bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New strategy for Pinus pinaster genomic library construction in bacterial artificial chromosomes
Authors: Bautista R. , Villalobos D. P. , Díaz-Moreno S. , Cantón F. R. , Cánovas F. M. , Claro M. Gonzalo
Published: October 2014

To learn about the structure and organization of plant genomes, molecular cloning of large genomic fragments for representative gene libraries construction is required. The genome library construction on bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) is one of the most frequently used tools for this purpose, and the chosen strategy in this work. But when working with species containing very large genomes, such as pine, construction of this kind of gene libraries is a laborious and expensive task. In this study we have developed a method that starts from P. pinaster cotyledons to construct a pooled BAC library that drastically reduces cost, space and time required to clone a genotype of interesThe current BAC library comprises 83 groups of cells with an average of 4000 clones per group and accounts for a 0.8 X genome content of P. pinaster. It is also shown that a BAC of interest can be quickly identified by PCR (polymerase chain reaction): a pool containing a BAC clone that carries a coding sequence similar to a Class I chitinase of Picea abies has been identified, as well as another BAC clone in a different pool containing a sequence with homology to an unknown P.taeda mRNA. This strategy will allow screening and storing gene libraries from large genome organisms and a quickly location of genes of interest, the method been described in detail.
Modelling ingrowth in Mediterranean pine forests: a case study from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Mediterranean Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) stands in Spain
Authors: Bravo F. , Pando V. , Ordóñez C. , Lizarralde I.
Published: October 2014

National Forest Inventories (NFI) are a basic tool for forestry planning at the National level. A new two-step system for predicting ingrowth compatible with NFI data is presented in order to improve long-term estimation of stand condition. In growth and yield models, an ingrowth submodel is a key feature for long-term estimation. An accurate projection of ingrowth is needed to avoid model projection bias and inaccuracy. A two-step approach was used, which consisted of (I) estimating the probability of ingrowth occurrence on a sample plot and (II) quantifying the ingrowth in terms of basal area. Logistic regression was used for step 1, while linear regression was used for step 2. A good performance of the joint ingrowth model for Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Mediterranean Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster AiSsp mesogeensis) stands was observed. Logistic model include quadratic mean diameter as independent variables for both species while basal area is only included for Mediterranean Maritime. Quadratic mean diameter is the only independent variable in linear model for both species. The presented two-step modeling methodology for ingrowth is applicable to data from National Forest Inventories with concentric plots.
Modelling diameter distributions of birch (Betula alba L.) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) stands in Northwest Spain with the beta distribution
Authors: Gorgoso-Varela J. J. , Rojo-Alboreca A. , Afif-Khouri E. , Barrio-Anta M.
Published: October 2014

The diameter distribution of 125 and 172 permanent plots installed respectively in birch-dominated (Betula alba L.) and pedunculate oak-dominated (Quercus robur L.) stands in Galicia (northwest Spain) were modelled with the beta distribution. The method based on the moments of the distribution was used to fit the model to real distributions of relative frequencies of trees with the following statistics considered in the comparison of results: bias, mean absolute error (MAE), mean square error (MSE) and number of plots rejected by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) tesIn the fits of the function, the percentage of rejections by the KS test was 0.8% of the total number of cases in birch stands and 1.2% in pedunculate oak stands, at a significance level of 5%. Then, the parameters of the distribution were recovered with the parameter recovery models (PRM) from the first and the second moments of the distribution (mean diameter and variance, respectively). The extremes of the function (minimum and maximum diameters of the distributions) were modelled with simple linear models, with stand variables easily obtained from yield tables for the species in northwest Spain (quadratic mean diameter, dominant height, number of trees per hectare, age, basal area and the relative spacing index). The models recovered and calibrated in Quercus robur L. stands were most accurate in terms of MSE (with a mean value of 0.00055 in frequency of trees per one). However, the models were more accurate in Betula alba L. stands in terms of the number of rejections by the Kolmogorov- Smirnov test: 21 plots rejected in birch stands (16.8% of the total of plots) and 33 plots in pedunculate oak stands (19.2% of the total).
Phytoclimatic versatility and potential diversity of natural arboreal forest cover in peninsular Spain
Authors: García López J. M. , Allué Camacho C.
Published: October 2014

A multivariate methodology was assayed to evaluate the phytoclimatic versatility of peninsular Spain and how this relates to the potential diversity of natural tree covers. The instances of greatest phytoclimatic versatility occur in a range of altitude between 1000 and 1300 m; these are cool phytoclimates with only short, low-intensity periods of aridity. These factorial ambits of maximum versatility correspond chiefly to the substeppe nemoral subtype 6(7), followed by genuine nemoral VI and humid nemoromediterranean 6(4)2 subtypes. The lowest values of versatility and potential diversity correspond to dry genuine Mediterranean (4i) or transitional Mediterranean 4(6)1 subtypes and to alpine oroborealoid or oroarcticoid subtypes. In geographical terms, intermediate mountain areas in the north of the Peninsula and some massifs in the southern half score the highest in the Diversity Index used. The lowest scores are found in the southern half of the Peninsula, although in the northern half low scores are also found for littoral areas, interior areas of the Duero and Ebro basins and alpine areas. Autoecological phytoclimatic spectra headed by stands of Pinus nigra and Quercus petraea present the greatest phytoclimatic versatility, while those headed by Quercus ilex ballota and Pinus uncinata stands present the least versatility. This article offers new methodological horizons for the study of the effects of climate change on plant diversity.
Criminaliteit en traditionele Chinese medicijnen
Authors: van Uhm Daan
Published: October 2014

Crime and traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is deeply rooted in the Chinese culture. Although thousands of animal and plant species are used for medicines legally, some medications contain more sinister elements; illegal animal or plant ingredients of protected species. What is the origin of this demand for rare species as medicine, who are involved in the trade and why is law enforcement complicated? This article will show that the illicit trade in TCM is a form of crime that transcends the borders of China and manifests itself in Western Europe. Various aspects of the trade are highlighted, including criminalization of the use of endangered species, western anthropocentrism and the cultural use of medicine, to understand this relatively invisible crime.
Het tijdelijk verlaten van de gevangenis in België
Authors: Robert Luc , Mine Benjamin
Published: October 2014

Temporary leave from prison in Belgium. Prison furlough and home leave for convicted prisoners

In this article, the Belgian system of temporary leave from prison is presented. The main modalities of temporary leave in Belgium are the prison furlough and home leave. Recently, new legislation has brought about a new regulatory framework for the release system, including these modalities. The definition of these modalities and the decision making process are presented.
Ben ik van Mars? Evaluatie van het Halt-project ‘De ander en ik’ tegen radicalisering en polarisatie in Limburg
Authors: Quint Hani
Published: October 2014

Qualitative evaluation of an education kit against radicalization for juveniles

Halt is a Dutch organization for enforcement of alternative punishment given tot juveniles and prevention activities, like for example advisory services and educational programmes. In the context of the Government action programme Polarization and Radicalization – a programme to reduce the chances of people to become a radical or even a terrorist − the Halt offices in Limburg in cooperation with the KPC Group developed an education kit of six lessons meant for juveniles (primary school and secondary education). The lessons are given by Halt fellow workers and the teacher of the class is there for give them support and to observe the lessons. This project is qualitatively evaluated and the conclusion is as follows. The reason for the project is not located in a problem of radicalization, the final target group is more restricted than intended and in the implementation the words radicalization and polarization may not be used. Is it then a good educational package? Yes, say different Halt employees, but not for the problem raised, because that problem is not identified by them.
Ethische rechtvaardigingen voor preventieve interventies bij radicalisering
Authors: van Gorp Anke , Roosendaal Arnold
Published: October 2014

A moral justification of preventive interventions in radicalisation

Preventive interventions against terrorist attacks can be justified on legal and moral grounds. The Dutch broad-based approach against terrorism also addresses radicalizations processes. It is, however, hard to justify why a government in a liberal democracy should be allowed to intervene in processes of radicalization where danger to society is not obvious. A reason to justify intervention is when a (former) radical asks for help. Theories based on the ideas of Kant and Rawls also allow for intervention if an individual’s autonomy is diminished because he is member of a sect or under the spell of a charismatic leader. Other interventions with regard to (prevention of) radicalization cannot be justified by deontological theories such as Kant’s and Rawls’. Virtue ethics or teleology would, however, allow interventions but only if they are geared towards helping the individual in their quest to the good life. This justification allows for interventions that are, for example, focused on supporting individuals to critically reflect, reason and discuss about the good life and a just society. Based on the teleological justification constraints can be derived for preventive interventions with regard to radicalization or even deradicalisation. Notice that individuals cannot be forced to join these programs because there is no legal basis.
Studying the Atmosphere Using Global Navigation Satellites
Authors: Mannucci Anthony J. , Ao Chi O. , Young Lawrence E. , Meehan Thomas K.
Published: October 2014

Observations acquired from space contribute significantly to scientific understanding of the Earth's atmosphere. The atmosphere alters electromagnetic radiation, propagating through it in such a way that atmospheric properties can be gleaned from the interaction. Observations are broadly characterized into “active” and “passive” types, according to the source of the radiant energy.
U.S. Department of Defense deems climate change a national security threat
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: October 2014

Climate change is a “threat multiplier,” according to a new report by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). The report, entitled 2014 Climate Change Adaptation Roadmap and released on 13 October, lays out ways in which DOD will work with other nations to combat the challenges associated with, adapt to, and mitigate climate change.
New Editors for AGU Journals
Authors: Panning Jeanette
Published: October 2014

John Orcutt, the editor in chief of Earth and Space Science, has filled in his editorial board with Andrea Donnellan (University of Southern California), Jonathan H. Jiang (NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology), Benoît Pirenne (University of Victoria, BC, Canada), and Frank Vernon (University of California, San Diego).
Europe supplies substantial aerosol phosphorus to the Mediterranean
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: October 2014

Biologically unproductive ocean regions depend on the wind to transport necessary nutrients, such as phosphorus, from the land. In the Mediterranean Sea, winds from Europe and North Africa bring phosphorus‐laden dust particles and aerosols to remote waters. Previous research assumed that North Africa is the primary source of these particles because large Saharan dust storms create red rain events across the Mediterranean, making them an obvious source of nutrients.
THEMIS measurements of quasi‐static electric fields in the inner magnetosphere
Authors: Califf S. , Li X. , Blum L. , Jaynes A. , Schiller Q. , Zhao H. , Malaspina D. , Hartinger M. , Wolf R. A. , Rowland D. E. , Wygant J. R. , Bonnell J. W.
Published: October 2014

We use 4 years of Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) double‐probe measurements to offer, for the first time, a complete picture of the dawn‐dusk electric field covering all local times and radial distances in the inner magnetosphere based on in situ equatorial observations. This study is motivated by the results from the CRRES mission, which revealed a local maximum in the electric field developing near Earth during storm times, rather than the expected enhancement at higher L shells that is shielded near Earth as suggested by the Volland‐Stern model. The CRRES observations were limited to the duskside, while THEMIS provides complete local time coverage. We show strong agreement with the CRRES results on the duskside, with a local maximum near L = 4 for moderate levels of geomagnetic activity and evidence of strong electric fields inside L = 3 during the most active times. The extensive data set from THEMIS also confirms the day/night asymmetry on the duskside, where the enhancement is closest to Earth in the dusk‐midnight sector, and is farther away closer to noon. A similar, but smaller in magnitude, local maximum is observed on the dawnside near L = 4. The noon sector shows the smallest average electric fields, and for more active times, the enhancement develops near L = 7 rather than L = 4. We also investigate the impact of the uncertain boom‐shorting factor on the results and show that while the absolute magnitude of the electric field may be underestimated, the trends with geomagnetic activity remain intact.
On depressurization of volcanic magma reservoirs by passive degassing
Authors: Girona Társilo , Costa Fidel , Newhall Chris , Taisne Benoit
Published: October 2014

Many active volcanoes around the world alternate episodes of unrest and mildly explosive eruptions with quiescent periods dominated by abundant but passive gas emissions. These are the so‐called persistently degassing volcanoes, and well‐known examples are Mayon (Philippines) and Etna (Italy). Here, we develop a new lumped‐parameter model to investigate by how much the gas released during quiescence can decrease the pressure within persistently degassing volcanoes. Our model is driven by the gas fluxes measured with monitoring systems and takes into account the size of the conduit and reservoir, the viscoelastic response of the crust, the magma density change, the bubble exsolution and expansion at depth, and the hydraulic connectivity between reservoirs and deeper magma sources. A key new finding is that, for a vast majority of scenarios, passive degassing reduces the pressure of shallow magma reservoirs by several MPa in only a few months or years, that is, within the intereruptive timescales of persistently degassing volcanoes. Degassing‐induced depressurization could be responsible for the subsidence observed at some volcanoes during quiescence (e.g., at Satsuma‐Iwojima and Asama, in Japan; Masaya, in Nicaragua; and Llaima, in Chile), and could play a crucial role in the onset and development of the physical processes which may in turn culminate in new unrest episodes and eruptions. For example, degassing‐induced depressurization could promote magma replenishment, induce massive and sudden gas exsolution at depth, and trigger the collapse of the crater floor and reservoir roof.
Initiation, maintenance, and properties of convection in an extreme rainfall event during SCMREX: Observational analysis
Authors: Wang Hui , Luo Yali , Jou Ben Jong‐Dao
Published: October 2014

A long‐lived mesoscale convective system (MCS) with extreme rainfall over the western coastal region of Guangdong on 10 May 2013 during the Southern China Monsoon Rainfall Experiment (SCMREX) is studied. The environmental conditions are characterized by little convective inhibition, low‐lifting condensation level, moderate convective available potential energy and precipitable water, and lack of low‐level jets from the tropical ocean. Repeated convective back building and subsequent northeastward “echo training” of convective cells are found during the MCS's development stages. However, the initiation/maintenance factors and organization of convection differ significantly during the earlier and later stages. From midnight to early morning, convection is continuously initiated as southeasterly flows near the surface impinge on the east side of mesoscale mountains near the coastal lines and then moves northeastward, leading to formation of two quasi‐stationary rainbands. From early morning to early afternoon, new convection is repeatedly triggered along a mesoscale boundary between precipitation‐induced cold outflows and warm air from South China Sea and Gulf of Tokin, resulting in the formation of “band training” of several parallel rainbands that move eastward in a later time, i.e., two scales of “training” of convective elements are found. As the MCS dissipates, a stronger squall line moves into the region from the west and passes over within about 3.5 h, contributing about 10%–15% to the total rainfall amount. It is concluded that terrain, near‐surface winds, warm advection from the upstream ocean in the boundary layer, and precipitation‐generated cold outflows play important roles in initiating and maintaining the extreme rain‐producing MCS.
Black carbon and other light‐absorbing particles in snow of central North America
Authors: Doherty Sarah J. , Dang Cheng , Hegg Dean A. , Zhang Rudong , Warren Stephen G.
Published: October 2014

Vertical profiles of light‐absorbing particles in seasonal snow were sampled from 67 North American sites. Over 500 snow samples and 55 soil samples from these sites were optically analyzed for spectrally resolved visible light absorption. The optical measurements were used to estimate black carbon (BC) mixing ratios in snow (), contributions to absorption by BC and non‐BC particles, and the absorption Ångström exponent of particles in snow and local soil. Sites in Canada tended to have the lowest BC mixing ratios (typically ~5–35 ng g−1), with somewhat higher in the Pacific Northwest (typically ~5–40 ng g−1) and Intramountain Northwest (typically 10–50 ng g−1). The Northern U.S. Plains sites were the dirtiest, with typically ~15–70 ng g−1 and multiple sample layers with >100 ng g−1 BC in snow. Snow water samples were also chemically analyzed for standard anions, selected carbohydrates, and various elements. The chemical and optical data were input to a Positive Matrix Factorization analysis of the sources of particulate light absorption. These were soil, biomass/biofuel burning, and fossil fuel pollution. Comparable analyses have been conducted for the Arctic and North China, providing a broad, internally consistent data set. As in North China, soil is a significant contributor to snow particulate light absorption in the Great Plains. We also examine the concentrations and sources of snow particulate light absorption across a latitudinal transect from the northern U.S. Great Plains to Arctic Canada by combining the current data with our earlier Arctic survey.
A new synoptic scale resolving global climate simulation using the Community Earth System Model
Authors: Small R. Justin , Bacmeister Julio , Bailey David , Baker Allison , Bishop Stuart , Bryan Frank , Caron Julie , Dennis John , Gent Peter , Hsu Hsiao‐ming , Jochum Markus , Lawrence David , Muñoz Ernesto , diNezio Pedro , Scheitlin Tim , Tomas Robert , Tribbia Joseph , Tseng Yu‐heng , Vertenstein Mariana
Published: October 2014

High‐resolution global climate modeling holds the promise of capturing planetary‐scale climate modes and small‐scale (regional and sometimes extreme) features simultaneously, including their mutual interaction. This paper discusses a new state‐of‐the‐art high‐resolution Community Earth System Model (CESM) simulation that was performed with these goals in mind. The atmospheric component was at 0.25° grid spacing, and ocean component at 0.1°. One hundred years of “present‐day” simulation were completed. Major results were that annual mean sea surface temperature (SST) in the equatorial Pacific and El‐Niño Southern Oscillation variability were well simulated compared to standard resolution models. Tropical and southern Atlantic SST also had much reduced bias compared to previous versions of the model. In addition, the high resolution of the model enabled small‐scale features of the climate system to be represented, such as air‐sea interaction over ocean frontal zones, mesoscale systems generated by the Rockies, and Tropical Cyclones. Associated single component runs and standard resolution coupled runs are used to help attribute the strengths and weaknesses of the fully coupled run. The high‐resolution run employed 23,404 cores, costing 250 thousand processor‐hours per simulated year and made about two simulated years per day on the NCAR‐Wyoming supercomputer “Yellowstone.”
Reagent Preparation: Theoretical and Practical Discussions
Authors: Chakravarti Deb N. , Chakravarti Bulbul , Mallik Buddhadeb
Published: October 2014

One of the most important requirements for success with any biochemical protocol is the accurate preparation of reagents. This unit provides general guidelines for the preparation of reagents, including use of clean glass‐ and plasticware, use of high‐purity reagents, safe handling of chemicals and biochemicals, use of high‐purity distilled or deionized water, and avoidance of chemical or microbial contamination. Different units of concentration used for preparation of reagents or buffer solutions are described. This unit also includes a section for the preparation of buffer solutions with a practical example. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Synthesis of Multifunctional 3‐Amino‐4‐phosphono‐2‐quinolinones via Regioselective Ring Enlargement of Imino Isatins
Authors: Wen Xiaojing , Chen Jing , Peng Yungui
Published: October 2014

Multifunctional 3‐amino‐4‐dialkylphosphono‐2‐quinolinones have been prepared by “one‐pot” nucleophilic addition and regioselective ring enlargement of imino isatins. The addition reaction between imino isatins and dialkyl (diazomethyl)phosphonate proceeds smoothly using potassium carbonate as a catalyst, and a subsequent regioselective ring expansion promotes by salicylic acid to afford the desired products in high yields.

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Life‐span carcinogenicity studies on Sprague–Dawley rats exposed to γ‐radiation: Design of the project and report on the tumor occurrence after post‐natal radiation exposure (6 weeks of age) delivered in a single acute exposure
Authors: Soffritti Morando , Tibaldi Eva , Bua Luciano , Padovani Michela , Falcioni Laura , Lauriola Michelina , Manservigi Marco , Manservisi Fabiana , Belpoggi Fiorella
Published: October 2014

Background

Experimental long‐term carcinogenicity bioassays conducted on rats and mice proved that ionizing radiation can induce a variety of tumor types. However few studies have been conducted on rats.

Methods

This report deals with the effects of γ‐radiation in groups of 416–1,051 6‐weeks old Sprague–Dawley rats exposed to 0, 0.1, 1, or 3 Gy of γ‐radiation delivered in a single acute exposure. The experiment lasted for the animals' lifespan and all were necropsied and underwent full histopathological evaluation.

Results

The results confirm the dose‐related carcinogenic effects of γ‐radiation for several organs and tissues. Moreover they indicate that exposure to 0.1 Gy induces a statistically significant increased incidence in Zymbal gland carcinomas and pancreas islet cell carcinomas in females.

Conclusions

Our data show that exposure to γ‐radiation induces carcinogenic effects at all tested doses. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:46–60, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Occupation and head and neck cancer in women—Results of the ICARE study
Authors: Carton Matthieu , Guida Florence , Paget‐Bailly Sophie , Cyr Diane , Radoi Loredana , Sanchez Marie , Schmaus Annie , Cénée Sylvie , Papadopoulos Alexandra , Menvielle Gwenn , Févotte Joëlle , Pilorget Corinne , Molinié Florence , Bara Simona , Stücke Isabelle , Luce Danièle
Published: October 2014

Background

Few occupational studies have addressed head and neck cancer, and these studies have been predominantly conducted in men. Accordingly, our objective was to investigate the association between head and neck cancer and occupation in women.

Methods

ICARE, a French population‐based case–control study, included 296 squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck in women and 775 controls. Lifelong occupational history was collected. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for smoking, alcohol drinking and education level, were estimated for occupations and industries.

Results

An elevated OR was observed for working proprietors working for 10 years or more (OR = 3.83, 95% CI: 1.12–13.0) with a significant trend with duration of employment (P = 0.047). Elevated but non‐significant ORs were observed for street vendors (OR = 3.76, 95% CI: 0.99–14.3, P for trend = 0.13), bakers (OR = 4.19, 95% CI: 0.63–27.9, P for trend = 0.06), and welders and flame cutters (OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 0.33–14.4, P for trend = 0.05).

Conclusions

This exploratory study suggests a role of occupational exposures in the development of HN cancer in women. Further investigations of exposures to specific agents are needed. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:1386–1397, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Grades of undernutrition and socioeconomic status influence cognitive development in school children of Kolkata
Authors: Ghosh Satabdi , Chowdhury Sutanu Dutta , Chandra Ananga Mohan , Ghosh Tusharkanti
Published: October 2014

Cognitive development of children is influenced by different environmental factors like nutritional and socio‐economic status. The objectives of the present study were to determine the influence of grades of undernutrition and socio‐economic status (SES) on the cognitive development of school children of Kolkata. Five hundred sixty six (566) school children having 5–12 years of age were selected from different schools of Kolkata. The cognitive development was measured by the scores of Raven's colored progressive matrices (RCPM). The chronic and acute nutritional statuses were measured from height‐for‐age (HAZ) and weight‐for‐age (WAZ) Z scores respectively with reference to the values of WHO. SES was determined by updated Kuppuswamy scale. The prevalences of undernutrition in the observed children were 57.95% (according to HAZ) and 52.82% (according to WAZ). The age dependent growth curve of RCPM scores of the observed children remains in between the 10th and 25th centile of British children. The children belonging to superior and intellectual deficit IQ classes were 21.55 and 36.40%, respectively of the total subjects. Most of the subjects belong to lower middle (39.93%) and upper middle (36.40%) class of SES. RCPM scores of school children were gradually decreased with the grades of undernutrition and SES. RCPM scores were significantly correlated with HAZ, WAZ, SES, age, and sex (P < 0.001) and strongly associated with HAZ, SES, age, and sex (P < 0.001, P < 0.05). Present study indicates that cognitive development of school children of Kolkata is influenced by the grade of undernutrition and SES. Am J Phys Anthropol 156:274–285, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human–wildlife conflict: Proximate predictors of aggression between humans and rhesus macaques in India
Authors: Beisner Brianne A. , Heagerty Allison , Seil Shannon K. , Balasubramaniam Krishna N. , Atwill Edward R. , Gupta Brij K. , Tyagi Praveen C. , Chauhan Netrapal P.S. , Bonal B.S. , Sinha P.R. , McCowan Brenda
Published: October 2014

Macaques live in close contact with humans across South and Southeast Asia, and direct interaction is frequent. Aggressive contact is a concern in many locations, particularly among populations of rhesus and longtail macaques that co‐inhabit urbanized cities and towns with humans. We investigated the proximate factors influencing the occurrence of macaque aggression toward humans as well as human aggression toward macaques to determine the extent to which human behavior elicits macaque aggression and vice versa. We conducted a 3‐month study of four free‐ranging populations of rhesus macaques in Dehradun, India from October–December 2012, using event sampling to record all instances of human‐macaque interaction (N = 3120). Our results show that while human aggression was predicted by the potential for economic losses or damage, macaque aggression was influenced by aggressive or intimidating behavior by humans as well as recent rates of conspecific aggression. Further, adult female macaques participated in aggression more frequently than expected, whereas adult and subadult males participated as frequently as expected. Our analyses demonstrate that neither human nor macaque aggression is unprovoked. Rather, both humans and macaques are responding to one another's behavior. Mitigation of human‐primate conflict, and indeed other types of human‐wildlife conflict in such coupled systems, will require a holistic investigation of the ways in which each participant is responding to, and consequently altering, the behavior of the other. Am J Phys Anthropol 156:286–294, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Controlled dual release study of curcumin and a 4‐aminoquinoline analog from gum acacia containing hydrogels
Authors: Aderibigbe Blessing , Sadiku Emmanuel , Jayaramudu Jarugala , Sinha Ray Suprakas
Published: October 2014

The potential of gum acacia containing hydrogels as controlled dual‐drug delivery systems for antiprotozoal agents was investigated. 4‐Aminoquinoline analog and curcumin were selected as model drugs because they exhibit antiprotozoal activity. The maximum release time was greater for curcumin than for the 4‐aminoquinoline analog at 37°C, thereby enabling the active ingredients to work over different periods of time. 4‐Aminoquinoline analog exhibited a short term release profile while curcumin exhibited a sustained and long term release profile. The release profiles of the drugs were found to be influenced by the degree of crosslinking of the hydrogel network with gum acacia. The release profiles were analyzed using a power law equation proposed by Peppas. The release mechanism of the 4‐aminoquinoline was found to be anomalous transport while that of curcumin was quasi‐Fickian diffusion mechanism in all the hydrogel networks according to the release exponent. The preliminary results suggest that these systems are potential dual‐drug delivery system for antiprotozoal agents with different pharmacokinetics. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41613.
Hierarchical Hybrid Symbolic Robot Motion Planning and Control
Authors: Karimoddini Ali , Lin Hai
Published: October 2014

This paper addresses the motion planning problem using hybrid symbolic techniques. The proposed approach develops a unified hierarchical hybrid control framework using a bismulation‐based abstraction technique over the partitioned motion space that can be applied to autonomous aerial robots (3‐D symbolic motion planning) or ground vehicles (2‐D symbolic motion planning). The bisimulation relation between the abstracted model and the original continuous system guarantees that their behaviors are the same. This allows to design a discrete supervisor for the abstracted model, and then, the designed supervisor can be applied to the original system while the closed‐loop behavior does not change. To apply the discrete supervisor to the original continuous system, an interface layer is developed, which on the one hand translates discrete commands of the supervisor to a continuous form applicable to the continuous plant and on the other hand, abstracts the continuous signals of the continuous low layer to discrete symbols understandable by the supervisor. The proposed algorithm is verified through implementation of a hybrid symbolic algorithm for the formation control of unmanned aerial vehicles.
A Simple Approach for Multi‐fidelity Experimentation Applied to Financial Engineering
Authors: Tseng Shih‐Hsien , Allen Theodore
Published: October 2014

In practical applications, information about the accuracy or ‘fidelity’ of alternative surrogate systems may be ambiguous and difficult to determine. To address this problem, we propose to treat surrogate system fidelity level as a categorical factor in optimal response surface design. To design the associated experiments, we apply the Expected Integrated Mean Squared Error optimal design criterion, which takes into account both variance and bias errors. The performance of the proposed design was compared using three test cases to four types of alternatives using the Empirical Integrated Squared Error. Because of its ability to foster relatively accurate predictions, the proposed design is recommended in fidelity experimental design, particularly when the experimenters lack sufficient information about the fidelity levels of surrogate systems. The method was applied to the case of intraday trading optimization in which data were collected from the Taiwan Futures Exchange. We also calculated the implied volatility from the Merton's Jump‐diffusion model via the fast Fourier transform algorithm with three different models of varying fidelity levels. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphology‐Tuned Exceptional Catalytic Activity of Porous‐Polymer‐Supported Mn3O4 in Aerobic sp3 CH Bond Oxidation of Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Alcohols
Authors: Mondal John , Borah Parijat , Sreejith Sivaramapanicker , Nguyen Kim Truc , Han Xiguang , Ma Xing , Zhao Yanli
Published: October 2014

Mn3O4 nanomaterials with different morphologies (sphere, nanowire, and octahedron) embedded into functionalized nanoporous polymers were developed by a facile one‐pot solvothermal technique at different temperatures. These Mn3O4‐based hybrid materials could behave as heterogeneous nanocatalysts to perform sp3 CH bond oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons and alcohols with molecular oxygen as an economic oxidant. Catalytic activity could be effectively tuned by changing the morphology of incorporated Mn3O4 in nanoporous polymer. These Mn3O4‐based hybrid materials exhibited remarkable catalytic performance for sp3 CH bond oxidation as compared with bare Mn3O4 nanoparticles. Mn3O4 with octahedral morphology in nanoporous polymer exhibited the highest catalytic activity on account of its more exposed crystallographic planes and edges. These Mn3O4‐based nanocatalysts could be recycled and reused for consecutive catalytic cycles without a significant loss of catalytic activity.
Nanostructured Metallic Electrocatalysts for Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Authors: Lu Qi , Rosen Jonathan , Jiao Feng
Published: October 2014

The recent development of nanostructured electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction has attracted much attention because they exhibit unique properties compared to their bulk counterparts. In this minireview, the latest studies on electrocatalytic CO2 reduction with a focus on the advances of nanostructured metallic electrocatalysts are reviewed and discussed. The distinct catalytic properties and potential challenges of nanostructured electrocatalysts are summarized. The behavior of nanosized catalysts in ionic liquid electrolytes is also discussed. Ideas for the design of next‐generation electrocatalysts by taking the advantages of nanostructured materials are proposed.
Characterisation of Taxlllaids A–G; Natural Products from Xenorhabdus indica
Authors: Kronenwerth Max , Bozhüyük Kenan A. J. , Kahnt Astrid S. , Steinhilber Dieter , Gaudriault Sophie , Kaiser Marcel , Bode Helge B.
Published: October 2014

Six new lipodepsipeptides and an additional linear derivative named taxlllaids A–G (1–7) have been identified in the entomopathogenic bacterium Xenorhabdus indica. The structures of the main compounds have been solved by detailed NMR spectroscopic analysis and the structures of minor derivatives were elucidated by a combination of labelling experiments and detailed MS experiments. The absolute configuration of the taxlllaids was deduced by using the advanced Marfey method and analysis of the biosynthesis gene cluster showing the presence of epimerisation domains, which was subsequently proved to be correct by solid‐phase peptide synthesis of all taxlllaids. The exchange of a single amino acid in the adenylation domain was shown to be responsible for substrate promiscuity of the third A domain, resulting in the incorporation of leucine, phenylalanine or tyrosine. Bioactivity testing revealed the taxlllaids to be weakly active against Plasmodium falciparum and against a number of eukaryotic cell lines.
A Highly Stereoselective and Flexible Strategy for the Convergent Synthesis of Long‐Chain Polydeoxypropionates: Application towards the Synthesis of the Glycolipid Membrane Components Hydroxyphthioceranic and Phthioceranic Acid
Authors: Pischl Matthias C. , Weise Christian F. , Haseloff Stefan , Müller Marc‐André , Pfaltz Andreas , Schneider Christoph
Published: October 2014

A highly stereocontrolled and flexible access to biologically relevant polydeoxypropionates in optically pure form has been developed. Taking advantage of our previously established strategy for the asymmetric and stereodivergent synthesis of trideoxypropionate building blocks, we have now been able to assemble large polydeoxypropionate chains with defined configuration in a highly convergent manner. Central steps of this approach include two Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions with subsequent highly diastereoselective hydrogenations to join three advanced synthetic intermediates in excellent yield and with full stereochemical control. We have applied this strategy successfully towards the asymmetric synthesis of glycolipid membrane components phthioceranic acid and hydroxyphthioceranic acid, the latter of which was synthesized on a half‐gram scale.
Highly Enantioselective Ring‐Opening Reactions of Aziridines with Indole and Its Application in the Building of C3‐Halogenated Pyrroloindolines
Authors: Yang Dongxu , Wang Linqing , Han Fengxia , Li Dan , Zhao Depeng , Cao Yiming , Ma Yunxia , Kong Weidong , Sun Quantao , Wang Rui
Published: October 2014

A magnesium‐catalyzed asymmetric ring‐opening reaction of aziridine with indole has been realized by employing commercially available chiral ligands. Both of the enantiomers of the ring‐opening product could be obtained with good yields and a high level of enantioselectivity. The corresponding ring‐opening product could be further transformed to various types of enantioenriched C3‐halogenated‐pyrroloindolines.
Stereocontrolled Synthesis of Benzo[k]fluoranthenes—An Unexpected Isomerization Mediated by Rhodacyclopentadiene
Authors: Xu Shengjie , Chen Kejuan , Chen Hui , Yao Jiannian , Zhu Xiaozhang
Published: October 2014

Herein, a RhIII‐catalyzed stereocontrolled synthesis of benzo[k]fluoranthenes is reported. It was found that the unexpected E/Z isomerization was highly sensitive to the electronic effects of the substituents on the aryl groups. Theoretical calculations revealed that this controllable stereochemistry originates from the mediation of rhodacyclopentadiene intermediates during the isomerization. The fact that similar stereochemistry was observed when using an IrIII catalyst further suggests a certain generality of this discovery toward some other transition metals.
Competition and Cooperation in Dynamic Replication Networks
Authors: Dadon Zehavit , Wagner Nathaniel , Alasibi Samaa , Samiappan Manickasundaram , Mukherjee Rakesh , Ashkenasy Gonen
Published: October 2014

The simultaneous replication of six coiled‐coil peptide mutants by reversible thiol–thioester exchange reactions is described. Experimental analysis of the time dependent evolution of networks formed by the peptides under different conditions reveals a complex web of molecular interactions and consequent mutant replication, governed by competition for resources and by autocatalytic and/or cross‐catalytic template‐assisted reactions. A kinetic model, first of its kind, is then introduced, allowing simulation of varied network behaviour as a consequence of changing competition and cooperation scenarios. We suggest that by clarifying the kinetic description of these relatively complex dynamic networks, both at early stages of the reaction far from equilibrium and at later stages approaching equilibrium, one lays the foundation for studying dynamic networks out‐of‐equilibrium in the near future.
Systematic screening after Chernobyl: Insights on radiation‐induced thyroid cancer
Authors: Yip Linwah , Carty Sally E.
Published: October 2014

Radiation‐induced thyroid cancer remains an important public health issue after the Chernobyl accident. A systematic screening of the at‐risk population provides new insights into the dose‐dependent and time‐dependent histologic features of the diagnosed thyroid cancers.
Cell‐specific and developmental expression of lectican‐cleaving proteases in mouse hippocampus and neocortex
Authors: Levy C. , Brooks J.M. , Chen J. , Su J. , Fox M.A.
Published: October 2014

Mounting evidence has demonstrated that a specialized extracellular matrix exists in the mammalian brain and that this glycoprotein‐rich matrix contributes to many aspects of brain development and function. The most prominent supramolecular assemblies of these extracellular matrix glycoproteins are perineuronal nets, specialized lattice‐like structures that surround the cell bodies and proximal neurites of select classes of interneurons. Perineuronal nets are composed of lecticans, a family of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans that includes aggrecan, brevican, neurocan, and versican. These lattice‐like structures emerge late in postnatal brain development, coinciding with the ending of critical periods of brain development. Despite our knowledge of the presence of lecticans in perineuronal nets and their importance in regulating synaptic plasticity, we know little about the development or distribution of the extracellular proteases that are responsible for their cleavage and turnover. A subset of a large family of extracellular proteases (called a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs [ADAMTS]) is responsible for endogenously cleaving lecticans. We therefore explored the expression pattern of two aggrecan‐degrading ADAMTS family members, ADAMTS15 and ADAMTS4, in the hippocampus and neocortex. Here, we show that both lectican‐degrading metalloproteases are present in these brain regions and that each exhibits a distinct temporal and spatial expression pattern.Adamts15mRNA is expressed exclusively by parvalbumin‐expressing interneurons during synaptogenesis, whereasAdamts4mRNA is exclusively generated by telencephalic oligodendrocytes during myelination. Thus, ADAMTS15 and ADAMTS4 not only exhibit unique cellular expression patterns but their developmental upregulation by these cell types coincides with critical aspects of neural development. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:629–648, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcriptome profiling of developing photoreceptor subtypes reveals candidate genes involved in avian photoreceptor diversification
Authors: Enright Jennifer M. , Lawrence Karen A. , Hadzic Tarik , Corbo Joseph C.
Published: October 2014

Avian photoreceptors are a diverse class of neurons, comprised of four single cones, the two members of the double cone, and rods. The signaling events and transcriptional regulators driving the differentiation of these diverse photoreceptors are largely unknown. In addition, many distinctive features of photoreceptor subtypes, including spectral tuning, oil droplet size and pigmentation, synaptic targets, and spatial patterning, have been well characterized, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these attributes have not been explored. To identify genes specifically expressed in distinct chicken (Gallus gallus) photoreceptor subtypes, we developed fluorescent reporters that label photoreceptor subpopulations, isolated these subpopulations by using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, and subjected them to next‐generation sequencing. By comparing the expression profiles of photoreceptors labeled with rhodopsin, red opsin, green opsin, and violet opsin reporters, we have identified hundreds of differentially expressed genes that may underlie the distinctive features of these photoreceptor subtypes. These genes are involved in a variety of processes, including phototransduction, transcriptional regulation, cell adhesion, maintenance of intra‐ and extracellular structure, and metabolism. Of particular note are a variety of differentially expressed transcription factors, which may drive and maintain photoreceptor diversity, and cell adhesion molecules, which may mediate spatial patterning of photoreceptors and act to establish retinal circuitry. These analyses provide a framework for future studies that will dissect the role of these various factors in the differentiation of avian photoreceptor subtypes. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:649–668, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Frontispiece: Effective Surface Functionalization of Carbon Fibers for Fiber/Polymer Composites with Tailor‐Made Interfaces
Authors: Shiba Kota , Tagaya Motohiro , Samitsu Sadaki , Motozuka Satoshi
Published: October 2014

Composites between carbon fibers (CFs) and heterogeneous materials have been widely studied and their fabrication techniques have been developed. However, their hydrophobic surfaces make it difficult to disperse CFs into hydrophilic resins, which results in weak junctions with ceramics. To develop high‐strength composite fibers, it is important to design interfacial chemical bonds. Thus, surface‐modification techniques of CFs have recently become the main focus and their interfaces have been characterized by various analytical methods. In this Minireview, various techniques that modify the CF surface by coating with inorganic polymers (metal oxide compounds) are highlighted, and the applications of novel nanocomposite fibers are also described. Furthermore, interfacial bonds between CFs and polymer resins are reviewed and discussed in terms of CF‐reinforced plastics and their future prospects.
Frontispiece: Self‐Organization of Polar Porphyrinoids
Authors: Babu Sukumaran Santhosh , Bonifazi Davide
Published: October 2014

This Minireview focuses on the very recent developments in the field of porphyrin‐based self‐assembled nanomaterials with a particular focus on the use of tetrapyrrolic macrocycles bearing amphiphilic and ionic functionalities. As one of the most studied molecular materials, the importance of porphyrin‐derived nanomaterials has attracted wide interest in many applications like catalysis, photodynamic therapy, and organic solar cells to name a few. By using key examples that have recently appeared in the literature, the discussion unfolds through two sections: amphiphilic and ionic assemblies. Although it focuses on the nanostructuring methodologies used to obtain organized materials, the discussion will also target the physical characterization of the functional materials for their implementation in prototypes.