bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Characterisation and Antiproliferative Studies of Allyl(dicarbonyl)(cyclopentadienyl)molybdenum Complexes and Cyclodextrin Inclusion Compounds
Authors: Braga Susana S. , Mokal Vijaya , Paz Filipe A. Almeida , Pillinger Martyn , Branco Ana F. , Sardão Vilma A. , Diogo Cátia V. , Oliveira Paulo J. , Marques Maria P. M. , Romão Carlos C. , Gonçalves Isabel S.
Published: August 2014

The complexes [(η5‐C5H4–CO–R)Mo(CO)2(η3‐C3H5)] [R = OH (1), Phe–OMe (2)] have been examined as guests for the cyclodextrin (CD) hosts β‐CD and heptakis(2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl)‐β‐CD (TRIMEB), and the resultant inclusion compounds have been characterised in the solid state by elemental and thermogravimetric analyses, powder X‐ray diffraction, 13C{1H} cross‐polarisation (CP) magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis of 1 shows that the unit cell contains centrosymmetric supramolecular dimers comprising two dicarbonyl complexes linked through hydrogen‐bonding interactions involving the carboxylic acid groups. In screening tests for antiproliferative effects, the CD adducts containing 1 displayed enhanced antitumour activity against mouse melanoma (when compared with nonincluded 1), while showing minimal activity towards human adenocarcinoma and nontumour rat myoblast cell lines. TRIMEB encapsulation resulted in a predominant toxic effect on tumour cells versus the non‐neoplastic myoblast cells.
Ionic Liquid‐Carbon Nanotube Modified Screen‐Printed Electrodes and Their Potential for Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: Gan Patrick , Foord John S. , Compton Richard G.
Published: August 2014

Compared with paraffin oil, the use of ionic liquids as a binder in carbon paste type electrodes was shown to greatly enhance the accumulation of analytes, as illustrated with 17α‐ethynylestradiol as a model. The ionic “liquid” n‐octyl‐pyridinium hexafluorophosphate [C8py][PF6] was most efficient among several ionic liquids investigated. Such preconcentration allowed a [C8py][PF6]‐multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (95 : 5 w/w) composite electrode to be useful for adsorptive stripping voltammetry. Screen‐printed electrodes modified with [C8py][PF6]‐MWCNTs were developed and were able to achieve high sensitivity during adsorptive stripping voltammetric measurements under optimised conditions.
Enhanced release of tanshinones and phenolics by nonionic surfactants from Salvia miltiorrhiza hairy roots
Authors: Siu Ka‐Chai , Wu Jian‐Yong
Published: August 2014

The development of effective measures for induction and stimulation of the secretion of intracellular products is an important strategy for improving the productivity and processing efficiency of plant tissue and cell cultures. In this study, several nonionic surfactants were applied as membrane permeabilization agents to the Salvia miltiorrhiza hairy root culture to stimulate the release of intracellular secondary metabolites. Tween 20 and Triton X‐100 were most effective to stimulate the secretion of tanshinones and phenolics. With 1% Tween 20 w/v, the total phenolic content (water soluble) released to the medium was increased from below 10% to over 50% and the total tanshinone increased from below 3% to over 70% of the total amount in culture. Some of the surfactants also promoted the production yields of tanshinones and phenolics. The hairy root growth (dry weight) was slightly increased by some of these surfactants. The addition of suitable surfactants to the S. miltiorrhiza hairy root culture has shown to effectively stimulate the release of useful metabolites from the hairy roots to facilitate their recovery from the culture.
Relay selection for two‐way opportunistic relaying with outdated Nakagami‐m estimates
Authors: Xia Xiaochen , Xu Kui , Xie Wei , Xu Youyun
Published: August 2014

Opportunistic relay selection (RS) is an efficient method to obtain diversity gain in two‐way relaying protocol with multiple relays. However, in practical wireless networks, the channel state information (CSI) used in the RS procedure becomes outdated because of the feedback delay, which severely deteriorates the system performance. In this paper, we study the RS strategies that aim to optimise the system outage performance of two‐phase two‐way opportunistic relaying protocol in Nakagami‐m channels. RS schemes for two different cases are designed, that is, (i) the scheme with only the outdated CSI during the RS procedure and (ii) the scheme with both the outdated CSI and the statistical knowledge of channels during the RS procedure. The system outage performance and the achievable diversity for the proposed schemes are analysed theoretically. It is shown that the RS schemes that use the statistical knowledge of channels can not only provide improvement in outage probability but also harvest diversity gain. Simulation results are presented to evaluate the performances while validating the theoretical analyses for the proposed schemes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An unstructured finite volume technique for the 3D Poisson equation on arbitrary geometry using a σ‐coordinate system
Authors: Zapata Miguel Uh , Van Bang Damien Pham , Nguyen Kim Dan
Published: August 2014

We present a solver for a three‐dimensional Poisson equation issued from the Navier–Stokes equations applied to model rivers, estuaries, and coastal flows. The three‐dimensional physical domain is composed of an arbitrary domain in the horizontal direction and is bounded by an irregular free surface and bottom in the vertical direction. The equations are transformed vertically to the σ‐coordinate system to obtain an accurate representation of top and bottom topographies. The method is based on a second‐order finite volume technique on prisms consisting of triangular grids in the horizontal direction. The algorithm is accompanied by an analysis of different linear system solvers in order to achieve fast solutions. Numerical experiments are conducted to test the numerical accuracy and the computational efficiency of the proposed method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE MOTIVATIONS OF MINISTERIAL CANDIDATES*
Authors: Kling Frederick R.
Published: August 2014

A content analysis is reported of statements obtained from ministers regarding their motivations in entering the ministry. Two theoretical structures derived from the analysis are described and are illustrated from the statements. Some practical implications of the findings, the construction of the Theological School Inventory, and hypotheses suggested by the data are discussed.
A STUDY OF ACHIEVEMENT IN TWO TYPES OF PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Authors: French John W.
Published: August 2014

In connection with their investigation of the problems of American secondary education, Dr. James B. Conant and the staff of “A Study of the American High School” wanted to obtain objective evidence on the question whether there are comprehensive high schools which do as good a job of teaching as is done by highly reputed college‐oriented schools. Final achievement in trigonometry and physics courses in 13 comprehensive schools and four college‐oriented schools was measured by appropriate Cooperative and College Board tests. Ability was held constant in the analysis by scores on SCAT. A very large overlap in the range of teaching effectiveness, as reflected by these tests, was found for the two types of school. The same kind of overlap persisted when the data were analyzed separately for students at three different levels of ability.
ON ROTATION TO A SPECIFIED SIMPLE STRUCTURE12
Authors: Jo̎reskog K. G.
Published: August 2014

A least squares procedure is described for rotating an arbitrary orthogonal factor matrix into a simple structure having small loadings in specified positions. The method is illustrated using some data previously analyzed by Bechtoldt.
A BASE‐FREE MEASURE OF CHANGE1
Authors: Tucker Ledyard R , Damarin Fred , Messick Samuel
Published: August 2014

A model for the measurement of the discrepancy between two scores is presented and discussed as a paradigm for the study of growth or experimentally produced change. The model assumes two tests or measures differing in complexity, and it analyzes the true difference between the test scores into a component that is entirely dependent on the first or base‐line test and a second component that is entirely independent of it. Equations for estimating both components are given and these are compared with other measurement efforts with similar goals.
ITEM CHARACTERISTIC CURVE SOLUTIONS TO THREE INTRACTABLE TESTING PROBLEMS1
Authors: Marco Gary L.
Published: August 2014

This paper summarizes three studies that illustrate how application of the three‐parameter logistic test model helped solve three relatively intractable testing problems. The three problems are designing a multi‐purpose test, evaluating a multi‐level test, and equating a test on the basis of pretest statistics. Examples use information about tests in various College Board testing programs. The first two studies demonstrate the value of the information function and relative efficiency. The last study is an application of basic item characteristic curve theory and shows the potential usefulness of pre‐equating.
CONSTRUCT VALIDITY OF FREE‐RESPONSE AND MACHINE‐SCORABLE VERSIONS OF A TEST OF SCIENTIFIC THINKING
Authors: Ward William C. , Frederiksen Norman , Carlson Sybil B.
Published: August 2014

The purpose of the study is to investigate the construct validity of free‐response and machine‐scorable versions of Formulating Hypotheses (FH), one of the Tests of Scientific Thinking. Six free‐response and eight machine‐scorable FH items were administered (in that order) to 172 college seniors who were majoring in psychology and who claimed an intention to go to graduate school. Tests of other variables that are theoretically related to FH scores provided data for studying construct validity; these included tests to identify eight cognitive and three personality factors. A background questionnaire was also administered, and GRE scores were obtained from files.

Six FH scores were obtained for each item in each test format. They are (1) quality of the hypothesis considered best by the candidate, (2) average quality of all hypotheses, (3) quality of the best hypotheses according to our scoring system, (4) number of hypotheses, (5) number of unusual hypotheses, and (6) number of hypotheses that are both unusual and of high quality. Correlations between corresponding scores for the two formats were computed and corrected for unreliability; they indicate that the two forms cannot be considered parallel. The correlations are particularly low for scores based on numbers of hypotheses.

The major method of analysis employed maximum likelihood factor analysis to verify a factor model involving the construct validity variables and to find the extension loadings of the experimental test scores and GRE scores on the factors. One such analysis used cognitive factors and one examined personality factors.

The personality factor model identified three factors; social extraversion, maladjustment (anxiety), and acceptance of complexity. GRE scores and quality scores from FH all were related to acceptance of complexity, and GRE scores were all negatively correlated with social extraversion. Number scores from the free‐response form of FH were related (positively) to maladjustment.

The cognitive factor model involved eight factors: verbal comprehension, three reasoning abilities, cognitive flexibility, two divergent production factors, and knowledge of psychology. GRE scores and quality scores from both forms of FH all showed substantial correlations with reasoning, cognitive flexibility, and knowledge. Only the number scores from the free‐response form of FH were related to divergent production.

An appraisal of all the findings suggests that the machine‐scorable form of FH would add little to the information already available from GRE scores. The free‐response form would add information about divergent production not now provided by GRE tests.
EEG AMPLITUDE ASYMMETRY RELATED TO THE FIELD‐DEPENDENCE‐INDEPENDENCE COGNITIVE STYLE
Authors: Semple Charmion M. , Oltman Philip K. , Goldstein Leonide
Published: August 2014

Right/left ratios of integrated EEG amplitudes were computed for 9 field‐dependent and 8 field‐independent male college‐age subjects. EEG's were recorded during performance of several cognitive tasks. Results indicated that field‐dependent subjects showed relatively greater left‐hemisphere activation, while field‐independent subjects showed the reverse, i.e., relatively greater right‐hemisphere activation. These results are consistent with earlier findings linking relative right‐hemisphere activation with higher spatial ability.
EVALUATION OF VIDEOTAPED AND LIVE THEATRE AUDITIONS
Authors: Ward William C.
Published: August 2014

Theatre auditions by 24 high school seniors were evaluated under two conditions. Four judges ranked the live auditions, while five evaluated videotapes of the same performance. Correlations between the two sets of assessments indicated considerable agreement across methods of evaluation, though they were not equivalent to one another. Videotapes could be useful as a screening device, serving to limit the number of individuals to be seen in live audition in an adjudication program.
RELATIVE EFFICIENCIES OF ESTIMATES USING PATTERNED COVARIANCES OR CORRELATIONS IN THE MULTIVARIATE NORMAL ESTIMATION PROBLEM
Authors: Szatrowski Ted H.
Published: August 2014

The relative efficiency of maximum likelihood estimates is studied when taking advantage of underlying linear patterns in the covariances or correlations when estimating covariance matrices. We compare the variances of estimates of the covariance matrix obtained under two nested patterns with the assumption that the more restricted pattern is the true state. Formulas for the asymptotic variances are given which are exact for linear covariance patterns when explicit maximum likelihood estimates exist. Several specific examples are given using complete symmetry, circular symmetry and general covariance patterns as well as an example involving a covariance matrix with a linear pattern in the correlations.
THE STANDARD ERROR OF EQUIPERCENTILE EQUATING
Authors: Lord Frederic M.
Published: August 2014

The standard error of an equipercentile equating is derived for four different situations. Some numerical results are checked by Monte Carlo methods. Numerical standard errors are computed for two sets of real data.
DETECTING CONSTRUCT‐IRRELEVANT VARIANCE IN AN OPEN‐ENDED, COMPUTERIZED MATHEMATICS TASK
Authors: Gallagher Ann , Bennett Randy Elliot , Cahalan Cara
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether variance due to computer‐based presentation was associated with performance on a new constructed‐response type — Mathematical Expression — that requires examinees to build mathematical expressions using a mouse and an on‐screen tool palette. Participants took parallel computer‐based and paper‐based tests consisting of Mathematical Expression items, plus a test of their skill in entering and editing data using the computer interface. Comparisons of mean performance, reliability, speededness, and relations with external indicators were conducted across the paper‐based and computer‐based tests; also, computer‐based math score was regressed on edit/entry score after controlling for paper‐and‐pencil math score and background information. Although no statistical evidence of construct‐irrelevant variance was detected, some examinees reported mechanical difficulties in responding and indicated a preference for the paper‐and‐pencil test.
POPULATION INVARIANCE AND THE EQUATABILITY OF TESTS: BASIC THEORY AND THE LINEAR CASE
Authors: Dorans Neil J. , Holland Paul W.
Published: August 2014

Equating functions are supposed to be population invariant by definition. But when two tests are not equatable, it is possible that the linking functions, used to connect the scores of one to the scores of the other, are not invariant across different populations of examinees. We introduce two root‐mean‐square difference measures of the degree to which linking function are different for different subpopulations. We also introduce the system of “parallel‐linear” linking functions for multiple subpopulations and show that, for this system, our measure of population invariance can be easily computed from the standardized mean differences between the scores of the subpopulations on the two tests. For the parallel‐linear case, we develop a correlation‐based upper bound on our measure.
Nitrogen source and biomass removal effects on the performance of biotrickling filters packed with modified organisms suspended filler or volcanic rock during toluene removal
Authors: Li Bing , Xu Xiaoliang , Wang Xiaojun , Niu Qian , Qiu Yu , Shen Shubao , Chen Yingwen
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Two identical biotrickling filters, BTF1 and BTF2, were loaded with modified organisms, suspended filler and volcanic rock. The start‐up times of both biotrickling filters were compared, and their performances were evaluated in terms of removal efficiency and elimination capacity. The parameters influencing the removal performance, such as the nitrogen source and biomass removal, were investigated.

RESULTS

The results illustrated that both BTFs can start rapidly. In the case of BTF1, the removal efficiency was maintained at values greater than 80% when the gas flow rates ranged from 300 L h−1 to 500 L h−1. A change in the nitrogen source from nitrate to ammonium salt didn't markedly improve BTF1 performance, however, BTF2 removal efficiency increased from 66% to 90%. Both BTFs rapidly achieved their previous performance when the biomass was removed, and high removal efficiency greater than 90% was achieved with a variable inlet toluene concentration ranging from 0.6 gm−3 to 1.1 gm−3 after the biomass was removed from BTF2. Maximum elimination capacities of 135.5 g m−3 h−1 and 157.8 g m−3 h−1 were achieved with BTF1 and BTF2, respectively. An uneven biomass distribution and, compared with BTF2, a lower quantity and variety of microorganisms were observed with BTF1.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated that when volcanic rock was used as packing material in BTFs, they exhibited higher removal efficiency and stability. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Cutting Cost in Service Systems: Are You Running with Scissors?
Authors: Thenent Nils E. , Settanni Ettore , Parry Glenn , Goh Yee Mey , Newnes Linda B.
Published: August 2014

A rigorous link between the domains of cost estimation, systems theory, and accident investigation reveals fundamental epistemological limitations of commonly employed cost models when dealing with the characteristics of servitization systems.
Histamine H1 receptor cell membrane chromatography online high‐performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry method reveals houttuyfonate as an activator of the histamine H1 receptor
Authors: Guo Ying , Han Shengli , Cao Jingjing , Zhang Tao , He Langchong
Published: August 2014

Allergy is an abnormal reaction of the body to an allergen. Histamine is responsible for many of the acute symptoms of allergic diseases. Many of the allergic and inflammatory actions of histamine are mediated by the histamine H1 receptor. In the present study, we established a two‐dimensional histamine H1 receptor/cell membrane chromatography with online high‐performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry method for screening potential histamine‐activating components in a traditional Chinese medicine injection. The specification of the method was validated by screening, separating, and identifying a mixed standard solution of diphenhydramine hydrochloride, gefitinib, tamsulosin, and nitrendipine. The Yujin injection, an example of traditional Chinese medicine injection, was screened and potential allergic components acting on the histamine H1 receptor were identified. A Ca2+ flux assay showed that houttuyfonate and Yujin injection induced calcium release in a dose‐dependent manner. This suggests that houttuyfonate is an activator of the histamine H1 receptor. The mechanism of houttuyfonate activation involves phosphorylation of the inositol‐1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor. In conclusion, this two‐dimensional method can rapidly detect and enrich target components isolated from the Yujin injection. This indicates that individuals with an overexpression of the histamine H1 receptor should be aware of possible allergic reactions when receiving the Yujin injection.
Collaborative Management and Planning of Urban Heritage Tourism: Public Sector Perspective
Authors: Petrova Petia , Hristov Dean
Published: August 2014

‘This paper investigates collaborative management and planning among public organisations involved in urban heritage tourism. An exploratory case study has been applied, capturing urban heritage tourism development in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The findings demonstrate a shared desire for further collaboration between the key public bodies involved, with limited existing and previous collaboration, beyond work that is the result of existing hierarchies. Collaboration is at an early stage, and many looked to the Local Authority to provide leadership in driving new initiatives. The private sector has a limited but increasing role in this. There are differing views on the focus of heritage tourism development – some suggesting a regional, others a city focus.’ Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coil‐to‐Globule Transition of Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) in Aqueous Solution: Kinetics in Bulk and Nanopores
Authors: Farasat Reza , Vyazovkin Sergey
Published: August 2014

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is used to study the kinetics of the coil‐to‐globule transition in aqueous solutions of poly(N‐isopropoylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) prepared in the bulk (3 and 10 wt%) and nanoconfined (10 wt% inside 30 nm silica pores) forms. It is demonstrated that the kinetics can be described in terms of the classical nucleation model. The proposed treatment affords estimating the free‐energy barrier and pre‐exponential factor of the transition. The application of the nucleation model to the DSC data collected for the three systems studied provides physical insights into the effect of increasing the transition temperature due to dilution and nanoconfinement. Dilution appears to raise the free‐energy barrier, whereas nanoconfinement causes a decrease in the pre‐exponential factor.

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An efficient approach to solve very large dense linear systems with verified computing on clusters
Authors: Kolberg Mariana , Bohlender Gerd , Fernandes Luiz Gustavo
Published: August 2014

Automatic result verification is an important tool to guarantee that completely inaccurate results cannot be used for decisions without getting remarked during a numerical computation. Mathematical rigor provided by verified computing allows the computation of an enclosure containing the exact solution of a given problem. Particularly, the computation of linear systems can strongly benefit from this technique in terms of reliability of results. However, in order to compute an enclosure of the exact result of a linear system, more floating‐point operations are necessary, consequently increasing the execution time. In this context, parallelism appears as a good alternative to improve the solver performance. In this paper, we present an approach to solve very large dense linear systems with verified computing on clusters. This approach enabled our parallel solver to compute huge linear systems with point or interval input matrices with dimensions up to 100,000. Numerical experiments show that the new version of our parallel solver introduced in this paper provides good relative speedups and delivers a reliable enclosure of the exact results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From pathways to networks: Connecting dots by establishing protein–protein interaction networks in signaling pathways using affinity purification and mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Xu , Wang Wenqi , Chen Junjie
Published: August 2014

Signal transductions are the basis of biological activities in all living organisms. Studying the signaling pathways, especially under physiological conditions, has become one of the most important facets of modern biological research. During the last decade, MS has been used extensively in biological research and is proven to be effective in addressing important biological questions. Here, we review the current progress in the understanding of signaling networks using MS approaches. We will focus on studies of protein–protein interactions that use affinity purification followed by MS approach. We discuss obstacles to affinity purification, data processing, functional validation, and identification of transient interactions and provide potential solutions for pathway‐specific proteomics analysis, which we hope one day will lead to a comprehensive understanding of signaling networks in humans.
Absorption, translocation and metabolism of bispyribac‐sodium on rice seedlings under cold stress
Authors: Martini Luiz Fernando D , Burgos Nilda R , Noldin José Alberto , de Avila Luis Antonio , Salas Reiofeli A
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Rice production is highly affected by weed competition. The efficacy of chemical weed control and crop safety is a function of absorption, translocation and metabolism of herbicides. This study investigates the effect of cold stress 22/16 °C (day/night) on absorption, translocation and metabolism of 14C‐bispyribac‐sodium on rice seedlings.

RESULTS

Maximum 14C‐bispyribac‐sodium absorption occurred at 24 h after herbicide treatment and was stimulated by the warm 30/22 °C (day/night) temperature. A large amount of total absorbed herbicide was retained in the treated leaf, indicating that bispyribac‐sodium had minimal translocation to other plant parts. Piperonyl‐butoxide (a P450 inhibitor) plus herbicide caused greater injury than the herbicide alone. In addition, injury on rice plants was enhanced by exposure to cold, emphasizing the negative effect on herbicide metabolism. In the thin‐layer chromatography metabolism experiment, cold‐grown plants had higher injury and retained more of the parent herbicide than plants grown at a warm temperature.

CONCLUSION

Cold stress reduces bispyribac‐sodium absorption and metabolism in rice, but has no effect on translocation. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Social Networking, Workplace, and Entertainment Literacies: The Out‐of‐School Literate Lives of Newcomer Latina/o Adolescents
Authors: Stewart Mary Amanda (Mandy)
Published: August 2014

Studies indicate that Latino immigrant youths engage in a wide range of sophisticated literacy practices outside of school that are often transnational, crossing various linguistic, cultural, and social spaces. However, Latino immigrant youths drop out of U.S. schools at disproportional rates, suggesting that their literacy practices are not recognized or valued by the educational system. This collective case study investigated the range, form, and purpose of the Out‐of‐School literacies of four Latina/o adolescent English learners who are new arrivals. Findings demonstrated that the most prevalent out‐of‐School literacies that the participants practice take place on the social networking site Facebook, in their workplaces, and through entertainment media sources. A cross‐case analysis suggests that the literacy practices in these spaces have unique and purposeful roles for the individuals that allow them to connect to their home countries and maintain their Latina/o identities. Additionally, the participants use their out‐of‐school literacy practices to acquire English, support themselves, and establish a place to succeed. The five aforementioned spaces that their Facebook, workplace, and entertainment literacy practices fill are virtually absent from their in‐school literacies. This study suggests that literacy pedagogy must not continue to impose a narrow monolingual, monocultural, monoliterate, and monomodal view of Latina/o immigrant students that essentially divests them of their greatest resources. Their literacy practices demonstrate that they are emerging as multilingual, multiliterate, and multicultural transnationals who competently engage in multimodal means of communication.
Systems Engineering Success Factors for Capturing Contracts
Authors: Smartt Clement , Ferreira Susan
Published: August 2014

Mastering the proposal process to ensure that contracts will be awarded is key to survival for organizations that thrive on contract work. Organizations often use systems engineering on proposals when complex systems are being engineered. However, not much research has been performed related to the use of systems engineering on proposals. This paper presents an analysis of results of a survey related to the use of systems engineering on proposals and identifies systems engineering related success factors for capturing contracts. The presented results can be used by decision makers to potentially increase the likelihood that proposal efforts will lead to contract awards.
Causes of mortality in eagles submitted to the National Wildlife Health Center 1975–2013
Authors: Russell Robin E. , Franson J. Christian
Published: August 2014

We summarized the cause of death for 2,980 bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and 1,427 golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) submitted to the National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, for diagnosis between 1975 and the beginning of 2013. We compared the proportion of eagles with a primary diagnosis as electrocuted, emaciated, traumatized, shot or trapped, diseased, poisoned, other, and undetermined among the 4 migratory bird flyways of the United States (Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific). Additionally, we compared the proportion of lead‐poisoned bald eagles submitted before and after the autumn 1991 ban on lead shot for waterfowl hunting. Trauma and poisonings (including lead poisoning) were the leading causes of death for bald eagles throughout the study period, and a greater proportion of bald eagles versus golden eagles were diagnosed as poisoned. For golden eagles, the major causes of mortality were trauma and electrocution. The proportion of lead poisoning diagnoses for bald eagles submitted to the National Wildlife Health Center displayed a statistically significant increase in all flyways after the autumn 1991 ban on the use of lead shot for waterfowl hunting. Thus, lead poisoning was a significant cause of mortality in our necropsied eagles, suggesting a continued need to evaluate the trade‐offs of lead ammunition for use on game other than waterfowl versus the impacts of lead on wildlife populations. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Self‐assembled Complexes of the Ligand Methyl(2‐pyrazinyl)ketone Oxime with Oxime and Anion···Oxime Interactions
Authors: Zhang Guoying , Ding Bin , Chai Lu , Niu Zheng , Yuan Lin , Yan Nanfu , Shi Xuefang
Published: August 2014

In this work, the ligand methyl(2‐pyrazinyl)ketone oxime with a pyrazinyl ring and an oxime moiety was synthesized. The two complexes [Cu3(μ3‐OH)(μ‐OPz)3(NO3)2]·2H2O·CH3OH (1) and [Ag3(HOPz)2(NO3)2](NO3) (2) [HOPz = methyl(2‐pyrazinyl)ketone oxime] could be isolated and structurally characterized. Complex 1 exhibits a fundamental structural unit of trinuclear Cu3(μ3‐OH) clusters, whereas complex 2 has a three‐core linear‐shaped silver(I) structure. For complexes 1 and 2, the pyrazinyl ring of the HOPz ligand acts as an electron‐deficient heterocycle and the nitrate anion is the electron‐rich unit. The structure of complex 1 is arranged by O(W)···O(MeOH)···O(NO3–) hydrogen bonds into a 1D chain, which is furthermore assembled into a 2D structure by C–H···πi (CPz) interactions between pyridyl rings and methyl groups. Complex 2 has a three‐core linear‐shaped structure, the nitrate oxygen atoms are involved in weak Ag···O interactions, which are linked into 1D chains by oxime···O(NO3–) hydrogen bonded R22(12) dimers. The O(NO3–)···πii (CPz) interactions further connect the adjacent moieties into a 3D supramolecular network. Complexes 1 and 2 present intriguing self‐complementary supra‐molecular architectures through combination of coordination, hydrogen bonding, C–H···π as well as O(NO3–)···π weak interactions. The results also provide a prototype for the development of frameworks with anions and multiple guest‐binding sites using general principles of crystal design.
A framework for model transformation verification
Authors: Lano Kevin , Clark T. , Kolahdouz-Rahimi S.
Published: August 2014

A model transformation verification task may involve a number of different transformations, from one or more of a wide range of different model transformation languages, each transformation may have a particular transformation style, and there are a number of different verification properties which can be verified for each language and style of transformation. Transformations may operate upon many different modelling languages. This diversity of languages and properties indicates the need for a suitably generic framework for model transformation verification, independent of particular model transformation languages, and able to provide support for systematic procedures for verification across a range of languages, and for a range of properties. In this paper we describe the elements of such a framework, and apply this framework to some example transformation verification problems. The paper is novel in covering a wide range of different verification techniques for a wide range of MT languages, within an integrated framework.
Characterization of a mutant glucose isomerase fromThermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum
Authors: Xu Heng , Shen Dong , Wu Xue-Qiang , Liu Zhi-Wei , Yang Qi-He
Published: August 2014

A series of site-directed mutant glucose isomerase at tryptophan 139 from Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum strain B6A were purified to gel electrophoretic homogeneity, and the biochemical properties were determined. W139F mutation is the most efficient mutant derivative with a tenfold increase in its catalytic efficiency toward glucose compared with the native GI. With a maximal activity at 80 °C of 59.58 U/mg on glucose, this mutant derivative is the most active type ever reported. The enzyme activity was maximal at 90 °C and like other glucose isomerase, this mutant enzyme required Co2+ or Mg2+ for enzyme activity and thermal stability (stable for 20 h at 80 °C in the absence of substrate). Its optimum pH was around 7.0, and it had 86 % of its maximum activity at pH 6.0 incubated for 12 h at 60 °C. This enzyme was determined as thermostable and weak-acid stable. These findings indicated that the mutant GI W139F from T. saccharolyticum strain B6A is appropriate for use as a potential candidate for high-fructose corn syrup producing enzyme.
Research challenges in digital education
Authors: Norman Geoff
Published: August 2014

Simulation and other forms of digital learning will occupy a place of increasing prominence in medical education in the future. However, to maximally use the potential of these media, we must go beyond a research agenda dictated by a ‘Does it work?’ question to one driven by careful analysis of the nature of the task to be learned and its relation to the characteristics of the technology. Secondly, we must change the focus from the characteristics of individual devices to a broader approach to design of a digital curriculum based on current understanding of the nature of human learning.
FAT1 cadherin is multiply phosphorylated on its ectodomain but phosphorylation is not catalysed by the four‐jointed homologue
Authors: Sadeqzadeh Elham , de Bock Charles E. , O'Donnell Maureen R. , Timofeeva Anna , Burns Gordon F. , Thorne Rick F.
Published: August 2014

The interaction between the Drosophila cadherins fat and dachsous is regulated by phosphorylation of their respective ectodomains, a process catalysed by the atypical kinase four‐jointed. Given that many signalling functions are conserved between Drosophila and vertebrate Fat cadherins, we sought to determine whether ectodomain phosphorylation is conserved in FAT1 cadherin, and also whether FJX1, the vertebrate orthologue of four‐jointed, was involved in such phosphorylation events. Potential Fj consensus phosphorylation motifs were identified in FAT1 and biochemical experiments revealed the presence of phosphoserine and phosphothreonine residues in its extracellular domain. However, silencing FJX1 did not influence the levels of FAT1 ectodomain phosphorylation, indicating that other mechanisms are likely responsible.
Third-order structure functions in rotating and stratified turbulence: a comparison between numerical, analytical and observational results
Authors: Deusebio Enrico , Augier P. , Lindborg E.
Published: August 2014

First, we review analytical and observational studies on third-order structure functions including velocity and buoyancy increments in rotating and stratified turbulence and discuss how these functions can be used in order to estimate the flux of energy through different scales in a turbulent cascade. In particular, we suggest that the negative third-order velocity–temperature–temperature structure function that was measured by Lindborg & Cho (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 85, 2000, p. 5663) using stratospheric aircraft data may be used in order to estimate the downscale flux of available potential energy (APE) through the mesoscales. Then, we calculate third-order structure functions from idealized simulations of forced stratified and rotating turbulence and compare with mesoscale results from the lower stratosphere. In the range of scales with a downscale energy cascade of kinetic energy (KE) and APE we find that the third-order structure functions display a negative linear dependence on separation distance $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}} r $, in agreement with observation and supporting the interpretation of the stratospheric data as evidence of a downscale energy cascade. The spectral flux of APE can be estimated from the relevant third-order structure function. However, while the sign of the spectral flux of KE is correctly predicted by using the longitudinal third-order structure functions, its magnitude is overestimated by a factor of two. We also evaluate the third-order velocity structure functions that are not parity invariant and therefore display a cyclonic–anticyclonic asymmetry. In agreement with the results from the stratosphere, we find that these functions have an approximate $ r^{2} $-dependence, with strong dominance of cyclonic motions.
Ageostrophic instability in rotating, stratified interior vertical shear flows
Authors: Wang Peng , McWilliams James C. , Ménesguen Claire
Published: August 2014

The linear instability of several rotating, stably stratified, interior vertical shear flows $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}\overline{U}(z)$ is calculated in Boussinesq equations. Two types of baroclinic, ageostrophic instability, AI1 and AI2, are found in odd-symmetric $\overline{U}(z)$ for intermediate Rossby number ($\mathit{Ro}$). AI1 has zero frequency; it appears in a continuous transformation of the unstable mode properties between classic baroclinic instability (BCI) and centrifugal instability (CI). It begins to occur at intermediate $\mathit{Ro}$ values and horizontal wavenumbers ($k,l$) that are far from $l= 0$ or $k = 0$, where the growth rate of BCI or CI is the strongest. AI1 grows by drawing kinetic energy from the mean flow, and the perturbation converts kinetic energy to potential energy. The instability AI2 has inertia critical layers (ICL); hence it is associated with inertia-gravity waves. For an unstable AI2 mode, the coupling is either between an interior balanced shear wave and an inertia-gravity wave (BG), or between two inertia-gravity waves (GG). The main energy source for an unstable BG mode is the mean kinetic energy, while the main energy source for an unstable GG mode is the mean available potential energy. AI1 and BG type AI2 occur in the neighbourhood of $A-S= 0$ (a sign change in the difference between absolute vertical vorticity and horizontal strain rate in isentropic coordinates; see McWilliams et al., Phys. Fluids, vol. 10, 1998, pp. 3178–3184), while GG type AI2 arises beyond this condition. Both AI1 and AI2 are unbalanced instabilities; they serve as an initiation of a possible local route for the loss of balance in 3D interior flows, leading to an efficient energy transfer to small scales.
Nutrient-specific compensatory feeding in a mammalian carnivore, the mink, Neovison vison
Authors: Jensen Kim , Simpson Stephen J. , Nielsen Vivi H. , Hunt John , Raubenheimer David , Mayntz David
Published: August 2014

Balancing of macronutrient intake has only recently been demonstrated in predators. In particular, the ability to regulate carbohydrate intake is little studied in obligate carnivores, as carbohydrate is present at very low concentrations in prey animal tissue. In the present study, we determined whether American mink (Neovison vison) would compensate for dietary nutritional imbalances by foraging for complementary macronutrients (protein, lipid and carbohydrate) when subsequently given a dietary choice. We used three food pairings, within which two macronutrients differed relative to each other (high v. low concentration), while the third was kept at a constant level. The mink were first restricted to a single nutritionally imbalanced food for 7 d and then given a free choice to feed from the same food or a nutritionally complementary food for three consecutive days. When restricted to nutritionally imbalanced foods, the mink were willing to overingest protein only to a certain level (‘ceiling’). When subsequently given a choice, the mink compensated for the period of nutritional imbalance by selecting the nutritionally complementary food in the food choice pairing. Notably, this rebalancing occurred for all the three macronutrients, including carbohydrate, which is particularly interesting as carbohydrate is not a major macronutrient for obligate carnivores in nature. However, there was also a ceiling to carbohydrate intake, as has been demonstrated previously in domestic cats. The results of the present study show that mink regulate their intake of all the three macronutrients within limits imposed by ceilings on protein and carbohydrate intake and that they will compensate for a period of nutritional imbalance by subsequently selecting nutritionally complementary foods.
Vitamin D status and predictors of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in Western Australian adolescents
Authors: Black Lucinda J. , Burrows Sally A. , Jacoby Peter , Oddy Wendy H. , Beilin Lawrence J. , Chan She Ping-Delfos Wendy , Marshall Carina E. , Holt Patrick G. , Hart Prue H. , Mori Trevor A.
Published: August 2014

Despite the importance of skeletal growth during adolescence, there is limited research reporting vitamin D status and its predictors in adolescents. Using prospective data from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, we investigated vitamin D status and predictors of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations in adolescents. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured in the same participants at 14 and 17 years (n 1045 at both time points). The percentage of adolescents with serum 25(OH)D concentrations < 50, 50–74·9 and ≥ 75 nmol/l was reported year-round and by month of blood collection. We examined the predictors of serum 25(OH)D concentrations, including sex, race, month of blood collection, physical activity, BMI, family income, and Ca and vitamin D intakes (n 919 at 14 years; n 570 at 17 years), using a general linear mixed model. At 14 years, 31 % of adolescents had serum 25(OH)D concentrations between 50 and 74·9 nmol/l and a further 4 % had concentrations < 50 nmol/l. At 17 years, 40 % of adolescents had serum 25(OH)D concentrations between 50 and 74·9 nmol/l and 12 % had concentrations < 50 nmol/l. Caucasian ethnicity, being sampled at the end of summer, exercising more, having a lower BMI, a higher Ca intake and a higher family income were significantly associated with higher serum 25(OH)D concentrations. The proportion of adolescents with serum 25(OH)D concentrations < 50 nmol/l was low in this Western Australian cohort. There is a need for international consensus on defining adequate vitamin D status in order to determine whether strategies to increase vitamin D status in adolescents are warranted.
Polymerase chain reaction for the amplification of the 121-bp repetitive sequence ofSchistosoma mansoni: a highly sensitive potential diagnostic tool for areas of low endemicity
Authors: Ferrer E. , Pérez F. , Bello I. , Bolívar A. , Lares M. , Osorio A. , León L. , Amarista M. , Incani R.N.
Published: August 2014

Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by parasitic flatworms of the genusSchistosoma, whose diagnosis has limitations, such as the low sensitivity and specificity of parasitological and immunological methods, respectively. In the present study an alternative molecular technique requiring previous standardization was carried out using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the amplification of a 121-bp highly repetitive sequence forSchistosoma mansoni.DNA was extracted from eggs ofS. mansoniby salting out. Different conditions were standardized for the PCR technique, including the concentration of reagents and the DNA template, annealing temperature and number of cycles, followed by the determination of the analytical sensitivity and specificity of the technique. Furthermore, the standardized PCR technique was employed in DNA extracted, using Chelex®100, from samples of sera of patients with an immunodiagnosis of schistosomiasis. The optimal conditions for the PCR were 2.5 mmMgCl2, 150 mmdeoxynucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs), 0.4 μmprimers, 0.75 U DNA polymerase, using 35 cycles and an annealing temperature of 63°C. The analytical sensitivity of the PCR was 10 attograms of DNA and the specificity was 100%. The DNA sequence was successfully detected in the sera of two patients, demonstrating schistosomiasis transmission, although low, in the community studied. The standardized PCR technique, using smaller amounts of reagents than in the original protocol, is highly sensitive and specific for the detection of DNA fromS. mansoniand could be an important tool for diagnosis in areas of low endemicity.
Trypanocidal activity of free and nanoencapsulated curcumin onTrypanosoma evansi
Authors: GRESSLER L. T. , OLIVEIRA C. B. , CORADINI K. , ROSA L. DALLA , GRANDO T. H. , BALDISSERA M. D. , ZIMMERMANN C. E. , DA SILVA A. S. , ALMEIDA T. C. , HERMES C. L. , WOLKMER P. , SILVA C. B. , MOREIRA K. L. S. , BECK R. C. R. , MORESCO R. N. , DA VEIGA M. L. , STEFANI L. M. , MONTEIRO S. G.
Published: August 2014

This study aimed to evaluatein vitroandin vivotrypanocidal activity of free and nanoencapsulated curcumin againstTrypanosoma evansi. In vitroefficacy of free curcumin (CURC) and curcumin-loaded in lipid-core nanocapsules (C-LNCs) was evaluated to verify their lethal effect onT. evansi. To perform thein vivotests,T. evansi-infected animals were treated with CURC (10 and 100 mg kg−1, intraperitoneally [i.p.]) and C-LNCs (10 mg kg−1, i.p.) during 6 days, with the results showing that these treatments significantly attenuated the parasitaemia. Infected untreated rats showed protein peroxidation and an increase of nitrites/nitrates, whereas animals treated with curcumin showed a reduction on these variables. As a result, the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) differs between groups (P<0·05). Infected animals and treated with CURC exhibited a reduction in the levels of alanine aminotransferase and creatinine, when compared with the positive control group. The use of curcuminin vitroresulted in a better parasitaemia control, an antioxidant activity and a protective effect on liver and kidney functions ofT. evansi-infected adult male Wistar rats.