bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Across the Board: Gabriele Centi
Authors: Centi Gabriele
Published: January 2015

In this series of articles, the board members of ChemSusChem discuss recent research articles that they consider of exceptional quality and importance for sustainability. In this entry, Prof. Gabriele Centi comments on recent results on non‐oxidative conversion of methane to ethylene and aromatics. The discussion takes into account technical, economical, and sustainability perspectives, and briefly comments on the role of shale gas in future chemical production scenarios.
Half‐duplex visible light communication using an LED as both a transmitter and a receiver
Authors: Kim Sung‐Man , Lee Hyun‐Jun
Published: January 2015

In typical visible light communication (VLC) systems, light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are used as optical transmitters and photodiodes are used as optical receivers. Currently, many communication devices such as smart phones have a built‐in LED lamp whereas they usually do not have a built‐in photodiode. If we find a way to receive VLC signals without the need to add an additional photodiode on the communication devices, it will contribute to the spread of VLC. Therefore, we propose and demonstrate a VLC scheme without the need for a photodiode. As the first step, we investigate the characteristics of an LED as a VLC receiver and find out that an LED can also be used as a VLC receiver in certain conditions. Then, we demonstrate a half‐duplex VLC system using an LED as both an optical transmitter and an optical receiver, without the need for a photodiode. This technique could be used in various applications such as the VLC between smart phones with a built‐in LED lamp and the VLC between LED traffic lights. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sox2 is the faithful marker for pluripotency in pig: Evidence from embryonic studies
Authors: Liu Shichao , Bou Gerelchimeg , Sun Ruizhen , Guo Shimeng , Xue Binghua , Wei Renyue , Cooney Austin J. , Liu Zhonghua
Published: January 2015

Background: Mammalian first lineage segregation generates trophectoderm (TE) and pluripotent inner cell mass (ICM), which provides an ideal model for studying the mechanisms of maintenance and loss of pluripotency. In mouse, the transcription factor OCT4 restricts to ICM and plays a key role in TE/ICM specification and pluripotent regulatory networks. However, in pig, OCT4 does not restrict to ICM cells, suggesting a different molecular basis in TE/ICM specification and pluripotent regulatory networks. Results: To explore molecular basis of porcine TE/ICM specification and pluripotent regulatory networks, we examined expression pattern of pluripotency factors, including SOX2, REX1, SALL4, ESG1, NANOG, TBX3, LIN28, KLF2, and KLF5, in porcine blastocysts. We found that SOX2 is a faithful pluripotent marker that anchored to the pluripotent cells including embryonic part cells, ICM cells and newly EPI cells along with developmental progress, whereas OCT4 expressed in almost all the cells at the same time. Consistently, analysis of spatiotemporal distribution of SOX2 and the TE marker CDX2 revealed an exclusive expression pattern in D6 blastocysts, whereas no correlation was observed between OCT4 and CDX2 at the same stage. Conclusions: Our results provide a molecular basis in porcine embryonic patterning and a clue for further studying porcine pluripotent regulatory networks. Developmental Dynamics 244:619–627, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fullerene-associated phenanthrene contributes to bioaccumulation but is not toxic to fish
Authors: Hu Xialin , Li Jing , Shen Mohai , Yin Daqiang
Published: January 2015

The present study investigated the effects of aqueous fullerene suspensions (nC60) on the bioavailability and toxicity of phenanthrene (Phe) to junior carp (Cyprinus carpio). Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were calculated based on total as well as free concentrations of Phe. Equal BAF values were obtained with and without nC60 based on the total concentrations, whereas greater BAFs were found in the presence of nC60 when free Phe concentrations were applied. The results demonstrated that nC60 could act as a contaminant carrier to facilitate Phe bioaccumulation. The concentration–response relationship of induced hepatic 7-ethoxysorufin-O-deethylase activity was established in regard to the total and free concentrations of aqueous Phe solutions as well as the body residues. The concentration-response curves were reliant on the nC60 concentration when the total concentration of Phe was employed as a variable but were independent of nC60 presence when free concentration or body residue was employed as a variable, implying that the latter 2 parameters were more accurate in evaluating biological effects. Particles of C60 were mostly distributed in fish liver and intestines, which indicated the primary routine of uptake was through ingestion. Approximately 22% to 100% of the Phe–nC60 complex contributed to the bioaccumulation, whereas the complex did not contribute to the toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1023–1030. © 2015 SETAC
Monitoring exposure of brown bullheads and benthic macroinvertebrates to sediment contaminants in the Ashtabula river before, during, and after remediation
Authors: Meier John R. , Lazorchak James M. , Mills Marc , Wernsing Paul , Baumann Paul C.
Published: January 2015

In 2007, approximately 420 500 cubic meters of contaminated sediment were removed from the Ashtabula River by dredging. The primary objective of the present study was to monitor contaminant exposure in fish and macroinvertebrates before, during, and after dredging. This was done by measuring tissue concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in brown bullhead catfish (Ameriurus nebulosa) and in benthic macroinvertebrates, assessing changes in DNA damage in fish liver and blood, and scoring external and histopathological lesions and anomalies in the fish. In surficial sediment PCBs and PAHs were also quantified in conjunction with the biological sampling. The results show a significant reduction in contaminant levels in both fish and macroinvertebrates following dredging, indicating the effectiveness of the remediation in reducing exposure of biota to the primary contaminants of concern. Similarly, DNA damage levels in fish collected from the Ashtabula River significantly declined following dredging; however, a similar reduction in DNA damage over time was seen in fish collected from a reference site (Conneaut Creek), making interpretation difficult. Macroinvertebrate PCB concentrations were reflective of the sediment concentrations in the areas where Hester-Dendy samplers were deployed for macroinvertebrate collection. The present study demonstrates that these methods can be used to evaluate and assess the effectiveness of remediation techniques at contaminated sediment sites. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1267–1276. © 2015 SETAC
A practical approach to determine dose metrics for nanomaterials
Authors: Delmaar Christiaan J.E. , Peijnenburg Willie J.G.M. , Oomen Agnes G. , Chen Jingwen , de Jong Wim H. , Sips Adriënne J.A.M. , Wang Zhuang , Park Margriet V.D.Z.
Published: January 2015

Traditionally, administered mass is used to describe doses of conventional chemical substances in toxicity studies. For deriving toxic doses of nanomaterials, mass and chemical composition alone may not adequately describe the dose, because particles with the same chemical composition can have completely different toxic mass doses depending on properties such as particle size. Other dose metrics such as particle number, volume, or surface area have been suggested, but consensus is lacking. The discussion regarding the most adequate dose metric for nanomaterials clearly needs a systematic, unbiased approach to determine the most appropriate dose metric for nanomaterials. In the present study, the authors propose such an approach and apply it to results from in vitro and in vivo experiments with silver and silica nanomaterials. The proposed approach is shown to provide a convenient tool to systematically investigate and interpret dose metrics of nanomaterials. Recommendations for study designs aimed at investigating dose metrics are provided. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1015–1022. © 2015 SETAC
Fungi from metal-polluted streams may have high ability to cope with the oxidative stress induced by copper oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Pradhan Arunava , Seena Sahadevan , Schlosser Dietmar , Gerth Katharina , Helm Stefan , Dobritzsch Melanie , Krauss Gerd-Joachim , Dobritzsch Dirk , Pascoal Cláudia , Cássio Fernanda
Published: January 2015

Increased commercialization of products based on metal oxide nanoparticles increases the likelihood that these nanoparticles will be released into aquatic environments, thus making relevant the assessment of their potential impacts on aquatic biota. Aquatic fungi are distributed worldwide and play a key role in organic matter turnover in freshwater ecosystems. The present study investigated the impacts of copper oxide spherical nanoparticles (CuO-NPs; <50 nm powder, 5 levels ≤200 mg/L) on cellular targets and antioxidant defenses in 5 fungal isolates collected from metal-polluted or nonpolluted streams. The CuO-NPs induced oxidative stress in aquatic fungi, as evidenced by intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and led to plasma membrane damage and DNA strand breaks in a concentration-dependent manner. Effects were more pronounced with a longer exposure time (3 d vs 10 d). Under CuO-NP exposure, mycelia of fungi collected from metal-polluted streams showed less oxidative stress and higher activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase compared with fungi from nonpolluted streams. The latter fungi responded to CuO-NPs with a stronger stimulation of glutathione peroxidase activity. These findings may indicate that fungi isolated from metal-polluted streams had a greater ability to maintain the pool of reduced glutathione than those from nonpolluted streams. Overall, results suggest that populations adapted to metals may develop mechanisms to cope with the oxidative stress induced by metal nanoparticles. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:923–930. © 2015 SETAC
Modeling the influence of physicochemical properties on gold nanoparticle uptake and elimination by Daphnia magna
Authors: Wray Austin T. , Klaine Stephen J.
Published: January 2015

Monitoring the distribution and subsequent effects of nanoparticle contaminants in aquatic ecosystems will be pivotal to developing regulations that minimize their environmental footprint. The present study focused on the link between nanoparticle characteristics and Daphnia magna body burden using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with different size, shape, and surface charge configurations as model particles. Uptake followed first-order kinetics across the entire concentration range for all particles except the cationic rods, which demonstrated 2 distinct uptake patterns. Elimination followed the 2-compartment model for all particle configurations. Multiple regression analysis identified size and surface charge as controlling influences over AuNP uptake and elimination, whereas shape was regarded as inconsequential to both processes. Examination of the lumen-microvilli interface produced no evidence to indicate assimilation of the AuNPs used in the present study. Instead, these nanoparticles were restricted to the gut lumen and the carapace, where ingestion efficiency and adsorption were the primary determinants of total body burden. Models developed from the present data predict that D. magna will amass a higher body burden of larger cationic AuNPs at high concentration exposures and larger anionic AuNPs at low concentration exposures. A survey of the nanoparticle literature revealed that these trends were consistent with observations for certain nanomaterial exposures but could not be applied indiscriminately to all nanoparticle types and species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:860–872. © 2015 SETAC
Personality's association with IADLs in community dwelling older adults
Authors: Puente Antonio Nicolas , Lindbergh Cutter A. , Miller L. Stephen
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Extant research has established several predictors of functional ability (FA) in older adults (OAs); however, one factor that has been relatively ignored is personality. Preliminary evidence suggests that openness and agreeableness are associated with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). However, how personality is related to IADLs remains unclear. We aimed to determine how personality factors predict performance of IADLs, which we hypothesized, was because of executive functioning (EF).

Methods

To best understand the relationship between personality and IADLs, we recruited and ran 65 independent community dwelling OAs. Bivariate correlations and hierarchical regressions were completed to determine the associations between openness and agreeableness with IADLs. Lastly, mediation analyses were completed to examine our hypothesis that EF would mediate this relationship

Results

Correlation and regression findings support the relationship between openness and IADLs but not agreeableness and IADLs. As hypothesized, the relationship between openness and IADLs was mediated by EF.

Conclusions

We replicated the relationship between openness and IADLs and extend the literature by showing the mechanism of action for this relationship is EF. While our mediation results support this perspective, future research should determine if interventions that increase OAs' EF, in turn, increase or attenuate decline in IADLs over time. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interpretation of aged sorption studies for pesticides and their use in European Union regulatory leaching assessments
Authors: Beulke Sabine , van Beinum Wendy , Suddaby Laura
Published: January 2015

First-tier regulatory exposure assessments for pesticides assume that pesticide sorption is instantaneous and fully reversible. In European Union (EU) regulatory guidance, an increase in sorption over time (“aged sorption”) can be considered at the higher tier to refine predicted environmental concentrations in groundwater. Research commissioned by the UK Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD), funded by the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), formed the basis of a draft regulatory guidance document proposing 1) a protocol on how to measure aged sorption of parent compounds in laboratory studies, 2) procedures to fit kinetic models to the experimental data, 3) criteria to test the reliability of the parameters, and 4) procedures for use of the parameters in the groundwater exposure assessment. The draft guidance was revised after feedback from stakeholders and testing of the guidance was performed against real data sets by an independent consultancy. The Chemicals Regulation Directorate submitted the revised document to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for scrutiny. This article gives an overview of the draft guidance and explains the reasoning behind the recommendations made. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;11:276–286. © 2015 SETAC

Key Points

This work bridges the gap between scientific research and regulatory assessments for pesticides. For the first time, a methodology was developed to implement aged sorption of pesticides in soil into EU regulatory leaching assessments in a rigorous and reproducible manner. Experimental methods to assess aged sorption in the laboratory were compared. Incubation of pesticide-treated soil and determination of aqueous extractable and total residues of the pesticide at several time points was recommended. Data quality requirements were developed (e.g. eliminate day 0 and 1 samples, ?2 replicates). Based on a review, it is recommended to describe the experimental data with a two-site one-rate aged sorption model. Fitting techniques, acceptance criteria (goodness of fit, evidence of aged sorption, parameter uncertainty) and the use of the results in leaching assessments are described. The initiative was welcomed by industry, academia and regulators. Engagement with these stakehoders led to the current version of the draft guidance document. Although commissioned by a UK authority, the draft procedures are now under scrutiny at EU level with the aim to develop EU wide guidance.
Thiol Redox Chemistry: Role of Protein Cysteine Oxidation and Altered Redox Homeostasis in Allergic Inflammation and Asthma
Authors: Hoffman Sidra , Nolin James , McMillan David , Wouters Emiel , Janssen‐Heininger Yvonne , Reynaert Niki
Published: January 2015

Asthma is a pulmonary disorder, with an estimated 300 million people affected worldwide. While it is thought that endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) such as hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide, are important mediators of natural physiological processes, inflammatory cells recruited to the asthmatic airways have an exceptional capacity for producing a variety of highly reactive ROS and RNS believed to contribute to tissue damage and chronic airways inflammation. Antioxidant defense systems form a tightly regulated network that maintains the redox environment of the intra‐ as well as extracellular environment. Evidence for an oxidant‐antioxidant imbalance in asthmatic airways is demonstrated in a number of studies, revealing decreased total antioxidant capacity as well as lower levels of individual antioxidants. Thiols in the form of GSH and sulfhydryl groups of proteins are among the most susceptible oxidant‐sensitive targets, and hence, studies investigating protein thiol redox modifications in biology and disease have emerged. This perspective offers an overview of the combined efforts aimed at the elucidation of mechanisms whereby cysteine oxidations contribute to chronic inflammation and asthma, as well as insights into potential cysteine thiol‐based therapeutic strategies. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 884–892, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The large conductance calcium‐activated potassium channel affects extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms of apoptosis
Authors: Sakai Yoshihisa , Sokolowski Bernd
Published: January 2015

The large‐conductance calcium‐activated K+ or BK channel underlies electrical signals in a number of different cell types. Studies show that BK activity can also serve to regulate cellular homeostasis by protecting cells from apoptosis resulting from events such as ischemia. Recent coimmunoprecipitation studies, combined with mass spectrometry, suggest putative protein partners that interact with BK to regulate intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. This study tests two of those partners to determine the effects on these two signaling pathways. Through reciprocal coimmunoprecipitation (coIP) experiments, we show that BK interacts with p53 and fas‐associated protein with death domain (FADD) in mouse brain and when overexpressed in a heterologous expression system, such as HEK293 cells. Moreover, coIP experiments with N‐ and C‐terminal fragments reveal that FADD interacts with the C‐terminus of BK, whereas p53 interacts with either the N‐ or the C‐terminus. Immunolocalization studies show that BK colocalizes with p53 and FADD in the mitochondrion and plasmalemma, respectively. HEK cells that stably express BK are more resistant to apoptosis when p53 or FADD is overexpressed or when their intrinsic and extrinsic pathways are stimulated via mitomycin C or tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL), respectively. Moreover, when stimulating with TRAIL, caspase‐8 activation decreases in BK‐expressing cells. These data suggest that BK is part of a larger complex of proteins that protects against apoptosis by interacting with proapoptotic proteins, such as p53 and FADD. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of temperature during grain filling on gluten viscoelastic properties and gluten protein composition
Authors: Koga Shiori , Böcker Ulrike , Moldestad Anette , Tosi Paola , Shewry Peter R , Mosleth Ellen F , Uhlen Anne Kjersti
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low to moderate temperatures on gluten functionality and gluten protein composition. Four spring wheat cultivars were grown in climate chambers with three temperature regimes (day/night temperatures of 13/10, 18/15 and 23/20 °C) during grain filling.

RESULTS

The temperature strongly influenced grain weight and protein content. Gluten quality measured by maximum resistance to extension (Rmax) was highest in three cultivars grown at 13 °C. Rmax was positively correlated with the proportion of sodium dodecyl sulfate‐unextractable polymeric proteins (%UPP). The proportions of ω‐gliadins and D‐type low‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits (LMW‐GS) increased and the proportions of α‐ and γ‐gliadins and B‐type LMW‐GS decreased with higher temperature, while the proportion of high‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits (HMW‐GS) was constant between temperatures. The cultivar Berserk had strong and constant Rmax between the different temperatures.

CONCLUSION

Constant low temperature, even as low as 13 °C, had no negative effects on gluten quality. The observed variation in Rmax related to temperature could be explained more by %UPP than by changes in the proportions of HMW‐GS or other gluten proteins. The four cultivars responded differently to temperature, as gluten from Berserk was stronger and more stable over a wide range of temperatures. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Postharvest biology and technology of pomegranate
Authors: Pareek Sunil , Valero Daniel , Serrano María
Published: January 2015

Pomegranate is a subtropical and tropical fruit of great importance from a health point of view. Despite increasing consumer awareness of the health benefits of pomegranate, consumption of the fruit is still limited owing to poor postharvest handling, storage recommendations, short shelf life and quality deterioration during transportation, storage and marketing. The occurrence of physiological disorders such as husk scald, splitting and chilling injury is another challenge reducing marketability and consumer acceptance. Recently, notable work on postharvest biology and technology has been done. Pomegranate is highly sensitive to low‐oxygen (<5 kPa) atmospheres, chilling injury and decay. One of the major problems associated with pomegranate fruit is excessive weight loss, which may result in hardening of the husk and browning of the rind and arils. To reduce chilling injury incidence and to extend storability and marketing of pomegranates, good results were obtained with polyamine, heat, salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate or methyl salicylate treatments prior to cold storage. This article reviews the maturity indices, changes during maturation and ripening, postharvest physiology and technology of pomegranate fruit as well as the various postharvest treatments for maintaining fruit quality. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of harvest time on table grape quality during on‐vine storage
Authors: Piazzolla Francesca , Pati Sandra , Amodio Maria Luisa , Colelli Giancarlo
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Postponing the harvest of grapes is a common practice in southern Italy, in order to delay harvest up to Christmas and make higher income from their sale. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of harvest time (over almost 3 months) on the quality of table grapes (cv. Italia). The experiment was repeated for two years (2010 and 2011). In 2010, grapes were harvested starting from 8 October and after 11, 27 and 48 days. In 2011, five harvest times were compared over a period of 56 days. Respiration rate, firmness, colour, sensory attributes, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, titratable acidity (TA), phenols and antioxidant activity were measured. In addition, in the second year, volatile compounds were evaluated.

RESULTS

For both years, harvest time influenced most parameters, which indicated that metabolic changes took place in the plants. In 2010, harvest time influenced respiration rate, cluster and berry appearance scores, colour attributes, crunchiness, pH, TA, total phenol content and antioxidant activity. In 2011, harvest time influenced respiration rate, colour attributes, most sensory attributes, TSS and TA. Generally, late harvested grapes showed higher firmness, berry appearance score, sweetness, fruity taste, overall sensory evaluation score and TSS. Regarding volatile compounds, terpene content decreased during ripening, while C6 compounds showed a nonlinear trend.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that table grape sensory quality could be increased by delaying harvest up to a certain time of the season, while excessive delay could reduce final grape quality. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Descriptive and hedonic analyses of low‐Phe food formulations containing corn (Zea mays) seedling roots: toward development of a dietary supplement for individuals with phenylketonuria
Authors: Cliff Margaret A , Law Jessica R , Lücker Joost , Scaman Christine H , Kermode Allison R
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Seedling roots of anthocyanin‐rich corn (Zea mays) cultivars contain high levels of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity. The development of a natural dietary supplement containing corn roots could provide the means to improve the restrictive diet of phenylketonuria (PKU) patients by increasing their tolerance to dietary phenylalanine (Phe). Therefore this research was undertaken to explore the sensory characteristics of roots of four corn cultivars as well as to develop and evaluate food products (cereal bar, beverage, jam‐like spread) to which roots had been added.

RESULTS

Sensory profiles of corn roots were investigated using ten trained judges. Roots of Japanese Striped corn seedlings were more bitter, pungent and astringent than those of white and yellow cultivars, while roots from the Blue Jade cultivar had a more pronounced earthy/mushroom aroma. Consumer research using 24 untrained panelists provided hedonic (degree‐of‐liking) assessments for products with and without roots (controls). The former had lower mean scores than the controls; however, the cereal bar had scores above 5 on the nine‐point scale for all hedonic assessments compared with the other treated products.

CONCLUSION

By evaluating low‐Phe food products containing corn roots, this research ascertained that the root‐containing low‐Phe cereal bar was an acceptable ‘natural’ dietary supplement for PKU‐affected individuals. © 2015 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Simple in‐house flow‐injection capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity method for the determination of colistin
Authors: Chaisuwan Patcharin , Moonta Thararat , Sangcakul Areeporn , Nacapricha Duangjai , Wilairat Prapin , Uraisin Kanchana
Published: January 2015

An in‐house flow‐injection capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection method was developed for the direct measurement of colistin in pharmaceutical samples. The flow injection and capillary electrophoresis systems are connected by an acrylic interface. Capillary electrophoresis separation is achieved within 2 min using a background electrolyte solution of 5 mM 2‐morpholinoethanesulfonic acid and 5 mM histidine (pH 6). The flow‐injection section allows for convenient filling of the capillary and sample introduction without the use of a pressure/vacuum manifold. Capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection is employed since colistin has no chromophore but is cationic at pH 6. Calibration curve is linear from 20 to 150 mg/L, with a correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.997. The limit of quantitation is 20 mg/L. The developed method provides precision, simplicity, and short analysis time.
Evaluating Soil Threats Under Climate Change Scenarios in the Andalusia Region, Southern Spain
Authors: Anaya‐Romero María , Abd‐Elmabod Sameh Kotb , Muñoz‐Rojas Miriam , Castellano Gianni , Ceacero Carlos Juan , Alvarez Susana , Méndez Miguel , De la Rosa Diego
Published: January 2015

European policies can be relevant to protect soils under climate change scenarios and therefore preserve the wide variety of functions and services provided by the soil. The European Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection will require member states to identify areas under risk from various soil threats and establish procedures to achieve sustainability. Five models Terraza, Cervatana, Sierra, Raizal, and Pantanal included in the Mediterranean Land Evaluation Information System decision support system packages were used to identify areas vulnerable to various soil threats under climate change scenarios in the Andalusia region. While Terraza and Cervatana forecast general land use capability for a broad series of possible agricultural uses, the Sierra model predicts forestry land suitability for the presence/absence of 22 typical Mediterranean forest species. Raizal and Pantanal models predict soil erosion vulnerability, contamination, and other processes. Interpretation of results in different scenarios allows quantifying the effects of climate change in terms of agricultural productivity, forestry land suitability, erosion, and contamination risks. The obtained results allow to identify detailed vulnerable areas and formulate site‐specific management plans for soil protection. Climate change is expected to impact crop growth with a higher impact on summer crops (corn, sunflower, and cotton). The results show a potential opportunity for reforestation (Quercus spp.) in future climate scenarios, while other species such as Castanea sativa will not be suitable in the study area by 2070 and 2100. Soil contamination and erosion show only slight differences between the current and future scenario of climate change. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tribocorrosion behaviour of laser cladded biomedical grade titanium alloy
Authors: Obadele B. A. , Andrews A. , Olubambi P. A. , Mathew M. T. , Pityana S.
Published: January 2015

The tribocorrosion behaviour of laser cladded Ti6Al4V sliding against alumina ball in 3.5% NaCl has been assessed. Commercially pure (CP) Ti particles were laser cladded on Ti6Al4V using ytterbium laser system (YLS). The tribocorrosion behaviour of Ti6Al4V before and after treatment was investigated in 3.5% NaCl (pH = 6.24) and modified 3.5% NaCl (pH = 4) solutions using a pin‐on‐disk tribometer with integrated potentiostat. Potentiodynamic polarization curves indicated that the corrosion potentials of cladded Ti6Al4V decreased compared to that of the uncladded samples. Additionally, the corrosion current densities of cladded Ti6Al4V decreased significantly in both electrolytes investigated. The tribocorrosion behaviour of cladded Ti6Al4V did not change significantly. The wear depth of cladded Ti6Al4V decreased significantly in modified 3.5% NaCl whilst remaining unchanged in 3.5% NaCl. The coefficient of friction (COF) increased with time in Ti6Al4V whilst that of cladded sample decreased marginally with time in both electrolytes.
Crystallization Behaviors of Modified Poly(ethylene terephthalate) and Their Self‐nucleation Ability
Authors: Yang Hui , Caydamli Yavuz , Fang Xiaomeng , Tonelli Alan E.
Published: January 2015

A poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/allylisobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (a‐POSS) nanocomposite is prepared by a solvent‐casting method and as‐received PET (asr‐PET) is modified by a precipitation method to yield precipitated PET (p‐PET). Their crystallization behaviors have been studied, and both modification methods improved the crystallization temperatures and crystallinities of PET. They were subsequently used to further nucleate asr‐PET at 1 and 5 wt% levels to form self‐nucleated PETs, with higher crystallization temperatures and higher crystallinities. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) show their thermal stabilities have been improved, and both self‐nucleated PETs have superior mechanical properties.
Simulation of Microstructural Eevolution During Reactive Blending of PET and PEN: Numerical Integration of Kinetic Differential Equations and Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Mohammadi Yousef , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Jafari Seyed Hassan , Saeb Mohammad Reza , Golriz Mahdi , Wagenknecht Udo , Heinrich Gert , Sosnowski Stanislaw , Szymanski Ryszard
Published: January 2015

Reactive blending of PET and PEN has been simulated by numerical integration of kinetic differential equations and Monte Carlo (MC) approaches. Accurate modeling of transesterification reaction at different temperatures, times, and PET/PEN feed compositions assured precise control of architecture of PET–PEN copolymer chains. Microstructural features like the number and weight distribution of ethylene terephthalate and ethylene naphthalate segments, molecular weight distribution, and polydispersity were monitored. The developed MC code can satisfactorily capture the extent of reaction, the randomness coefficient of PET–PEN copolymers, and compositional variations as found by 1H‐NMR.
Lysophosphatidic acid improves porcine oocyte maturation and embryo development in vitro
Authors: Zhang Jin Yu , Jiang Yong , Lin Tao , Kang Jung Won , Lee Jae Eun , Jin Dong Il
Published: January 2015

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a member of the phospholipid autacoid family, is present in human follicular fluid. The aim of the present study was to compare the developmental competence of porcine embryos created via in vitro fertilization (IVF) and parthenogenetic activation (PA) in culture medium supplemented with LPA, in comparison with a control group. The effects of LPA on porcine oocyte maturation and pre‐implantation embryonic development were also examined. Addition of 10 μM LPA to the oocyte maturation medium significantly increased the proportion of oocytes reaching metaphase I (MI) or metaphase II (MII), and enhanced embryonic developmental potential. When present during oocyte maturation, LPA significantly increased the abundance of phosphorylated ERK1/2 in MI and MII oocytes, showing that LPA enhanced nuclear maturation via activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. In addition, Cyclin B1 levels were elevated in MI‐ and MII‐stage oocytes, suggesting that LPA plays a role in both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes. After fertilization, the frequency of polyspermy in embryos obtained using LPA‐treated oocytes was less than that in the control group. Further, blastocyst formation and blastocyst cell number were enhanced and apoptosis was reduced upon LPA treatment of embryos created either by IVF and PA. LPA treatment of blastocysts derived by IVF or PA resulted in increased expression of the anti‐apoptotic BCL2L1 gene while reducing expression of the pro‐apoptotic genes BAX and CASP3. Together, our data indicate that LPA supplementation improves porcine oocyte maturation and subsequent in vitro development of pre‐implantation embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 66–77, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
One‐Step Synthesis of Single‐Layer MnO2 Nanosheets with Multi‐Role Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate for High‐Performance Pseudocapacitors
Authors: Liu Zhenning , Xu Kongliang , Sun Hang , Yin Shengyan
Published: January 2015

A template‐free, one‐step and one‐phase synthesis of single‐layer MnO2 nanosheets has been developed via a redox reaction between KMnO4 and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The successful formation of single‐layer MnO2 nanosheets has been confirmed by the characteristic absorption around 374 nm and the typical thickness of ~0.95 nm. The slow redox reaction controlled by the gradual hydrolysis of SDS is found to be the key factor for the successful formation of single‐layer nanosheets. SDS not only serves as the precursor of dodecanol to reduce KMnO4, but also aids the formation of single‐layer MnO2 nanosheets as a structure‐inducing agent. The resultant single‐layer MnO2 nanosheets possess superior specific capacitance, which can be attributed to the extended surface and high porosity of MnO2 nanosheets on the electrode. The MnO2 nanosheets also show excellent durability, retaining 91% of the starting capacitance after 10 000 charge/discharge cycles. Moreover, the symmetric pseudocapacitor based on the synthesized single‐layer MnO2 nanosheets exhibits a high specific capacitance, indicating great potential for real energy storage. Therefore, it has been demonstrated for the first time that a single readily available reagent, SDS, can play multiple roles in reducing KMnO4 to conveniently yield single‐layer MnO2 nanosheets as a high‐performance pseudocapacitive material.
Organic Photovoltaic Cells: From Performance Improvement to Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Youn Hongseok , Park Hui Joon , Guo L. Jay
Published: January 2015

Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) have been pursued as a next generation power source due to their light weight, thin, flexible, and simple fabrication advantages. Improvements in OPV efficiency have attracted great attention in the past decade. Because the functional layers in OPVs can be dissolved in common solvents, they can be manufactured by eco‐friendly and scalable printing or coating technologies. In this review article, the focus is on recent efforts to control nanomorphologies of photoactive layer and discussion of various solution‐processed charge transport and extraction materials, to maximize the performance of OPV cells. Next, recent works on printing and coating technologies for OPVs to realize solution processing are reviewed. The review concludes with a discussion of recent advances in the development of non‐traditional lamination and transfer method towards highly efficient and fully solution‐processed OPV.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals novel genes and regulatory mechanisms ofTetragenococcus halophilusin response to salt stress
Authors: Liu Licui , Si Lifang , Meng Xin , Luo Lixin
Published: January 2015

Tetragenococcus halophilus, a moderately halophilic Gram-positive bacterium, was isolated from Chinese style soy sauce. This species is a valuable resource for investigating salt tolerance mechanisms and improving salinity resistance in microorganisms. RNA-seq was used to sequence T. halophilus samples treated with 0 M (T1), 1 M (T2), and 3.5 M NaCl (T3). Comparative transcriptomic analyses of the different treatments were performed using gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genome. The comparison of T1 and T2 by RNA-seq revealed that genes involved in transcription, translation, membrane system, and division were highly up-regulated under optimum salt condition. The comparison of T2 and T3 showed that genes related to heat shock proteins or the ATP-binding cassette transport systems were significantly up-regulated under maximum-salt condition. In addition, a considerable proportion of the significantly differently expressed genes identified in this study are novel. These data provide a crucial resource that may determine specific responses to salt stress in T. halophilus.
Methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) in pregnancy: a case series and literature review
Authors: Raval Donna B. , Merideth Melissa , Sloan Jennifer L. , Braverman Nancy E. , Conway Robert L. , Manoli Irini , Venditti Charles P.
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Women with inherited metabolic disorders, including those with previously life‐limiting conditions such as MMA, are reaching child‐bearing age more often due to advances in early diagnosis and improved pediatric care. Information surrounding maternal and fetal complications associated with the underlying disorders remains largely unexplored.

Methods

Pregnancies affected by maternal MMA were ascertained through study 04‐HG‐0127 “Clinical and Basic Investigations of Methylmalonic Acidemia and Related Disorders” (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00078078) and via literature review. Prenatal and delivery records in study participants were reviewed.

Results

Seventeen pregnancies were identified in women with isolated MMA, including three abortions, one termination, and 13 completed pregnancies [three cases withcblA(four pregnancies), four cases ofmut‐ (one cobalamin responsive, three non‐responsive), five cases with unknown type of MMA]. Seventeen percent (3/17) of the pregnancies resulted in a first trimester abortion, while 38.5 % (5/13) of the completed pregnancies resulted in preterm deliveries. A cesarean delivery rate of 53.8 % (7/13) was noted among the cohort. Fetal distress or nonreassuring fetal status was the indication for 57 % (4/7) cesarean deliveries. One patient was reported to have metabolic crisis as well as episodes of mild hyperammonemia. Malformations or adverse outcomes in the progeny were not observed.

Conclusion

Although there have been a small number of pregnancies identified in women with MMA, the cumulative results suggest that the majority of pregnancies can be complicated by cesarean delivery and increased risk of prematurity. A pregnancy registry could clarify perinatal complications and define management approaches needed to ensure optimal maternal and fetal outcomes in this growing patient population.
Producing Biofuels in Low-Income Countries: An Integrated Environmental and Economic Assessment for Tanzania
Authors: Thurlow James , Branca Giacomo , Felix Erika , Maltsoglou Irini , Rincón Luis E.
Published: January 2015

This paper jointly evaluates the greenhouse gas emissions and economic impacts from producing biofuels in Tanzania. Sequentially-linked models capture natural resource constraints; emissions from land use change; economywide growth linkages; and household poverty. Results indicate that there are economic incentives to convert unused lands to sugarcane-ethanol production, but only grasslands (not forests) have a reasonable carbon payback period. There are also strong socioeconomic reasons to involve smallholders in feedstock production in order to reduce rural poverty, especially since our results indicate that biofuels have little effect on food production. Yet smallholders require more land than large-scale plantations and so face more binding natural resource and emissions constraints. Overall, environmental constraints alter the socioeconomically optimal biofuel strategy for Tanzania by limiting potential poverty reduction. Unlike previous studies, our integrated assessment suggests that a mixed farming system with greater emphasis on large-scale plantations is more appropriate for producing sugarcane-ethanol in Tanzania.
Marsh Foraminiferal Assemblages in Relation to Vegetation in Sunderban, India
Authors: Ghosh Anupam , Biswas Sanjib , Barman Prasenjit
Published: January 2015

The marsh zones of Sunderban coast were examined for modern benthic marsh foraminiferal assemblages and correlated with the typical mangrove vegetation. A total of 14 genera of foraminifera and 8 genera of mangrove plants were recorded from the region. The assemblage is characterised by agglutinated and calcareous foraminifera. The high, middle and low marshes are identified on the basis of position of tides. The agglutinated foraminifera Trochammina inflata, Miliammina fusca and Haplophragmoides canarienses with mangroves species of Ceriops tagal, Phoeniz paludosa and Excoecaria agollacha characterize the high marsh zones and the calcareous foraminiferal assemblage comprising Ammonia beccarii, Haynesina germanica, Rosalina bradyi and Elphidium sp. with mangroves including Avicennia spp., Bruiera gymnomorrhiza, Aegialitis roundifolia and Sonneratia apetala indicates low marsh environments.
Physicochemical Evolution of the Thermal Springs over the Siwana Ring Complex, Western Rajasthan
Authors: Singh Hemant K. , Garg G. C. , Chandrasekharam D. , Trupti G. , Singh B.
Published: January 2015

The chemical composition of thermal springs from Siwana Ring Complex (SRC) of Barmer district, Rajasthan, India has been investigated for the first time. These springs are near neutral to mildly alkaline (pH = 6.8 to 7.8) in nature with surface temperatures varying between 31 to 39 °C. Piper diagram suggests that these thermal springs are dominated by Ca-HCO3 type. Experimental results of water-rock interaction at 100 °C indicate that the thermal springs are circulating through tuff and a sedimentary formation extensively controlled by ring dykes of granites, felsic volcanics and mafic dyke and the fault systems associated with the host rock. Groundwater and thermal springs show similar characteristics. Estimated reservoir temperature suggests that Siwana area geothermal system is a low enthalpy system. Heat flow values of the area range from 83 to 205 mWm−2, promise a viable potential for Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS).
Investigation of Landslide at Sangaldan Near Tunnel-47, on Katra- Qazigund Railway Track, Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Singh Yudhbir , Sharma Vinay , Pandita S. K. , Bhat G. M. , Thakur K. K. , Kotwal Sham S.
Published: January 2015

Landslides are the most established geological hazards in the Siwalik and Murree strata of Jammu region. The prolonged rainfall in the area frequently trigger landslides and has become a common phenomenon in hilly areas of Jammu region due to over saturation of slope forming material and cause considerable damage to life and property. The landslide that occurred on the Katra-Qazigund railway track alongside of portal (P2) of tunnel-47 on 25th September 2010 at village Dharam in Sangaldan area of Ramban district caused extensive damage to buildings. The water sensitive lithology (alteration of sandstone and mudstone beds) within the Murree thrust zone has made the area more vulnerable to landslides. Most of the landslides in the area are activated mainly during prolonged rainfall due to increase in pore water pressure as a result of seepage. The present paper is an attempt to study various geological factors along with physio-mechanical properties of slope forming materials to understand their role in failure mechanism.
Palaeophytogeography of Eucalyptus L’ H’erit: New Fossil Evidences
Authors: Shukla Anumeha , Mehrotra R. C. , Guleria J. S.
Published: January 2015

Two new fossil woods resembling Eucalyptus L’ H’erit of the family Myrtaceae are described from the Palaeocene and Eocene successions of Gujarat and Rajasthan, respectively. They are characterized by diffuse-porous wood, heavily tylosed vessels arranged in echelon, vasicentic tracheids, simple perforations, thin rays and non septate fibres with bordered pits. Eucalyptus is considered native to Australia as most of its species are found there. The fossil records of Eucalyptus are hitherto known from the Cenozoic successions of Argentina, New Zealand, Australia and India. The genus is phytogeographically important as it has a wide range of distribution in the geologic past which suggests its long history affiliated with different Gondwanaland continents. A warm and humid coastal environment is inferred in western India during the Palaeogene on the basis of the earlier records of the genus.