bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translating the Symbolic Hunting Series in Golding’s Lord Of The Flies from English into Arabic: A Relevance-Theoretic Perspective
Authors: Al-Zu’bi Khaled , Abdul-Ghani Aniswal
Published: May 2017

This study comes as a response to the need for comparative assessment and evaluation studies of stylistic differences between English and Arabic in the field of literary translation in the Arab World. The main objective of this explanatory, analytical and comparative study was to investigate the translation of symbolism in William Golding’s Lord Of The Flies (LOTF). The rich cultural connotations behind the employment of symbols in literary works constitute a great challenge to the literary translator. There is a need to ascertain the appropriateness of the translated symbols in the Arabic versions of LOTF. Two Arabic translations, Darweesh and Qaseh (2004) and Hamid (2002), are compared in terms of conveying the original symbolic style of the hunting series in LOTF. This study attempts to provide a relevance-theoretic account for the translation of symbols between English and Arabic. Relevance Theory (RT), as a communication theory which builds on a pragmatics, provides a way out of the traditional emphasis on the concept of the translation equivalence. It concentrates on the contextual environment of both the source language (SL) and the target language (TL) in achieving successful communication.
Strategies for Educators of Bilingual Students: A Critical Review of Literature
Authors: Sclafani Chris
Published: May 2017

The education of bilingual students is a rather popular topic among educators in today's schools. Frequently, articles and research focus upon a singular phenomenon or strategy in this field. This literature review is aimed at providing teachers of students of all grade levels and ages with a guide containing prevalent theories and ideas related to providing high quality instruction to students with bilingual backgrounds. Educational practices such as translanguaging and the integration of biliteracy can assist students in using their native tongues along with the dominant language of their given settings. Additionally, the usage of cooperative groups and language buddies not only creates a sense of “fitting in” for new bilinguals, but also recognizes the ideology that young learners will learn the social aspects of a new language prior to learning the more academic and formalized version of speaking. Both new and experienced teachers would benefit from training that relates to these culturally responsive teaching strategies. There are also sections within this piece that promote the usage of community and parent outreach methods that aim to improve the school experience for all involved parties. The overarching goal of this literature review is providing teachers with a variety of literature connected to relevant theory and useful strategies that could potentially assist them in better understanding bilingual students, as well as enhance their overall knowledge base of this subject matter.
The Relationship between Iranian ESP Learners’ Translation Ability and Resilience in Reading Comprehension
Authors: Malekan Fatemeh , Hajimohammadi Reza
Published: May 2017

The present study was an attempt to investigate the relationship between Iranian ESP Learners’ translation ability and resilience in reading comprehension. More specifically, the study aimed to study the resilience cognitive and meta-cognitive effect on raising L2 reading comprehension through translation. Secondly, the study aimed at pursuing the views and attitudes to find out the extent to which resilience in reading comprehension can predict ESP learners’ translation ability. In order to test the null hypotheses, three phases were taken into consideration. First, 120 female adult sophomores majoring at Iran University of Medical Sciences were chosen through a homogeneity test. Second, the participants’ translation ability was measured through a translation task and also the validity of this instrument was confirmed by the three professors of the university, and the translation Toolkit Evaluation of UTAH University was used to evaluate the translated works. Next, the participants' reading comprehension ability was determined and finally, Connor and Davidson’s (2003) resilience scale was used to find out the level of resilience in reading comprehension of ESP students. The results of data analyses firstly revealed that there was a statistically significant relationship between Iranian ESP learners’ translation ability and their resilience in reading comprehension. Secondly, it was revealed that there was a significant positive relationship between Iranian ESP learners’ translation ability and their reading comprehension. The findings of the present study could have implications for EFL teachers and learners in the Iranian context.
The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA): A Guide to a Good Qualitative Research Approach
Authors: Alase Abayomi
Published: May 2017

As a research methodology, qualitative research method infuses an added advantage to the exploratory capability that researchers need to explore and investigate their research studies. Qualitative methodology allows researchers to advance and apply their interpersonal and subjectivity skills to their research exploratory processes. However, in a study with an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach, the advantageous elements of the study quadruple because of the bonding relationship that the approach allows for the researchers to develop with their research participants. Furthermore, as a qualitative research approach, IPA gives researchers the best opportunity to understand the innermost deliberation of the ‘lived experiences’ of research participants. As an approach that is ‘participant-oriented’, interpretative phenomenological analysis approach allows the interviewees (research participants) to express themselves and their ‘lived experience’ stories the way they see fit without any distortion and/or prosecution. Therefore, utilizing the IPA approach in a qualitative research study reiterates the fact that its main objective and essence are to explore the ‘lived experiences’ of the research participants and allow them to narrate the research findings through their ‘lived experiences’. As such, this paper discusses the historical background of phenomenology as both a theory and a qualitative research approach, an approach that has transitioned into an interpretative analytical tradition. Furthermore, as a resource tool to novice qualitative researchers, this paper provides a step-by-step comprehensive guide to help prepare and equip researchers with ways to utilize and apply the IPA approach in their qualitative research studies.  More importantly, this paper also provides an advanced in-depth analysis and usability application for the IPA approach in a qualitatively conducted research study. As such, this paper completely contrasted itself from many books and articles that are written with the premise of providing useful and in-depth information on the subject-matter (phenomenology, as a qualitative approach).
Effect of Cold Water Immersion on Metabolic Rate in Humans
Authors: Greenwood Austin , Gillette Cordial
Published: May 2017

Background: Cold water immersion is a widely used form of cryotherapy in the active population despite the limited knowledge on its physiological effects. From an injury standpoint, reducing metabolic rate is advantageous to prevent secondary injury. In contrast, increased metabolism can be beneficial in ridding the body of unwanted metabolites. This study looked to determine the effect of cold water immersion on metabolic rate.  Understanding this phenomenon will help determine appropriate clinical applications of cold water immersion and lead to a better understanding of cryotherapy in general. This study looked to determine the effect of cryotherapy in the form of waist deep cold water immersion at 9° C on metabolic rate. Methods: 10 participants from a university student population volunteered and completed a 15-minute treatment of waist deep cold water (9° C) immersion. Metabolic rate measurements were taken using a Jaeger Oxycon Mobile Unit for 5 minutes prior to treatment, 15 minutes of treatment, and 5 minutes post treatment for a total of 25 minutes. Statistical analysis was completed using a one way repeated measures ANOVA test to compare treatment intervals to baseline intervals. Results: Cold water immersion resulted in elevated metabolic rates for 8 of 10 participants during the first 5 minutes of treatment and for 6 of 10 in the 5 minute post treatment (p < 0.05). A second statistical analysis excluding the first 30 second data point in the 5-10 and 20-25 minute treatments was used to account for movement in and out of the whirlpool. The second analysis showed the same results as the first with the exception of one participant who no longer displayed a statistically significant change in the 20-25 minute interval. Conclusion: These results indicate that cold water immersion should not be used as a measure of reducing secondary injury because of its potential to increase metabolic rate, but instead may have potential benefits in exercise recovery.
Launch Velocities in Successful Golf Putting: An Analytical Analysis
Authors: Mahoney John F. , Connaughton Daniel P.
Published: May 2017

Background: This study is concerned with the special case of a putted ball intersecting a standard golf hole at its diameter. The velocity of the ball at the initial rim of the hole is termed the launch velocity and depending upon its value the ball may either be captured or it may escape capture by jumping over the hole. The critical value of the launch velocity (V) is such that lesser values result in capture while greater values produce escape. Purpose: Since the value of the V entered prominently in some theoretical studies of putting, the aim of the current study is to provide an original re-evaluation of V and to contrast our results with existing results. Method: This analytical analysis relies on trigonometry in conjunction with Newtonian mechanics and the mathematics of projectiles. The results of a recent study into the mathematics of a bouncing ball which included the notions of restitution and friction were also employed in the analysis. Results: If bouncing and slipping do not occur when the ball hits the far rim of the hole our analysis produces a value of V of 1.356 m/s. When bouncing and slipping are present we find that V is at least 1.609 m/s but increases beyond this value as slipping and friction become greater. Useful relations which relate the dynamics and geometry of the ball to V are provided. Conclusion: Since ambient conditions may influence the extent of bounce and slippage we conjecture that the value of V is not unique.
Effects of Shoes and a Prefabricated Medial Arch Support on Medial Gastrocnemius and Tibialis Anterior Activity while doing Leg Press Exercise in Normal Feet Athletes
Authors: Sheikhi Maryam , Piroozi Soraya , Mirzaie Khoshalani Mohsen , Motiallah Tahere , Zolanvar Seyed Hasan
Published: May 2017

Background: Nowadays, different types of exercise machines are being used in the field of athletic training, recreation, post-injury and post-operation rehabilitation. Leg press is a commonly-used one that retrains muscles and simulates natural functional activities. In this activity, feet are in contact with a footrest to exert muscular forces. In addition, the footrest inserts reactive forces to feet and from the feet load would transfer to structures that are more proximal. Any misalignment in foot structure may interfere its function. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of shoes and using a prefabricated medial arch support on the activity of Tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius muscles while doing leg press exercise in normal feet subjects. Method: 14 men with normal Medial Longitudinal Arch and normal Body Mass Index aged between 18-35 years old, with at least 6 months experience of doing leg press volunteered to participate in this study.  Medial gastrocnemius and Tibialis anterior activity were measured by surface electromyography while doing leg press with 70% of subjects 1 Repetition Maximum.  To increase accuracy, motion was divided into knee flexion and knee extension phases. Peak Amplitude, Time to Peak Amplitude and Root Mean Square variables were used for analysis. Wilcoxon nonparametric test was used to compare the results. Results: No statistically significant difference was found in the electromyographic parameters of Medial gastrocnemius nor Tibialis anterior in any phases of motion, except for an increase in Tibialis anterior time to peak amplitude in shod condition compared with barefoot in knee extension phase of motion (p-value=0.008) and Tibialis anterior RMS in knee flexion phase in orthotic condition compared to shod (p-value=0.03). Conclusion: It seems that in high loads shoes or medial arch supports cannot change electromyographic parameters in Medial gastrocnemius nor Tibialis anterior in any phase of motion while working with leg press device.
Seasonal and spatial variabilities in northern Gulf of Alaska surface water iron concentrations driven by shelf sediment resuspension, glacial meltwater, a Yakutat eddy, and dust
Authors: Crusius John , Schroth Andrew W. , Resing Joseph A. , Cullen Jay , Campbell Robert W.
Published: May 2017

Phytoplankton growth in the Gulf of Alaska (GoA) is limited by iron (Fe), yet Fe sources are poorly constrained. We examine the temporal and spatial distributions of Fe, and its sources in the GoA, based on data from three cruises carried out in 2010 from the Copper River (AK) mouth to beyond the shelf break. April data are the first to describe late winter Fe behavior before surface water nitrate depletion began. Sediment resuspension during winter and spring storms generated high “total dissolvable Fe” (TDFe) concentrations of ~1000 nmol kg−1 along the entire continental shelf, which decreased beyond the shelf break. In July, high TDFe concentrations were similar on the shelf, but more spatially variable, and driven by low‐salinity glacial meltwater. Conversely, dissolved Fe (DFe) concentrations in surface waters were far lower and more seasonally consistent, ranging from ~4 nmol kg−1 in nearshore waters to ~0.6–1.5 nmol kg−1 seaward of the shelf break during April and July, despite dramatic depletion of nitrate over that period. The reasonably constant DFe concentrations are likely maintained during the year across the shelf by complexation by strong organic ligands, coupled with ample supply of labile particulate Fe. The April DFe data can be simulated using a simple numerical model that assumes a DFe flux from shelf sediments, horizontal transport by eddy diffusion, and removal by scavenging. Given how global change is altering many processes impacting the Fe cycle, additional studies are needed to examine controls on DFe in the Gulf of Alaska.
Energetic costs of calcification under ocean acidification
Authors: Spalding Christopher , Finnegan Seth , Fischer Woodward W.
Published: May 2017

Anthropogenic ocean acidification threatens to negatively impact marine organisms that precipitate calcium carbonate skeletons. Past geological events, such as the Permian‐Triassic Mass Extinction, together with modern experiments generally support these concerns. However, the physiological costs of producing a calcium carbonate skeleton under different acidification scenarios remain poorly understood. Here we present an idealized mathematical model to quantify whole‐skeleton costs, concluding that they rise only modestly (up to ∼10%) under acidification expected for 2100. The modest magnitude of this effect reflects in part the low energetic cost of inorganic, calcium carbonate relative to the proteinaceous organic matrix component of skeletons. Our analysis does, however, point to an important kinetic constraint that depends on seawater carbonate chemistry, and we hypothesize that the impact of acidification is more likely to cause extinctions within groups where the timescale of larval development is tightly constrained. The cheapness of carbonate skeletons compared to organic materials also helps explain the widespread evolutionary convergence upon calcification within the metazoa.
Autoxidation as a major player in the fate of terrestrial particulate organic matter in seawater
Authors: Galeron Marie‐Aimée , Radakovitch Olivier , Charrière Bruno , Vaultier Frédéric , Rontani Jean‐François
Published: May 2017

The Rhône River plays a major role in the Mediterranean Sea, being both its main freshwater source and its major particulate matter provider. This survey of the fate of terrestrial particulate organic matter (POM) was conducted along the salinity gradient of the Rhône River plume, between 2012 and 2014. It revealed that autoxidation acts rapidly and intensely upon the POM's arrival at sea, with α‐amyrin and β‐amyrin autoxidation rates going from 12.9 ± 2.9% to 45.0 ± 6.4% and 10.7 ± 4.0% to 50.3 ± 4.4%, respectively, between fresh water (salinity 0) and seawater (salinity 38). These compounds, being unambiguous markers of the terrestrial origin of POM, allow us to unequivocally characterize the POM as terrestrial. While it was originally believed that a desorption of redox‐active trace metal ions was the favoring factor that kick‐started this intense autoxidation, this study evidences no trace metal desorption in the Rhône River mixing zone and hence no correlation between high autoxidation rates and the presence of trace metal ions. Autoxidation rates however were very well correlated with salinity levels within the river plume, with r2 reaching 0.801, 0.962, and 0.943 for sitosterol, α‐amyrin, and β‐amyrin, respectively, in November 2014.
Characterizing hyporheic exchange processes using high‐frequency electrical conductivity‐discharge relationships on subhourly to interannual timescales
Authors: Singley Joel G. , Wlostowski Adam N. , Bergstrom Anna J. , Sokol Eric R. , Torrens Christa L. , Jaros Chris , Wilson Colleen E. , Hendrickson Patrick J. , Gooseff Michael N.
Published: May 2017

Concentration‐discharge (C‐Q) relationships are often used to quantify source water contributions and biogeochemical processes occurring within catchments, especially during discrete hydrological events. Yet, the interpretation of C‐Q hysteresis is often confounded by complexity of the critical zone, such as numerous source waters and hydrochemical nonstationarity. Consequently, researchers must often ignore important runoff pathways and geochemical sources/sinks, especially the hyporheic zone because it lacks a distinct hydrochemical signature. Such simplifications limit efforts to identify processes responsible for the transience of C‐Q hysteresis over time. To address these limitations, we leverage the hydrologic simplicity and long‐term, high‐frequency Q and electrical conductivity (EC) data from streams in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. In this two end‐member system, EC can serve as a proxy for the concentration of solutes derived from the hyporheic zone. We utilize a novel approach to decompose loops into subhysteretic EC‐Q dynamics to identify individual mechanisms governing hysteresis across a wide range of timescales. We find that hydrologic and hydraulic processes govern EC response to diel and seasonal Q variability and that the effects of hyporheic mixing processes on C‐Q transience differ in short and long streams. We also observe that variable hyporheic turnover rates govern EC‐Q patterns at daily to interannual timescales. Last, subhysteretic analysis reveals a period of interannual freshening of glacial meltwater streams related to the effects of unsteady flow on hyporheic exchange. The subhysteretic analysis framework we introduce may be applied more broadly to constrain the processes controlling C‐Q transience and advance understanding of catchment evolution.
Quantifying model structural error: Efficient Bayesian calibration of a regional groundwater flow model using surrogates and a data‐driven error model
Authors: Xu Tianfang , Valocchi Albert J. , Ye Ming , Liang Feng
Published: May 2017

Groundwater model structural error is ubiquitous, due to simplification and/or misrepresentation of real aquifer systems. During model calibration, the basic hydrogeological parameters may be adjusted to compensate for structural error. This may result in biased predictions when such calibrated models are used to forecast aquifer responses to new forcing. We investigate the impact of model structural error on calibration and prediction of a real‐world groundwater flow model, using a Bayesian method with a data‐driven error model to explicitly account for model structural error. The error‐explicit Bayesian method jointly infers model parameters and structural error and thereby reduces parameter compensation. In this study, Bayesian inference is facilitated using high performance computing and fast surrogate models (based on machine learning techniques) as a substitute for the computationally expensive groundwater model. We demonstrate that with explicit treatment of model structural error, the Bayesian method yields parameter posterior distributions that are substantially different from those derived using classical Bayesian calibration that does not account for model structural error. We also found that the error‐explicit Bayesian method gives significantly more accurate prediction along with reasonable credible intervals. Finally, through variance decomposition, we provide a comprehensive assessment of prediction uncertainty contributed from parameter, model structure, and measurement uncertainty. The results suggest that the error‐explicit Bayesian approach provides a solution to real‐world modeling applications for which data support the presence of model structural error, yet model deficiency cannot be specifically identified or corrected.
The effect of sampling effort on estimates of methane ebullition from peat
Authors: Ramirez Jorge A. , Baird Andy J. , Coulthard Tom J.
Published: May 2017

We investigated the effect of sample size and sampling duration on methane bubble flux (ebullition) estimates from peat using a computer model. A field scale (10 m), seasonal (>100 days) simulation of ebullition from a two‐dimensional (2‐D) structurally varying peat profile was modeled at fine spatial resolution (1 mm × 1 mm). The spatial and temporal scale of this simulation was possible because of the computational efficiency of the reduced‐complexity approach that was implemented, and patterns of simulated ebullition were consistent with those found in the field and laboratory. The simulated ebullition from the peat profile suggested that decreases in peat porosity—which cause increases in gas storage—produce ebullition that becomes increasingly patchy in space and erratic in time. By applying different amounts of spatial and temporal sampling effort, it was possible to determine the uncertainty in ebullition estimates from the peatland. The results suggest that traditional methods to measure ebullition can equally overestimate and underestimate flux by 20% and large ebullition events can lead to large overestimations of flux when sampling effort is low. Our findings support those of field studies, and we recommend that ebullition should be measured frequently (hourly to daily) and at many locations (n > 14).
Mechanical Behavior of Particulate Aluminium‐Epoxy Hybrid Foams Based on Cold‐Setting Polymers
Authors: Weise Jörg , Queiroz Barbosa André Felipe , Yezerska Olga , Lehmhus Dirk , Baumeister Joachim
Published: May 2017

New types of hybrid foams with cold‐setting polymer foam matrix have been developed. These are based on AlSi10 foam granules and a cold‐setting epoxy polymer foam phase. The mechanical characteristics of the hybrid foams like stiffness, compressive, and tensile strength were determined using quasi‐static compression and tensile tests. Their overall mechanical behavior is compared to APM‐(Advanced Pore Morphology)‐based hybrid foams comprising similar aluminium foam granules in combination with single component hot setting epoxy foams. While the latter generally outperform the cold‐setting variants at their present state of development, the ease of manufacturing in conjunction with promising levels of strength, and stiffness will support future application of the new material.
A Magnetically Actuated Microscaffold Containing Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Articular Cartilage Repair
Authors: Go Gwangjun , Han Jiwon , Zhen Jin , Zheng Shaohui , Yoo Ami , Jeon Mi‐Jeong , Park Jong‐Oh , Park Sukho
Published: May 2017

This study proposes a magnetically actuated microscaffold with the capability of targeted mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) delivery for articular cartilage regeneration. The microscaffold, as a 3D porous microbead, is divided into body and surface portions according to its materials and fabrication methods. The microscaffold body, which consists of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA), is formed through water‐in‐oil‐in‐water emulsion templating, and its surface is coated with amine functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) via amino bond formation. The porous PLGA structure of the microscaffold can assist in cell adhesion and migration, and the MNPs on the microscaffold can make it possible to steer using an electromagnetic actuation system that provides external magnetic fields for the 3D locomotion of the microscaffold. As a fundamental test of the magnetic response of the microscaffold, it is characterized in terms of the magnetization curve, velocity, and 3D locomotion of a single microscaffold. In addition, its function with a cargo of MSCs for cartilage regeneration is demonstrated from the proliferation, viability, and chondrogenic differentiation of D1 mouse MSCs that are cultured on the microscaffold. For the feasibility tests for cartilage repair, 2D/3D targeting of multiple microscaffolds with the MSCs is performed to demonstrate targeted stem cell delivery using the microscaffolds and their swarm motion.
Realization of Multilevel States in Phase‐Change Thin Films by Fast Laser Pulse Irradiation
Authors: Sun Xinxing , Lotnyk Andriy , Ehrhardt Martin , Gerlach Jürgen W. , Rauschenbach Bernd
Published: May 2017

Multilevel storage techniques are promising for increasing storage density and for reducing energy consumption in the application of phase‐change materials based memory devices. However, accurately controlling the phase transitions as well as understanding the underlying switching mechanisms are still under investigation. In this study, nonvolatile optical multilevel switching in single‐layered GeTe phase‐change films prepared by laser ablation is demonstrated to be feasible and accurately controllable at a time scale of nanoseconds. For this purpose, an ns UV laser pump‐probe setup is adapted for the investigations. It is found that each laser pulse excitation (duration: 20 ns, wavelength: 248 nm) with a fluence of 26 mJ cm−2 induced a partial crystallization whereas complete crystallization is achieved by superposition of single pulses. In the reverse process, a single pulse excitation at a fluence of 112 mJ cm−2 leads to reamorphization of GeTe thin films. Regarding the switching times, complete crystallization and reamorphization are determined to be accomplished after ≈300 ns and ≈3 ns, respectively. Furthermore, it is shown that the local microstructure phase transformation processes are correlated to the observed reversible switching of the optical reflectivity, which are important for understanding the underlying mechanisms of the phase‐change‐materials‐based multilevel phase‐change memory.
Improving docosahexaenoic acid production by Schizochytrium sp. using a newly designed high‐oxygen‐supply bioreactor
Authors: Guo Dong‐Sheng , Ji Xiao‐Jun , Ren Lu‐Jing , Li Gan‐Lu , Huang He
Published: May 2017

A sufficiently high oxygen supply is crucial for high‐cell‐density cultivation of aerobic microorganisms, including Schizochytrium sp. We, therefore, designed a novel bioreactor enabling high‐level oxygen supply, and its relevant process parameters and fermentation‐stage characteristics were investigated. The real‐time changes of pH and nonoil biomass were monitored as proxies for the consumption of nitrogen and lipid accumulation status, which was first applied to divided fermentation process with three stages. The experimental results showed that the biomass in this porous‐membrane‐impeller bioreactor was higher than in conventional bioreactor, while docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) percentage in total lipids was lower than in conventional bioreactor. A multistage control strategy is subsequently implemented for the porous‐membrane‐impeller bioreactor, and the maximum biomass, DHA concentration, DHA percentage in biomass and DHA productivity reached 151.0 g/L, 44.3 g/L, 29.33%, 369.08 mg/(L·h), respectively. This study thus provides a highly efficient and economic bioreactor for the production of DHA by Schizochytrium sp. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 4278–4286, 2017
Supramolecular Interfacial Polymerization: A Controllable Method of Fabricating Supramolecular Polymeric Materials
Authors: Qin Bo , Zhang Shuai , Song Qiao , Huang Zehuan , Xu Jiang‐Fei , Zhang Xi
Published: May 2017

A new method of supramolecular polymerization at the water–oil interface is developed. As a demonstration, an oil‐soluble supramonomer containing two thiol end groups linked by two ureidopyrimidinone units and a water‐soluble monomer bearing two maleimide end groups are employed. Supramolecular interfacial polymerization can be implemented by a thiol–maleimide click reaction at the water–chloroform interface to obtain supramolecular polymeric films. The glass transition temperature of such supramolecular polymers can be well‐tuned by simply changing the polymerization time and temperature. It is highly anticipated that this work will provide a facile and general approach to realize control over supramolecular polymerization by transferring the preparation of supramolecular polymers from solutions to water–oil interfaces and construct supramolecular materials with well‐defined properties.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Combined α/β‐Adrenergic Blockers
Authors: Némethy Andrej , Vavrinec Peter , Vavrincová‐Yaghi Diana , Čepcová Diana , Mišúth Svetozár , Král'ová Eva , Čižmáriková Ružena , Račanská Eva
Published: May 2017

The synthesis, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of new aryloxyaminopropanol compounds based on substituted (4‐hydroxyphenyl)ethanone with alterations in the alkoxymethyl side chain in position 2 and with 2‐methoxyphenylpiperazine in the basic part of the molecule are reported. For the in vitro pharmacological evaluation, isolated aorta and atria from normotensive Wistar rats were used. Compared to naftopidil, compounds with ethoxymethyl, propoxymethyl, butoxymethyl, and methoxyethoxymethyl substituent displayed similar α1‐adrenolytic potency. Compounds with methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, and propoxymethyl substituent caused a significant decrease in both spontaneous and isoproterenol‐induced beating of isolated rat atria. Naftopidil and the tested substances containing a butoxymethyl and methoxyethoxymethyl substituent had no effect on the spontaneous or isoproterenol‐induced beating. The tested substance that had the most pronounced effect was the compound with a propoxymethyl substituent. Its antihypertensive efficacy was investigated in vivo on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The systolic blood pressure was found to be significantly lower in SHRs subjected to the treatment for 2 weeks than in untreated SHRs. Naftopidil had no significant effect.
Integrated continuous bioprocessing: Economic, operational, and environmental feasibility for clinical and commercial antibody manufacture
Authors: Pollock James , Coffman Jon , Ho Sa V. , Farid Suzanne S.
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a systems approach to evaluating the potential of integrated continuous bioprocessing for monoclonal antibody (mAb) manufacture across a product's lifecycle from preclinical to commercial manufacture. The economic, operational, and environmental feasibility of alternative continuous manufacturing strategies were evaluated holistically using a prototype UCL decisional tool that integrated process economics, discrete‐event simulation, environmental impact analysis, operational risk analysis, and multiattribute decision‐making. The case study focused on comparing whole bioprocesses that used either batch, continuous or a hybrid combination of batch and continuous technologies for cell culture, capture chromatography, and polishing chromatography steps. The cost of goods per gram (COG/g), E‐factor, and operational risk scores of each strategy were established across a matrix of scenarios with differing combinations of clinical development phase and company portfolio size. The tool outputs predict that the optimal strategy for early phase production and small/medium‐sized companies is the integrated continuous strategy (alternating tangential flow filtration (ATF) perfusion, continuous capture, continuous polishing). However, the top ranking strategy changes for commercial production and companies with large portfolios to the hybrid strategy with fed‐batch culture, continuous capture and batch polishing from a COG/g perspective. The multiattribute decision‐making analysis highlighted that if the operational feasibility was considered more important than the economic benefits, the hybrid strategy would be preferred for all company scales. Further considerations outside the scope of this work include the process development costs required to adopt continuous processing. © 2017 The Authors Biotechnology Progress published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:854–866, 2017
Exonuclease and Nicking Endonuclease‐Assisted Amplified Electrochemical Detection of Coralyne
Authors: Wang Jue , Yu Jing , Zhou Xiaoyu , Miao Peng
Published: May 2017

Based on the catalysis of exonuclease I (Exo I) and nicking endonuclease (NEase), a novel electrochemical biosensor for the detection of coralyne is fabricated in this work. Specifically, DNA probe 1 can be protected from Exo I‐catalyzed digestion upon interacting with coralyne, the most representative homo‐adenine binding molecule. Subsequently, DNA probe 1 can further hybridize with a pendant sequence on top of the DNA tetrahedron, which is previously modified on the gold electrode surface. As the formed duplex contains the recognition site of Nb.BssSI, a type of NEase, the pendant sequence is thus cleaved, releasing the electrochemical probe on the 5’‐terminus from the electrode surface. DNA probe 1 is also released, which could then initiate the subsequent cycles of NEase‐catalyzed cleavage and amplify the declined electrochemical signals. We can determine coralyne in a linear range from 0.1 to 100 nM with the detection limit of 0.07 nM by using the proposed method. Experiments in real samples also demonstrate good results, showing excellent practical utility of this method. Moreover, it could be extended to assay other analytes by modifying certain DNA sequences.
Superior Thermostability, Good Detonation Properties, Insensitivity, and the Effect on the Thermal Decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate for a New Solvent‐Free 3D Energetic PbII‐MOF
Authors: Yang Qi , Yang Guoli , Zhang Wendou , Zhang Sheng , Yang Zhaohui , Xie Gang , Wei Qing , Chen Sanping , Gao Shengli
Published: May 2017

A new solvent‐free energetic MOF, [Pb(HBTI)]n (1) (H3BTI=4,5‐bis(1H‐tetrazole)‐1H‐imidazole), has been synthesized under hydrothermal and acidic conditions. It was characterized by elemental analysis, IR, thermogravimetric, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and SEM. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that 1 features a rigid 3D framework architecture free of solvent molecules. Thermal analysis demonstrated that the thermostability of 1 was up to 325 °C. Non‐isothermal kinetic and apparent thermodynamic parameters of exothermic decomposition process of 1 were determined by Kissinger's and Ozawa's methods. Through oxygen‐bomb combustion calorimetry, the standard molar enthalpy of formation of 1 was determined. The calculated detonation properties (heat of detonation, detonation velocity and detonation pressure) and sensitivity tests of 1 were carried out. In addition, 1 was explored as combustion promoter to accelerate the thermal decompositions of ammonium perchlorate (AP) by differential scanning calorimetry. Experimental results indicated that 1 possesses potential application prospects in the field of explosives and propellants.
Important Green Chemistry and Catalysis: Non‐phosgene Syntheses of Isocyanates – Thermal Cracking Way
Authors: Wang Peixue , Liu Shimin , Deng Youquan
Published: May 2017

Currently, industrial production of isocyanates, or diisocyanates in particular, has been exclusively based on phosgene processes. Phosgene is extremely toxic and large amounts of corrosive HCl are produced as a side product. In the view of environment protection and society safety, development of non‐phosgene processes for isocyanates production will be highly desired, and this should be one of the most important missions for green chemistry and catalysis. In this review, efforts for development of non‐phosgene method for syntheses of isocyanates, i.e., catalytic syntheses of N‐substituted carbamates from nitro‐ or amino‐compounds with CO, dimethyl carbonate (DMC), urea and even CO2 etc. as carbonyl sources, then thermal cracking of N‐substituted carbamates to afford corresponding isocyanates, are summarized, and a brief prospect for non‐phosgene syntheses of isocyanates is also addressed.
Nucleic Acid Templated Reactions for Chemical Biology
Authors: Di Pisa Margherita , Seitz Oliver
Published: May 2017

Nucleic acid directed bioorthogonal reactions offer the fascinating opportunity to unveil and redirect a plethora of intracellular mechanisms. Nano‐ to picomolar amounts of specific RNA molecules serve as templates and catalyze the selective formation of molecules that 1) exert biological effects, or 2) provide measurable signals for RNA detection. Turnover of reactants on the template is a valuable asset when concentrations of RNA templates are low. The idea is to use RNA‐templated reactions to fully control the biodistribution of drugs and to push the detection limits of DNA or RNA analytes to extraordinary sensitivities. Herein we review recent and instructive examples of conditional synthesis or release of compounds for in cellulo protein interference and intracellular nucleic acid imaging.
Quantitative Evaluations of Time‐Course and Treatment Effects of Systemic Agents for Psoriasis: A Model‐Based Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Checchio T , Ahadieh S , Gupta P , Mandema J , Puig L , Wolk R , Valdez H , Tan H , Krishnaswami S , Tallman A , Kaur M , Ito K
Published: May 2017

Aggregate data model‐based meta‐analysis is a regression approach to compare the dose–response and/or time‐course across different treatments using summary level data from the literature. Literature search and systematic review following the Cochrane approach yielded 912 sources for investigational and approved treatments for psoriasis. In addition, data for tofacitinib were obtained from an internal database. Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor. Two mathematical models were developed for Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) response in moderate to severe psoriasis patients to quantify the time to maximum effect for PASI75 and to evaluate the dose–response relationship for PASI responders (PASI50, PASI75, PASI90, PASI100) at Week 12. Body weight exhibited an inverse effect on the placebo component of both models, suggesting that body weight affects the overall PASI response regardless of drug. This analysis provides a quantitative framework for efficacy comparisons across psoriasis treatments.
Non‐Conjugated Polymer as an Efficient Dopant‐Free Hole‐Transporting Material for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Yachao , Bu Tongle , Li Meijin , Qin Tianshi , Yin Chengrong , Wang Nanna , Li Renzhi , Zhong Jie , Li Hai , Peng Yong , Wang Jianpu , Xie Linghai , Huang Wei
Published: May 2017

A new non‐conjugated polymer (PVCz‐OMeDAD) with good solution processability was developed to serve as an efficient dopant‐free hole‐transporting material (HTM) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). PVCz‐OMeDAD was simply prepared by the free‐radical polymerization of vinyl monomers, which were synthesized from low‐cost raw materials through three high‐yield synthesis steps. The combination of the flexible non‐conjugated polyvinyl main chain and hole‐transporting methoxydiphenylamine‐substituted carbazole side chains endowed PVCz‐OMeDAD with excellent film‐forming ability, a suitable energy level, and high hole mobility. As a result, by using an ultra‐thin (≈30 nm) PVCz‐OMeDAD film as cost‐effective dopant‐free polymer HTM, the conventional n–i–p‐type PSCs demonstrated a power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 16.09 %, suggesting the great potential of the polymer film for future low‐cost, large‐scale, flexible PSCs applications.
Generation and characterization of a conditional allele of Interferon Regulatory Factor 6
Authors: Smith Arianna L. , Kousa Youssef A. , Kinoshita Akira , Fodor Kate , Yang Baoli , Schutte Brian C.
Published: May 2017

Interferon Regulatory Factor 6 (IRF6) is a critical regulator of differentiation, proliferation, and migration of keratinocytes. Mutations in IRF6 cause two autosomal dominant disorders characterized by cleft lip with or without cleft palate. In addition, DNA variation in IRF6 confers significant risk for non‐syndromic cleft lip and palate. IRF6 is also implicated in adult onset development and disease processes, including mammary gland development and squamous cell carcinoma. Mice homozygous for a null allele of Irf6 die shortly after birth due to severe skin, limb, and craniofacial defects, thus impeding the study of gene function after birth. To circumvent this, a conditional allele of Irf6 was generated. To validate the functionality of the conditional allele, we used three “deleter” Cre strains: Gdf9‐Cre, CAG‐Cre, and Ella‐Cre. When Cre expression was driven by the Gdf9‐Cre or CAG‐Cre transgenes, 100% recombination was observed as indicated by DNA genotyping and phenotyping. In contrast, use of the Ella‐Cre transgenic line resulted in incomplete recombination, despite expression at the one‐cell stage. In sum, we generated a novel tool to delete Irf6 in a tissue specific fashion, allowing for study of gene function past perinatal stages. However, recombination efficiency of this allele was dictated by the Cre‐driver used.
A randomized controlled trial of The Body Project: More Than Muscles for men with body dissatisfaction
Authors: Brown Tiffany A. , Forney K. Jean , Pinner Dennis , Keel Pamela K.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Pressures for men to conform to a lean, muscular ideal have, in part, contributed to eating disorder and muscle dysmorphia symptoms, yet few programs have been developed and empirically evaluated to help men. This study investigated the acceptability and efficacy of a cognitive dissonance‐based (DB) intervention in reducing eating disorder and muscle dysmorphia risk factors in men with body dissatisfaction.

Method

Men were randomized to a two‐session DB intervention (n = 52) or a waitlist control condition (n = 60). Participants completed validated measures assessing eating disorder risk factors preintervention, postintervention, and at 1‐month follow‐up.

Results

Program ratings indicated high acceptability. The DB condition demonstrated greater decreases in body‐ideal internalization, dietary restraint, bulimic symptoms, drive for muscularity, and muscle dysmorphia symptoms compared with controls (p values <  .02; between‐condition Cohen's d = .30–1.11) from pre‐ to postintervention. At one‐month follow‐up, the DB condition demonstrated significantly lower scores for all variables (p values <  .03; between‐condition d = .29–1.16). Body‐ideal internalization mediated intervention outcomes on bulimic and muscle dysmorphia symptoms.

Discussion

Results support the acceptability and efficacy of The Body Project: More Than Muscles up to 1‐month postintervention and should be examined against active control conditions.
An Enantioselective Approach to Pinguisane Sesquiterpenes: Total Synthesis of (–)‐Pinguisenol and (–)‐Isonaviculol
Authors: Yadav Jhillu Singh , Singh Shweta , Das Saibal
Published: May 2017

A short and efficient enantioselective approach to pinguisane‐type sesquiterpenes has been developed starting from a Hajos–Parrish‐type ketone. This led to the first total syntheses of isonaviculol (10 steps, 6.6 % overall yield) and natural pinguisenol (9 steps, 12 % overall yield). The key reactions were regioselective thioketal protection, stereoselective cyclopropanation using Furukawa's protocol, diastereoselective hydrogenation of an olefin using a Thalesnano H‐Cube Pro flow reactor, Li/liquid NH3 mediated cyclopropane reduction, and a PCC‐mediated 1,3‐oxidative transposition sequence.
α,α‐Diarylethylene Glycols as Valuable Precursor for Synthesis of 1,1‐Diarylethenes and α,α‐Diaryl Acetaldehydes
Authors: Tiwari Praveen Kumar , Sivaraman Balasubramaniam , Aidhen Indrapal Singh
Published: May 2017

Towards assembling of diarylmethine unit present in biologically important molecules, we have developed a new Weinreb Amide (WA) based building block derived from glycolic acid. The WA functionality present in this building block permits the sequential addition of various arylmagnesium bromide reagents in a controlled manner that enables assembly of a diarylmethine unit. The developed synthetic route provides easy access to important diarylethenes and α,α‐diarylethylene glycols. The synthesized α,α‐diarylethylene glycols provide access to synthetically important symmetrical and unsymmetrical α,α‐diaryl acetaldehydes as valuable intermediates.
Metabolomic analysis for the study of maturation in pediatrics: Effect of confounding factors in a pilot study
Authors: Blanco María Encarnación , González Oskar , Albóniga Oihane Elena , Alonso María Luz , Alonso Rosa María
Published: May 2017

A pilot study for the investigation of the maturation grade of children has been carried out using plasma samples already analyzed in a previous pharmacokinetic study. By using a meticulous data treatment, possible confounding factors that may hinder the obtained results were identified. By doing so, it was possible to obtain enough evidence to support the feasibility of performing a larger study eluding some unwanted variability and minimizing not only the number of subjects involved but also the time and money spent on the study. In the pilot study the metabolic profiles obtained using UHPLC‐TOF‐MS technique of plasma samples from 14 newborn piglets (<5 days) were compared with the plasma profiles of 16 infant piglets (8 weeks). The type of anaesthesia administered, gender, vein or artery of blood extraction and time of sampling were studied as possible confounding factors. Unsupervised analysis by principal component analysis (PCA) clearly differentiated between neonates and children. During the data treatment and the statistical analysis, the effect of confounding factors such as the anaesthetic regimen was identified and removed, while the effect of the rest of studied factors was not considered relevant, and the discrimination between the two groups based on the age was maintained. This allowed extracting relevant conclusions for a future study design while avoiding the unnecessary sacrifice of animals. Furthermore, the results obtained demonstrate the utility of metabolomics in the discovery of novel putative plasma biomarkers such as carnitines that can be correlated with the maturation state of paediatric patients.