bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scope of partial least‐squares regression applied to the enantiomeric composition determination of ketoprofen from strongly overlapped chromatographic profiles
Authors: Padró Juan M. , Osorio‐Grisales Jaiver , Arancibia Juan A. , Olivieri Alejandro C. , Castells Cecilia B.
Published: May 2015

Valuable quantitative information could be obtained from strongly overlapped chromatographic profiles of two enantiomers by using proper chemometric methods. Complete separation profiles where the peaks are fully resolved are difficult to achieve in chiral separation methods, and this becomes a particularly severe problem in case that the analyst needs to measure the chiral purity, i.e., when one of the enantiomers is present in the sample in very low concentrations. In this report, we explore the scope of a multivariate chemometric technique based on unfolded partial least‐squares regression, as a mathematical tool to solve this quite frequent difficulty. This technique was applied to obtain quantitative results from partially overlapped chromatographic profiles of R‐ and S‐ketoprofen, with different values of enantioresolution factors (from 0.81 down to less than 0.2 resolution units), and also at several different S:R enantiomeric ratios. Enantiomeric purity below 1% was determined with excellent precision even from almost completely overlapped signals. All these assays were tested on the most demanding condition, i.e., when the minor peak elutes immediately after the main peak. The results were validated using univariate calibration of completely resolved profiles and the method applied to the determination of enantiomeric purity of commercial pharmaceuticals.
Differences in organic matter and bacterioplankton between sections of the largest Arctic river: Mosaic or continuum?
Authors: Gladyshev Michail I. , Kolmakova Olesia V. , Tolomeev Alexander P. , Anishchenko Olesia V. , Makhutova Olesia N. , Kolmakova Anzhelika A. , Kravchuk Elena S. , Glushchenko Larisa A. , Kolmakov Vladimir I. , Sushchik Nadezhda N.
Published: May 2015

We studied biogeochemical characteristics, including organic carbon and nitrogen contents, fatty acid (FA) composition, stable isotope ratios, and primary production in conjunction with species composition of bacterioplankton, using next generation sequencing, in the Yenisei River along a distance ∼1800 km. Basing on FA composition of particulate organic matter (POM) and on other indicators of sources of POM, the river was subdivided into four sections. The upper section 1, situated in mountain region, was the net source of high‐quality autochthonous organic matter, produced primarily by diatoms and partly consumed by specialized bacteria species. Section 2 in plain taiga was net sink of high quality allochthonous and autochthonous organic matter, produced by cyanobacteria and green algae. Section 3 was net sink of organic matter, primarily allochthonous, consumed by the specialized species of bacteria. The lowest section 4, situated in tundra, was primarily the conduit of recalcitrant terrestrial organic matter, but also the net source of autochthonous organic matter, produced by diatoms. Biogeochemical traits of sections of the Yenisei River evidently shaped dominant species composition of bacterioplankton of these sections. Regarding the biogeochemical and microbiological data, we concluded that the Yenisei River ecosystem complexly combines features of river mosaic, river continuum, and “neutral pipe.”
Investigations on boundary temperature control analysis considering a moving body based on the adjoint variable and the fictitious domain finite element methods
Authors: Kurahashi T.
Published: May 2015

This paper presents an examination of moving‐boundary temperature control problems. With a moving‐boundary problem, a finite‐element mesh is generated at each time step to express the position of the boundary. On the other hand, if an overlapped domain, that is, comprising foreground and background meshes, is prepared, the moving boundary problem can be solved without mesh generation at each time step by using the fictitious domain method. In this study, boundary temperature control problems with a moving boundary are formulated using the finite element, the adjoint variable, and the fictitious domain methods, and several numerical experiments are carried out. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An optimization process to identify outliers generated by intrusion detection systems
Authors: Hachmi Fatma , Boujenfa Khadouja , Limam Mohamed
Published: May 2015

An outlier is an inconsistent observation characterized by its dissimilarity from other observations in a given data set. Many research works have focused on outliers detection in many fields such as network security. In order to protect computer network systems from attacks, usually an intrusion detection system (IDS) is required. However, IDSs generate many outliers which can severely affect their accuracy. In this work, we propose a three‐stage method to detect outliers. First, alerts are clustered using the k‐means algorithm; then, the generated set of meta‐alerts is filtered based on distances between the centroids of the different clusters. Finally, outliers are identified from the filtered meta‐alerts using a binary optimization algorithm. Our method is evaluated using the University of California‐Irvine machine learning repository and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency data sets. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms concurrent methods for outlier detection. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ba2In2Q5 (Q = S, Se): Synthesis, Crystal Structures, Electronic Structures, and Optical Properties
Authors: Gao Wenhui , Wu Kui , Lai Kangrong , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: May 2015

Two ternary metal chalcogenides, Ba2In2Q5 (Q = S, Se) were successfully synthesized by solid‐state reactions. They are isostructural and crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pbca (no. 61). Both of them have a similar three‐dimensional (3D) framework structure, which is composed of [InQ4] (Q = S, Se) tetrahedra that are alternatingly connected on layer in the ab plane, with Ba2+ cations arranged between In–S or In–Se layers for electric charge balance. The measured Raman and IR spectra show that title compounds have broad transparency range up to 20 μm. From the UV/Vis/NIR diffuse reflectance spectra, it can be seen that the bandgaps of Ba2In2S5 and Ba2In2S5 are 2.47 eV and 2.12 eV, which are larger than these of the calculation values (Ba2In2S5, 2.362 eV and Ba2In2Se5, 1.908 eV), respectively. The calculated partial densities of states indicate that the bandgaps are determined by the interaction of S‐3p and In‐5s (Ba2In2S5) or Se‐4p and In‐5s (Ba2In2Se5), respectively. The calculated birefringences (Δn) are about 0.03 (Ba2In2S5) and 0.05 (Ba2In2Se5) as the wavelength above 1 μm, respectively.
Parental Spending on School-Age Children: Structural Stratification and Parental Expectation
Authors: Hao Lingxin , Yeung Wei-Jun Jean
Published: May 2015

As consumption expenditures are increasingly recognized as direct measures of children’s material well-being, they provide new insights into the process of intergenerational transfers from parents to children. Little is known, however, about how parents allocate financial resources to individual children. To fill this gap, we develop a conceptual framework based on stratification theory, human capital theory, and the child-development perspective; exploit unique child-level expenditure data from Child Supplements of the PSID; and employ quantile regression to model the distribution of parental spending on children. Overall, we find strong evidence supporting our hypotheses regarding the effects of socioeconomic status (SES), race, and parental expectation. Our nuanced estimates suggest that (1) parental education, occupation, and family income have differential effects on parental spending, with education being the most influential determinant; (2) net of SES, race continues to be a significant predictor of parental spending on children; and (3) parental expectation plays a crucial role in determining whether parents place a premium on child development in spending and how parents prioritize different categories of spending.
Mercury's Secrets Revealed by Soon-to-Crash Spacecraft
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: May 2015

From finding water ice on Mercury to discovering magnetic field lines cutting through the planet, NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft has spent its lifetime unveiling Mercury's secrets.
Identification of drug-specific pathways based on gene expression data: application to drug induced lung injury
Authors: Melas Ioannis N. , Sakellaropoulos Theodore , Iorio Francesco , Alexopoulos Leonidas G. , Loh Wei-Yin , Lauffenburger Douglas A. , Saez-Rodriguez Julio , Bai Jane P. F.
Published: May 2015

An Integer Linear Programming (ILP) formulation is introduced to model the modes of action of lung toxic drugs based on gene expression data and prior knowledge of protein connectivity.
Discrimination between streptavidin and avidin with fluorescent affinity-based probes
Authors: Sun Qian , Tian Haiyu , Qu Haoran , Sun Deheng , Chen Zhuo , Duan Liping , Zhang Weibing , Qian Junhong
Published: May 2015

SPS3 showed a high fluorescence response toward streptavidin and could discriminate biotin receptor over-expressed Hela cells from other cells.
Preparation and application of a novel mixed-mode monolith for reversed-phase and per aqueous capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Tang Sheng , Guo Yong , Liang Xiaojing , Wei Falin , Yang Limin , Liu Shujuan , Liu Xia , Jiang Shengxiang
Published: May 2015

A novel mixed-mode monolithic column was prepared and applied for reversed-phase and per aqueous capillary electrochromatography.
A simple fluorescent off–on probe for the discrimination of cysteine from glutathione
Authors: Gao Xinghui , Li Xiaohua , Li Lihong , Zhou Jin , Ma Huimin
Published: May 2015

A simple fluorescent off–on probe for discrimination of cysteine from glutathione has been developed by combining resorufin with 7-nitrobenzofurazan.
Catalytically active perrhenate based ionic liquids: a preliminary ecotoxicity and biodegradability assessment
Authors: Thu Ha Bui Thi , Markiewicz Marta , Thöming Jorg , Reich Robert M. , Korinth Valentina , Cokoja Mirza , Kühn Fritz E. , Stolte Stefan
Published: May 2015

Recently it was shown that water and air stable perrhenate based ionic liquids (ILs) are promising catalysts for oxidation reactions.
Soluble, microporous ladder polymers formed by stepwise nucleophilic substitution of octafluorocyclopentene
Authors: Ranganathan Krishnan , Anbanandam Parthiban
Published: May 2015

A series of ladder polymers were prepared by reacting octafluorocyclopentene (OFCP) with various bisphenols at or above room temperature. The ladder polymers were synthesized in one or two steps with similar or different bisphenols due to different reactivities of fluorine atoms at vinylic (1,5) and (2,4) allylic positions of OFCP.
Concentrated gelatin/alginate composites for fabrication of predesigned scaffolds with a favorable cell response by 3D plotting
Authors: Luo Yongxiang , Lode Anja , Akkineni Ashwini Rahul , Gelinsky Michael
Published: May 2015

Developed concentrated gelatin/alginate with/without HAP composites were plotted into pre-designed scaffolds, which showed good cells attachments and penetration.
Synthesis of high-quality carbon nanotube fibers by controlling the effects of sulfur on the catalyst agglomeration during the direct spinning process
Authors: Lee Sung-Hyun , Park Junbeom , Kim Hye-Rim , Lee Jaegeun , Lee Kun-Hong
Published: May 2015

The effects of sulfur on the size of iron catalyst particles and synthesized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were investigated during the direct spinning of CNT fibers.
1,3,4-Trisubstituted pyrazole bearing a 4-(chromen-2-one) thiazole: synthesis, characterization and its biological studies
Authors: Harikrishna N. , Isloor Arun M. , Ananda K. , Obaid Abdulrahman , Fun Hoong-Kun
Published: May 2015

3-{2-[N′-(1,3-Disubstituted-1H-pyrazol-4-yl-methylene)-hydrazino]-thiazol-4-yl}-chromen-2-one compounds (10a–l) were synthesized, characterized and screened for theirin vitroantimicrobial studies against various microorganisms. Most compounds were biologically active.
Correction: Facile synthesis of water soluble silver ferrite (AgFeO2) nanoparticles and their biological application as antibacterial agents
Authors: Abdelhamid Hani Nasser , Talib Abou , Wu Hui-Fen
Published: May 2015

Correction for ‘Facile synthesis of water soluble silver ferrite (AgFeO2) nanoparticles and their biological application as antibacterial agents’ by Hani Nasser Abdelhamid et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 34594–34602.
A 3D nanostructure of graphene interconnected with hollow carbon spheres for high performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Liu Shuangke , Xie Kai , Chen Zhongxue , Li Yujie , Hong Xiaobin , Xu Jing , Zhou Liangjun , Yuan Junfei , Zheng Chunman
Published: May 2015

A novel 3D rGO–HCS nanostructure was designed via a hydrothermal self-assembly method. When used as a sulfur cathode, it delivers a low capacity-decay rate of 0.052% per cycle after 400 cycles and shows a high rate performance.
Electronic interaction between platinum nanoparticles and nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide: effect on the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Ma Jiwei , Habrioux Aurélien , Luo Yun , Ramos-Sanchez Guadalupe , Calvillo Laura , Granozzi Gaetano , Balbuena Perla B. , Alonso-Vante Nicolas
Published: May 2015

Confirmed by DFT, a significant amount of platinum atoms are chemically bound to N of N-doped RGO.
Evaluation and Treatment of Cognitive-Linguistic Deficits in Liver Disease Patients in the Acute Rehabilitative Phase
Authors: Maharay Kara , Salmon Kelly
Published: May 2015

Liver disease, which can range from mild liver dysfunction to End-Stage Liver Disease (ESLD), is a condition that may have potentially significant implications for cognitive-linguistic function and an individual's ability to participate in activities of daily living (ADLs). This article will outline the multiple, complex, and often interrelated factors that are present in this patient population and contributors to cognitive dysfunction. Pharmacological regimens specific to management of liver disease and their potential to cause cognitive-linguistic dysfunction are discussed. Case examples are included to highlight how the severity of liver disease, medication protocols, and the resulting cognitive impairment may impact an individual's disposition at the time of discharge from the acute rehabilitation setting. Therapy techniques, approaches, and compensatory strategies addressed in the acute rehabilitation environment identified and explained.
Modified decoding and detection scheme for spectral amplitude coding optical CDMA systems
Authors: Chen Fu‐Jun , Luo Feng‐Guang , Li Bin , He Cheng
Published: May 2015

In this reported work, a modified decoding and detection scheme with dispersion compensation is investigated for spectral‐amplitude‐coding optical code division multiple access (SAC‐OCDMA) systems. For simultaneously decoding and compensating the chromatic dispersion of signals in the 40 km‐long standard single‐mode fibre transmission, based on reconstruction equivalent‐chirp method the array configuration of fibre Bragg grating (FBG) segments can be controlled with a quadratic dispersion of −680 ps/nm for an extra time delay. The traditional triple‐branch signal detection (TBSD) scheme is then modified and the principle of multiuser interference elimination is theoretically analysed. The simulated results show that, without adding a dispersion compensation device, the modified TBSD scheme adopting the FBG decoder can realise the decoding and detection function in SAC‐OCDMA.
Hierarchical balancing approach for frequency‐weighted model reduction
Authors: Ghafoor A. , Imran M.
Published: May 2015

A frequency‐weighted balancing related model order reduction technique is proposed that provides stable reduced‐order models for the case when both input and output weightings are included. The reduced‐order models are realisation independent. Comparison with other frequency‐weighted balancing related model order reduction techniques reveals the superiority of the proposed scheme.
Expediting back‐projection algorithm for circular SAR imaging
Authors: Li Haolin , Zhang Lei , Xing Mengdao , Bao Zheng
Published: May 2015

The availability of an expediting back‐projection (EBP) algorithm for circular synthetic aperture radar (CSAR) imaging is investigated. EBP works by dividing the full aperture into sub‐apertures, and using a unified polar grid to generate sub‐images. On the basis of the correspondence between the wavenumber domain and the phase history domain, EBP combines all sub‐aperture spectrums into a full‐aperture one and reconstructs the CSAR image followed by a two‐dimensional (2D) fast Fourier transform. Without time‐consuming 2D interpolation, EBP is capable of decreasing the loss of spectrum, while improving significantly the computational efficiency compared with direct BP.
Zero‐Ohm transmission lines for millimetre‐wave circuits in 28 nm digital CMOS
Authors: Tretter G. , Fritsche D. , Leufker J.D. , Carta C. , Ellinger F.
Published: May 2015

The design, analysis, modelling and measurement of transmission lines with very low characteristic impedance in 28 nm bulk CMOS is presented. The so‐called zero‐Ohm lines are very well suited for power distribution networks and AC shorts in millimetre‐wave circuits because of their accurate modelling up to extremely high frequencies and because they do not require metal–insulator–metal capacitors, which are usually not available in digital CMOS processes. Instead, they rely on simple metal structures, which can optionally be enhanced by integrating MOS capacitors. Applying transmission line theory, the lines can be described with models, which are scalable in length and width. Implemented test structures demonstrate a compact line of 450 μm length, which transforms an open circuit to an impedance close to 0 Ω for frequencies above 1 GHz.
Microchip laser Q‐switched with GaInNAs/GaAs SESAM emitting 204 ps pulses at 1342 nm
Authors: Nikkinen J. , Korpijärvi V.‐M. , Leino I. , Härkönen A. , Guina M.
Published: May 2015

A 1342 nm Nd:YVO4 microchip laser is reported, Q‐switched with a dilute nitride GaInNAs/GaAs saturable absorber mirror. The laser produced optical pulses as short as 204 ps with 2.3 MHz repetition rate and 24 mW average output power. In comparison to conventional InP‐based saturable absorber mirrors, the advantage of the proposed approach is the availability of excellent Bragg mirror materials that enable high reflectivity and more flexibility in designing the non‐linear parameters owing to the use of lattice matched GaInNAs/GaAs quantum wells.
Propagation of acoustic edge waves in graphene under quantum Hall effect
Authors: Vikström A.
Published: May 2015

We consider a graphene sheet with a zigzag edge subject to a perpendicular magnetic field and investigate the propagation of in-plane acoustic edge waves. In particular it is shown that propagation is significantly blocked for certain frequencies defined by the resonant absorption due to electronic-acoustic interaction. We study absorption of acoustic energy as a function of magnetic field and find that, for a finite gate voltage and fixed acoustic frequency, tuning the magnetic field may bring the system through a number of electronic resonances. We suggest that the strong interaction between the acoustic and electronic edge states in graphene may generate significant nonlinear effects leading to the existence of acoustic solitons in such systems.
Changes in physical-mechanical properties and structure of ferritic-pearlitic steel 15Kh2NMFA caused by severe low-temperature deformation and exposure to alternating magnetic field
Authors: Sokolenko V. I. , Mats A. V. , Karas' V. I. , Okovit V. S. , Chernyak N. A. , Gorbatenko V. M.
Published: May 2015

It is shown for the low-plasticity ferritic-pearlitic steel 15Kh2NMFA (2Cr, 1Ni, 0.5Mn, 0.5Mo), subjected to severe rolling deformation at 90 K, that the treatment by the alternating magnetic field results in a substantial decrease of the yield strength and an increase of fracture stress, total elongation, necking and dynamic shear modulus. This is accompanied by reduction of the internal friction background and coercive force. The changes in the physical-mechanical properties and the structure are related to magnetic- and electrical-nature processes giving rise to stress relaxation in the microvolumes with a high density of deformation defects.
Quantum turbulence: Drag coefficient for oscillations of a quartz tuning fork immersed in He II
Authors: Gritsenko I. , Tseskis A. , Sheshin G.
Published: May 2015

Experimental data on the motion of He II driven by an oscillating quartz tuning fork are analyzed. It is found that before a certain threshold of a parameter with the structure of the Reynolds number is reached, the normal and superfluid components move independently. Then the force and drag coefficient are entirely determined by the motion of the normal component. For values of the parameter above the threshold (critical for the velocity), turbulence sets in and is related to quantum effects below the superconducting transition temperature. The universality of the motion of liquid helium at temperatures above the transition point is also discussed.
Suppression of superconductivity of Dy0.6Y0.4Rh3.85Ru0.15B4 in inclined magnetic fields
Authors: Terekhov A. V. , Zolochevskii I. V. , Khristenko E. V. , Ishchenko L. A. , Bezuglyi E. V. , Zaleski A. , Khlybov E. P. , Lachenkov S. A.
Published: May 2015

The electrical resistance of polycrystalline Dy0.6Y0.4Rh3.85Ru0.15B4 is measured for the first time near the superconducting transition temperature (Tc1/2 ≈ 6.66 K) in various inclined magnetic fields (φ = 0, 45, and 90°) and plots are made of R(T) and the upper critical field in dimensionless units h*(t). These dependences exhibit strong anisotropy with respect to the transport current through a sample when the orientation of the magnetic field is changed from φ = 0 to 90°. This appears to be related to texturing of the polycrystals. An analysis of the R(T) and h*(t) curves shows that the magnetic field suppresses the superconducting state more strongly at φ = 45° than at the other angles of inclination. The h*(t) dependences are analyzed in terms of the Werthamer-Helfand-Hohenberg theory and the Maki parameter α and the spin-orbital scattering parameter λSO are estimated. It is shown that for φ = 0 and 90°, α = 0 and λSO = 0 and only the orbital contribution is observed, while for φ = 45°, α = 4.2 and λSO = 0 and there is a substantial increase in the relative contribution of spin paramagnetic effects. It is suggested that the character of the R(T) and h*(t) curves in inclined magnetic fields is influenced by the effect on the superconducting state of the internal magnetism of the dysprosium atoms, which depends on the inclination of the field.
Luminescence of liquid nitrogen after exposure to pulsed UV radiation
Authors: Kirko D. L.
Published: May 2015

The optical characteristics of sustained weak luminescence of liquid nitrogen were studied after exposure to a pulse of UV radiation. The luminescence consisted of a bulk emission of the liquid and localized luminous regions. The luminescence spectrum of liquid nitrogen in UV-VIS range was studied. The UV radiation parameters that influence the excitation of the luminescence of liquid nitrogen were investigated. A possible scheme of bulk luminescence of liquid nitrogen and a hypothesis of the formation of localized luminous regions were discussed.
A tunable relativistic backward wave oscillator based on changing concentration of the filling dielectric
Authors: Zhou Hongyu , Liu Lie , Zhao Xuelong , Cai Dan
Published: May 2015

The tunable capability expands the application fields of backward wave oscillator (BWO), especially for large range modulation. This paper presents analysis, PIC simulation, and preliminary design of a novel relativistic BWO which achieves the purpose of modulation among three or more frequencies within two bands. A new dielectric slow-wave structure (SWS) with hollow section was designed in the novel BWO instead of the conventional SWS with fixed solid conductors. The wide range of adjustment of propagation constant and output frequency could be easily achieved by modulating the concentration (permittivity) of the dielectric filled in the hollow section. The results of PIC simulation show the output has three stable situations at two bands with a magnetic field of 3T: 6.9 GHz, 0.9 GW; 7.3 GHz, 1.1 GW; and 10.0 GHz, 1 GW. The specific permittivities of the corresponding SWSs are 15.7, 34.3, and 42.0, respectively.
Simulation study of one-dimensional self-organized pattern in an atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: Zhang Jiao , Wang Yanhui , Wang Dezhen
Published: May 2015

A two-dimensional fluid model is developed to simulate the one-dimensional self-organized patterns in an atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) driven by sinusoidal voltage in argon. Under certain conditions, by changing applied voltage amplitude, the transversely uniform discharge can evolve into the patterned discharge and the varied self-organized patterned discharges with different numbers and arrangements of discharge channels can be observed. Similar to the uniform atmospheric-pressure DBD, the patterned discharge mode is found to undergo a transition from Townsend regime, sub-glow regime to glow regime with increasing applied voltage amplitude. In the different regimes, charged particles and electric field display different dynamical behaviors. If the voltage amplitude is increased over a certain value, the discharge enters an asymmetric patterned discharge mode, and then transforms into the spatially chaotic state with out-of-order discharge channels. The reason for forming the one-dimensional self-organized pattern is mainly due to the so-called activation-inhibition effect resulting from the local high electron density region appearing in discharge space. Electrode arrangement is the reason that induces local high electron density.
Surface potential distribution and airflow performance of different air-exposed electrode plasma actuators at different alternating current/direct current voltages
Authors: Yang Liang , Yan Hui-Jie , Qi Xiao-Hua , Hua Yue , Ren Chun-Sheng
Published: May 2015

Asymmetric surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) plasma actuators have been intensely studied for a number of years due to their potential applications for aerodynamic control. In this paper, four types of actuators with different configurations of exposed electrode are proposed. The SDBD actuators investigated are driven by dual-power supply, referred to as a fixed AC high voltage and an adjustable DC bias. The effects of the electrode structures on the dielectric surface potential distribution, the electric wind velocity, and the mean thrust production are studied, and the dominative factors of airflow acceleration behavior are revealed. The results have shown that the actions of the SDBD actuator are mainly dependent on the geometry of the exposed electrode. Besides, the surface potential distribution can effectively affect the airflow acceleration behavior. With the application of an appropriate additional DC bias, the surface potential will be modified. As a result, the performance of the electric wind produced by a single SDBD can be significantly improved. In addition, the work also illustrates that the actuators with more negative surface potential present better mechanical performance.
New ITER head is confident the fusion energy project will succeed
Authors: Kramer David
Published: May 2015

Bernard Bigot sees management of the seven-party international effort as a greater challenge than the technological demands.
US nuclear waste may have temporary home
Authors: Kramer David
Published: May 2015

Combined developments could break the logjam over disposition of spent nuclear fuel and defense high-level radioactive waste.
Burrowing behaviour of the delicate mouse (Pseudomys delicatulus) and the management implications for a threatened sympatric rodent (Notomys aquilo)
Authors: Diete Rebecca L. , Adamczyk Susan M. , Meek Paul D. , Dickman Christopher R. , Leung Luke K.-P.
Published: May 2015

The correct identification of animal signs is imperative when signs are used as evidence of a species’ abundance or distribution. On Groote Eylandt, burrow spoil heaps have been used in surveys for the threatened northern hopping-mouse (Notomys aquilo) as this indicator of presence was assumed to be unique to this species in this area. Using camera traps, positive identification from footage, and burrow excavation and mapping, we determined that spoil heaps made by the common delicate mouse (Pseudomys delicatulus) could not be differentiated from those of N. aquilo. The results demonstrate that more-reliable survey techniques for N. aquilo are required to aid management decisions for this species.
Corrigendum to: Novel use of in-stream microchip readers to monitor wild platypuses
Authors: Macgregor J.W. , Holyoake C.S. , Munks S. , Connolly J.H. , Robertson I.D. , Fleming P.A. , Warren K.S.
Published: May 2015

A variety of techniques have been used to monitor platypus populations to assess the impacts of the threats they
face, but each technique has limitations. In this study we investigated the novel use of in-stream microchip readers, to
remotely monitor the movements of microchipped wild platypuses. Over 13 months, we recorded movements of 18
microchipped individuals past nine fixed locations in the Inglis Catchment in northwest Tasmania, using three units of
which all were capable of detecting Trovan® unique microchips and two were additionally capable of detecting ISO
microchips. Each site was monitored one or two times, for durations of 8–39 days. We undertook direction of movement
investigations during two monitoring periods, by placing the antennas from two systems in the same creek within 3 m
of each other. In a total of 264 days of monitoring, 528 platypus observations were made from 18 individual platypuses,
consisting of 13 of 18 (72%) platypuses captured at the monitoring sites within 16 months prior to monitoring, two
platypuses captured at other sites in the same time period, and three of seven (43%) individuals microchipped 3–5
years previously. This number of platypus observations, in combination with the stable number of platypuses observed
per day, the range of movement behaviours recorded and the results of the direction of movement investigations,
indicates that at appropriate sites, in-stream microchip readers are an effective method of monitoring the movements
and survivorship of microchipped wild platypuses.
Water, irrigation and plant diseases.
Authors: Dixon G. R.
Published: May 2015

Irrigation is a major husbandry tool, vital for world food production and security. The purpose of this review is twofold: firstly, drawing attention to the beneficial and deleterious aspects of irrigation resulting from interactions with the microbial world; secondly, forming a basis for encouraging further research and development. Irrigation is for example, a valuable component in the control of some soil-borne pathogens such as
Streptomyces scabies
, the cause of potato common scab and
Fusarium cubense
, a cause of banana wilt. By contrast, applying irrigation encourages some foliar pathogens and factors such as splash dispersal of propagules and the retention of leaf wetness are important elements in the successful establishment of disease foci. Irrigation applied at low levels in the canopy directly towards the stem bases and root zones of plants also provides means encouraging disease development. Irrigation also offers means for the direct spread of microbes such as water borne moulds, Oomycetes and plasmodial pathogens coming from populations present in the water supply. The presence of plant disease causing microbes in sources of irrigation has been associated with outbreaks of diseases such as clubroot (
Plasmodiophora brassicae
). Irrigation can be utilized as a means for applying agrochemicals, fungigation. The developing technologies of water restriction and root zone drying also have an impact on the success of disease-causing organisms. This is an emerging technology and its interactions with benign and pathogenic microbes require consideration.
Rituals of Commemoration, Rituals of Self-Invention: Safavid Religious Colleges and the Collective Memory of the Shi‘a
Authors: Moazzen Maryam
Published: May 2015

Shi‘ism, perhaps more than any other current of Islam, places emphasis on numerous forms of commemorative culture. Throughout the history of Shi‘ism, commemorative rituals have provided a comprehensive framework for interpreting a wide array of historical encounters between the Shi‘a and the dominant Sunni culture, thereby allowing Shi‘ism to construct itself as a community of learning and remembering. This self-construction required both a high degree of institutionalization as well as specialists to preserve the religious identity of the Shi‘a and to transmit religious knowledge to the next generation. Madrasas (Islamic institutions of higher learning) as well as the shrines of the Shi‘i Imams and their progeny served as the best institutions to achieve these goals. This paper argues that Safavid madrasas were not only centers for disseminating religious knowledge and preserving Shi’a intellectual heritage. They also rearticulated and contemporized the community’s past through the active memorializing of pivotal events in the religious calendar of the Shi‘a. More specifically, the paper delineates the nature and scope of religious rituals and rites carried out in the Madrasa-ye Sultānī and a number of other madrasa-mosque complexes of Safavid Isfahan in order to explore the process by which the Shi‘i past was contextualized or contemporized as salient to suit the needs of Safavid power and society.
RVD2: an ultra-sensitive variant detection model for low-depth heterogeneous next-generation sequencing data
Authors: He Yuting , Zhang Fan , Flaherty Patrick
Published: May 2015

Motivation: Next-generation sequencing technology is increasingly being used for clinical diagnostic tests. Clinical samples are often genomically heterogeneous due to low sample purity or the presence of genetic subpopulations. Therefore, a variant calling algorithm for calling low-frequency polymorphisms in heterogeneous samples is needed.

Results: We present a novel variant calling algorithm that uses a hierarchical Bayesian model to estimate allele frequency and call variants in heterogeneous samples. We show that our algorithm improves upon current classifiers and has higher sensitivity and specificity over a wide range of median read depth and minor allele fraction. We apply our model and identify 15 mutated loci in the PAXP1 gene in a matched clinical breast ductal carcinoma tumor sample; two of which are likely loss-of-heterozygosity events.

Availability and implementation:  http://genomics.wpi.edu/rvd2/.

Contact:  pjflaherty@wpi.edu

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Incomplete Follow-up After Growth Modulation Surgery: Incidence and Associated Complications
Authors: Kemppainen John W. , Hood Kenneth A. , Roocroft Joanna H. , Schlechter John A. , Edmonds Eric W.
Published: May 2015

Background:

Extraperiosteal tension plates have become the predominant method for angular deformity correction in skeletally immature patients, with some surgeons using them in very young children with the intent of removing the implants once the correction is complete. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of incomplete follow-up and to assess the outcomes of children who were lost to follow-up with retained implants.

Methods:

A quality initiative survey was performed at 2 institutions on children treated with extraperiosteal tension plates around the knee because of sentinel events that occurred at each institution. Compliance with follow-up was noted, and children with open perigenicular physes on latest radiograph with retained implants were identified with attempts to reestablish care. Subsequent review of those children was performed, including clinical results, radiographic results, and the need for second deformity surgery.

Results:

A total of 200 children treated with tension plates were identified (116 at institution #1, 84 at institution #2). The most common indication for surgery was genu valgum (54%), and the mean age at initial surgery was 11.7 years (range, 3.1 to 16.8 y). A high rate of retained implants with incomplete follow-up was identified at both institutions, where a total of 23 patients (12%) were lost with implants still in place. Only 7 of 23 patients returned for evaluation: 3 reached skeletal maturity with no complications, but 4 overcorrected creating the opposite angular deformity. Two of those children required osteotomies to remedy their overcorrection. Two additional patients were reachable, but failed to return for follow-up and the remaining patients were unreachable.

Conclusions:

The incidence of incomplete follow-up was significant at both institutions (12% combined incidence). Of those who were found for follow-up, nearly one third required a surgery beyond simple implant removal. Incomplete follow-up among this cohort was identified as a significant quality of care issue, and an EMR system has been established to actively follow children receiving growth modulation surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
Socioeconomic Factors Are Associated With Trends in Treatment of Pediatric Femoral Shaft Fractures, and Subsequent Implant Removal in New York State
Authors: Dodwell Emily , Wright James , Widmann Roger , Edobor-Osula Flo , Pan Ting-Jung , Lyman Stephen
Published: May 2015

Background:

Disparities exist in access to outpatient pediatric orthopaedic care. The purpose of this study was to assess whether disparities also exist in elective pediatric orthopaedic surgical procedures such as implant removal, and to determine which demographic and socioeconomic factors may be associated with differences in treatment.

Methods:

Children aged 7 to 18 inclusive who sustained femoral shaft fractures between the years 1997 and 2010 were identified in the New York State SPARCS database. Patient age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance status, education, and poverty were identified. Factors associated with the method of fracture treatment were assessed through multivariate regression analysis. The subset of patients that received internal fixation were followed up until 2011 inclusive for implant removal. Factors associated with implant removal were assessed using a Cox proportional hazards survival analysis (time to implant removal).

Results:

Of the 3220 closed femoral shaft fractures identified, 2609 (81%) were treated with internal fixation, 9 (0.3%) had open treatment without implants, 203 (6.3%) were treated with external fixation, and 399 (12.4%) with closed methods. Patients with No Fault/Accident insurance by No Fault/Accident insurance were more likely to undergo internal fixation compared with patients with private insurance (P<0.001). Of the 3220 patients, 2572 were included in the implant removal subanalysis. Implant removal was performed in 725 (28.2%) patients. In the multivariate model, patients were more likely to undergo removal if they were younger (P<0.001), white [vs. black (P<0.001), vs. Hispanic (P=0.035), vs. other (P=0.001)], and lived in neighborhoods with less poverty (P=0.016). Insurance status was not a statistically significant predictor of implant removal.

Conclusions:

There is an association between implant removal and younger age, white race, and higher socioeconomic status in children. Awareness of these disparities should prompt further evaluation of causation, whether it be from lack of evidence-based guidelines for implant removal, surgeon bias, variations in reimbursement, or disparities in access to care. Further study is recommended to better elucidate the indications for implant removal in children and the causes for the disparities identified here.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—retrospective cohort study.
Outcomes of a Pilot Intervention Study for Young Adults at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease Based on Their Family History
Authors: Imes Christopher C. , Dougherty Cynthia M. , Lewis Frances Marcus , Austin Melissa A.
Published: May 2015

Background:

Lifestyle choices have a significant impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Interventions to promote a heart-healthy lifestyle in young adults at long-term high risk for CVD are needed to decrease the burden of CVD. However, few interventions with this purpose have been developed.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of a pilot intervention on young adults with a family history of CVD that used 3-generation pedigrees, risk factor information, and counseling on heart disease knowledge, perceived CVD risk, and intention to engage in a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Methods:

A pretest-posttest design, with within-group analysis, was used to examine the effect of the intervention. Paired t test and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to examine the changes in heart disease knowledge, perceived risk, and behavioral intention from baseline to postintervention. The Cohen d was calculated to examine the effect of the intervention on study measures. In addition, Spearman ρ was used to examine the associations between postintervention perceived risk, postintervention behavioral intention, and family history.

Results:

The sample for the pilot study included 15 mostly white and mostly female healthy young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 years. The intervention was effective at increasing CVD knowledge (P = .02) and had a medium effect on perceived risk and intention to engage in a heart-healthy lifestyle (Cohen d, 0.48–0.58). There were significant associations between postintervention perceived risk and postintervention intention to exercise and the participants’ family history of coronary heart disease (r = 0.62, P = .014 and r = 0.55, P = .035, respectively).

Conclusions:

Interventions are needed to increase individuals’ awareness of their long-term CVD risk and to improve their ability to make lifestyle changes. Although this intervention was only tested in a small sample, it shows promise to improve heart disease knowledge and perceived lifetime CVD risk and may effect longer-term risk for CVD.
Arabidopsis TOE proteins convey a photoperiodic signal to antagonize CONSTANS and regulate flowering time
Authors: Zhang Bailong , Wang Liang , Zeng Liping , Zhang Chao , Ma Hong
Published: May 2015

Plants flower in an appropriate season to allow sufficient vegetative development and position flower development in favorable environments. In Arabidopsis, CONSTANS (CO) and FLAVIN-BINDING KELCH REPEAT F-BOX1 (FKF1) promote flowering by inducing FLOWER LOCUS T (FT) expression in the long-day afternoon. The CO protein is present in the morning but could not activate FT expression due to unknown negative mechanisms, which prevent premature flowering before the day length reaches a threshold. Here, we report that TARGET OF EAT1 (TOE1) and related proteins interact with the activation domain of CO and CO-like (COL) proteins and inhibit CO activity. TOE1 binds to the FT promoter near the CO-binding site, and reducing TOE function results in a morning peak of the FT mRNA. In addition, TOE1 interacts with the LOV domain of FKF1 and likely interferes with the FKF1–CO interaction, resulting in partial degradation of the CO protein in the afternoon to prevent premature flowering.
Genome-wide analysis of human global and transcription-coupled excision repair of UV damage at single-nucleotide resolution
Authors: Hu Jinchuan , Adar Sheera , Selby Christopher P. , Lieb Jason D. , Sancar Aziz
Published: May 2015

We developed a method for genome-wide mapping of DNA excision repair named XR-seq (excision repair sequencing). Human nucleotide excision repair generates two incisions surrounding the site of damage, creating an ∼30-mer. In XR-seq, this fragment is isolated and subjected to high-throughput sequencing. We used XR-seq to produce stranded, nucleotide-resolution maps of repair of two UV-induced DNA damages in human cells: cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and (6-4) pyrimidine–pyrimidone photoproducts [(6-4)PPs]. In wild-type cells, CPD repair was highly associated with transcription, specifically with the template strand. Experiments in cells defective in either transcription-coupled excision repair or general excision repair isolated the contribution of each pathway to the overall repair pattern and showed that transcription-coupled repair of both photoproducts occurs exclusively on the template strand. XR-seq maps capture transcription-coupled repair at sites of divergent gene promoters and bidirectional enhancer RNA (eRNA) production at enhancers. XR-seq data also uncovered the repair characteristics and novel sequence preferences of CPDs and (6-4)PPs. XR-seq and the resulting repair maps will facilitate studies of the effects of genomic location, chromatin context, transcription, and replication on DNA repair in human cells.
Identification of RNA Cargoes by Antibody-Positioned RNA Amplification
Authors: Miyashiro Kevin Y. , Eberwine James
Published: May 2015

The interactions between various RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and the RNA transcripts they bind strongly influence posttranscriptional control of gene expression in vertebrates. The hundreds of vertebrate RBPs that have been identified within the genome, often with multiple RNA recognition motifs, are capable of recognizing specific target RNA sequences mediating the maturation, movement, and translational state of their RNA cargoes. To identify the cargoes associated with a specific RBP, we have developed a technique called antibody-positioned RNA amplification (APRA), which positions an oligonucleotide with a degenerate priming sequence in proximity to the RNAs sequestered by a specific RBP. The conjugation of the priming oligonucleotide to the antibody by itself does not interfere with the antibody’s intrinsic affinity for the target RBP epitope, thus enabling RNA targets to be reverse-transcribed and amplified via a T7 bacteriophage RNA polymerase promoter sequence located upstream of the degenerate priming sequence in the oligonucleotide. By identifying the mRNA transcripts associated with the RBP in situ, we may be able to ascertain the significance of their temporal expression and physiological activities within the vast transcriptional networks regulating functional responses to stimuli.
Measuring Ca2+ Sparks in Cardiac Myocytes
Authors: Macquaide Niall , Bito Virginie , Sipido Karin R.
Published: May 2015

This protocol describes the measurement of Ca2+ sparks in intact myocytes by using a Ca2+-sensitive dye and imaging using laser scanning confocal microscopy. It takes advantage of spontaneous Ca2+-release events—sparks—using them as a measure of the activity of ryanodine receptors (RyRs). Two methodologies are described: One requires that cardiomyocytes be stimulated, preferably under voltage clamp by depolarizing pulses, until steady-state is reached, and then stimulation is stopped and Ca2+ sparks are recorded. The second requires that cells be permeabilized and bathed in a solution to load the cell with Ca2+ sufficient to elicit Ca2+ sparks, but not Ca2+ waves. These are then analyzed offline to quantify spark frequency and morphology. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed.
Creation of Primary Cell Lines from Lineage-Labeled Mouse Models of Cancer
Authors: Rhim Andrew D.
Published: May 2015

Frequently, it is necessary to isolate pure populations of cancer cells for downstream assays, such as transcriptional analysis, signaling studies, and the creation of noncontaminated primary cell lines. Genetic lineage labeling with fluorescent reporter alleles allows for the identification of epithelial-derived cells within tumors. This protocol describes a method to isolate lineage-labeled pancreatic epithelial cells for ex vivo analysis, but it can be adapted for any type of lineage-labeled tumor.