bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel mutation in two Hmong families broadens the range of STRA6‐related malformations to include contractures and camptodactyly
Authors: Marcadier Julien L. , Mears Alan J. , Woods Elizabeth A. , Fisher Jamie , Airheart Cory , Qin Wen , Beaulieu Chandree L. , Dyment David A. , Innes A. Micheil , Curry Cynthia J. ,   Care4Rare Canada Consortium
Published: September 2015

PDAC (also termed Matthew Wood) syndrome is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by pulmonary hypoplasia/aplasia, diaphragmatic defects, bilateral anophthalmia, and cardiac malformations. The disorder is caused by mutations in STRA6, an important regulator of vitamin A and retinoic acid metabolism. We describe six cases from four families of Hmong ancestry, seen over a 30 years period in California. These include: (i) consanguineous siblings with a combination of bilateral anophthalmia, diaphragmatic abnormalities, truncus arteriosus, and/or pulmonary agenesis/hypoplasia; (ii) a singleton fetus with bilateral anophthalmia, pulmonary agenesis, cardiac malformation, and renal hypoplasia; (iii) a sibling pair with a combination of antenatal contractures, camptodactyly, fused palpebral fissures, pulmonary agenesis, and/or truncus arteriosus; (iv) a fetus with bilateral anophthalmia, bushy eyebrows, pulmonary agenesis, heart malformation, and abnormal hand positioning. The phenotypic spectrum of PDAC syndrome has until now not included contractures or camptodactyly. Sequencing of STRA6 in unrelated members of families three and four identified a novel, shared homozygous splice site alteration (c.113 + 3_4delAA) that is predicted to be pathogenic. We hypothesize this may represent a unique disease allele in the Hmong. We also provide a focused review of all published PDAC syndrome cases with confirmed or inferred STRA6 mutations, illustrating the phenotypic and molecular variability that characterizes this disorder. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Sialic Acids Waltz: Novel Stereoselective Isomerization of the 1,7‐Lactones of N‐Acetylneuraminic Acids into the Corresponding γ‐Lactones and Back to the Free Sialic Acids
Authors: Rota Paola , Allevi Pietro , Anastasia Luigi
Published: September 2015

An internal rearrangement of the 1,7‐lactone of N‐acetylneuraminic acid into its γ‐lactone in high yield is reported, together with the successive conversion into the free parent sialic acid. Overall, these reactions further characterize the chemical behavior of sialic acids and their derivatives, which are increasingly considered to be key players in many biological processes, including ischemic heart disease.
From frugivore to folivore: Altitudinal variations in the diet and feeding ecology of the Bioko Island drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus poensis)
Authors: Owens Jacob R. , Honarvar Shaya , Nessel Mark , Hearn Gail W.
Published: September 2015

Variation in the quality and availability of food resources can greatly influence the ecology, behavior, and conservation of wild primates. We studied the influence of altitudinal differences in resource availability on diet in wild drill monkeys (Mandrillus leucophaeus poensis) on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. We compared fecal samples (n = 234) collected across three consecutive dry seasons for drills living in lowland (0–300 m asl) forest with nearby (18 km distance) drills living in montane forest (500–1000 m asl) in the Gran Caldera Southern Highlands Scientific Reserve. Lowland forest drills had a frugivorous diet very similar to that reported from studies on nearby mainland drills (M. l. leucophaeus) and mandrills (M. sphinx), with fruits comprising 90% of their dried fecal samples. However drills living in montane forest had a more folivorous diet, with herbaceous pith, leaves and fungi comprising 74% of their dried fecal samples and fruit becoming a minor component (24%). Furthermore, a dietary preference index indicated that the differences in the proportion of fruit and fibrous vegetation in the diets of lowland compared to montane drills was not simply a result of relative availability. Montane drills were actively consuming a higher mass of the available fruits and fibrous vegetation, a condition reflected in the greater mass of their fresh feces. Our results demonstrate the unexpected flexibility and complexity of dietary choices of this endangered species in two adjacent habitat types, a comparison of considerable importance for many other limited‐range species faced with habitat loss and climate change. Am. J. Primatol. 77:1263–1275, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular dynamics simulations of molecularly imprinted polymer approaches to the preparation of selective materials to remove norfloxacin
Authors: Kong Yu , Wang Ningwei , Ni Xiaoni , Yu Qiyi , Liu Hong , Huang Weihong , Xu Wanzhen
Published: September 2015

A novel molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) designed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations was successfully prepared with norfloxacin as a template molecule, methyl acrylic acid as a functional monomer, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a crosslinker. According to the theoretical prediction and experimental preparation methods, three kinds of molecular imprinting materials were designed and synthesized with MD simulations and molecular imprinting technology. The best ratio of the template to the functional monomer to the crosslinker was 1:8:40 in these studies. The experimental results illustrate that the MD simulations were credible in compounding the components of the MIPs. The structure of the prepared polymers were characterized with various methods. To analyze the adsorption performances, many kinds of static adsorption tests, including kinetic, isotherm, and selectivity tests, were used. The results indicate that the novel adsorbents conformed to the pseudo–second‐order kinetic equation and followed the Langmuir isotherm model. The adsorption amounts of MIP2 at a ratio of 1:8:40 were about 29.35 mg/g at 298 K. The selective adsorption and reusable performance of norfloxacin were excellent. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 132, 42817.
In situ synthesis of polystyrene nanocomposites with layered double hydroxide with an unusual anion arrangement: Morphology and thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: Botan Rodrigo , Nogueira Caio Telma Regina , Ferrareso Lona Liliane Maria
Published: September 2015

Today, the steady advance of technology and society makes the development of materials with improved properties of paramount importance. In this article, we contribution to this area by presenting an in situ bulk synthesis of polystyrene (PS) nanocomposites with layered double hydroxide (LDH) as a reinforcement. The LDH that we adopted presented an unusual arrangement of anions and had ZnAl cations intercalated with laurate and palmitate anions. The nanocomposites were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy to characterize their morphologies. The thermal properties, including the glass‐transition temperature and thermal stability, were measured by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The mechanical properties and flexural fracture morphologies were also determined, with a bending test. The results demonstrate that the synthesized nanocomposites showed considerable improvements in their thermal stability and mechanical properties compared with the neat PS. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 132, 42856.
Automated Box–Jenkins forecasting tool with an application for passenger demand in urban rail systems
Authors: Anvari Saeedeh , Tuna Selcuk , Canci Metin , Turkay Metin
Published: September 2015

Efficient management of public transportation systems is one of the most important requirements in rapidly urbanizing world. Forecasting the demand for transportation is critical in planning and scheduling efficient operations by transportation systems managers. In this paper, a time series forecasting framework based on Box–Jenkins method is developed for public transportation systems. We present a framework that is comprehensive, automated, accurate, and fast. Moreover, it is applicable to any time series forecasting problem regardless of the application sector. It substitutes the human judgment with a combination of statistical tests, simplifies the time‐consuming model selection part with enumeration, and it applies a number of comprehensive tests to select an accurate model. We implemented all steps of the proposed framework in MATLAB as a comprehensive forecasting tool. We tested our model on real passenger traffic data from Istanbul Metro. The numerical tests show the proposed framework is very effective and gives higher accuracy than the other models that have been used in many studies in the literature. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cutting the Gordian Knot: Identifiability of anaplerotic reactions in Corynebacterium glutamicum by means of 13C‐metabolic flux analysis
Authors: Kappelmann Jannick , Wiechert Wolfgang , Noack Stephan
Published: September 2015

Corynebacterium glutamicum is the major workhorse for the microbial production of several amino and organic acids. As long as these derive from tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, the activity of anaplerotic reactions is pivotal for a high biosynthetic yield. To determine single anaplerotic activities 13C‐Metabolic Flux Analysis (13C‐MFA) has been extensively used for C. glutamicum, however with different network topologies, inconsistent or poorly determined anaplerotic reaction rates. Therefore, in this study we set out to investigate whether a focused isotopomer model of the anaplerotic node can at all admit a unique solution for all fluxes. By analyzing different scenarios of active anaplerotic reactions, we show in full generality that for C. glutamicum only certain anaplerotic deletion mutants allow to uniquely determine the anaplerotic fluxes from 13C‐isotopomer data. We stress that the result of this analysis for different assumptions on active enzymes is directly transferable to other compartment‐free organisms. Our results demonstrate that there exist biologically relevant metabolic network topologies for which the flux distribution cannot be inferred by classical 13C‐MFA. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 661–674. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Supreme Court's decision raises awareness of religious freedom on campus
Authors: Porter Michael
Published: September 2015

While some students may flock to Abercrombie & Fitch for the latest fashion trends, college and university administrators concerned with legal compliance can use a recent case involving the retailer to raise awareness about religious discrimination and religious freedom.
Address legal, PR aspects of managing crises on your campus
Authors: Prywes Daniel I. , Sobel Scott
Published: September 2015

Bad things can happen at colleges and universities. When they do, the institution's legal interests aren't the only things at stake. Issues of liability and damages often pale in comparison to the college's or university's reputational interests.
Ensure campus software, technology are accessible to students with disabilities
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: September 2015

Just having software that's geared toward students with disabilities isn't enough. Review all software and technology providers used on campus, as well as campus websites, for compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act to avoid costly complaints and lawsuits and provide students with disabilities with the most up‐to‐date and useful resources.
Biosynthesis of the Fluorinated Natural Product Nucleocidin in Streptomyces calvus Is Dependent on the bldA‐Specified Leu‐tRNAUUA Molecule
Authors: Zhu Xi Ming , Hackl Stefanie , Thaker Maulik N. , Kalan Lindsay , Weber Claudia , Urgast Dagmar S. , Krupp Eva M. , Brewer Alyssa , Vanner Stephanie , Szawiola Anjuli , Yim Grace , Feldmann Jörg , Bechthold Andreas , Wright Gerard D. , Zechel David L.
Published: September 2015

Nucleocidin is one of the very few natural products known to contain fluorine. Mysteriously, the nucleocidin producer Streptomyces calvus ATCC 13382 has not been observed to synthesize the compound since its discovery in 1956. Here, we report that complementation of S. calvus ATCC 13382 with a functional bldA‐encoded Leu‐tRNAUUA molecule restores the production of nucleocidin. Nucleocidin was detected in culture extracts by 19F NMR spectroscopy, HPLC‐ESI‐MS, and HPLC‐continuum source molecular absorption spectroscopy for fluorine‐specific detection. The molecule was purified from a large‐scale culture and definitively characterized by NMR spectroscopy and high‐resolution MS. The nucleocidin biosynthetic gene cluster was identified by the presence of genes encoding the 5′‐O‐sulfamate moiety and confirmed by gene disruption. Two of the genes within the nucleocidin biosynthetic gene cluster contain TTA codons, thus explaining the dependence on bldA and resolving a 60‐year‐old mystery.
FeIII‐Catalyzed Cross‐Dehydrogenative Arylation (CDA) between Oxindoles and Arenes under an Air Atmosphere
Authors: Wu Hong‐Ru , Huang Hong‐Yan , Ren Chuan‐Li , Liu Li , Wang Dong , Li Chao‐Jun
Published: September 2015

An efficient FeIII‐catalyzed cross‐dehydrogenative arylation (CDA) of 3‐substituted oxindoles with activated arenes under an air atmosphere was developed to provide 3,3′‐disubstituted oxindoles in good yields.
Reactivity of an All‐Ferrous Iron–Nitrogen Heterocubane under Reductive and Oxidative Conditions
Authors: Lichtenberg Crispin , Prokopchuk Demyan E. , Adelhardt Mario , Viciu Liliana , Meyer Karsten , Grützmacher Hansjörg
Published: September 2015

The reactivity of the all‐ferrous FeN heterocubane [Fe4(Ntrop)4] (1) with i) Brønsted acids, ii) σ‐donors, iii) σ‐donors/π‐acceptors, and iv) one‐electron oxidants has been investigated (trop = 5H‐dibenzo[a,d]cyclo‐hepten‐5‐yl). 1 showed self‐re‐assembling after reactions with i) and proved surprisingly inert in reactions with ii) and iii), with the exception of CO. Reductive and oxidative cluster degradation was observed in reactions with CO and TEMPO, respectively. These reactions yielded new cluster compounds, namely a trinuclear bis(μ3‐imido) 48 electron complex in the former case and a tetranuclear all ferric μ‐oxo‐μ‐imido species in the latter case. Characterization techniques include NMR and in situ IR spectroscopy, single crystal X‐ray analysis, Mössbauer spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and DFT calculations.
New Dual Fluorescent Probe for Simultaneous Biothiol and Phosphate Bioimaging
Authors: Resa Sandra , Orte Angel , Miguel Delia , Paredes Jose M. , Puente‐Muñoz Virginia , Salto Rafael , Giron Maria D. , Ruedas‐Rama Maria J. , Cuerva Juan M. , Alvarez‐Pez Jose M. , Crovetto Luis
Published: September 2015

The simultaneous detection of relevant metabolites in living organisms by using one molecule introduces an approach to understanding the relationships between these metabolites in healthy and deregulated cells. Fluorescent probes of low toxicity are remarkable tools for this type of analysis of biological systems in vivo. As a proof of concept, different naturally occurring compounds, such as biothiols and phosphate anions, were the focus for this work. The 2,4‐dinitrobenzenesulfinate (DNBS) derivative of 9‐[1‐(4‐tert‐butyl‐2‐methoxyphenyl)]‐6‐hydroxy‐3H‐xanthen‐3‐one (Granada Green; GG) were designed and synthesized. This new sulfinyl xanthene derivative can act as a dual sensor for the aforementioned analytes simultaneously. The mechanism of action of this derivative implies thiolysis of the sulfinyl group of the weakly fluorescent DNBS‐GG by biological thiols at near‐neutral pH values, thus releasing the fluorescent GG moiety, which simultaneously responds to phosphate anions through its fluorescence‐decay time. The new dual probe was tested in solution by using steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence and intracellularly by using fluorescence‐lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) in human epithelioid cervix carcinoma (HeLa) cells.
Recovery of Antimony Trioxide Flame Retardants from Lead Refining Residues by Slag Conditioning and Fuming
Authors: Binz Florian , Friedrich Bernd
Published: September 2015

Bottom‐up process design is performed for a new antimony white fuming approach from antimony‐rich lead refining residues. Thermochemical modelling is used to evaluate process boundaries regarding temperature and slag composition allowing the fuming of qualified antimony white from mentioned residues. Two methods are evaluated in laboratory scale to test possibilities of preconditioning for the fuming process. The first one is based on a more selective oxidation during lead softening; the second one on carbothermic reduction of the slag. Antimony enrichment is successfully proven under laboratory scale conditions.
Visible‐Light‐Driven Production of Poly(α‐terthiophene)–Au Nanoparticle Functional Hybrid Material
Authors: Bera Raj Kumar , Bhunia Prasenjit , Chakrabartty Sukanta , Raj C. Retna
Published: September 2015

A novel one‐step visible‐light‐driven synthesis of Au nanoparticle–poly(α‐terthiophene) (nAu‐poly(α‐TT)) functional nanocomposites and their electrocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic applications are described. The visible‐light‐induced electron transfer between α‐TT and AuIII ion yields nAu‐poly(α‐TT) nanocomposite material. The nAu‐poly(α‐TT) shows characteristic diffraction corresponding to the well‐organized lamellar structure of the polymer and Au nanoparticles. The nanoparticles inside the polymer matrix increase the interlayer spacing and stacking distance of the polymer planes. Remarkable enhancement in the Raman signature of poly(α‐TT) due to the embedded Au nanoparticles was observed. The nanocomposite favors the selective electrochemical oxidation of hydrophobic analytes. The photoexcitation of the nanocomposite with white light at potentials more negative than −0.3 V (Ag/AgCl) yields cathodic photocurrent, which is >500 times higher than that of the free poly(α‐TT).
Chemical Bonding of Transition‐Metal Co13 Clusters with Graphene
Authors: Alonso‐Lanza Tomás , Ayuela Andrés , Aguilera‐Granja Faustino
Published: September 2015

We carried out density functional calculations to study the adsorption of Co13 clusters on graphene. Several free isomers were deposited at different positions with respect to the hexagonal lattice nodes, allowing us to study even the hcp 2d isomer, which was recently obtained as the most stable one. Surprisingly, the Co13 clusters attached to graphene prefer icosahedron‐like structures in which the low‐lying isomer is much distorted; in such structures, they are linked with more bonds than those reported in previous works. For any isomer, the most stable position binds to graphene by the Co atoms that can lose electrons. We find that the charge transfer between graphene and the clusters is small enough to conclude that the Co–graphene binding is not ionic‐like but chemical. Besides, the same order of stability among the different isomers on doped graphene is kept. These findings could also be of interest for magnetic clusters on graphenic nanostructures such as ribbons and nanotubes.
XPS and AFM studies of surface chemistry and morphology of In2O3 ultrathin films deposited by rheotaxial growth and vacuum oxidation after air exposure
Authors: Kościelniak P. , Grzeszczak A. , Szuber J.
Published: September 2015

In this paper we present the results of an XPS study of the surface chemistry of In2O3 (IO) ultrathin deposited by rheotaxial growth and vacuum oxidation after their air exposure and subsequent UHV annealing. For the freshly deposited RGVO IO ultrathin films the relative [O]/[In] concentration is equal to 1.17 ±0.05. After exposure to air it increases to 1.25 ±0.05. However, a strong C contamination appears, confirmed by the relative [C]/[In] concentration that is equal to 1.07 ±0.05. After subsequent UHV annealing at 200 °C the relative [O]/[In] concentration remains and only slightly increases to 1.30 ±0.05 after subsequent UHV annealing at 350 °C. After this process the relative [C]/[In] concentration decreases to 0.43 ±0.05. The additional AFM experiments showed that the RGVO IO ultrathin films exhibit the granular‐type surface morphology, with an average grain height and width in the range of 2–5 nm, and 10–50 nm, respectively, and an average roughness of 1.1 nm.
5‐(Chloromethyl)furfural is the New HMF: Functionally Equivalent But More Practical in Terms of its Production From Biomass
Authors: Mascal Mark
Published: September 2015

5‐(Chloromethyl)furfural (CMF) is a disruptive innovation in the biorefinery. Chemically, it is at least as versatile as the well‐known HMF but, unlike HMF, it is accessible in high yield directly from cellulosic biomass due to its lipophilicity and stability under acidic conditions, which facilitate isolation. It has a rich derivative chemistry that includes biofuels, renewable polymers, specialty chemicals, and value‐added agrochemical and pharmaceutical products.
A 7.5‐μW 0.08‐mm2 single‐ended SC delta‐sigma ADC for acoustic sensor applications
Authors: Duan Quanzhen , Wang Zhidong , Roh Jeongjin
Published: September 2015

This study presents an ultra‐low‐power, small‐size, 1‐bit, single‐ended, and switched‐capacitor (SC) delta‐sigma analog‐to‐digital converter (ADC) for wireless acoustic sensor nodes. This wireless sensor node has a delta‐sigma ADC that converts the sensed signal to a digital signal for convenient data processing and emphasizes the features of small size and low‐power consumption. The chip area of the delta‐sigma ADC is dominated by the capacitor; therefore, a novel common‐mode (CM) controlling technique with only transistors is proposed. This ADC achieves an extremely small size of 0.08 mm2 in a 130‐nm CMOS process. The conventional operational transconductance amplifiers (OTAs) are replaced by inverters in the weak inversion region to achieve high power efficiency. At 4‐MHz sampling frequency and 0.7‐V power supply voltage, the delta‐sigma ADC achieves a 55.8‐dB signal‐to‐noise‐plus‐distortion ratio (SNDR) and a 298‐fJ/step figure‐of‐merit (FOM) in a signal bandwidth of 25 kHz, while consuming only 7.5 μW of power. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on the RF Power Necessary to Ignite Plasma for the ICP Test Facility at HUST
Authors: Yue Haikun , Li Dong , Wang Chenre , Li Xiaofei , Chen Dezhi , Liu Kaifeng , Zhou Chi , Pan Ruimin
Published: September 2015

An Radio‐Frequency (RF) Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) ion source test facility has been successfully developed at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST). As part of a study on hydrogen plasma, the influence of three main operation parameters on the RF power necessary to ignite plasma was investigated. At 6 Pa, the RF power necessary to ignite plasma influenced little by the filament heating current from 5 A to 9 A. The RF power necessary to ignite plasma increased rapidly with the operation pressure decreasing from 8 Pa to 4 Pa. The RF power necessary to ignite plasma decreased with the number of coil turns from 6 to 10. During the experiments, plasma was produced with the electron density of the order of 1016m–3 and the electron temperature of around 4 eV. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Investigations of Droplet‐Plasma Interaction using Multi‐Dimensional Coupled Model
Authors: Iqbal M.M. , Turner M. M.
Published: September 2015

Recently developed multi‐dimensional coupled fluid‐droplet model is used to investigate the behavior of complex interaction between the liquid precursor droplets and atmospheric pressure plasma (APP). The significance of this droplet‐plasma interaction is not well understood under diverse realm of working conditions in two‐phase flow. In this study, we explain the implication of vaporization of liquid droplets in APP which are subsequently responsible to control major characteristics of surface coating depositions. Coalescence of water droplets is more dominant than Hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) droplets because of its sluggish rate of evaporation. A disparity in the performance of evaporation is identified in two independent mediums, such as gas mixture and discharge plasma using HMDSO precursor. The length of evaporation of droplets is amplified by an increment of gas flow rate indicating with a reduction in the gas temperature and electron mean energy. In particular, the spatio‐temporal density distributions of charged particles show a clear pattern in which the typical nitrogen impurity ions are primarily effective as compared to other helium ionic species along the pulse of droplets in APP. Finally, we contrast the behavior of discharge species in the pure helium and He‐N2 gas mixtures revealing the importance of stepwise and Penning ionization processes. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Wolbachiadistribution in selected beetle taxa characterized byPCRscreens andMLSTdata
Authors: Sontowski Rebekka , Bernhard Detlef , Bleidorn Christoph , Schlegel Martin , Gerth Michael
Published: September 2015

Wolbachia(Alphaproteobacteria) is an inherited endosymbiont of arthropods and filarial nematodes and was reported to be widespread across insect taxa. WhileWolbachia's effects on host biology are not understood from most of these hosts, knownWolbachia‐induced phenotypes cover a spectrum from obligate beneficial mutualism to reproductive manipulations and pathogenicity. Interestingly, data onWolbachiawithin the most species‐rich order of arthropods, the Coleoptera (beetles), are scarce. Therefore, we screened 128 species from seven beetle families (Buprestidae, Hydraenidae, Dytiscidae, Hydrophilidae, Gyrinidae, Haliplidae, and Noteridae) for the presence ofWolbachia. Our data show that, contrary to previous estimations,Wolbachiafrequencies in beetles (31% overall) are comparable to the ones in other insects. In addition, we usedWolbachiaMLSTdata and host phylogeny to explore the evolutionary history ofWolbachiastrains from Hydraenidae, an aquatic lineage of beetles. Our data suggest thatWolbachiafrom Hydraenidae might be largely host genus specific and thatWolbachiastrain phylogeny is not independent to that of its hosts. As this contrasts with most terrestrialWolbachia–arthropod systems, one potential conclusion is that aquatic lifestyle of hosts may result inWolbachiadistribution patterns distinct from those of terrestrial hosts. Our data thus provide both insights intoWolbachiadistribution among beetles in general and a first glimpse ofWolbachiadistribution patterns among aquatic host lineages.
Water and solute dynamics during rainfall events in headwater catchments in the Central Swiss Alps under the influence of green alder shrubs and wetland soils
Authors: Mueller Matthias H. , Alaoui Abdallah , Alewell Christine
Published: September 2015

In the Swiss Alps, shrubs (e.g. Alnus viridis (Chaix) DC) are encroaching into formerly open habitats. The shrub encroachment might affect soil hydrological properties, which in turn influence runoff generation. Moreover, alder species (Alnus spp.) are known to affect chemical soil properties (e.g. increase of nitrate concentrations in the soil solution) and can therefore alter the water quality of stream water. In our study, we investigated four small alpine headwater catchments to assess the influence of shrub encroachment and wetland soils on stream water geochemistry during storm runoff. Stream water was sampled in the growing season of 2010 at hourly intervals during one single rainfall event. Stable isotope values (δ18O) of stream water (ranging from −13.8 to −8.5‰) and rainfall (bulk mean δ18O value of about −5.6‰) during the single event were used to estimate the fraction of event water in stream discharge. Continuously measured electrical conductivity in the growing seasons of 2010 and 2011 was used to infer information on runoff generation during 15 rainfall events. Riparian wetland soils were flushed by a high fraction of event water of up to 72% during peak discharge, which increased the dissolved organic carbon export during the single rainfall event. Besides the atmospheric input through nitrate in rainwater, the expected expansion of green alder shrubs in the region, associated with increasing number and intensity of summer rainfall events in the future, might increase the episodic export of nutrients such as dissolved organic carbon and NO3− from these catchments. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy and safety of ivabradine in patients with chronic systolic heart failure and diabetes: an analysis from the SHIFT trial
Authors: Komajda Michel , Tavazzi Luigi , Francq Bernard G. , Böhm Michael , Borer Jeffrey S. , Ford Ian , Swedberg Karl ,   on behalf of the SHIFT Investigators
Published: September 2015

Aims

To evaluate clinical profiles and outcomes in patients with systolic heart failure (HF) with or without diabetes, and the efficacy and safety of ivabradine (heart rate‐lowering agent) with respect to diabetic status.

Methods and results

This is a post hoc analysis on patients in SHIFT, a randomized controlled trial in adults in sinus rhythm with systolic HF, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%, and resting heart rate ≥70 b.p.m. Patients were randomized to ivabradine (titrated to 7.5 mg bid) or placebo. Diabetic status was established by medical history at baseline. The primary composite endpoint (PCE) was cardiovascular death or hospitalisation for worsening HF. Of 6505 patients, 30% had diabetes, 32% of whom used insulin. The PCE was more frequent in patients with diabetes [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.31; p = 0.001], as was hospitalization for worsening HF (adjusted HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.13–1.44; P < 0.001), and was increased in patients treated with insulin (adjusted HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.23–1.66; P < 0.01 vs. non‐diabetics). Ivabradine significantly reduced the PCE in patients with and without diabetes (adjusted HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68–0.94 and HR 0.84, 95% CI, 0.75–0.95, respectively; interaction P was non‐significant) vs. placebo. Adverse events were significantly more frequent in patients with diabetes (78%) than without (74%) (P < 0.001). Regardless of diabetic status, the incidence of serious adverse events was not significantly different between ivabradine and placebo.

Conclusions

Comorbid diabetes in chronic HF worsens the prognosis of systolic HF patients. Irrespective of diabetic status, ivabradine is effective and safe in these patients.
Aza‐Henry Reaction with CF3‐Ketimines: An Efficient Approach to Trifluoromethylated β‐Nitroamines, 1,2‐Diamines, α‐­Aminooximes, and Imidazolidinones
Authors: Kutovaya Irina V. , Shmatova Olga I. , Tkachuk Viktor M. , Melnichenko Nina V. , Vovk Mikhail V. , Nenajdenko Valentine G.
Published: September 2015

CF3‐Substituted ketimines synthesized from trifluoroacetone, hexafluoroacetone, and trifluoroacetophenones were studied in aza‐Henry reactions with nitroalkanes. We found that nitromethane and nitropropane react with CF3‐substituted ketimines to form the target β‐nitroamines in high yield. The aza‐Henry reaction proceeded under mild conditions in the presence of an appropriate base. A new simple method for the synthesis of β‐nitroamines bearing CF3 group was developed. α‐CF3‐β‐nitroamines can easily be converted into trifluoromethylated 1,2‐diamines, α‐aminooximes, and imidazolidinones.
Conjugation of Hydroxytyrosol with Other Natural Phenolic Fragments: From Waste to Antioxidants and Antitumour Compounds
Authors: Tassano Erika , Alama Angela , Basso Andrea , Dondo Giancarlo , Galatini Andrea , Riva Renata , Banfi Luca
Published: September 2015

Hydroxytyrosol, a natural polyphenol that can be extracted from olive mill waste waters, was converted into a series of more complex and lipophilic analogues by conjugation with other naturally derived (poly)phenolic fragments. Ether and triazole linkers were employed. A small library of compounds was prepared, stressing step economy and operational simplicity. Some of these substances were proven to have activity equal or superior to that of the parent hydroxytyrosol in radical scavenging assays as well as in cytotoxicity tests against tumour cells.
A Sterically Congested α‐Cyanoamine as a Cyanating Reagent: Cyanation of Acetals and Orthoesters
Authors: Kotani Shunsuke , Sakamoto Midori , Osakama Kazuki , Nakajima Makoto
Published: September 2015

The cyanation of acetals and orthoesters by using a sterically congested α‐cyanoamine as a cyanating reagent was investigated. The α‐cyanoamine effectively facilitated cyanation in the presence of trichlorosilyl triflate to produce a variety of cyanated adducts in excellent yields. Analysis of the reaction mixture by 1H NMR spectroscopy revealed that trichlorosilyl triflate produced an oxocarbenium cation species as an intermediate.
Combination of high‐frequency ultrasound and UV radiation of excilamp for surface disinfection
Authors: Tsenter Irina , Matafonova Galina , Batoev Valeriy
Published: September 2015

The combination of high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS) and UV represents a new approach to disinfecting surfaces. This study aimed to examine the inactivation efficiency of HFUS (1.7 MHz) and monochromatic UV radiation of KrCl excilamp (222 nm) in a single and a sequential mode against Bacillus cereus cells and spores added to glass surfaces. When treated by UV only, cells at populations of 103, 104, and 105 colony‐forming units (CFU)/cm2 showed 100% disinfection at high doses up to 1760 mJ/cm2. Spores at 104 CFU/cm2 were completely inactivated at a dose of 1170 mJ/cm2. Treatment with aqueous aerosol (produced by HFUS) reduced cell counts by 100% within a 40‐min exposure, whereas it was ineffective in inactivating spores under these conditions. In a sequential mode, the contaminated surface was pretreated with the sonicated aqueous aerosol and subsequently irradiated with the excilamp. It was found that HFUS exposure times and UV doses for complete inactivation decreased by a factor of 2 and 6–7, respectively, compared to sole HFUS or UV. A portable apparatus for surface disinfection was designed. The combined HFUS/UV method may be a promising technique for rapid disinfection of microbially contaminated surfaces.
Sensitivity analysis of energy inputs and cost assessment for almond production in Iran
Authors: Beigi Mohsen , Torki‐Harchegani Mehdi , Ebrahimi Rahim
Published: September 2015

The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationships between energy inputs and yield, and to perform cost analysis for almond production. Data were collected by administering questionnaire in face‐to‐face interviews from procedures. The results showed that total energy input was 59,542.61 MJ ha−1 and the output was 25,190.13 MJ ha−1. The most important energy consuming inputs were electricity and chemical fertilizers with 55.98% and 17.72% of total energy input, respectively. The energy use efficiency and energy cost ratio values were estimated to be 0.42 and 0.19, respectively. The econometric model was developed using Cobb‐Douglas production function and the results revealed that human labor, machinery, chemical fertilizer, and farmyard manure energy inputs contributed significantly to yield. The results of sensitivity analysis of energy inputs showed the high impact of chemical fertilizers, and farmyard manure inputs on the yield. Economic analysis showed that the total production cost, total gross value, and net return of almond production were 5344.48 $ ha−1, 27,241.29 $ ha−1, and 21,896.81 $ ha−1, respectively. Also, productivity and the benefit to cost ratio were obtained to be 0.16 kg $−1 and 5.10, respectively. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 582–588, 2016
Nonsuicidal Self‐injury as a Risk Factor for Purging Onset: Negatively Reinforced Behaviours that Reduce Emotional Distress
Authors: Riley Elizabeth N. , Davis Heather A. , Combs Jessica L. , Jordan Carol E. , Smith Gregory T.
Published: September 2015

Both nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) and purging behaviour are thought to involve harm to the self. The acquired capability for self‐harm model holds that engaging in one self‐harming behaviour increases the capability to tolerate harm to the self, thus increasing risk for engaging on other such behaviours. In addition, both behaviours are thought to serve the similar function of relief from distress. We thus tested whether engagement in one of these behaviours predicts the subsequent onset of the other. In a longitudinal design, 1158 first‐year college women were assessed for purging and NSSI at two time points. Engagement in NSSI at time 1 predicted the college onset of purging behaviour 9 months later (OR = 2.20, p < .04, CI = 1.07–4.19) beyond prediction from time 1 binge behaviour, and purging behaviour at time 1 predicted the subsequent onset of NSSI (OR = 6.54, p < .01, CI = 1.71–25.04). These findings are consistent with the acquired capability for harm model and with the possibility that the two behaviours serve a similar function. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
An Actor‐Oriented and Context‐Specific Framework for Evaluating Climate Change Adaptation
Authors: Krause Dunja , Schwab Maria , Birkmann Jörn
Published: September 2015

Responding to recently identified challenges in the comprehensive evaluation of climate change adaptation, we suggest an assessment framework that incorporates a multidisciplinary viewpoint on adaptation. The framework combines three major components to link system‐oriented concepts of risk and vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change with actor‐oriented approaches of decision‐making: the risk context, individual decision‐making, and adaptation assessment. We have thereby developed an approach that is embedded in context and scale, takes an actor‐oriented perspective, and is applicable to multiple evaluation approaches. We tested the framework empirically with a mixed‐methods approach to assess adaptation in flood‐exposed areas of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. This has shown the distinct meanings of good adaptation and uncovered mismatches in choices for adaptation strategies and evaluations of those strategies across different actors hindering sustainable development.
Exploring Program Theory to Enhance Monitoring and Evaluation in Ecosystem‐Based Adaptation Projects
Authors: McKinnon Madeleine C. , Hole David G.
Published: September 2015

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for ecosystem‐based adaptation (EbA) projects is in its infancy. Specific M&E challenges lend EbA projects to the use of program theory. In this article, we will examine how two theory‐based tools—theory‐of‐change models and evidence synthesis—can be used to instruct informative EbA M&E through characterizing pathways to impact, identifying causal mechanisms, distinguishing relevant indicators, and recognizing areas of uncertainty, particularly in data‐poor environments where intuition and anecdote often substitute for evidence. It will be framed in the context of two EbA case studies, implemented by our organization, in which we will bring together elements from the development of theory‐of‐change models and provide examples of evidence synthesis underpinning a causal linkage. We argue that such an approach is essential for EbA projects to enable rapid learning and foster a culture of adaptive management.
Monitoring, Reporting, and Evidence‐Based Learning in the Climate Investment Funds' Pilot Program for Climate Resilience
Authors: Roehrer Christine , Kouadio Kouassi Emmanuel
Published: September 2015

Monitoring and evaluation of funded activities is essential to improve the effectiveness of spending and accountability of climate finance, as well as for transparency and learning. This chapter shares early experiences and emerging lessons from developing the Climate Investment Funds' (CIF) Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) participatory results‐based monitoring and reporting system. It describes the process of developing the PPCR results framework and takes a critical look at its five core indicators. It then discusses the iterative and participatory development process of the PPCR Monitoring and Reporting Toolkit, as well as progress made and challenges encountered in operationalizing the monitoring and reporting system. The purpose of this system is to track progress toward climate‐resilient development at the national level and to monitor, report, and learn from the implementation of PPCR activities at country and project level. The chapter also highlights opportunities to complement monitoring and reporting with evidence‐based learning. A summary of lessons learned concludes the chapter.
EB‐crosslinked Polymer Electrolyte Membranes Based on Highly Sulfonated Poly(ether ether ketone) and Poly(vinylidene fluoride)/Triallyl Isocyanurate
Authors: Woo H.‐S. , Song J.‐M. , Lee S.‐Y. , Cho D. H. , Sohn J.‐Y. , Lee Y. M. , Choi J.‐H. , Shin J.
Published: September 2015

In this study, crosslinked polymer electrolyte membranes for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) applications are prepared using electron beam irradiation with a mixture of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), and triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) at a dose of 300 kGy. The gel‐fraction of the irradiated SPEEK/PVDF/TAIC (95/4.5/0.5) membrane is 87% while the unirradiated membrane completely dissolves in DMAc solvent. In addition, the water uptake of the irradiated membrane is 221% at 70 °C while that of the unirradiated membrane completely dissolves in water at above 70 °C. The ion exchange capacity and proton conductivity of the crosslinked membrane are 1.57 meq g−1, and 4.0 × 10−2 S cm−1 (at 80 °C and RH 90%), respectively. Furthermore, a morphology study of the membranes is conducted using differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffractometry. The cell performance study with the crosslinked membrane demonstrates that the maximum power density is 518 mW cm−2 at 1036 mA cm−2 and the maximum current density at applied voltage of 0.4 V is 1190 mA cm−2.
Gyrification brain abnormalities as predictors of outcome in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Favaro Angela , Tenconi Elena , Degortes Daniela , Manara Renzo , Santonastaso Paolo
Published: September 2015

Gyrification brain abnormalities are considered a marker of early deviations from normal developmental trajectories and a putative predictor of poor outcome in psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to explore cortical folding morphology in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). A MRI brain study was conducted on 38 patients with AN, 20 fully recovered patients, and 38 healthy women. Local gyrification was measured with procedures implemented in FreeSurfer. Vertex‐wise comparisons were carried out to compare: (1) AN patients and healthy women; (2) patients with a full remission at a 3‐year longitudinal follow‐up assessment and patients who did not recover. AN patients exhibited significantly lower gyrification when compared with healthy controls. Patients with a poor 3‐year outcome had significantly lower baseline gyrification when compared to both healthy women and patients with full recovery at follow‐up, even after controlling for the effects of duration of illness and gray matter volume. No significant correlation has been found between gyrification, body mass index, amount of weight loss, onset age, and duration of illness. Brain gyrification significantly predicted outcome at follow‐up even after controlling for the effects of duration of illness and other clinical prognostic factors. Although the role of starvation in determining our findings cannot be excluded, our study showed that brain gyrification might be a predictor of outcome in AN. Further studies are needed to understand if brain gyrification abnormalities are indices of early neurodevelopmental alterations, the consequence of starvation, or the interaction between both factors. Hum Brain Mapp 36:5113–5122, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quorum‐sensing Cascades Governing Bacterial Multicellular Communities
Authors: Bloom‐Ackermann Zohar , Ganin Hadas , Kolodkin‐Gal Ilana
Published: September 2015

Quorum sensing (QS) is an efficient mode of intercellular communication between bacteria. This mode is regulated by self‐produced small chemical signals, activating dedicated receptors once accumulated. Numerous architecturally complex QS cascades are cardinal for governing bacterial behaviors, such as pathogenicity, luminescence, and bacterial competence. Importantly, QS cascades are essential for the formation of bacterial multicellular communities. Once informed via QS cascades, motile cells often organize themselves into conspicuous multicellular structures that carry out specialized tasks. This review focuses on the major QS systems, playing an active role in the rise of complex bacterial communities in different bacterial models.
Twitter Mining for Discovery, Prediction and Causality: Applications and Methodologies
Authors: O'Leary Daniel E.
Published: September 2015

Twitter has found substantial use in a number of settings. For example, Twitter played a major role in the ‘Arab Spring’ and has been adopted by a large number of the Fortune 100. All of these and other events have led to a large database of Twitter tweets that has attracted the attention of a number of companies and researchers through what has become known as ‘Twitter mining’ (also known as ‘TwitterMining’). This paper analyses some of the approaches used to gather information and knowledge from Twitter for Twitter mining. In addition, this paper reviews a number of the applications that employ Twitter Mining, investigating Twitter information for prediction, discovery and as an informational basis of causation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scattering based hyperspectral imaging of plasmonic nanoplate clusters towards biomedical applications
Authors: Ray Aniruddha , Kopelman Raoul , Chon Bonghwan , Briggman Kimberly , Hwang Jeeseong
Published: September 2015

A new optical scattering contrast‐agent based on polymer‐nanoparticle encapsulated silver nanoplates (PESNs) is presented. Silver nanoplates were chosen due to the flexibility of tuning their plasmon frequencies. The polymer coating preserves their physical and optical properties and confers other advantages such as controlled contrast agent delivery. Finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations model the interaction of light with the nanoplates in different orientations in the cluster. Hyperspectral dark field microscopy (HYDFM) observes the scattering spectra of the PESNs. An unsupervised sequential maximum angle convex cone (SMACC) image analysis resolves spectral endmembers corresponding to different stacking orientations of the nanoplates. The orientation‐dependent endmembers qualitatively agree with the FDTD results. For contrast enhancement, the uptake and spatial distribution of PESNs are demonstrated by an HYDFM study of single melanoma cells to result in an enhanced contrast of up to 400%. A supervised spatial mapping of the endmembers obtained by the unsupervised SMACC algorithm reveals spatial distributions of PESNs with various clustering orientations of encapsulated nanoplates. Our study demonstrates tunability in plasmonics properties in clustered metal nanoparticles and its utility for the development of scatter‐based imaging contrast agents for a broad range of applications, including studies of single cells and other biomedical systems.

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