bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly porous Ti4O7 reactive electrochemical water filtration membranes fabricated via electrospinning/electrospraying
Authors: Santos Melissa C. , Elabd Yossef A. , Jing Yin , Chaplin Brian P. , Fang Lei
Published: October 2015

Porous, flexible, reactive electrochemical membranes (REMs) for water purification were synthesized by a novel simultaneous electrospinning/electrospraying (E/E) technique, which produced a network of poly(sulfone) fibers and Ti4O7 particles as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. Cyclic voltammetry indicated that the kinetics for water electrolysis reactions and the Fe(CN)64−/3− redox couple were enhanced by Ti4O7 deposition using the E/E technique. Membrane filtration experiments using phenol as a model contaminant showed a 2.6‐fold enhancement in the observed first‐order rate constant for phenol oxidation (kobs,phenol) in filtration mode relative to cross‐flow operation. Phenol oxidation in filtration mode was approaching the pore diffusion mass transfer limit, and was 6 to 8 times higher than measured in a previous study that utilized a ceramic Ti4O7 REM operated in filtration mode and is comparable to rate constants obtained with carbon nanotube flow‐through reactors, which are among the highest reported in the literature to date. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 508–524, 2016
Measurement of ultralow permeability
Authors: Ramakrishnan T. S. , Supp Michael G.
Published: October 2015

A permeability measurement method based on perturbed pressure decay between a source and a sink communicating through a porous medium is formulated. Nonideality of gas as well as corrections due to adsorption are considered. The method allows us to infer permeability at a given rock and fluid state. The accuracy of the method may be evaluated through comparison with theoretical decay characteristics and its modal amplitudes. A quantitative evaluation of the experimental inference is therefore possible. Based on the pressure decay theory, an apparatus built in our laboratory for measuring permeability is presented. As a secondary output, data analysis also provides porosity. The lowest permeability that the present apparatus is capable of characterizing is about 0.3nm2, and with additional improvements, capability down to 0.05nm2is anticipated. Where a steady‐state permeameter is pragmatic, excellent agreement between the two measurements is showed, validating the method. Measurements in synthetic samples also show that the method is accurate. Porosity data from a standard helium pycnometer confirm the porosity obtained from the decay method. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical EngineersAIChE J, 62: 1278–1293, 2016
Ethnic differences in the consistency and accuracy of perceived exertion
Authors: Sweatt S. Katherine , Roy Jane , Chandler‐Laney Paula , Fisher Gordon , Brock David , Hunter Gary
Published: October 2015

Objectives

This study investigated the effect of weight loss and weight regain on accuracy of perceived exertion (APE) in previously overweight African American (AA) and European American (EA) women.

Methods

Formerly overweight women (n = 102, age 20–44 years) completed a weight loss program to achieve BMI < 25 kg/m2. Physiological variable of exertion and rating of perceived exertion (RPE, Borg's 6–20 Scale) were recorded during submaximal aerobic exercise prior to, immediately following, and approximately 1 year after weight loss. APE was defined as the composite score of physiological variables (heart rate, ventilation rate, and respiratory exchange ratio) minus RPE.

Results

APE was significantly different from the composite score of physiological variables at baseline and at 1‐year follow‐up for EA women (0.347 ± 0.88 P < 0.05 and 0.53 ± 0.92, P < 0.01, respectively) and at 1‐year follow‐up for AA (−0.37 ± 1.1, P < 0.01). EA women had lower physiological effort at baseline and 1‐year follow‐up states (−0.24 ± 0.66 P < 0.05; and, −0.27 ± 0.84 P < 0.05, respectively). AA women had higher physiological effort, at 1‐year follow‐up state (0.21 ± 0.61, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Physiologic effort and perceived exertion contributed independently to the racial differences in APE, and APE may be an important trait to evaluate before planning an exercise intervention. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:398–404, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immigrant dairy workers' perceptions of health and safety on the farm in America's Heartland
Authors: Liebman Amy King , Juarez‐Carrillo Patricia Margarita , Reyes Iris Anne Cruz , Keifer Matthew Charles
Published: November 2015

Background

Dairy farming is dangerous. Yearly, farms grow fewer and larger by employing immigrant workers, who have limited industrial agriculture experience and safety and health training.

Methods

We examined results of five focus groups with 37 Hispanic, immigrant dairy workers. Analysis followed a grounded theory approach and employed ATLAS.ti.

Results

Reported injury experience affirmed the hazardous nature of dairy. Some workers received appropriate worker compensation benefits, whereas others were instructed to deny work‐relatedness. Some employers covered medical injury costs out‐of‐pocket, whereas others did not. Cows were a major injury source. Pressure to work and weather were noted as injury risk factors. Worker compensation was poorly understood, and immigration status and fear of deportation influenced injury and hazard reporting.

Conclusion

Injury management practices range from benevolent to threatening. Workers compensation is poorly understood and undocumented status is an occupational hazard. We underscore the need for further research and immigration policy change. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:227–235, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrochemical structure‐switching sensing using nanoplasmonic devices
Authors: Patskovsky Sergiy , Dallaire Anne‐Marie , Blanchard‐Dionne Andre‐Pierre , Vallée‐Bélisle Alexis , Meunier Michel
Published: October 2015

In this article, the implementation of electrochemical plasmonic nanostructures functionalized with DNA‐based structure‐switching sensors is presented. eNanoSPR devices with open and microfluidic measurement cells are developed on the base of nanohole arrays in 100 nm gold film and applied for combined microscopic and electrochemical surface plasmon (eSPR) visualization. eSPR voltammograms and spectroscopy are performed using planar three electrode schematic with plasmonic nanostructure operated as working electrode. Limit of detection of eNanoSPR devices for oligonucleotide hybridization is estimated in the low nanomolar and applications for structure‐switching electro‐plasmonic sensing in complex liquids are discussed.
Methyl‐, Ethenyl‐, and Ethynyl‐Bridged Cationic Digold Complexes Stabilized by Coordination to a Bulky Terphenylphosphine Ligand
Authors: Espada María F. , Campos Jesús , López‐Serrano Joaquín , Poveda Manuel L. , Carmona Ernesto
Published: October 2015

Reactions of the gold(I) triflimide complex [Au(NTf2)(PMe2Ar${{^{{\rm Dipp}{_{2}}}}}$)] (1) with the gold(I) hydrocarbyl species [AuR(PMe2Ar${{^{{\rm Dipp}{_{2}}}}}$)] (2 a–2 c) enable the isolation of hydrocarbyl‐bridged cationic digold complexes with the general composition [Au2(μ‐R)(PMe2Ar${{^{{\rm Dipp}{_{2}}}}}$)2][NTf2], where Ar${{^{{\rm Dipp}{_{2}}}}}$=C6H3‐2,6‐(C6H3‐2,6‐iPr2)2 and R=Me (3), CHCH2 (4), or CCH (5). Compound 3 is the first alkyl‐bridged digold complex to be reported and features a symmetric [Au(μ‐CH3)Au]+ core. Complexes 4 and 5 are the first species of their kind that contain simple, unsubstituted vinyl and acetylide units, respectively. In the series of complexes 3–5, the bridging carbon atom systematically changes its hybridization from sp3 to sp2 and sp. Concomitant with this change, and owing to variations in the nature of the bonding within the [Au(μ‐R)Au]+ unit, there is a gradual decrease in aurophilicity, that is, the strength of the Au⋅⋅⋅Au bonding interaction decreases. This change is illustrated by a monotonic increase in the Au–Au distance by approximately 0.3 Å from R=CH3 (2.71 Å) to CHCH2 (3.07 Å) and CCH (3.31 Å).
Confinement of Ionic Liquids in Nanocages: Tailoring the Molecular Sieving Properties of ZIF‐8 for Membrane‐Based CO2 Capture
Authors: Ban Yujie , Li Zhengjie , Li Yanshuo , Peng Yuan , Jin Hua , Jiao Wenmei , Guo Ang , Wang Po , Yang Qingyuan , Zhong Chongli , Yang Weishen
Published: October 2015

Fine‐tuning of effective pore size of microporous materials is necessary to achieve precise molecular sieving properties. Herein, we demonstrate that room temperature ionic liquids can be used as cavity occupants for modification of the microenvironment of MOF nanocages. Targeting CO2 capture applications, we tailored the effective cage size of ZIF‐8 to be between CO2 and N2 by confining an imidazolium‐based ionic liquid [bmim][Tf2N] into ZIF‐8’s SOD cages by in‐situ ionothermal synthesis. Mixed matrix membranes derived from ionic liquid‐modified ZIF‐8 exhibited remarkable combinations of permeability and selectivity that transcend the upper bound of polymer membranes for CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 separation. We observed an unusual response of the membranes to varying pressure, that is, an increase in the CO2/CH4 separation factor with pressure, which is highly desirable for practical applications in natural gas upgrading.
One‐pot synthesis of 3,4‐dihydropyridin‐2‐ones via tandem reaction of Blaise reactionintermediate and acrylic ester
Authors: Meng Tuanjie , Liu Lantao , Jia Huiyi , Ren Lifeng , Feng Cuilan , Wang Xiaojuan , Zhao Wenxian
Published: November 2015

An efficient method for the synthesis 3,4‐dihydropyridin‐2‐ones has been developed via tandem one‐pot Michael‐type addition and cyclization of the Blaise reaction intermediate and acrylic ester. A series of readily available nitriles, bromoacetic esters and acrylic esters have been employed to examine the scope of substrates for this method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of sound transmission loss for polycarbonate, poly(methyl methacrylate), and glass
Authors: Sabet Seyed Mohammad , Ohadi Abdolreza
Published: October 2015

In this study, the effects of the soundproofing properties of polycarbonate (PC), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and glass were investigated. We fabricated the specimens into 3 mm thick sheets by direct hot compression molding as a monolithic sample and also by gluing three thin sheets together into a multilayer. Sound transmission loss (STL) was measured by an impedance tube over the frequency range 63–1600 Hz. The results indicate that because of the close density, the STLs for PC and PMMA were almost the same above 1200 Hz. Also, PMMA had a greater STL than PC in the range 63–300 Hz. In a comparison of the monolithic and multilayered samples, we demonstrated that the epoxy‐based adhesive interlayers had more efficient bonding than the silicone‐based ones. The multilayered polymer/silicone specimens showed a sharp drop in the STL values compared to the monolithic samples. However, the multilayered polymer/epoxy specimens revealed similar behavior to the monolithic polymers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42988.
Effect of double percolation on the electrical properties and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of carbon‐black‐loaded polystyrene/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer blends
Authors: Soares Bluma G. , Touchaleaume François , Calheiros Loan F. , Barra Guilherme M. O.
Published: October 2015

In this study, the concept of double percolation and selective location of a conducting additive was used to develop conducting polymer composites composed of polystyrene (PS) and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) filled with carbon black (CB). Scanning and transmission electron microscopy suggested that the CB was preferentially located in the EVA phase. By combining a cocontinuous morphology and selective location of CB in the EVA phase, we achieved the highest conductivity values and better electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness in the X‐band frequency range for the 70:30 w/w PS/EVA blend. Electromagnetic attenuation occurred by both reflection and absorption mechanisms, although the first was predominant for composites with a higher amount of CB. The percolation thresholds of the PS, EVA, and 70:30 w/w PS/EVA blend loaded with CB were estimated from the dependence of the alternating‐current and direct‐current conductivities. The rheological properties were also used to relate the electrical behavior to the microstructure of the composites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43013.
Amidoximated poly(acrylonitrile) particles for environmental applications: Removal of heavy metal ions, dyes, and herbicides from water with different sources
Authors: Ajmal Muhammad , Demirci Sahin , Siddiq Mohammad , Aktas Nahit , Sahiner Nurettin
Published: October 2015

Monodispersed poly(acrylonitrile) [p(AN)] particles were prepared by surfactant free emulsion polymerization and the hydrophobic nitrile groups were converted to hydrophilic amidoxime groups by treatment with hydroxylamine hydrochloride (NH2OH.HCl) in water. The p(AN) and amidoximated p(AN) [amid‐p(AN)] particles were characterized by Fourier transformation infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The prepared particles were used as adsorbents in the removal from aqueous media of three different types of pollutants; organic dyes methylene blue (MB), and rhodamine 6 G (R6G), a heavy metal ion Cd (II), and a herbicide paraquat (PQ). The effects of various parameters such as amidoximation, pH of solution, amount of particles, and the initial concentration of solution were investigated. Upon amidoximation, a great increase in the adsorption capacity of the prepared particles was observed as the adsorbed amounts were increased to 87, 91, 74, and 91 mg/g from 5, 1.54, 1.06, and 1.22 mg/g for Cd (II), MB, R6G, and PQ, respectively. The amid‐p(AN) particles were also able to remove considerable amounts of these pollutants from tap, river, and sea water. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin adsorption isotherms were applied and it was found that the adsorption of Cd (II) and PQ followed the Langmuir adsorption model, whereas the adsorption of MB was found to obey the Freundlich adsorption isotherm. Pseudo first‐order and pseudo second‐order kinetics were also applied and the results showed that the adsorption processes of Cd (II), PQ, MB, and R6G follow pseudo second‐order kinetics. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43032.
An ambipolar polymer additive for enhanced open circuit voltage in a bulk heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Khan Mahmood Alam , Kang Yong Mook
Published: October 2015

Open circuit voltage (VOC) of organic bulk heterojunction solar cell is extended by the addition of a 20 wt % of F8TBT, an ambipolar polymer in the active layer matrixes (P3HT:PCBM) and then spin casted (1000 rpm/30 s) in the optimized devices on the PEDOT:PSS layer of the ITO glass. A substantial increase in the open circuit voltage from approximately 0.61–0.88 V (44.26%) has been observed with slight increase in efficiency up to 1.91% in the fabricated devices. However, further increment of F8TBT content to 40 wt % reduces the photovoltaic efficiency and affects the JSC values remarkably, possibly due the excess amount of resistance developed. The enhancement of VOC is attributed to the ambipolar nature of F8TBT polymer which facilitates the generated electron and hole transfer at the respective electrodes, enhanced π–π* conjugation in polymer matrix, a superior nanoscale separation, and better molecular conformation at the film interface, thus giving an ample opportunities to explore the impact of blending of materials rather than depositing a thin buffer layer by expensive vapor phase technologies. The details of electrical and microstructure characterization of the film were analyzed by AFM, SEM, UV–Vis, J–V characteristics, and EQE techniques. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43042.
Formation, antimicrobial activity, and controlled release from cotton fibers with deposited functional polymers
Authors: Kim Suyeon , Nakamatsu Javier , Maurtua Dora , Oliveira Fernando
Published: October 2015

Chitosan and alginate are biopolymers with interesting bioactivity that can be transferred to cotton fibers for medical and health care applications. These polymers in solution can be attached onto cotton fibers by a layer‐by‐layer technique. Confirmation of polymer deposition onto fibers was verified by morphology analysis, coomassie blue dye coloration, and contact angle of water on fibers. Also, weight gain and level of whiteness after each layer deposition were determined. Antimicrobial activity on treated cotton samples against E. coli and S. aureus was evaluated after each layer deposition and high inhibition rate of bacteria growth was observed in samples with chitosan outer layer (∼ 100%). Polyelectrolyte layers on cotton fibers not only provide interesting bioactivity by themselves, but can also serve as a matrix for small bioactive molecules. In this regard, a model molecule was added during sample preparation to study its release behaviors in a buffer solution by monitoring with UV–vis spectroscopy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43054.
Pedagogical view of model metabolic cycles
Authors: García‐Herrero Victor , Sillero Antonio
Published: October 2015

The main purpose of this study was to present a simplified view of model metabolic cycles. Although the models have been elaborated with the Mathematica Program, and using a system of differential equations, the main conclusions were presented in a rather intuitive way, easily understandable by students of general courses of Biochemistry, and without any need of mathematical support. A change in any kinetic constant (Km or Vmax) of only one enzyme affected the metabolic profile of all the substrates of the cycle. In addition, it is shown how an increase in the Km or a decrease in the Vmax values of any particular enzyme promoted an increase of its substrate; the contrary occurred decreasing the Km or increasing the Vmax values. © 2015 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 43:468–475, 2015.
Adsorptive Separation of Acetylene from Light Hydrocarbons by Mesoporous Iron Trimesate MIL‐100(Fe)
Authors: Yoon Ji Woong , Lee Ji Sun , Lee Sukyung , Cho Kyoung Ho , Hwang Young Kyu , Daturi Marco , Jun Chul‐Ho , Krishna Rajamani , Chang Jong‐San
Published: October 2015

A reducible metal–organic framework (MOF), iron(III) trimesate, denoted as MIL‐100(Fe), was investigated for the separation and purification of methane/ethane/ethylene/acetylene and an acetylene/CO2 mixtures by using sorption isotherms, breakthrough experiments, ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) calculations, and IR spectroscopic analysis. The MIL‐100(Fe) showed high adsorption selectivity not only for acetylene and ethylene over methane and ethane, but also for acetylene over CO2. The separation and purification of acetylene over ethylene was also possible for MIL‐100(Fe) activated at 423 K. According to the data obtained from operando IR spectroscopy, the unsaturated FeIII sites and surface OH groups are mainly responsible for the successful separation of the acetylene/ethylene mixture, whereas the unsaturated FeII sites have a detrimental effect on both separation and purification. The potential of MIL‐100(Fe) for the separation of a mixture of C2H2/CO2 was also examined by using the IAST calculations and transient breakthrough simulations. Comparing the IAST selectivity calculations of C2H2/CO2 for four MOFs selected from the literature, the selectivity with MIL‐100(Fe) was higher than those of CuBTC, ZJU‐60a, and PCP‐33, but lower than that of HOF‐3.
Microwave‐Assisted Organocatalyzed Rearrangement of Propargyl Vinyl Ethers to Salicylaldehyde Derivatives: An Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Tejedor David , Cotos Leandro , Márquez‐Arce Daniel , Odriozola‐Gimeno Mikel , Torrent‐Sucarrat Miquel , Cossío Fernando P. , García‐Tellado Fernando
Published: October 2015

The microwave‐assisted imidazole‐catalyzed transformation of propargyl vinyl ethers (PVEs) into multisubstituted salicylaldehydes is described. The reaction is instrumentally simple, scalable, and tolerates a diverse degree of substitution at the propargylic position of the starting PVE. The generated salicylaldehyde motifs incorporate a broad range of topologies, spanning from simple aromatic monocycles to complex fused polycyclic systems. The reaction is highly regioselective and takes place under symmetry‐breaking conditions. The preparative power of this reaction was demonstrated in the first total synthesis of morintrifolin B, a benzophenone metabolite isolated from the small tree Morinda citrifolia L. A DFT study of the reaction was performed with full agreement between calculated values and experimental results. The theoretically calculated values support a domino mechanism comprising a propargyl Claisen rearrangement, a [1,3]‐H shift, a [1,7]‐H shift (enolization), a 6π electrocyclization, and an aromatization reaction.
Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Dearomative [2+2]‐Cycloaddition of Indoles with Activated Allenes: A Combined Experimental–Computational Study
Authors: Ocello Riccardo , De Nisi Assunta , Jia Minqiang , Yang Qing‐Qing , Monari Magda , Giacinto Pietro , Bottoni Andrea , Miscione Gian Pietro , Bandini Marco
Published: October 2015

The gold‐catalyzed synthesis of methylidene 2,3‐cyclobutane‐indoles is documented through a combined experimental/computational investigation. Besides optimizing the racemic synthesis of the tricyclic indole compounds, the enantioselective variant is presented to its full extent. In particular, the scope of the reaction encompasses both aryloxyallenes and allenamides as electrophilic partners providing high yields and excellent stereochemical controls in the desired cycloadducts. The computational (DFT) investigation has fully elucidated the reaction mechanism providing clear evidence for a two‐step reaction. Two parallel reaction pathways explain the regioisomeric products obtained under kinetic and thermodynamic conditions. In both cases, the dearomative CC bond‐forming event turned out to be the rate‐determining step.
Relayed Regioselective Alkynylation/Olefination of Unsymmetrical Cyclic Diaryliodonium Species Catalyzed by Cu and Pd: Affording Fluorescent Cytotoxic Benzoxazoles
Authors: Zhu Daqian , Liu Panpan , Lu Wenhua , Wang Haiwen , Luo Bingling , Hu Yumin , Huang Peng , Wen Shijun
Published: October 2015

Although cyclic diaryliodonium species have the potential to act as valuable synthons for cascade transformations, they still remain largely unexplored. The regioselectivity associated with unsymmetrical cyclic diaryliodonium species has previously been known to pose a challenge. A regioselective relayed alkynylation and olefination of unsymmetrical cyclic diaryliodonium species has been achieved by installation of a directing amido group. These relayed transformations were delayed until an oxazole ring had formed, delivering a series of unique fluorescent benzoxazoles. Moreover, some of these synthetic benzoxazoles showed apparent inhibitory activity against malignant cancer cells. Further confocal visualization revealed that benzoxazoles targeted cell nuclei. These findings might provide a novel structural scaffold to develop desirable anticancer agents.
Direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing: Perspectives on its value in healthcare
Authors: Delaney SK , Christman MF
Published: October 2015

The direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing debate reached a fever pitch in November 2013 when the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) instructed 23andMe to discontinue marketing and sale of their Personal Genome Service. In 2015, 23andMe emerged with FDA approval to market a carrier test for Bloom syndrome only, and plans to release additional reports. The dust has settled and it is time to ask: What have we learned, and where do we go from here?
Seasonal changes in pollen limitation and femaleness along the snowmelt gradient in a distylous alpine herb,Primula modesta
Authors: Kameyama Yoshiaki , Watanabe Manami , Kurosawa Hideki , Nishimori Takuya , Matsue Daisuke , Takyu Masaaki
Published: October 2015

Flowering phenology of alpine plants is strongly determined by the timing of snowmelt, and the conditions of pollination of widely distributed plants vary greatly during their flowering season. We examined the reproductive success of the distylous alpine herb,Primula modesta, along the snowmelt gradient under natural conditions, and compared it with the result of artificial pollination experiments. In addition, the compositions and visit frequencies of pollinators to the flower ofP. modestawere examined during the flowering period. The pin and thrum plants ofP. modestagrowing at the same site have an equal ability to produce seeds if a sufficient amount of legitimate pollen grains are deposited on the stigma surface. However, under natural conditions, their seed‐set success was often (even if not always) restricted by pollen limitation, and the functional gender of the pin and thrum plants biased to the female and male, respectively, associated with their growing sites. These variations were not ascribed to resource limitation nor biased morph ratio but to the seasonal changes in pollination situations, a replacement of pollinator types from long‐ to short‐tongued pollinators resulted in unidirectional pollen transfer from long stamens (thrum plants) to long styles (pin plants). The functional gender specialization may enhance the evolution of dioecy from heterostyly, but the severe pollen limitation may cause the breakdown of heterostyly into homostyly. To consider the evolutionary pathway of heterostylous plants, an accumulation of the empirical data is required demonstrating how phenological synchrony between plants and pollinators is decided and to what degree this relationship is stable over years, along with estimates of selection and gene flow in individual plants.
The concrete evidence of flexistyly in Plagiostachys: pollination biology of a wild ginger on Hainan Island, China
Authors: Jia Xiao‐Cheng , Li Jia , Lu Guo‐Hui , Wang Ying‐Qiang
Published: October 2015

Flexistyly in Plagiostachys was first reported by Takano et al., while they provided no detailed study on pollination biology and breeding system. In this study, we tested this suspicion in one species of Plagiostachys (Plagiostachys austrosinensis). Field observations suggested that flexistyly was present in this species, and stigmatic behavior was similar to that reported for Alpinia and Amomum species. Two phenotypes (anaflexistylous and cataflexistylous) occurred in a ratio of 1:1 in natural populations. Anthesis began around 1530–1600 h and lasted for about 24 h. Pollen viability and stigma receptivity remained high throughout the flowering process. Mean nectar volume (4.15–11.30 μL) and mean sugar concentration (>32%) also remained at a high level during the flowering process. No fruit set occurred in unpollinated bagged plants. Two pollinators (Bombus pyrosoma and Vespidae spp.) and one pollen robber (Mutillidae spp.) were found as flower visitors. Fruit set following self‐pollination and cross‐pollination did not differ significantly in the cataflexistylous morph. Partial self‐incompatibility was apparent in the anaflexistylous morph. These results provide the concrete evidence of flexistyly in Plagiostachys and a more thorough understanding of its evolutionary origin in gingers.
ECG as a first step in the detection of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in the elderly
Authors: Olesen Line Lisbeth , Andersen Andreas
Published: October 2015

Aims

Due to the demographic development there is an increasing number of senior citizens with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), defined as ejection fraction (EF) < 40%. Unfortunately there are under‐diagnosis and under‐treatment in the elderly of this serious condition. Echocardiography is the gold standard to diagnose LVSD, but access is limited. Simple screening methods may ensure reduction of undetected cases, and this study investigates if electrocardiogram (ECG) can be used to screen for LVSD in the geriatric population.

Methods and results

A total of 260 persons aged 75 to 92 years had an echocardiography, a 12 leads ECG, and NT‐proBNP; 61 had EF < 40%, and of these 60 had an abnormal ECG. EF < 40% was significantly related to atrial fibrillation (A), pacing (P), LBBB (L), Q‐waves (Q), and QRS duration ≥ 120 ms (D). EF < 40%, atrial fibrillation, pacing, and LBBB were related to NT‐proBNP > 35 pmol/L. When APL was absent, NT‐proBNP had discriminatory value regarding LVSD in the presence of Q‐waves or QRS duration > 120 ms. Algorithms to screen for LVSD had sensitivity >90% and specificity >80% and claimed at least one of five (A/P/L/Q/D), one of 4 (A/P/L/Q), or one of three (A/Q/D) ECG changes. The optimal algorithm to reduce the need for diagnostic echocardiographies included four (A/P/L/Q) ECG changes and measurement of NT‐proBNP when Q‐waves were the only ECG change present.

Conclusions

Ninety percent of LVSD may be detected, and when there is atrial fibrillation, pacing or LBBB, or QRS ≥ 120 ms/Q‐waves and NT‐proBNP>35 pmol/L, a diagnostic echocardiography should be considered.
Extent of recovery in the first 12 months of complex regional pain syndrome type‐1: A prospective study
Authors: Bean D.J. , Johnson M.H. , Heiss‐Dunlop W. , Kydd R.R.
Published: November 2015

Background

The literature concerning the outcomes of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is contradictory, with some studies suggesting high rates of symptom resolution, whilst others demonstrate that CRPS symptoms can persist and lead to significant disability. The aim of the present study was to carefully document the extent of recovery from each of the signs and symptoms of CRPS.

Methods

A sample of 59 patients with recently onset (<12 weeks) CRPS‐1 were followed prospectively for 1 year, during which time they received treatment‐as‐usual. At baseline, 6 and 12 months, the following were measured: CRPS severity scores (symptoms and signs of CRPS), pain, disability, work status and psychological functioning.

Results

Analyses showed that rates of almost all signs and symptoms of CRPS reduced significantly over 1 year. Reductions in symptom severity were clinically relevant and were greatest in the first 6 months and plateaued thereafter. However, at 1 year, nearly 2/3 of patients continued to meet the IASP‐Orlando criteria for CRPS and 1/4 met the Budapest research criteria for CRPS. Only 5.4% of patients were symptom‐free at 12 months.

Conclusions

Overall the results were less optimistic than several previously conducted prospective studies and suggest that few cases of CRPS resolve completely within 12 months of onset. Improvements were generally greater in the first 6 months, and suggest that it may be worth exploring early interventions to prevent long‐term disability in CRPS.
Retreating ice: research in pro‐glacial areas matters
Authors: Heckmann Tobias , McColl Samuel , Morche David
Published: October 2015

Glacier forefields are landscapes in transition from glacial to non‐glacial conditions; this implies intense geomorphic, hydrological and ecological dynamics with important on‐ and off‐site effects. This special issue collects 13 papers covering recent research in both (sub‐)polar and alpine pro‐glacial environments that focus on (i) pro‐glacial sediment sources, (ii) pro‐glacial rivers, (iii) pro‐glacial lakes, (iv) ground water and ice, and (v) the development of soil and vegetation in its interplay with morphodynamics. Advances in mapping, surveying and geophysical techniques form the basis for research perspectives related to the historical evolution of pro‐glacial areas, the understanding of complex interactions of multiple processes, and the effects of continued glacier recession. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Covered transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt versus endoscopic therapy + β‐blocker for prevention of variceal rebleeding
Authors: Holster I. Lisanne , Tjwa Eric T.T.L. , Moelker Adriaan , Wils Alexandra , Hansen Bettina E. , Vermeijden J. Reinoud , Scholten Pieter , van Hoek Bart , Nicolai Jan J. , Kuipers Ernst J. , Pattynama Peter M.T. , van Buuren Henk R.
Published: October 2015

Gastroesophageal variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, as well as a high rebleeding risk. Limited data are available on the role of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) with covered stents in patients receiving standard endoscopic, vasoactive, and antibiotic treatment. In this multicenter randomized trial, long‐term endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) or glue injection + β‐blocker treatment was compared with TIPS placement in 72 patients with a first or second episode of gastric and/or esophageal variceal bleeding, after hemodynamic stabilization upon endoscopic, vasoactive, and antibiotic treatment. Randomization was stratified according to Child‐Pugh score. Kaplan‐Meier (event‐free) survival estimates were used for the endpoints rebleeding, death, treatment failure, and hepatic encephalopathy. During a median follow‐up of 23 months, 10 (29%) of 35 patients in the endoscopy + β‐blocker group, as compared to 0 of 37 (0%) patients in the TIPS group, developed variceal rebleeding (P = 0.001). Mortality (TIPS 32% vs. endoscopy 26%; P = 0.418) and treatment failure (TIPS 38% vs. endoscopy 34%; P = 0.685) did not differ between groups. Early hepatic encephalopathy (within 1 year) was significantly more frequent in the TIPS group (35% vs. 14%; P = 0.035), but during long‐term follow‐up this difference diminished (38% vs. 23%; P = 0.121). Conclusions: In unselected patients with cirrhosis, who underwent successful endoscopic hemostasis for variceal bleeding, covered TIPS was superior to EVL + β‐blocker for reduction of variceal rebleeding, but did not improve survival. TIPS was associated with higher rates of early hepatic encephalopathy. (Hepatology 2016;63:581–589)
Using habit reversal to decrease filled pauses in public speaking
Authors: Mancuso Carolyn , Miltenberger Raymond G.
Published: November 2015

This study evaluated the effectiveness of simplified habit reversal in reducing filled pauses that occur during public speaking. Filled pauses consist of “uh,” “um,” or “er”; clicking sounds; and misuse of the word “like.” After baseline, participants received habit reversal training that consisted of awareness training and competing response training. During postintervention assessments, all 6 participants exhibited an immediate decrease in filled pauses.
Osteogenic potential and synergistic effects of growth factors delivered from a bionic composite system
Authors: Chen Tao , Gomez Alan W. , Zuo Yi , Li Xiang , Zhang Zhen , Li Yubao , Hu Jing , Li Jihua
Published: October 2015

Previous research has raised substantial controversy over the synergistic effects of exogenous growth factors, BMP‐2 and bFGF, when used together for the treatment of bony defects. Thus, this study evaluated the effects of BMP‐2 and bFGF at specified dose ratio composited with n‐HA/PU40, a porous scaffold material, for repairing femoral defect in rats. Four weeks after implantation of this composite system, tissue specimens were collected for histological, immunohistochemical examinations, and µ‐CT scanning. The results showed that the group DUAL/BMSCs with both the factors had better effect on repairing bone defects than the other four groups in terms of new bone formation and bone‐scaffold bonding, suggesting crosstalk between these growth factors during early bone regeneration. This work demonstrates that provided that there is effective contact between cells and active proteins in the defect area, the controlled release of bFGF and BMP‐2 have positive synergistic effects on early bone formation in the defect area. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 659–668, 2016.
Synthesis of 5‐Cyano‐2‐Carbethoxythieno[2,3‐b]thiophenyl‐3,4‐Diisothiocyanates and Its Utility IN Heterocyclic Synthesis under Phase Transfer Catalytic Technique
Authors: Abd Allah O. A.
Published: October 2015

Regarding to the importance of thieno[2,3‐b]thiophens and isothiocyanaetes reactiveties in the physical, chemical and pharmaceutical fields, this study has been undertaken to prepare the target compound 5‐cyano‐2‐carbethoxythieno[2,3‐b]thiophenyl‐3,4‐diisothiocyanates via a safe method. The formed isothiocyanates derivative was reacted with aromatic amines, acid hydrazied and some active methylene groups, followed by cyclization reaction for the formed intermediates to give new series of heterocyclic compounds
Synthesis, Chemical Characterization, DNA Interaction and Antioxidant, Studies of New Nitrosubstituted Thioureas and Their Copper Complexes
Authors: Patujo Jahangeer , Badshah Amin , Hussain Raja Azadar , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Tahir Shaista , Rauf Muhammad Khawar
Published: October 2015

In the present work new nitro substituted thioureas, and their copper complexes have been synthesized and characterized by FTIR and multinuclear NMR techniques. Some of the compounds namely 1‐benzoyl‐3‐(4‐chloro‐3‐nitrophenyl) thiourea (A‐1), 1‐benzoyl‐3‐(4‐chloro‐3‐nitrophenyl) thiourea (A‐2) and 1‐benzoyl‐3‐(2‐methoxy‐4‐nitrophenyl) thiourea (A‐2) have also been characterized by single crystal XRD. All the synthesized compounds have been screened for DNA binding potencies (using cyclic voltametry, UV‐vis spectroscopy) and free radical scavanging activities.
Sturgeon hatching enzyme and the mechanism of egg envelope digestion: Insight into changes in the mechanism of egg envelope digestion during the evolution of ray‐finned fish
Authors: Nagasawa Tatsuki , Kawaguchi Mari , Sano Kaori , Yasumasu Shigeki
Published: October 2015

We investigated the evolution of the hatching enzyme gene using bester sturgeon (hybrid of Acipencer ruthenus and Huso huso), a basal member of ray‐finned fishes. We purified the bester hatching enzyme from hatching liquid, yielding a single band on SDS‐PAGE, then isolated its cDNA from embryos by PCR. The sturgeon hatching enzyme consists of an astacin family protease domain and a CUB domain. The CUB domains are present in frog and bird hatching enzymes, but not in teleostei, suggesting that the domain structure of sturgeon hatching enzyme is the tetrapod type. The purified hatching enzyme swelled the egg envelope, and selectively cleaved one of five egg envelope proteins, ZPAX. Xenopus hatching enzyme preferentially digests ZPAX, thus, the egg envelope digestion process is conserved between amphibians and basal ray‐finned fish. Teleostei hatching enzymes cleave the repeat sequences at the N‐terminal region of ZPB and ZPC, suggesting that the targets of the teleostei hatching enzymes differ from those of amphibians and sturgeons. Such repeat sequences were not found in the N‐terminal region of ZPB and ZPC of amphibians and sturgeons. Our results suggest that the change in substrates of the hatching enzymes was accompanied by the mutation of the amino acid sequence of N‐terminal regions of ZPB and ZPC. We conclude that the changes in the mechanism of egg envelope digestion, including the change in the domain structure of the hatching enzymes and the switch in substrate, occurred during the evolution of teleostei, likely triggered by the teleost‐specific third whole genome duplication. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 324B: 720–732, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficient Preparation of Alkaloids Polycarpine and Polycarpaurines A and C
Authors: Guo Pengbin , Yan Shuang , Hu Zeliang , Zhuang Weihui , Xiong Yan , Zhang Lanya , Wang Ziwen , Wang Qingmin
Published: October 2015

An efficient method for the preparation of alkaloids polycarpine and polycarpaurines A and C via microwave‐assisted three‐step one‐pot reaction as the key step has been developed. This is the first report about the synthesis of polycarpaurines A and C. Starting from commercially available p‐methoxybenzaldehyde, polycarpine and polycarpaurine A were obtained over seven steps with 40 and 24 % overall yield, respectively. Polycarpine could convert to polycarpaurine C in 72% yield in the presence of NaHSO3. The structure of polycarpine and polycarpaurines A and C was confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS.
Flexible System Solutions for Innovative Laser Welding Processes
Authors: Bautze Thibault
Published: November 2015

The new platform WeldMaster by Precitec provides a large toolset for modern laser welding applications. Sensors and actuators for the pre‐, in‐ and post‐process monitoring and control are implemented, offering the most advanced all‐in‐one system‐solution for laser welding tasks. The customer's benefits are especially valuable in automotive applications, where robustness, efficiency and reliability are highly demanded. The combination with an intelligent welding head allows to improve known applications and to develop trend‐setting joining processes.
Efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of voriconazole prophylaxis for prevention of invasive aspergillosis in high‐risk liver transplant recipients
Authors: Balogh Julius , Gordon Burroughs Sherilyn , Boktour Maha , Patel Samir , Saharia Ashish , Ochoa Robert A. , McFadden Robert , Victor David W. , Ankoma‐Sey Victor , Galati Joseph , Monsour Howard P. , Fainstein Victor , Li Xian C. , Grimes Kevin A. , Gaber A. Osama , Aloia Thomas , Ghobrial R. Mark
Published: October 2015

Aspergillus infection remains a significant and deadly complication after liver transplantation (LT). We sought to determine whether the antifungal prophylactic use of voriconazole reduces the incidence of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in high‐risk LT recipients without prohibitively increasing cost. During the study era (April 2008 to April 2014), 339 deceased donor LTs were performed. Of those patients, 174 high‐risk recipients were administered antifungal prophylaxis with voriconazole. The median biological Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score at the time of LT was 33 (range, 18‐49) with 56% requiring continuous renal replacement therapy and 50% requiring ventilatory support immediately before transplantation. Diagnosis of IA was stratified as proven, probable, or possible according to previously published definitions. No IA was documented in patients receiving voriconazole prophylaxis. At 90 days after LT, the institutional cost of prophylaxis was $5324 or 5.6% of the predicted cost associated with post‐LT aspergillosis. There was no documentation of resistant strains isolated from any recipient who received voriconazole. In conclusion, these data suggest that voriconazole prophylaxis is safe, clinically effective, and cost‐effective in high‐risk LT recipients. Liver Transpl 22:163–170, 2016. © 2015 AASLD.
Multifunctional Amphiphilic Nanoparticles Featuring (Bio)Degradable Core and Dual‐Responsive Shell as Biomedical Platforms for Controlled Release
Authors: Gromadzki Daniel , Rychter Piotr , Uchman Mariusz , Momekova Denitsa , Marcinkowski Andrzej , Koseva Neli S. , El Fray Miroslawa , Marić Milan
Published: October 2015

Multifunctional polymeric platforms combining (bio)degradable and biocompatible, temperature and pH‐sensitive entities hold great promise as nanocarriers for targeted drug and gene delivery, and tissue engineering. In this work, preparation and characterization of surfactant‐free polyester nanoparticles (NPs) from biobased polyesters poly(butylene sebacate) (PBSE) and poly(butylene sebacate‐co‐butylene dilinoleate)s (PBSE/PBDL) using nanoprecipitation is reported. This strategy leads to spherical nanosized particles with sizes narrowly distributed in a range of 30–200 nm which is appropriate for internalization by a variety of cells. The effect of molecular parameters and type of solvent used in the nanoprecipitation protocol on the size and shape of produced polyester nanocolloids and their in vitro degradation in PBS solution at 37 °C is elucidated by quasi‐elastic light scattering (QELS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) techniques. A dense cationic brush layer (≈ 20 nm) of stimuli‐responsive and biocompatible poly(2‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate‐co‐acrylonitrile) is grafted on the surface of PBSE/PBDL NPs through “grafting onto” (arm first) coupling chemistry.

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Lipophilic Ionomers with Bulky Ion‐Pairs and Effect of Counterion on Miscibility of the Ionomer Blends
Authors: Ohta Masahiko , Ono Toshikazu , Kokado Kenta , Kakugo Akira , Sada Kazuki
Published: October 2015

In this study, polystyrene (PS) ionomers having tetraalkylammonium with a series of counterions are prepared with various feed ratio of the ionic units and blended with nonionic poly(n‐butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) which is originally immiscible with PS. According to differential scanning calorimetry analysis, in the blends of ionomers with tetraarylborate and PBMA, the ionomers with more than 1 mol% of the ionic units are completely miscible with PBMA. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction measurements reveal that the bulky and lipophilic ion‐pair inhibits the association of ions and instead induces the attractive interaction to alkyl groups of PBMA. Tensile tests of the miscible specimen exhibit both characteristic behavior, that is, high tensile strength as PS and high elongation property of PBMA.

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Mode matching analysis for wave scattering in triple and pentafurcated spaced ducts
Authors: Mahmood‐ul‐Hassan  , Meylan Michael H. , Bashir Amna , M Sumbul
Published: November 2015

We present solutions to both trifurcated and pentafurcated spaced waveguides using the mode matching (or eigenfunction expansion) method. While the trifurcated problem with mean fluid flow has been solved previously using the Wiener–Hopf technique, we solve this problem to validate and demonstrate our method. We then show how we can easily generalize the method to the pentafurcated problem that has not been solved previously. We observe that mode matching method is easier to derive and generalize than the Wiener–Hopf technique. We also investigate the numerical solution in detail for various geometries to model practical exhaust systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fitted Galerkin spectral method to solve delay partial differential equations
Authors: Adam A. M. A. , Bashier E. B. M. , Hashim M. H. A. , Patidar K. C.
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we consider a class of parabolic partial differential equations with a time delay. The first model equation is the mixed problems for scalar generalized diffusion equation with a delay, whereas the second model equation is a delayed reaction‐diffusion equation. Both of these models have inherent complex nature because of which their analytical solutions are hardly obtainable, and therefore, one has to seek numerical treatments for their approximate solutions. To this end, we develop a fitted Galerkin spectral method for solving this problem. We derive optimal error estimates based on weak formulations for the fully discrete problems. Some numerical experiments are also provided at the end. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.