bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The European Union and China: The Need for a More Politicised Relationship
Authors: Brown Kerry , Beatson Sam
Published: September 2016

China and the European Union (EU) in 2016 have one of the largest economic relationships to the world, with a network of strategic dialogues covering areas from environment to agriculture. Despite this, their relationship is a hard one to encapsulate. President Xi Jinping's idea of a ‘civilisational’ partnership seem abstract, but at least opens up the possibility of the EU conceptualizing its relationship with China as not solely transactional, but something more political. This paper argues that conferring Market Economy Status on China will be a key issue in marking this transition between the EU seeing its link with China solely in economic terms, and looking for a stronger political dimension. The conclusion is that both sides can no longer pretend they are simply trade blocks interacting with each other.
Evolutionary Transformation of the Palmaris Longus Muscle in Flying Squirrels (Pteromyini: Sciuridae): An Anatomical Consideration of the Origin of the Uniquely Specialized Styliform Cartilage
Authors: Kawashima Tomokazu , Thorington Richard W. , Bohaska Paula W. , Sato Fumi
Published: September 2016

A long‐standing issue in squirrel evolution and development is the origin of the styliform cartilage of flying squirrels, which extends laterally from the carpus to support the gliding membrane (patagium). Because the styliform cartilage is one of the uniquely specialized structures permitting gliding locomotion, the knowledge of its origin and surrounding transformation is key for understanding their aerodynamic evolution. The developmental study that would definitely answer this question would be difficult due to the rarity of embryological material. Instead, anatomical examinations have suggested two major hypotheses on the homology of the styliform cartilage: the pisiform bone of other mammals, or an additional carpal structure, such as the ulnar sesamoid of some of the other mammals or the hypothenar cartilage of the non‐gliding squirrels. To test these hypotheses, a detailed examination of the anatomy of the carpus of gliding and non‐gliding squirrels, and the colugo were undertaken. Based on physical and virtual dissections of the carpus, this study showed that both the pisiform bone and styliform cartilage were present in flying squirrels. This finding is further supported by demonstration that a “true Palmaris longus,” with innervation typical for this muscle, inserts on the styliform cartilage. Taken together, our osteological, muscular, and neurological results suggest that the styliform cartilage was transformed in flying squirrels from an initially superficial and ulnar‐derived anlagen into its current form. Anat Rec, 300:340–352, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reduced GABA and altered somatosensory function in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Puts Nicolaas A.J. , Wodka Ericka L. , Harris Ashley D. , Crocetti Deana , Tommerdahl Mark , Mostofsky Stewart H. , Edden Richard A.E.
Published: September 2016

Background: Abnormal responses to tactile stimuli are a common feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Several lines of evidence suggest that GABAergic function, which has a crucial role in tactile processing, is altered in ASD. In this study, we determine whether in vivo GABA levels are altered in children with ASD, and whether alterations in GABA levels are associated with abnormal tactile function in these children.

Methods: GABA‐edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy was acquired in 37 children with Autism and 35 typically developing children (TDC) from voxels over primary sensorimotor and occipital cortices. Children performed tactile tasks previously shown to be altered in ASD, linked to inhibitory mechanisms. Detection threshold was measured with‐ and without the presence of a slowly increasing sub‐threshold stimulus. Amplitude discrimination was measured with‐ and without the presence of an adapting stimulus, and frequency discrimination was measured.

Results: Sensorimotor GABA levels were significantly reduced in children with autism compared to healthy controls. Occipital GABA levels were normal. Sensorimotor GABA levels correlated with dynamic detection threshold as well as with the effect of sub‐threshold stimulation. Sensorimotor GABA levels also correlated with amplitude discrimination after adaptation (an effect absent in autism) and frequency discrimination in controls, but not in children with autism.

Conclusions: GABA levels correlate with behavioral measures of inhibition. Children with autism have reduced GABA, associated with abnormalities in tactile performance. We show here that altered in vivo GABA levels might predict abnormal tactile information processing in ASD and that the GABA system may be a future target for therapies. Autism Res 2016. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Active and Stable Nickel‐Based Electrocatalysts Based on the ZnO:Ni System for Water Oxidation in Alkaline Media
Authors: Pfrommer Johannes , Azarpira Anahita , Steigert Alexander , Olech Katarzyna , Menezes Prashanth W. , Duarte Roberto Félix , Liao Xiaxia , Wilks Regan G. , Bär Marcus , Schedel‐Niedrig Thomas , Driess Matthias
Published: September 2016

The synthesis of monodisperse, surfactant‐free, Ni‐substituted ZnO nanocrystallites (ZnO:Ni) by the mild solvolysis of heterobimetallic Ni4−xZnxO4 cubane‐like precursors (x=1–3) in benzylamine is reported. Ni4−xZnxO4 was grafted by electrophoretic deposition onto fluorine‐doped tin oxide glass substrates and used as an active and stable working electrode for water oxidation. Upon the application of a voltage at the electrodes, the ZnO:Ni precatalyst leads to an active composite material that can oxidize water (>15 h) with an increasing catalytic current. In contrast, the performance of homometallic NiO reference materials decreases rapidly over time and is surpassed by the composite from the ZnO:Ni precatalyst in terms of both stability and activity. Extensive characterization of the as‐prepared and activated ZnO:Ni precatalyst by using hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the excellent performance of the electrode material is because of the formation of a unique self‐supported turbostratically disordered mixture of γ‐NiOOH/α‐Ni(OH)2‐like phases from the rapid dissolution of ZnII in the ZnO:Ni precatalyst into the electrolyte during activation.
Carbon Membranes Prepared from a Polymer Blend of Polyethylene Glycol and Polyetherimide
Authors: Zainal Wan Nurul Huda Wan , Tan Soon Huat , Ahmad Mohd Azmier
Published: September 2016

Through a dip‐coating technique, carbon membranes were produced from a polymer blend consisting of the thermally stable polymer polyetherimide (PEI) and the thermally labile polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG). The PEG/PEI carbon membranes were synthesized on an alumina support coated with an Al2O3 intermediate layer. The polymer blend ratio and carbonization temperature influenced the structure and permeation performance of the derived carbon membranes. The porosity of the PEG/PEI carbon membranes increased with higher PEG content in the blends. However, the derived carbon membranes tended to lose gas permeability with raising the carbonization temperatures. The carbon membranes were successfully optimized in order to achieve the highest CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 selectivities.
Photochromic Terbium Phosphonates with Photomodulated Luminescence and Metal Ion Sensitive Detection
Authors: Yang Weiting , Tian Hong‐Rui , Li Jian‐Ping , Hui Yuan‐Feng , He Xiang , Li Jiyang , Dang Song , Xie Zhigang , Sun Zhong‐Ming
Published: September 2016

Rational selection and modification of rare earth metal centers and photoactive organic linkers enables designable multiphotofunctionality to come to fruition in new hybrid coordination polymer materials. By using a viologen‐functionalized diphosphonate linker, two terbium phosphonate compounds (Tb‐1 and Tb‐2) have been constructed, which display reversible photochromic reactions in response to UV light and soft X‐ray irradiation. In addition, the photo‐induced electron‐transfer reaction can modulate the luminescent emission to thus realize photoluminescence switching behavior. Furthermore, both terbium phosphonates can serve as highly sensitive sensors to probe Cu2+ in solution through their luminescence. Thus, they represent the first photochromic examples of lanthanide phosphonate‐based materials with photomodulated luminescence and sensitive detection of metal ions.
1,3‐Diaryl‐β‐diketone Organic Crystals with Red Amplified Spontaneous Emission
Authors: Tang Baolei , Zhang Houyu , Cheng Xiao , Ye Kaiqi , Zhang Hongyu
Published: September 2016

In this study, 1‐[4‐(dimethylamino)phenyl]‐3‐(1‐hydroxynaphthalen‐2‐yl)propane‐1,3‐dione (DPHND) was designed and synthesized to construct red‐emissive organic solids. Although DPHND was weakly yellow fluorescent in organic solvents, its emission intensity showed a significant enhancement when a relatively large amount of poor solvent was added, and displayed typical aggregation‐induced enhanced emission (AIEE). Notably, the crystals formed by a solution‐diffusion approach showed bright red fluorescence (λem=621 nm), which was greatly redshifted by about 60 nm compared with that in solution. Molecules in crystals took a planar conformation and formed a herringbone packing structure, which effectively avoided π⋅⋅⋅π interactions, and hence contributed to the enhancement of the fluorescent quantum yield. The fluorescence spectrum of the long striplike crystals of DPHND gradually narrowed accompanied by a dramatic enhancement of the intensity when the pump energy of the laser beam was increased (355 nm), which indicated that these red‐emissive crystals displayed typical amplified spontaneous emission (ASE). In addition, DPHND with an extended π‐conjugated structure clearly improved its thermostability compared with the previously reported analogues, which may pave the way for its application in future electrically driven organic solid‐state lasers.
Optimal capacitor placement to minimizing cost and power loss in Tehran metro power distribution system using ETAP (A case study)
Authors: Ghiasi Mohammad , Olamaei Javad
Published: September 2016

Most loads in the power distribution system of Tehran Metro (Subway) are inductive and lead to poor power factor (PF) especially in Lighting and Power Substation. One of the methods of PF correction is adding or producing the capacitive components within the circuit to eliminate the effect of inductive loads. Optimal capacitor placement (OCP), with the objects of power system voltage profile improvement, PF correction, loss reduction, and line reactive power decrease are of particular importance in power system control and planning. These objects depend on how the capacitive components are installation and to achieve them, since the capacitor placement is nonlinear problem and has some equally and inequality constraint. This article investigates OCP in the actual power distribution grid of Tehran Metro (Line 2) in the presence of nonlinear loads. The placement problem is solved using Genetic Algorithms as implemented in the Electrical Transient Analyser Program software. Results (capacity release, total generation, loading, demand, power losses and number of capacitor banks, costs and annual benefits) are obtained and analysed. This study and simulation shows that by OCP can calculate reduce annual losses and release capacity of equipment in power distribution grid of Tehran Metro such as cables and transformers from reactive power and that will maximize profits. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 483–493, 2016
Moving south: effects of water temperatures on the larval development of invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) in cool‐temperate Australia
Authors: Wijethunga Uditha , Greenlees Matthew , Shine Richard
Published: September 2016

The distributional limits of many ectothermic species are set by thermal tolerances of early‐developmental stages in the life history; embryos and larvae often are less able to buffer environmental variation than are conspecific adults. In pond‐breeding amphibians, for example, cold water may constrain viability of eggs and larvae, even if adults can find suitable thermal conditions in terrestrial niches. Invasive species provide robust model systems for exploring these questions, because we can quantify thermal challenges at the expanding range edge (from field surveys) and larval responses to thermal conditions (in the laboratory). Our studies on invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) at the southern (cool‐climate) edge of their expanding range in Australia show that available ponds often average around 20°C during the breeding period, 10°C lower than in many areas of the toads’ native range, or in the Australian tropics. Our laboratory experiments showed that cane toad eggs and larvae cannot develop successfully at 16°C, but hatching success and larval survival rates were higher at 20°C than in warmer conditions. Lower temperatures slowed growth rates, increasing the duration of tadpole life, but also increased metamorph body mass. Water temperature also influenced metamorph body shape (high temperatures reduced relative limb length, head width, and body mass) and locomotor performance (increased speed from intermediate temperatures, longer hops from high temperatures). In combination with previous studies, our data suggest that lower water temperatures may enhance rather than reduce recruitment of cane toads, at least in areas where pond temperatures reach or exceed 20°C. That condition is fulfilled over a wide area of southern Australia, suggesting that the continuing expansion of this invasive species is unlikely to be curtailed by the impacts of relatively low water temperatures on the viability of early life‐history stages.
Ecological role of vertebrate scavengers in urban ecosystems in the UK
Authors: Inger Richard , Cox Daniel T. C. , Per Esra , Norton Briony A. , Gaston Kevin J.
Published: September 2016

Recent research has demonstrated how scavenging, the act of consuming dead animals, plays a key role in ecosystem structure, functioning, and stability. A growing number of studies suggest that vertebrate scavengers also provide key ecosystem services, the benefits humans gain from the natural world, particularly in the removal of carcasses from the environment. An increasing proportion of the human population is now residing in cities and towns, many of which, despite being highly altered environments, contain significant wildlife populations, and so animal carcasses. Indeed, non‐predation fatalities may be higher within urban than natural environments. Despite this, the fate of carcasses in urban environments and the role vertebrate scavengers play in their removal have not been determined. In this study, we quantify the role of vertebrate scavengers in urban environments in three towns in the UK. Using experimentally deployed rat carcasses and rapid fire motion‐triggered cameras, we determined which species were scavenging and how removal of carcass biomass was partitioned between them. Of the 63 experimental carcasses deployed, vertebrate scavenger activity was detected at 67%. There was a significantly greater depletion in carcass biomass in the presence (mean loss of 194 g) than absence (mean loss of 14 g) of scavengers. Scavenger activity was restricted to three species, Carrion crows Corvus corone, Eurasian magpies Pica pica, and European red foxes Vulpes vulpes. From behavioral analysis, we estimated that a maximum of 73% of the carcass biomass was removed by vertebrate scavengers. Despite having low species richness, the urban scavenger community in our urban study system removed a similar proportion of carcasses to those reported in more pristine environments. Vertebrate scavengers are providing a key urban ecosystem service in terms of carcass removal. This service is, however, often overlooked, and the species that provide it are among some of the most disliked and persecuted.
From the ground up: biotic and abiotic features that set the course from genes to ecosystems
Authors: Benkman Craig W. , Jech Sierra , Talluto Lauren
Published: September 2016

Spatial variation in cone serotiny in Rocky Mountain lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta ssp. latifolia) across Yellowstone National Park influences initial pine recruitment after stand‐replacing fire with tremendous population, community, and ecosystem consequences. A previous study showed that much of the spatial variation in serotiny results from the balance of selection arising from high frequencies of fire favoring serotiny countered by opposing selection exerted by American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) as seed predators. This earlier study, however, assumed stable local red squirrel densities over multiple generations of pines. Here, we examine environmental properties that might contribute to long‐term stability in the densities of red squirrels among sites. We found that the amount of clay in the soil, an indicator of plant and fungal growth—the latter an important food resource for red squirrels—and the coefficient of variation (CV) in diameter at breast height (DBH) of forest trees together account for a substantial amount of variation in red squirrel density. Soil development occurs over very long time scales, and thus, intersite variation in the amount of clay is unlikely to shift across pine generations. However, CV of DBH and squirrel density increase with stand age, which acts to amplify selection against serotiny with increasing interfire interval. Regardless, much of the variation in the CV of DBH is accounted for by soil bulk density, mean annual temperature, and surface curvature, which are unlikely to vary in their relative differences among sites over time. Consequently, these soil and abiotic attributes could contribute to consistent spatial patterns of red squirrel densities from one pine generation to the next, resulting in consistent local and spatial variation in selection exerted by red squirrels against serotiny.
Molecular Engineering of Iridium Blue Emitters Using Aryl N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands
Authors: Aghazada Sadig , Huckaba Aron J. , Pertegas Antonio , Babaei Azin , Grancini Giulia , Zimmermann Iwan , Bolink Henk , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: September 2016

The synthesis of a new series of neutral bis[2‐(2′,4′‐difluorophen‐2′‐yl)pyridine][1‐(2′‐aryl)‐3‐methylimidazol‐2‐ylidene]iridium(III) complexes is reported. Each complex has been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectrophotometry, and cyclic voltammetry, and the photophysical properties examined in depth. Furthermore, two of the complexes have been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. By systematically modifying the cyclometalating aryl group on the N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand from 2,4‐dimethoxyphenyl to 6‐methoxy‐2‐methyl‐3‐pyridyl, the energy levels of the Ir complexes were modified to produce new blue emitters with increased HOMO and triplet‐state energies. OLED devices fabricated with these emitters showed external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) in the range of 2.3–3.2 % with low turn‐on values of 2.7–2.9 V and efficacies of up to 6.3 %.
Site‐Selective C–H Amidation of Azobenzenes with Dioxazolones under Rhodium Catalysis
Authors: Mishra Neeraj Kumar , Oh Yongguk , Jeon Mijin , Han Sangil , Sharma Satyasheel , Han Sang Hoon , Um Sung Hee , Kim In Su
Published: September 2016

The rhodium(III)‐catalyzed amidation reaction of azobenzenes with dioxazolones is described. This strategy allows the facile and efficient construction of highly substituted ortho‐amidated azobenzenes by direct C–H cleavage approach. A wide range of substrates, excellent levels of chemoselectivity as well as high functional‐group tolerance were observed. In addition, this protocol was used to generate an array of ortho‐amidated ketazines. Further synthetic transformation of amidated azobenzenes furnished a facile construction of benzimidazole and benzotriazole derivatives.
Postpolymerization modification of a hydroxy monolith precursor. Part I. Epoxy alkane and octadecyl isocyanate modified poly (hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐co‐pentaerythritol triacrylate) monolithic capillary columns for reversed‐phase capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Khadka Shantipriya , El Rassi Ziad
Published: September 2016

A novel precursor monolithic capillary column referred to as “hydroxy monolith” or OHM was prepared by the in situ copolymerization of hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) with pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA) yielding the neutral poly(HEMA‐co‐PETA) monolith. The neutral precursor OHM capillary thus obtained was subjected to postpolymerization modifications of the hydroxyl functional groups present on its surface with 1,2‐epoxyalkanes catalyzed by boron trifluoride (BF3) ultimately providing Epoxy OHM C‐m capillary column at varying alkyl chain lengths where m = 8, 12, 14, and 16 for RP‐CEC. Also, the same precursor OHM was grafted with octadecyl isocyanate yielding Isocyanato OHM C‐18 column to provide an insight into the effect of the nature of the linkage to the surface hydroxyl groups of the OHM precursor. While the epoxide reaction leaves on the surface of the OHM precursor hydroxy‐ether linkages, the isocyanato reaction leaves carbamate linkages on the same surface of the OHM precursor. This study revealed that changing the alkyl chain length resulted in changing the column phase ratio (ϕ) and also the solute distribution constant (K). While increasing the surface alkyl chain length increased steeply the solute hydrophobic selectivity, i.e. methylene group selectivity, the nature of the ligand linkage produced different retention for the same solutes and affected the selectivity of slightly polar solutes. The various monoliths proved very useful for RP‐CEC of different small solutes at varying polarity over a wide range of mobile phase composition.
Postpolymerization modification of a hydroxy monolith precursor. Part III. Activation of poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐co‐pentaerythritol triacrylate) monolith with epoxy functionalities followed by bonding of glycerol, polyamines, and hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin for hydrophilic interaction and chiral capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Khadka Shantipriya , El Rassi Ziad
Published: September 2016

In this last part of the series of investigations involving the postpolymerization modification of a hydroxy monolith (OHM) capillary column, the surface hydroxyl groups were first reacted with glycerol diglycidyl ether in the presence of boron trifluoride (BF3) to convert the surface into epoxy activated OHM. The column thus activated with epoxy functions was further functionalized with polar compounds such as glycerol and polyamines to yield polyol OHM and polyamine OHM columns, respectively, for use in hydrophilic interaction electrochromatography. In another postpolymerization functionalization of the epoxy‐activated OHM, hydroxypropyl‐β‐CD (HP‐β‐CD) was grafted onto the epoxy OHM surface to produce HP‐β‐CD OHM for enantioseparation by CEC (chiral CEC). The polyol OHM capillary column and polyamine OHM capillary columns exhibited the typical hydrophilic interactions columns vis‐à‐vis polar solutes such as phenolic compounds and nucleobases. The HP‐β‐CD OHM column was able to resolve some racemic compounds as well as positional isomers. All the columns exhibited good reproducibility from run to run, day to day, and column to column.
Lithium–Sulfur Batteries with High Rate and Cycle Performance by using Multilayered Separators coated with Ketjen Black
Authors: Tang Hao , Yao Shanshan , Shen Xiangqian , Xi Xiaoming , Xiao Kesong
Published: September 2016

The commercialization of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries remains challenging due to their poor rate performance and low cycle stability, which can be partly attributed to the insulation of sulfur/lithium sulfide and the migration of polysulfides from the sulfur cathode to the anode. While much effort has been devoted to designing the structure of sulfur cathodes for suppressing the dissolution of polysulfides, relatively little emphasis has been placed on modifying the separator. In this work, we demonstrated an approach to modify the pristine separator by coating a Ketjen Black (KB) layer, and we mainly investigated the impact of different layers of modified‐separator on electrochemical performance of Li–S battery. With the three layers of modified‐separator, the battery possess a high initial discharge capacity of 1430 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and deliver discharge capacities of 770 mAh g−1 and 522 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles, respectively, at high rate of 2 C and 4 C. Moreover, when the rate is increased to 6 C, the cell can also deliver a discharge capacity of 300 mAh g−1. These encouraging electrochemical results highlight the excellent rate capability and high cycle stability of Li–S battery, which could be attributed to high electron conductivity of the KB layer and the new cell configuration. This facile approach to restrain the shuttle effect of polysulfides makes further progress in obtaining enhanced performance of Li–S battery.
Electrocaloric Refrigeration Cycles with Large Cooling Capacity in Barium Titanate Ceramics Near Room Temperature
Authors: Bai Yang , Han Xi , Ding Kai , Qiao Lijie
Published: September 2016

This paper reports electrocaloric effect (ECE) refrigeration with large cooling capacity in BaTiO3 ceramics near room temperature, which is repeated cycling near a first‐order phase transition despite the hysteresis. ECE refrigeration is well manipulated by electric fields around the orthorhombic–tetragonal phase transition. After heating under an electric field of 5 kV cm−1 and removing the field at 14.5 °C, a large ECE cooling of 0.38 J g−1 (ΔT/E=1.7 K m MV−1) is produced and recorded by direct heat‐flow measurements. The cycle can be completed and repeated after cooling to 10.5 °C or lower temperatures and by applying electric fields. Stronger electric fields will induce a larger endothermic value over a wide temperature window. The large ECE value is also confirmed by quasidirect entropy change measurements, which further predict its variation under higher electric fields.
Monitoring of contaminants in recycled paperboard for food contact applications
Authors: Giannetti Vanessa , Boccacci Mariani Maurizio , Mannino Paola
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

The lack of harmonized European legislation on food packaging led the Confederation of European Paper Industries to the proposal of a voluntary Industry Guideline for the compliance of paper and board materials for food contact applications. In the present work, a previously established method for the simultaneous determination of contaminants commonly found in recycled paperboard was improved and its applicability as a quality control tool in the paper industry was also assessed. The method involves a sample pre‐treatment followed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis.

RESULTS

For analysis, paperboard samples were collected both from three sections of the same reel and from different reels belonging to the same production run. Results highlighted no significant differences in terms of contaminant distribution among samples, which ensured good sampling representativeness. The performance of the method was considerably improved in terms of linearity range, limits of detection and quantification (5‐ to 2‐fold lower) by using a quadrupole GC/MS system instead of an ion trap GC/MS system.

CONCLUSION

The proposed method could offer a key strategy for analysis of benzophenone derivatives, diisopropyl naphthalene and phthalates in recycled paperboard in order to assess compliance of food packaging with the voluntary limits recommended by the Industry Guideline. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Mannanase Man23 mutant library construction based on a novel cell‐free protein expression system
Authors: Zhou Haiyan , Yong Jie , Gao Han , Li Tong , Xiao Hongshi , Wu Yongyao
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Mannanases are important enzymes which are widely used as a tool in agriculture and food industries. To improve the performance of mannanase Man23, a mutant library was created with rational design, and mutations were introduced on loops around the catalytic region. The Brevibacillus brevis B16 cell‐free system which was created in this experiment provided the ability to express the mutant library efficiently. The activities of mutants were measured with a multi‐volume spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

The mutant Man1606 gained from this system is a sextet which has mutations of N146G, S147H, S156P, T157Y, Q206S and T249H simultaneously on loops 6, 8 and 10. Man1606 showed higher activity and stability than Man23. The optimal temperature of Man1606 rose by 5 °C (from 55 to 60 °C) and the optimal pH increased slightly but its range became broader.

CONCLUSION

This experiment demonstrated the B. brevis cell‐free system shortens the expression time and is an efficient tool for mannanase engineering. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Stimulated Raman scattering in natural crystals of fluorapatite, Ca5(PO4)3F
Authors: Kaminskii Alexander A. , Bohatý Ladislav , Lux Oliver , Rhee Hanjo , Eichler Hans Joachim , Libowitzky Eugen , Kleinschrodt Reiner , Yoneda Hitoki , Shirakawa Akira , Becker Petra
Published: September 2016

Hexagonal Ca5(PO4)3F, known as natural crystal fluorapatite and oldest host‐crystal for Ln3+‐lasant ions, is presented as a Raman‐active material. High‐order Raman‐induced χ(3)‐nonlinear processes are discovered in natural crystals of fluorapatite under picosecond pumping at 1.064 μm and 0.532 μm wavelength. A multitude of Stokes and anti‐Stokes components is generated in the ultraviolet, visible and near‐infrared spectral region by stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and Raman four‐wave mixing (FWHM), resulting in a frequency comb with a width of 520 THz. The spectral lines are identified and attributed to the ν1(Ag) vibration mode of the tetrahedral [PO4] units which is related to a Raman shift of ωSRS ≈ 965 cm−1. The first Stokes steady‐state Raman gain coefficient in the near‐infrared spectral range is estimated to be >0.38 cm·GW−1. Finally, a short review of SRS‐promoting vibration modes and observed χ(3)‐ nonlinear interactions in all known SRS‐active natural crystals (minerals) is given.

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Marine environment pollution: The contribution of mass spectrometry to the study of seawater
Authors: Magi Emanuele , Di Carro Marina
Published: September 2016

The study of marine pollution has been traditionally addressed to persistent chemicals, generally known as priority pollutants; a current trend in environmental analysis is a shift toward “emerging pollutants,” defined as newly identified or previously unrecognized contaminants. The present review is focused on the peculiar contribution of mass spectrometry (MS) to the study of pollutants in the seawater compartment. The work is organized in five paragraphs where the most relevant groups of pollutants, both “classical” and “emerging,” are presented and discussed, highlighting the relative data obtained by the means of different MS techniques. The hyphenation of MS and separative techniques, together with the development of different ion sources, makes MS and tandem MS the analytical tool of choice for the determination of trace organic contaminants in seawater. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 37:492–512, 2018.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATORS’ PERCEIVED SKILLS RELATIVE TO RtI
Authors: Castillo Jose M. , March Amanda L. , Tan Sim Yin , Stockslager Kevin M. , Brundage Amber , Mccullough Mollie , Sabnis Sujay
Published: September 2016

Widespread adoption of Response to Intervention (RtI) requires large numbers of educators to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to implement the model with fidelity. This study examined relationships between large‐scale professional development on RtI and educators’ perceived skills. Elementary educators (n = 4,283) from 34 pilot and 27 comparison schools in a southeastern state participated. Leadership teams composed of subsets of educators from pilot schools who were responsible for leading RtI implementation participated in 13 days of training across a 3‐year period. Additionally, job‐embedded coaching was provided to pilot school instructional educators. Results from multilevel models indicated that leadership team membership related to increases in educators’ perceptions of RtI skills applied to academics (π = .05; SE = .02; t[6,726] = 2.60; p < .05) and of data display skills (π = .07; SE = .03; t[6,678] = 2.45, p < .05). Educator participation at pilot schools that received job‐embedded coaching related to increases in perceptions of RtI skills applied to academics (β = .07; SE = .02; t[6,726] = 2.77, p < .05). Implications for future research on RtI implementation and the practice of providing large‐scale professional development focused on RtI are discussed.
ANALYZING MATH‐TO‐MASTERY THROUGH BRIEF EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Everett Gregory E. , Swift Honora S. , M c Kenney Elizabeth L. W. , Jewell Jeremy D.
Published: September 2016

The current study evaluated the effectiveness of individualized math‐to‐mastery (MTM) interventions, selected though brief experimental analysis (BEA), at increasing math fluency skills for three elementary‐aged females. As MTM has only been investigated as a multicomponent intervention, the present study utilized BEA to identify those specific components that led to math skills gains in the most efficient manner possible. BEA results indicated that for two of three participants only a partial MTM intervention was necessary to prompt fluency gains, while the entire intervention was the most effective for the third. During extended analysis all three participants displayed math skills gains above those seen during repeated baseline assessments. Results are discussed in terms of further refining MTM through BEA procedures so as to individually target math skill deficits by considering both intervention effectiveness and efficiency.
Adiabatic process of higher electronically excited states: luminescence from an excited state biradical generated by irradiation of benzophenone‐substituted cyclopropanes
Authors: Matsui Yasunori , Oishi Toru , Ohta Eisuke , Ikeda Hiroshi
Published: September 2016

Adiabatic photochemical reactions of cyclopropanes possessing a benzophenone moiety (trans‐ and cis‐5), which generate a luminescent excited biradical 16••*, were studied. Various photochemical and spectroscopic techniques were used for this purpose. Excitation (350 nm, n,π* band) of 5 at 77 K affords the lowest excited state 15* that undergoes intersystem crossing to form 35*, which deactivates through phosphorescence. In contrast, 295‐nm excitation (π,π* band) of 5 affords the higher electronically excited state 15**, which undergoes adiabatic C–C bond cleavage reaction to form the excited biradical 16••* that luminesces at 630 nm. The results suggest that 5 follows 2 photoreaction modes depending on the excitation wavelength, a finding that disobeys Kasha's rule.
The amplitude of lee waves on the boundary‐layer inversion
Authors: Sachsperger Johannes , Serafin Stefano , Grubišić Vanda , Stiperski Ivana , Paci Alexandre
Published: September 2016

This study presents an analytical model for the amplitude of lee waves on the boundary‐layer inversion in two‐dimensional flow. Previous linear lee wave models, in which the amplitude depends on the power spectrum of topography, can be inaccurate if the amplitude is large. Our model incorporates nonlinear effects by assuming that lee waves originate at a region of transition between super‐ and subcritical flow (internal jump) downstream of topography. Energy flux convergence at this location is compensated by the radiation of laminar lee waves. The available energy is estimated using a hydraulic jump model and the resulting wave amplitude is determined from linear theory. According to this model, the amplitude of lee waves depends essentially on their wavelength and on the inversion height difference across the jump. The new amplitude model is verified against numerical simulations and water tank experiments. The agreement between the model and the numerical results is excellent, while the verification with water tank experiments reveals that the accuracy of the model is comparable to that of numerical simulations. Finally, we derive a nonlinearity parameter for interfacial lee waves and discuss the regime transition from lee waves to hydraulic jumps in terms of the Froude number and the non‐dimensional mountain and inversion heights. The National Center for Atmospheric Research is sponsored by the National Science Foundation. This article has been contributed to by a US Government employee and her work is in the public domain in the USA.
The relationship between the Madden–Julian Oscillation and the North Atlantic Oscillation
Authors: Jiang Zhina , Feldstein Steven B. , Lee Sukyoung
Published: September 2016

In this study, the relationship between the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is investigated by analysing NAO events both when the MJO is active and inactive. The European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Re‐Analysis (ERA‐Interim) dataset is used, for the years 1979–2006 and the months December–February.

When the MJO is active, negative (positive) NAO events are preceded by enhanced MJO convection over the tropical western and central Pacific Ocean (tropical Indian Ocean and Maritime Continent). The accompanying sea‐level pressure (SLP) anomaly fields reveal patterns that closely resemble the northern annular mode (NAM). The MJO‐related negative NAO events are preceded by an increase in the vertical propagation of planetary‐scale wave activity into the stratosphere, followed by a marked weakening of the zonally symmetric component of the lower stratospheric zonal wind. The opposite behaviour is found for the MJO‐related positive NAO events. The MJO‐related NAO events are also long‐lived, persisting for approximately 30 days. In contrast, when the MJO is inactive, there is little change to the zonally symmetric component of the lower stratospheric zonal wind, these events are relatively short‐lived, lasting for about 10 days, and the NAO corresponds to a dipole that is confined to the North Atlantic.
Making Sense of Science Texts: A Mixed‐Methods Examination of Predictors and Processes of Multiple‐Text Comprehension
Authors: Davis Dennis S. , Huang Becky , Yi Tanisha
Published: September 2016

Previous research has identified various factors that contribute to readers’ comprehension of expository texts, including strategy expertise, language proficiency, prior knowledge, and more recently, readers’ beliefs about knowledge. This study addresses the need to understand the relative contributions of these predictors to readers’ comprehension of multiple texts and the processes used by readers to make sense of texts. Eighty‐three students (grades 5–7) participated in this mixed‐methods study. The sample consisted of monolingual students and emergent and proficient bilingual students who completed measures of expository comprehension, strategic knowledge and awareness, English‐language proficiency, prior content knowledge, and epistemic beliefs. Ten bilingual students from this sample also completed a think‐aloud protocol to allow for close examination of their meaning‐making processes. In a multiple regression analysis, English‐language proficiency was the strongest predictor of comprehension, followed by content knowledge. Strategy knowledge and awareness and epistemic beliefs were not related to multiple‐text comprehension in the model. The relationship between English‐language proficiency and comprehension was stronger for bilingual students than for monolingual students. Students in the think‐aloud sample demonstrated emergent knowledge of processes of disciplinary reading of multiple texts, including metacognitive monitoring, theorizing authorial identity, and intertextual integration, while also displaying a tendency to defer to institutionalized authority when evaluating credibility of the texts. The findings provide directions for future research on the way young adolescents comprehend and learn from expository texts in the discipline of science.
Emerging roles and context of circular RNAs
Authors: Panda Amaresh C. , Grammatikakis Ioannis , Munk Rachel , Gorospe Myriam , Abdelmohsen Kotb
Published: September 2016

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a large class of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that have recently emerged as regulators of gene expression. They have been shown to suppress microRNAs, thereby increasing the translation and stability of the targets of such microRNAs. In this review, we discuss the emerging functions of circRNAs, including RNA transcription, splicing, turnover, and translation. We also discuss other possible facets of circRNAs that can influence their function depending on the cell context, such as circRNA abundance, subcellular localization, interacting partners (RNA, DNA, and proteins), dynamic changes in interactions following stimulation, and potential circRNA translation. The ensuing changes in gene expression patterns elicited by circRNAs are proposed to drive key cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival, that govern health and disease. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1386. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1386

This article is categorized under:

RNA-Based Catalysis > RNA Catalysis in Splicing and Translation

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
Disclosure of the Resident Role in the Interventional Radiology Suite: How Do Interventional Radiologists Balance Patient Care and Resident Education?
Authors: Zener Rebecca , Wiseman Daniele
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The study sought to assess how academic interventional radiologists determine and disclose to patients the intraprocedural role of radiology residents in the interventional radiology (IR) suite.

Methods

A qualitative study consisting of in-person interviews with 9 academic interventional radiologists from 3 hospitals was conducted. Interviews were transcribed, and underwent modified thematic analysis.

Results

Seven themes emerged. 1) Interventional radiologists permit residents to perform increasingly complex procedures with graded responsibility. While observed technical ability is important in determining the extent of resident participation, possessing good judgement and knowing personal limitations are paramount. 2) Interventional radiologists do not explicitly inform patients in detail about residents' intraprocedural role, as trainee involvement is viewed as implicit at academic institutions. 3) While patients are advised of resident participation in IR procedures, detailed disclosure of their role is viewed as potentially detrimental to both patient well-being and trainee education. 4) Interventional radiologists believe that patients might be less likely to refuse resident involvement if they meet them prior to procedures. 5) While it is rare that patients refuse resident participation in their care, interventional radiologists' duty to respect patient autonomy supersedes their obligation to resident education. 6) Interventional radiologists are responsible for any intraprocedural, trainee-related complication. 7) Trainees should be present when complications are disclosed to patients.

Conclusion

Interventional radiologists recognize the confidence placed in them, and they do not inform patients in detail about residents' role in IR procedures. Respecting patient autonomy is paramount, and while rare, obeying patients' wishes can potentially be at the expense of resident education.
Big Five personality traits and medically unexplained symptoms in later life
Authors: van Dijk S.D.M. , Hanssen D. , Naarding P. , Lucassen P. , Comijs H. , Oude Voshaar R.
Published: September 2016

Background

Personality dysfunction has been postulated as the most clinically salient problem of persons suffering from medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) but empirical studies are scarce. This study aims to compare the personality profile of older patients suffering from MUS with two comparison groups and a control group.

Methods

Ninety-six older patients with MUS were compared with 153 frequent attenders in primary care suffering from medically explained symptoms (MES), 255 patients with a past-month depressive disorder (DSM-IV-TR), and a control group of 125 older persons. The Big Five personality domains (NEO-Five-Factor Inventory) were compared between groups by multiple ANCOVAs adjusted for age, sex, education, partner status and cognitive functioning. Linear regression analyses were applied to examine the association between health anxiety (Whitley Index) and somatization (Brief Symptom Inventory).

Results

The four groups differed with respect to neuroticism (P < 0.001), extraversion (P < 0.001), and agreeableness (P = 0.045). Post hoc analyses, showed that MUS patients compared to controls scored higher on neuroticism and agreeableness, and compared to depressed patients lower on neuroticism and higher on extraversion as well agreeableness. Interestingly, MUS and MES patients had a similar personality profile. Health anxiety and somatization were associated with a higher level of neuroticism and a lower level of extraversion and conscientiousness, irrespective whether the physical symptom was explained or not.

Conclusions

Older patients with MUS have a specific personality profile, comparable to MES patients. Health anxiety and somatization may be better indicators of psychopathology than whether a physical symptom is medically explained or not.
The suicidality continuum in a large sample of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) patients
Authors: Velloso P. , Piccinato C. , Ferrão Y. , Aliende Perin E. , Cesar R. , Fontenelle L. , Hounie A.G. , do Rosário M.C.
Published: September 2016

Background

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) has a chronic course leading to huge impact in the patient’s functioning. Suicidal thoughts and attempts are much more frequent in OCD subjects than once thought before.

Aim

To empirically investigate whether the suicidal phenomena could be analyzed as a suicidality severity continuum and its association with obsessive–compulsive (OC) symptom dimensions and quality of life (QoL), in a large OCD sample.

Methods

Cross-sectional study with 548 patients diagnosed with OCD according to the DSM-IV criteria, interviewed in the Brazilian OCD Consortium (C-TOC) sites. Patients were evaluated by OCD experts using standardized instruments including: Yale-Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (YBOCS); Dimensional Yale-Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (DYBOCS); Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories; Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID); and the SF-36 QoL Health Survey.

Results

There were extremely high correlations between all the suicidal phenomena. OCD patients with suicidality had significantly lower QoL, higher severity in the “sexual/religious”, “aggression” and “symmetry/ordering” OC symptom dimensions, higher BDI and BA scores and a higher frequency of suicide attempts in a family member. In the regression analysis, the factors that most impacted suicidality were the sexual dimension severity, the SF-36 QoL Mental Health domain, the severity of depressive symptoms and a relative with an attempted suicide history.

Conclusions

Suicidality could be analyzed as a severity continuum and patients should be carefully monitored since they present with suicidal ideation. Lower QoL scores, higher scores on the sexual dimension and a family history of suicide attempts should be considered as risk factors for suicidality among OCD patients.