bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of dried distillers’ grains and solubles when replacing corn or soybean meal on rumen microbial growth in vitro as measured using DNA as a microbial marker
Authors: Castillo-Lopez E. , Klopfenstein T. J. , Fernando S. C. , Kononoff P. J.
Published: February 2014

Castillo-Lopez, E., Klopfenstein, T. J., Fernando, S. C. and Kononoff, P. J. 2014. Effect of dried distillers’ grains and solubles when replacing corn or soybean meal on rumen microbial growth in vitro as measured using DNA as a microbial marker. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 349–356. The objectives were to evaluate the use of rDNA markers to measure the effects of dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) and the potential treatment×time interaction on microbial crude protein (MCP) synthesis in vitro and secondly to measure the contribution of yeast based protein originating from DDGS. Treatments were: (1) CONT, control with no DDGS, but with alfalfa hay, corn silage, ground corn (GC) and soybean meal (SBM) included at 25% (DM basis); (2) LOWCORN, 20% DDGS (DM basis) replacing GC; (3) LOWSBM, 20% DDGS (DM basis) replacing SBM; and (4) LOWCORNSBM, 20% DDGS (DM basis) replacing 10% GC and 10% SBM. Treatments (0.5 g) were incubated in 50 mL of inoculum in duplicate. At 0, 4, 16, 32, 48 and 96 h of fermentation total DNA was extracted from each treatment and MCP was measured using rDNA markers. The sum of bacterial crude protein (BCP) and protozoal crude protein (PCP) was considered as MCP. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design. The treatment×time interaction was tested and the SLICE option was included to evaluate the effect of treatment at each fermentation time point. There was a tendency to a treatment×time interaction (P=0.07) for MCP. Specifically, at 16 h, LOWCORNSBM yielded greater (P<0.05) MCP compared to either CONT or LOWCORN with estimates of 68.5, 33.8 and 23.3±8.9 mg g–1DM, for LOWCORNSBM, CONT and LOWCORN, respectively. At 48 h, however, LOWCORN yielded greater MCP (P<0.05) compared with LOWSBM with estimates of 72.2 and 32.5±8.9 mg g–1DM, for LOWCORN and LOWSBM, respectively. Yeast crude protein (YCP) was not affected (P=0.21) and averaged 0.04±0.02 mg g–1of substrate (DM basis). Overall, rDNA markers were effective for quantifying MCP, but further research on the methodology is needed. With DDGS inclusion, MCP was maintained; however, yeast cells were extensively degraded during fermentation.
Pilot laparoscopic ileal cannulation in pigs
Authors: Zhang S. X. , Wang H. B. , Zhang H. , Liu H. F. , Zhou Z. F. , Zhang J. T. , Gao L.
Published: February 2014

Zhang, S. X., Wang, H. B., Zhang, H., Liu, H. F., Zhou, Z. F., Zhang, J. T. and Gao, L. 2014. Pilot laparoscopic ileal cannulation in pigs. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 371–377. Pilot laparoscopic ileal cannulation was performed in eight anesthetized pigs (40.5±1.9 kg) positioned in dorsal recumbency using three portals in the abdomen. The T-shaped ileal cannulation site was located 15 cm anterior to the ileocecal valve on the antimesenteric section of the ileum. A transabdominal suspension suture was placed approximately 3 cm caudal to the ileal cannulation site. A purse-string suture was placed first around the insertion site, and a stab incision was made in the middle of the purse-string suture. The T-shaped cannula was inserted into the ileal lumen through the stab incision, and the purse-string suture was tightened. The T-shaped ileal cannula was pulled out of the abdominal cavity through the exit wound located 3–5 cm lateral and 10–12 cm caudal to the right or left side of the umbilicus. The transabdominal suspension suture was then removed. The T-shaped cannula was secured to the skin with a finger-trap suture. Surgical time and complications were recorded. Repeat laparoscopy was performed 35 d later. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. The ileal contents were collected easily. On repeat laparoscopy, firm adhesion between the ileum and the abdominal wall was observed in all pigs, and there was no evidence of digesta leakage or consequential peritonitis.
Subsurface pH and carbonate saturation state of aragonite on the Chinese side of the North Yellow Sea: seasonal variations and controls
Authors: Zhai W.-D. , Zheng N. , Huo C. , Xu Y. , Zhao H.-D. , Li Y.-W. , Zang K.-P. , Wang J.-Y. , Xu X.-M.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Based upon eight field surveys conducted between May 2011 and May 2012, we investigated seasonal variations in pH, carbonate saturation state of aragonite (Ωarag), and ancillary data on the Chinese side of the North Yellow Sea, a western North Pacific continental margin of major economic importance. Subsurface waters were CO2-undersaturated in May and nearly in equilibrium with atmospheric CO2 in June. From July to October, the fugacity of CO2 (fCO2) of bottom water gradually increased from 438 ± 44 μatm to 630 ± 84 μatm, and pHT decreased from 8.02 ± 0.04 to 7.88 ± 0.06 due to local aerobic remineralization of primary-production-induced biogenic particles. The subsurface community respiration rates in summer and autumn were estimated to be from 0.80 to 1.08 μmol-O2 kg−1 d−1 within a relatively high salinity range of 31.63 to 32.25. From November to May in the next year, however, subsurface fCO2 gradually decreased and pH increased due to cooling and water column ventilation. The corresponding bottom water Ωarag was 1.85 ± 0.21 (May), 1.79 ± 0.24 (June), 1.75 ± 0.27 (July), 1.76 ± 0.29 (August), 1.45 ± 0.31 (October), 1.52 ± 0.25 (November), and 1.41 ± 0.12 (January). Extremely low Ωarag values (from 1.13 to 1.40) were observed mainly in subsurface waters within the high salinity range of 31.63 to 32.25, which covered a major fraction of the study area in October and November. Of the China seas, the North Yellow Sea represents one of the systems most vulnerable to the potential negative effects of ocean acidification.
Simulating ice core 10Be on the glacial–interglacial timescale
Authors: Elsässer C. , Wagenbach D. , Levin I. , Stanzick A. , Christl M. , Wallner A. , Kipfstuhl S. , Seierstad I. K. , Wershofen H. , Dibb J.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. 10Be ice core measurements are an important tool for paleoclimate research, e.g. allowing for the reconstruction of past solar activity or variation in the natural 14C production rate. However, especially on multi-millennial timescales, the share of production and climate induced variations of respective 10Be ice core records is still up to debate. Here we present the first quantitative climatological model of the 10Be ice concentration up to the glacial–interglacial timescale. The model approach is composed of (i) a coarse resolution global atmospheric transport model and (ii) a local 10Be air–firn-transfer model. Extensive global-scale observational data of short-lived radionuclides as well as new polar 10Be snow pit measurements are used for model calibration and validation. Being specifically configured for polar 10Be, this tool thus allows for a straight-forward investigation of production and non-production related modulation of this nuclide. We find that the polar 10Be ice concentration does not record a globally mixed cosmogenic production signal. In fact, the geomagnetic modulation of Greenland 10Be is up to 50% lower than in case of the global atmospheric 10Be inventory. Using geomagnetic modulation and revised Greenland snow accumulation rate changes as model input we simulate the observed Greenland Summit (GRIP and GISP2) 10Be ice core records over the last 75 kyr (on the GICC05modelext timescale). We show that our basic model is capable to reproduce the largest portion of the observed 10Be changes. However, model-measurements differences exhibit multi-millennial oscillations with amplitudes up to 87% of the mean observed Holocene 10Be concentration. Focusing on the (12–37) kyr b2k (before the year 2000 AD) period, mean model-measurements differences of 30% cannot be imputed to production changes. However, unconsidered climate-induced changes could likely explain the model shortcomings. In fact, the 10Be ice concentration is very sensitive to snow accumulation changes. Here the reconstructed Greenland Summit (GRIP) snow accumulation rate record would require revision of +28% to solely account for the (12–37) kyr b2k measurements-model differences.
Can sparse proxy data constrain the strength of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation?
Authors: Kurahashi-Nakamura T. , Losch M. , Paul A.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. In a feasibility study, the potential of proxy data for the temperature and salinity during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, about 19 000 to 23 000 years before present) in constraining the strength of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) with a general ocean circulation model was explored. The proxy data were simulated by drawing data from four different model simulations at the ocean sediment core locations of the Multiproxy Approach for the Reconstruction of the Glacial Ocean surface (MARGO) project, and perturbing these data with realistic noise estimates. The results suggest that our method has the potential to provide estimates of the past strength of the AMOC even from sparse data, but in general, paleo-sea-surface temperature data without additional prior knowledge about the ocean state during the LGM is not adequate to constrain the model. On the one hand, additional data in the deep-ocean and salinity data are shown to be highly important in estimating the LGM circulation. On the other hand, increasing the amount of surface data alone does not appear to be enough for better estimates. Finally, better initial guesses to start the state estimation procedure would greatly improve the performance of the method. Indeed, with a sufficiently good first guess, just the sea-surface temperature data from the MARGO project promise to be sufficient for reliable estimates of the strength of the AMOC.
Climate change impacts on river discharge in West Africa: a review
Authors: Roudier P. , Ducharne A. , Feyen L.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. This review summarizes the impacts of climate change on runoff in West Africa, assesses the uncertainty in the projections and describes future research needs for the region. To do so, we constitute a meta-database made of 19 studies and 301 future runoff change values. The future tendency in streamflow developments is overall very uncertain (median of the 301 points is 0% and mean +5.2%), except for (i) the Gambia River which exhibits a significant negative change (median = −4.5%) and (ii) the Sassandra and the Niger Rivers where the change is much more positive (+14.4 and +6.1%). A correlation analysis revealed that runoff changes are tightly linked to changes in rainfall (R = 0.49), and to a smaller extent also to changes in PET. Other parameters than climate such as the carbon effect on plant water efficiency, land use dynamics or water withdrawals could also significantly impact on runoff, but they generally do not offset the effects of climate change. In view of the potential changes, the large uncertainty therein, and the high vulnerability of the region to such changes, there is an urgent need for integrated studies that quantify the potential effects of these processes on water resources in West Africa. We especially underline the lack of information concerning projections of future floods and droughts, and of inter-annual fluctuations in streamflows.
Sensibility to noise of new multifractal fusion methods for ocean variables
Authors: Turiel A. , Isern-Fontanet J. , Umbert M.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The repeated observation of the same signatures of mesoscale and submesoscale features in different ocean variables indicates that some common, non-linear processes affect them to a significant extent. A new method to exploit these common signatures to improve the quality of a noisy variable (i.e. increasing the signal-to-noise ratio) using another variable as template has recently been introduced. The method is based on superimposing the multifractal structure of singularity exponents from the template variable to the variable to be enhanced. In this paper, we will discuss the sensitivity of this method to the presence of noise of different types and amplitude. Our results indicate that multifractal methods can be a key to enhancing the existing databases of remote sensing images and give hints about non-linear dynamics of the ocean.
A hybrid variational ensemble data assimilation for the HIgh Resolution Limited Area Model (HIRLAM)
Authors: Gustafsson N. , Bojarova J. , Vignes O.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. A hybrid variational ensemble data assimilation has been developed on top of the HIRLAM variational data assimilation. It provides the possibility of applying a flow-dependent background error covariance model during the data assimilation at the same time as full rank characteristics of the variational data assimilation are preserved. The hybrid formulation is based on an augmentation of the assimilation control variable with localised weights to be assigned to a set of ensemble member perturbations (deviations from the ensemble mean). The flow-dependency of the hybrid assimilation is demonstrated in single simulated observation impact studies and the improved performance of the hybrid assimilation in comparison with pure 3-dimensional variational as well as pure ensemble assimilation is also proven in real observation assimilation experiments. The performance of the hybrid assimilation is comparable to the performance of the 4-dimensional variational data assimilation. The sensitivity to various parameters of the hybrid assimilation scheme and the sensitivity to the applied ensemble generation techniques are also examined. In particular, the inclusion of ensemble perturbations with a lagged validity time has been examined with encouraging results.
Le temps, c’est la vie
Authors: Jeammet Philippe
Published: February 2014

Les troubles psychiatriques représentent un véritable miroir grossissant du pouvoir des facteurs émotionnels de désorganiser ce qu’on peut appeler l’homéostasie psychique. Mais ces mêmes troubles ont une valeur adaptative qui peut rendre compte de l’adhésion du patient à ceux-ci. Détruire, y compris soi-même peut ainsi devenir une façon paradoxale de manifester sa volonté d’exister, car détruire est toujours possible et se situe hors du temps qui est ce qui nous échappe par excellence. La destructivité peut devenir ainsi plus ou moins insidieusement la valeur référence qui peut griser l’être humain. Elle est en effet sans limite, à l’abri de la déception et de toute attente, contrairement à la créativité – en somme la drogue humaine par excellence.
Pour une métapsychologie de l’espace. Une troisième topique
Authors: Marceau Lise
Published: February 2014

Le projet d’une troisième topique permet de pallier aux insuffisances de la métapsychologie freudienne, soit le manque d’importance accordée à la réponse de l’objet dans la constitution du psychisme humain. Elle permet aussi de déterminer les conditions de passage de l’unité duelle primordiale à l’unité individuelle intrapsychique, et l’avènement d’un espace dit transitionnel, déjà élaboré par Winnicott. Espace transitionnel, lieu de la naissance du sujet qui nous fera évoquer les pathologies du transitionnel ou des problématiques narcissiques-identitaires. La troisième topique est donc abordée ici comme un outil qui permet d’élaborer une métapsychologie de l’espace, ainsi que de conceptualiser la clinique des états limites qui interroge la méthode psychanalytique quant à ses fondements. Nous revisiterons les concepts clé utilisés par Reid, tel que le Soi, l’hallucinatoire, le travail du Négatif et la transitionnalité. Pour éclairer notre parcours dans cet espace créé/découvert par Winnicott, nous nous servirons aussi des lumières de Pontalis, Ogden et quelques autres.
A growing oceanic carbon uptake: Results from an inversion study of surface pCO2 data
Authors: Majkut Joseph D. , Sarmiento J. L. , Rodgers K. B.
Published: February 2014

Concerted community efforts have been devoted to producing an authoritative climatology of air‐sea CO2 fluxes, but identifying decadal trends in CO2 fluxes has proven to be more challenging. The available surface pCO2 estimates are too sparse to separate long‐term trends from decadal and seasonal variability using simple linear models. We introduce Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling as a novel technique for estimating the historical pCO2 at the ocean surface. The result is a plausible history of surface pCO2 based on available measurements and variability inferred from model simulations. Applying the method to a modern database of pCO2 data, we find that two thirds of the ocean surface is trending toward increasing uptake of CO2, with a mean (year 2000) uptake of 2.3 ± 0.5 PgC yr−1 of anthropogenic carbon and an increase in the global annual uptake over the 30 year time period of 0.4 ± 0.1 PgC yr−1 decade−1. The results are particularly interesting in the Southern Ocean, where we find increasing uptake of carbon over this time period, in contrast to previous studies. We find evidence for increased ventilation of deep ocean carbon, in response to increased winds, which is more than offset by an associated surface cooling.
Weak ductile shear zone beneath a major strike‐slip fault: Inferences from earthquake cycle model constrained by geodetic observations of the western North Anatolian Fault Zone
Authors: Yamasaki Tadashi , Wright Tim J. , Houseman Gregory A.
Published: February 2014

GPS data before and after the 1999 İzmit/Düzce earthquakes on the North Anatolian Fault Zone (Turkey) reveal a preseismic strain localization within about 25 km of the fault and a rapid postseismic transient. Using 3‐D finite element calculations of the earthquake cycle in an idealized model of the crust, comprising elastic above Maxwell viscoelastic layers, we show that spatially varying viscosity in the crust can explain these observations. Depth‐dependent viscosity without lateral variations can reproduce some of the observations but cannot explain the proximity to the fault of maximum postseismic velocities. A localized weak zone beneath the faulted elastic lid satisfactorily explains the observations if the weak zone extends down to midcrustal depths, and the ratio of relaxation time to earthquake repeat time ranges from ~0.005 to ~0.01 (for weak‐zone widths of ~24 and 40 km, respectively) in the weakened domain and greater than ~1.0 elsewhere, corresponding to viscosities of ~1018 ± 0.3 Pa s and greater than ~1020 Pa s. Models with sharp weak‐zone boundaries fit the data better than those with a smooth viscosity increase away from the fault, implying that the weak zone may be bounded by a relatively abrupt change in material properties. Such a change might result from lithological contrast, grain size reduction, fabric development, or water content, in addition to any effects from shear heating. Our models also imply that viscosities inferred from postseismic studies primarily reflect the rheology of the weak zone and should not be used to infer the mechanical properties of normal crust.
Pn anisotropic tomography and dynamics under eastern Tibetan plateau
Authors: Lei Jianshe , Li Yuan , Xie Furen , Teng Jiwen , Zhang Guangwei , Sun Changqing , Zha Xiaohui
Published: February 2014

We present a new anisotropic tomographic model of the uppermost mantle around eastern Tibet using Pn traveltime data from a newly deployed temporary seismic array and recent observation bulletins of Chinese provincial networks. Our results are generally consistent with previous results but provide new insights into the dynamics of Tibetan plateau. Prominent high‐velocity (high‐V) anomalies are visible under Alashan block and Qaidam and Sichuan basins, which clearly outline their tectonic margins. A distinct high‐V zone representing the double‐sided subduction of Indo‐Eurasian plates is imaged from Lhasa block to the south of Qaidam basin. A pronounced low‐velocity (low‐V) zone is observed from Songpan‐Ganzi block to southern Chuan‐Dian diamond block, suggesting the existence of hot material upwelling there. Crustal strong earthquakes frequently occurred around high‐V anomalies or transition zones from high‐V to low‐V anomalies, suggesting that these earthquakes could be related to lateral heterogeneities in the mantle. The Pn fast direction approximately rotates around Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis, and it is tangential to the margins of Sichuan basin, suggesting that the mantle material flow of Tibetan plateau may have affected east China. In the Yunnan region to the south of 26°N, the Pn fast direction is different from SKS splitting results, indicating that the mantle lithosphere could be mechanically decoupled at certain depth below the uppermost mantle, which might be attributable to the subduction of Indian (or Burma) slab. Although the correlation between anisotropy and velocity is complicated, anisotropy strength could be associated with the pattern of velocity anomalies in the region.
Systematic survey of high‐resolutionbvalue imaging along Californian faults: Inference on asperities
Authors: Tormann T. , Wiemer S. , Mignan A.
Published: February 2014

Understanding and forecasting earthquake occurrences is presumably linked to understanding the stress distribution in the Earth's crust. This cannot be measured instrumentally with useful coverage. However, the size distribution of earthquakes, quantified by the Gutenberg‐Richterbvalue, is possibly a proxy to differential stress conditions and could therewith act as a crude stress‐meter wherever seismicity is observed. In this study, we improve the methodology ofbvalue imaging for application to a high‐resolution 3‐D analysis of a complex fault network. In particular, we develop a distance‐dependent sampling algorithm and introduce a linearity measure to restrict our output to those regions where the magnitude distribution strictly follows a power law. We assess the catalog completeness along the fault traces using the Bayesian Magnitude of Completeness method and systematically imagebvalues for 243 major fault segments in California. We identify and reportbvalue structures, revisiting previously published features, e.g., the Parkfield asperity, and documenting additional anomalies, e.g., along the San Andreas and Northridge faults. Combining localbvalues with local earthquake productivity rates, we derive probability maps for the annual potential of one or moreM6 events as indicated by the microseismicity of the last three decades. We present a physical concept of how different stressing conditions along a fault surface may lead tobvalue variation and explain nonlinear frequency‐magnitude distributions. Detailed spatialbvalue information and its physical interpretation can advance our understanding of earthquake occurrence and ideally lead to improved forecasting ability.
Optical Microscopy Studies of Liquid Crystals
Authors: Cowling Stephen J.
Published: February 2014

Liquid crystals, just like ordered crystals, organize themselves in structures that are relatively well defined, but this organization is not perfect and, as a result, they include defects. These defects, when viewed using polarized light microscopy, give rise to optical textures that are characteristic for each of the different liquid‐crystalline mesophases and provide a valuable diagnostic tool for the identification of mesophase type. This chapter focuses on the types of defects that occur and looks at the optical textures arising from the formation of defects in liquid crystal mesophases.
Nematic Liquid Crystals for Display Applications
Authors: Klasen‐Memmer Melanie , Hirschmann Harald
Published: February 2014

Starting with the introduction ofTNdisplays for wrist watches and calculators in the 1970s,LCDtechnology is now the dominating technology for any kind of display application. This review summarizes the individual material requirements for passive, matrix‐drivenTNandSTNtechnologies, forTFT‐TN,IPS,FFS,OCBand projection technologies, and forVAandPS‐VAtechnologies. KeyLCmaterials and their structure–property relations, as well asLCmixture properties, are highlighted.
Chemical Structures, Mesogenic Properties, and Synthesis of Liquid Crystals with Bent‐Core Structures
Authors: Gimeno Nélida , Blanca Ros María
Published: February 2014

Bent‐core liquid crystals are currently an interdisciplinary research field that is properly established. For this achievement, chemists have focused their efforts on the design and synthesis of a wide variety of bent‐shaped compounds with fairly different chemical structures, either of low molecular weight or of diverse macromolecules.

All these investigations have provided significant information on the chemical structure‐mesomorphic properties for this type of compound, revealing that, through subtle intermolecular interactions, a large variety of fascinating nematic, lamellar, and columnar liquid‐crystalline organizations can be induced, and even combined, with classical mesophases. As it is stressed throughout this chapter, this capability can be modulated and controlled by the appropriate selection and connection of the three basic structural units in bent‐shaped mesogens: the central bent‐core and the rodlike peripheral moiety, both forming the bent‐shaped basic structure of these molecules, and the terminal substituents or chains. The great versatility of design that offers these somewhat nonconventional mesogens might be exploited not only to investigate the basic structure‐activity relationships but also to achieve precise functional properties in the route to smart and functional materials.
Laterally Alkyl‐ and Aryl‐Substituted, Swallow‐Tailed, and Polycatenar Mesogens: Structural Features and Functionalities
Authors: Weissflog Wolfgang
Published: February 2014

Long‐chain groups additionally attached to calamitic mesogens change the shape of the molecules and, therefore, their attractive and repulsive interactions. While compounds bearing lateral alkyl groups mostly exhibit nematic phases, lateral substitution with aryl‐containing groups means a qualitative jump by special packing in layer structures. Polycatenar mesogens can be wedge or dumbbell shaped depending on the number and positions of hydrocarbon chains at one or both terminal positions. Phasmidic and double‐swallow‐tailed mesogens are not able to exhibit smectic A phases for steric reasons, which can be induced, however, in mixtures with small rodlike molecules. Lateral alkyl chains attached to bent‐core mesogens reduce the tendency to form polar switchable layer phases, whereas polycatenar bent molecules form columnar structures. Equipping the molecules under discussion with functional groups in any ω‐standing position allows the lateral or terminal connection of mesogens, for example, to dendrimers, polymers, or metallic surfaces such as gold. In general, increasing the number of aliphatic chains often decreases melting points, increases solubility, and, therefore, allows better processability of functional materials.
Design and Synthesis of Side‐Chain Liquid Crystal Polymers
Authors: Ujiie Seiji , Kato Takashi
Published: February 2014

Various types of side‐chain liquid crystal polymers with ferroelectric, photoactive, thermochromic, hydrogen‐bonded, and ionized properties have been synthesized by many research groups, and their physicochemical properties and orientational behavior have been studied. These studies have established the relationship between the structure and the physicochemical properties. This chapter describes the design and synthesis of a conventional side‐chain liquid crystal polymer in which mesogenic side groups are attached to the polymer chains.
Crystal Structures of the Carborane Dianions [1,4‐(PhCB10H10C)2C6H4]2− and [1,4‐(PhCB10H10C)2C6F4]2− and the Stabilizing Role of the para‐Phenylene Unit on 2 n+3 Skeletal Electron Clusters
Authors: Kahlert Jan , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Neumann Beate , Harder Rachel A. , Weber Lothar , Fox Mark A.
Published: February 2014

While carboranes with 2 n+2 and 2 n+4 (n=number of skeletal atoms) skeletal electrons (SE) are widely known, little has been reported on carboranes with odd SE numbers. Electrochemical measurements on two‐cage assemblies, where two C‐phenyl‐ortho‐carboranyl groups are linked by a para‐phenylene or a para‐tetrafluorophenylene bridge, revealed two well separated and reversible two‐electron reduction waves indicating formation of stable dianions and tetraanions. The salts of the dianions were isolated by reduction with sodium metal and their unusual structures were determined by X‐ray crystallography. The diamagnetic dianions contain two 2 n+3 SE clusters where each cluster has a notably long carborane C–carborane C distance of ca 2.4 Å. The π conjugation within the phenylene bridge plays an important role in the stabilization of these carboranes with odd SE counts.
In Situ Total X‐Ray Scattering Study of WO3 Nanoparticle Formation under Hydrothermal Conditions
Authors: Saha Dipankar , Jensen Kirsten M. Ø. , Tyrsted Christoffer , Bøjesen Espen D. , Mamakhel Aref Hasen , Dippel Ann‐Christin , Christensen Mogens , Iversen Bo B.
Published: February 2014

Pair distribution function analysis of in situ total scattering data recorded during formation of WO3 nanocrystals under hydrothermal conditions reveal that a complex precursor structure exists in solution. The WO6 polyhedra of the precursor cluster undergo reorientation before forming the nanocrystal. This reorientation is the critical element in the formation of different hexagonal polymporphs of WO3.
Direct Synthetic Route to Functionalized 1,2‐Azaborinines
Authors: Braunschweig Holger , Geetharani K. , Jimenez‐Halla J. Oscar C. , Schäfer Marius
Published: February 2014

A new catalytic synthetic route to functionalized 1,2‐azaborinines has been developed by the [2+2]/[2+4] cycloaddition reactions of di‐tert‐butyliminoboranes and alkynes in presence of a rhodium catalyst. The first examples of ferrocene‐functionalized azaborinines have been synthesized using this strategy. Moreover, the regioselectivity of this reaction can be controlled by the formation of an intermediate rhodium 1,2‐azaborete complex, which results in the isolation of the first azaborinine boronic ester. The isolation of an NH‐containing BN isostere by elimination of isobutene from an N(tBu) group under thermolytic conditions has also been achieved. Theoretical studies give further insight into the formation of 1,2‐azaborinines and the elimination of isobutene from the N(tBu) group.
Relevance judgments of mobile commercial information
Authors: Wang Xiaolun , Hong Zhijuan , Xu Yunjie (Calvin) , Zhang Chenghong , Ling Hong
Published: February 2014

In the age of mobile commerce, users receive floods of commercial messages. How do users judge the relevance of such information? Is their relevance judgment affected by contextual factors, such as location and time? How do message content and contextual factors affect users' privacy concerns? With a focus on mobile ads, we propose a research model based on theories of relevance judgment and mobile marketing research. We suggest topicality, reliability, and economic value as key content factors and location and time as key contextual factors. We found mobile relevance judgment is affected mainly by content factors, whereas privacy concerns are affected by both content and contextual factors. Moreover, topicality and economic value have a synergetic effect that makes a message more relevant. Higher topicality and location precision exacerbate privacy concerns, whereas message reliability alleviates privacy concerns caused by location precision. These findings reveal an interesting intricacy in user relevance judgment and privacy concerns and provide nuanced guidance for the design and delivery of mobile commercial information.
An exploratory study of secondary students' judgments of the relevance and reliability of information
Authors: Watson Curtis
Published: February 2014

This qualitative investigation is situated in the field of information seeking and use, and decision‐making theory provided a framework for the study. In a naturalistic setting and across a range of curriculum areas, it investigated the behavior of secondary school students undertaking information search tasks. Research questions focused on students' criteria for assessing the relevance and reliability of information. Thirty‐seven students between 14 and 17 years of age from a southeastern Australian school participated. The study collected data from journals; interviews, including video‐stimulated recall interviews; think‐aloud reports; video screen captures; and questionnaires. Data analysis culminated in grounded theory. Initial judgments of an item's relevance were based on comprehensibility, completeness of source, whether the item needed to be purchased, whether video sources were suitable, and whether factual or opinionative material met students' needs. Participants preferred information that provided topic overviews, information that linked to prior knowledge, and sources that treated topics in acceptable depth and were structured to facilitate accessibility. Students derived clues about reliability from URLs and considered the reputation of sources. The ability of an item to corroborate prior knowledge, its graphic design, its style of writing, and the perceived authority of its creators influenced participants' decisions about reliability.
E‐books versus print books: Readers' choices and preferences across contexts
Authors: Zhang Yin , Kudva Sonali
Published: February 2014

With electronic book (e‐book) sales and readership rising, are e‐books positioned to replace print books? This study examines the preference for e‐books and print books in the contexts of reading purpose, reading situation, and contextual variables such as age, gender, education level, race/ethnicity, income, community type, and Internet use. In addition, this study aims to identify factors that contribute to e‐book adoption. Participants were a nationally representative sample of 2,986 people in the United States from the Reading Habits Survey, conducted by the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project (http://pewinternet.org/Shared‐Content/Data‐Sets/2011/December‐2011‐‐Reading‐Habits.aspx). While the results of this study support the notion that e‐books have firmly established a place in people's lives, due to their convenience of access, e‐books are not yet positioned to replace print books. Both print books and e‐books have unique attributes and serve irreplaceable functions to meet people's reading needs, which may vary by individual demographic, contextual, and situational factors. At this point, the leading significant predictors of e‐book adoption are the number of books read, the individual's income, the occurrence and frequency of reading for research topics of interest, and the individual's Internet use, followed by other variables such as race/ethnicity, reading for work/school, age, and education.
Shared files: The retrieval perspective
Authors: Bergman Ofer , Whittaker Steve , Falk Noa
Published: February 2014

People who are collaborating can share files in two main ways: performing Group Information Management (GIM) using a common repository or performing Personal Information Management (PIM) by distributing files as e‐mail attachments and storing them in personal repositories. There is a trend toward using common repositories with many organizations encouraging workers to use GIM to avoid duplication of files and management. So far, PIM and GIM have been studied by different research communities, so their effectiveness for file retrieval has not yet been systematically compared. We compared PIM and GIM in a large‐scale elicited personal information retrieval study. We asked 275 users to retrieve 860 of their own shared files, testing the effect of sharing method on success and efficiency of retrieval. Participants preferred PIM over GIM. More important, PIM retrieval was more successful: Participants using GIM failed to find 22% of their files compared with 13% failures using PIM. This may be because active organization aids retrieval: When using personally created folders, the failure percentage was 65% lower than when using default folders (e.g., My Documents), and more than 5 times lower than when using folders created by others for GIM. Theoretical reasons for this are discussed.
Luminescence properties of barium – gadolinium–titanate ceramics doped with rare‐earth ions (Eu3+ and Tb3+)
Authors: Hemasundara Raju S. , Muni Sudhakar B. , Sudhakar Reddy B. , Dhoble S. J. , Thyagarajan K. , Nageswara Raju C.
Published: February 2014

Barium‐gadolinium‐titanate (BaGd2Ti4O12) powder ceramics doped with rare‐earth ions (Eu3+ and Tb3+) were synthesized by a solid‐state reaction method. From the X‐ray diffraction spectrum, it was observed that Eu3+ and Tb3+:BaGd2Ti4O12 powder ceramics are crystallized in the form of an orthorhombic structure. Scanning electron microscopy image shows that the particles are agglomerated and the particle size is about 200 nm. Eu3+‐ and Tb3+‐doped BaGd2Ti4O12 powder ceramics were examined by energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence and thermoluminescence (TL) spectra. Emission spectra of Eu3+‐doped BaGd2Ti4O12 powder ceramics showed bright red emission at 613 nm (5D0 → 7F2) with an excitation wavelength λexci = 408 nm (7F0 → 5D3) and Tb3+:BaGd2Ti4O12 ceramic powder has shown green emission at 534 nm (5D4 → 7F5) with an excitation wavelength λexci = 331 nm ((7F6 → 5D1). TL spectra show that Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions affect TL sensitivity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The challenges of implementing a simulation-based surgical training curriculum
Authors: Kordowicz A G R , Gough M J
Published: February 2014

Still needs more evaluation
Effect of Stereochemistry of Avermectin‐Like 6,6‐Spiroketals on Biological Activities and Endogenous Biotransformations in Streptomyces avermectinius
Authors: Sun Peng , Zhao Qunfei , Zhang Hua , Wu Jiequn , Liu Wen
Published: February 2014

Natural avermectins (AVEs) share a 6,6‐spiroketal moiety with an exclusive R configuration at the C21 spirocyclic junction. Herein, we report the characterization of nine AVE‐like spiroketals of two types (C21 S and R) in a mutant strain that lacks spirocyclase activity. Comparative analysis of their structures facilitated evaluation of the effect of stereochemistry on endogenous biotransformations and biological activities of the spiroketals.
Reduction of severe mitral regurgitation with the mitraclip system improves renal function in two patients presenting with acute kidney injury and progressive renal failure due to cardio renal syndrome
Authors: Asdonk T. , Nickenig G. , Hammerstingl C.
Published: February 2014

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a frequent valve disorder in elderly patients, often accompanied by multiple comorbidities such as renal impairment. In these patients percutaneous mitral valve (MV) repair has become an established treatment option but the role of MR on renal dysfunction is not yet well defined. We here report on two cases presenting with severe MR and progressive renal failure caused by cardio renal syndrome, in which percutaneous MV treatment with the MitraClip® system significantly improved renal function. These findings suggest that interventional MV repair can prevent progression of renal deterioration in patients suffering from combined advanced heart and renal failure. Further clinical studies are necessary to support our finding and to answer the question whether optimizing renal function by implantation of the MitraClip device is also of prognostic relevance in these patients. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predictors for prolonged hospital stay after transcatheter mitral valve repair with the MitraClip®
Authors: Ledwoch Jakob , Bertog Stefan , Wunderlich Nina , Doss Mirko , Fichtlscherer Stephan , Teufel Tobias , Herholz Tina , Vaskelyte Laura , Hofmann Ilona , Sievert Horst
Published: February 2014

Objective

The aim is to find predictors for a prolonged LOHS after MitraClip® implantation.

Background

Due to its less invasive nature, average length of hospital stay (LOHS) after the MitraClip® procedure is shorter compared to mitral valve surgery. However, some patients have a prolonged LOHS.

Methods

Records of consecutive patients who underwent MitraClip® procedure were reviewed. A total of 41 consecutive patients with MitraClip® implantation (76 ± 9 years, 59% men) were included. Median hospital stay was 7 days. Hospitalization lasting longer than 7 days was considered prolonged.

Results

Procedural success was achieved in 88% of the cases. In‐hospital death occurred in 4 of 41 patients (10%). Patients with a prolonged hospital stay (46%) had a higher EuroSCORE I (22.7% [IQR 10.3–28.3] vs. 6.7% [IQR 3.5–18.3], P = 0.017), a higher STS mortality score (6.1%[(IQR 3.7–7.5] vs. 2.6% [IQR 1.4–4.8]; P = 0.043) and a higher STS long‐length‐of‐stay score (18.9% [IQR 11.3–22.5] vs. 9.6% [IQR 6.2–16.1]; P = 0.039) as well as a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (41 ml/min/1.73 m2 [IQR 19–52] vs. 56 ml/min/1.73 m2 [IQR 49–62]; P = 0.008) than those whose did not. In the multivariate model, lower eGFR was identified as predictor for a prolonged hospitalization.

Conclusion

Lower pre‐procedure eGFR is independently associated with a longer hospitalization. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Doubly Ethyl‐Bridged Bis(p‐sulfonatocalix[4]arene) and Its Supramolecular Polymerization with Viologen Dimer
Authors: Wang Kun‐Peng , Guo Dong‐Sheng , Zhao Hong‐Xia , Liu Yu
Published: February 2014

A water‐soluble supramolecular polymer with a high degree of polymerization and viscosity has been constructed based on the strong host–guest interaction between p‐sulfonatocalix[4]arenes (SC4As) and viologen. A homoditopic doubly ethyl‐bridged bis(p‐sulfonatocalix[4]arene) (d‐SC4A) was prepared and its binding behavior towards methyl viologen compared with the singly ethyl‐bridged bis(p‐sulfonatocalix[4]arene) (s‐SC4A) by NMR spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry. By employing a viologen dimer (bisMV4+) as the homoditopic guest, two linear AA/BB‐type supramolecular polymers, d‐SC4A⊃bisMV4+ and s‐SC4A⊃bisMV4+, were successfully constructed. Compared with s‐SC4A⊃bisMV4+, d‐SC4A⊃bisMV4+ shows much higher solubility and viscosity, and has also been characterized by viscosity, diffusion‐ordered NMR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and atomic force microscopy measurements. Furthermore, the polymer is responsive to electrostimulus as viologen is electroactive, which was studied by cyclic voltammetry. This study represents a proof‐of‐principle as the polymer can potentially be applied as a self‐healing and degradable polymeric material.
A Membraneless Glucose/O2 Biofuel Cell Based on Pd Aerogels
Authors: Wen Dan , Liu Wei , Herrmann Anne‐Kristin , Eychmüller Alexander
Published: February 2014

In this study, we introduce the first membraneless glucose/O2 biofuel cell using Pd‐based aerogels as electrode materials. The bioanode was fabricated with a coimmobilized mediator and glucose oxidase for the oxidation of glucose, in which ferrocenecarboxylic acid was integrated into a three‐dimensional porous beta‐cyclodextrin‐modified Pd aerogel to mediate the bioelectrocatalytic reaction. Bilirubin oxidase and Pd–Pt alloy aerogel were confined to an electrode surface, which realized the direct bioelectrocatalytic function for the reduction of O2 to H2O with a synergetic effect at the biocathode. By employing these two bioelectrodes, the assembled glucose/O2 biofuel cell showed a maximum power output of 20 μW cm−2 at 0.25 V.
ortho‐Benzoxylation of N‐Alkyl Benzamides with Aromatic Acids Catalyzed by Ruthenium(II) Complex
Authors: Padala Kishor , Jeganmohan Masilamani
Published: February 2014

A highly regioselective ortho‐benzoxylation of N‐alkyl benzamides with aromatic acids in the presence of [{RuCl2(p‐cymene)}2], AgSbF6, and (NH4)2S2O8 in 1,2‐dichloroethane at 100 °C for 24 h affording ortho‐benzoxylated N‐alkyl benzamides by CH bond activation is described. Further, Ru‐catalyzed alkenylation is done at the ortho CH bond of benzoxylated N‐alkyl benzamides with alkenes in water solvent. Subsequently, the benzoxyl moiety of N‐alkyl benzamides was converted into a hydroxyl group in the presence of base or acid. A possible reaction mechanism was proposed to account for the present coupling reaction.
Melt Phase Polymerization of Racemic Lactide to High‐Performance Poly(Lactic Acid)
Authors: Paetz Caspar , Hagen Rainer
Published: February 2014

A process for the production of poly(lactic acid) with a melting point of > 150 °C from racemic lactide was developed. Only process steps that are usable in an industrial process were included to ensure an easy transfer to a commercial scale. A stereoselective catalyst system for lactide melt phase polymerization comprising of an Al‐salen initiator, a hydroxyl cocatalyst and an acidic quenching additive was developed. Monomer recovery aspects, temperature variation and different catalyst concentrations were evaluated to allow for a high yield process which can be transferred to a technical scale.
Production of Synthesis Gas from Biogas – Reactor Design and Integration into a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System
Authors: Jahn Matthias , Reichelt Erik , Heddrich Marc , Weder Aniko
Published: February 2014

Eine Reformer‐Nachbrenner‐Einheit für den Einsatz in einem Festoxidbrennstoffzellensystem wird vorgestellt. Mittels des Verfahrens der oxidativen trockenen Reformierung kann aus Biogas ein Synthesegas mit einer hohen Energiedichte erzeugt werden. Der für den Reformierungsprozess benötigte Wärmestrom kann durch eine systeminterne Wärmenutzung bereitgestellt werden. Anschließend an einen Komponententest erfolgt die Integration in ein Festoxidbrennstoffzellensystem. Der im Rahmen einer thermodynamischen Analyse ermittelte, im Systembetrieb mögliche, elektrische Wirkungsgrad wird experimentell validiert.
Economic Assessment of the Hydrogenation of CO2 to Liquid Fuels and Petrochemical Feedstock
Authors: Smejkal Quido , Rodemerck Uwe , Wagner Edmund , Baerns Manfred
Published: February 2014

To remove high concentrations of CO2 from the off‐gas of coal‐driven power plants, a new process was proposed. The catalytic hydrogenation of the CO2 leads to the production of C2 – C4 (petrochemical feedstock) and liquid C5+ hydrocarbons (fuel). Thus, environmentally harmful CO2 may be converted sustainably to useful products. On the basis of a process flow sheet, the costs for processing the CO2 are estimated for different plant sizes. The price of hydrogen contributes significantly to the overall production costs. Further price reductions may be achieved by final engineering optimization of the process as a whole and specific unit operations.
Anti‐Dengue‐Virus Activity and Structure–Activity Relationship Studies of Lycorine Derivatives
Authors: Wang Peng , Li Lin‐Feng , Wang Qing‐Yin , Shang Lu‐Qing , Shi Pei‐Yong , Yin Zheng
Published: February 2014

Dengue is a systemic viral infection that is transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitoes. No vaccines or specific therapeutics are currently available for dengue. Lycorine, which is a natural plant alkaloid, has been shown to possess antiviral activities against flaviviruses. In this study, a series of novel lycorine derivatives were synthesized and assayed for their inhibition of dengue virus (DENV) in cell cultures. Among the lycorine analogues, 1‐acetyllycorine exhibited the most potent anti‐DENV activity (EC50=0.4 μM) with a reduced cytotoxicity (CC50>300 μM), which resulted in a selectivity index (CC50/EC50) of more than 750. The ketones 1‐acetyl‐2‐oxolycorine (EC50=1.8 μM) and 2‐oxolycorine (EC50=0.5 μM) also exhibited excellent antiviral activities with low cytotoxicity. Structure–activity relationships for the lycorine derivatives against DENV are discussed. A three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship model was established by using a comparative molecular‐field analysis protocol in order to rationalize the experimental results. Further modifications of the hydroxy group at the C1 position with retention of a ketone at the C2 position could potentially lead to inhibitors with improved overall properties.