated substantially to what was customary just a few decades ago, is global travel, in various forms and for various purposes – and one of the most important ones of these purposes is tourism. The opportunity and the infrastructure to travel to interesting places pretty much anywhere fairly easily and at affordable prices has been bringing people to all corners of the world. Admittedly, the word ‘affordable’ in this sentence refers predominantly to people from developed, industrialized, wealthy countries, so socially this is a skewed and selective process. But the fact as such remains, and it has important ramifications for and adds new facets to the forms and functions of global English.
Ethics of Clinical Decision-Making for Older Drivers: Reporting Health-Related Driving Risk
Authors: Mazer Barbara , Laliberté Maude , Hunt Matthew , Lemoignan Josée , Gélinas Isabelle , Vrkljan Brenda , Naglie Gary , Marshall Shawn
Published: April 2016

Le vieillissement de la population engendre une augmentation du nombre de conducteurs âgés. Les professionnels de la santé ont la responsabilité de fournir des soins en préservant le secret professionnel tout en assurant la sécurité du public. Cet article traite de l’analyse éthique relative à la prise de décisions en lien avec le signalement aux autorités compétentes des conducteurs âgés identifiés comme étant à risque. Des considérations éthiques inhérentes au signalement des conducteurs à risque sont traitées, telles que l’autonomie, le secret professionnel, la relation thérapeutique et l’incertitude associée à l’évaluation de la conduite automobile. Nous abordons également la question de la responsabilité des divers agents moraux. L’incertitude entourant le raisonnement clinique et les concepts liés à l’évaluation du risque sont également traités. Enfin, nous présentons deux cas illustrant certains défis auxquels sont confrontés les professionnels de la santé dans l’atteinte d’un équilibre entre leurs responsabilités face à leurs patients et celles visant à assurer la sécurité du public.