bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A screening and determinative method for the analysis of natural and synthetic steroids, stilbenes and resorcyclic acid lactones in bovine urine
Authors: Akre Christine , Mizuno Masahiro
Published: July 2016

Our laboratory has four separate methods for the analysis of trenbolone, stilbenes, resorcyclic acid lactones, and estradiol in bovine urine. The method described in this paper was in response to a client request to consolidate the methods preferably into one method. A multiresidue semi‐quantitative method was developed and any suspect positive samples detected by the method were subjected to the method of standard addition to accurately quantify the concentration of the positive analyte. Samples were enzymatically hydrolyzed using β‐glucuronidase after which, supported liquid extraction on HM‐N cartridges was performed, followed by solvent exchange into methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE). The samples were evaporated and reconstituted into 10% methanol in water and loaded onto a SampliQ OPT SPE. The cleaned‐up extract was further cleaned up on a SampliQ NH2 cartridge. The SPE eluate was split into two for analysis by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) using electron ionization (EI) and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) using both positive and negative electrospray. It was found that with the exception of estradiol and trenbolone all compounds could be analyzed by both GC‐MS and LC‐MS/MS, providing a semi‐quantitative method. It is recommended that quantification is achieved using standard addition. Of the 13 compounds successfully monitored, the limits of detection (LODs), and the limits of quantification (LOQs) obtained were within the Codex limits for the target concentrations. As far as the authors are aware, the use of supported liquid extraction has not been reported for bovine urine analysis. © 2016 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Drug Testing and Analysis © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endurance of larch forest ecosystems in eastern Siberia under warming trends
Authors: Sato Hisashi , Kobayashi Hideki , Iwahana Go , Ohta Takeshi
Published: July 2016

The larch (Larix spp.) forest in eastern Siberia is the world's largest coniferous forest. Its persistence is considered to depend on near‐surface permafrost, and thus, forecast warming over the 21st century and consequent degradation of near‐surface permafrost is expected to affect the larch forest in Siberia. However, predictions of these effects vary greatly, and many uncertainties remain about land – atmosphere interactions within the ecosystem. We developed an integrated land surface model to analyze how the Siberian larch forest will react to current warming trends. This model analyzed interactions between vegetation dynamics and thermo‐hydrology, although it does not consider many processes those are considered to affect productivity response to a changing climate (e.g., nitrogen limitation, waterlogged soil, heat stress, and change in species composition). The model showed that, under climatic conditions predicted under gradual and rapid warming, the annual net primary production of larch increased about 2 and 3 times, respectively, by the end of the 21st century compared with that in the previous century. Soil water content during the larch‐growing season showed no obvious trend, even when surface permafrost was allowed to decay and result in subsurface runoff. A sensitivity test showed that the forecast temperature and precipitation trends extended larch leafing days and reduced water shortages during the growing season, thereby increasing productivity. The integrated model also satisfactorily reconstructed latitudinal gradients in permafrost presence, soil moisture, tree leaf area index, and biomass over the entire larch‐dominated area in eastern Siberia. Projected changes to ecosystem hydrology and larch productivity at this geographical scale were consistent with those from site‐level simulation. This study reduces the uncertainty surrounding the impact of current climate trends on this globally important carbon reservoir, and it demonstrates the need to consider complex ecological processes to make accurate predictions.
Steep, coincident, and concordant clines in mitochondrial and nuclear‐encoded genes in a hybrid zone between subspecies of Atlantic killifish,Fundulus heteroclitus
Authors: McKenzie Jessica L. , Dhillon Rashpal S. , Schulte Patricia M.
Published: July 2016

Steep genetic clines resulting from recent secondary contact between previously isolated taxa can either gradually erode over time or be stabilized by factors such as ecological selection or selection against hybrids. We used patterns of variation in 30 nuclear and two mitochondrialSNPs to examine the factors that could be involved in stabilizing clines across a hybrid zone between two subspecies of the Atlantic killifish,Fundulus heteroclitus. Increased heterozygote deficit and cytonuclear disequilibrium in populations near the center of the mtDNAcline suggest that some form of reproductive isolation such as assortative mating or selection against hybrids may be acting in this hybrid zone. However, only a small number of loci exhibited these signatures, suggesting locus‐specific, rather than genomewide, factors. Fourteen of the 32 loci surveyed had cline widths inconsistent with neutral expectations, with twoSNPs in the mitochondrial genome exhibiting the steepest clines. Seven of the 12 putatively non‐neutral nuclear clines were forSNPs in genes related to oxidative metabolism. Among these putatively non‐neutral nuclear clines,SNPs in two nuclear‐encoded mitochondrial genes (SLC25A3 andHDDC2), as well asSNPs in the myoglobin, 40S ribosomal protein S17, and actin‐bindingLIMprotein genes, had clines that were coincident and concordant with the mitochondrial clines. When hybrid index was calculated using this subset of loci, the frequency distribution of hybrid indices for a population located at the mtDNAcline center was non‐unimodal, suggesting selection against advanced‐generation hybrids, possibly due to effects on processes involved in oxidative metabolism.
Bifunctional Ni‐ZSM‐5 Catalysts for the Pyrolysis and Hydropyrolysis of Biomass
Authors: Gamliel David P. , Bollas George M. , Valla Julia A.
Published: July 2016

In this work, we explore pyrolysis options, namely, high pressure, H2, and metal‐loaded ZSM‐5 catalysts, to improve the limited deoxygenation capacity and reduce the excessive production of solids in biomass catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP). Specifically, we explore the product selectivity of Miscanthus x giganteus CFP in inert or H2‐rich environments, pressures up to 450 psig, and over ZSM‐5 and Ni‐ZSM‐5. We show that higher pressures promote decarboxylation reactions, reduce the yields to liquids, and enhance the formation of solid products. Ni‐ZSM‐5 promotes decarboxylation, dehydration, and methanation reactions. The cofeeding of H2 at high pressures increases the selectivity to monoaromatic hydrocarbons with a parallel enhancement of the yield to saturated products. Solid products are reduced drastically in H2‐rich, high‐pressure experiments, and the CH4 selectivity increases. Based on these experimental findings, we present a reaction scheme that describes the impact of pressure, H2, and Ni on the product selectivity of biomass CFP.
Smoothed‐profile method for momentum and heat transfer in particulate flows
Authors: Romanò Francesco , Kuhlmann Hendrik C.
Published: July 2016

The smoothed‐profile method for the motion of solid bodies suspended in a fluid phase is investigated when combined with a high‐order spatial discretization. The performance of the combined method is tested for a wide range of flow and geometry parameters as well as for static and for moving particles. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis is conducted with respect to the smoothed‐profile function. The algorithm is extended to include thermal effects in Boussinesq approximation. Several benchmark problems are considered to demonstrate the potential of the technique. The implementation of the energy equation is verified by dedicated tests. All simulations are compared with either theoretical, numerical, or experimental data. The results demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the smoothed‐profile method for non‐isothermal problems in combination with a discontinuous finite‐element solver for the fluid flow, which allows for a flexible handling of the grid and the order of spectral approximation in each element. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microglial activation induced by the alarmin S100B is regulated by poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1
Authors: Xu Jianguo , Wang Handong , Won Seok Joon , Basu Jayinee , Kapfhamer David , Swanson Raymond A.
Published: July 2016

Brain injury resulting from stroke or trauma can be exacerbated by the release of proinflammatory cytokines, proteases, and reactive oxygen species by activated microglia. The microglial activation resulting from brain injury is mediated in part by alarmins, which are signaling molecules released from damaged cells. The nuclear enzyme poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) has been shown to regulate microglial activation after brain injury, and here we show that signaling effects of the alarmin S100B are regulated by PARP‐1. S100B is a protein localized predominantly to astrocytes. Exogenous S100B added to primary microglial cultures induced a rapid change in microglial morphology, upregulation of IL‐1β, TNFα, and iNOS gene expression, and release of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and nitric oxide. Most, though not all of these effects were attenuated in PARP‐1‐/‐ microglia and in wild‐type microglia treated with the PARP inhibitor, veliparib. Microglial activation and gene expression changes induced by S100B injected directly into brain were likewise attenuated by PARP‐1 inhibition. The anti‐inflammatory effects of PARP‐1 inhibitors in acutely injured brain may thus be mediated in part through effects on S100B signaling pathways. GLIA 2016;64:1869–1878
Brain dynamics of post‐task resting state are influenced by expertise: Insights from baseball players
Authors: Muraskin Jordan , Dodhia Sonam , Lieberman Gregory , Garcia Javier O. , Verstynen Timothy , Vettel Jean M. , Sherwin Jason , Sajda Paul
Published: July 2016

Post‐task resting state dynamics can be viewed as a task‐driven state where behavioral performance is improved through endogenous, non‐explicit learning. Tasks that have intrinsic value for individuals are hypothesized to produce post‐task resting state dynamics that promote learning. We measured simultaneous fMRI/EEG and DTI in Division‐1 collegiate baseball players and compared to a group of controls, examining differences in both functional and structural connectivity. Participants performed a surrogate baseball pitch Go/No‐Go task before a resting state scan, and we compared post‐task resting state connectivity using a seed‐based analysis from the supplementary motor area (SMA), an area whose activity discriminated players and controls in our previous results using this task. Although both groups were equally trained on the task, the experts showed differential activity in their post‐task resting state consistent with motor learning. Specifically, we found (1) differences in bilateral SMA–L Insula functional connectivity between experts and controls that may reflect group differences in motor learning, (2) differences in BOLD‐alpha oscillation correlations between groups suggests variability in modulatory attention in the post‐task state, and (3) group differences between BOLD‐beta oscillations that may indicate cognitive processing of motor inhibition. Structural connectivity analysis identified group differences in portions of the functionally derived network, suggesting that functional differences may also partially arise from variability in the underlying white matter pathways. Generally, we find that brain dynamics in the post‐task resting state differ as a function of subject expertise and potentially result from differences in both functional and structural connectivity. Hum Brain Mapp 37:4454–4471, 2016. © 2016 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinicopathological characteristics of head and neck Merkel cell carcinomas
Authors: Knopf Andreas , Bas Murat , Hofauer Benedikt , Mansour Naglaa , Stark Thomas
Published: July 2016

Background

There are still controversies about the therapeutic strategies and subsequent outcome in head and neck Merkel cell carcinoma.

Methods

Clinicopathological data of 23 Merkel cell carcinomas, 93 cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), 126 malignant melanomas, and 91 primary parotid gland carcinomas were comprehensively analyzed. Merkel cell carcinomas were cytokeratin 20 (CK20)/neuron‐specific enolase (NSE)/chromogranin A (CgA)/synaptophysin (Syn)/thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1)/MIB1 immunostained.

Results

All Merkel cell carcinomas underwent wide local excision. Parotidectomy/neck dissection was performed in 40%/33% cutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma and 100%/100% in parotid gland Merkel cell carcinoma. Five‐year recurrence‐free interval (RFI)/overall survival (OS) was significantly higher in malignant melanoma (81/80%) than in cutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma/HNSCC. Interestingly, 5‐year RFI/OS was significantly higher in Merkel cell carcinoma (61%/79%) than in HNSCC (33%/65%; p < .0001) despite comparable TNM classifications and treatment regimens. There were neither differences of RFI/OS between parotid gland Merkel cell carcinoma and parotid gland carcinomas, nor in the immunohistochemical profile.

Conclusion

Five‐year RFI/OS was significantly better in cutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma when compared with TNM classification matched HNSCC. Five‐year RFI/OS was comparable in parotid gland Merkel cell carcinoma and other primary parotid gland malignancies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 92–97, 2017
Prior Exercise Training Prevent Hyperglycemia in STZ Mice by Increasing Hepatic Glycogen and Mitochondrial Function on Skeletal Muscle
Authors: de Carvalho Afonso Kopczynski , da Silva Sabrina , Serafini Edenir , de Souza Daniela Roxo , Farias Hemelin Resende , de Bem Silveira Gustavo , Silveira Paulo Cesar Lock , de Souza Claudio Teodoro , Portela Luis Valmor , Muller Alexandre Pastoris
Published: July 2016

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. We investigated the effect of a prior 30 days voluntary exercise protocol on STZ‐diabetic CF1 mice. Glycemia, and the liver and skeletal muscle glycogen, mitochondrial function, and redox status were analyzed up to 5 days after STZ injection. Animals were engaged in the following groups: Sedentary vehicle (Sed Veh), Sedentary STZ (Sed STZ), Exercise Vehicle (Ex Veh), and Exercise STZ (Ex STZ). Exercise prevented fasting hyperglycemia in the Ex STZ group. In the liver, there was decreased on glycogen level in Sed STZ group but not in EX STZ group. STZ groups showed decreased mitochondrial oxygen consumption compared to vehicle groups, whereas mitochondrial H2O2 production was not different between groups. Addition of ADP to the medium did not decrease H2O2 production in Sed STZ mice. Exercise increased GSH level. Sed STZ group increased nitrite levels compared to other groups. In quadriceps muscle, glycogen level was similar between groups. The Sed STZ group displayed decreased O2 consumption, and exercise prevented this reduction. The H2O2 production was higher in Ex STZ when compared to other groups. Also, GSH level decreased whereas nitrite levels increased in the Sed STZ compared to other groups. The PGC1 α levels increased in Sed STZ, Ex Veh, and Ex STZ groups. In summary, prior exercise training prevents hyperglycemia in STZ‐mice diabetic associated with increased liver glycogen storage, and oxygen consumption by the mitochondria of skeletal muscle implying in increased oxidative/biogenesis capacity, and improved redox status of both tissues. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 678–685, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sonographic diagnosis of a glomus tumor of the thigh
Authors: Lee Tzu‐Shiuan , Wu Hung‐Ta , Chan Rai‐Chi , Wang Jia‐Chi
Published: July 2016

Extradigital glomus tumors are a very rare entity. Here, we report a rare case of a glomus tumor in an atypical anatomic site: the thigh. The clinical features together with the results of MRI, and sonography and Doppler sonographic imaging helped to distinguish glomus tumor of the thigh from other soft tissue neoplasms. The tumor arising from the thigh was excised, and following surgery, the patient was symptom free without evidence of complications or recurrence. There have only been a few previously reported cases describing the use of Doppler sonography in the evaluation of extradigital glomus tumors. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:50–52, 2017
An Easy Access to Construct Some New Fused 1,2,4‐Triazines with Ring Junction Nitrogen Systems and Their Biological Evaluation
Authors: Hamama Wafaa , El‐Bana Ghada , Shaaban Saad , Habib O. M. O. , Zoorob Hanafi
Published: July 2016

The chemical reactivity of 4‐amino‐6‐benzyl‐3‐mercapto‐1,2,4‐triazine‐5(4H)‐one (1) towards various aliphatic or/and mono and bis aromatic carboxylic acid derivatives to give the corresponding fused heterocyclic systems, 1,3,4‐thiadiazoles 4, 5, 6, which incorporating 1,2,4‐triazine moiety was achieved. Moreover, compound 1 was subjected to reaction either with halo acetic acids or bromo ester to afford the respective fused nitrogen ring junction systems, thiadiazole 2 and 3 or thiadiazine 7. However, while the tetracyclic ring system 9 was furnished through condensation reaction of isatine with triazine 1. In addition, some of the new synthesized compounds were evaluated as an antioxidant and antitumor agents.
Regio‐ and Site Selectivity in the Reactions of Hydrazonoyl Chlorides with 3‐substituted Indolin‐2‐one Derivatives
Authors: Farghaly Thoraya A. , Abdallah Magda A. , Mahmoud Huda K.
Published: July 2016

The reaction of 3‐(3‐amino‐5‐oxo‐1,5‐dihydropyrazol‐4‐ylidene)‐1,3‐dihydroindol‐2‐one with N‐aryl‐2‐oxopropane hydrazonoyl chlorides in dioxane in the presence of triethylamine proceeded regio‐ and site selectively to give 3‐(2‐arylazo‐3‐methyl‐6‐oxo‐imidazo[1,2‐b]pyrazol‐7‐ylidene‐indol‐2‐ones rather than the isomeric form 3‐(3‐arylazo‐2‐methyl‐6‐oxo‐imidazo[1,2‐b]pyrazol‐7‐ylidene‐indol‐2‐ones. On the other hand, the reaction of N’‐(2‐oxoindoline‐3‐ylidene)hydrazinecarbothiohydrazide with hydrazonoyl chlorides in refluxing ethanol and in the presence of triethylamine proceeded regio‐ and site selectively to give the respective 3‐(substituted‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐ylidenehydrazono)indolin‐2‐ones. The mechanism of formation of the new products was also discussed. The structure assigned for the products was established by elemental and spectral data (1H‐NMR, IR, and Mass) and NOE experiment. Moreover, the biological activity of the products was evaluated against some fungi and bacteria, and the results obtained revealed the high potency of some of them compared with the used standard references.
Functional impairment of CMV‐reactive cellular immunity during pregnancy
Authors: Reuschel Edith , Barabas Sascha , Zeman Florian , Bendfeldt Hanna , Rascle Anne , Deml Ludwig , Seelbach‐Goebel Birgit
Published: July 2016

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common congenital viral infection. Mother‐to‐child transmission can cause severe child disability. Intact CMV‐specific cell‐mediated immunity (CMI) was shown to prevent uncontrolled replication in healthy individuals. This study aimed to determine whether CMV‐specific CMI is impaired in pregnant women, thus potentially increasing the overall risk for active CMV replication and transmission. CMV‐specific CMI in peripheral blood of 60 pregnant women was determined using T‐Track® CMV for detection of IE‐1 and pp65‐reactive effector cells by IFN‐γ ELISpot, and compared to the CMV‐IgG and ‐IgM serostatus. CMV‐specific CMI was detected in 65% of CMV‐seropositive pregnant women. Five percent of CMV‐IgG seronegative women showed IE‐1‐ but not pp65‐reactive cells. The overall number of CMV‐reactive cells in pregnant women was significantly lower compared to a matched non‐pregnant control group (P < 0.001). No significant difference in CMV‐specific CMI was detected in the course of the three trimesters of pregnancy of CMV‐IgG seropositive women. Postpartum (median days postnatal = 123), IE‐1‐ and pp65‐specific CMI remained significantly lower than in the non‐pregnant control group (P < 0.001 and 0.0032, respectively). Functional analysis of CMV‐reactive immune cells using T‐Track® CMV therefore suggests a systemic down‐regulation of CMV‐specific CMI in pregnant women. Further studies are needed to investigate whether this may be indicative of a higher susceptibility to CMV reactivation or transmission. J. Med. Virol. 89:324–331, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emission mechanism in phosphorescent and fluorescent OLED utilizing energy transfer from exciplex to emitter
Authors: Takahashi Tatsuyoshi , Seo Satoshi , Nowatari Hiromi , Hosoumi Shunsuke , Ishisone Takahiro , Watabe Takeyoshi , Mitsumori Satomi , Ohsawa Nobuharu , Yamazaki Shunpei
Published: July 2016

This paper discusses the effectiveness of energy transfer from an exciplex to an emitter in both phosphorescent and fluorescent organic light‐emitting diodes. This energy transfer enhances the efficiency, lowers the drive voltage, and extends the lifetime. The increase in the quantum efficiency of a fluorescent organic light‐emitting diode using this mechanism is also analyzed.
Novel method for the rapid and specific extraction of multiple β2‐agonist residues in food by tailor‐made Monolith‐MIPs extraction disks and detection by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Haibo , Gan Ning , Chen Yinji , Ding Qingqing , Huang Jie , Lin Saichai , Cao Yuting , Li Tianhua
Published: July 2016

A quick and specific pretreatment method based on a series of extraction clean‐up disks, consisting of molecularly imprinted polymer monoliths and C18 adsorbent, was developed for the specific enrichment of salbutamol and clenbuterol residues in food. The molecularly imprinted monolithic polymer disk was synthesized using salbutamol as a template through a one‐step synthesis process. It can simultaneously and specifically recognize salbutamol and clenbuterol. The monolithic polymer disk and series of C18 disks were assembled with a syringe to form a set of tailor‐made devices for the extraction of target molecules. In a single run, salbutamol and clenbuterol can be specifically extracted, cleaned, and eluted by methanol/acetic acid/H2O. The target molecules, after a silylation derivatization reaction were detected by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The parameters including solvent desorption, sample pH, and the cycles of reloading were investigated and discussed. Under the optimized extraction and clean‐up conditions, the limits of detection and quantitation were determined as 0.018–0.022 and 0.042–0.049 ng/g for salbutamol and clenbuterol, respectively. The assay described was convenient, rapid, and specific; thereby potentially efficient in the high‐throughput analysis of β2‐agonists residues in real food samples.
Confinement Effects on the Optical Properties and Chain Conformations of Poly(9,9‐di‐n‐octylfluorene‐alt‐benzothiadiazole) Nanotubes
Authors: Chu Chien‐Wei , Jeng Kai‐Sheng , Chi Mu‐Huan , Tsai Chia‐Chan , Cheng Ming‐Hsiang , Chen Jiun‐Tai
Published: July 2016

Although many fabrication methods of conjugated polymer nanostructures have been developed, the effects of confinement on the morphologies, chain conformations, and optical properties of conjugated polymers are still not well understood. In this work, poly(9,9‐di‐n‐octylfluorene‐alt‐benzothiadiazole) (F8BT), a light‐emitting conjugated polymer, is used to fabricate nanotubes by a solution wetting method using anodic aluminum oxide templates. The property changes under the nanoscale confinement have been investigated. The morphologies of F8BT nanostructures are characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and laser scanning confocal microscope. The data show the hollow morphologies and no or low crystallinity of the nanostructures. The optical properties are also measured using UV–vis absorption, photoluminescence, and confocal Raman spectroscopy. The spectroscopy data indicate that F8BT polymer chains have less intermolecular interactions and coplanarity under the confinement effect.

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A pH‐Responsive Hydrogel Based on a Tumor‐Targeting Mesoporous Silica Nanocomposite for Sustained Cancer Labeling and Therapy
Authors: Chen Xin , Liu Zhongning
Published: July 2016

A facile strategy is presented to synthesize hyaluronic acid (HA) and a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐conjugated mesoporous silica nanocomposite (MSN) with multiple functions of fluorescence, tumor‐cell targeting, pH‐triggered gelation, and enzyme‐responsive drug release. This injectable nanocomposite is able to indicate the entire tumor location and provides a microenvironment with rich anticancer drugs in and around tumor tissue for a long time, to avoid recrudescence. In this design, the mesoporous silica serves as the drug container, the FITC serves as a fluorescent probe, and the anchored HA plays multiple roles as drug‐release cap, tumor‐targeting points, and responsive gel matrix. Owing to the specific affinity between the HA on MSNs and the CD44 antigen over‐expressed on tumor cells, the MSNs can selectively attach to tumor cells. The nanocomposites then exploit the pH‐responsive interactions (hydrogen bonds) among the HA to self‐assemble in situ into a hydrogel around the tumor tissue. The resulting hydrogel gradually releases its payload (doxorubicin, anticancer drugs)‐loaded MSNs upon HA degradation in the presence of hyaluronidase‐1 (Hyal‐1), followed by endocytosis and intracellular drug release. All these properties have distinct benefits for tumor treatment, demonstrating that this device is a promising candidate for oncotherapy applications.

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Multi‐site rainfall simulation at tropical regions: a comparison of three types of generators
Authors: Vallam Pramodh , Qin Xiao Sheng
Published: July 2016

Rainfall modelling is an essential component of different hydrological studies. However, rainfall modelling in tropical regions, especially urban areas, remains inadequate. To determine the applicability of different types of rainfall modelling approaches, simulations by two Markov models (Matlab‐based weather generator (MulGETS) and multi‐site rainfall simulator (MRS)) and a Neyman–Scott based Poisson cluster model (RainSim) were compared with a proposed modified k‐nearest neighbour (KNN) model for 30 years rainfall in Singapore. The MRS model was determined to be suitable for single‐site applications in tropical regions. However, for multi‐site conditions, RainSim was adjudged the most suitable given its accuracy in preserving observed spatial information, despite its performance lagging in few statistical indicators. The KNN model was found to perform satisfactorily during the wet seasons, and was the only model that could repeat the extreme precipitation values closely. Although typical studies evaluate the performance of models based on a set of criteria, there exists a lacuna in understanding the quality of simulations by these models. Therefore, uncertainty analysis based on two different criteria was implemented to understand the performance of the stochastic processes within. Although the MulGETS model exhibited the lowest differences between Prediction Intervals, RainSim's Prediction Intervals were found to subsume observed data more often. The proposed study would be useful for users examining rainfall models for differing objectives.
Seamless integration of cloud and fog networks
Authors: Cardoso Igor Duarte , Barraca João P. , Gonçalves Carlos , Aguiar Rui L.
Published: July 2016

A way to merge cloud computing infrastructures with traditional or legacy network deployments, leveraging the best in both worlds and enabling a logically centralized control. A solution is proposed to extend existing cloud computing software stacks so they are able to manage networks outside the cloud computing infrastructure, the fog, by extending the internal, virtualized network segments. This is useful in a variety of use cases such as incremental legacy to cloud network migration, hybrid virtual/traditional networking, centralized control of existing networks, bare metal provisioning, and even offloading of advanced services from typical home gateways into the operator. Any organization can develop different ‘drivers’ to support new, specific networking equipment, not necessarily tied to a protocol or vendor, and leverage the fog network. Our conceptual solution is prototyped on top of OpenStack, including changes to the API, command‐line interface (CLI), and other mechanisms. Test results indicate that there are low penalties on latency and throughput, and provisioning times are reduced in comparison with similar maintenance operations on traditional computer networks. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
5‐Amino‐3,4‐dinitropyrazole as a Promising Energetic Material
Authors: Muravyev Nikita V. , Bragin Anatoly A. , Monogarov Konstantin A. , Nikiforova Anna S. , Korlyukov Alexander A. , Fomenkov Igor V. , Shishov Nikolay I. , Pivkina Alla N.
Published: July 2016

The nitrogen‐rich energetic compound 5‐amino‐3,4‐dinitropyrazole (5‐ADP) was investigated using complementary experimental techniques. X‐ray diffraction indicates the strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding in 5‐ADP crystals. Compound exhibits low impact sensitivity (23 J) and insensitivity to friction. The activation energy of thermolysis determined to be 230±5 kJ mol−1from DSC measurements. Accelerating rate calorimetry indicates the lower thermal stability (173 °C) of 5‐ADP than that of RDX, which is probably the main concern about using this compound. 5‐ADP also exhibits good compatibility with common energetic materials (viz. TNT, RDX, ammonium perchlorate), including an active binder. The burning rate of 5‐ADP monopropellant is higher than that of benchmark HMX, while the pressure exponent 0.51±0.04 is surprisingly low. Addition of ammonium perchlorate does not affect the pressure exponent of 5‐ADP, while the burning rate increases. The 5‐amino‐3,4‐dinitropyrazole exhibits a notable combination of combustion performance, low sensitivity, and good compatibility, which renders it as a promising energetic material.
Sequences of stilboflavin C: towards the peptaibiome of the filamentous fungus Stilbella (= Trichoderma) flavipes
Authors: Degenkolb Thomas , Götze Lutz , von Döhren Hans , Vilcinskas Andreas , Brückner Hans
Published: July 2016

Filamentous fungi of the genus Stilbella are recognized as an abundant source of naturally occurring α‐aminoisobutyric acid‐containing peptides. The culture broth of Stilbella (Trichoderma) flavipes CBS 146.81 yielded a mixture of peptides named stilboflavins (SF), and these were isolated and separated by preparative TLC into groups named SF‐A, SF‐B, and SF‐C. Although all three of these groups resolved as single spots on thin‐layer chromatograms, HPLC analysis revealed that each of the groups represents very microheterogeneous mixtures of closely related peptides. Here, we report on the sequence analysis of SF‐C peptides, formerly isolated by preparative TLC. HPLC coupled to QqTOF‐ESI‐HRMS provided the sequences of 10 16‐residue peptides and five 19‐residue peptides, all of which were N‐terminally acetylated. In contrast to the previously described SF‐A and SF‐B peptaibols, SF‐C peptaibols contain Ser‐Alaol or Ser‐Leuol, which are rarely found as C‐termini, and repetitive Leu‐Aib‐Gly sequences, which have not been detected in peptaibols before. Taking the previously determined sequences of SF‐A and SF‐B into account, the entirety of peptides produced by S. flavipes (the ‘peptaibiome’) approaches or exceeds 100 non‐ribosomally biosynthesized peptaibiotics. Copyright © 2016 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of Functional Status Associated With Overweight in Adults With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: de la Torre-Olivares Rosario , Moreno-Lorenzo Carmen , Pérez-Mármol Jose Manuel , Cabrera-Martos Irene , Villaverde-Gutierrez Carmen , Sánchez Adelaida Maria Castro , Aguilar-Ferrándiz María Encarnación
Published: July 2016

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to describe the motor disability level of ambulatory adults with overweight and cerebral palsy (CP) and to investigate the functional factors associated with weight gain in this population.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

Thirty adults with CP were classified according to their body mass index (BMI). Mobility, physical disability, functional independence, gait and balance, gross motor function, and maximum walking speed were assessed to evaluate their physical status. The influence of demographic and functional factors on BMI was analyzed using bivariate and multivariate regression analyses.

Findings:

Multiple regression analyses showed that age (p = .012) and lower cardiorespiratory function/lower walking distance (p = .048) were significantly associated with higher BMI. Other functional outcomes were not associated with BMI.

Conclusions:

Greater age and reduced walking distance related to cardiorespiratory function seem to be the main factors associated with BMI.

Clinical Relevance:

Cardiorespiratory rehabilitation is recommended in conjunction with nutritional nursing interventions.
Methods to distinguish rare‐earth magnets using portable cathodoluminescence spectrometer
Authors: Imashuku Susumu , Kawai Jun , Wagatsuma Kazuaki
Published: July 2016

Neodymium, dysprosium and terbium in neodymium–iron–boron (NdFeB) magnets will be recovered from the existing stock of used magnets collected from industrial waste products in the near future owing to the shortage of these elements. Therefore, a method to distinguish NdFeB from various kinds of magnets is required. Here, we report methods to distinguish NdFeB magnets from samarium–cobalt (Sm–Co) magnets from their cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra and images using a portable CL spectrometer that we previously realized because Sm–Co magnets are used in similar products to NdFeB magnets. CL spectra and images of vacuum‐dried residues of hydrochloric acid solutions dissolving NdFeB or Sm–Co magnets were obtained using the portable CL spectrometer. Iron in the solution dissolving the NdFeB magnet was extracted using methyl isobutyl ketone before vacuum‐drying the solution without changing the concentration ratios of the rare‐earth elements in the solution. Peaks due to neodymium chloride (878, 892 nm) and samarium chloride (565, 600, 647, 708 nm) were detected in the CL spectra of the vacuum‐dried residues of the NdFeB and Sm–Co magnets, respectively. Thus, we can distinguish NdFeB and Sm–Co magnets from the difference in the wavelengths of the peaks in their CL spectra. Luminescent colors due to neodymium chloride (blue or purple) and samarium chloride (orange) were detected by capturing CL images of the vacuum‐dried residues of the NdFeB and Sm–Co magnets with a camera whose infrared filter was removed, respectively. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microstructure of nanocrystalline globules embedded in an amorphous matrix of Fe–Cu‐based immiscible alloys
Authors: Nagase Takeshi , Umakoshi Yukichi
Published: July 2016

The combination of liquid phase separation and amorphous phase formation in separate liquids offers an opportunity to obtain unique solidification structures. The microstructure of the melt‐spun ribbons in Fe–Cu–Zr–B alloys was examined using transmission electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The results clarified the presence of an emulsion‐like structure composed of nanoglobules and an Fe‐based amorphous matrix in the melt‐spun ribbons. The nanoglobules had a core–shell structure in which a face‐centered cubic Cu crystalline core was covered by a B‐enriched Fe‐based amorphous shell. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of newly developed matrix using functional γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles for mass spectrometry in small molecules
Authors: Morimoto Shota , Ishikawa Tomoya , Hyodo Kuminori , Yamazaki Takahiro , Taira Shu , Tsuneyama Koichi , Ichiyanagi Yuko
Published: July 2016

Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by our original chemical wet method. These particles were functionalized by modification of amino groups and other molecules for biomedical application. The obtained particles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and magnetization measurements, and then local structures were analyzed using X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES). Functional nanoparticles were further developed as new matrices for mass spectrometry by modification of α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) so that small molecular weight could be detected, which was hard to observe the spectra so far. We have detected small molecular analytes such as colchicin (MW = 399.4 Da) and aspirin (MW = 180.1 Da) using our developed functional nanoparticles. We have successfully developed new matrices for analytes in the low mass range without impurities. Finally, we aimed to detect 2‐octynate methyl (2‐OAm, MW = 154.2 Da), which is one of the important candidates for the triggering of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), a liver disease almost exclusively found in women. Our functional magnetic nanoparitlces are expected to contribute to the biomedical field. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk‐based optimal distribution of power reserves in wind power plants
Authors: Díaz Guzmán , Planas Estefanía , Andreu Jon , Gómez‐Aleixandre Javier
Published: July 2016

This paper employs the Conditional Value‐at Risk, largely used in financial risk management, to specify the power reserve capacity of a wind power plant (WPP) under a risk metric. Evidences are shown here that other popular, simpler measure, the Value‐at Risk, is inappropriate for that specification. Under this risk‐based reserve metric, two programs are approached to optimally distribute a reserve request in a WPP subject to a given confidence level in the commitment. The most exhaustive of the two is a two‐level formulation including a solution to the load power flow (LPF) in the WPP. By solving these two programs, for comparison with interior‐point and heuristic solvers, conclusions are drawn. Notably, that a Pareto optimality occurs for stringent reserve requests; that putting off‐line generators is financially more profitable than partial curtailments to respond to low reserve requests; and that in these cases accounting for losses through LPF‐based optimization seems unnecessary. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
mRNA methylation by NSUN2 in cell proliferation
Authors: Wang Wengong
Published: July 2016

Methylation is a prevalent post‐transcriptional modification that occurs in almost all RNA species. NSUN2, a nucleolar RNA methyltransferase, has been shown to methylate mRNAs encoding factors that control cell division and growth arrest, thereby affecting their stability and/or translation. Here, the author summarizes the recent progress in understanding NSUN2‐mediated mRNA methylation and its implications in cell proliferation and senescence. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:838–842. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1380

This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry

Translation > Translation Regulation

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability
Response of wheat plants under post-anthesis stress induced by defoliation: II. Contribution of peduncle morpho-anatomical traits and carbon reserves to grain yield
Authors: DODIG D. , RANČIĆ D. , VUCELIĆ RADOVIĆ B. , ZORIĆ M. , SAVIĆ J. , KANDIĆ V. , PEĆINAR I. , STANOJEVIĆ S. , ŠEŠLIJA A. , VASSILEV D. , PEKIĆ-QUARRIE S.
Published: July 2016

Assimilated carbon during vegetative and early reproductive growth in wheat is temporarily stored in stem internodes and leaf sheaths (LSs), and can later be remobilized and transported to developing grain. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of several peduncle (the uppermost internode) morpho-anatomical and biochemical traits on grain weight, and to assess the contribution of the peduncle water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) reserves shortly after anthesis to its variation. In 2-year field trials, 61 wheat genotypes were used (27 F4:5families, 17 parents used for the crosses and the 17 current best standards), comparing intact control plants (CP) with plants that were defoliated (DP) by cutting off all leaf blades 10 days after anthesis. Estimated contributions of peduncle (culm (C) and flag LS) assimilate reserves to grain weight/spike were from 0·06 to 0·31 and from 0·11 to 0·45 in CP and DP plants, respectively. In both CP and DP plants, a higher contribution was from the LS than from the C. High peduncle reserve mobilization efficiency, a longer exposed part of the peduncle and larger C storage capacity (through higher parenchyma and/or lower lignified area) were of specific benefit for maintaining grain weight in defoliated plants. F4:5families had higher transport capacity in the peduncle, but without any improvement in WSC-related traits compared with the best standards.
Brunei Malay
Authors: Deterding David , Athirah Ishamina
Published: July 2016

Brunei Malay (ISO 639-3: kxd) is spoken in the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam and also in some nearby places in East Malaysia such as Miri and Limbang in Sarawak (Asmah 2008: 65), on the island of Labuan (Jaludin 2003: 35) and around Beaufort in western Sabah (Saidatul 2003). Of the population of about 400,000 in Brunei, about two-thirds are native speakers of Brunei Malay (Clynes 2001), and the language is generally used as a lingua franca between the other ethnic groups (Martin 1996), so even most Chinese Bruneians, numbering about 45,000 (Dunseath 1996), are reasonably proficient in Brunei Malay. Although Standard Malay is promoted as the national language of Brunei (Clynes & Deterding 2011), in fact it is only used in formal situations, such as government speeches and television and radio broadcasts (Martin 1996). The language that is spoken most extensively is Brunei Malay, though English is also widely used by the educated elite (Deterding & Salbrina 2013).
The Social Union after the Coalition: Devolution, Divergence and Convergence
Authors: SIMPSON MARK
Published: July 2016

In 2009, the UK government emphasised that it was ‘deeply committed’ to the maintenance of the state's social union, embodied in a single social security system. Five years later, the future of this social union appeared less certain than at any time since the 1920s. Dissatisfaction with the ‘welfare reform’ agenda of the coalition government was a driver of support for Scottish independence in the 2014 referendum campaign. Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Assembly failed to pass legislation to mirror the Welfare Reform Act 2012, normally a formality due to the convention of parity in social security. Despite Westminster's subsequent extension of the 2012 reforms to the region, divergence in secondary legislation and practice remains likely. This article draws on the findings of qualitative interviews with politicians and civil servants in both regions during a period covering the conclusion of the Smith Commission's work on the future of Scottish devolution and the height of a political impasse over Northern Ireland's Welfare Reform Bill that threatened a constitutional crisis. It considers the extent to which steps towards divergence in the two devolved regions have altered the UK's social union and to which the two processes have influenced one another.
The Social Construction of Retirement and Evolving Policy Discourse of Working Longer – CORRIGENDUM
Authors: TAYLOR PHILIP , EARL CATHERINE
Published: July 2016

In the April 2016 issue of the Journal of Social Policy (vol 45, part 2 pp251-268), there was an article by Philip Taylor and Catherine Earl entitled ‘The Social Construction of Retirement and Evolving Policy Discourse of Working Longer’ which contains the following statement: “The case for early exit was argued, in part, on the back of efforts to re-distribute work to the young. Macnicol (2008) describes this as ‘misguided short-termism’ attempting to facilitate economic modernisation” (p251). This should have read “Macnicol (2008) describes as incorrect commentary that this was ‘misguided short-termism’ attempting to facilitate economic modernisation.” The authors acknowledge that the statement in their article was incorrect and apologise for this oversight.
Strong terahertz radiation generation by beating of two laser beams in magnetized overdense plasma
Authors: Hematizadeh A. , Bakhtiari F. , Jazayeri S. M. , Ghafary B.
Published: July 2016

Terahertz (THz) radiation generation by nonlinear mixing of two laser beams, obliquely incident on an overdense plasma is investigated. In an overdense plasma, the laser beams penetrate to only thin layer of a plasma surface and reflected. At this thin layer, the laser beams exert a ponderomotive force on the electrons of plasma and impart them oscillatory velocity at the different frequency of lasers. THz waves appear in the reflected component from the plasma surface. The amplitude of THz waves can be augmented by applying the magnetic field perpendicular to the direction of propagation of lasers. It is found that the field strength of the emitted THz radiations is sensitive to the angle of incident of the laser beams, beat frequency, and magnetic field strength. In this scheme, the magnetic field strength plays an important role for strong THz wave generation.
I. Memoir concerning the Chinese
Authors: Davis John Francis
Published: July 2016

The Empire of China furnishes a subject of investigation, highly deserving the attention of the antiquarian and the philosopher; and one which, in proportion as it has been little attempted, affords the ampler field for research. It may in some measure be considered as a reproach to this country, that, notwithstanding our having a much greater interest in the subject, we should have permitted the learned of France and of Germany to anticipate us on many points of inquiry: although the labours of the last twenty years, and more especially of the last ten, have gone far towards giving us the first place in the ranks of Chinese literature; and much more may be expected from the future.
IV. On the Pūrik Sheep of Ladakh; and some other Animals, principally of the of the Sheep and Goat kind: with general Observations on the Country of Ladakh, &c
Authors: Moorcroft William
Published: July 2016

In Calcutta, you desired that I would procure, and send to you, some Sheep of the Isle of Ormus, should it be in my power; which, however, it has not been. This circumstance impressed me with an idea of your conceiving the introduction of that animal into Great Britain, likely to prove beneficial to her agricultural and manufacturing concerns; and, by a natural inference, leads to a belief, that a communication respecting the domestic animals of a country, new to Europeans, may not be wholly without interest.
VI. Essay on the Bhills
Authors: Malcolm John
Published: July 2016

The four divisions of Hindus, viz. the Priests, Soldiers, Merchants, and Labourers, appear to have existed in every human society, at a certain stage of civilization; but in India alone have they been maintained, for several thousand years, with prescriptive rigour. The mixture of races, caused by the operation of human passions (beyond the power of rules to controul), which in most countries has tended to destroy such distinctions among the four primitive classes, has in India only extended to an indefinite number of tribes, or castes, exclusive customs and privileges, of which the lowest are as tenacious as the highest.