bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communication ethics and the receiver: Contribution to an ethic of strategic mass communication
Authors: Mikkelsen Jan Foght
Published: November 2017

The author wants to contribute to an ethic of strategic communication by proposing a general ethical norm for all strategic communication. The author wants to outline the focal point of the norm, the ethical basis of the norm, a precise definition of the norm and to show how it works. This norm focuses exclusively on the persuasive means used to get the sender’s message across. The question is whether the rhetorical means mislead the receiver. In order to answer this question, a norm of “fairness”, defined from the viewpoint of the receiver, is proposed. It is shown how “fairness” allows us to identify misleading means and to evaluate them on a common ethical ground.
Bodily signs and case history in Indian morgues: what makes a medico-legal autopsy complete?
Authors: Provost Fabien
Published: November 2017

In contemporary forensic medicine, in India, the label of complete autopsy applies to a
whole range of post-mortem examinations which can present consid- erable differences in
view of the intellectual resources, time, personnel and material means they involve. From
various sources available in India and elsewhere, stems the idea that, whatever the type
of case and its apparent obviousness, a complete autopsy implies opening the abdomen, the
thorax and the skull and dissecting the organs they contain. Since the nineteenth century,
procedural approaches of complete autopsies have competed with a practical sense of
completeness which requires doctors to think their cases according to their history.
Relying on two case studies observed in the frame of an ethnographic study of eleven
months in medical colleges of North India, the article suggests that the practical
completeness of autopsies is attained when all aspects of the history of the case are made
sense of with regard to the observation of the body. Whereas certain autopsies are
considered obvious and imply a reduced amount of time in the autopsy room, certain others
imply successive redefinitions of what complete implies and the realisation of certain
actions which would not have been performed otherwise.
Increasing evidence that bats actively forage at wind turbines
Authors: Foo Cecily F. , Bennett Victoria J. , Hale Amanda M. , Korstian Jennifer M. , Schildt Alison J. , Williams Dean A.
Published: November 2017

Although the ultimate causes of high bat fatalities at wind farms are not well understood, several lines of evidence suggest that bats are attracted to wind turbines. One hypothesis is that bats would be attracted to turbines as a foraging resource if the insects that bats prey upon are commonly present on and around the turbine towers. To investigate the role that foraging activity may play in bat fatalities, we conducted a series of surveys at a wind farm in the southern Great Plains of the US from 2011–2016. From acoustic monitoring we recorded foraging activity, including feeding buzzes indicative of prey capture, in the immediate vicinity of turbine towers from all six bat species known to be present at this site. From insect surveys we found Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Orthoptera in consistently high proportions over several years suggesting that food resources for bats were consistently available at wind turbines. We used DNA barcoding techniques to assess bat diet composition of (1) stomach contents from 47 eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) and 24 hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) carcasses collected in fatality searches, and (2) fecal pellets from 23 eastern red bats that were found on turbine towers, transformers, and tower doors. We found that the majority of the eastern red bat and hoary bat stomachs, the two bat species most commonly found in fatality searches at this site, were full or partially full, indicating that the bats were likely killed while foraging. Although Lepidoptera and Orthoptera dominated the diets of these two bat species, both consumed a range of prey items with individual bats having from one to six insect species in their stomachs at the time of death. The prey items identified from eastern red bat fecal pellets showed similar results. A comparison of the turbine insect community to the diet analysis results revealed that the most abundant insects at wind turbines, including terrestrial insects such as crickets and several important crop pests, were also commonly eaten by eastern red and hoary bats. Collectively, these findings suggest that bats are actively foraging around wind turbines and that measures to minimize bat fatalities should be broadly implemented at wind facilities.
The reproductive cycle of the scallop Argopecten circularis (Sowerby, 1835) in relation to temperature and photoperiod, in Bahia Concepcion, B.C.S., Mexico
Authors: Villalejo-Fuerte M , Ochoa-Báez RI
Published: November 2017

The reproductive cycle of the scallop Argopecten circularis, an important resource of the fisheries in Baja California Sur, was studied in relation to exogenous factors such as temperature and photoperiod in Bahía Concepción. Monthly samples of adult specimens were used, and biometric data for the shell and soft body parts were recorded. The gonads were analysed histologically and five phases of gonadal maturation were described. This species was confirmed to be functionally hermaphroditic, with a reproductive pattern characterized by a period of maximum activity from December to March, when the dominant phases are maturity and spawning. The prevailing conditions during the main spawning peak were: water temperature between 16 and 22ºC, and photoperiod between 630 and 760 minutes of daily average illumination per month. The first maturation of the gonads, determined histologically, occurred when the organisms had an anteroposterior length of 35 mm. Spawning can occur at 47 mm. The minimum size for maturity and spawning in the general population was 58 mm. We determined that maximum reproductive potential starts at this size, and coincides with the lowest water temperature in the annual cycle. The annual variations in the spawning periods of this species, in different parts of Baja California Sur, suggest flexibility in the influence of exogenous factors and endogenous controls on the reproductive event.
Semicontinuous cultures of Four microalgae with a nonconventional medium
Authors: López-Elías JA , Voltolina D
Published: November 2017

Four microalgae, Chaetoceros sp., Phaeodactylum tricomutum Bohlin, Tetraselmis sp. and Pavlova lutheri (Droop) Hibberd, were kept in semicontinuous cultures at dilution rates between 75 and 15%, depending on species and medium. The quantity and quality of the biomass produced using a nonconventional culture medium were compared to that obtained with a traditional formulation. The biomass produced did not differ qualitatively as a result of medium or dilution rates, but the daily yield of Tetraselmis sp. and of Pavlova lutheri was significantly lower with the nonconventional medium. The best yields of Chaetoceros, Phaeodactylum, Tetraselmis and Pavlova were with dilution rates of 50, 60 and 40% for the conventional medium and 25, 70, 40 and 30% for the nonconventional formulation. The savings, in terms of cost of chemicals, range between 91 and 70%, depending on the grade of the chemicals and on the species in culture.
Phytoplankton productivity and biomass by size classes, in the central Gulf of California during spring 1985
Authors: Lara-Lara JR , Millán-Núñez R , Lara-Osorio JL , Bazán-Guzmán C
Published: November 2017

An oceanographic cruise was performed in the central region of the Gulf of California from March 31 to April 9, 1985. Nineteen hydrographic casts to 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 m were made in four transects to estimate the size-fractionated biomass of the phytoplankton (chlorophyll a). Five size-fractionated 14C assimilation experiments were also done. A thermal front was recorded during the cruise period, with similar characteristics to those previously reported for this area. The contribution of nannoplankton to the biomass was higher at most stations, although maximum values of chlorophyll a and primary productivity were found near the coast, where the abundance of microphytoplankton was higher. The higher values of the assimilation ratios corresponded to the stations with the higher nannoplankton percentage, indicating higher efficiency in their production rates. The assimilation ratios and primary productivity rates were lower than those reported in March of 1983 and 1984, when Gulf waters were under the influence of the El Niño event, but of the same order of magnitude as during normal years.
The influence of meteorological phenomena on the ecosystems of a tropical region, southeast coast of India: A case study
Authors: Perumal P
Published: November 2017

The rainfall pattern at Parangipettai, southeast coast of India, for a period of a quarter century is given and the impact of rains on the hydrological and biological features is discussed. The total annual rainfall usually ranges between 1,200 and 1,400 mm. Generally, the bulk of annual precipitation occurs during the northeast monsoon. The climate of the area can be divided into four seasons in one year: monsoon, postmonsoon, summer and premonsoon. The heavy monsoonal downpour and the resulting heavy freshwater flow through the river exert influence on the characteristics of the waters of the coastal region and its ecosystems. Wind velocity data are also given and the role of wind in the transport of organic matter and nutrients, and in mixing processes is been discussed.
The cumacea of Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja California, Mexico (Crustacea, Peracarida)
Authors: Donath-Hernández FE
Published: November 2017

The Cumacea here reported were one of the benthic infaunal groups collected at 161 stations by the Beaudette Foundation and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, in April 1962 and October 1963, in Bahía de los Angeles, Baja California (Mexico). Eleven species were identified, of which Oxyuostylis pacifica Zimmer and Oxyuostylis tertia Zimmer were the most abundant and widely distributed in the bay. Based on a Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test, O. pacifica and O. tertia showed preferente for fine and sandy sediments, respectively. The abundance in October 1963 was only 11% compared to the total abundance observed in April 1962. Although the precise causes involved in such a drastic faunal reduction are not known, it has been suggested that they could be related to pronounced seasonal temperature changes, whose effects on the benthic fauna of this geographical region are better known today.
Evaluation of paleo-wave conditions from oscillatory structures preserved in cretaceous sediments of Baja California
Authors: Cupul-Magaña LA , Ledesma-Vázquez J
Published: November 2017

Measurements were obtained of spacing (E), dip and height of oscillatory ripples (hum- mochyylswaley cross-stratification) preserved within the sections of Punta Banda and Peñasco La Lobera in the Late Cretaceous Rosario Formation, in Baja California. From these data we estimated the hydrodynamic characteristics of paleo-waves that produced the oscillation ripples: near-bottom orbital diameter of the wave motion (do), near-bottom orbital velocity (Um), wave period (T) and wave height (H). A clear dependence is shown through the use of ripple spacing and five equations to obtain these paleo-wave parameters. The localities studied represent the higher limit (Peñasco La Lobera) and lower limit (Punta Banda) of the shoreface.
Seasonal distribution of aquatic birds in Estero De San Jose Del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
Authors: Guzmán J , Carmona R , Palacios E , Bojórquez M
Published: November 2017

In order to determine the seasonal distribution and the importance of each of the species of aquatic and semiaquatic birds in the Estero de San José del Cabo, B.C.S. (Mexico), monthly censuses were performed from September 1986 to September 1987. A total of 12,490 birds, belonging to 50 species, were recorded. The presence and abundance of birds, compared to those reported by other authors, are significantly reduced, probably due to the deterioration of this habitat. In this bird community, the American coot (Fulica americana) was, by far, the most abundant species (9,176 individuals). This lagoon is an important stop for migratory birds, mainly anatids.
Von Bertalanffy growth model for the pismo clam (Tivela stultorum), based on age-length data from commercial catches
Authors: Juárez-Romero R , Searcy-Bernal R
Published: November 2017

n
Floristic study of the benthic algae of Bahia Asuncion, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Authors: Mateo-Cid LE , Mendoza-González AC
Published: November 2017

Five samplings of benthic marine algae were carried out at Isla Asunción and Bahía Asunción, B.C.S., during 1988 and 1989. In total, 113 species of benthic marine algae were found. Three species of Cyanophyta, 78 species of Rhodophyta, 19 species of Phaeophyta and 13 species of Chlorophyta were determined. The floristic list includes data on the reproductive stage, tidal level, type of coast, substrate and epiphytism of the species found. Macrocystis pyrifera, Eisenia arborea and Corallina oficinalis var. chilensis are the principal components of the benthic vegetation of Asunción Island. The species composition found in Bahía Asunción is representative of the flora associated with Macrocytis pyrifera beds from the southern area of Baja California. The Rhodophyta are dominant in terms of diversity.
Structure of the fish communities of Raya Lagoon, Margarita Island, Venezuela
Authors: Ramírez-Villarroel P
Published: November 2017

The structure of the fish community of Raya Lagoon was analysed during 1990. Monthly catches were made in the mouth and inner part of the lagoon, using a 6 mm-mesh beach seine net, 31 m in length and 2.15 m in height. A total of 19,516 specimens, corresponding to 30 families, 50 genera and 62 species, were caught. The most numerous were Anchoa hepsetus, 36.60%, and Eucinostomus gula, 23.51%. Numerical diversity fluctuated between 1.74 and 3.51 bits/ind diversity in terms of weight, between 1.91 and 3.5 bits/ind, species richness, between 3.45 and 4.29; equitability, between 0.48 and 0.74; redundancy, between 0.28 and 0.67; dominance, between 42.25 and 80.61%. The dominant species were Eucinostomus gula, Diapterus rhombeus, Anchoa hepsetus, Archosargus rhomboidalis, Arius herzbergii and Xenomelaniris brasiliensis. Of the species found, 41.94% were occasional visitors, 30.65% were cyclical visitors and 27.42% were permanent residents. Likewise, 40.32% were first order consumer species; 40.32%, second order consumers; 19.36%, third order consumers. The low percentage of permanent residents indicates this area’s instability.
Thermohaline structure and geostrophic flow in the gulf of California, during 1992
Authors: Fernández-Barajas ME , Monreal-Gómez MA , Molina-Cruz A
Published: November 2017

Hydrographic data from two cruises, taken in February and August 1992, were used to describe the vertical thermohaline structure, the presence of water masses in the region of the mouth and central part of the Gulf of California, and meridional and zonal flows, respectively. The observations presented here show a marked thermal change between both seasons, with surface temperatures of about 19.00ºC in February and 32.00ºC in August. Thermal maxima (32.75ºC) and salinity minima (33.00) define a significant presence of Tropical water in the interior of the gulf in 1992, which suggests the occurrence of the El Niño phenomenon. This condition increased the intensity of the geostrophic flow and, in the central part of the gulf, velocities of 95 cm s–1 were recorded in February and of ll5 cm s–1 in August.
Abundance and distribution of Bregmacerotidae (Pisces) larvae in Campeche Bay, Mexico
Authors: Zavala-García F , Flores-Coto C
Published: November 2017

The abundance and distribution of larvae and juveniles of the family Bregmacerotidae were studied at Campeche Bay (Mexico). The material was obtained from eight oceanographic cruises carried out between March 1981 and August 1988, covering the four seasons. Samples were taken with a bongo net in double-oblique tows. All larvae and juveniles were sorted from the samples and standard or notochordal length was obtained from each specimen, with a precision of 0.1 mm. A total of 6,122 larvae and juveniles were obtained of four species, which were, in order of abundance: Bregmaceros cantori (95.5%) B. atlanticus (4.2%), B. macclellandi (0.4%) and B. houdei (0.02%). The distribution and abundance of larvae in general and the size distribution in particular, let us characterize B. cantori as a neritic species, with its main spawning zone in areas between 20 and 100 m depth. Bregmaceros macclellandi, on the other hand, was characterized as oceanic, province in which it lives and spawns; the presence of some of its larvae over the continental shelf must be a consequence of local currents. Bregmaceros atlanticus had an intermediate situation between the two previous species, because the highest larval densities, particularly of those of smaller size, occurred in the outer shelf (areas ~100 m depth) and in the oceanic area adjacent to the continental slope.
Feeding habits of the ocean whitefish, Caulolatilus princeps Jenyns 1842 (Pisces: Branchiostegidae), in La Paz Bay, B.C.S., Mexico
Authors: Elorduy-Garay JF , Caraveo-Patiño J
Published: November 2017

A total of 198 digestive tracts of ocean whitefish (Caulolatilus princeps, Jenyns, 1842) were examined from monthly catches, from February 1986 to January 1987. Using four indices (numeric, volumetric, frequency of occurrence and relative importance), the food components of the trophic spectrum were determined and categorized. This was made up of five major taxa: annelids, molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms and fishes. The spectrum is dominated, most of the year, by the ostracod Conchoecia pacifìca, along with other secondary food items like hyperiid amphipods (Vibilia sp.), euphausiids (Nycthiphanes simplex), galatheids (Pleuroncodes planipes), pteropod molluscs (Hyaloselix striata, Clio piramidata), cephalopods (Loligo opalescens) and fishes, and with a range of incidental food items, like gammarids (Ampheliscidae), crab larvae (Callinectes sp.), isopods, penaeids, thalassinoideans, small gastropods, polychaetes and echinoderms. There are no significant differences in the spectra from males and females (Wilcoxon’s test, P = 0.05). The number of food components in the diet seems to increase with length. The most intensive feeding takes place between the end of the reproductive period and its start. In conclusion, the ocean whitefish is a passive predatory teleost, that feeds mainly during daylight hours upon organisms associated with the sea floor.
Daily variations of temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll a, in a hypersaline lagoon of the Gulf of California
Authors: Valdez-Holguín JE
Published: November 2017

Time series of temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll a were obtained during one year in La Cruz Lagoon, Sonora (Mexico), in order to know the processes that generate variability in the lagoon. Spectral analysis of these time series showed that the variability was associated to processes with periods of 3 to 15 days. These fortnightly periods are related to spring and neap tide cycles, and the three-day periods are due to wind and/or differences in the sampling hour. The flux index (intertidal volume to total volume ratio) estimated for this lagoon is high, and it can be considered that the circulation and variability of this lagoon are determined by the sequence of the spring and neap tide cycles.
Friction Evolution of Granitic Faults: Heating Controlled Transition From Powder Lubrication to Frictional Melt
Authors: Chen Xiaofeng , Elwood Madden Andrew S. , Reches Ze'ev
Published: November 2017

The experimental shearing of granitic faults revealed complex evolution of strength and microstructure. We use a rotary shear apparatus to shear three types of granitic rocks at moderate slip velocity of 0.01–0.11 m/s, normal stress of 1.0–6.8 MPa, and slip distance up to 60 m. Three stages of strength evolution with slip distance were systematically observed. In Stage I, faults exhibited initial weakening in which the friction coefficient dropped to a steady state level of μ ≈ 0.3. This weakening is associated with powder lubrication and the development of cohesive gouge layers. Stage II included strengthening to μ ≈ 0.5 associated with volumetric expansion, melting of fault patches, and viscous braking at these patches. In Stage III, fault weakening is due to melt lubrication when the melted patches reach a critical fraction of the fault surface area. We show that this complex weakening‐strengthening‐weakening evolution is controlled by thermally activated deformation processes that can explain the friction behavior of igneous rocks at seismic velocity range.
Dust Uplift Potential in the Central Sahel: An Analysis Based on 10 years of Meteorological Measurements at High Temporal Resolution
Authors: Bergametti G. , Marticorena B. , Rajot J. L. , Chatenet B. , Féron A. , Gaimoz C. , Siour G. , Coulibaly M. , Koné I. , Maman A. , Zakou A.
Published: November 2017

A 10 year data set of wind speed and precipitation recorded in two Sahelian stations located in Niger and Mali is used to investigate the duration and the diurnal and seasonal cycles of high wind speeds and Dust Uplift Potential (DUP). The results indicate that high wind speeds, those greater than the threshold wind velocity required to initiate wind erosion (TWV) over a bare soil occurred in the middle and late morning during the dry and wet seasons but also at nighttime during the wet season. However, the morning wind speeds are only slightly greater than TWV leading to low DUP. On the opposite, the high wind velocities associated to the nocturnal mesoscale convective systems crossing the Sahel during the wet season are responsible for the highest potential wind erosion events. This leads to a strong seasonality of DUP with more than 70% occurring in less than 90 days, from mid‐April to mid‐July. The duration of the high wind speed events is very short since more than 80% last for less than 3 h, suggesting that the frequency of the observations performed in SYNOP meteorological stations is not sufficient to correctly quantify the contribution of such events to DUP. Finally, by combining precipitation and DUP, we estimated that precipitation should have a relatively limited role in terms of inhibition of wind erosion in this region with precipitation only affecting 25% of total DUP.
Oxylipins: Biosynthesis, Signal Transduction and Action
Authors: Wasternack Claus
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Introduction

α‐Dioxygenase, Phytoprostanes and Electrophile Compounds

TheLOXPathway

Mutants inJABiosynthesis and inJASignaling

JA,OPDAand Related Compounds in Plant‐Defense Reactions

JAin Development

Concluding Remarks

Acknowledgements
The Genetic Control of Senescence Revealed by Mapping Quantitative Trait Loci
Authors: Ougham Helen , Armstead Ian , Howarth Catherine , Galyuon Isaac , Donnison Iain , Thomas Howard
Published: November 2017

The sections in this article are

Quantitative Traits – What They are and How They are Mapped

Biomarkers of the Senescence Process

Correlated Developmental Events as Second‐Order Senescence Traits

G×Eand the Contribution of Biotic and Abiotic Factors

Case Studies

Exploitation ofQTLMapping for Senescence Traits

QTL, Senescence, Ageing and Death

Acknowledgments
Ligandengesteuerte divergente Synthese von carbo‐ und heterocyclischen Ringsystemen
Authors: Lee Yen‐Chun , Kumar Kamal , Waldmann Herbert
Published: November 2017

Mit katalytischen Reaktionen zur selektiven und effizienten Herstellung von verschiedenen Produkten lassen sich neue chemische Räume explorieren. Bei der ligandengesteuerten divergenten Synthese wird eine gängige Katalysemethode abgewandelt, indem unterschiedliche Liganden an metallorganischen Komplexen verwendet werden, um gleiche Substrate oder gleiche reaktive Zwischenstufen in verschiedenartige wichtige Molekülgerüste umzuwandeln. Mithilfe dieser Strategie können neue Arten von katalytischen Umwandlungen für weiterführende Anwendungen entwickelt werden. Jüngste Bemühungen auf diesem Gebiet mit dem Fokus auf der Übergangsmetallkatalyse für die Synthese von carbo‐ und heterocyclischen Ringsystemen sind hier zusammengetragen.
On the Non‐Metallicity of 2.2 nm Au246(SR)80 Nanoclusters
Authors: Zhou Meng , Zeng Chenjie , Song Yongbo , Padelford Jonathan W. , Wang Gangli , Sfeir Matthew Y. , Higaki Tatsuya , Jin Rongchao
Published: November 2017

The transition from molecular to plasmonic behaviour in metal nanoparticles with increasing size remains a central question in nanoscience. We report that the giant 246‐gold‐atom nanocluster (2.2 nm in gold core diameter) protected by 80 thiolate ligands is surprisingly non‐metallic based on UV/Vis and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy as well as electrochemical measurements. Specifically, the Au246 nanocluster exhibits multiple excitonic peaks in transient absorption spectra and electron dynamics independent of the pump power, which are in contrast to the behaviour of metallic gold nanoparticles. Moreover, a prominent oscillatory feature with frequency of 0.5 THz can be observed in almost all the probe wavelengths. The phase and amplitude analysis of the oscillation suggests that it arises from the wavepacket motion on the ground state potential energy surface, which also indicates the presence of a small band‐gap and thus non‐metallic or molecular‐like behaviour.
TTT‐diagram for epoxy film adhesives using quasi‐isothermal scans with initial fast ramps
Authors: Puentes John , Chaloupka Alexander , Rudolph Natalie , Osswald Tim A.
Published: November 2017

The characterization of film adhesives is challenging because they required freezer storage, contain an inseparable filler—thermoplastic knit or fiber‐reinforcement, and are heat activated systems with a pre‐cure and unknown chemistry. A testing protocol that eliminates these sources of error is proposed. This study presents a method to generate time–temperature‐transformation (TTT) diagrams of epoxy film adhesives via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Non‐isothermal and isothermal DSC scans are used to capture the reaction and the glass transition temperature. The use of an initial fast ramp—up to 500 K/min—in the isothermal scans is explored for the first time. This technique shows the potential to produce a quasi‐isothermal cycle, eliminating the loss of data in the initial stage of the reaction. The total heat released, the activation energy, and the fractional kinetic parameter, are estimated via model‐free methods. The Kamal–Sourour model and the formal kinetic model are fit to model the rate of cure. The simplest model that accurately captures the reaction, a parallel two‐step model, A
, is outlined. The glass transition temperature is modeled via DiBenedetto's equation to include the diffusion‐controlled mechanism. The TTT‐diagrams of two commercial adhesives, DA 408 and DA 409, are shown with an analysis of processing optimization. The use of quasi‐isothermal scans with initial fast ramps combined with the correction for filler, moisture, and pre‐curing history can be applied to characterize fast curing thermosets, complex B‐stage resins, and thermosetting composites. The modeling results can also be used in numerical studies of residual stresses and dimensional stability in the manufacturing of thermosetting composites. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45791.
Thermally assisted self‐healing polyurethane containing carboxyl groups
Authors: Zhu Kai , Song Qiuju , Chen Hongmei , Hu Ping
Published: November 2017

Self‐healing polymer is a kind of intelligent material with the capability to repair damage automatically. In this paper, a type of polyurethane containing carboxyl groups is reported that demonstrates thermally assisted healing effects. This polymer can be healed even 72 h after cutting and also has a repeatable healing property. The self‐healing efficiency can reach 90% when comparing the tensile strength of the healed sample to the original sample. Carboxyl content plays an important role in the self‐healing property; polyurethane with no carboxyl groups cannot be healed. The mechanism of self‐healing showed that hydrogen bonding interactions between carboxyl groups and diffusion of poly(ethylene glycol) chains contribute to the self‐healing behavior. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45929.
Distributed Consensus of Multi‐Agent Systems with Input Faults and Time‐Varying Delays
Authors: Fattahi M. , Afshar A.
Published: November 2017

This work studies the consensus problem of multi‐agent systems with input faults and time‐varying delays. The assumed faults in the system are loss of effectiveness of actuator and nonlinear additive term mixed with nominal input. For system faults that are nonlinear, constraints of constant norm‐bounded, sector nonlinearity, and unbounded nonlinearity with known basis functions are considered. Employing a Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional method, delay dependent consensus criteria are established to show the exponential behavior of the system. Finally, one simulation example is solved to demonstrate the advantage of the obtained results.
Mitochondrial DNA mutation load in a family with the m.8344A>G point mutation and lipomas: a case study
Authors: Jeppesen Tina Dysgaard , Al‐Hashimi Noor , Duno Morten , Wibrand Flemming , Andersen Grete , Vissing John
Published: November 2017

Key Clinical Message

Studies have shown that difference in mtDNA mutation load among tissues is a result of postnatal modification. We present five family members with the m.8344A>G with variable phenotypes but uniform intrapersonal distribution of mutation load, indicating that there is no postnatal modification of mtDNA mutation load in this genotype.
Physical rehabilitation modulates microRNAs involved in multiple sclerosis: a case report
Authors: Vallelunga Annamaria , Berlingieri Carmine , Ragusa Marco , Purrello Michele , Stabile Maria Rosaria , Calabrese Maria Consiglia , Morales‐Medina Julio Cesar , Palmieri Beniamino , Iannitti Tommaso
Published: November 2017

Key Clinical Message

This study shows that neuromuscular taping improves gait, balance, pain and ability to walk and conduct daily activities in a multiple sclerosis patient. It is the first study to identify a panel of miRNAs modulated throughout rehabilitation using neuromuscular taping in a multiple sclerosis patient.
Cp*CoIII‐Catalyzed Bis‐isoquinolone Synthesis by C−H Annulation of Arylamide with 1,3‐Diyne
Authors: Sen Malay , Mandal Rajib , Das Ashis , Kalsi Deepti , Sundararaju Basker
Published: November 2017

Cp*CoIII‐catalyzed highly regioselective mono‐ and bis‐annulation of arylamides with 1,3‐diynes usingN−OMe as an internal oxidant is demonstrated. This atom‐economical transformation does not require any external oxidant and tolerates many functional groups. Various symmetrical and unsymmetrical heterocycles (homo and hetero) are accessed with predictable regio‐ and chemoselectivity.
Split‐and‐Combine Approach Towards Branched Precision Glycomacromolecules and Their Lectin Binding Behavior
Authors: Baier Mischa , Giesler Markus , Hartmann Laura
Published: November 2017

Previously, monodisperse and sequence‐controlled oligo(amidoamine) scaffolds were synthesized based on the step‐wise assembly of tailor‐made building blocks on a solid support that allow for the multivalent presentation of sugar ligands. Here, we extend on this concept using a split‐and‐combine approach to gain access to a small library of linear and branched glycomacromolecules. Azide side chains were introduced in the scaffold by the use of a novel building block allowing for copper‐mediated azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) of readily available propargyl‐functionalized glycans. In the first stage, after assembly of the linear scaffold on solid support, the batch was divided into two. One part of the resin‐bound oligomers was end‐capped and further used as backbone and the other part was functionalized with propargylated α‐d‐mannopyranoside in the sidechain, end capped with an alkyne functionality and finally cleaved from solid support to give the branching arm. In the second stage, the linear, glycosylated and alkynylated arms were then coupled to the end capped backbone via CuAAC. In this way, branched glycomacromolecules with two and three branches, respectively, have been synthesized carrying from two to six sugar residues per molecule. Both, linear arms and branched glycomacromolecules were then subjected to a lectin binding assay using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and model lectin Concanavalin A (Con A) showing the effect of branching as well as valency on the binding kinetics.
Ketenimines Generated from Ynamides: Versatile Building Blocks for Nitrogen‐Containing Scaffolds
Authors: Dodd Robert H. , Cariou Kevin
Published: November 2017

Using ynamides as readily available starting materials, a single step can generate highly reactive ketenimines, which can then undergo a variety of transformations. The choice of the method for generating the ketenimine dictates the outcome of the reaction that can, moreover, be precisely steered through minor variations of the starting material. This Concept gives an overview of the different existing methodologies for this objective, showcasing the diverse nitrogen‐containing frameworks that can be obtained by this highly versatile strategy.
A General Strategy for the Synthesis of PtM (M=Fe, Co, Ni) Decorated Three‐Dimensional Hollow Graphene Nanospheres for Efficient Methanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Qiu Xiaoyu , Li Tiancheng , Deng Sihui , Cen Ke , Xu Lin , Tang Yawen
Published: November 2017

A universal sacrificial template‐based synthesis strategy was reported to prepare three dimensional (3D) reduced oxide graphene supported PtM (M=Fe, Co, Ni) hollow nanospheres (PtM/RGO HNSs). The inner 3D wrinkle‐free graphene skeleton can promote electron and ion kinetics, resulting in enhancement for the permeation of small organic molecule in fuel cells. As inspired by this, the 3D PtM (M=Fe, Co, Ni)/RGO HNSs exhibit clearly enhanced electrocatalytic activity and durability towards the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in acidic medium compared with a commercial Pt/C catalyst. This study provides a versatile approach of realizing controlled synthesis of 3D graphene–metal hybrid nanostructures irrespective of the components of the metal domains, and will pave the way for the design of hetero‐nanostructures with optimized morphologies and functions.
Multi‐site Cooperativity in Alkali‐Metal‐Exchanged Faujasites for the Production of Biomass‐Derived Aromatics
Authors: Rohling Roderigh Y. , Hensen Emiel J. M. , Pidko Evgeny A.
Published: November 2017

The catalytic Diels–Alder cycloaddition–dehydration (DACD) reaction of furanics with ethylene is a promising route to bio‐derived aromatics. The reaction can be catalyzed by alkali‐metal‐exchanged faujasites. Herein, the results of periodic DFT calculations based on accurate structural models of alkali‐metal‐exchanged zeolites are presented, revealing the fundamental roles that confinement and the nature of the exchangeable cations in zeolite micropores have in the performance of faujasite‐based catalysts in the DACD reaction. Special attention is devoted to analyzing the effect of functional substituents on furanic substrates (furan, 2,5‐dimethylfuran, 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid) on the catalyst behavior. It is demonstrated that the conventional reactivity theories of the Diels–Alder chemistry based on simplistic single‐site Lewis acidity and substituent effects do not apply if catalytic processes in the multiple‐site confined environment of zeolite nanopores are considered. The nature and cooperativity of the interactions between the multiple exchangeable cations and the substrates determine the reaction energetics of the elementary steps involved in the DACD process.
Hard Carbons for Sodium‐Ion Battery Anodes: Synthetic Strategies, Material Properties, and Storage Mechanisms
Authors: Wahid Malik , Puthusseri Dhanya , Gawli Yogesh , Sharma Neha , Ogale Satishchandra
Published: November 2017

Sodium‐ion batteries are attracting much interest due to their potential as viable future alternatives for lithium‐ion batteries, in view of the much higher earth abundance of sodium over that of lithium. Although both battery systems have basically similar chemistries, the key celebrated negative electrode in lithium battery, namely, graphite, is unavailable for the sodium‐ion battery due to the larger size of the sodium ion. This need is satisfied by “hard carbon”, which can internalize the larger sodium ion and has desirable electrochemical properties. Unlike graphite, with its specific layered structure, however, hard carbon occurs in diverse microstructural states. Herein, the relationships between precursor choices, synthetic protocols, microstructural states, and performance features of hard carbon forms in the context of sodium‐ion battery applications are elucidated. Derived from the pertinent literature employing classical and modern structural characterization techniques, various issues related to microstructure, morphology, defects, and heteroatom doping are discussed. Finally, an outlook is presented to suggest emerging research directions.
Production of Low‐Freezing‐Point Highly Branched Alkanes through Michael Addition
Authors: Jing Yaxuan , Xia Qineng , Liu Xiaohui , Wang Yanqin
Published: November 2017

A new approach for the production of low‐freezing‐point, high‐quality fuels from lignocellulose‐derived molecules was developed with Michael addition as the key step. Among the investigated catalysts, CoCl2⋅6 H2O was found most active for the Michael addition of 2,4‐pentanedione with FA (single aldol adduct of furfural and acetone, 4‐(2‐furanyl)‐3‐butene‐2‐one). Over CoCl2⋅6 H2O, a high carbon yield of C13 oxygenates (about 75 %) can be achieved under mild conditions (353 K, 20 h). After hydrodeoxygenation, low‐freezing‐point (<223 K) branched alkanes with 13 carbons within jet fuel ranges were obtained over a Pd/NbOPO4 catalyst. Furthermore, C18,23 fuel precursors could be easily synthesized through Michael addition of 2,4‐pentanedione with DFA (double‐condensation product of furfural and acetone) under mild conditions and the molar ratio of C18/C23 is dependent on the reaction conditions of Michael addition. After hydrodeoxygenation, high density (0.8415 g mL−1) and low‐freezing‐point (<223 K) branched alkanes with 18, 23 carbons within lubricant range were also obtained over a Pd/NbOPO4 catalyst. These highly branched alkanes can be directly used as transportation fuels or additives. This work opens a new strategy for the synthesis of highly branched alkanes with low freezing point from renewable biomass.
Establishing a novel Pig‐a gene mutation assay in L5178YTk+/− mouse lymphoma cells
Authors: Wang Yiying , Revollo Javier , McKinzie Page , Pearce Mason G. , Dad Azra , Yucesoy Berran , Rosenfeldt Hans , Heflich Robert H. , Dobrovolsky Vasily N.
Published: November 2017

The X‐linked Pig‐a gene encodes an enzyme required for the biosynthesis of glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors. Pig‐a mutant cells fail to synthesize GPI and to express GPI‐anchored protein markers (e.g., CD90) on their surface. Marker deficiency serves as a phenotypic indicator of Pig‐a mutation in various in vivo assays. Here, we describe an in vitro Pig‐a mutation assay in L5178YTk+/– mouse lymphoma cells, in which mutant‐phenotype cells are measured by flow cytometry using a fluorescent anti‐CD90 antibody. Increased frequencies of CD90‐deficient mutants were detected in cells treated with benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU), ethyl methanesulphonate, and 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, with near maximum mutant frequencies measured eight days after treatment. The CD90 deficiency in mutant cells quantified by flow cytometry was shown to be due to loss of GPI anchors in a limiting‐dilution cloning assay using proaerolysin selection. Individual CD90‐deficient cells from cultures treated with ENU, B[a]P, and vehicle were sorted and clonally expanded for molecular analysis of their Pig‐a gene. Pig‐a mutations with agent‐specific signatures were found in nearly all clones that developed from sorted CD90‐deficient cells. These results indicate that a Pig‐a mutation assay can be successfully conducted in L5178YTk+/− cells. The assay may be useful for mutagenicity screening of environmental agents as well as for testing hypotheses in vitro before committing to in vivo Pig‐a assays. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:4–17, 2018. Published 2017. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Lifecycle cost optimization of tuned mass dampers for the seismic improvement of inelastic structures
Authors: Matta Emiliano
Published: November 2017

The seismic performance of tuned mass dampers (TMDs) on structures undergoing inelastic deformations may largely depend on the ground motion intensity. By estimating the impact of each seismic intensity on the overall cost of future seismic damages, lifecycle cost (LCC) proves a rational metric for evaluating the benefits of TMDs on inelastic structures. However, no incorporation of this metric into an optimization framework is reported yet. This paper presents a methodology for the LCC‐optimal design of TMDs on inelastic structures, which minimizes the total seismic LCC of the combined building‐TMD system. Its distinctive features are the assumption of a mass‐proportional TMD cost model, the adoption of an iterative suboptimization procedure, and the initialization of the TMD frequency and damping ratios according to a conventional linear TMD design technique. The methodology is applied to the seismic improvement of the SAC‐LA benchmark buildings, taken as representative of standard steel moment‐resisting frame office buildings in LA, California. Results show that, despite their limited performance at the highest intensity levels, LCC‐optimal TMDs considerably reduce the total LCC, to an extent that depends on both the building vulnerability and the TMD unit cost. They systematically present large mass ratios (around 10%) and frequency and damping ratios close to their respective linearly designed optima. Simulations reveal the effectiveness of the proposed design methodology and the importance of adopting a nonlinear model to correctly evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of TMDs on ordinary structures in highly seismic areas.
Three‐dimensional Modeling of Gas Purge in a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell with Co‐flow and Counter‐flow Pattern
Authors: Xu Peng , Xu Sichuan
Published: November 2017

Gas purge is commonly utilized to minimize residual water after shutdown of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) in cold weather, aiming to reduce damage of ice formation on cell performance and durability. In this paper, a three‐dimensional multiphase gas purge model of proton exchange membrane fuel cell with co‐flow and counter‐flow pattern is established to investigate water removal characteristics using two‐fluid model. The present model mainly includes water transport in membrane, mass transfer between dissolved water and water vapor in catalyst layer (CL), phase change between liquid water and water vapor in porous media. Several cases with co‐flow and counter‐flow pattern have been investigated numerically. In the last, gas purge time comparison between a fresh cell and degraded cell is conducted. The numerical results show that counter‐flow pattern is better in keeping even water content distribution and avoiding over‐drying of membrane. Time constant for gas purge is different in terms of different final target value: water vapor, liquid water saturation, membrane water content. Degraded cells have 2 more seconds than fresh cells when cell temperature is 80 °C and velocity of purge gas 1m s−1.
Mast cells partially contribute to mucosal adjuvanticity of surfactin in mice
Authors: Yoshino Naoto , Takeshita Ryosuke , Kawamura Hanae , Sasaki Yutaka , Kagabu Masahiro , Sugiyama Toru , Muraki Yasushi , Sato Shigehiro
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Surfactin (SF) is a cyclic lipopeptide that has potent mucosal adjuvant properties. However, immunological mechanisms of SF adjuvant action have not yet been elucidated. As some cyclic lipopeptides, such as polymyxin, can stimulate histamine release from mast cells, we hypothesized that mast cell activation is critical for SF adjuvanticity.

Methods/Results

We observed that following intranasal immunization with ovalbumin (OVA) plus SF, the titers of the OVA‐specific antibody (Ab) in the mucosal secretions and plasma of mast cell‐deficient mice were significantly lower than those in congenic normal mice, although OVA‐specific Ab did not entirely disappear from mast cell‐deficient mice. SF induced degranulation of mast cells and release of histamine in vitro. To investigate whether SF stimulated mast cells in vivo, we measured body temperature of mice immunized intranasally with OVA plus SF because histamine level affects body temperature. Following immunizations, body temperature of immunized congenic normal mice transiently decreased, whereas body temperature of mast cell‐deficient mice did not change. Plasma levels of OVA‐specific IgE Ab were not significantly different in mast cell‐deficient and congenic normal mice. These findings suggest that SF directly affected mast cells in an IgE Ab‐independent fashion. Furthermore, we analyzed the effects of SF on MC/9 mast cells cultured in vitro. MC/9 cells stimulated by SF released not only histamine but also leukotriene B4 and prostaglandin D2. Moreover, SF up‐regulated mRNA expression levels of Tnf, Ccr5, and Il4 genes in mast cells. These cytokines may play a facilitating role in OVA‐specific immune responses in mice.

Conclusion

Overall, our results showed that mast cell activation partially mediated SF adjuvanticity.
Interpreting the behavior of the by resolving in orbitals, sign, and positions
Authors: Acke Guillaume , Van Damme Sofie , Havenith Remco W. A. , Bultinck Patrick
Published: November 2017

The zz component of the nucleus independent chemical shift or the
is commonly used as a quantifier of the (anti)aromatic character of a (sub)system. One of the underlying assumptions is that a position can be found where the “aromatic” ring currents are adequately reflected in the corresponding
value. However, as the
is the result of an integration over the entire space, it no longer explicitly contains the information needed to quantify the separate contributions arising from underlying current density patterns. In this study, we will show that these contributions can be revealed by resolving the
into orbitals, sign, and positions. Our analysis of benzene in terms of these resolutions shows that the same underlying current density can lead to highly complex shielding patterns that vary greatly depending on the position of the
‐probe. As such, our results indicate that any analysis solely based on
‐values can lead to results that are difficult to interpret, even if the system under study is considered to be well‐known. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Zn3(BTC)2 as a Highly Efficient Reusable Catalyst for the Synthesis of 2‐Aryl‐1H‐Benzimidazole
Authors: Sajjadifar Sami , Arzehgar Zeinab , Ghayuri Azadeh
Published: November 2017

Zn3(BTC)2 metal‐organic frameworks as recyclable and heterogeneous catalysts were effectively used to catalyze the synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives from o‐phenylendiamine and aldehydes in ethanol. This method provides 2‐aryl‐1H‐benzimidazoles in good to excellent yields with little catalyst loading. The catalyst was characterized using different techniques such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy.