bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrophilic Aromatic Nitration: Substituent Effects of Monosubstituted Benzenes
Authors: Wang Peng‐Cheng , Chen Jing , Lu Ming
Published: May 2015

By the method of Density Functional Theory, at B3LYP/6–311G** level, works are done to optimize the charge distribution of nine kinds of aromatic groups. Meanwhile, the activation hardness is introduced and used to check the presented calculations' validity. Based on these studies, the orientation of electrophilic aromatic substitution is discussed. Experimental results show that the nitrification activity described with NBO net charge has a relationship with the nitrification strength, and it is an excellent index for predicting orientation effects.
Silica‐Bonded N‐Propyl Sulfamic Acid: A Recyclable Catalyst for the Synthesis of 1,8‐Dioxo‐decahydroacridines, 1,8‐Dioxo‐octahydroxanthenes and Quinoxalines
Authors: Rashedian Fatemeh , Saberi Dariush , Niknam Khodabakhsh
Published: May 2015

Silica bonded N‐propyl sulfamic acid (SBNPSA) is employed as a solid acid catalyst for the synthesis of 1,8‐dioxo‐decahydroacridines and 1,8‐dioxo‐octahydroxanthenes in high yields and short reaction times in ethanol under reflux conditions. Also, this solid acid catalyzed the reaction of 1,2‐diamino compounds with 1,2‐dicarbonyl compounds for the synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives at room temperature. The catalyst could be recycled and reused several times without any loss of efficiency.
Development of New Kinetic‐Spectrophotometric Method for Determination Insecticide Dimethoate in Milk and Water
Authors: Grahovac Zora M. , Mitić Snež Ana S. , Pecev Emilija T. , Pavlović Aleksandra N.
Published: May 2015

In the present study, a new sensitive and simple kinetic‐spectrophotometric method for the determination of the insecticide dimethoate[O,O‐dimethyl‐S‐(N‐methyl‐carbomoylmethyl)‐phosphoro‐dithioate] is developed. The method is based on the inhibited effect of dimethoate on the oxidation of sulphanilic acid (SA) by potassium periodate in acetate buffer in presence Fe(III) ion and 1,10‐phenantroline. Dimethoate was determined with linear calibration graph in the interval from 28.10 to 196.70 ng/mL. The optimized conditions yielded a theoretical detection limit of 21.64 ng/mL based on the 3Sb criterion. The RSD is 4.85‐1.2% for the concentration interval of dimethoate 28.10‐196.70 ng/mL. The reaction was followed spectrophotometrically at 368 nm. The kinetic parameters of the reaction are reported, and the rate equations are suggested. The developed procedure was successfully applied to the rapid determination of dimethoate in spiked milk and water samples. Liquid‐liquid extraction and solid‐phase extraction (SPE) was used for extraction of dimethoate from milk and water samples with Chromabond® (Macherey‐Nagel) C18 cartridges. The HPLC method was used like an comparative method to verify the results. The results obtained by two different methods showed good agreement.
Preconcentration and Determination of Trace Amount of Nickel in Water and Biological Samples by Dispersive Liquid‐Liquid Microextraction
Authors: Shirkhanloo Hamid , Rouhollahi Ahmad , Mousavi Hassan Zavvar
Published: May 2015

A new, simple and highly sensitive dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction method using a ionic liquid, i.e., 1‐Butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C4MIM][PF6]) for nickel determination at trace levels in real samples was developed. Nickel was chelated with diethyl dithiocarbamat reagent and extracted into an ionic liquid. Ni was back‐extracted from the IL phase with 200 μL of 0.5 mol L−1 nitric acid and determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). Various parameters such as pH, amount of ionic liquid, eluent type and volume, chelating agent concentration, volume of the sample solution and matrix interference effect on the recovery of the metal ions have been studied. Under the optimum conditions, the enrichment factor 100 was obtained from only 20 mL of sample. The calibration graph was linear in the rage of 20‐700 ng L−1 of nickel with detection limit of 5 ng L−1. The relative standard deviation (R.S.D.s) for eight replicate measurements of 20 ng L−1 of nickel was 5.6%. Validation of the methodology was performed by standard addition method and analysis of certified reference material. The method was successfully applied to the determination of Ni+2 in serum and tap water samples.
Doubly β‐Functionalized Zinc(II) Porphyrin‐sensitized TiO2 Solar Cells
Authors: Park Sun Woo , Hwang Dae Sub , Kim Dong Young , Kim Dongho
Published: May 2015

Functionalized porphyrin at β‐positions with carboxylic acid groups was prepared to investigate the photovoltaic function as dye‐sensitized nanocrystalline‐TiO2 solar cells. The electronic structures of the porphyrin macrocyclic core are strongly coupled with olefinic side chains so that the absorption spectrum exhibits broad and red‐shifted Soret and Q‐bands. 2b‐Zn, which is a metallated porphyrin with 2‐propenoic acid groups at two β‐positions, exhibits the power conversion efficiency of 5.18%. From such photovoltaic performance, we can suggest that multiple pathways through olefinic side chains at two β‐positions enhance the electron injection efficiency. For improvement of the solar cell efficiency, we have employed empirical surface modification which is a post‐treatment of the TiO2 film by aqueous TiCl4. As a result, post‐TiCl4 treated cell exhibits the power conversion efficiency of 5.37% and the maximum incident photon to current efficiency of 67.2% in the Soret band region.
A New Microstructured DSC Photoelectrode for Potential High Power Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Zhang Qi‐Feng , Park Kwangsuk , Cao Guo‐Zhong
Published: May 2015

This paper includes an overview of general approaches and efforts to enhance the power conversion efficiency in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSC) and then the recent development of hierarchically structured photoelectrodes for DSC. Hierarchically structured photoelectrodes are made of submicron‐sized aggregates of ZnO nanocrystallites. Such structured photoelectrodes retain the desired large surface area and crystal facets for dye molecule adsorption and possess the ability to scatter the visible light within the photoelectrodes, so as to enhance light adsorption and thus lead to more efficient photon capturing. In ZnO DSC, hierarchically structured photoelectrodes demonstrated over 200% enhancement in power conversion efficiency.
Porphyrin‐Perylene Dyes for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Hong‐Yi , Lee Cheng‐Wei , Chuang Shu‐Han , Lu Hsueh‐Pei , Diau Eric Wei‐Guang , Yeh Chen‐Yu
Published: May 2015

Two novel porphyrin‐perylene dyads 1 and 2 for DSSC applications have been synthesized. The absorption band of the perylene fills up the trough between the Soret and Q bands of the porphyrin, leading to an increase in the absorption efficiency of the dye. The highly conjugated acetylenic bridge mediates strong electronic coupling between the porphyrin and perylene units and results in the extension of π‐conjugation of the porphyrin ring. The Soret and Q bands are broadened and red‐shifted and the light‐harvesting effect is thus improved. We propose that energy transfer occurs from the photoexcited perylene to porphyrin for dyad 1 whereas energy transfer proceeds from the excited porphyrin to perylene for dyad 2. Our studies show that multichromophoric dyes used for DSSC can be designed in a rational manner with predictable photophysical behavior and efficient light‐harvesting properties, but the efficiency of the energy transfer process in a consecutive model needs to be controlled for a significant improvement of the cell performance using perylene‐porphyrin sensitizers.
Characteristics of Zinc Oxide Crystallites Deposited on ITO for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Huang Chueh‐Jung , Chao Wen‐Kai , Shieu Fuh‐Sheng
Published: May 2015

ZnO large crystallites on ITO glass were prepared by acid sol technology. The characteristic and microstructure of the ZnO crystallites on the ITO glass were investigated. Moreover, the ZnO/ITO glass were used as photoelectrodes to fabricate the dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), and the effects of the ZnO crystallites on the photoconversion efficiencies of the DSSCs were also investigated. The results of XRD, FE‐SEM, TEM and UV‐visible spectroscopy analyses indicate that the deposited ZnO crystallites exhibit a hexagonal wurtizite structure with particle size over than 200 nm, and lead the ZnO/ITO electrode to induce a red‐shift toward longer wavelength. The solar energy conversion efficiency (η%) of the DSSCs in the case of ZnO/ITO cell electrode is higher than that of the ITO cell electrode. The conversion efficiency was found to be 0.92% and 0.48% for the ZnO/ITO and the ITO electrodes, respectively.
The Protection of Flexible DSSC Polymeric Substrate using Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Coating
Authors: Huang Chun , Wu Shin‐Yi , Chang Ya‐Chi , Pan Chien‐Hsuan , Tsai Ching‐Yuan
Published: May 2015

Protective SiOx coating on polymeric substrates were deposited at room temperature by atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ), using HMDSO (Hexamethylsiloxane) as monomer and argon (Ar) as carrier gas, have been investigated for the surface properties as a function of plasma operational parameters including in RF plasma power, substrate temperature, and monomer flow rate. The improved hardness of direct APPJ deposited polymeric substrates have been determined by pencil test and related to the chemical composition and to the surface morphology of the plasma coated SiOx layers. The direct APPJ deposited films have been analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV‐vis spectrometer, and AFM (Atomic Forced Microscopy). From FT‐IR analysis, it resulted that remote APPJ deposited films become more inorganic as the monomer flow rate increased. UV‐vis spectra, detected in the range of 300‐800 nm, examined the improved transparency in the visible and increased absorption in UV region. Protective SiOx coating has a potential application in dye‐sensitized‐solar‐cells.
Rhodamine‐Ethylenediol, A Novel Vital Fluorescent Probe for Labelling Alkaline Phosphatase‐Rich Organelles
Authors: Chen Yau‐Hung , Chiou Chien‐Hui , Chen Wei‐Li , Jhou Yu‐Ru , Lee Ya‐Ting , Cheng Chien‐Chung
Published: May 2015

Zebrafish have received considerable attention as an organism‐based model in the development of pharmacological agents.1,2Many small molecules applied to zebrafish show important behaviours and may constitute new kinds of markers for clinical purposes.3Analysis of these molecules can facilitate the development of useful tools for monitoring environmental changes.4Many chemicals that are toxic to the environment are known to influence the sensory systems of humans5and fish.6One important sensory system in all fish is the lateral line organ,7which is readily accessible for the assessment of environmental changes.8Neuromasts, which are located on the surface of the fish body, are one of the major components of the lateral lines of the zebrafish.9Copper‐enriched water is known to affect the olfactory system in fish. Therefore, small molecules that induce specific patterns in the neuromasts of zebrafish should provide an important animal model with which to explore the effects of environmental changes on the sensory system.10,11Recently, chemical sensors based on the rhodamine skeleton12have been designed to specifically detect metal ions, such as Cu(II)13and Fe(III)/Hg(II),14in zebrafish. However, there has been no report of these rhodamine derivatives used in the specific recognition of the sensory system of zebrafish. Commonly, the sensory system is studied with antibody staining assays of scarified fish. Here, we report that a new rhodamine derivative can be used as a fluorescent chemical probe to visualize the neuromasts and intestinal villi of living zebrafish. Based on the specific recognition of this area in zebrafish, we narrowed the possible enzymes targeted by this rhodamine probe to alkaline phosphatase and confirmed this with a binding assay. It is a well‐recognized challenge to develop a fluorescent chemical probe that specifically recognizes a particular enzyme. Furthermore, the transfer of phosphate groups to certain enzymes can activate their catalytic reactivity, triggering a cascade reaction in a signal transduction pathway. The alkaline‐phosphatase‐specific recognition by this rhodamine derivative may be applicable to clinical purposes.
Synthesis of Novel Aryloxy Propanoyl Thiadiazoles as Potential Antihypertensive Agents
Authors: Samel Amarish B. , Pai Nandini R.
Published: May 2015

2‐Amino‐5‐aryl/alkyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazoles 3a‐e were synthesized from aliphatic and aromatic acids and thiosemicarbazide. These 2‐amino‐5‐aryl/alkyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazoles 3a‐e were condensed with 2‐(naphthalenyloxymethyl) oxirane 4a‐b to prepare some naphthalenyloxy‐propanol amine derivatives 5a‐j. These compounds were synthesized as potential antihypertensive agents.
Pharmacometrics‐guided drug development of antihyperhidrosis agents
Authors: Mehrotra Shailly , Schmith Virginia D. , Dumitrescu Teodora Pene , Gobburu Jogarao
Published: May 2015

The objective of the present work was to use modeling and simulation to inform trial design of a proof‐of‐concept study for agents used in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Data were available from 36 subjects who received the vehicle, 2% or 4% topical glycopyrrolate wipes daily for 4 weeks, with response (hyperhidrosis disease severity scale [HDSS] and sweat production [SP]) measured weekly. The HDSS and SP time courses were best described using a longitudinal model with maximum response achieved by 1 week. Glycopyrrolate 4% had a higher HDSS responder rate than 2% (50% vs 33%) and placebo (0%) at week 1. Mean change from baseline (mg/5 min [SD]) in SP at week 1 was ‐90 (220), ‐185 (214), and ‐271 (265) for placebo, 2%, and 4% glycopyrrolate, respectively. Subjects with higher baseline SP had higher sweat reduction from baseline. Virtual clinical trials were simulated and analyzed using conventional (at the end of the study) versus model‐based methods to determine sample size for achieving 80% power to identify a dose–response relationship. Twenty‐seven subjects compared with at least 120 subjects would be needed using model‐based and conventional methods, respectively. Thus, the model‐based method using longitudinal data required fewer subjects than the conventional single‐point method.
Normal T2 map profile of the entire femoral cartilage using an angle/layer‐dependent approach
Authors: Kaneko Yasuhito , Nozaki Taiki , Yu Hon , Chang Andrew , Kaneshiro Kayleigh , Schwarzkopf Ran , Hara Takeshi , Yoshioka Hiroshi
Published: April 2015

Purpose

To create standard T2 map profiles from the entire femoral cartilage of healthy volunteers in order to assess regional variations using an angular and layer‐dependent approach.

Materials and Methods

Twenty healthy knees were evaluated using 3T sagittal images of a T2 mapping sequence. Manual segmentation of the entire femoral cartilage was performed slice‐by‐slice by two raters using MatLab. Inter‐ and intrarater reliabilities were calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman analysis. T2 values were analyzed with respect to specific locations (medial condyle, trochlea, and lateral condyle), angles to B0, and layers of cartilage (whole, deep, and superficial).

Results

Inter‐ and intrarater reliability obtained from the entire femoral cartilage was excellent (ICC = 0.84, 0.86, respectively). The ICCs around the trochlea were lower than those of the medial and lateral condyle. Both the inter‐ and intrarater Bland–Altman plots indicated larger differences in pixel count are seen as the size of the angular segment becomes larger. T2 values were significantly higher in the superficial layer compared to the deep layer at each femoral compartment (P < 0.001). A magic angle effect was clearly observed, especially within the whole and deep layer over the medial and lateral femoral condyles, except for the superficial layer at the medial condyle.

Conclusion

The normal T2 map profiles of the entire femoral cartilage showed variations in ICCs by location and in T2 values by angles and layers. These profiles can be useful for diagnosis of early cartilage degeneration in a specific angle and layer of each condyle and trochlea. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2015;42:1507–1516.
Clinical performance of multiplex high‐risk e6 mrna expression in comparison with hpv dna subtypes for the identification of women at risk of cervical cancer
Authors: Ho Chih‐Ming , Pan Kui‐You , Chen Yun‐Yuan , Huang Chia‐Yen , Chen Yu‐Li , Chang Shwu‐Fen
Published: May 2015

We compared multiplex E6 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) tests using real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reactions (PCR) with human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA subtypes using a MY11/GP6+ PCR‐based reverse‐blot assay to identify cervical intraepithelial neoplasias of grade 2 or worse (CIN2+). In total, 684 women were studied, of whom 377 (55%) were diagnosed with CIN2+ histologically. The specificity of HPV mRNA to predict histological CIN2+ was higher than that of HPV DNA (81.3% vs. 44.2%). The odds ratios (ORs) to predict histological CIN2+ in women with positive for type 16, 18, 31, and 45 E6 mRNA or by HPV DNA detection were 7.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.9–13.1) and 2.5 (95%CI 1.9–3.5), respectively, compared to those with negative for E6 mRNA or HPV DNA. The OR to predict histological CIN2+ in women with a cytological grade <CIN2+ and positive for type 16, 18, 31, and 45 E6 mRNA was 9.7 (95%CI 3.2–29.2), compared to those with a cytological grade <CIN2+, and negative for E6 mRNA (OR = 1), those with a cytological grade CIN2+, and negative for mRNA (OR = 6.9, 95%CI 4.4–10.8), and those with a cytological grade CIN2+ and positive for mRNA (OR = 28.0, 95%CI 9.8–79.6). As a HPV DNA positive triage, the OR to predict histological CIN2+ in women with a cytological grade <CIN2+ and positive for mRNA was higher than those with negative for mRNA (OR:12.8 [95%CI 3.6–5.4] vs. OR:1.6 [95%CI 0.9–2.9]). In conclusion, multiplex HPV E6 mRNA detection can be used as a triage for women with cytological grade <CIN2+. J. Med. Virol. 87:1404–1412, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Framework for the simulation of wireless power transmission over ultra wide band links in multipath propagation environments in the vicinity of the human body
Authors: Cuyckens Thomas , Rogier Hendrik
Published: May 2015

In this contribution, a modular framework for ultra wide band wireless power transmission in proximity of the human body is presented. The goal of this work is to simplify the study of wireless links by considering antenna models, including radiation characteristics when the antenna is deployed on the human body, and the power transferred over them in multipath, shadowed propagation environments, such as powering textile antenna systems completely integrated inside garments. To obtain this goal, antenna links are partitioned in black box models for all elementary building blocks, such as antenna transfer functions, propagation channels, active components and more, that can be recombined as one sees fit. The recombination allows for accurate simulation of intricate systems. For small examples, considerable speed and memory gains were observed (a factor 6.20 in time and 1.75 in memory), while for more elaborate examples, it is even impossible to simulate a reference solution. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Barriers and Challenges Minority Men and Women Experienced With Senior Executive Service Advancement
Authors: Murray Christie D.
Published: April 2015

Despite the progress made in diversity hiring and promotion initiatives, minority men and women in the federal government remain underrepresented in the senior executive service workforce. An exploratory case study of 12 minority men and 12 minority women in a federal agency described and explored the perceived personal barriers and challenges experienced with SES advancement. The subfocus explored the perceived influence of support received from agency leaders on SES career advancement. This study was grounded in the expectancy theory and the motivation–hygiene theory to support the career advancement and promotion framework. From the thematic patterns personal and institutional barriers eight themes emerged to offer insight into how taking charge of career development and receiving support from agency leaders can help minority men and women with SES advancement. Future recommendations are outlined.
Painful Mouth and Moving Tongue: Syndrome or Casual Association?
Authors: Fernández José M. , Ibañez Ane M. , Aranzabal Inés M. , Freijo María del Mar , Septién Miren Karmele
Published: April 2015

This study presents a case series with a clinical syndrome characterized by burning pain in the mouth area and choreic movements of the tongue. This symptom complex is chronic and it predominantly affects elderly women. Pathophysiology of this entity is uncertain. Many of the patients had been treated with dopaminergic blocking agents previously, and therefore it could be a peculiar tardive syndrome. Similarities with other conditions involving pain and abnormal movements affecting the same anatomical area are highlighted.
The Good Samaritan and the Marketer: public perceptions of humanitarian and international development NGOs
Authors: Seu Irene Bruna , Flanagan Frances , Orgad Shani
Published: May 2015

This article reports on a nationwide study investigating public responses to humanitarian communications. Based on focus group data with members of the UK public, the paper discusses two key models through which NGOs identities and activities are understood and judged, both positively and negatively: the Good Samaritan and the Marketer. Thematic analysis of the focus groups extracts exposes the salience of these models in people's thinking, how they speak to each other and how they inform and affect the relationship between NGOs and public. The paper discusses the themes in relation to current debates on organisations' image and trust and confidence in nonprofit organisations and humanitarian NGOs. The data show deep public disillusionment and disappointment deriving from the recognition of the Marketer model being applied to and employed within the realm of humanitarianism. This suggests that NGOs' moving away from traditional notions of charity might be counterproductive and in the long‐term risky. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Manual classification strategies in the ECOD database
Authors: Cheng Hua , Liao Yuxing , Schaeffer R. Dustin , Grishin Nick V.
Published: April 2015

ECOD (Evolutionary Classification Of protein Domains) is a comprehensive and up‐to‐date protein structure classification database. The majority of new structures released from the PDB (Protein Data Bank) each week already have close homologs in the ECOD hierarchy and thus can be reliably partitioned into domains and classified by software without manual intervention. However, those proteins that lack confidently detectable homologs require careful analysis by experts. Although many bioinformatics resources rely on expert curation to some degree, specific examples of how this curation occurs and in what cases it is necessary are not always described. Here, we illustrate the manual classification strategy in ECOD by example, focusing on two major issues in protein classification: domain partitioning and the relationship between homology and similarity scores. Most examples show recently released and manually classified PDB structures. We discuss multi‐domain proteins, discordance between sequence and structural similarities, difficulties with assessing homology with scores, and integral membrane proteins homologous to soluble proteins. By timely assimilation of newly available structures into its hierarchy, ECOD strives to provide a most accurate and updated view of the protein structure world as a result of combined computational and expert‐driven analysis. Proteins 2015; 83:1238–1251. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Concept for a biomolecular logic chip with an integrated sensor and actuator function
Authors: Molinnus Denise , Bäcker Matthias , Iken Heiko , Poghossian Arshak , Keusgen Michael , Schöning Michael J.
Published: April 2015

A concept for a new generation of an integrated multi‐functional biosensor/actuator system is developed, which is based on biomolecular logic principles. Such a system is expected to be able to detect multiple biochemical input signals simultaneously and in real‐time and convert them into electrical output signals with logical operations such as OR, AND, etc. The system can be designed as a closed‐loop drug release device triggered by an enzyme logic gate, while the release of the drug induced by the actuator at the required dosage and timing will be controlled by an additional drug sensor. Thus, the system could help to make an accurate and specific diagnosis. The presented concept is exemplarily demonstrated by using an enzyme logic gate based on a glucose/glucose oxidase system, a temperature‐responsive hydrogel mimicking the actuator function and an insulin (drug) sensor. In this work, the results of functional testing of individual amperometric glucose and insulin sensors as well as an impedimetric sensor for the detection of the hydrogel swelling/shrinking are presented.
A Sheet Metal Forming Simulation of a Fuel Filler Door Considering the Behavior of Air in a Die Cavity
Authors: Choi Kwang Yong , Kim Heon Young
Published: April 2015

During a sheet metal forming process (especially when outer panels are involved), air trapped between a blank sheet and an upper/lower die tool can become highly compressed, ultimately influencing blank deformation. To prevent this problem, vent holes are drilled in die tools based on expert knowledge and experience. This drilling process takes much time and thus can increase lead time. Therefore, the influence of vent holes in sheet metal forming process should be optimized for reducing development costs. CAE can be used to analyze the behavior of air in a die cavity during a forming process, incorporating both the elasto‐plastic behavior of a blank sheet and the fluid dynamics of air. This study presents a sheet metal forming simulation that simultaneously simulates the behavior of air in a die cavity. The die velocity during the forming process affects the pressure of the trapped air. To include air behavior (based on the ideal gas law and FPM) in an industrial sheet metal forming model, a parametric study is performed for efficiency including reduction of the CPU computational time. The proper technique for reducing the CPU computational time is then applied to a forming simulation of a fuel filler door to correctly understand the process. In this study, the commercial software PAM‐STAMP™ and PAM‐CRASH™ is used.
A review on climate‐model‐based seasonal hydrologic forecasting: physical understanding and system development
Authors: Yuan Xing , Wood Eric F. , Ma Zhuguo
Published: May 2015

Climate‐model‐based seasonal hydrologic forecasting (CM‐SHF) is an emerging area in recent decade because of the development of coupled atmosphere‐ocean‐land general circulation models (CGCMs) and land surface hydrologic models, and increasing needs for transferring the advances in climate research into hydrologic applications within the framework of climate services. In order to forecast terrestrial hydrology from monthly to seasonal time scales, a CM‐SHF system should take advantage of important information from initial land surface conditions (ICs) as well as skillful seasonal predictions of atmospheric boundary conditions that mostly rely on the predictability of large‐scale climate precursors such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The progresses in the understanding of seasonal hydrologic predictability in terms of ICs and climate precursors are reviewed, and future emphases are discussed. Both the achievements and challenges of the CM‐SHF system development, including multimodel ensemble prediction, seamless hydrologic forecasting, dynamical downscaling, hydrologic post‐processing, and seasonal forecasting of hydrologic extremes with the hyper‐resolution modeling framework that is able to address both the climate change and water resources management impacts on terrestrial hydrology, are presented. Regardless of great strides in CM‐SHF, a grand challenge is the effective dissemination of the information provided by the seasonal hydrologic forecasting system to the decision‐makers, which cannot be resolved without cross‐disciplinary dialog and collaboration. WIREs Water 2015, 2:523–536. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1088

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Science of Water > Water Extremes
Saharan dust transport by Mediterranean cyclones causing mud rain in Istanbul
Authors: Tilev‐Tanriover Şeyda , Kahraman Abdullah
Published: May 2015

North Africa is the largest dust source on Earth. Mediterranean cyclones occasionally transport Saharan dust to Turkey in late winter and early spring, leading to mud rain events in some regions. Two mud rain events which occurred in Istanbul on 11 February 2010 and 8 March 2010 were simulated using the WRF‐ARW mesoscale model. Met Office analysis charts, backward trajectories, ground based observations, and satellite images from EUMETSAT Meteosat Second Generation were examined to explain the underlying mechanisms.
High Saturated Fat Diet Alters the Lipid Composition of Triacylglycerol and Polar Lipids in the Femur of Dam and Offspring Rats
Authors: Miotto Paula M. , Castelli Laura M. , Amoye Foyinsola , Ward Wendy E. , LeBlanc Paul J.
Published: April 2015

Previous work has shown that dietary lipids alter femur lipid composition. Specifically, we have shown that exposure to high saturated fatty acid (SFA) diets in utero, during suckling, or post‐weaning alters femur total lipid composition, resulting in higher percent bone mass in males and females and bone mineral density (BMD) in female offspring with no effect on bone mineral outcomes in dams. Comparatively, high n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) diets increase femur polar (PL) lipid n‐3 content, which has been associated with increased bone mineral content and strength. However, the extent that PL or triacylglycerol (TAG) lipids change with high SFA diets is unknown. The current investigation examined the influence of a high SFA diet (20 % lard by weight) on femur PL and TAG lipid composition in 5‐month old female Wistar rats (fed high SFA diet from age 28 days onwards; dams) and their 19‐day old offspring (exposed to high SFA in utero and during suckling; pups). High SFA exposure resulted in increased monounsaturates and decreased n‐3 and n‐6 PUFA in the TAG fraction in both dams and pups, and higher SFA and n‐6:n‐3 ratio in dams only. The PL fraction showed decreased n‐6 PUFA in both dams and pups. The magnitude of the diet‐mediated responses, specifically TAG 18:1 and PL n‐6 PUFA, may have contributed to the previously reported altered BMD, which was supported with correlation analysis. Future research should investigate the relationship of diet‐induced changes in bone lipids on bone structure, as quantified through micro‐computed tomography.
Infection Prevention: The Surgical Care Continuum
Authors: Barnes Sue
Published: May 2015

Lack of careful attention to the increasing complexity of surgical procedures, instrument cleaning and processing, and the transition of surgical and other invasive procedures from the OR to areas outside the traditional hospital OR can contribute to surgical site infection (SSI) risk. Regardless of the location of an intervention, when basic infection prevention measures are applied reliably, even low infection rates can be reduced. To address infection prevention challenges, infection preventionists (IPs) must be well informed regarding infection risk and prevention during surgical and other invasive procedures and the effect a facility type may have on patients’ infection risk. The IP must have a solid understanding of surgical asepsis, instrument disinfection, and sterilization to educate and support clinical teams in identifying opportunities for improvement relative to infection prevention.
Guideline Implementation: Surgical Instrument Cleaning
Authors: Cowperthwaite Liz , Holm Rebecca L.
Published: May 2015

Cleaning, decontaminating, and handling instructions for instruments vary widely based on the type of instrument and the manufacturer. Processing instruments in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions can help prevent damage and keep devices in good working order. Most importantly, proper cleaning and disinfection may prevent transmission of pathogenic organisms from a contaminated device to a patient or health care worker. The updated AORN “Guideline for cleaning and care of surgical instruments” provides guidance on cleaning, decontaminating, transporting, inspecting, and storing instruments. This article focuses on key points of the guideline to help perioperative personnel implement appropriate instrument care protocols in their practice settings. The key points address timely cleaning and decontamination of instruments after use; appropriate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning parameters for the decontamination area; processing of ophthalmic instruments and laryngoscopes; and precautions to take with instruments used in cases of suspected prion disease. Perioperative RNs should review the complete guideline for additional information and for guidance when writing and updating policies and procedures.
Disks aligned in a turbulent channel
Authors: Voth Greg A.
Published: April 2015

Anisotropic particles are suspended in a wide range of industrial, environmental and biological fluid flows. The orientations of these particles are sometimes randomized by turbulence, but often they are brought into preferential alignment by the fluid flow. In a recently published study, Challabotla, Zhao & Andersson (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 766, 2015, R2) performed the first numerical simulations of inertial disks in a turbulent channel flow. They find that disks can be made to preferentially align either parallel or perpendicular to the wall depending on the particle density. Particle shape also affects alignment, particularly for lower density particles, and the alignment of disks is quite different from the alignment of fibres.
Unusual ambulacral branching pattern in a new Ordovician giant edrioasteroid,Bizarroglobus
Authors: Sumrall Colin D. , Sprinkle James
Published: April 2015

An unusual, new, giant edrioasteroidBizarroglobus medusaen. gen. n. sp. is described from the Middle Ordovician Kanosh Shale of west-central Utah. This species has a pattern of ambulacral branching with side ambulacra arising alternately from a main ambulacral trunk, previously undocumented in edrioasteroids. This pattern is interpreted as a strategy for allometrically increasing the feeding surface during ontogeny.Bizarroglobusfurther differs from other isorophid edrioasteroids in the plating of the peripheral rim, and the presence of pores in the interambulacral plates primarily along the edges of the ambulacra.
A columnal-bearing eocrinoid from the Cambrian Burgess Shale (British Columbia, Canada)
Authors: Sumrall Colin D. , Zamora Samuel
Published: April 2015

A new eocrinoid ?Ubaghsicystissp. from the middle Cambrian (Series 3, Stage 5) Burgess Shale is reported based on a single known specimen. This species extends the stratigraphic range of columnal-bearing eocrinoids in Laurentia significantly from Cambrian Stage 7 (Guzhangian) to Stage 5. It increases the diversity of echinoderms in this well-known fossil-Lagerstätte, provides the oldest evidence of columnal-bearing eocrinoids from Laurentia, and further documents the cosmopolitan distribution of middle Cambrian echinoderm clades.
Variable and invariable liaison in a corpus of spoken French
Authors: MEINSCHAEFER JUDITH , BONIFER SVEN , FRISCH CHRISTINE
Published: April 2015

Using texts selected from the C-Oral-Rom corpus, this study considers how linguistic and sociolinguistic variables affect liaison. In the majority of cases, liaison appears on monosyllabic function words. Individual lexemes differ greatly in rate of liaison. With regard to sociolinguistic variation, female speakers realize liaison consonants more often than male speakers, younger speakers realize it more often than older speakers, and liaison rates for speakers without university degree are higher than for speakers with university degree. Results are discussed in the light of models of prosodic structure and with respect to their implications for models of socio-linguistic variation.
Developmental Neuroimmune Mechanisms in Schizophrenia
Authors: Stadlbauer Ulrike , Meyer Urs
Published: April 2015

The exploration of possible immune mechanisms in schizophrenia is a long-standing area of research that continues to attract attention from basic researchers and clinicians alike. Within this neuroimmune framework, a great deal of interest has been centered upon the possible contribution of infections in prenatal life. The antenatal period is highly sensitive to damaging effects induced by environmental insults such as infections, and therefore considerable efforts have been made to delineate the role of prenatal infection and downstream neuroimmune mechanisms in the development of schizophrenia and related disorders. This chapter integrates the findings from human epidemiological studies and translational animal models that support a crucial role of the immune system in brain development and discusses their relevance to etiopathological models of schizophrenia. It further highlights that developmental neuroimmune mechanisms may represent valuable targets to attenuate or even prevent the emergence of brain and behavioral pathology associated with schizophrenic disease.
The Self-medication Hypothesis in Schizophrenia: What Have We Learned from Animal Models?
Authors: Le Foll Bernard , Ng Enoch , Trigo José M. , Di Ciano Patricia
Published: April 2015

There is a high prevalence of substance use and substance use disorder in patients with schizophrenia, compared with control subjects. A number of theories have been proposed to explain the high prevalence of substance use among schizophrenics. The main theories are the addiction vulnerability hypothesis, the antipsychotic-induced vulnerability hypothesis and the self-medication hypothesis. In this chapter we cover the data evaluating the self-medication hypothesis using an animal model perspective. We cover tobacco and cannabis, which are the two most important drugs for this hypothesis. First, we describe the clinical aspects and the animal models of schizophrenia that have been used to test the self-medication hypothesis. The animal literature is then introduced. From these studies, it appears that there is some support for the addiction vulnerability hypothesis for nicotine, but there is limited support for the self-medication hypothesis with nicotine. For cannabinoid agonists, there are no data covering the addiction vulnerability hypothesis. There is a clear detrimental effect of cannabinoid agonists on cognition, but, surprisingly, some studies suggest that cannabinoid agonists may improve some measures of cognition in models of schizophrenia. All those interpretations should be considered to be preliminary, due to the limited work that has been conducted so far testing these hypotheses directly. However, this does present novel strategies to correct the cognitive dysfunction associated with schizophrenia, and these warrant further exploration using both preclinical and clinical approaches.
Optogenetic and Chemogenetic Tools for Drug Discovery in Schizophrenia
Authors: Kätzel Dennis , Kullmann Dimitri M.
Published: April 2015

Advances in clinical genetics, brain imaging, histopathology and neurophysiology point strongly to schizophrenia as fundamentally a disorder of neural circuitry. Schizophrenia research, including drug discovery, would therefore benefit greatly from recently developed tools for precise control of neural circuits in experimental animals. Two sets of tools to manipulate genetically defined populations of neurons and pathways are especially likely to be invaluable for further progress: using light (optogenetics), and using otherwise pharmacologically inert drugs (chemogenetics). This chapter reviews the wide range of optogenetic and chemogenetic tools currently available, and outlines some essential steps for their implementation in the laboratory. Finally, important studies are described, which exemplify the range of applications of such tools, including their promises and pitfalls, on the way to dissecting the circuit basis of psychiatric disease and drug action. Generally, such tools can be applied in one of three scenarios: (1) the induction of schizophrenia-related behaviour by targeted circuit manipulation, thereby producing a new class of animal models of the disease, (2) the rescue of schizophrenia-related deficits in animal models, which is necessary to establish causality between circuit alterations and symptoms, and (3) the anatomical and functional characterization of neurons and neural projections relevant to schizophrenia, including opto- and chemogenetic pharmacology.
RGD-decorated conjugated polymer particles as fluorescent biomedical probes prepared by Sonogashira dispersion polymerization
Authors: Anwar Naveed , Rix Anne , Lederle Wiltrud , Kuehne Alexander J. C.
Published: May 2015

We present a one-step Sonogashira dispersion polymerization generating monodisperse conjugated polymer particles with acetylene units on their surface. These moieties can be bio-functionalized using copper-free thiol-yne click chemistry providing fluorescent probes for cell labelling and imaging.
Assisted deposition of nano-hydroxyapatite onto exfoliated carbon nanotube oxide scaffolds
Authors: Zanin H. , Rosa C. M. R. , Eliaz N. , May P. W. , Marciano F. R. , Lobo A. O.
Published: May 2015

Nano-hydroxyapatite electrodeposited on exfoliated carbon nanotube oxide scaffolds enhances biomineralization in vitro.
A cationic fluorescent polymeric thermometer for the ratiometric sensing of intracellular temperature
Authors: Uchiyama Seiichi , Tsuji Toshikazu , Ikado Kumiko , Yoshida Aruto , Kawamoto Kyoko , Hayashi Teruyuki , Inada Noriko
Published: May 2015

The temperature-dependent fluorescence spectra of a new polymeric thermometer enabled highly sensitive and practical ratiometric temperature sensing inside mammalian cells.
Graphene film doped with silver nanoparticles: self-assembly formation, structural characterizations, antibacterial ability, and biocompatibility
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Wang Haixia , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Xu Wei , Li Yang , Li Qing , Wei Gang , Su Zhiqiang
Published: April 2015

Reduced graphene oxide film decorated with silver nanoparticles shows enhanced antibacterial activity and improved biocompatibility.
Gating the photochromism of an azobenzene by strong host–guest interactions in a divalent pseudo[2]rotaxane
Authors: Lohse Mirko , Nowosinski Karol , Traulsen Nora L. , Achazi Andreas J. , von Krbek Larissa K. S. , Paulus Beate , Schalley Christoph A. , Hecht Stefan
Published: May 2015

Photoisomerisation of an E-configured azobenzene guest is controlled by a complementary host leading to formation of a divalent pseudo[2]rotaxane complex.
Unexpected lateral-lithiation-induced alkylative ring opening of tetrahydrofurans in deep eutectic solvents: synthesis of functionalised primary alcohols
Authors: Sassone Francesca C. , Perna Filippo M. , Salomone Antonio , Florio Saverio , Capriati Vito
Published: April 2015

Functionalised primary alcohols can be obtained by a novel highly regioselective THF ring-opening transformation, which takes place from laterally lithiated intermediates, under air, and in a glycerol-based eutectic mixture.
Tuning of morphology and polymorphs of carbonate/polymer hybrids using photoreactive polymer templates
Authors: Sakamoto Takeshi , Nishimura Yosuke , Kato Takashi
Published: April 2015

Crystallization of inorganic carbonates on photolithographic polymer matrices led to development of inorganic/organic hybrid materials with photo-controlled and self-organized structures.
Improvement of thermoelectric efficiency of the polyaniline molecular junction by the doping process
Authors: Golsanamlou Zahra , Tagani Meysam Bagheri , Soleimani Hamid Rahimpour
Published: May 2015

Thermoelectric properties of a polyaniline molecular junction with face centered cubic electrodes are investigated using the Green function formalism in a linear response regime in the presence of the doping process.
Controlling the thermoelectric properties of polymers: application to PEDOT and polypyrrole
Authors: Culebras Mario , Uriol Belén , Gómez Clara M. , Cantarero Andrés
Published: April 2015

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and polypyrrole films have been prepared electrochemically in a three electrode cell. The films have been obtained at different oxidation levels (bipolaron, polaron and neutral states) by varying the voltage. Fig. (a) and (b) correspond to the cyclic voltammetry of the films, while (c) is a scheme of the electronic states as a function of the oxidation/reduction level.
The outstanding performance of LDH-derived mixed oxide Mn/CoAlOx for Hg0 oxidation
Authors: Shao Yuankai , Li Junhua , Chang Huazhen , Peng Yue , Deng Yanxi
Published: April 2015

This study shows for the first time the use of LDH-derived Mn/CoAlOx catalysts for Hg0 oxidation and their high activity.
Hydrophobic and moisture-stable metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Fernandez Carlos A. , Nune Satish K. , Annapureddy Harsha V. , Dang Liem X. , McGrail B. Peter , Zheng Feng , Polikarpov Evgueni , King David L. , Freeman Charles , Brooks Kriston P.
Published: May 2015

A simple way to increase hydrophobicity and chemical stability in metal–organic frameworks without compromising CO2 sorption capacity.
Synthesis, structure, and luminescence properties of SrSiAl2O3N2:Eu2+ phosphors for light-emitting devices and field emission displays
Authors: Wang Xicheng , Zhao Zhengyan , Wu Quansheng , Li Yanyan , Wang Chuang , Mao Aijun , Wang Yuhua
Published: May 2015

The crystal structure, band structure, and photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence properties of SrSiAl2O3N2:Eu2+ phosphors were investigated.
Organotin(iv) based anti-HCV drugs: synthesis, characterization and biochemical activity
Authors: Shah Farooq Ali , Sabir Shaista , Fatima Kaneez , Ali Saqib , Qadri Ishtiaq , Rizzoli Corrado
Published: May 2015

Organotin(iv) compounds are potential anti-HCV agents due to their interaction with RNA and their strong binding constants.
Detection of trace arsenic in drinking water: challenges and opportunities for microfluidics
Authors: Yogarajah Nevetha , Tsai Scott S. H.
Published: May 2015

Conception of a micro total analytical system (μTAS), capable of sample preparation, sample analysis, and signal acquisition, for portable trace arsenic detection.
Fast synthesis of copper nanoclusters through the use of hydrogen peroxide additive and their application for the fluorescence detection of Hg2+ in water samples
Authors: Xiaoqing Liao , Ruiyi Li , Zaijun Li , Xiulan Sun , Zhouping Wang , Junkang Liu
Published: April 2015

The study reported a fast synthesis of CuNCs through the use of hydrogen peroxide additive. The resulting CuNCs exhibit excellent fluorescence intensity and optical stability.
Tug-of-war between corrugation and binding energy: revealing the formation of multiple moiré patterns on a strongly interacting graphene–metal system
Authors: Martín-Recio A. , Romero-Muñiz C. , Martínez-Galera A. J. , Pou P. , Pérez R. , Gómez-Rodríguez J. M.
Published: May 2015

An STM+DFT study of the formation of several rotational domains on graphene/Rh(111), unveiling the energy balance between corrugation, strain and binding energy.
Formation of Pt decorated Ni–Pt nanocubes through low temperature atomic diffusion – time-resolved elemental analysis of nanoparticle formation
Authors: Nagao A. , Higashimine K. , Cuya Huaman J. L. , Iwamoto T. , Matsumoto T. , Inoue Y. , Maenosono S. , Miyamura H. , Jeyadevan B.
Published: April 2015

Low temperature diffusion of Pt atoms from the core to the corners and edges of the Ni cube results in the preparation of potential novel cage-structured Pt catalysts.