bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microalgal cultivation with waste streams and metabolic constraints to triacylglycerides accumulation for biofuel production
Authors: Ge Shijian , Champagne Pascale , Plaxton William C. , Leite Gustavo B. , Marazzi Francesca
Published: November 2016

Global increases in the generation of waste streams, including liquid, gaseous, and solid waste, have been posing serious challenges for waste management as a result of their potential impacts on receiving environments and climate change. The conversion of waste streams into useful bioenergy, biofuels, and bioproducts through recycling and/or recovery has been presented as a promising alternative. Coupling the bioremediation of waste streams with microalgae‐based biofuel production, offers an alternative strategy to achieve waste‐to‐biofuel and bioenergy. A group of unicellular photosynthetic eukaryotes, microalgae require relatively simple nutrients and inorganic carbon sources to support their growth, while accumulating several biofuel precursors, such as starch or storage lipids. This review summarizes the current approaches to microalgal biomass production using waste streams, including waste‐water; waste or CO2‐enriched gas (flue gas and biogas); waste organics (i.e., crude glycerol); and waste heat, as well as the primary common operational challenges and corresponding mitigation strategies involved in cultivation approaches. Moreover, microalgal metabolic pathways supporting the biosynthesis of energy‐rich molecules such as triacylglycerides (TAG) and starch are discussed. Metabolic constraints and potential approaches for the enhancement of microalgal TAG accumulation are systematically and critically analyzed. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Effect of static magnetic field on endospore germination
Authors: Wu Wen Jie , Liu Si Li , Yung Pun To
Published: November 2016

This work investigated the effect of static magnetic field (SMF) on Bacillus atrophaeus endospore germination. Germination was triggered by L‐alanine in 1.3‐T SMF and characterized by ion release, Ca2+‐dipicolinic acid release, and water influx. These events were monitored by electrical conductivity, Tb‐DPA fluorescence, and optical density, respectively. Culturability of endospore germinated in SMF exposure was evaluated by CFU enumeration. Results indicated that 1.3‐T SMF failed to significantly affect endospore germination and culturability, suggesting that the three aforementioned processes were not sensitive to SMF. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:121–127, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Total Arsenic and Arsenic Species in Seaweed and Seafood Samples Determined by Ion Chromatography Coupled with Inductively Coupled End‐on‐Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry
Authors: Nam Sang‐Ho , Cui Sheng , Park Min‐Yeong
Published: November 2016

An analytical method was developed for the extraction and determination of total arsenic and arsenic species in seafood by ion chromatography coupled with end‐on‐plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Sample preparation included a selective extraction method, and the optimization for separation and detection of arsenic species was performed by important instrumental and methodological parameters. The lack of loss or transformation of arsenic species in samples was also confirmed with the analytical method. Good recovery efficiency (98.2 ~ 99.1%) was obtained for the arsenic species with the selected extraction method. In this study, several kinds of seafood (snow crab, red snow crab, octopus, octopus minor, and squid) and seaweed (red laver, green laver, sea tangle, sea mustard, and hizikia) were investigated with the analytical method. All samples were first dried and ground to fine powder before use. The main arsenic species found in these seafoods was non‐toxic arsenobetain (AsB). Its highest concentration was found in red snow crab samples (152 ± 4 mg/kg, dry weight). Other arsenic species (As3+, As5+, monomethylarsonic acid [MMA] and dimethylarsinic acid [DMA]) were not detected in these seafood samples. The major arsenic species found in hizikia samples was As5+. Its concentration was 34.0 ± 0.4 mg/kg (dry weight). Arsenic species (As3+, As5+, MMA, DMA, and AsB) were not found in green laver, sea tangle, red laver, or sea mustard samples.
Chromatographic determination of some biomarkers of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian patients
Authors: Osman Diaa , Ali Omnia , Obada Manar , El‐Mezayen Hatem , El‐Said Hala
Published: November 2016

Metabolomics has been shown to be an effective tool for disease diagnosis, biomarker screening and characterization of biological pathways. A total of 140 subjects were included in this study; urine metabolomes of patients with liver cirrhosis (LC, n = 40), patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; n = 55) and healthy male subjects (n = 45) as a control group were studied. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry‐based urine metabolomics profiles were investigated for all participants. Diagnostic models were constructed with a combination of marker metabolites, using principal components analysis and receiver operator characteristic curves. A total of 57 peaks could be auto‐identified of which 13 marker metabolites (glycine, serine, threonine, proline, urea, phosphate, pyrimidine, arabinose, xylitol, hippuric acid, citric acid, xylonic acid and glycerol) were responsible for the separation of HCC group from healthy subjects. Also, eight markers metabolites (glycine, serine, threonine, proline, citric acid, urea, xylitol and arabinose) showed significant differences between the LC group and healthy subjects. No significant difference was detected between HCC and LC groups regarding all these metabolites. Metabolomic profile using GC–MS established an optimized diagnostic model to discriminate between HCC patients and healthy subjects; also it could be useful for diagnosis of LC patients. However, it failed to differentiate between HCC and LC patients.
Tissue distribution of capilliposide B, capilliposide C and their bioactive metabolite in mice using liquid ‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Cheng Zhongzhe , Zhou Xing , Hu Bingying , Li Wenyi , Chen Guiying , Zhang Yang , Tian Jingkui , Zhang Lin , Li Ming , Jiang Hongliang
Published: November 2016

Lysimachia capillipes Hemsl (Primulaceae), a folk medicinal plant in China, showed significant anti‐tumor activities in vivo and in vitro. Capilliposide B (LC‐B) and capilliposide C (LC‐C) are the main bioactive components in this plant. To explore their tissue distribution, a reliable bioanalytical method for the quantification of LC‐B, LC‐C and their bioactive metabolite, capilliposide A (LC‐A), in mouse tissues was developed and validated. In this study, the tissue distribution profiles of the three compounds were examined after intravenous administration of pure LC‐B and oral administration of total saponins of L. capillipes Hemsl extract (LCE) for 10 days. Method validation was conducted over the curve range 10.0–5000 ng/mL for all three analytes in various tissue homogenates. The relative standard deviation of intra‐day and inter‐day precision of the QC samples was <14.7%, and the accuracy ranged from 85.9 to 114.0%. The results indicated that LC‐B was rapidly and widely distributed throughout the whole body except for muscle following intravenous administration of LC‐B. In addition, LC‐A was only in liver, intestine, lung and stomach. After oral administration of LCE, LC‐B and LC‐C were distributed into various tissues. The highest levels were observed in stomach and intestine.
Targeted violence against law enforcement officers
Authors: Schouten Ronald , Brennan Douglas V.
Published: November 2016

As highly visible representatives and guardians of society, law enforcement officers (LEOs) are very public figures. Injury or death in the line of duty, whether due to accidents or intentional acts of violence, is an occupational hazard for LEOs. Targeted assaults on police officers, referred to as ambushes in previous literature, are a particularly perplexing problem with significant implications for society at large. In the summer of 2016, the latest in a series of high‐profile acts of violence aimed at police occurred, leading to increased examination of the acts themselves and their causes. This article examines recent trends in assaults on LEOs, focusing on predatory rather than reactive attacks, and applies a threat assessment model to a case of targeted violence against police. We use State of Washington v. Christopher Monfort (2015), a prosecution for arson, assault with intent to murder, and murder, as a case example, to examine how the threat assessment model, and the concepts of affective versus predatory violence help in understanding targeted violence against LEOs, assessing its risk, and managing it. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrathin Nitrogen‐Enriched Hybrid Carbon Nanosheets for Supercapacitors with Ultrahigh Rate Performance and High Energy Density
Authors: Li Shaofeng , Yu Chang , Yang Juan , Zhao Changtai , Fan Xiaoming , Huang Huawei , Han Xiaotong , Wang Jingxian , He Xiaojun , Qiu Jieshan
Published: November 2016

Two‐dimensional carbon nanosheets are promising materials as supercapacitor electrodes for high‐efficiency energy storage. Herein, a simple strategy is engineered to configure ultrathin nitrogen‐enriched hybrid carbon nanosheets (HCNSs) with a thickness of approximately 3.6 nm using graphene oxide as a structure‐directing agent and nano‐CaCO3 as an in‐situ‐activated agent. The polydopamine synthesized in situ on the graphene oxide sheet surface is used as a nitrogen‐rich carbon precursor, leading to the formation of nearly transparent nitrogen‐enriched HCNSs under an electron beam. Benefiting from the nitrogen‐enriched species (8.92 wt % N content), highly exposed electroactive sites and fast ion/electron transport arising from the porous and ultrathin nanosheet structure, the HCNS electrode exhibits remarkably enhanced electrochemical characteristics with a high specific capacitance of 227 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and superior rate capability (70 % capacitance retention at 100 A g−1) in 6 m KOH electrolyte. More importantly, it delivers a high energy density of 86.6 W h kg−1 at a power density of 111 W kg−1 in a 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquid electrolyte. This study might shed new light on the configuration of nitrogen‐enriched and ultrathin 2D carbon nanomaterials for high‐efficiency energy storage/conversion devices.
Significantly Improved Electrocatalytic Activity of Copper‐Based Structures that Evolve from a Metal‐Organic Framework Induced by Cathodization Treatment
Authors: Shi Libo , Niu Xiangheng , Zhao Hongli , Lan Minbo
Published: November 2016

Whereas metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are being widely explored in the application of electrocatalysis, the electro‐inert organic ligands in MOFs have negative effects on electron transfer. Here, we suggest a facile electrochemical cathodization treatment for the controllable evolution of a Cu‐MOF to improve its electrocatalytic performance. When a cathodic potential was applied, Cu‐based structures evolving from Cu‐MOF with different crystal phases, surface compositions, and morphologies were harvested by controlling the cathodization time. The obtained copper‐based structures were found to have much higher activities than the as‐synthesized Cu‐MOF for glucose electrocatalysis in alkaline media. A 60 second cathodization treatment resulted in the largest sensitivity for glucose electrocatalytic sensing.
Segmentation techniques in image analysis: A comparative study
Authors: Vitale Raffaele , Prats‐Montalbán José Manuel , López‐García Fernando , Blasco José , Ferrer Alberto
Published: November 2016

Nowadays, the detection, localization, and quantification of different kinds of features in an RGB image (segmentation) is extremely helpful for, e.g., process monitoring or customer product acceptance. In this article, some of the most commonly used RGB image segmentation approaches are compared in an orange quality control case study. Analysis of variance and correspondence analysis are combined for determining their most relevant differences and highlighting their pros and cons.
Triazine‐Based Highly Stable AADD‐Type Self‐Complementary Quadruple Hydrogen‐Bonded Systems Devoid of Prototropy
Authors: Kheria Sanjeev , Rayavarapu Suresh , Kotmale Amol S. , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Sanjayan Gangadhar J.
Published: November 2016

A new class of 1,3,5‐triazine‐based quadruple hydrogen‐bonded system featuring AADD‐type self‐complementary arrays has been developed and characterized. This system forms highly stable molecular duplex in non‐polar solvent (Kdim>1.9×107 m−1 in CDCl3) without prototropy‐related issues, raising its prospects for application in supramolecular polymer science.
Structures and Properties of Three Solvent‐Dependent Chiral Compounds Based on N‐Benzoyl‐L‐glutamic Acid
Authors: Shi Yajing , Li Na , Song Huihua , Yu Haitao
Published: November 2016

Three solvent‐dependent chiral copper(II) compounds, {[Cu2(bzgluO)2(H2O)2]·4H2O}n (1), {[Cu2(bzgluO)2(DMSO)2]·H2O}n (2) and [Cu2(bzgluO)2(DMF)2]n (3) (H2bzgluO=N‐benzoyl‐L‐glutamic acid) have been synthesized under ambient temperature conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, UV spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 both crystallize in the orthorhombic space group P212121. Compound 3 crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P43. Compound 1 exhibits a ladder‐like 1D chain structure, which is extended by hydrogen‐bonding interactions to form a 3D supramolecular network. Compounds 2 and 3 both give a diamond‐like 3D structure. Besides, there are hydrogen‐bonding interactions in 2. The structural difference indicates that the solvent system plays a crucial role in modulating structures of coordination compounds. Circular dichroism (CD) and the magnetic properties of the compounds have also been investigated.
A Simple and Novel Electrochemical Sensor Based on Phosphomolybdic‐Polypyrrole Film Modified Electrode for Highly Sensitive Detection of Cholic Acid
Authors: Fan Lifang , Tian Xinxin , Shuang Shaomin , Dong Chuan
Published: November 2016

A simpe electrochemical sensor for detection of cholic acid (CA) was designed by modifying phosphomolybdate (PMo12) doped polypyrrole (PPy) film on glassy carbon electrode (PMo12‐PPy/GCE). The electrochemical behavior of CA on PMo12‐PPy/GCE was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and 0.5 order differential voltammetry. The results indicated that CA had high inhibitory activity toward the peak currents of PMo12‐PPy/GCE. The reduction peak currents were linearly related to the logarithmic value of the concentration of CA from 1.0×10−7 to 1.0×10−3 mol/L with a low detection limit of 1.0×10−8 mol/L. The developed sensor exhibited excellent sensitivity, selectivity and stability for detection of CA, and it could be successfully applied to detect the level of CA in the urine samples. Moreover, the response mechanism of CA on the PMo12‐PPy/GCE was discussed in detail.
Design of Flexible and Self‐Standing Electrodes for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Bourgeois Jean‐Pierre , Vlad Alexandru , Melinte Sorin , Gohy Jean‐François
Published: November 2016

Flexible portable electronic devices have attracted increasing attention during the last decade. Energy consumption of such devices is ever increasing and performing power sources, that are moreover flexible, need to be developed to seamlessly integrate into such architectures. While lithium‐ion batteries appear to be the best solution to meet the power and energy requirements, their structural and mechanical considerations still need to be addressed. Here, we realize and study the impact on the electrochemical performances of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) based, current collector‐free and binder‐free, Li‐ion battery electrodes. Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes acting as a mechanical and electron conductive scaffold enable structural flexibility and good electrochemical performances. Flexible Li‐ion cells made with such electrodes show promising performances while being realized through simple manufacturing approaches.
Fibrinolytic Evaluation of Compounds Isolated from a Marine Fungus Stachybotrys longispora FG216
Authors: Guo Ruihua , Zhang Yiting , Duan Dong , Fu Qiang , Zhang Xiangyu , Yu Xiaowei , Wang Shujun , Bao Bin , Wu Wenhui
Published: November 2016

As a part of our continuing work to discover bioactive leading molecules from marine microorganism, ethyl acetate fraction of organic extract of the train Stachybotrys longispora FG216 showed fibrinolytic activity in our primary screen. The bioassay‐guided purification of the active fractions resulted in isolation of a new isoindolone, FGFC2 (1) (FGFC2, Fungi fibrinolytic compound 2), together with two known compounds, LL‐Z1272β (2) and ergosterol (3). The structure of compound 1 was elucidated by the spectral analysis of 1D (1H, 13C) NMR, 2D (COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) and ESI‐MS. Three compounds were evaluated for fibrinolytic activities in vitro. Compared to FGFC1 (EC5047 µmol/L) as a reference drug, compound 1 and ergosterol (3) showed moderate fibrinolytic activities in vitro with EC50 values of 108.16 and 156.30 µmol/L, respectively. LL‐Z1272β (2) had no fibrinolytic activity.
Macromolecular and Small Molecular Crowding Have Similar Effects on α‐Synuclein Structure
Authors: Bai Jia , Liu Maili , Pielak Gary J. , Li Conggang
Published: November 2016

The intracellular milieu contains upwards of 400 g of macromolecules per liter. This crowding is thought to have a larger influence on intrinsically disordered proteins, whose chains are expanded, than on compact globular proteins. Classic theories of macromolecular crowding predict that increasing excluded volume effects will lead disordered proteins to compaction, and a great deal of data, from both simulation and experiments support this idea. We used nuclear magnetic resonance, circular dichroism, and fluorescence spectroscopies to characterize the structure and fibrillation of α‐synuclein, an intrinsically disordered protein implicated in Parkinson's disease, using Ficoll70, its monomer sucrose and bovine serum albumin as crowding agents. Surprisingly, volume exclusion induced by high concentrations of macromolecules may not be the main reason for the compaction of α‐synuclein. Our results indicate that all aspects crowding must be considered to understand protein conformation under crowded conditions.
Myoepithelioma of the parotid gland with extensive adipocytic metaplasia: Report of a case with intriguing aspects on fine needle aspiration and p63 immunohistochemical expression
Authors: Schneider Vanessa , Nobile Antoine , Duvoisin Bertrand , Saglietti Chiara , Bongiovanni Massimo
Published: November 2016

Myoepithelioma is a rare and usually benign salivary gland tumor derived from myoepithelial cells. Variability in cellular morphology and stromal composition leads to diagnostic pitfalls on fine‐needle aspiration cytology; therefore, histology and immunohistochemistry are often required for definitive diagnosis. We describe a case of parotid gland myoepithelioma in a 76‐year‐old woman, which was discovered incidentally on cerebral magnetic resonance imaging. Fine‐needle aspiration sampled cohesive aggregates of spindle‐shaped cells embedded in a fibrillary matrix as well as abundant mature adipocytes, initially considered as part of normal salivary gland parenchyma. Histology of the resected specimen showed bundles of spindle‐shaped cells embedded in loose connective tissue, admixed with numerous intralesional adipocytes. Immunohistochemical studies revealed a diffuse expression of p63 by this adipocytic population, an observation clearly indicating that myoepithelial cells can trans‐differentiate and acquire the morphology of mature adipocytes. Knowledge of this phenomenon can be helpful in the work‐up of salivary gland lesions. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:1090–1093. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Direct simulation of electroosmosis around a spherical particle with inhomogeneously acquired surface charge
Authors: Alizadeh Amer , Wang Moran
Published: November 2016

Uncovering electroosmosis around an inhomogeneously acquired charge spherical particle in a confined space could provide detailed insights into its broad applications from biology to geology. In the present study, we developed a direct simulation method with the effects of inhomogeneously acquired charges on the particle surface considered, which has been validated by the available analytical and experimental data. Modeling results reveal that the surface charge and zeta potential, which are acquired through chemical interactions, strongly depend on the local solution properties and the particle size. The surface charge and zeta potential of the particle would significantly vary with the tangential positions on the particle surface by increasing the particle radius. Moreover, regarding the streaming potential for a particle‐fluid tube system, our results uncover that the streaming potential has a reverse relation with the particle size in a micro or nanotube. To explain this phenomenon, we present a simple relation that bridges the streaming potential with the particle size and tube radius, zeta potential, bulk and surface conductivity. This relation could predict good results specifically for higher ion concentrations and provide deeper understanding of the particle size effects on the streaming potential measurements of the particle fluid tube system.
Efficient DEM‐based overland flow routing using integrated recursive algorithms
Authors: Huang Pin‐Chun , Lee Kwan Tun
Published: November 2016

Two primary concerns in performing watershed overland flow routing are the numerical instability and computational efficiency. The stability of executing an explicit scheme has to be maintained by observing the Courant–Friedrich–Lewy criterion, which is adopted to confirm that the numerical marching speed is larger than the wave celerity. Moreover, there is another criterion of time step devised in previous studies to avoid back‐and‐forth refluxing between adjacent grids. The situation of refluxing usually occurs on flat regions. In light of this, the selection of a small time increment to honor both restrictions simultaneously is believed to decrease the computational efficiency in performing overland flow routing. This study aims at creating a robust algorithm to relax both restrictions. The proposed algorithm was first implemented on a one‐dimensional overland plane to evaluate the accuracy of the numerical result by comparing it with an analytical solution. Then, the algorithm was further applied to a watershed for 2D runoff simulations. The results show that the proposed integrated algorithm can provide an accurate runoff simulation and achieve satisfactory performance in terms of computational speed.
A weight-of-evidence approach for deriving a level of concern for atrazine that is protective of aquatic plant communities
Authors: Moore Dwayne RJ , Greer Colleen D , Manning Gillian , Wooding Katie , Beckett Kerrie J , Brain Richard A , Marshall Gary
Published: November 2016

Atrazine is a selective triazine herbicide widely used in the United States primarily for control of broadleaf weeds in corn and sorghum. In 2003, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) concluded that atrazine poses potential risks to sensitive aquatic species. Consequently, a surface water monitoring program was developed to assess whether measured levels of atrazine could impact aquatic plants in vulnerable watersheds. To facilitate evaluation of the monitoring data, the Agency needed to establish a level of concern (LOC) below which atrazine would not cause unacceptable adverse effects to aquatic plant communities. Several attempts at developing a community-level LOC have followed from USEPA but none have been formally accepted or endorsed by independent Scientific Advisory Panels. As part of registration review, the USEPA needs to revisit development of a community-level LOC for atrazine that will be protective of aquatic plant communities. This article reviews 4 methods that can or have been used for this purpose. Collectively, the methods take advantage of the large number of single species and mesocosm studies that have been conducted for aquatic plants exposed to atrazine. The Plant Assemblage Toxicity Index (PATI) and the Comprehensive Aquatic Systems Model for atrazine (CASMATZ2) incorporate single-species toxicity data but are calibrated with micro- and mesocosm study results to calculate community-level LOCs. The Brock et al. scoring system relies exclusively on mesocosm studies. Single-species toxicity data were used in a modified version of the USEPA's Water Quality Criteria (WQC) method. The 60-day LOCs calculated using the 4 methods ranged from 19.6 to 26 µg/L. A weight-of-evidence assessment indicated that the CASMATZ2 method was the most environmentally relevant and statistically reliable method. Using all 4 methods with weights based on method reliability, the weighted 60-day LOC was 23.6 µg/L. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:686–701. © 2016 SETAC

Key Points

A level of concern (LOC) that is protective of aquatic plant communities is required for atrazine by the USEPA to interpret monitoring data and for decision making. The USEPA has not been successful in developing such an LOC. We evaluated 4 methods for deriving an atrazine LOC, each having strengths and weaknesses. Using the results of our weight-of-evidence evaluation of available methods, we developed an LOC of 23.6 µg/L for atrazine protective of aquatic plant communities.
Liquid–liquid synthesis of oximes from carbonyl compounds: formation under neutral conditions and degradation at acidic hydrometallurgical process conditions
Authors: Kabugo James , Virolainen Sami , Paatero Erkki , Sainio Tuomo
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

In order to elucidate kinetics in the synthesis of oxime liquid–liquid extraction reagents, used as ligands in hydrometallurgical copper production, the oximation reactions of salicylaldehyde and 2′‐hydroxyacetophenone with hydroxylamine were studied in a two‐phase system. Two experimental methods were applied: CSTR reactor under vigorous mixing and batch reactor under normal agitation. The reverse reaction in acidic conditions was also examined, because it results in hydroxyoxime reagent losses in copper liquid–liquid extraction process.

RESULTS

The overall oximation reaction was of a second‐order, first‐order with respect to each reactant. The estimated activation energy for oximation of salicylaldehyde was 34.2 kJ mol−1, and interfacial reaction rate constant at 40°C 4.81 × 10−3 L mol−1 s−1. The model used, including the empirical description for interfacial reactant concentrations, described the salicylaldehyde oximation reaction well over a wide concentration range. In the batch reactor more than 0.99 conversion for salicylaldehyde was achieved in 15 min at 50°C, but for 2′‐hydroxyacetophenone the maximum reaction conversion was only 0.17 at 70°C in 60 min. Both, aldoxime and ketoxime, were hydrolyzed into their corresponding carbonyl compounds in the presence of 180 g L−1 sulfuric acid. The ketoxime was completely converted into a ketone, but with the aldoxime 80% reagent degradation was observed at equilibrium.

CONCLUSION

A liquid–liquid system in neutral conditions is applicable for the oximation of aldehydes generated by degradation of hydroxyoxime solvent extraction reagents. For ketones the reaction is much slower. The degradation reaction was shown to be significant in conditions similar to the copper liquid–liquid extraction stripping stage. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Intra‐individual variability in job complexity over time: Examining the effect of job complexity trajectory on employee job strain
Authors: Li Junchao (Jason) , Burch Tyler C. , Lee Thomas W.
Published: November 2016

Drawing on gestalt characteristics theory, we advance the literature on the effect of job complexity on employee well‐being by considering intra‐individual variability of job complexity over time. Specifically, we examine how the trend, or trajectory, of job complexity over time can explain unique variance of employee job strain. Across two longitudinal data sets, we consistently find that, with the average level of job complexity during a given period held constant, a positive job complexity trajectory (i.e., an increasing trend in complexity) is associated with higher employee job strain. Based on job‐demand‐control theory and the exposure‐reactivity model, we further establish that job autonomy and employee emotional stability jointly moderate the relationship between job complexity trajectory and employee job strain. Specifically, for employees with high emotional stability, job autonomy mitigates the job strain brought by positive job complexity trajectory, whereas for employees with low emotional stability, job autonomy does not help to reduce the adverse effect of the increasing trend. These findings not only contribute to extend the understanding of the job complexity – strain relationship, but also suggest a promising, dynamic avenue to study the effects of work characteristics on employee well‐being as well as other outcomes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Life cycles of agriculturally relevantENSOteleconnections in North and South America
Authors: Anderson Weston , Seager Richard , Baethgen Walter , Cane Mark
Published: November 2016

The characteristic evolution of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on timescales of months to years means that risks to agriculture have structure between seasons and years. The potential for consecutiveENSO‐induced yield anomalies is of particular interest in major food producing areas, where modest changes in yield have significant effects on global markets. In this study, we analyse how multi‐year El Niño and La Niña life cycles relate to climate sensitive portions of major crop‐growing seasons in North and South America.

We analyse the dynamics underlying these life cycles to illustrate which aspects of the system are most important for agriculture. In North America, the same‐season teleconnections affecting soybean and maize have been well studied, but we demonstrate the importance of lagged soil moisture teleconnections for wheat in the southern Great Plains. In South America, peakENSOsea surface temperature (SST) teleconnections are concurrent with, and therefore critical for, wheat and maize growing seasons while soil moisture memory in Argentina plays an important role during the soybean growing season.

Finally, we show thatENSOteleconnection life cycles are consistent with historical yield anomalies. Both El Niño and La Niña life cycles tend to force consecutive seasons of either above or below expected yields. While the magnitude of the yield anomalies forced byENSOis often modest, they occur in major crop‐producing regions.
Characterization of antimicrobial resistance and quinolone resistance factors in high‐level ciprofloxacin‐resistant Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium isolates obtained from fresh produce and fecal samples of patients
Authors: Kim Min‐Chan , Woo Gun‐Jo
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

The emergence of fluoroquinolone‐resistant enterococci is worldwide. Antimicrobial resistance was characterized and the effect of quinolone‐resistance factors was analyzed in high‐level ciprofloxacin‐resistant (HLCR) Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium isolated from fresh produce and fecal samples of patients.

RESULTS

Among the 81 ciprofloxacin‐resistant Enterococcus isolates, 46 showed high levels of ciprofloxacin resistance, resistance to other quinolone antibiotics, and multidrug resistance profiles. The virulence factors esp and hyl were identified in 27 (58.7%) and 25 (54.3%) of isolates, respectively. Sequence type analysis showed that 35 strains of HLCR E. faecium were clonal complex 17. Eleven strains of HLCR E. faecalis were confirmed as sequence type (ST) 28, ST 64 and ST 125. Quinolone resistance‐determining region mutation was identified in HLCR Enterococcus isolates; with serine being changed in gyrA83, gyrA87 and parC80. This result shows that gyrA and parC mutations could be important factors for high‐level resistance to fluoroquinolones.

CONCLUSION

No significant differences were observed in antimicrobial resistance patterns and genetic characteristics among the isolates from fresh produce and fecal samples. Therefore, good agricultural practices in farming and continuous monitoring of patients, food and the environment for Enterococcus spp. should be performed to prevent antimicrobial resistance and enable reduction of resistance rates. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
The application of NMR‐based milk metabolite analysis in milk authenticity identification
Authors: Li Qiangqiang , Yu Zunbo , Zhu Dan , Meng Xianghe , Pang Xiumei , Liu Yue , Frew Russell , Chen He , Chen Gang
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

Milk is an important food component in the human diet and is a target for fraud, including many unsafe practices. For example, the unscrupulous adulteration of soymilk into bovine and goat milk or of bovine milk into goat milk in order to gain profit without declaration is a health risk, as the adulterant source and sanitary history are unknown. A robust and fit‐for‐purpose technique is required to enforce market surveillance and hence protect consumer health. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a powerful technique for characterization of food products based on measuring the profile of metabolites. In this study, 1D NMR in conjunction with multivariate chemometrics as well as 2D NMR was applied to differentiate milk types and to identify milk adulteration.

RESULTS

Ten metabolites were found which differed among milk types, hence providing characteristic markers for identifying the milk. These metabolites were used to establish mathematical models for milk type differentiation. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of adulteration was 2% (v/v) for soymilk in bovine milk, 2% (v/v) for soymilk in goat milk and 5% (v/v) for bovine milk in goat milk, with relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 10%, which can meet the needs of daily inspection.

CONCLUSION

The NMR method described here is effective for milk authenticity identification, and the study demonstrates that the NMR‐based milk metabolite analysis approach provides a means of detecting adulteration at expected levels and can be used for dairy quality monitoring. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Simultaneous determination of haloanisoles and halophenols in water using in situ acylation combined with solid‐phase microextraction with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Chaoyi , Zou Pan , Zhang Ting , Li Haipu , Yang Zhaoguang
Published: November 2016

In this work, an in situ acylation combined with solid‐phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry method has been developed for simultaneously determining haloanisoles (2,4,6‐trichloranisole, 2,4,6‐tribromoanisole), and their direct precursors (2,4,6‐trichlorophenol, 2,4,6‐tribromophenol) and indirect precursors (2‐chloropenol, 2,4‐dichlorophenol, 2‐bromophenol, 2,4‐dibromophenol) in water. The key parameters for the solid‐phase microextraction were determined by using Plackett–Burman screening and optimized by central composite optimization. Under optimal conditions, the eight compounds can be analyzed in a short time (33 min) with a strong linearity ranging from 2 to 200 ng/L (correlation coefficient greater than 0.996), showing good sensitivities with the limit of detection in a range of 0.23–0.91 ng/L and a limit of quantification of 0.77–3.03 ng/L, good repeatability (2.00–9.10%) and interday precision (1.67–11.3%). When environmental water samples were treated, the recoveries of target compounds were 75.5–127.3%, suggesting that the developed method could be applied in probing the origin of haloanisoles and monitoring halophenols and haloanisoles in natural waters at concentration levels of ng/L.
Satellite Thermography for Soil Salinity Assessment of Cropped Areas in Uzbekistan
Authors: Ivushkin Konstantin , Bartholomeus Harm , Bregt Arnold K. , Pulatov Alim
Published: November 2016

A change of canopy temperature can indicate stress in vegetation. Use of canopy temperature to assess salt stress in specific plant species has been well studied in laboratory and greenhouse experiments, but its potential for use in landscape‐level studies using remote sensing techniques has not yet been explored. Our study investigated the application of satellite thermography to assess soil salinity of cropped areas at the landscape level. The study region was Syrdarya Province, a salt‐affected, irrigated semi‐arid province of Uzbekistan planted mainly to cotton and wheat. We used moderate‐resolution imaging spectroradiometer satellite images as an indicator for canopy temperature and the provincial soil salinity map as a ground truth dataset. Using analysis of variance, we examined relations among the soil salinity map and canopy temperature, normalized difference vegetation index, enhanced vegetation index, and digital elevation model. The results showed significant correlations between soil salinity and canopy temperature, but the strength of the relation varied over the year. The strongest relation was observed for cotton in September. The calculated F values were higher for canopy temperature than for the other indicators investigated. Our results suggest that satellite thermography is a valuable landscape‐level approach for detecting soil salinity in areas under agricultural crops. © 2016 The Authors. Land Degradation & Development Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Analysis of a system related to a model for phase transitions in dissipative isochoric thermoviscoelastic materials
Authors: Assunção Welington Vieira , Boldrini José Luiz
Published: November 2016

We analyze a highly nonlinear system of partial differential equations related to a model solidification and/or melting of thermoviscoelastic isochoric materials with the possibility of motion of the material during the process. This system consists of an internal energy balance equation governing the evolution of temperature, coupled with an evolution equation for a phase field whose values describe the state of material and a balance equation for the linear moments governing the material displacements. For this system, under suitable dissipation conditions, we prove global existence and uniqueness of weak solutions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The many faces of SRPK1
Authors: Bullock Nicholas , Oltean Sebastian
Published: November 2016

Serine–arginine protein kinase 1 (SRPK1) phosphorylates proteins involved in the regulation of several mRNA‐processing pathways, including alternative splicing. SRPK1 has been recently reported to be overexpressed in multiple cancers, including prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and glioma. Several studies have shown that inhibition of SRPK1 has anti‐tumoural effects, and SRPK1 has therefore become a new candidate for targeted therapies. Interestingly, in terms of molecular mechanism, SRPK1 seems to act heterogeneously, and has been reported to affect several processes in different cancers, e.g. angiogenesis in prostate and colon cancer, apoptosis in breast and colon cancer, and migration in breast cancer. A recent report adds to this puzzle, showing that the main effect of SRPK1 overexpression in non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma is to stimulate a stem cell‐like phenotype. This pleiotropy might be related to preferential activation of different downstream signalling pathways by SRPK1 in various cancers. © 2016 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Are ultrasound renal aspects associated with urinary biochemistry in fetuses with lower urinary tract obstruction?
Authors: Nassr Ahmed A. , Koh Chester Koh , Shamshirsaz Alireza A. , Espinoza Jimmy , Sangi‐Haghpeykar Haleh , Sharhan Dina , Welty Stephen , Angelo Joseph , Roth David , Belfort Michael A. , Braun Michael , Ruano Rodrigo
Published: November 2016

Objective

To evaluate the association between ultrasonographic renal parameters and urine biochemistry in fetuses with lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO).

Methods

Data were collected prospectively from 31 consecutive fetuses with LUTO that underwent vesicocentesis for fetal urinary biochemistry between April 2013 and September 2015. The following renal ultrasound markers were assessed immediately before the vesicocentesis: renal echogenicity, presence of cortical cysts, presence of findings suggestive of ‘renal dysplasia’ (hyperechogenic cystic kidneys with no cortical‐medullary differentiation) and severe oligohydramnios (amniotic fluid < 5th percentile). The association of these parameters to the fetal urinary concentration of sodium, chloride, calcium, osmolality and beta2‐microglobulin was investigated by logistic regression analysis.

Results

There was no relationship between any of the ultrasonographic fetal renal characteristics and fetal urinary biochemistry.

Conclusions

In LUTO, the ultrasound appearance of the fetal kidneys and urinary biochemistry are not correlated. It may be better to take both ultrasound and biochemistry into account when evaluating fetuses with fetal LUTO. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphological and mechanical properties of polyamide 6/nanodiamond composites prepared by melt mixing: effect of surface functionality of nanodiamond
Authors: Karami Pooria , Shojaei Akbar
Published: November 2016

Surface chemistry of as‐received nanodiamond (ND) was first tailored by dry thermal oxidation to obtain carboxylated ND (ND‐COOH) and by wet chemistry to obtain ethylenediamine‐functionalized ND (ND‐EDA). Then, the surface‐functionalized ND particles were dispersed in polyamide 6 (PA6) using the melt‐mixing method. Transmission optical and scanning electron microscopies indicated a fine dispersion at low nanodiamond concentrations, e.g. 0.25 wt%, particularly with ND‐EDA. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that ND‐EDA favoured the α‐phase crystal and enhanced the degree of crystallinity of PA6. Experimental data indicated that ND‐EDA had considerably improved tensile properties at low concentration of 0.25 wt% compared to ND‐COOH, which was correlated to the fine dispersion and stronger and thicker interphase in the case of ND‐EDA. It was also found that the toughness of PA6 was improved on incorporation of ND‐EDA due to development of microcracking and crazing. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Applying high‐throughput computational techniques for discovering next‐generation of permanent magnets
Authors: Nieves P. , Arapan S. , Hadjipanayis G. C. , Niarchos D. , Barandiaran J. M. , Cuesta‐López S.
Published: November 2016

The uncertainty in rare‐earth market resulted in worldwide efforts to develop rare‐earth‐lean/free permanent magnets. In this paper, we discuss about this problem and analyse how advances in computational and theoretical condensed matter physics could be essential in the development of a new generation of high‐performance permanent magnets via high‐throughput computational technique for material design. Additionally, we show that an adaptive genetic algorithm based methodology could be a useful tool for finding new magnetic phases. In particular, we apply such approach to Fe0.75Sn0.25 compound recovering well‐known experimental results and also finding new low‐energy magnetic metastable structures. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Design of all‐fiber thulium laser in CW and QCW mode of operation for medical use
Authors: Pal Debasis , Sen Ranjan , Pal Atasi
Published: November 2016

Fiber laser below 2000 nm is required for effective urological applications because of strong water absorption. Design of all‐fiber thulium laser at this wavelength under pumping at 793 nm, utilizing cross relaxation mechanism, demands rigorous optimization of parameters as highly concentrated thulium doped silica has maximum gain at around 2010 nm. Length of the active fiber and the reflectivity of the output coupler have been optimized for maximum slope efficiency and output power. Counter propagating pumping scheme has been considered for better thermal management and good lasing efficiency. Spectral property and time domain response of the laser have been studied at different levels of output power. Lasing characteristics at 1910 nm, 1950 nm, 2000 nm and 2100 nm have also been investigated. The continuous wave lasing at 1950 nm with output power of 16.1 W having slope efficiency of 65.6% has been demonstrated. In quasi‐continuous wave mode of operation, pulse energy in the range of 400 µJ to 5 mJ has been measured for the peak power of 16 W. The designed laser has been used successfully in human kidney stone breaking.
Single crystalline SnO2 thin films grown on m ‐plane sapphire substrate by mist chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Yatabe Zenji , Tsuda Takaaki , Matsushita Junya , Sato Takehide , Otabe Tatsuya , Sue Koji , Nagaoka Shoji , Nakamura Yusui
Published: November 2016

Tin dioxide (SnO2) thin films, as a candidate for realizing next‐generation electrical and optical devices, were grown on 2‐inch diameter m ‐plane sapphire substrates by mist chemical vapour deposition at atmospheric pressure. The SnO2 thin films were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) in θ–2θ and φ scanning modes, and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Although the SEM and AFM images showed a relatively rough surface morphology, it was found from the XRD and EBSD measurements that SnO2 films were epitaxially grown on the substrates under optimised growth condition. Epitaxial growth of SnO2 thin film growth at three typical areas on the substrate was confirmed by the EBSD measurements. It is likely that the single crystalline SnO2 (001) thin film was formed across the 2‐inch sapphire substrate. Finally, the second SnO2 layer was overgrown on the above single crystalline SnO2 thin film, which functioned as a buffer layer. This method which drastically improved surface roughness of the second SnO2 layer.
Prediction of rapid intensification of tropical cyclone Phailin over the Bay of Bengal using the HWRF modelling system
Authors: Osuri Krishna K. , Nadimpalli Raghu , Mohanty Uma C. , Niyogi Dev
Published: November 2016

The study objective is to assess the impact of cloud‐permitting resolution and improved representation of multiscale processes on the ability to predict rapid intensification (RI) and structure of Phailin (2013), one of the strongest tropical cyclones (TCs) over the Bay of Bengal. The state‐of‐the‐art Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting (HWRF) modelling system is used with two different configurations. The first configuration uses a static domain of 27 km grid size with a movable nested domain of 9 km grid size (hereafter H2D). The second configuration has an additional movable nested domain of 3 km grid size (known as H3D) to resolve meso‐ and vortex‐scale features respectively.

The results clearly show the ability of the H3D system at cloud‐permitting resolution (3 km) in predicting the TC movement, intensity and structure. The storm‐to‐vortex scale interaction in H3D allowed for better prediction of large‐scale wind flow, low‐level wind asymmetry and PV tendency, and provided insight to improve track predictions. The vortex depth is another important factor and the shallow vortex in the H2D run interacted differently with the large‐scale environment and resulted in large track and intensity errors. Substantial gains are noticed in RI and structure prediction, mainly due to better simulation of diabatic heating, strong inflow, and moisture distribution in H3D, where the intensity errors are ≤11 knots (5.6 m s−1) up to the 72 h forecast, and up to 40 knots (20.5 m s−1) in the H2D version. The upper‐level warming is well resolved in the H3D as compared to the H2D run. In summary, this study highlights the need for considering multiscale interactions and improved physics along with high‐resolution initialization to resolve convective processes in the vortex and to realistically predict track, structure, and intensity changes.