bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malignant Glaucoma-Like Syndrome after EX-PRESS Filtration Surgery
Authors: Casini Giamberto , Loiudice Pasquale , Martinelli Paolo , Nasini Francesco , Nardi Marco
Published: February 2015

Purpose

To report a case of postsurgical shallow anterior chamber and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) simulating malignant glaucoma.

Methods

A 20-year-old woman underwent EX-PRESS® device implant for treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma.

Results

Postoperative examination showed a shallow anterior chamber, the EX-PRESS® device embedded in the iris, an IOP of 28 mm Hg, and an annular detachment of the choroid ciliary body, suggesting hyperfiltration followed by EX-PRESS® blockage. The anterior chamber was restored using an ophthalmic viscoelastic and an additional suture was applied ensuring the scleral flap. The IOP progressively decreased in the following days and the anterior chamber remained deep and stable. New ocular ultrasonography showed complete resolution of the ciliary body detachment 15 days after surgery.

Conclusions

After glaucoma surgery, not every patient with shallow anterior chamber and normal or high IOP necessarily has a ciliary block glaucoma. In our case, hyperfiltration led to choroidal expansion, shallow anterior chamber, obstruction of the EX-PRESS®, and secondary blockage of outflow. The differential diagnosis is important in order to avoid further invasive procedures (i.e., lensectomy or vitrectomy).
“Becoming a Part of Her Innermost Being”: Gender, Mass-Production, and the Evolution of Department Store Culture in Edith Wharton’s “Bunner Sisters”
Authors: BOYLE ELIZABETH A.
Published: February 2015

Written in 1892 and published in her 1916 collection of short stories entitled Xingu, Edith Wharton’s “Bunner Sisters” offers a uniquely literary perspective into an era of change in New York City’s production and commerce history. Strategically set in the 1870s, “Bunner Sisters” supplies readers with a critical commentary on the United States’ economic transition from neighborhood shops selling hand-made products to large department stores selling mass-produced, machine-made wares. Wharton locates Bunner Sisters, one of these small neighborhood retailers, in what Gary Totten refers to as “an outpost of the Ladies’ Mile bordering Stuyvesant Square”1 or, according to Wharton, a “side-street already doomed to decline.”2 Indeed, while displacing smaller neighborhood shops like Bunner Sisters, large department stores like Macy’s helped to reconfigure existing retail and consumption practices by drawing shoppers out of close-knit, familial shopping communities and welcoming them into the anonymity of the department store. Drawing from contemporary “separate spheres” ideology,3 Wharton links these economic transformations with an array of social implications, ultimately revealing how changes in manufacturing and retail practices also affect society’s attitudes towards consumption and interactions with consumable products. To these ends, Wharton repositions contemporary definitions of “public space” as an arena in which sociopolitical interactions take place, and instead characterizes it as a space where mass-produced, factory goods are made and retailed. In a similar way, she acknowledges contemporary characterizations of “private” spaces as domestic environments but also reconfigures them as the neighborhood shops and producers of pre-industrial, handmade objects.
Predicting methionine and lysine contents in soybean meal and fish meal using a group method of data handling-type neural network
Authors: Mottaghitalab Majid , Nikkhah Mohsen , Darmani-Kuhi Hassan , López Secundino , France James
Published: February 2015

Artificial neural network models offer an alternative to linear regression analysis for predicting the amino acid content of feeds from their chemical composition. A group method of data handling-type neural network (GMDH-type NN), with an evolutionary method of genetic algorithm, was used to predict methionine (Met) and lysine (Lys) contents of soybean meal (SBM) and fish meal (FM) from their proximate analyses (i.e. crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, ash and moisture). A data set with 119 data lines for Met and 116 lines for Lys was used to develop GMDH-type NN models with two hidden layers. The data lines were divided into two groups to produce training and validation sets. The data sets were imported into the GEvoM software for training the networks. The predictive capability of the constructed models was evaluated by their abilities to estimate the validation data sets accurately. A quantitative examination of goodness of fit for the predictive models was made using a number of precision, concordance and bias statistics. The statistical performance of the models developed revealed close agreement between observed and predicted Met and Lys contents for SBM and FM. The results of this study clearly illustrate the validity of GMDH-type NN models to estimate accurately the amino acid content of poultry feed ingredients from their chemical composition.
Online laboratory evaluation of seeding-machine application by an acoustic technique
Authors: Karimi Hadi , Navid Hossein , Mahmoudi Asghar
Published: February 2015

Researchers and planter manufacturers have been working closely to develop an automated system for evaluating performance of seeding. In the present study, an innovative use of acoustic signal for laboratory evaluation of seeding-machine application is described. Seed detection technique of the proposed system was based on a rising voltage value that a microphone sensed in each impaction of seeds to a steel plate. Online determining of seed spacing was done with a script which was written in MATLAB software. To evaluate the acoustic system with desired seed spacing, a testing rig was designed. Seeds of wheat, corn and pelleted tomato were used as experimental material. Typical seed patterns were positioned manually on a belt stand with different spacing patterns. When the belt was running, the falling seeds from the end point of the belt impacted to the steel plate, and their acoustic signal was sensed by the microphone. In each impact, data was processed and spacing between the seeds was automatically obtained. Coefficient of determination of gathered data from the belt system and the corresponding seeds spacing measured with the acoustic system in all runs was about 0.98. This strong correlation indicates that the acoustic system worked well in determining the seeds spacing.
Sewage sludge use in bioenergy production. A case study of its effects on soil properties under Cynara cardunculus L. cultivation
Authors: Lag-Brotons Alfonso J. , Gómez Ignacio , Navarro-Pedreño José
Published: February 2015

Energy crops cultivation is expected to further increase, which represents an opportunity to establish synergies able to enhance key environmental components (i.e. soil). To reach this benefits crop management is crucial and should be properly assessed. The aim of this work is to provide an insight on the effects of sewage sludge compost (SSC) on soil properties, when this material is applied as basal dressing for the cultivation of a Mediterranean energy crop (Cynara cardunculus L.). A 3-years trial (2008/2011) was conducted in Alicante (Southeastern Spain), testing four SSC application rates (0, 30, 50 and 70 t/ha) on a heavy textured Anthrosol. The addition of SSC enhanced soil fertility, primarily increasing organic carbon (Cox), Kjeldahl nitrogen (Nk), available P (PBurriel), CuDTPA and ZnDTPA levels. Comparatively with the control (0 t/ha), 30, 50 and 70 t/ha treatments induced a rise of 11%, 19% and 25% in Nk (Control=1.11 g/kg) and PBurriel (Control=79 mg/kg), while for Cox (Control=11.8 g/kg) was 14%, 21% and 30%. However, these variables apparently did not significantly decrease throughout the experiment, which suggests that the organic matter added was under a stabilization process, favoured by the poor physical properties of the soil. Other elements (NaNH4Ac, KNH4Ac, MnDTPA) were accumulated within the soil as time passed by, as a result of soil status, Mediterranean environmental conditions and crop management. The use of SSC as organic fertilizer represents an effective option to optimize cynara cultivation systems while improving soil quality through enhanced long-lasting organic matter pools.
Growth, body characteristics and blood parameters of ostrich chickens receiving commercial probiotics
Authors: Karimi-Kivi Robabeh , Dadashbeiki Mohammad , Seidavi Alireza
Published: February 2015

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of four commercial probiotics on growth, body characteristics and haematological parameters of ostrich chicks. A total of 25 ostrich chicks (937±68.1 g) were individually allocated and fed the experimental diet for six weeks (n=5 per treatment). Experimental diets consisted of a corn/soybean meal-based diet unsupplemented (T1: Control), and four diets supplemented with probiotics according to the recommendations of the manufacturer (T2: 0.04% Bioplus 2B; T3: 0.09% Primalac; T4: 0.1% Thepax; and T5: 0.03% Protexin). Feed intake (FI), body weight (BW) and seven body characteristics (e.g. height) were measured every week. Blood samples and other body characteristics were also taken in the last week. There was an interaction effect between diet and time on all the growth variables and body characteristics (p<0.05). Both the BW and the BW gain of the ostrich chicks were, in general, higher for those fed the diet T2 than those fed the control diet (0.42, 1.07, 0.99, 1.09, 2.51, and 1.66 kg BW gain vs 0.28, 0.41, 0.83, 0.94, 1.15, and 1.15 kg BW gain at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days respectively), while for those fed the other diets containing probiotics differences were only observed at 42 days (p<0.05). Consuming probiotics over an extended period influenced several of the haematological parameters differently compared to those fed the control diet (p<0.05). T2 and T3 increased the concentration of total cholesterol (157 and 210 mg/dL respectively), when compared to those fed the control diet (119 mg/dL), while total cholesterol was slightly reduced (p>0.05) for those fed the diet containing Thepax (T4, 79 mg/dL). In conclusion, the effects of commercial probiotics on growth performance, body characteristics and haematological parameters varied among probiotics.
An improved contour symmetry axes extraction algorithm and its application in the location of picking points of apples
Authors: Wang Dandan , Song Huaibo , Yu Xiuli , Zhang Weiyuan , Qu Weifeng , Xu Yue
Published: February 2015

The key problem for picking robots is to locate the picking points of fruit. A method based on the moment of inertia and symmetry of apples is proposed in this paper to locate the picking points of apples. Image pre-processing procedures, which are crucial to improving the accuracy of the location, were carried out to remove noise and smooth the edges of apples. The moment of inertia method has the disadvantage of high computational complexity, which should be solved, so convex hull was used to improve this problem. To verify the validity of this algorithm, a test was conducted using four types of apple images containing 107 apple targets. These images were single and unblocked apple images, single and blocked apple images, images containing adjacent apples, and apples in panoramas. The root mean square error values of these four types of apple images were 6.3, 15.0, 21.6 and 18.4, respectively, and the average location errors were 4.9°, 10.2°, 16.3° and 13.8°, respectively. Furthermore, the improved algorithm was effective in terms of average runtime, with 3.7 ms and 9.2 ms for single and unblocked and single and blocked apple images, respectively. For the other two types of apple images, the runtime was determined by the number of apples and blocked apples contained in the images. The results showed that the improved algorithm could extract symmetry axes and locate the picking points of apples more efficiently. In conclusion, the improved algorithm is feasible for extracting symmetry axes and locating the picking points of apples.
Reliability of agriculture universal joint shafts based on temperature measuring in universal joint bearing assemblies
Authors: Asonja Aleksandar , Desnica Eleonora
Published: February 2015

This paper presents a research into reliability calculations of agriculture double universal joint shafts based on temperature measuring in cardan-type universal joint bearing assemblies. Special laboratory equipment was developed for this research which is presented in the paper. The objective of this research was to test the real life span of universal joint shafts in the laboratory and in field, to obtain the results which can be used to improve the reliability of universal joint shafts. If the presented research were used along with maintenance measures recommended in the paper and with proper use, the level of reliability of the shafts would be 2.1 times higher. The presented results of the research showed that needle bearings, i.e. bearing assemblies of the joints, are the most critical elements on universal joint shafts and are possible causes of their lower reliability. The second universal joint is the part with the lowest reliability in the observed technical system.
Reuse of rapeseed by-products from biodiesel production
Authors: Krička Tajana , Matin Ana , Voća Neven , Jurišić Vanja , Bilandžija Nikola
Published: February 2015

The objective of this paper is to investigate usability of rapeseed cake from biodiesel fuel production as an energy source. For this research, rapeseed was grown at the research site of the Faculty of Agriculture in Zagreb, Croatia. The investigated rapeseed cake, residue from cold pressing, was divided in two groups of samples. The first group was a mix of three varieties (Bristol, Express and Navajo), while the other group consisted of three hybrids (Artus, Baldur, Titan). The utilization of rapeseed cake for energy via two routes was evaluated; namely, utilization of rapeseed cake as (1) solid biofuel (pellets) with addition of 3% of glycerol, and (2) as substrate in anaerobic digestion (AD). In investigation of cake as solid fuel, proximate (moisture content, ash content, fixed carbon and volatile matter), ultimate (content of carbon, sulphur, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen) and physical and calometry analyses (abrasion, diameter, length, density, higher and lower heating value were carried out. As for its use in AD, production of biogas during 40 days was monitored with a view of assessing the use of digested residue as fertilizer in agricultural production. Both groups of digested residues were analysed (pH, electroconductivity, moisture content, ash content, content of nitrogen and carbon, C/N ratio, content of P2O5, K2O, Ca, Mg, Na). The analysis indicated that the investigated raw material is usable as solid and gas biofuel, and digested residue as fertilizer in ecological agriculture. The two groups of samples analysed here did not show significant differences.
Analytical strategy for the detection of antibiotic residues in sheep and goat’s milk
Authors: Beltrán M. Carmen , Althaus Rafael L. , Molina Ana , Berruga M. Isabel , Molina M. Pilar
Published: February 2015

The use of antibiotics to treat mastitis and other infectious diseases in dairy sheep and goats is a widespread practice nowadays that can, when not properly applied, result in the contamination of the milk supply. Spanish legislation establishes the control of the presence of antibiotic residues in sheep and goat’s milk using screening methods that detect, at least, beta-lactam drugs. Microbial inhibitor tests using Geobacillus stearothermophilus var. calidolactis and specific receptor-binding assays are most widely employed for this purpose. The detection rates of screening tests routinely used in Spain have been calculated considering the frequency of use of veterinary drugs commonly applied in ovine and caprine livestock to treat and prevent mastitis as well as the test sensitivity toward these substances at safety levels. In general, the use of a single test allows detecting 62.8-82.4% of the antibiotics employed. For sheep milk, the total detection range achieved with microbial tests was significantly higher than that reached with rapid receptor tests. However, no significant differences between the two types of methods were found when goat's milk was analysed. In both types of milk, the simultaneous use of two screening tests with a different analytical basis increases the total detection range significantly, reaching values ≥ 90% in some cases (81.5-90.1% for sheep and 84.7-92.6% for goats). However, the periodical use of screening tests able to detect quinolones, macrolides or aminoglycosides would be recommended to carry out more efficient screening and ensure the safety of milk and dairy products from sheep and goats.
Integrated effect of crop sowing date and herbicide stress on fitness of Bromus diandrus Roth
Authors: García Addy L. , Royo-Esnal Aritz , Torra Joel , Recasens Jordi
Published: February 2015

Bromus diandrus Roth is a common weed species that has increased in no-tillage dry-land cereal fields in NE Spain because of the limited control options. The fitness response of plants with different emergence times (ETs) and its influence on demography has huge implications in weed management. With this subject, three ETs (F1, F2 and F3) of B. diandrus were established through three crop-sowing dates (D1, Oct.; D2, Nov.; D3, Dec.) for each of the three years in a barley-wheat-wheat rotation. In barley, the herbicides applied were not specific for B. diandrus, whereas in wheat the specific herbicide mesosulfuron-methyl plus iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium was applied. Plant density after treatments and fitness characteristics were estimated for each weed ET. Weed density decreased for later ETs and fitness was density-dependent, showing significantly higher values when a non-specific herbicide was applied, except in number of caryopses per spikelet. The increasing fitness shown by plants with later ETs and the linear relationships of vegetative biomass vs reproductive biomass and fecundity were disrupted by the herbicide mesosulfuron-methyl plus iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium. Plants that had survived this herbicide when wheat was growing had lower values for all the characteristics analysed. After three seasons, as a consequence of decreasing seed recruitment, a practical depletion of the B. diandrus population was achieved in F2 and F3 (<2.8 and <1 plants/m2, respectively) but not in F1 (60.5 plants/m2). This study shows the importance of delayed crop sowing to optimize the control of B. diandrus in cereal fields with no tillage.
Effect of harvesting with a trunk shaker and an abscission chemical on fruit detachment and defoliation of citrus grown under Mediterranean conditions
Authors: Moreno Rosana , Torregrosa Antonio , Moltó Enrique , Chueca Patricia
Published: February 2015

Spain ranks as the world’s leading exporter of citrus for fresh consumption. Manual harvest accounts for 50% of the total production costs. Mechanical harvest would increase labor productivity and benefits of growers. Efficiency of these machines depends on the varieties and operating conditions. Use of abscission chemicals has been promoted to increase the detachment rate of fruit without affecting its quality. This work is aimed at studying whether the mechanical harvest and/or the application of an abscission agent affect the quality and quantity of harvested fruit and tree defoliation under the conditions of citrus cultivation in Spain. Trials were made in a completely randomized experimental design. From 2008 to 2011, different orchards of mandarin and orange trees were sprayed with different doses of ethephon as abscission agent and harvested with a trunk shaker. Harvest related variables (detachment percentage, defoliation and fruit without calyx) were measured. The percentage of fruit detached by the trunk shaker ranged between 70 and 85% and it did not depend on the orchard. The shaker produced minimal damage to the bark when gripped incorrectly. Increased doses of ethephon increased fruit detachment except in ‘Clemenules’ orchard, but also increased the fruit without calyx in 1-9%. Moreover, ethephon promoted significant defoliation. Neither gummosis nor death of branches was observed. This work demonstrates that mechanical harvesting with trunk shakers may be a feasible solution for citrus cultivated in Spain for fresh market. Use of ethephon could only be recommended for citrus destined to industry and only for certain varieties.
Cattle mortality due to poisoning in Spain: a cross-sectional epidemiological study
Authors: García-Arroyo Ricardo , Míguez Maria-Prado , Hevia María-Luisa , Quiles Alberto
Published: February 2015

The lack of nationwide public databases on poisoning in cattle makes it difficult to investigate this issue. Hence, we conducted an epidemiological study using the data on cattle poisoning provided by an insurance company (2000-2005), to determine the mortality rate due to poisoning in cattle in Spain and to assess the influence of the following variables: type of farming, age, sex, time of year, year and region. We observed a mortality rate of 23.25 per 100,000 animals in Spain with a higher rate in beef than dairy cattle (32.14 vs. 4.51 per 100,000 animals). There were also differences in the mortality rate between breeding cattle and future breeders, affecting dairy and beef cattle in a different way. In dairy cattle, we found differences between the years analysed. In beef cattle, the time of year with highest risk of poisoning was the last quarter (19.45 per 100,000 animals), while the lowest mortality rate was observed in the first quarter (1.33 per 100,000). There were pronounced differences between regions in beef cattle, differences being non-significant in dairy cattle. Lastly, in beef cattle, no differences were found between sexes. In summary, the mortality rate due to poisoning in cattle in Spain is low, and the risk of poisoning is determined by the farming system, animals’ stage of development, time of year and region.
Mating behaviour and gamete release in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata, Linnaeus 1758) held in captivity
Authors: Ibarra-Zatarain Zohar , Duncan Neil
Published: February 2015

The present study aimed to describe the reproductive behaviour of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) in captivity. Twenty-four mature gilthead seabream, divided in two tanks, were utilized for the present study. Reproductive behaviour was recorded using submersibles cameras. A total of 67 spawning events were analysed. The mean duration time that gilthead seabream spent spawning was 54 ± 4 min/day, during which mean number of individual spawning events was 5.6 ± 0.2. The mean volume of eggs produced by both broodstocks was 405 ± 13.4 mL with a fertilization rate of 91.6 ± 0.4%. The reproductive behaviour began with a schooling behaviour and then forming light aggregations. From an aggregation or an encounter while swimming freely a female initiated a spawning rush followed by one or more males to gametes liberation. The spawning rush was brief, 1.6 ± 0.5 sec, over an approximately 1.7 ± 0.2 m distance from the tank bottom to the water surface. Pair spawning, between a single female and male, was the most common (71.6%). Group spawning was less common and involved a single female spawning with two males (22.5%) or three males (4.9%). Spawning rushes involving more than one female were not observed. Gilthead seabream in the present study presented a tendency to pair spawn and eggs collected as a “spawn” were actually the sum of many separate spawning events over a short time period. This is the first description of gilthead seabream spawning and the findings help to understand microsatellite based observations of spawning kinetics.
Groove Pancreatitis: A Brief Review of a Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: DeSouza Karyn , Nodit Laurentia
Published: February 2015

Groove pancreatitis is an uncommon, yet well-described, type of focal chronic pancreatitis, affecting “the groove”—the area between the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, and the common bile duct. Men aged 40 to 50 years are most commonly affected, with a history of alcohol abuse frequently disclosed. Clinical manifestations are similar to other forms of chronic pancreatitis, and vomiting secondary to duodenal stenosis is the main feature. It is postulated that pancreatitis in the groove area arises from obstruction of pancreatic juices in the ductal system, causing fibrosis and stasis with resultant inflammation of surrounding structures. The minor papilla is frequently the anatomic area of preferential involvement. Groove pancreatitis poses diagnostic challenges, forming a “pseudotumor” that mimics pancreatic carcinoma. The distinction is important, although often impossible to make because of their similar presentation, with groove pancreatitis usually affecting younger patients. Most patients are successfully treated with pancreaticoduodenectomy when definitive pathologic diagnoses can be made.
Promoting Mentalization in Clinical Psychology at Universities: A Linguistic Analysis of Student Accounts
Authors: Freda Maria Francesca , Esposito Giovanna , Quaranta Teresa
Published: February 2015

This study investigated the structure of mentalization (Bateman & Fonagy, 2012) in a training context. The dual purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of practicum student training and whether the Linguistic Inquiry method (Pennebaker, 2000) could be used to evaluate the three dimensions of mentalization — relational, cognitive, and emotional. The training utilized the groups and their accounts as devices and mediators to conceptualize the relationship between self-mentalizing training, the academic context and the practicum experience. Accounts from 38 Italian students pursuing master degree in Clinical, Dynamic, and Community Psychology were analyzed by LIWC software. The Wilcoxon test showed a significant increase in mentalizing words during the middle and end of the term, as compared with the beginning. The results displayed a need to promote mentalization within academic settings and indicated the value of this competence for clinical psychology.
Theory of Mind Development in Adolescence and Early Adulthood: The Growing Complexity of Recursive Thinking Ability
Authors: Valle Annalisa , Massaro Davide , Castelli Ilaria , Marchetti Antonella
Published: February 2015

This study explores the development of theory of mind, operationalized as recursive thinking ability, from adolescence to early adulthood (N= 110; young adolescents = 47; adolescents = 43; young adults = 20). The construct of theory of mind has been operationalized in two different ways: as the ability to recognize the correct mental state of a character, and as the ability to attribute the correct mental state in order to predict the character’s behaviour. The Imposing Memory Task, with five recursive thinking levels, and a third-order false-belief task with three recursive thinking levels (devised for this study) have been used. The relationship among working memory, executive functions, and linguistic skills are also analysed. Results show that subjects exhibit less understanding of elevated recursive thinking levels (third, fourth, and fifth) compared to the first and second levels. Working memory is correlated with total recursive thinking, whereas performance on the linguistic comprehension task is related to third level recursive thinking in both theory of mind tasks. An effect of age on third-order false-belief task performance was also found. A key finding of the present study is that the third-order false-belief task shows significant age differences in the application of recursive thinking that involves the prediction of others’ behaviour. In contrast, such an age effect is not observed in the Imposing Memory Task. These results may support the extension of the investigation of the third order false belief after childhood.
Exploring Identity in Muslim Moroccan and Pakistani Immigrant Women
Authors: Giuliani Cristina , Tagliabue Semira
Published: February 2015

This study presents a qualitative investigation of how Muslim Moroccan and Pakistani female immigrants living in Italy conceptualize their cultural identity. Ten Moroccan and 10 Pakistani (adolescent and adult) women were interviewed through in-depth semi-structured interviews. The interviewees expressed a strong attachment to their culture of origin: their religion is a crucial aspect of their identity, along with certain cultural rules and traditional values. At the same time, both Moroccan and Pakistani participants were ambivalent toward and experienced difficulties in developing a connection to the host country, although the two groups exhibit their lack of connection to their host country in different ways: Moroccans’ self-representation is marked by a sense of foreignness and by a lack of an emotional connection with places where they are living while Pakistanis tend to express cultural distance and conflict with the host culture’s values. For both the Moroccan and Pakistani groups, the challenge of integration and biculturalism seems demanding in the Italian context and is marked by a deep feeling of emptiness, a lack of an emotional bond with the new country, and a strong cultural ambivalence. Finally, narrative themes are articulated across four interrelated dimensions (cultural, religious, gendered, spatial), revealing interesting differences based on national origin and generation.
Catalytic Asymmetric Ketene [2 + 2] and [4 + 2] Cycloadditions
Authors: G. Nelson Scott , D. Dura Robert , J. Peelen Timothy
Published: February 2015

Ketenes are among the few synthetic building blocks that undergo facile thermal [2 + 2] and [4 + 2] cycloadditions, yielding cyclobutanes, β‐lactones, β‐lactams, dioxins, quinoxalines, thiazinones, pyranones, and other useful carbo‐ and heterocycles. In addition to substrate structure, the presence of Lewis acids and bases can have a decisive effect on product outcome by diverting ketene reactivity to different cycloaddition manifolds.

This comprehensive review focuses on catalyzed enantioselective ketene [2 + 2] and [4 + 2] cycloadditions in which the asymmetric induction is derived solely from the catalyst complex. Accordingly, diastereoselective cycloadditions are described only when they are relevant to a catalytic asymmetric reaction variant. Molecular orbital interactions are correlated to the electronic structure of ketenes and used to explain ketene reaction pathways.

Cinchonaalkaloids play an important role in Lewis base catalyzed asymmetric carbonyl and imine cycloadditions, whereas Al(III)‐, Fe(II)‐, Ti(IV)‐, and Cu(II)‐complexes are mainly responsible for Lewis acid catalyzed asymmetric transformations. Carbene catalysts are also significant for both ketene–carbonyl and ketene–imine cycloadditions.

The subject cycloaddition protocol is also compared with other methods, including Mannich‐ and aldol‐based approaches to β‐lactams and β‐lactones, nitrone–alkyne and hetero Diels–Alder reactions, and the catalytic asymmetric allylation–lactonization.
Magnetic reconnection in the auroral acceleration region
Authors: Chaston C. C.
Published: February 2015

Evidence is presented for the operation of extreme guide field magnetic reconnection in the presence of sheared flows in a narrow current sheet through the auroral acceleration region. Using auroral imagery, magnetically conjugate particle measurements and a 3‐D reduced MHD simulation, vortical motions in a narrow, rapidly evolving auroral arc indicative of the operation of magnetic tearing are identified. An estimate of the contribution of this process to the observed rate of energy deposition at the ionosphere shows that while this contribution can be significant it remains a minor fraction of the total. These observations are placed in the context of low magnetic shear reconnection made possible in plasmas with low plasma beta.
Slow electron phase space holes: Magnetotail observations
Authors: Norgren C. , André M. , Vaivads A. , Khotyaintsev Y. V.
Published: February 2015

We report multispacecraft observations of slow electrostatic solitary waves in the plasma sheet boundary layer. The electrostatic solitary waves are embedded in a region with field‐aligned electron flows and are interpreted as electron phase space holes. We make unambiguous velocity and length estimates of the electron holes, vEH∼500 km/s and l||∼2–4λDe, where l|| is the parallel half width. We do not detect any magnetic signature of the holes. The electrostatic potentials of the holes are of the order eϕ/kBTe∼10%, indicating that they can affect electron motion and further couple the electron and ion dynamics.
Novel
Authors: Gallagher Catherine
Published: February 2015

The novel was the predominant form of British Victorian literature. Novels constituted approximately 20 percent of the books published in the period, and they were readily available through private lending libraries, in monthly installments, and in weekly magazines. The publishing formats for new novels, which encouraged extraordinary length, created the conditions for many features of the form in the Victorian period, including developments in plotting, narrative techniques, and overall structural elements such as character systems. A second dynamic principle in the development of the form in the second half of the century was its increasing geographic and class inclusion, which encouraged an emphasis on place as an active element in the narrative, new ways of imagining interconnectedness, the creation of fictitious cities and regions to examine particular social dynamics, and the impulse to explore British life in its imperial contexts.
2D Janus Hybrid Materials of Polymer‐Grafted Carbon Nanotube/Graphene Oxide Thin Film as Flexible, Miniature Electric Carpet
Authors: Xiao Peng , Wan Changjin , Gu Jincui , Liu Zhenzhong , Men Yonghong , Huang Youju , Zhang Jiawei , Zhu Liqiang , Chen Tao
Published: February 2015

Ultrathin, freestanding polymer hybrid film with macroscopic sizes and molecular thicknesses have received significant interest due to their applications as functional devices, microsensors or nanoactuators. Herein, a 2D Janus hybrid of polymer‐grafted carbon nanotubes/graphene oxide (CNTs/GO) thin film is fabricated using microcontact printed CNTs/GO as photo active surface to grow polymer brushes by self‐initiated photografting and photopolymerization selectively from one side of CNTs/GO film. This achieved 2D Janus hybrid materials with grafted polymer layer as insulative carpet and supported CNTs/GO thin film as conductive element have the potential application as flexible and miniature electric carpet for heating micro‐/nano devices locally.
Nanoconfined Carbon‐Coated Na3V2(PO4)3 Particles in Mesoporous Carbon Enabling Ultralong Cycle Life for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jiang Yu , Yang Zhenzhong , Li Weihan , Zeng Linchao , Pan Fusen , Wang Min , Wei Xiang , Hu Guantai , Gu Lin , Yu Yan
Published: February 2015

Na3V2(PO4)3 (denoted as NVP) has been considered as a promising cathode material for room temperature sodium ion batteries. Nevertheless, NVP suffers from poor rate capability resulting from the low electronic conductivity. Here, the feasibility to approach high rate capability by designing carbon‐coated NVP nanoparticles confined into highly ordered mesoporous carbon CMK‐3 matrix (NVP@C@CMK‐3) is reported. The NVP@C@CMK‐3 is prepared by a simple nanocasting technique. The electrode exhibits superior rate capability and ultralong cyclability (78 mA h g−1 at 5 C after 2000 cycles) compared to carbon‐coated NVP and pure NVP cathode. The improved electrochemical performance is attributed to double carbon coating design that combines a variety of advantages: very short diffusion length of Na+/e− in NVP, easy access of electrolyte, and short transport path of Na+ through carbon toward the NVP nanoparticle, high conductivity transport of electrons through the 3D interconnected channels of carbon host. The optimum design of the core–shell nanostructures with double carbon coating permits fast kinetics for both transported Na+ ions and electrons, enabling high‐power performance.
Genetic causes of intellectual disability in a birth cohort: A population‐based study
Authors: Karam Simone M. , Riegel Mariluce , Segal Sandra L. , Félix Têmis M. , Barros Aluísio J. D. , Santos Iná S. , Matijasevich Alicia , Giugliani Roberto , Black Maureen
Published: February 2015

Intellectual disability affects approximately 1–3% of the population and can be caused by genetic and environmental factors. Although many studies have investigated the etiology of intellectual disability in different populations, few studies have been performed in middle‐income countries. The present study estimated the prevalence of genetic causes related to intellectual disability in a cohort of children from a city in south Brazil who were followed from birth. Children who showed poor performance in development and intelligence tests at the ages of 2 and 4 were included. Out of 4,231 liveborns enrolled in the cohort, 214 children fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A diagnosis was established in approximately 90% of the children evaluated. Genetic causes were determined in 31 of the children and 19 cases remained unexplained even after extensive investigation. The overall prevalence of intellectual disability in this cohort due to genetic causes was 0.82%. Because this study was nested in a cohort, there were a large number of variables related to early childhood and the likelihood of information bias was minimized by collecting information with a short recall time. This study was not influenced by selection bias, allowing identification of intellectual disability and estimation of the prevalence of genetic causes in this population, thereby increasing the possibility of providing appropriate management and/or genetic counseling. © 2015 The Authors. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Copper(II)‐Triflate‐Catalyzed Oxidative Amidation of Terminal Alkynes: A General Approach to α‐Ketoamides
Authors: Kumar Manjeet , Devari Shekaraiah , Kumar Arvind , Sultan Shaista , Ahmed Qazi Naveed , Rizvi Masood , Shah Bhahwal Ali
Published: February 2015

A simple and practical method for synthesizing α‐ketoamides has been developed involving Cu(OTf)2‐promoted oxidative amidation‐diketonization of terminal alkynes with primary/secondary amines. This method has a wide substrate scope, and atmospheric oxygen acts as the oxidant.
A Solution‐Processable Dithienyldiketopyrrolopyrrole Dye Molecule with Acetylene as a π‐Linkage for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Li‐Ping , Xia Yan , Luo Guo‐Ping , Zhang Chun‐Hui , Liu Quan , Tan Wan‐Yi , Zhu Xu‐Hui , Wu Hong‐Bin , Peng Junbiao , Cao Yong
Published: February 2015

We present the efficient synthesis and photovoltaic response of a linearly conjugated molecule DT‐DPP (AAnAT)2, which contains a dithienyldiketopyrrolopyrrole core symmetrically connected through a 9,10‐anthracenyl unit to 3‐alkylthiophene via an acetylene linkage. The compound is crystalline with a Tm of 204 °C. The as‐cast film has a main broad absorption at 650 nm with a shoulder at 737 nm, tailing until ca. 800 nm. The HOMO level was estimated as −5.26 eV, derived from the first reversible electron oxidation wave at ca. 0.93 V vs. Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The space charge limited current hole mobility of a pristine film is ca. 2.90×10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1. The preliminary characterization of simple bulk heterojunction solar cells provides a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ca. 4.0 % with VOC=0.77 V, JSC=10.0 mA cm−2, and FF=52 %, based on the as‐cast active layer without a processing additive or solvent vapor annealing. Thermal annealing the active layer at a mild temperature of 50 °C increased the PCE to 4.39 % due mainly to the improvement of the FF.
Role of crushed skeletal muscle extract in hemostasis
Authors: Rajiv Sukanya , Rodgers Susan , Bassiouni Ahmed , Vreugde Sarah , Wormald Peter‐John
Published: February 2015

Background

Use of muscle grafts for hemostasis during surgery has re‐emerged; recent animal model studies have shown effective bleeding control with their use. However, the mechanism of action is unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate the action of muscle extracts on the coagulation pathways and platelet aggregation.

Methods

Muscle extracts were prepared by dissolving crushed snap‐frozen muscle tissue (0.04 to 0.8 mg) in 1 mL saline. Saline was used as control. Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time, and platelet aggregation studies were performed on both muscle extract and saline. Prothrombin time and APTT were repeated using factor VII–deficient plasma, factor X–deficient plasma, lupus plasma, and contact pathway–inhibited plasma. Mean readings in the muscle group and control group were compared using nonparametric Mann‐Whitney U test (Wilcoxon rank sum test with continuity correction).

Results

Among the various coagulation parameters, there was no significant difference between saline and muscle (p > 0.05), except in the APTT using factor X–deficient plasma (mean APTT 133.89 seconds and 185.10 seconds for muscle and saline, respectively; p < 0.0001). Higher concentrations of the muscle extract (>0.5 mg/mL) increased platelet aggregation from 23.9% to 85.5% (p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Platelet aggregation plays a role in the hemostatic efficacy of muscle grafts. Even though action on the coagulation pathway via APTT is statistically significant, clinical significance may be low.
A Potent, Selective and Cell‐Active Allosteric Inhibitor of Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 3 (PRMT3)
Authors: Kaniskan H. Ümit , Szewczyk Magdalena M. , Yu Zhengtian , Eram Mohammad S. , Yang Xiaobao , Schmidt Keith , Luo Xiao , Dai Miao , He Feng , Zang Irene , Lin Ying , Kennedy Steven , Li Fengling , Dobrovetsky Elena , Dong Aiping , Smil David , Min Sun‐Joon , Landon Melissa , Lin‐Jones Jennifer , Huang Xi‐Ping , Roth Bryan L. , Schapira Matthieu , Atadja Peter , Barsyte‐Lovejoy Dalia , Arrowsmith Cheryl H. , Brown Peter J. , Zhao Kehao , Jin Jian , Vedadi Masoud
Published: February 2015

PRMT3 catalyzes the asymmetric dimethylation of arginine residues of various proteins. It is essential for maturation of ribosomes, may have a role in lipogenesis, and is implicated in several diseases. A potent, selective, and cell‐active PRMT3 inhibitor would be a valuable tool for further investigating PRMT3 biology. Here we report the discovery of the first PRMT3 chemical probe, SGC707, by structure‐based optimization of the allosteric PRMT3 inhibitors we reported previously, and thorough characterization of this probe in biochemical, biophysical, and cellular assays. SGC707 is a potent PRMT3 inhibitor (IC50=31±2 nM, KD=53±2 nM) with outstanding selectivity (selective against 31 other methyltransferases and more than 250 non‐epigenetic targets). The mechanism of action studies and crystal structure of the PRMT3‐SGC707 complex confirm the allosteric inhibition mode. Importantly, SGC707 engages PRMT3 and potently inhibits its methyltransferase activity in cells. It is also bioavailable and suitable for animal studies. This well‐characterized chemical probe is an excellent tool to further study the role of PRMT3 in health and disease.
Redox Tuning of a Direct Asymmetric Aldol Reaction
Authors: Zhang Qiying , Cui Xiuling , Zhang Long , Luo Sanzhong , Wang Hui , Wu Yangjie
Published: February 2015

Presented herein is a redox tuning strategy for asymmetric aminocatalysis with a designed chiral ferrocenophane. Under redox control, the ferrocenophane catalyst efficiently catalyzes the asymmetric aldol reaction at room temperature with excellent yield and good stereoselectivity. Moreover, the redox‐active ferrocene moiety also served as phase‐tag to facilitate catalyst recovery and reuse. The catalyst can be reused for five cycles without much loss of activity. Ferrocenium of the oxidized ferrocenophane was proposed to serve as Lewis acidic site, thus accounting for the stereo control.
A Concise Flow Synthesis of Efavirenz
Authors: Correia Camille A. , Gilmore Kerry , McQuade D. Tyler , Seeberger Peter H.
Published: February 2015

Efavirenz is an essential medicine for the treatment of HIV, which is still inaccessible to millions of people worldwide. A novel, semi‐continuous process provides rac‐Efavirenz with an overall yield of 45 %. This streamlined proof‐of‐principle synthesis relies on the efficient copper‐catalyzed formation of an aryl isocyanate and a subsequent intramolecular cyclization to install the carbamate core of Efavirenz in one step. The three‐step method represents the shortest synthesis of this life‐saving drug to date.
Robust Reliable H∞ Control for Discrete‐Time Systems with Actuator Delays
Authors: Sakthivel Rathinasamy , Sundareswari Krishnan , Mathiyalagan Kalidass , Arunkumar Arumugham , Anthoni Selvaraj Marshal
Published: February 2015

This article focuses on the robust state feedback reliable H∞ control problem for discrete‐time systems. Discrete‐time systems with time‐varying delayed control input are formulated. Based on the Lyapunov–Krasovskii method and linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach, delay‐dependent sufficient conditions are developed for synthesizing the state feedback controller for an uncertain discrete‐time system. The parameter uncertainty is assumed to be norm bounded. A design scheme for the state feedback reliable H∞ controller is proposed in terms of LMIs, which can guarantee the global asymptotic stability and the minimum disturbance attenuation level. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness and reduced conservatism of the proposed methods.
Prevalence of birth defects among American‐Indian births in California, 1983‐2010
Authors: Aggarwal Deepa , Warmerdam Barbara , Wyatt Katrina , Ahmad Shabbir , Shaw Gary M.
Published: February 2015

Background

Approximately 6.3 million live births and fetal deaths occurred during the ascertainment period in the California Birth Defects Monitoring Program registry. American‐Indian and non‐Hispanic white women delivered 40,268 and 2,044,118 births, respectively. While much information has been published about non‐Hispanic white infants, little is known regarding the risks of birth defects among infants born to American‐Indian women.

Methods

This study used data from the California Birth Defects Monitoring Program to explore risks of selected birth defects in offspring of American‐Indian relative to non‐Hispanic white women in California. The study population included all live births and fetal deaths 20 weeks or greater from 1983 to 2010. Prevalence ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using Poisson regression for 51 groupings of birth defects.

Results

Prevalence ratios were estimated for 51 groupings of birth defects. Of the 51, nine had statistically precise results ranging from 0.78 to 1.85. The eight groups with elevated risks for American‐Indian births were reduction deformities of brain, anomalies of anterior segments, specified anomalies of ear, ostium secundum type atrial septal defect, specified anomalies of heart, anomalies of the aorta, anomalies of great veins, and cleft lip with cleft palate.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that American‐Indian women having babies in California may be at higher risk for eight birth defect phenotypes compared with non‐Hispanic whites. Further research is needed to determine whether these risks are observed among other populations of American‐Indian women or when adjusted for potential covariates. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:105–110, 2015 © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.