bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peakbagging in the open cluster NGC 6819: Opening a treasure chest or Pandora's box?
Authors: Handberg R. , Miglio A. , Brogaard K. , Bossini D. , Elsworth Y. P.
Published: September 2016

Here we report on an extensive peakbagging effort on the evolved red giant stars of the open cluster NGC 6819. This consists of around 50 stars spanning all the way up the red giant branch (RGB) and down to and including the red clump (RC). These stars represent a unique sample because of their common distance, metallicity and age. By employing sophisticated pre‐processing of the time series and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques, we have extracted individual frequencies, heights, and line widths for hundreds of individual oscillation modes in the sample of stars. We show that average asteroseismic parameters derived from these can be used to distinguish the stellar evolutionary state between RGB and RC stars without having to measure the often difficult dipole modes. Furthermore, we show how the fitting of some of these dipole modes can improve the detectability of acoustic glitches arising from the helium II ionization zone and how this can potentially be used to constrain the helium content in the cluster. We also discuss some of the difficulties facing similar studies in the future, where it seems that detailed studies of star clusters are facing some difficult times ahead.
Inflammatory mediator polymorphisms associate with initial periodontitis in adolescents
Authors: Heikkinen Anna Maria , Kettunen Kaisa , Kovanen Leena , Haukka Jari , Elg Jessica , Husu Heidi , Tervahartiala Taina , Pussinen Pirkko , Meurman Jukka , Sorsa Timo
Published: September 2016

Several studies have addressed cytokine gene polymorphisms and their possible associations with periodontitis. We examined the association between salivary anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory mediator polymorphisms and initial periodontitis in Finnish adolescents, taking into account the effect of smoking. Salivary samples of 93 clinically examined adolescents from Eastern Finland were analyzed. Their oral health and smoking habits were recorded. Periodontal probing depth (PPD), and bleeding on probing (BOP) at four sites per tooth, root calculus (RC), and visible plaque index (VPI) were recorded from the index teeth. Salivary MMP‐8 median values were assessed. The sites with ≥4 mm PD were categorized as follows: PPD1 = one or more ≥4 mm pocket, PPD2 = two or more ≥4 mm pockets, and PPD3 = three or more ≥4 mm pockets. Genomic DNA was extracted from 300 μl of the saliva samples by genomic QIAamp® DNA Blood Mini Kit and genotyped for polymorphisms. Genetic variants for genotyping were selected from the following genes of interest: S100A8, FCGR2A, FCGR2B, IL10, MMP8, MMP3, MMP13, VDR, TLR4, MMP2, MPO, ELANE, IL1A, IL1B, IL1RN, CD28, MMP9, DDX39B, NFKBIL1, LTA, TNF, SOD2, IL6, TLR4, TIMP1, and SYN1. After false discovery rate control (FDR), polymorphisms in MMP3 (rs679620, rs520540, rs639752), CD28 (rs3116496), and VDR (rs2228570) associated (FDR q < 0.05) with deepened periodontal pockets. Smoking did not affect the results. Genetic polymorphisms of pro‐inflammatory mediators MMP3, CD28, and VDR seem to link to initial periodontitis.
Development of an automated method of detecting stereotyped feeding events in multisensor data from tagged rorqual whales
Authors: Allen Ann N. , Goldbogen Jeremy A. , Friedlaender Ari S. , Calambokidis John
Published: September 2016

The introduction of animal‐borne, multisensor tags has opened up many opportunities for ecological research, making previously inaccessible species and behaviors observable. The advancement of tag technology and the increasingly widespread use of bio‐logging tags are leading to large volumes of sometimes extremely detailed data. With the increasing quantity and duration of tag deployments, a set of tools needs to be developed to aid in facilitating and standardizing the analysis of movement sensor data. Here, we developed an observation‐based decision tree method to detect feeding events in data from multisensor movement tags attached to fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). Fin whales exhibit an energetically costly and kinematically complex foraging behavior called lunge feeding, an intermittent ram filtration mechanism. Using this automated system, we identified feeding lunges in 19 fin whales tagged with multisensor tags, during a total of over 100 h of continuously sampled data. Using movement sensor and hydrophone data, the automated lunge detector correctly identified an average of 92.8% of all lunges, with a false‐positive rate of 9.5%. The strong performance of our automated feeding detector demonstrates an effective, straightforward method of activity identification in animal‐borne movement tag data. Our method employs a detection algorithm that utilizes a hierarchy of simple thresholds based on knowledge of observed features of feeding behavior, a technique that is readily modifiable to fit a variety of species and behaviors. Using automated methods to detect behavioral events in tag records will significantly decrease data analysis time and aid in standardizing analysis methods, crucial objectives with the rapidly increasing quantity and variety of on‐animal tag data. Furthermore, our results have implications for next‐generation tag design, especially long‐term tags that can be outfitted with on‐board processing algorithms that automatically detect kinematic events and transmit ethograms via acoustic or satellite telemetry.
Tree species diversity promotes aboveground carbon storage through functional diversity and functional dominance
Authors: Mensah Sylvanus , Veldtman Ruan , Assogbadjo Achille E. , Glèlè Kakaï Romain , Seifert Thomas
Published: September 2016

The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function has increasingly been debated as the cornerstone of the processes behind ecosystem services delivery. Experimental and natural field‐based studies have come up with nonconsistent patterns of biodiversity–ecosystem function, supporting either niche complementarity or selection effects hypothesis. Here, we used aboveground carbon (AGC) storage as proxy for ecosystem function in a South African mistbelt forest, and analyzed its relationship with species diversity, through functional diversity and functional dominance. We hypothesized that (1) diversity influences AGC through functional diversity and functional dominance effects; and (2) effects of diversity on AGC would be greater for functional dominance than for functional diversity. Community weight mean (CWM) of functional traits (wood density, specific leaf area, and maximum plant height) were calculated to assess functional dominance (selection effects). As for functional diversity (complementarity effects), multitrait functional diversity indices were computed. The first hypothesis was tested using structural equation modeling. For the second hypothesis, effects of environmental variables such as slope and altitude were tested first, and separate linear mixed‐effects models were fitted afterward for functional diversity, functional dominance, and both. Results showed that AGC varied significantly along the slope gradient, with lower values at steeper sites. Species diversity (richness) had positive relationship with AGC, even when slope effects were considered. As predicted, diversity effects on AGC were mediated through functional diversity and functional dominance, suggesting that both the niche complementarity and the selection effects are not exclusively affecting carbon storage. However, the effects were greater for functional diversity than for functional dominance. Furthermore, functional dominance effects were strongly transmitted by CWM of maximum plant height, reflecting the importance of forest vertical stratification for diversity–carbon relationship. We therefore argue for stronger complementary effects that would be induced also by complementary light‐use efficiency of tree and species growing in the understory layer.
Allometry data and equations for coastal marsh plants
Authors: Lu Meng , Caplan Joshua S. , Bakker Jonathan D. , Adam Langley J. , Mozdzer Thomas J. , Drake Bert G. , Patrick Megonigal J.
Published: September 2016

Coastal marshes are highly valued for ecosystem services such as protecting inland habitats from storms, sequestering carbon, removing nutrients and other pollutants from surface water, and providing habitat for fish, shellfish, and birds. Because plants largely determine the structure and function of coastal marshes, quantifying plant biomass is essential for evaluating these ecosystem services, understanding the biogeochemical processes that regulate ecosystem function, and forecasting tidal wetland responses to accelerated sea level rise. Allometry is a convenient and efficient technique for nondestructive estimation of plant biomass, and it is commonly used in studies of carbon and nitrogen cycles, energy flows, and marsh surface elevation change. We present plant allometry data and models developed for three long‐term experiments at the Smithsonian Global Change Research Wetland, a brackish marsh in the Rhode River subestuary of the Chesapeake Bay. The dataset contains 9,771 measurements of stem height, dry mass, and (in 9638 cases) stem width across 11 plant species. The vast majority of observations are for Schoenoplectus americanus (8430) and Phragmites australis (311), with fewer observations for other common species: Amaranthus cannabinus, Atriplex patula, Iva frutescens, Kosteletzkya virginica, Polygonum hydropiper, Solidago sempervirens, Spartina alterniflora, Spartina cynosuroides, and Typha angustifolia. Allometric relationships take the form of linear regressions of biomass (transformed using the Box‐Cox procedure) on either stem height and width, or on stem height alone. Allometric relationships for Schoenoplectus americanus were not meaningfully altered by elevated CO2, N enrichment, the community context, interannual variation in climate, or year, showing that a single equation can be used across a broad range of conditions for this species. Archived files include: (1) raw data used to derive allometric equations for each species, (2) reports and evaluations of the allometric equations we derived from the data, and (3) R code with which our derivations can be replicated. Methodological details of our experiments, data collection efforts, and statistical modeling are described in the metadata. The allometric equations can be used for biomass estimation in empirical and modeling studies of North American coastal wetlands, and the data can be used in ecological studies of terrestrial plant allometry.
Bi‐Compartmental Schiff‐Base with Peripheral Ester Functionalization: Synthesis and Magnetic Behavior of Bimetallic Zn‐Ln Complexes (Ln = Dy, Tb, Gd)
Authors: Béreau Virginie , Bolvin Hélène , Duhayon Carine , Sutter Jean‐Pascal
Published: September 2016

A novel ester‐functionalized bi‐compartmental Schiff‐base ligand and its dinuclear Zn‐Ln complexes [Ln = Dy (1), Tb (2), Gd (3)] are reported herein. Athough electron‐withdrawing substituents at the para position of the phenol moieties do not change the coordination environment of the Ln centers in comparison with the nonfunctionalized ligand, they have a clear steric effect on the crystal packing and alter the coordination strength of the central ligand core. This is illustrated by the atypical reactivity of the bi‐compartmental Schiff‐base ligand towards Ln coordination and corroborated by its longer bond lengths to the rare‐earth ions in comparison with the nonfunctionalized ligand. Crystal structures, magnetic behavior, and ab initio calculations for the two series of complexes are reported. A slow relaxation of the magnetization with an energy barrier of 96 K was found for Dy derivative 1 in zero field.
Evaluation of the Reactivity of Metallocatalytic Cavities in the Dimerization of Terminal Alkynes
Authors: Kanaura Mao , Endo Naoki , Schramm Michael P. , Iwasawa Tetsuo
Published: September 2016

The effect of a metallocatalytic cavity flanked by aromatic rings on the catalytic dimerization of terminal alkynes was explored through a comparison with model catalysts that weakened the cavity. The diquinoxaline‐spanned resorcin[4]arene provided a definite compartment, in which the two Au centers enticed two alkynes to undergo the coupling reaction. We synthesized two kinds of model compounds in which one lacked two quinoxaline walls and the other had two pyrazine walls and found that these catalysts exhibited much lower reactivity. The two quinoxaline moieties proved to be quintessential for the catalytic event.
Eugenol ameliorates renal damage in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Garud Mayuresh Sudamrao , Kulkarni Yogesh Anant
Published: September 2016

Eugenol is an important phenylpropanoid present in essential oil obtained from a number of plant species. It is responsible for the typical flavour and the aroma of these plants. Eugenol is known for its various pharmacological activities including anti‐diabetic activity. No systematic and scientific reports were available on its effect in diabetic nephropathy. Transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) plays a central role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Down regulation of TGF‐β can prove a better approach for treatment of diabetic nephropathy. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of eugenol in streptozotocin (STZ) induced type I diabetic nephropathy.

Diabetes was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats by administration of streptozotocin (55 mg kg‐1, i.p.). The effect of eugenol was studied at the dose of 5 and 10 mg kg‐1 day‐1. Treatment was done for 28 days. Assessment of plasma biochemical and urine parameters was done at the end of study. Oxidative stress markers in kidney were also evaluated. Changes in kidney histology were observed by Hematoxylin‐Eosin, Periodic Acid Schiff and Masson Trichrome staining. Expression of TGF‐β1 was determined by measuring the optical density in immunostained kidney sections.

Parameters associated with diabetic nephropathy were significantly shifted towards the normal level after treatment with eugenol. Eugenol also ameliorated the histological changes in the diabetic kidney. Expression of TGF‐β1 was increased significantly in the diabetic control group. However, eugenol treatment decreases this increased expression.

Results suggest that treatment with eugenol involved amelioration of diabetic nephropathy by decreasing TGF‐β1 expression. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concentrating Emergency Rooms: Penny‐Wise and Pound‐Foolish? An Empirical Research on Scale Economies and Chain Economies in Emergency Rooms in Dutch Hospitals
Authors: Blank Jos L. T. , van Hulst Bart L. , Valdmanis Vivian G.
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we address the issue of whether it is economically advantageous to concentrate emergency rooms (ERs) in large hospitals. Besides identifying economies of scale of ERs, we also focus on chain economies. The latter term refers to the effects on a hospital's costs of ER patients who also need follow‐up inpatient or outpatient hospital care. We show that, for each service examined, product‐specific economies of scale prevail indicating that it would be beneficial for hospitals to increase ER services. However, this seems to be inconsistent with the overall diseconomies of scale for the hospital as a whole. This intuitively contradictory result is indicated as the economies of scale paradox. This scale paradox also explains why, in general, hospitals are too large. There are internal (departmental) pressures to expand certain services, such as ER, in order to benefit from the product‐specific economies of scale. However, the financial burden of this expansion is borne by the hospital as a whole. The policy implications of the results are that concentrating ERs seems to be advantageous from a product‐specific perspective, but is far less advantageous from the hospital perspective. © 2016 The Authors. Health Economics Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can pictures promote the acquisition of sight‐word reading? An evaluation of two potential instructional strategies
Authors: Richardson Amy R. , Lerman Dorothea C. , Nissen Melissa A. , Luck Kally M. , Neal Ashley E. , Bao Shimin , Tsami Loukia
Published: September 2016

Sight‐word instruction can be a useful supplement to phonics‐based methods under some circumstances. Nonetheless, few studies have evaluated the conditions under which pictures may be used successfully to teach sight‐word reading. In this study, we extended prior research by examining two potential strategies for reducing the effects of overshadowing when using picture prompts. Five children with developmental disabilities and two typically developing children participated. In the first experiment, the therapist embedded sight words within pictures but gradually faded in the pictures as needed using a least‐to‐most prompting hierarchy. In the second experiment, the therapist embedded text‐to‐picture matching within the sight‐word reading sessions. Results suggested that these strategies reduced the interference typically observed with picture prompts and enhanced performance during teaching sessions for the majority of participants. Text‐to‐picture matching also accelerated mastery of the sight words relative to a condition under which the therapist presented text without pictures.
Can CuO nanoparticles lead to epigenetic regulation of antioxidant enzyme system?
Authors: Chibber Sandesh , Shanker Rishi
Published: September 2016

Copper has been used from ancient time in various applications. Scientists have exploited its means of exposure and consequences to living organisms. The peculiar property of nanomaterials that is a high surface to volume ratio has increased the range of application in products. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are widely used in industrial applications such as semiconductor devices, gas sensor, batteries, solar energy converter, microelectronics, heat transfer fluids and consumer products. In contrast, acute toxicity of CuO NPs has also been reported. Subsequently, human and environmental health may be at a high risk. Their frequent use can also contaminate ecosystems. Therefore, the toxicity of CuO NPs needs to be thoroughly understood. In this review, we have tried to discuss the recent facts and mechanism that have been explored for CuO NPs‐induced toxicity at a cellular, in vivo and ecotoxicological level. Accordingly, the main cause for induction of toxicity by CuO NPs is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) followed by the mitochondrial destruction that leads to apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway or under the condition such as hypoxia cell on exposure to CuO NPs may commit to necrosis. Moreover, CuO NPs also result in activation of MAPK pathways, ERKs and JNK/SAPK thus play an important role in the activation of AP‐1. Furthermore, CuO NPs also leads to up‐regulation of p53 and caspase three genes. Therefore, careful measures are required to explore omic technology to understand the molecular mechanism of the deleterious effects caused by CuO NPs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Manipulations of black bear and coyote affect caribou calf survival
Authors: Lewis Keith P. , Gullage Stephen E. , Fifield David A. , Jennings David H. , Mahoney Shane P.
Published: September 2016

The population of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in Newfoundland declined from approximately 94,000 to 32,000 animals between 1996 and 2013. Poor calf survival was the primary cause of the population decline, largely because of predation of newborn calves by American black bear (Ursus americanus) and the non‐native coyote (Canis latrans). This situation offered an opportunity to test the efficacy of preventative management options such as diversionary feeding and lethal removal of predators for improving calf survival. We monitored caribou calves (n = 536) in 4 calving areas (3 untreated, 1 treatment) for 2 years (2008–2009) followed by diversionary feeding of black bears and coyotes in 2010–2011 and lethal removal of coyotes in 2012–2013. We estimated calf survival for 70 days, the period calves and females remain on the calving grounds, and for 182 days, after which calves were considered recruited into the population. Calf survival was nearly constant over the 6‐year study period on the untreated areas. Calf survival was initially lower on the treatment area compared to the untreated areas but increased substantially on the treatment area during the lethal removal period, especially during the initial 70‐day period. Predation on calves by coyote decreased substantially during the lethal removal period. Diversionary feeding had little influence on survival rates. This study suggests that lethal removal of coyotes could be a viable management option for improving calf survival, but it is expensive and logistically challenging in remote field settings. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Topoisomerases: Resistance versus Sensitivity, How Far We Can Go?
Authors: Bansal Sandhya , Bajaj Priyanka , Pandey Stuti , Tandon Vibha
Published: September 2016

DNA topoisomerases are ubiquitously present remarkable molecular machines that help in altering topology of DNA in living cells. The crucial role played by these nucleases during DNA replication, transcription, and recombination vis‐à‐vis less sequence similarity among different species makes topoisomerases unique and attractive targets for different anticancer and antibacterial drugs. However, druggability of topoisomerases by the existing class of molecules is increasingly becoming questationable due to resistance development predominated by mutations in the corresponding genes. The current scenario facing a decline in the development of new molecules further comprises an important factor that may challenge topoisomerase‐targeting therapy. Thus, it is imperative to wisely use the existing inhibitors lest with this rapid rate of losing grip over the target we may not go too far. Furthermore, it is important not only to design new molecules but also to develop new approaches that may avoid obstacles in therapies due to multiple resistance mechanisms. This review provides a succinct account of different classes of topoisomerase inhibitors, focuses on resistance acquired by mutations in topoisomerases, and discusses the various approaches to increase the efficacy of topoisomerase inhibitors. In a later section, we also suggest the possibility of using bisbenzimidazoles along with efflux pump inhibitors for synergistic bactericidal effects.
Addressing the inter‐individual variation in response to consumption of plant food bioactives: Towards a better understanding of their role in healthy aging and cardiometabolic risk reduction
Authors: Manach Claudine , Milenkovic Dragan , Van de Wiele Tom , Rodriguez‐Mateos Ana , de Roos Baukje , Garcia‐Conesa Maria Teresa , Landberg Rikard , Gibney Eileen R. , Heinonen Marina , Tomás‐Barberán Francisco , Morand Christine
Published: September 2016

Bioactive compounds in plant‐based foods have health properties that contribute to the prevention of age‐related chronic diseases, particularly cardiometabolic disorders. Conclusive proof and understanding of these benefits in humans is essential in order to provide effective dietary recommendations but, so far, the evidence obtained from human intervention trials is limited and contradictory. This is partly due to differences between individuals in the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of bioactive compounds, as well as to heterogeneity in their biological response regarding cardiometabolic health outcomes. Identifying the main factors underlying inter‐individual differences, as well as developing new and innovative methodologies to account for such variability constitute an overarching goal to ultimately optimize the beneficial health effects of plant food bioactives for each and every one of us. In this respect, this position paper from the COST Action FA1403‐POSITIVe examines the main factors likely to affect the individual responses to consumption of plant food bioactives and presents perspectives for assessment and consideration of inter‐individual variability.
Structural and functional quantitative susceptibility mapping from standard fMRI studies
Authors: Sun H. , Seres P. , Wilman A.H.
Published: September 2016

Standard functional MRI (fMRI), which includes resting‐state or paradigm‐driven designs, is widely used in studies of brain function, aging, and disease. These fMRI studies typically use two‐dimensional gradient echo‐planar imaging, which inherently contains phase data that enables quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). This work focuses on the dual value of QSM within fMRI studies, by providing both a localized analysis of functional changes in activated tissue, and iron‐sensitive structural maps in deep grey matter (DGM). Using a visual paradigm fMRI study on healthy volunteers at clinical (1.5 T) and high field strength (4.7 T), we perform functional analysis of magnitude and QSM time series, and at the same time harness structural QSM of iron‐rich DGM, including globus pallidus, putamen, caudate head, substantia nigra, and red nucleus. The effects of fMRI spatial resolution and time series variation on structural DGM QSM are investigated. Our results indicate that structural DGM QSM is feasible within existing fMRI studies, provided that the voxel dimensions are equal to or less than 3 mm, with higher resolutions preferred. The mean DGM QSM values were about 40 to 220 ppb, while the interquartile ranges of the DGM QSM time series varied from about 3 to 9 ppb, depending on structure and resolution. In contrast, the peak voxel functional QSM (fQSM) changes in activated visual cortex ranged from about −10 to −30 ppb, and functional clusters were consistently smaller on QSM than magnitude fMRI. Mean‐level DGM QSM of the time series was successfully extracted in all cases, while fQSM results were more prone to residual background fields and showed less functional change compared with standard magnitude fMRI. Under the conditions prescribed, standard fMRI studies may be used for robust mean‐level DGM QSM, enabling study of DGM iron accumulation, in addition to functional analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emotional Intelligence and Personality Traits as Predictors of Occupational Therapy students' Practice Education Performance: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Brown Ted , Williams Brett , Etherington Jamie
Published: September 2016

This study investigated whether occupational therapy students' emotional intelligence and personality traits are predictive of specific aspects of their fieldwork performance. A total of 114 second and third year undergraduate occupational therapy students (86.6% response rate) completed the Genos Emotional Intelligence Inventory (Genos EI) and the Ten‐Item Personality Inventory (TIPI). Fieldwork performance scores were obtained from the Student Practice Evaluation Form Revised (SPEF‐R). Linear regressions were completed with the SPEF‐R domains being the dependent variables and the Genos EI and TIPI factors being the independent variables. Regression analysis results revealed that the Genos EI subscales of Emotional Management of Others (EMO), Emotional Awareness of Others (EAO), Emotional Expression (EEX) and Emotional Reasoning (ERE) were significant predictors of various domains of students' fieldwork performance. EAO and ERE were significant predictors of students' Communication Skills accounting for 4.6% of its variance. EMO, EAO, EEX and ERE were significant predictors of students' Documentation Skills explaining 6.8% of its variance. EMO was a significant predictor of students' Professional Behaviour accounting for 3.2% of its variance. No TIPI factors were found to be significant predictors of the SPEF‐R domains. Occupational therapy students' emotional intelligence was a significant predictor of components of their fieldwork performance while students' personality traits were not. The convenience sampling approach used, small sample size recruited and potential issue of social desirability of the self‐reported Genos EI and TIPI data are acknowledged as study limitations. It is recommended that other studies be completed to investigate if any other relevant constructs or factors are predictive of occupational therapy students' fieldwork performance. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nickel dithiolene complexes encapsulated in biocompatible amphiphilic diblock copolymer nanoparticles
Authors: Vlassi Eleni , Mousdis George A. , Pispas Stergios
Published: September 2016

The goal of this study is to prepare novel hybrid nanoparticles, in the form of micellar nanoparticles in aqueous media, which will combine the properties of the amphiphilic diblock copolymers (such as PEO‐b‐PPhOx and PI‐b‐PEO) with the ones of the nickel 1,2‐dithiolene (1,2‐Ni DT) complexes. The structural and morphological analysis of these nanoparticles have revealed that they can be promising for photodynamic therapy and near‐infrared (NIR) optical imaging due to their size and absorption in NIR. The micellar nanoparticles have been studied not only in aqueous solutions but also under other physiological conditions, that is, PBS and PBS‐FBS buffer solutions. Their solutions are characterized by several methods, including UV–vis spectroscopy, light scattering, and FTIR. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 2507–2513
Synthesis and characterization of CoxNi1‐xFe2O4 samples by solution combustion method using glycine as fuel
Authors: Jithin P. V. , Baghya P. K. , Roona N. , Thomas Anu , Thomas Nygil , Sudheesh V. D. , Sebastain Varkey , Lakshmi N.
Published: September 2016

Nano sized CoxNi1‐xFe2O4(0≤x≤1) samples were prepared by solution combustion method using glycine as fuel, maintaining a fuel to oxidizer ratio of 0.8. PXRD and FTIR analysis confirms the formation of the spinel phase. Non spherical and highly crystalline nature of the sample was revealed by HRTEM analysis. Lattice parameters of all samples calculated after Rietveld refinement and their variation are in accordance with Vegard's law. DC magnetization study indicates a transformation from soft to hard magnetic phase on increase in Co concentration. Saturation magnetization of nickel ferrite samples match well with that of bulk samples, while the pure cobalt ferrite sample has a lower saturation magnetization compared to that of the bulk, which may be due to spin canting. Impedance measurements of the samples give general trend shown by ferrite material which is in accordance with Koop's phenomenological theory. The study shows that the magnetic and electric properties of nickel ferrite nanoparticles can be easily tailored using a simple solution combustion method in the fuel lean condition with glycine as fuel.
GSI‐based ensemble‐variational hybrid data assimilation for HWRF for hurricane initialization and prediction: impact of various error covariances for airborne radar observation assimilation
Authors: Lu Xu , Wang Xuguang , Li Yongzuo , Tong Mingjing , Ma Xulin
Published: September 2016

The hybrid Ensemble Kalman Filter ‐ Variational (EnKF‐Var) data assimilation (DA) system based on Grid‐point Statistical Interpolation (GSI) is extended for the Hurricane‐WRF model (HWRF). Background ensemble forecasts initialized by the EnKF are used to provide the flow‐dependent error covariance to be ingested by GSI using the extended control variable method. The hybrid system is then applied to assimilate airborne radar data.

In this article, the newly developed HWRF hybrid system capable of assimilating airborne radar observations is introduced. The impact of using variously estimated background error covariances on tropical cyclone (TC) core analyses and subsequent forecasts is explored by a detailed study of Hurricane Sandy (2012) and by systematic comparison of various sensitivity experiments for multiple cases during the 2012–2013 seasons. The hybrid system using the HWRF EnKF ensemble covariance (Hybrid‐HENS) is able to correct both the wind and mass fields in a dynamically and thermodynamically coherent fashion. In contrast, the wind and pressure adjustments by GSI three‐dimensional variation (GSI3DVar) using the static covariance are inconsistent. The wind and pressure relation in the covariances derived from the GFS ensemble (Hybrid‐GENS) improves upon the static covariance, but is still inconsistent compared to that of HWRF. Verifications against independent flight‐level and Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SFMR) wind data, and Hurricane Research Division (HRD) radar wind composite reveal that the Hybrid‐HENS system improves the analysed TC structure upon both GSI3DVar and Hybrid‐GENS. Hybrid‐HENS and Hybrid‐GENS improve the track, minimum sea‐level pressure (MSLP) and Vmax forecast relative to GSI3DVar. Hybrid‐HENS further improves track forecasts compared to Hybrid‐GENS. Hybrid‐HENS provides the largest positive impact of the airborne radar data. In comparison, GSI3DVar shows consistently negative impact of the data when analysing the structure and verifying track forecasts. Blending the static background error covariance in the hybrid system improves the maximum wind forecast while little benefit is found in the analysed structures and the MSLP and track forecasts.
High‐resolution simulation of the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation in Met Office Unified Model
Authors: Fang Yongjie , Wu Peili , Mizielinski M. S. , Roberts M. J. , Wu Tongwen , Li Bo , Vidale Pier Luigi , Demory Marie‐Estelle , Schiemann Reinhard
Published: September 2016

The present study investigates the fidelity and resolution sensitivity of Met Office Unified Model Global Atmosphere 3.0 in simulating the intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) of the East Asia and western North Pacific summer monsoon. Two sets of model simulations at horizontal resolutions of N216 (60 km) and N96 (130 km) forced by observed daily high‐resolution sea‐surface temperature are examined and compared with the observations. Diagnostic results show that the model can well reproduce the gross spatio‐temporal features of observed summer ISO over East Asia and the western North Pacific in terms of period, dominant rotated empirical orthogonal function (REOF) mode, variance, northward propagation, cycle evolution and vertical structure. The intraseasonal change in intensity and position of the western North Pacific subtropical high and upper troposphere westerly jet associated with the northward propagating ISOs are also reasonably captured in the model. Moreover, increasing horizontal resolution improves most aspects of the ISO simulation, especially the intensity and northward propagation of the ISO‐related convection and circulation systems. Further analysis indicates that the improvement as resolution increases is related to the weakening in background state of the East Asian summer monsoon, which is due to the realistic simulation of land–sea thermal contrast in the higher resolution model. This study suggests that enhanced model resolution can have some beneficial impacts on the ISO simulation.
Generalized RSA using 2k prime numbers with secure key generation
Authors: Lone Auqib Hamid , Khalique Aqeel
Published: September 2016

Cryptography is used for secure communication since ancient days for providing confidentiality, integrity and availability of the information. Public key cryptography is a classification of cryptography having pair of keys for encryption and decryption. Public key cryptography provides security and authentication using several algorithms. The Rivest–Shamir –Adleman (RSA) algorithm is prominent since its inception and is widely used. Several modified schemes were introduced to increase security in the RSA algorithm involving additional complexity. In this paper, we introduce a generalized algorithm over RSA that is advanced, adaptable and scalable in using a number of primes. Our algorithm uses 2k prime numbers with secure key generation involving additional complexity, making it computationally infeasible to determine decryption key. A user can use 4, 8, 16, 32, … (2k) prime numbers for generating public and private components securely. In our algorithm, public key and private key components are generated by making use of N, where N is a function of 2k prime numbers. When an attacker obtains a public key component n out of {E, n} by using factorization techniques such as general number field sieve or elliptic curve factorization, he or she can only obtain two initial prime numbers (because n is a product of the first two prime numbers). However, finding the remaining prime numbers is computationally infeasible as no relevant information is available to the attacker. Hence, it is difficult for the attacker to determine the private key component D out of {D, n} knowing the public key component {E, n}. Thus, it is practically impossible to break our system using a brute force attack. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stochastic Prebiotic Chemistry within Realistic Geological Systems
Authors: Dass Avinash Vicholous , Hickman‐Lewis Keyron , Brack André , Kee Terence P. , Westall Frances
Published: September 2016

This review introduces its readers to a ‘stochastic approach’ to origins of life research, from the viewpoints of both prebiotic chemistry and geology. The idea of a “primordial soup” has been subject to extensive criticism from thermodynamic, biochemical and geochemical perspectives, yet recent advancements have made clearer the plausibility of this theory. Herein, we review the theoretical and experimental approaches which have previously been explored, among these modelling, laboratory‐confined and geologically motivated experimentation. Of these, we consider organo‐mineral interactions, uniting aspects of prebiotic chemistry and geology, to be an especially promising way forward. However, we aim here to advance current approaches by advocating a methodology involving chemical systems and their stochastic reactivity on heterogeneous geological surfaces. This models the origins of life as a continuity of chemical reactions in an analogue to the early Earth (Hadean) environment.
Synthesis and Human Anticancer Cell Line Studies on Coumarin‐β‐carboline Hybrids as Possible Antimitotic Agents
Authors: Samundeeswari S. , Kulkarni Manohar V. , Joshi Shrinivas D. , Dixit Sheshagiri R. , Jayakumar Srinivasan , Ezhilarasi R. M.
Published: September 2016

A series of coumarin tetrahydro‐β‐carboline hybrids 3 have been synthesized by the Pictet‐Spengler reaction. Stoichiometrically controlled DDQ oxidation has led to dihydro 4 and β‐carboline 5. In vitro anticancer activity against 60 cell lines has revealed the potency of 3 f, 4 a and 5 c. In silico studies indicate the binding properties of 5 c with Kinesin spindle protein (KSP) and tubulin protein. Gel electrophoresis studies revealed that compound 3 f partially cleaved the CT‐DNA, whereas the ring C aromatized compound 5 c completely cleaved the CT‐DNA. Structures of the newly synthesized compounds are confirmed by spectroscopic and X‐ray studies.
Fabrication and Photovoltaic Effect of CdS/Silicon Nanopillars Heterojunction Solar Cell
Authors: Liu Jing , Yi Futing , Wang Bo , Zhang Tianchong , Wang Yuting , Zhou Yue
Published: September 2016

A 200 nm thickness layer of Cadmium sulfide (CdS) film covers on the silicon nanopillars surface to heterojunction solar cell. The nanopillars with the large surface ratio can increase the heterojunction surface and the light absorption, which can improve the photovoltaic performance of solar cell. Silicon nanopillars are fabricated by Cesium Chloride self‐assembly lithography and inductively coupled plasma dry etching as substrate. CdS film covers the silicon nanopillars surface by the RF magnetron sputtering using CdS ceramic target. The X‐ray diffraction patterns of the nanopillar and planar substrates after CdS film covering indicate that all the deposited films are crystal. The nanopillars wafer has lower reflectance than the planar one both before and after the CdS film covering for the wavelength ranging from 350 to 1050 nm. With this method, the nanopillar based CdS/Silicon heterojunction solar cell has the better photovoltaic performance than the planar one. The Jsc increases from 7.12 to 13.92 mA/cm2 and the energy conversion efficiency increases from 1.32 % to 1.83 %. The large surface ratio nanopillars might be a potential substrate for high efficiency heterojunction solar cell.
Short Synthesis of Novel Recyclable Chiral Bifunctional Thioureas from Aminoalkyl Polystyrene and their use as Organocatalysts in Stereoselective aza‐Henry Reaction.
Authors: Andrés José M. , Maestro Alicia , Rodríguez‐Ferrer Patricia , Simón Inmaculada , Pedrosa Rafael
Published: September 2016

A series of supported bifunctional thioureas has been prepared, in one or two steps, from commercially available aminoalkyl polystyrene resins. They differ in the length of the tether attaching the thiourea to the polymer chain, and the nature of the amino thiourea component. All the materials are able to promote stereoselective aza‐Henry reaction with very good stereoselection, and they can be recycled maintaining the catalytic activity.
Simple method for preparing of sulfur–doped graphitic carbon nitride with superior activity in CO2 photoreduction
Authors: Shcherban Nataliya D. , Filonenko Svitlana M. , Ovcharov Mykhailo L. , Mishura Andriy M. , Skoryk Mykola A. , Aho Atte , Murzin Dmitry Yu.
Published: September 2016

S‐doped porous carbon nitride was obtained by a simple method using melamine and sulfuric acid. The synthesized material exhibits high BET specific surface area (75 m2/g) compared to non‐doped C3N4 (25 m2/g). According to X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy sulfur atoms substitute nitrogen forming C−S bonds in the structure of carbon nitride. Incorporation of sulfur into C3N4 results in a significant increase of the light absorbance intensity especially in the UV region compared to undoped sample. Synthesized S‐doped carbon nitride was found to be p‐type semiconductor with high catalytic activity towards photoreduction of carbon dioxide with water vapour. Doping C3N4 with sulfur increases the catalytic activity in this reaction almost tenfold.
Benefits and biases of VHF and GPS telemetry: A case study of American alligator spatial ecology
Authors: Skupien Gregory M. , Andrews Kimberly M. , Norton Terry M.
Published: September 2016

American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) historically occupied freshwater habitats such as isolated wetlands, lakes, rivers, bottomland swamps, and floodplains in coastal and inland sites. As a result of loss of aquatic habitats, alligators have adapted to inhabiting human‐made lagoons on golf courses and aquatic habitats in close proximity to developed areas. We conducted a telemetry study of adult (>1.8‐m) male alligators between July 2012 and September 2014 on Jekyll Island, Georgia, USA. Our objective was to compare the efficacy of using very‐high‐frequency (VHF) and Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry in the framework of understanding the spatial ecology of American alligators in a developed landscape. We present both benefits and biases of using these technologies in studies with large, semiaquatic vertebrates. Global Positioning System telemetry produced larger 100% minimum convex polygon home range sizes (range = 67.0–1,094.0 ha) when compared with VHF telemetry (range = 27.5–596.0 ha). Data collected using a prototype GPS technology custom developed by Advanced Telemetry Systems (ATS, Isanti, MN, USA) allowed for the construction of larger, more biologically accurate home ranges. However, VHF telemetry allowed alligators to be detected in underground habitats where they could not be detected with GPS telemetry and yielded more information on behavior and microhabitat through direct observation. We recommend the use of traditional VHF telemetry to allow researchers to directly observe animal behaviors such as reproduction and foraging in conjunction with GPS telemetry to capture previously unavailable locational data. These data highlight the importance of choosing the appropriate telemetry technology based on habitat type, species, and research objectives. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Questions as information types
Authors: Ciardelli Ivano
Published: September 2016

This paper argues that questions have an important role to to play in logic, both semantically and proof-theoretically. Semantically, we show that by generalizing the classical notion of entailment to questions, we can capture not only the standard relation of logical consequence, which holds between pieces of information, but also the relation of logical dependency, which holds between information types. Proof-theoretically, we show that questions may be used in inferences as placeholders for arbitrary information of a given type; by manipulating such placeholders, we may construct formal proofs of dependencies. Finally, we show that such proofs have a specific kind of constructive content: they do not just witness the existence of a certain dependency, but actually encode a method for transforming information of the types described by the assumptions into information of the type described by the conclusion.
Effects of mode coupling between low-mode radiation flux asymmetry and intermediate-mode ablator roughness on ignition capsule implosions
Authors: Gu Jianfa , Dai Zhensheng , Zou Shiyang , Ye Wenhua , Zheng Wudi , Gu Peijun , Zhu Shaoping
Published: September 2016

The low-mode shell asymmetry and high-mode hot spot mixing appear to be the main reasons for the performance degradation of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) implosion experiments. The effects of the mode coupling between low-mode P2 radiation flux asymmetry and intermediate-mode L = 24 capsule roughness on the implosion performance of ignition capsule are investigated by two-dimensional radiation hydrodynamic simulations. It is shown that the amplitudes of new modes generated by the mode coupling are in good agreement with the second-order mode coupling equation during the acceleration phase. The later flow field not only shows large areal density P2 asymmetry in the main fuel, but also generates large-amplitude spikes and bubbles. In the deceleration phase, the increasing mode coupling generates more new modes, and the perturbation spectrum on the hot spot boundary is mainly from the strong mode interactions rather than the initial perturbation conditions. The combination of the low-mode and high-mode perturbations breaks up the capsule shell, resulting in a significant reduction of the hot spot temperature and implosion performance.
We hate them all? Issue adaptation of extreme right parties in Slovakia 1993–2016
Authors: Kluknavská Alena , Smolík Josef
Published: September 2016

This article presents electoral developments and mobilization issues of the extreme right political parties between 1993 and 2016. It analyzes the changes in the extreme right discourses and framing strategies in relation to their electoral results. We argue that during the transition to democracy in the 1990s and partially later in the 2000s, the extreme right parties were predominantly focusing on the issues related to national sovereignty and were successful mostly in the context of hostility against groups that could potentially threaten this independence, while their electoral achievements were affected mainly by their internal party stability. In the late 2000s, the extreme right has, however, begun to adopt a strategy that has bridged nationalist, populist and xenophobic discourses, with stronger success during the economic and refugee crises in Europe.