bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Inclusive Musical Mechatronics Course
Authors: Carnegie Dale Anthony , Zareei Mo , Murphy Jim , Watterson Craig
Published: February 2017

This paper presents the design of a novel course in mechatronics, based on a project-based learning pedagogical philosophy that uses music as the theme to introduce to a diverse range of learners, the essential concepts of mechatronic practice. The course is designed at a post-graduate level and is targeted at international students who are likely to have a diverse range of background knowledge and potentially even a greater diversity in practical experience. The course builds upon our knowledge and capability in the construction or instrumentation of musical devices and cumulates in the design of a new mechatronic chordophone and the preparation of an IEEE conference paper submission.
An English Learning Method Based on Computer-assisted System
Authors: Bo Jingyi , Wang Yubin , Han Kun
Published: February 2017

Computer terminology is studied by unit, professional computer knowledge and lexical features, etc. in this paper. An effective game-based learning pattern is generated combined with the characteristics of computer English terms. The computer-assisted English learning system is studied to help students memorize terminology. This learning system could also examine the learning effect after study. The relevant question bank is available to users for game-based examination. The examination result and the statistic score could be kept in the question bank for analysis of the learning effect.
An evaluation of serological tests in the diagnosis of bovine brucellosis in naturally infected cattle in KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa
Authors: Chisi Songelwayo L. , Marageni Yoanda , Naidoo Prebashni , Zulu Gloria , Akol George W. , Van Heerden Henriette
Published: February 2017

The diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) of the Rose Bengal test (RBT), the complement fixation test (CFT), the serum agglutination test (SAT), the competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) and the indirect ELISA (iELISA) were determined in naturally infected cattle in KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa with known infectious status from culture (gold standard). Natural brucellosis infection status of animals was determined by culturing and identification of Brucella abortus biovar 1 from abomasal fluid, milk, hygroma fluid, lymph nodes or uterine discharges samples. The diagnostic specificity (DSp) of the tests mentioned above was determined using samples from known negative herds. There was no statistically significant difference between the tests in their ability to diagnose brucellosis. The RBT and iELISA had the highest DSe of 95.8%, whereas RBT and CFT had the highest DSp of 100%. In South African laboratories, the RBT and CFT serological tests are used, because of the cost efficacy of CFT when compared to the less labour intensive but more expensive iELISA.
Efficiency of international cooperation schemata in African countries: A comparative analysis using a data envelopment analysis approach
Authors: Martin-Perez Victor , Martin-Cruz Natalia
Published: February 2017

Background: Efficiency measurement by means of data envelopment analysis (DEA) in the non-profit sector has focused on the so-called Stage I of non-profit organisations, namely, fundraising efforts (which are the most influential determinants of raising funds in order to increase the amount of contributions). However, for the so-called Stage II of non-profit organisations, namely, spending the achieved resources to program services delivery, DEA studies are very scarce. In attempting to address this research gap and to the best of our knowledge, this investigation is the first study that applies DEA to the assessment of international cooperation schemata. Consequently, we offer a significant contribution to the literature by overcoming the limitations of other techniques used to assess the efficiency and providing new insight into the efficiency of targeted different international cooperation schemata (ICS) in international cooperation development projects.Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficiency of the ICS of developmental projects funded by the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development.Setting: Our setting is composed of different international cooperation projects funded with different schemata by the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development between 2002 and 2006 in two African countries that are top priority targets of Spanish international aid: Morocco, and Mozambique.Methods: Using a sample of 48 international cooperation projects carried out in two African countries considered priorities in the Spanish Cooperation Master Plan, we analyse project efficiency using DEA.Results: The findings suggest that some schemata are more efficient than others when applied to international cooperation projects (ICS). Specifically, we find that permanent open-call subsidies are more efficient than non-governmental development organisation subsidies.Conclusion: Measures for evaluating international aid projects with respect to efficiency are problematic. The DEA method provides an ex-post meausure of efficiency that allows for the measurement in a specific and objetive way of the results achieved by each project and to propose corrective actions for the future. The comparison among ICS provides an opportunity to identify the conditions under which an ICs may achieve greater efficiency
Determinants of the capital structure of Portuguese firms with investments in Angola
Authors: Mota Jorge H.F. , Moreira Antonio C.
Published: February 2017

Background: This article seeks to complement the previous literature and clarify the particularities of the capital structure policy of firms with foreign direct investment in Angola.Aim: This article seeks to identify the determinants of the capital structure of Portuguese firms with direct investment in Angola and to understand whether the determinants normally considered by standard finance theory are in line with those used by firms when structuring their capital structure policy to participate in the specific market of Angola.Setting: This article examines 26 large Portuguese firms with investments in Angola using econometric panel data for the period 2006–2010.Methods: The study applied fixed and random effects methods and panel-corrected standard errors that maintain efficiency and unbiased behaviour even in the presence of panel-level heteroscedasticity and contemporaneous correlation of observations among panels.Results: The results provide evidence that the determinants normally considered by standard finance theory are in fact – in terms of sign and coefficient dimension – those used by firms for structuring their capital structure policy when involved in the internationalisation process of entering Angola. Specifically, age, asset structure, return on assets and tangibility have a positive influence on the capital structure of Portuguese firms that have invested in Angola, while non-debt tax shields and liquidity have a negative influence on these companies’ leverage ratios. When comparing our results with studies that have analysed the capital structure determinants of listed Portuguese firms – firms belonging to the PSI 20 Index and large firms in the Portuguese corporate sector – we found similarities in the sign and coefficient dimension of the determinants of capital structure. However, the profitability coefficient sign is in line with the trade-off framework (i.e. profitability is positively related to debt) but not with pecking order theory (i.e. profitability is negatively related to debt).Conclusion: Our results suggest that the high-growth Angolan market is seen by larger Portuguese firms as a low-risk diversification process because of the economic hardship Portugal has gone through, as well as cultural and linguistic similarities to Portugal. As such, the Angolan market is seen as an extension of the Portuguese domestic market that has increased potential. This scenario potentially reduces the firm default probability and the cost of debt. Maintaining the tax shield benefits of debt and decreasing the cost of debt – through a reduction in the default probability – have induced profitable firms to use more debt.
Fast retrievals of tropospheric carbonyl sulfide with IASI
Authors: Vincent R. Anthony , Dudhia Anu
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Iterative retrievals of trace gases, such as carbonyl sulfide (OCS), from satellites can be exceedingly slow. The algorithm may even fail to keep pace with data acquisition such that analysis is limited to local events of special interest and short time spans. With this in mind, a linear retrieval scheme was developed to estimate total column amounts of OCS at a rate roughly 104 times faster than a typical iterative retrieval. This scheme incorporates two concepts not utilized in previously published linear estimates. First, all physical parameters affecting the signal are included in the state vector and accounted for jointly, rather than treated as effective noise. Second, the initialization point is determined from an ensemble of atmospheres based on comparing the model spectra to the observations, thus improving the linearity of the problem. All of the 2014 data from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI), instruments A and B, were analysed and showed spatial features of OCS total columns, including depletions over tropical rainforests, seasonal enhancements over the oceans, and distinct OCS features over land. Error due to assuming linearity was found to be on the order of 11 % globally for OCS. However, systematic errors from effects such as varying surface emissivity and extinction due to aerosols have yet to be robustly characterized. Comparisons to surface volume mixing ratio in situ samples taken by NOAA show seasonal correlations greater than 0.7 for five out of seven sites across the globe. Furthermore, this linear scheme was applied to OCS, but may also be used as a rapid estimator of any detectable trace gas using IASI or similar nadir-viewing instruments.
Long-term chemical analysis and organic aerosol source apportionment at 9 sites in Central Europe: Source identification and uncertainty assessment
Authors: Daellenbach Kaspar R. , Stefenelli Giulia , Bozzetti Carlo , Vlachou Athanasia , Fermo Paola , Gonzalez Raquel , Piazzalunga Andrea , Colombi Cristina , Canonaco Francesco , Hueglin Christoph , Kasper-Giebl Anne , Jaffrezo Jean-Luc , Bianchi Federico , Slowik Jay G. , Baltensperger Urs , El Haddad Imad , Prévôt André S. H.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Long-term monitoring of the organic aerosol is important for epidemiological studies, validation of atmospheric models, and air quality management. In this study, we apply a recently developed filter-based offline methodology of the aerosol mass spectrometer to investigate the regional and seasonal differences of contributing organic aerosol sources. We present offline-AMS measurements for particulate matter smaller than 10 μm 9 stations in central Europe with different exposure characteristics for the entire year of 2013 (819 samples). The focus of this study is a detailed source apportionment analysis (using PMF) including in-depth assessment of the related uncertainties. Primary organic aerosol (POA) is separated in three components: hydrocarbon-like OA which is related to traffic emissions (HOA), cooking OA (COA), and biomass-burning OA (BBOA). We observe enhanced production of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in summer, following the increase in biogenic emissions with temperature (summer oxygenated OA, SOOA). In addition, a SOA component was extracted that correlated with anthropogenic secondary inorganic species which is dominant in winter (winter oxygenated OA, WOOA). A factor (SC-OA) explaining sulfur-containing fragments (CH3SO2+), which has an event-driven temporal behavior, was also identified. The relative yearly average factor contributions range for HOA from 3 to 15 %, for COA from 3 to 31 %, for BBOA from 11 to 61 %, for SC-OA from 5 to 23 %, for WOOA from 14 to 28 %, and for SOOA from 14 to 40 %. The uncertainty of the relative average factor contribution lies between 5 and 9 % of OA. At the sites north of the alpine crest, the sum of HOA, COA, and BBOA (POA) contributes less to OA (POA/OA = 0.3) than at the southern alpine valley sites (0.6). BBOA is the main contributor to POA with 88 % in alpine valleys and 43 % north of the alpine crest. Furthermore, the influence of primary biological particles (PBOA), not resolved by PMF, is estimated and could contribute significantly to OA in PM10.
Stream flow simulation and verification in ungauged zones by
coupling hydrological and hydrodynamic models: a case study of the
Poyang Lake ungauged zone
Authors: Zhang Ling , Lu Jianzhong , Chen Xiaoling , Sauvage Sabine , Sanchez Perez José-Miguel
Published: February 2017

Abstract. To solve the problem of estimating and verifying stream flows without direct observation data; we extend existing techniques for estimating stream flows in ungauged zones, coupling a hydrological model with a hydrodynamic model, using the Poyang Lake basin as a test case. We simulated stream flows in the land covered area of the ungauged zone by building a SWAT model for the entire catchment area covering gauged stations and the land covered area; then estimated stream flows in the water covered area of the ungauged zone using the simplified water balance equation. To verify the results, we built two scenarios (original and adjusted scenarios) using the Delft3D model. In this study, the original scenario did not take stream flows in the ungauged zone into consideration, unlike the adjusted scenario that accounts for the ungauged zones. Experimental results show there was a narrower discrepancy between the stream flows observed at the outlet of the lake and the simulated stream flows in adjusted scenario. Using our technique, we estimated that the ungauged zone of Poyang Lake produces stream flows of approximately 180 billion m3; representing about 11.4 % of the total inflow from the entire watershed. We also analysed the impact of the stream flows in ungauged zone on the water balance between inflow and outflow of the lake. These results, incorporating the estimated stream flow in ungauged zone, significantly improved the water balance as indicated by R2 with higher value and percent bias with lower value, as compared to the results when the stream flows in the ungauged zone were not taken into account, R2 with lower value and percent bias with higher value. The method can be extended to other lake, river, or ocean basins where observation data is unavailable.
Return Migration After 30 September 2009 Earthquake in West Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Karimi Syafruddin
Published: February 2017

This article analyzed return migrants associated with the West Sumatra Large-Scale Earthquake on 30 September 2009. A survey of 400 households traced the number of return migrants. Any respondent migrated due to the earthquake belongs to return migrant. This study found the return migrants accounting for almost 37% because of the disaster. Both men and women migrated because of the earthquake, but more men migrated than women. Married couple migrated more than unmarried. Pekanbaru, the capital of Riau province, is the most famous destination for migration. The education level of return migrants is higher than the stayers. More than 88% are living from trade, public services, and fishing. Above 50% is living from trading alone. The return migrants shared a similar employment status with the stayers. Entrepreneurial status is more important for return migrants than for the stayers. Income distribution shows a different pattern between return migrants and the stayers. The return migrants have a more significant part of the maximum income group. The return migrants at the highest income group account for 27%, which is obviously greater than the stayers.
English Language Learner’s Learning in a U.S. University Setting
Authors: Shi Hong
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this study is to examine English Language Learners’ (ELLs) self-efficacy belief, language learning strategies and goal orientations in university settings. It also explored the relationships among self-efficacy, learning strategies and goal orientation of ELLs. A survey was used to collect data. The participants were 77 ELLs in a southeastern university in America. It was found that ELLs in this study had positive self-efficacy beliefs. ELLs often use language learning strategies in their learning process. There were significant positive relationships between self-efficacy and language learning strategies, between language learning strategies and mastery goal orientations. Mastery goals mostly predicted strategy use for ELLs. Implications were provided for language educators to assess ELLs’ self-efficacy and goal orientations. This study identified instructional suggestions for language educators as well as provided useful information for related discussions from an ELL perspective in university classrooms.
Headmaster Leadership and Teacher Competence in Increasing Student Achievement in School
Authors: Wahyuddin Wawan
Published: February 2017

The purposes of this research are to identify and analyze the headmaster leadership and teacher competence in increasing student achievement in school. The research was at Private Islamic Junior High School in Serang, Banten, Indonesia. Researcher is using descriptive and inferential methods. The results of this research showed that there is correlation of the headmaster leadership toward student achievements in school, there is correlation of the teacher competence toward student achievement in school, there are correlation of headmaster leadership and teacher competence towards student achievement in school. Therefore, it can be seen that the headmaster leadership and teacher competence have a strong and significantly correlation to increasing student achievement in school. High or low student achievement can be caused by headmaster leadership and teacher competence.
The Constant Changes in US Strategy in Afghanistan: Achievement or Failure
Authors: Sahranavard Behnam , Kazemi Ali Asghar
Published: February 2017

The nations take various strategies in exposure to different developments and phenomena and impact on foreign and internal policies of countries in international scene proportional to their internal and external conditions and rivals and at international arena. What US implemented after September 11 Event and targeted accusation finger toward Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan is deemed as a type of strategy that has occurred in created nostalgic climate together with hasty decision making and negligence to domestic issues in Afghan Community while their output was to take different and even paradoxical strategies in this crisis-stricken region since 1980s. In this article that has been written in order to analyze US Post September- 11 Strategies in Afghanistan this basic question will be answered that how changes in US macro policies influenced in orientation of diplomacy of this country and why this country has adapted different policies in occupation of Afghanistan. Afterwards, it is deduced according to the given findings from librarian data collection method that the constant changes in US strategy in Afghanistan were due to overlooking of domestic issues and historic, ethnic, cultural, political, and ideological complexities of this country that has resulted in degradation of US position in world scene and its failure in suppression of Taliban.This article has been excerpted from my PhD treatise under title of ‘The role of United States in the regional crisis (e.g. Afghan and Iraqi crises) and the rise of revolutionary and radicalism on the emergence of international terrorism’.
Kommunikativ adfærd i virksomhedsrepræsentationer
Authors: Hermann Helle
Published: February 2017

This article presents the results of an empirical pilot-study of Danish and French company presentations. The aim of the study is to establish how human relations manifest themselves in the linguistic surface.The results are divided into horizontal (Distance) and vertical (Authority) relations. The study is based on the concepts of Face and Facework and through a systematization of the chosen Facework strategies differences between Danish and French communicative behavior are shown. The Danish companies appear to have a communicative profile indicating a wish to establish close relations with the reader and a greater need of selfpraise than the French companies.
C‐terminal dimerization of apo‐cyclicAMPreceptor protein validated in solution
Authors: Sim Dae‐Won , Choi Jae Wan , Kim Ji‐Hun , Ryu Kyoung‐Seok , Kim Myeongkyu , Yu Hee‐Wan , Jo Ku‐Sung , Kim Eun‐Hee , Seo Min‐Duk , Jeon Young Ho , Lee Bong‐Jin , Kim Young Pil , Won Hyung‐Sik
Published: February 2017

Although cyclicAMPreceptor protein (CRP) has long served as a typical example of effector‐mediated protein allostery, mechanistic details into its regulation have been controversial due to discrepancy between the known crystal structure andNMRstructure of apo‐CRP. Here, we report that the recombinant protein corresponding to its C‐terminalDNA‐binding domain (CDD) forms a dimer. This result, together with structural information obtained in the presentNMRstudy, is consistent with the previous crystal structure and validates its relevance also in solution. Therefore, our findings suggest that dissociation of theCDDmay be critically involved incAMP‐induced allosteric activation ofCRP.
New properties of whistler modes
Authors: Stenzel R. L. , Urrutia J. M.
Published: February 2017

Two new properties of whistler modes have been observed in a large laboratory plasma which are relevant to whistler waves in space plasmas. The first is the reflection of whistler modes by nonuniform magnetic fields whose gradient scale length is comparable to the wavelength. Such situations may arise near shock waves, reconnection geometries, lunar crustal magnetic fields, and possibly for long wavelength whistlers in dipolar fields. The second observation shows that whistler modes can have linear polarizations. It arises by interference of wave packets. This observation may help interpret the variety of polarizations observed in magnetospheric whistlers.
Crystal structure of the essential biotin‐dependent carboxylase AccA3 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Bennett Matthew , Högbom Martin
Published: February 2017

Biotin‐dependent acetyl‐CoA carboxylases catalyze the committed step in type II fatty acid biosynthesis, the main route for production of membrane phospholipids in bacteria, and are considered a key target for antibacterial drug discovery. Here we describe the first structure of AccA3, an essential component of the acetyl‐CoA carboxylase system in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTb). The structure, sequence comparisons, and modeling of ligand‐bound states reveal that the ATP cosubstrate‐binding site shows distinct differences compared to other bacterial and eukaryotic biotin carboxylases, including all human homologs. This suggests the possibility to design MTb AccA3 subtype‐specific inhibitors.

Database

Coordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank with the accession number 5MLK.
Bistable Physical Geometries for Terahertz Plasmonic Structures Using Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Gupta Barun , Pandey Shashank , Nahata Anjali , Zhang Ting , Nahata Ajay
Published: February 2017

Shape memory alloy foils that are appropriately patterned are cycled between two different metal foil geometries resulting in two different terahertz (THz) plasmonic responses. This is accomplished by using patterned foils of a nickel–titanium alloy (Nitinol) that switches between the martensite phase below 31 °C, yielding one physical geometry, and the austenite phase, when the foil is heated above 51 °C, yielding a second physical geometry. In order to enable this reproducible switching, the sample is initially put through a two‐way training procedure, through which the two different desired physical geometries are imprinted. Specifically, the metal foils are trained to switch between a sinusoidal corrugation, either 1D or 2D, at close to room temperature and a flat metal sheet above the austenite phase transition temperature. The foils are found to switch reproducibly between geometries over at least 100 thermal cycles. Using THz time‐domain spectroscopy, the transmission properties of the foils are measured as a function of incident polarization and foil geometry. The changes in spectrum are explained qualitatively and through numerical simulation.
Performance and kinetics of membrane and hybrid moving bed biofilm‐membrane bioreactors treating salinity wastewater
Authors: Rodríguez‐Sánchez Alejandro , Leyva‐Díaz Juan Carlos , Poyatos José Manuel , González‐López Jesús
Published: February 2017

A pilot‐plant membrane bioreactor (MBR) and two pilot‐plant hybrid moving bed biofilm reactor–membrane bioreactors (MBBR–MBRs), divided into three aerobic and one anoxic chambers, were started up for the treatment of salinity‐amended urban wastewater. The MBBR–MBR systems worked with and without carriers in the anoxic zone (MBBR–MBRanox and MBBR–MBRn/anox, respectively). The systems were operated from start‐up to stabilization, showing high removal of organic matter—a maximum of 90% chemical oxygen demand and 98% biochemical oxygen demand on the fifth day for MBBR–MBRn/anox in the stabilization phase—but low nitrogen elimination—30% maximum for MBBR–MBRn/anox in the stabilization phase. Biofilm attached to carriers reached less than 50 mg L−1 in the hybrid system. MBR showed faster kinetics than the two MBBR–MBR systems during start‐up, but the opposite occurred during stabilization. Maximum specific growth rates for heterotrophic and autotrophic biomass were 0.0500 and 0.0059 h−1 for MBBR–MBRn/anox in the stabilization phase. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 3329–3342, 2017
Metal‐free boron nitride adsorbent for ultra‐deep desulfurization
Authors: Xiong Jun , Li Huaming , Yang Lei , Luo Jing , Chao Yanhong , Pang Jingyu , Zhu Wenshuai
Published: February 2017

Activated metal‐free boron nitride (BN) adsorbent has been prepared by a surfactant assisted regulation strategy. By tuning the variety of surfactants (such as P123, PVP, F127), usage and reaction temperature, the adsorptive performance of activated BN was optimized. The optimized BN‐P123 adsorbent displays porous structure with a high surface area about 1185 m2/g and exhibits excellent adsorptive desulfurization activity for dibenzothiophene (45.7 mg S/g adsorbent for 500 ppmw sulfur model oil), which is comparable or even superior to the state‐of‐the‐art adsorbent. Additionally, this activated BN‐P123 could realize the ultra‐deep desulfurization through adsorptive process to reach the latest international standard (less than 10 ppmw). Considering the nontoxic metal‐free feature and the excellent adsorption performance, the obtained activated BN‐P123 may be a powerful candidate to meet the requirements of potential industrial applications. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 3463–3469, 2017
Catalytic Friedel–Crafts C−H Borylation of Electron‐Rich Arenes: Dramatic Rate Acceleration by Added Alkenes
Authors: Yin Qin , Klare Hendrik F. T. , Oestreich Martin
Published: February 2017

In the electrophilic C−H borylation of electron‐rich aromatic compounds with catecholborane, the catalytic generation of the boron electrophile is initiated by heterolysis of the B−H bond by various Lewis and Brønsted acids, with a boronium ion formed exclusively. After ligand dissociation, the corresponding borenium ion undergoes regioselective electrophilic aromatic substitution on aniline derivatives as well as nitrogen‐containing heterocycles. The catalysis is optimized using B(C6F5)3 as the initiator and proceeds without the addition of an external base or dihydrogen acceptor. Temperatures above 80 °C are generally required to secure efficient turnover in these Friedel–Crafts‐type reactions. Mechanistic experiments reveal that regeneration of the boronium/borenium ion with dihydrogen release is rate‐determining. This finding finally led to the discovery that, with added alkenes, catalytic C−H borylations can, for the first time, be carried out at room temperature.
Peripheral Arteries May Be Reliable Indicators of Coronary Vascular Disease
Authors: HOEHMANN CHRISTOPHER L. , FUTTERMAN BENNETT , BEATTY BRIAN LEE
Published: February 2017

Atherosclerosis is a stronger predictor for ischemic cardiovascular events than traditional risk factors such as race, age, sex, history, and metabolic profile. Previous research had primarily used ultrasound; however, we performed a study using histopathology to more accurately grade atherosclerosis development using the American Heart Association's grading scale. We cross‐sectioned 13 different arteries from 48 cadavers and placed them into three separate groups based on anatomic location: central arteries, peripheral arteries, and carotid arteries. The central artery group included arteries that are non‐palpable and commonly lead to ischemic diseases when occluded. The peripheral artery group included arteries that are accessible to palpation. The carotid artery group included branches of the carotid artery. We investigated whether a centrally located atherosclerotic vessel was associated with atherosclerosis of a specific peripheral artery. We hypothesized a correlation between carotid, peripheral and central arteries that may point to specific arteries that are more effective to analyze clinically when assessing cardiovascular risk. We observed a correlation between pathology in the left coronary artery and bifurcation of the carotid artery (r = 0.37 P ≤ 0.016), two arteries known to be implicated in ischemic stroke and ischemic heart disease. Importantly, our study demonstrates that the radial artery, a peripheral vessel, exhibited a positive correlation between both the pathologic left coronary (r = 0.33 P ≤ 0.041) and bifurcation of the carotid arteries (r = 0.34 P ≤ 0.025). Therefore, we propose investigating the radial artery as a clinically accessible location to monitor with ultrasound when assessing a patient's risk for ischemic cardiovascular disease. Anat Rec, 300:1230–1239, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Geniposide protects pancreatic β cells from high glucose‐mediated injury by activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase
Authors: Liu Chunyan , Hao Yanan , Yin Fei , Zhang Yonglan , Liu Jianhui
Published: February 2017

Our previous works indicated that geniposide could regulate glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), and improved chronic high glucose‐induced dysfunctions in pancreatic β cells, but the molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the role of 5′‐AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) in high glucose induced cell injury and explored the associated molecular mechanisms in rat INS‐1 pancreatic β cells. Data suggested that geniposide obviously prevented the cell damage induced by high (25 mM) glucose in INS‐1 cells, which increased the protein levels of cell apoptosis‐associated enzymes, including heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), and Bcl‐2, but apparently attenuated the protein level of Bax, an apoptotic protein. In addition, Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, remarkably inhibited the effects of geniposide on the protein levels of HO‐1, Bcl‐2, and Bax, but AICAR, an AMPK activator, potentiated the role of geniposide on the protein levels of HO‐1, Bcl‐2, and Bax. More importantly, geniposide directly prevented the cleavage of caspase‐3 induced by high glucose, and this effect was also evidently prohibited by the pre‐incubation of compound C in high glucose‐treated INS‐1 cells. Furthermore, using the method of RNA interfere, we further proved that treatment with AMPK siRNA attenuated the effects of geniposide on the apoptosis‐associated proteins and cell viability. All these data suggest that AMPK plays a crucial role on geniposide antagonizing high glucose‐induced pancreatic β cells injury.
Electrochemical Lateral Flow Devices: Towards Rapid Immunomagnetic Assays
Authors: Ruiz‐Vega Gisela , Kitsara Maria , Pellitero Miguel Aller , Baldrich Eva , del Campo F. Javier
Published: February 2017

Paper has been used for a long time in the production of low‐cost point‐of‐care (POC) detection devices, most of which rely on the detection of colored bands by the user. However, test strips rarely provide the quantitative detection of biomarkers in clinical samples. In contrast, electrochemical detection enables quantitative detection in paper‐based immunoassays. Here, we demonstrate the production of a simple and economical lateral‐flow electrode device using only screen printing. Contrary to previous work, this device is used to simplify the washing and detection of a short and sensitive immunomagnetic assay for myeloperoxidase (MPO) detection. As we show, after incubation of the sample with magnetic beads (MBs) and detection antibody (Ab) for only 5 min, the whole reaction mixture can be directly pipetted onto the strip. Washing and detection can then be performed, as the MBs are retained with the aid of a magnet, and minimal user intervention is needed. The obtained results reveal that MPO can be detected in 1 : 100 diluted serum with limits of detection and quantification of 0.18 and 0.62 ng mL−1, respectively, in less than 15 min.
Chemisorption of a Strained but Flexible Molecule: Cyclooctyne on Si(001)
Authors: Pecher Lisa , Schober Christoph , Tonner Ralf
Published: February 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Ralf Tonner at the University of Marburg. The image depicts the anchoring of cyclooctyne to a Si(001) surface. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201605952.
Direct Synthesis of Dimethyl Carbonate from Carbon Dioxide and Methanol at Room Temperature Using Imidazolium Hydrogen Carbonate Ionic Liquid as a Recyclable Catalyst and Dehydrant
Authors: Zhao Tianxiang , Hu Xingbang , Wu Dongsheng , Li Rui , Yang Guoqiang , Wu Youting
Published: February 2017

The direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CO2 and CH3OH was achieved at room temperature with 74 % CH3OH conversion in the presence of an imidazolium hydrogen carbonate ionic liquid ([CnCmIm][HCO3]). Experimental and theoretical results reveal that [CnCmIm][HCO3] can transform quickly into a CO2 adduct, which serves as an effective catalyst and dehydrant. Its dehydration ability is reversible. The energy barrier of the rate‐determining step for the DMC synthesis is only 21.7 kcal mol−1. The ionic liquid can be reused easily without a significant loss of its catalytic and dehydrating ability.
DRP: An energy‐efficient routing protocol for underwater sensor networks
Authors: Chao Chih‐Min , Jiang Cheng‐Hong , Li Wei‐Che
Published: February 2017

The features of transmissions in underwater sensor networks (UWSNs) include lower transmission rate, longer delay time, and higher power consumption when compared with terrestrial radio transmissions. The negative effects of transmission collisions deteriorate in such environments. Existing UWSN routing protocols do not consider the transmission collision probability differences resulting from different transmission distances. In this paper, we show that collision probability plays an important role in route selection and propose an energy‐efficient routing protocol (DRP), which considers the distance‐varied collision probability as well as each node's residual energy. Considering these 2 issues, DRP can find a path with high successful transmission rate and high‐residual energy. In fact, DRP can find the path producing the longest network lifetime, which we have confirmed through theoretical analysis. To the best of our knowledge, DRP is the first UWSN routing protocol that uses transmission collision probability as a factor in route selection. Simulation results verify that DRP extends network lifetime, increases network throughput, and reduces end‐to‐end delay when compared with solutions without considering distance‐varied collision probability or residual energy.
Fine‐scale frequency differentiation along a herbivory gradient in the trichome dimorphism of a wild Arabidopsis
Authors: Sato Yasuhiro , Kudoh Hiroshi
Published: February 2017

Geographic variation is commonly observed in plant resistance traits, where plant species might experience different selection pressure across a heterogeneous landscape. Arabidopsis halleri subsp. gemmifera is dimorphic for trichome production, generating two morphs, trichome‐producing (hairy) and trichomeless (glabrous) plants. Trichomes of A. halleri are known to confer resistance against the white butterfly, cabbage sawfly, and brassica leaf beetle, but not against flea beetles. We combined leaf damage, microclimate, and microsatellite loci data of 26 A. halleri populations in central Japan, to explore factors responsible for fine‐scale geographic variation in the morph frequency. We found that hairy plants were less damaged than glabrous plants within populations, but the among‐site variation was the most significant source of variation in the individual‐level damage. Fixation index () of a putative trichome locus exhibited a significant divergence along population‐level damage with an exception of an outlier population, inferring the local adaptation to herbivory. Notably, this outlier was a population wherein our previous study reported a balancing role of the brassica leaf beetle Phaedon brassicae on the morph frequency. This differentiation of the trichome locus was unrelated to neutral genetic differentiation (evaluated by of microsatellite loci) and meteorological factors (including temperature and solar radiation). The present findings, combined with those of our previous work, provide suggestive evidence that herbivore‐driven divergence and occasional outbreak of a specific herbivore have jointly contributed to the ecogeographic pattern in the frequency of two morphs.
What proportion of patients with chronic heart failure are eligible for sacubitril–valsartan?
Authors: Pellicori Pierpaolo , Urbinati Alessia , Shah Parin , MacNamara Alexandra , Kazmi Syed , Dierckx Riet , Zhang Jufen , Cleland John G.F. , Clark Andrew L.
Published: February 2017

Aims

The PARADIGM‐HF trial showed that sacubitril–valsartan, an ARB–neprilysin inhibitor, is more effective than enalapril for some patients with heart failure (HF). It is uncertain what proportion of patients with HF would be eligible for sacubitril–valsartan in clinical practice.

Methods and results

Between 2001 and 2014, 6131 patients consecutively referred to a community HF clinic with suspected HF were assessed. The criteria required to enter the randomized phase of PARADIGM‐HF, including symptoms, NT‐proBNP, and current treatment with or without target doses of ACE inhibitors or ARBs, were applied to identify the proportion of patients eligible for sacubitril–valsartan. Recognizing the diversity of clinical opinion and guideline recommendations concerning this issue, entry criteria were applied singly and in combination. Of 1396 patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (≤40%, HFrEF) and contemporary measurement of NT‐proBNP, 379 were on target doses of an ACE inhibitor or ARB at their initial visit and, of these, 172 (45%) fulfilled the key entry criteria for the PARADIGM‐HF trial. Lack of symptoms (32%) and NT‐proBNP <600 ng/L (49%) were common reasons for failure to fulfil criteria. A further 122 patients became eligible during follow‐up (n = 294, 21%). However, if background medication and doses were ignored, then 701 (50%) were eligible initially and a further 137 became eligible during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Of patients with HFrEF referred to a clinic such as ours, only 21% fulfilled the PARADIGM‐HF randomization criteria, on which the ESC Guidelines are based; this proportion rises to 60% if background medication is ignored.
N‐terminal SAP97 isoforms differentially regulate synaptic structure and postsynaptic surface pools of AMPA receptors
Authors: Goodman Lucy , Baddeley David , Ambroziak Wojciech , Waites Clarissa L. , Garner Craig C. , Soeller Christian , Montgomery Johanna M.
Published: February 2017

The location and density of postsynaptic α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors is controlled by scaffolding proteins within the postsynaptic density (PSD). SAP97 is a PSD protein with two N‐terminal isoforms, α and β, that have opposing effects on synaptic strength thought to result from differential targeting of AMPA receptors into distinct synaptic versus extrasynaptic locations, respectively. In this study, we have applied dSTORM super resolution imaging in order to localize the synaptic and extrasynaptic pools of AMPA receptors in neurons expressing α or βSAP97. Unexpectedly, we observed that both α and βSAP97 enhanced the localization of AMPA receptors at synapses. However, this occurred via different mechanisms: αSAP97 increased PSD size and consequently the number of receptor binding sites, whilst βSAP97 increased synaptic receptor cluster size and surface AMPA receptor density at the PSD edge and surrounding perisynaptic sites without changing PSD size. αSAP97 also strongly enlarged presynaptic active zone protein clusters, consistent with both presynaptic and postsynaptic enhancement underlying the previously observed αSAP97‐induced increase in AMPA receptor‐mediated currents. In contrast, βSAP97‐expressing neurons increased the proportion of immature filopodia that express higher levels of AMPA receptors, decreased the number of functional presynaptic terminals, and also reduced the size of the dendritic tree and delayed the maturation of mushroom spines. Our data reveal that SAP97 isoforms can specifically regulate surface AMPA receptor nanodomain clusters, with βSAP97 increasing extrasynaptic receptor domains at peri‐synaptic and filopodial sites. Moreover, βSAP97 negatively regulates synaptic maturation both structurally and functionally. These data support diverging presynaptic and postsynaptic roles of SAP97 N‐terminal isoforms in synapse maturation and plasticity. As numerous splice isoforms exist in other major PSD proteins (e.g., Shank, PSD95, and SAP102), this alternative splicing may result in individual PSD proteins having divergent functional and structural roles in both physiological and pathophysiological synaptic states.
Modeling rainfall interception loss by two xerophytic shrubs in the Loess Plateau
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Xiao‐Yan , Li Wei , Wu Xiu‐Chen , Shi Fang‐Zhong , Fang Wei‐Wei , Pei Ting‐Ting
Published: February 2017

Rainfall interception loss plays an important role in ecohydrological processes in dryland shrub ecosystems, but its drivers still remain poorly understood. In this study, a statistical model was developed to simulate interception loss based on the mass balance measurements arising from the partitioning of rainfall in 2 dominant xerophytic shrub (Hippophae rhamnoides and Spiraea pubescens) communities in the Loess Plateau. We measured throughfall and stemflow in the field under natural rainfall, calculated the canopy storage capacity in the laboratory, and identified key factors controlling these components for the 2 shrubs. We quantified and scaled up the stemflow and the canopy storage capacity measurements from the branches and/or leaves to stand level. The average interception loss, throughfall, and stemflow fluxes account for 24.9%, 72.2%, and 2.9% of the gross rainfall for H. rhamnoides, and 19.2%, 70.7%, and 10.1% for S. pubescens, respectively. Throughfall increased with increasing rainfall for both shrubs; however, it was only correlated with the leaf area index for S. pubescens. For stemflow measured from individual branches, we found that the rainfall amount and basal diameter are the best predictors for H. rhamnoides, whereas rainfall amount and branch biomass appear to be the best predictors for S. pubescens. At the stand level, stemflow production is affected by the rainfall amount for H. rhamnoides, and it is affected by both the rainfall amount and the leaf area index for S. pubescens. The canopy storage capacity of H. rhamnoides (1.07–1.28 mm) was larger than S. pubescens (0.88–1.07 mm), and it is mainly determined by the branches and stems of H. rhamnoides and the leaves of S. pubescens. The differences in interception loss between the 2 shrub stands are mainly attributed to different canopy structures that induced differences in stemflow production and canopy storage. We evaluated the effects of canopy structure on rainfall interception loss, and our developed model provides a better understanding of the effects of the canopy structure on the water cycles in dryland shrub ecosystems.
On Non‐Hamiltonian Graphs for which every Vertex‐Deleted Subgraph Is Traceable
Authors: Zamfirescu Carol T.
Published: February 2017

We call a graph G a platypus if G is non‐hamiltonian, and for any vertex v in G, the graph is traceable. Every hypohamiltonian and every hypotraceable graph is a platypus, but there exist platypuses that are neither hypohamiltonian nor hypotraceable. Among other things, we give a sharp lower bound on the size of a platypus depending on its order, draw connections to other families of graphs, and solve two open problems of Wiener. We also prove that there exists a k‐connected platypus for every .
Occurrence of multiple mycotoxins and other fungal metabolites in animal feed and maize samples from Egypt using LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Abdallah Mohamed F , Girgin Gözde , Baydar Terken , Krska Rudolf , Sulyok Michael
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of multiple toxic fungal and bacterial metabolites in 156 animal feed (n = 77) and maize (n = 79) samples collected from three regions in Upper Egypt. The target analytes were quantified using the ‘dilute and shoot’ approach, followed by a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 115 fungal and bacterial metabolites were detected in both matrices, including the regulated mycotoxins in the European Union, in addition to the modified forms such as deoxynivalenol‐3‐glucosid. Furthermore, some Fusarium, Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillum metabolites beside other fungal and bacterial metabolites were detected for the first time in Egypt. All of the samples were contaminated with at least four toxins. On average, 26 different metabolites were detected per sample with a trend of more metabolites in feed than in maize. The maximum number of analytes observed per samples was 54 analytes at maximum concentrations ranging from 0.04 µg kg−1 for tentoxin to 25 040 µg kg−1 for kojic acid.

CONCLUSION

According to the international standards, the contamination rates in the investigated regions were not alarming, except for AFB1 in maize. The necessity of further and continuous monitoring is highly recommended to establish a database for mycotoxin occurrence. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry