bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aerobic Asymmetric Dehydrogenative Cross‐Coupling between Two CH Groups Catalyzed by a Chiral‐at‐Metal Rhodium Complex
Authors: Tan Yuqi , Yuan Wei , Gong Lei , Meggers Eric
Published: September 2015

A sustainable CC bond formation is merged with the catalytic asymmetric generation of one or two stereocenters. The introduced catalytic asymmetric cross‐coupling of two CH groups with molecular oxygen as the oxidant profits from the oxidative robustness of a chiral‐at‐metal rhodium(III) catalyst and exploits an autoxidation mechanism or visible‐light photosensitized oxidation. In the latter case, the catalyst serves a dual function, namely as a chiral Lewis acid for catalyzing enantioselective enolate chemistry and at the same time as a visible‐light‐driven photoredox catalyst.
Perylene Bisimide Radicals and Biradicals: Synthesis and Molecular Properties
Authors: Schmidt David , Son Minjung , Lim Jong Min , Lin Mei‐Jin , Krummenacher Ivo , Braunschweig Holger , Kim Dongho , Würthner Frank
Published: September 2015

Unprecedented neutral perylene‐3,4:9,10‐tetracarboxylic acid bisimide (PBI) radicals and biradicals were synthesized by facile chemical oxidation of 4‐hydroxyaryl‐substituted PBIs. Subsequent characterization by optical and magnetic spectroscopic techniques, as well as quantum chemical calculations, revealed an open‐shell singlet biradical ground state for the PBI biradical OS‐2.. (〈s2〉=1.2191) with a relatively small singlet–triplet energy gap of 0.041 eV and a large singlet biradical character of y=0.72.
Sugar–Protein Connectivity Impacts on the Immunogenicity of Site‐Selective Salmonella O‐Antigen Glycoconjugate Vaccines
Authors: Stefanetti Giuseppe , Hu Qi‐Ying , Usera Aimee , Robinson Zack , Allan Martin , Singh Alok , Imase Hidetomo , Cobb Jennifer , Zhai Huili , Quinn Douglas , Lei Ming , Saul Allan , Adamo Roberto , MacLennan Calman A. , Micoli Francesca
Published: September 2015

A series of glycoconjugates with defined connectivity were synthesized to investigate the impact of coupling Salmonella typhimurium O‐antigen to different amino acids of CRM197 protein carrier. In particular, two novel methods for site‐selective glycan conjugation were developed to obtain conjugates with single attachment site on the protein, based on chemical modification of a disulfide bond and pH‐controlled transglutaminase‐catalyzed modification of lysine, respectively. Importantly, conjugation at the C186‐201 bond resulted in significantly higher anti O‐antigen bactericidal antibody titers than coupling to K37/39, and in comparable titers to conjugates bearing a larger number of saccharides. This study demonstrates that the conjugation site plays a role in determining the immunogenicity in mice and one single attachment point may be sufficient to induce high levels of bactericidal antibodies.
Improving the toughness of epoxy with a reactive tetrablock copolymer containing maleic anhydride
Authors: He Ren , Zhan Xiaoli , Zhang Qinghua , Chen Fengqiu
Published: September 2015

Reactive block copolymers (BCPs) provide a unique means for toughening epoxy thermosets because covalent linkages provide opportunities for greater improvement in the fracture toughness (KIC). In this study, a tailored reactive tetrablock copolymer, poly[styrene‐alt‐(maleic anhydride)]‐block‐polystyrene‐block‐poly(n‐butyl acrylate)‐block‐polystyrene, was incorporated into a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A based epoxy resin. The results demonstrate the advantage of reactive BCP in finely tuning and controlling the structure of epoxy blends, even with 95 wt % epoxy‐immiscible triblocks. The size of the dispersed phase was efficiently reduced to submicrometer level. The mechanical properties, such asKIC,of these cured blends were investigated. The addition of 10 wt % reactive BCP into the epoxy resins led to considerable improvements in the toughness, imparting nearly a 70% increase inKIC. The designed reactive tetrablock copolymer opened good prospects because of its potential novel applications in toughening modification of engineering polymer composites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,132, 42826.
A newly thermoactive and detergent‐stable lipase from annular sea bream (Diplodus annularis): Biochemical properties
Authors: Smichi Nabil , Miled Nabil , Gargouri Youssef , Fendri Ahmed
Published: September 2015

A lipolytic activity was located in the annular seabream pyloric caeca, from which a digestive lipase (AsDL) was purified. Pure AsDL has an apparent molecular mass of 50 kDa. The purified lipase is thermoactive as it displays its maximal activity on short‐ and long‐chain triacylglycerols at a temperature of 50 °C. The enzyme is alkaline resistant as it retains 90% of its maximal activity when incubated during 1 H at pH 10. No colipase was detected in the annular seabream pyloric caeca. Similar results were reported for the sardine and the gray mullet digestive systems. This is in line with the idea that colipase might have evolved in mammal animals simultaneously with the appearance of an exocrine pancreas. AsDL is a serine enzyme, like all known lipases from different origins. Interestingly, the pure lipase was found to be insensitive to Triton X‐100, a synthetic detergent, addition even at a concentration as high as 12 mM. The purified enzyme has potential applications in detergent and food industry because of its thermal activity and alkaline nature.
Enhanced molecular dynamics sampling of drug target conformations
Authors: Rodriguez‐Bussey Isela G. , Doshi Urmi , Hamelberg Donald
Published: September 2015

Computational docking and virtual screening are two main important methods employed in structure‐based drug design. Unlike the traditional approach that allows docking of a flexible ligand against a handful of receptor structures, receptor flexibility has now been appreciated and increasingly incorporated in computer‐aided docking. Using a diverse set of receptor conformations increases the chances of finding potential drugs and inhibitors. Molecular dynamics (MD) is greatly useful to generate various receptor conformations. However, the diversity of the structures of the receptor, which is usually much larger than the ligand, depends on the sampling efficiency of MD. Enhanced sampling methods based on accelerated molecular dynamics (aMD) can alleviate the sampling limitation of conventional MD and aid in representation of the phase space to a much greater extent. RaMD‐db, a variant of aMD that applies boost potential to the rotatable dihedrals and non‐bonded diffusive degrees of freedom has been proven to reproduce the equilibrium properties more accurately and efficiently than aMD. Here, we discuss recent advances in the aMD methodology and review the applicability of RaMD‐db as an enhanced sampling method. RaMD‐db is shown to be able to generate a broad distribution of structures of a drug target, Cyclophilin A. These structures that have never been observed previously in very long conventional MD can be further used for structure‐based computer‐aided drug discovery, and docking, and thus, in the identification and design of potential novel inhibitors. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 35–42, 2016.
Review legal guidance on preventing, addressing sexual harassment, assault
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: September 2015

ORLANDO, FLA. — Failure to adequately prevent and address sexual harassment and sexual assault can have significant, long‐term negative impact on your school's image and finances, your personal reputation and career, and employees' and student‐athletes' morale and well‐being.
Thwart academic misconduct via trained, trustworthy tutors
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: September 2015

ORLANDO, FLA. — Recent high‐profile scandals and infractions involving student‐athletes' academic misconduct should serve as valuable reminders and wake‐up calls for all college athletics departments.
Development of a Magnetically Recyclable Molybdenum Disulfide Catalyst for Direct Hydrodesulfurization
Authors: Sharifvaghefi Seyyedmajid , Zheng Ying
Published: September 2015

Superparamagnetic MoS2/SiO2/Fe3O4 catalysts that consist of magnetite as the core, silica as the covering layer, and molybdenum sulfide as the top layer were prepared in easy steps. Two different surfactants (anionic and cationic) were used to assist with the synthesis of two of the samples, and one sample was prepared without surfactant. The surfactant was found to have a significant effect on the properties and activity of the final catalysts. Hydrodesulfurization (HDS) tests of the catalysts show higher activity for the cationic‐surfactant‐assisted catalyst. Between the direct desulfurization (DDS) and hydrogenation pathways for the prepared catalysts, the DDS pathway was found to be dominant for the HDS of dibenzothiophene. As a result of the magnetic properties of this catalyst, it can be separated easily from the reaction media by a magnetic field applied externally and reused, which makes it an ideal choice for slurry reactors that process heavy and extra‐heavy crude oil.
Controllable Fabrication of Tungsten Oxide Nanoparticles Confined in Graphene‐Analogous Boron Nitride as an Efficient Desulfurization Catalyst
Authors: Wu Peiwen , Zhu Wenshuai , Wei Aimin , Dai Bilian , Chao Yanhong , Li Changfeng , Li Huaming , Dai Sheng
Published: September 2015

Tungsten oxide nanoparticles (WOxNPs) are gaining increasing attention, but low stabiliity and poor dispersion of WOxNPs hinder their catalytic applications. Herein, WOxNPs were confined in graphene‐analogous boron nitride (g‐BN) by a one‐step, in situ method at high temperature, which can enhance the interactions between WOxNPs and the support and control the sizes of WOxNPs in a range of about 4–5 nm. The as‐prepared catalysts were applied in catalytic oxidation of aromatic sulfur compounds in which they showed high catalytic activity. A balance between the W loading and the size distribution of the WOxNPs could govern the catalytic activity. Furthermore, a synergistic effect between g‐BN and WOxNPs also contributed to high catalytic activity. The reaction mechanism is discussed in detail and the catalytic scope was enlarged.
Frame‐Guided Assembly of Amphiphiles
Authors: Dong Yuanchen , Liu Dongsheng
Published: September 2015

Frame‐guided assembly, a recently discovered strategy for amphiphilic assembly, is discussed as a strategy for constructing vesicle assemblies with programmed geometries and dimensions under identical surrounding conditions. The strategy is inspired by the cytoskeletal‐membrane protein–lipid bilayer structure and shows great potential in the understanding and controlling of the amphiphilic assembly process. Both the principles and basic requirements are discussed, along with recently reported examples. The prospects and potential investigations of frame‐guided assembly are also proposed.
Chiral SiO2 and Ag@SiO2 Materials Templated by Complexes Consisting of Comblike Polyethyleneimine and Tartaric Acid
Authors: Yao Dong‐Dong , Murata Hiroki , Tsunega Seiji , Jin Ren‐Hua
Published: September 2015

A facile avenue to fabricate micrometer‐sized chiral (L‐, D‐) and meso‐like (dl‐) SiO2 materials with unique structures by using crystalline complexes (cPEI/tart), composed of comblike polyethyleneimine (cPEI) and L‐, D‐, or dl‐tartaric acid, respectively, as catalytic templates is reported. Interestingly, both chiral crystalline complexes appeared as regularly left‐ and right‐twisted bundle structures about 10 μm in length and about 5 μm in diameter, whereas the dl‐form occurred as circular structures with about 10 μm diameter. Subsequently, SiO2@cPEI/tart hybrids with high silica content (>55.0 wt %) were prepared by stirring a mixture containing tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) and the aggregates of the crystalline complexes in water. The chiral SiO2 hybrids and calcined chiral SiO2 showed very strong CD signals and a nanofiber‐based morphology on their surface, whereas dl‐SiO2 showed no CD activity and a nanosheet‐packed disklike shape. Furthermore, metallic silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were encapsulated in each silica hybrid to obtain chiral (D and L forms) and meso‐like (dl form) Ag@SiO2 composites. Also, the reaction between L‐cysteine (Lcys) and these Ag@SiO2 composites was preliminarily investigated. Only chiral L‐ and D‐Ag@SiO2 composites promoted the reaction between Lcys and Ag NPs to produce a molecular [Ag–Lcys]n complex with remarkable exciton chirality, whereas the reaction hardly occurred in the case of meso‐like (dl‐) Ag@SiO2 composite.
Supracolloidal Architectures Self‐Assembled in Microdroplets
Authors: Xu Xuejiao , Tian Feng , Liu Xin , Parker Richard M. , Lan Yang , Wu Yuchao , Yu Ziyi , Scherman Oren A. , Abell Chris
Published: September 2015

We demonstrate a novel method for the formation of a library of structured colloidal assemblies by exploiting the supramolecular heteroternary host–guest interaction between cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) and methyl viologen‐ and naphthalene‐functionalised particles. The approach is dependent upon compartmentalisation in microdroplets generated by a microfluidic platform. Though the distribution of colloidal particles encapsulated within each microdroplet followed a Poisson distribution, tuning the concentration of the initial colloidal particle suspensions provided some level of control over the structure of the formed colloidal assemblies. This ability to direct the assembly of complementarily‐functionalised colloids through a supramolecular interaction, without the need for complex modification of the colloidal surface or external stimuli, presents an exciting new approach towards the design of structured colloidal materials with the potential to produce many challenging structures.
Transition Metal Oxides for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction: Influence of the Oxidation States of the Metal and its Position on the Periodic Table
Authors: Toh Rou Jun , Sofer Zdeněk , Pumera Martin
Published: September 2015

Electrocatalysts have been developed to meet the needs and requirements of renewable energy applications. Metal oxides have been well explored and are promising for this purpose, however, many reports focus on only one or a few metal oxides at once. Herein, thirty metal oxides, which were either commercially available or synthesized by a simple and scalable method, were screened for comparison with regards to their electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). We show that although manganese, iron, cobalt, and nickel oxides generally displayed the ability to enhance the kinetics of oxygen reduction under alkaline conditions compared with bare glassy carbon, there is no significant correlation between the position of a metal on the periodic table and the electrocatalytic performance of its respective metal oxides. Moreover, it was also observed that mixed valent (+2, +3) oxides performed the poorest, compared with their respective pure metal oxides. These findings may be of paramount importance in the field of renewable energy.
Pharmacodynamic comparison of LY3023703, a novel microsomal prostaglandin e synthase 1 inhibitor, with celecoxib
Authors: Jin Y , Smith CL , Hu L , Campanale KM , Stoltz R , Huffman LG , McNearney TA , Yang XY , Ackermann BL , Dean R , Regev A , Landschulz W
Published: September 2015

To assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacology of LY3023703, a microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 (mPGES1) inhibitor, a multiple ascending dose study was conducted. Forty‐eight subjects received LY3023703, celecoxib (400 mg), or placebo once daily for 28 days. Compared with placebo, LY3023703 inhibited ex vivo lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis 91% and 97% on days 1 and 28, respectively, after 30‐mg dosing, comparable to celecoxib's effect (82% inhibition compared to placebo). Unlike celecoxib, which also inhibited prostacyclin synthesis by 44%, LY3023703 demonstrated a maximal increase in prostacyclin synthesis of 115%. Transient elevations of serum aminotransferase were observed in one subject after 30‐mg LY3023703 dosing (10× upper limit of normal (ULN)), and one subject after 15‐mg dosing (about 1.5× ULN). Results from this study suggest that mPGES1 inhibits inducible PGE synthesis without suppressing prostacyclin generation and presents a novel target for inflammatory pain.
Pharmacotherapeutic management of erectile dysfunction
Authors: Hawksworth DJ , Burnett AL
Published: September 2015

Erectile dysfunction is a common condition in aging men and significantly affects their quality of life and interpersonal relationships. Its prevalence and incidence are associated with aging, lifestyle factors and cardiovascular comorbidities. Preoccupation with male virility has been present for centuries, and a wide variety of herbs and potions have been used to treat any sexual deficiencies. Recent major advances in understanding of erectile physiology and pathophysiology led to development of currently available systemic and local pharmacotherapies. They are designed to work either centrally or peripherally and to either suppress anti‐erectile mechanisms, enhance the pro‐erectile ones or influence both. Since all the current formulations have variable safety and efficacy profiles, the search for highly specific, simple, convenient and clinically effective impotence treatments or prophylactics continues.
Solar‐Energy Driven Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation of Starch to Bioethanol for Fuel‐Cell Applications
Authors: Tabah Betina , Pulidindi Indra Neel , Chitturi Venkateswara Rao , Arava Leela Mohana Reddy , Gedanken Aharon
Published: September 2015

A solar reactor was designed to perform the conversion of starch to ethanol in a single step. An aqueous starch solution (5 wt %) was fed into the reactor bed charged with Baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and amylase, resulting in approximately 2.5 wt % ethanol collected daily (ca. 25 mL day−1). A significant amount of ethanol (38 g) was collected over 63 days, corresponding to 84 % of the theoretical yield. The production of ethanol without additional energy input highlights the significance of this new process. The ethanol produced was also demonstrated as a potential fuel for direct ethanol fuel cells. Additionally, the secondary metabolite glycerol was fully reduced to a value‐added product 1,3‐propanediol, which is the first example of a fungal strain (Baker's yeast) converting glycerol in situ to 1,3‐propanediol.
CD163 and CD206 expression does not correlate with tolerance and cytokine production in LPS‐tolerant human monocytes
Authors: Alves‐Januzzi Amanda Barba , Brunialti Milena Karina Colo , Salomao Reinaldo
Published: September 2015

Background

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐tolerant monocytes produce small amounts of inflammatory cytokines, which is one of the characteristics of the alternative activated macrophages (AAM). These cells exhibited an increased expression of CD206 and CD163. Given the functional similarities of AAMs with the modulation of monocytes’ functions observed during sepsis and LPS‐tolerance, we evaluated whether the inhibition of inflammatory cytokine production by LPS‐tolerant monocytes is associated with the phenotype of cells expressing CD206 and CD163.

Methods

We investigated whether tolerant human monocytes would modulate their expression of CD206 and CD163, markers of alternative activation, and whether the level of their expression would be related to cytokines detection. Tolerance to LPS was induced in peripheral blood mononuclear cell by pre‐incubating the cells with increasing concentrations of LPS. The expression of CD206 and CD163 and intracellular TNF‐α and IL‐6 was determined 24 h after LPS challenge by flow cytometry.

Results

No differences in CD163 expression were observed between tolerant and non‐tolerant cells, while the expression of CD206, which was decreased following LPS stimulation in non‐tolerized cells, was further reduced in tolerant cells. Decreased production of inflammatory cytokines was observed in the tolerized cells, regardless of the expression of CD163 and CD206, with the exception of IL‐6 in CD206+ monocytes, which was similarly expressed in both tolerized and non‐tolerized cells.

Conclusions

The effect of LPS in the expression of CD163 and CD206 on monocytes is not reverted in LPS tolerant cells, and the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines in tolerant cells is not related with modulation of these receptors. © 2016 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Reference ranges of lymphocyte subsets balanced for age and gender from a population of healthy adults in Chongqing District of China
Authors: Zhang Kejun , Wang Feng , Zhang Mingxu , Cao Xinglu , Yang Shaojun , Jia Shuangrong , Wang Lixin , Luo Jie , Deng Shaoli , Chen Ming
Published: September 2015

The enumeration of lymphocyte subsets plays an essential role in the monitoring of immunological disorders. Immunophenotyping values have been found to be influenced by race, age, gender, and environmental conditions. Therefore, it is important to establish reference ranges for healthy adults from the local population for clinical decision‐making. The current study aimed to establish a normal reference range for peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in healthy adults from the Chongqing District of China by using single‐platform flow cytometry. Age‐ and gender‐specific reference ranges were established in 268 healthy adult males and females between 21 and 60 years of age. The CD8+ cell counts decreased with age, CD4+ cell percentages and counts increased with age, and total T cell percentages were higher in the female population. Our results are similar to those reported from other parts of China but different from some results reported from other countries; this further stresses the need to establish local reference ranges by region. Our results will help in the management of patients with human immunodeficiency virus and other immunological disorders in Chongqing District. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Complex spatial clonal structure in the macroalgae Fucus radicans with both sexual and asexual recruitment
Authors: Ardehed Angelica , Johansson Daniel , Schagerström Ellen , Kautsky Lena , Johannesson Kerstin , Pereyra Ricardo T.
Published: September 2015

In dioecious species with both sexual and asexual reproduction, the spatial distribution of individual clones affects the potential for sexual reproduction and local adaptation. The seaweed Fucus radicans, endemic to the Baltic Sea, has separate sexes, but new attached thalli may also form asexually. We mapped the spatial distribution of clones (multilocus genotypes, MLGs) over macrogeographic (>500 km) and microgeographic (<100 m) scales in the Baltic Sea to assess the relationship between clonal spatial structure, sexual recruitment, and the potential for natural selection. Sexual recruitment was predominant in some areas, while in others asexual recruitment dominated. Where clones of both sexes were locally intermingled, sexual recruitment was nevertheless low. In some highly clonal populations, the sex ratio was strongly skewed due to dominance of one or a few clones of the same sex. The two largest clones (one female and one male) were distributed over 100–550 km of coast and accompanied by small and local MLGs formed by somatic mutations and differing by 1–2 mutations from the large clones. Rare sexual events, occasional long‐distance migration, and somatic mutations contribute new genotypic variation potentially available to natural selection. However, dominance of a few very large (and presumably old) clones over extensive spatial and temporal scales suggested that either these have superior traits or natural selection has only been marginally involved in the structuring of genotypes.
Does hybridization with a widespread congener threaten the long‐term persistence of the Eastern Alpine rare local endemic Knautia carinthiaca?
Authors: Čertner Martin , Kolář Filip , Schönswetter Peter , Frajman Božo
Published: September 2015

Interspecific hybridization, especially when regularly followed by backcrossing (i.e., introgressive hybridization), conveys a substantial risk for many endangered organisms. This is particularly true for narrow endemics occurring within distributional ranges of widespread congeners. An excellent example is provided by the plant genus Knautia (Caprifoliaceae): Locally endemic K. carinthiaca is reported from two isolated populations in southern Austria situated within an area predominantly occupied by widespread K. arvensis. While K. carinthiaca usually inhabits low‐competition communities on rocky outcrops, K. arvensis occurs mainly in dry to mesic managed grasslands, yet both species can coexist in marginal environments and were suspected to hybridize. Flow cytometry revealed that diploid K. carinthiaca only occurs at its locus classicus, whereas the second locality is inhabited by the morphologically similar but tetraploid K. norica. In the, therefore, single population of K. carinthiaca, flow cytometry and AFLP fingerprinting showed signs of introgressive hybridization with diploid K. arvensis. Hybridization patterns were also reflected in intermediate habitat preferences and morphology of the hybrids. Environmental barriers to gene flow seem to prevent genetic erosion of K. carinthiaca individuals from the core ecological niches, restricting most introgressed individuals to peripheral habitats. Efficient conservation of K. carinthiaca will require strict protection of its habitat and ban on forest clear cuts in a buffer zone to prevent invasion of K. arvensis. We demonstrate the large potential of multidisciplinary approaches combining molecular, cytometric, and ecological tools for a reliable inventory and threat assessment of rare species.
LCA as a decision support tool for evaluating cleaner production schemes in iron making industry
Authors: Zhang Yun , Liang Kaiming , Li Jinhua , Zhao Chenchen , Qu Dianli
Published: September 2015

In China, the evaluation mechanism of cleaner production schemes is characterized with flaws and lacks quantitative evaluation methods, which are the key technical aspects in cleaner production audit. This paper is based on a combination of life cycle assessment (LCA) and cost analysis methods to evaluate cleaner production schemes in the iron making industry. Eight environmental impact categories, including Acidification Potential, Eutrophication Potential, Freshwater Aquatic Ecotoxicity Pot, Global Warming Potential, Human Toxicity Potential, Marine Aquatic Ecotoxicity Potential, Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential, and Terrestric Ecotoxicity Potential, are chosen to analyze the environmental impact of the iron making industry. The results show that the greatest contribution factor to the iron making industry is the blast furnace process. The most significant environmental impact category is Global Warming Potential. According to the results, we proposed 14 cleaner production schemes. LCA is used to evaluate the environmental performances of 14 cleaner production schemes, which conclude that the scheme of “the use of recycled water” increases environmental impacts, while the other 13 cleaner production schemes result in environmental benefits. Meanwhile, the cost analysis based on payback period, net present value and internal rate of return indicates that the 13 schemes are economically feasible. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 195–203, 2016
Field‐scale monitoring test of aeration for enhancing biodegradation in an old landfill in China
Authors: Liu Lei , Xue Qiang , Zeng Gang , Ma Jun , Liang Bing
Published: September 2015

The field‐scale test of aeration to accelerate biodegradation of the waste was conducted, which was selected in an old landfill in Hubei province in China. The long‐term monitoring was presented, lasted for 11 months, to estimate the degradation stability of the landfill. The monitoring parameters included the temperature, COD and BOD of leachate, gas concentration, water level, settlement, and cellulose/lignin. The results show that the waste degradation rate was increased under the aeration condition, while there was a trend of the stability in the whole waste body. The water level within the landfill was adjusted by discharge measurements, contributing to the buildup of the oxygen environment in landfill. The C/L could be used to assess the stability of the full‐scale waste during the degradation process. But, there was obviously discrete by means of drilled sampling. The field‐scale test was needed to provide the evidence for aeration engineering operation. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 380–385, 2016
Toluene decomposition using adsorption combined with plasma‐driven catalysis with gas circulation
Authors: Huang Jiayu , Dang Xiaoqing , Qin Caihong , Shu Yun , Wang Hongchang , Zhang Fan
Published: September 2015

This work focuses on the synergistic effect of catalysis with plasma and the dominant role of reactive species for adsorbed toluene decomposition. This study indicated that ∼100% CO2 selectivity could be obtained by plasma‐catalysis with gas circulation. In addition, ozone behavior and its contribution during adsorbed toluene decomposition were investigated. The results indicated that linear positive correlation existed between COx yield increment by plasma‐catalysis and ozone consumed amount. However, catalytic decomposition ability of adsorbed toluene by ozone alone was limited. When ozone concentration was as high as 125 μmol/L, COx yield with ozone‐catalysis was only 11% in 60 min, which was ∼75% lower than that with plasma‐catalysis. The results indicated that the plasma‐induced catalysis was the preferable option for adsorbed toluene decomposition than the ozone‐induced catalysis within the presented gas circulation system. Based on the analytic results of gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry, possible pathways of adsorbed toluene destruction were discussed. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 386–394, 2016
Prediction of macroscopic damage behaviour of precipitation strengthened steels via multiscale simulations
Authors: Molnar D. , Weber U. , Binkele P. , Rapp D. , Schmauder S.
Published: September 2015

A multiscale modelling approach is presented that sequentially connects in total five simulation methods via parameter transfers in order to capture the macroscopic damage behaviour due to an underlying nano structure of copper precipitates in bcc iron. In this multiscale approach, information on precipitation states is taken from kinetic Monte‐Carlo and Phasefield simulations as well as from experimental data. Based on a calibration of Dislocation Dynamics by Molecular Dynamics simulations as well as on testing conditions known from experiments, Dislocation Dynamics simulations with an infinite dislocation on a single glide plane provide strengthening levels which are related to a reference stress‐strain curve obtained from experiments. Subsequently, the macroscopic damage behaviour is simulated with the Finite‐Element‐Method including the Rousselier Damage Model for the reference state as well as for the virtually aged states. The results are validated by comparison with experimental results and predictions are made with respect to specific precipitation cases. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Multiscale cohesive zone modeling of crack propagations in polycrystalline solids
Authors: Fan Houfu , Li Shaofan
Published: September 2015

In this work, we use an atomistic‐based multiscale cohesive zone model (MCZM) to simulate crack propagations in polycrystalline solids. The multiscale cohesive zone model is different from the conventional cohesive zone model, and it is essentially an interphase process zone that is capable of describing heterogenous material behavior by incorporating the finite‐size inhomogeneities such as grain boundary interphase, inclusions, and finite‐width persistent slip bands.

The main novelties of this work are two: (1) Different order Cauchy Born rules of the same atomistic potential are used to describe the material strength for the grain interphase and bulk materials, which eliminates the setback of the conventional cohesive zone model that models the undamaged material as a “numerical composite” of bulk elements and cohe‐sive interface zones, and (2) Via integration by parts, we can derive the microstructure‐based interface cohesive law in both normal and tangential directions with respect to the boundary between bulk elements and interphase elements.

By using the higher order Cauchy‐Born rule, the cohesive zones are shown to be weaker than the bulk. Numerical examples of crack propagations due to the high speed impact on materials with various cohesive strengths have been carried out. Both inter‐granular and trans‐granular fractures are captured by assuming the relative strength of the cohesive zones in the bulk and those along the grain boundaries. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Linking GABA and glutamate levels to cognitive skill acquisition during development
Authors: Cohen Kadosh Kathrin , Krause Beatrix , King Andrew J. , Near Jamie , Cohen Kadosh Roi
Published: September 2015

Developmental adjustments in the balance of excitation and inhibition are thought to constrain the plasticity of sensory areas of the cortex. It is unknown however, how changes in excitatory or inhibitory neurochemical expression (glutamate, γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)) contribute to skill acquisition during development. Here we used single‐voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) to reveal how differences in cortical glutamate vs. GABA ratios relate to face proficiency and working memory abilities in children and adults. We show that higher glutamate levels in the inferior frontal gyrus correlated positively with face processing proficiency in the children, but not the adults, an effect which was independent of age‐dependent differences in underlying cortical gray matter. Moreover, we found that glutamate/GABA levels and gray matter volume are dissociated at the different maturational stages. These findings suggest that increased excitation during development is linked to neuroplasticity and the acquisition of new cognitive skills. They also offer a new, neurochemical approach to investigating the relationship between cognitive performance and brain development across the lifespan. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4334–4345, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Human Brain Mapping Published byWiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neurofunctional topography of the human hippocampus
Authors: Robinson Jennifer L. , Barron Daniel S. , Kirby Lauren A. J. , Bottenhorn Katherine L. , Hill Ashley C. , Murphy Jerry E. , Katz Jeffrey S. , Salibi Nouha , Eickhoff Simon B. , Fox Peter T.
Published: September 2015

Much of what was assumed about the functional topography of the hippocampus was derived from a single case study over half a century ago. Given advances in the imaging sciences, a new era of discovery is underway, with potential to transform the understanding of healthy processing as well as the ability to treat disorders. Coactivation‐based parcellation, a meta‐analytic approach, and ultra‐high field, high‐resolution functional and structural neuroimaging to characterize the neurofunctional topography of the hippocampus was employed. Data revealed strong support for an evolutionarily preserved topography along the long‐axis. Specifically, the left hippocampus was segmented into three distinct clusters: an emotional processing cluster supported by structural and functional connectivity to the amygdala and parahippocampal gyrus, a cognitive operations cluster, with functional connectivity to the anterior cingulate and inferior frontal gyrus, and a posterior perceptual cluster with distinct structural connectivity patterns to the occipital lobe coupled with functional connectivity to the precuneus and angular gyrus. The right hippocampal segmentation was more ambiguous, with plausible 2‐ and 5‐cluster solutions. Segmentations shared connectivity with brain regions known to support the correlated processes. This represented the first neurofunctional topographic model of the hippocampus using a robust, bias‐free, multimodal approach. Hum Brain Mapp 36:5018–5037, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of patients' healthcare payment methods on hospital discharge process: evidence from India
Authors: Drew Brendan , Angeli Federica , Dave Karan , Pavlova Milena
Published: September 2015

This study investigates the impact of patients' payment methods on hospitals' discharge process. Patients' payment methods, particularly the use of third‐party payers, are documented to impact hospitals' behavior. However, evidence is still missing on how differences across payment categories affect hospital discharge, a complicated and poorly standardized process. Data are derived from a single case study carried out in 2014 at the Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center at the Narayana Health City Campus in Bangalore, India. A mixed‐method approach has been adopted. First, process mapping for different payment categories was conducted using unstructured interviews with staff and on‐the‐floor observations. Second, linear regression analysis was applied on a sample of 1000 discharges that occurred in January 2014 to investigate the impact of patients' payment categories on discharge turnaround time. The qualitative evidence highlights substantial variation in the discharge process across payment categories. Regression analyses reveal that the sequential process used to discharge community health insurance patients results in a significantly shorter discharge turnaround time and that cash‐paying patients do not experience any significantly shorter discharge duration. For hospital managers, this study provides important evidence that patient utilization of a third‐party payer does not hamper hospital efficiency. This finding should also encourage policy makers and third‐party payers to work towards expanding the medical insurance system, particularly in India and particularly community‐based schemes. At the same time, our findings document a strong fragmentation of discharge processes, which should spur hospitals and third‐party payers to cooperate in order to set standards and minimize disruptions to patient flows. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure Modification and Spectroscopic Properties of Artificial Porphyrinoids
Authors: Zhou Zhikuan , Shen Zhen
Published: September 2015

In this review article, we summarize our recent progress in rational structure modification and spectroscopic studies of artificial porphyrinoids. Structural modifications, including meso aryl substitution, peripheral aromatic ring fusion, ring contraction and expansion, and core modification with heterocyclic subunits other than pyrrole, perturb the electronic structures and aromaticity of porphyrinoids, thus regulating their electronic properties. The relationship between structure and spectroscopic properties as well as the applications of these porphyrinoids are also reviewed.
The role of interpersonal movement synchronisation in empathic functions: Insights from Tango Argentino and Capoeira
Authors: Koehne Svenja , Schmidt Mirjam J. , Dziobek Isabel
Published: September 2015

Although evidence points to a role for kinesthetic empathy (i.e. spontaneous interpersonal movement imitation and synchronisation) in social interaction, its relationship with emotional and cognitive aspects of empathy is unknown. We compared empathy in Tango and Capoeira experts, which crucially depend on ongoing, mutual interpersonal synchronisation, with empathy in practitioners of Salsa and Breakdance, respectively, which demand less interpersonal synchronisation but are comparable concerning movements and setting. Kinesthetic empathy was increased in the Tango and Capoeira groups. Although no group differences in other aspects of empathy were detected, kinesthetic empathy correlated with emotional and cognitive empathy. Taken together, trait kinesthetic empathy varies in the general population, and appears increased in synchronisation experts.
Minorities' acculturation and social adjustment: The moderator role of meta‐perceptions of majority's acculturation attitudes
Authors: António João H. C. , Monteiro Maria Benedicta
Published: September 2015

Two studies addressed the role of Black meta‐perception of acculturation attitudes on the relation between minority acculturation attitudes and their social adjustment (school achievement and perceived quality of intergroup relations). Participants in both studies were Black Lusophone adolescents living in Portugal. Study 1 (N = 140) indicated that participants' attitude regarding the host culture was positively correlated with their school achievement and to their evaluation of intergroup relations. It also indicated that participants' meta‐perception of majority attitude add to the explained variance of participants' social adjustment. Study 2 (N = 62) manipulated the perceived majority high/low support of immigrants' learning the host culture. The dependent variable (DV) was perceived quality of intergroup relations. Only in the low support condition were participants' attitudes towards the host culture positively related to perceived quality of Black–White relationships. These results suggest that perceived social context is central to understand the relationship between minority adolescents' acculturation attitudes and key dimensions of their adjustment to host societies.
Novel cellular evidence of oviduct secretions in the Chinese soft‐shelled turtlePelodiscus sinensis
Authors: Waqas Muhammad Yasir , Lisi Hu , Yang Ping , Ullah Shakeeb , Zhang Linli , Zhang Qian , Li Quanfu , Ahmad Nisar , Chen Wei , Zeshan Basit , Chen Qiusheng
Published: September 2015

The oviduct is the location of fertilization and sperm storage. We examined the ultrastructure of the oviduct epithelium and its glandular secretions in the isthmus, uterus and vagina of Chinese soft‐shelled turtlePelodiscus sinensisusing light and transmission electron microscopy. The epithelium in these segments is lined with ciliated, secretory and other cells; the first two cell types span the entire epithelium, with secretory cells being predominant. The ciliated cells are characterized by the presence of a secretory vacuole that releases apocrine secretions into the lumen, whereas the secretory cells contain typical biphasic granules with both dark and light aspects. The third type of cells observed have wider proximal portion, abundant mitochondria, vacuoles, and narrow nuclei. The storage of spermatozoa is restricted to the isthmus, uterus, and vagina. In addition, the gland cells show prominent features, including the presence of granules of different shapes, sizes, and electron densities. The synthesis of these granules is described for the first time in this study. Mitochondria appear to play an important role in the formation of dense granules, the rough endoplasmic reticulum and microfilaments may also play a role in the maturation of these dense granules. After completing the maturation process, these granules are released into the lumen of the gland cells.J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 655–665, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Traffic noise affects embryo mortality and nestling growth rates in captive zebra finches
Authors: Potvin Dominique A. , MacDougall‐Shackleton Scott A.
Published: September 2015

Over the past two decades, studies of songbird populations have detected decreases in the reproductive success of individuals living in urban areas. Anthropogenic noise is considered to be particularly detrimental, however the exact relationship between noise and reproductive success is still unclear because noise is often correlated with many other detrimental factors (e.g., predation, reduced territory quality). We used an experiment to specifically test the effects of urban noise on reproduction of captive zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). We found that latency to breed and the size of successfully fledged clutches were consistent between groups, however success of initial nesting attempts was reduced by traffic noise. Further, this reduced success leading to increased numbers of nesting attempts by birds in the noise condition was due to higher levels of embryo mortality in the traffic noise treatment group, which also suffered a lag in nestling growth rates during the first two weeks post‐hatch. While parental baseline circulating corticosterone was not chronically affected by noise treatment, we identified some interaction effects whereby certain reproductive measures (laying latency and clutch size) were most strongly affected by treatment when mothers had higher levels of baseline corticosterone. These results indicate that traffic noise may reduce reproductive success through changes in parental behaviour, and that traffic noise may disproportionately affect chronically stressed individuals during reproduction. J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 722–730, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Impact of High Microfinance Growth on Loan Portfolio
Authors: Yimga Jules
Published: September 2015

Most empirical studies in microfinance have disproportionately focused on its downstream effects—effects on the borrower—leaving the important question of how microfinance institutions are affected in the process, largely unanswered—upstream effects. This paper addresses this question by using panel data estimations to empirically investigate the causal effect of microfinance growth on microfinance institution loan portfolio quality. Surprisingly, we find evidence that portfolio quality improves with growth in outreach, which is contrary to the dominant view that higher growth leads to increased default risk. This result is robust across estimation methods and even after controlling for microfinance institutional characteristics and macroeconomic indicators. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical and Enzymatic Site Specific PEGylation of hGH: The Stability and in vivo Activity of PEG‐N‐Terminal‐hGH and PEG‐Gln141‐hGH Conjugates
Authors: Grigoletto Antonella , Mero Anna , Zanusso Ilenia , Schiavon Oddone , Pasut Gianfranco
Published: September 2015

The use of therapeutic proteins is often impaired by their short in vivo half‐lives. PEGylation has been exploited to enhance protein stability and to prolong the pharmacokinetic. The biophysical characterization of two site‐specific mono‐PEGylated forms of human growth hormone (hGH) – chemically N‐terminal PEGylated hGH (PEG‐Nter‐hGH) and enzymatically Gln141 PEGylated hGH (PEG‐Gln141‐hGH) via transglutaminase – is outlined here and their pharmacodynamics are compared. The thermal stability of PEG‐Nter‐hGH was increased with respect to that of hGH and PEG‐Gln141‐hGH. Pharmacodynamic studies in rats showed that a single injection of the conjugates had a better or comparable potency with respect to a daily hGH on a week schedule in terms of weight gain, femoral length, and tibial diaphysis width.