bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid millennial-scale vegetation changes in the tropical Andes
Authors: Urrego D. H. , Hooghiemstra H. , Rama-Corredor O. , Martrat B. , Grimalt J. O. , Thompson L. ,   Data Contributors
Published: May 2015

Abstract. We compare eight pollen records reflecting climatic and environmental change from the tropical Andes. Our analysis focuses on the last 50 ka, with particular emphasis on the Pleistocene to Holocene transition. We explore ecological grouping and downcore ordination results as two approaches for extracting environmental variability from pollen records. We also use the records of aquatic and shoreline vegetation as markers for lake level fluctuations, and precipitation change. Our analysis focuses on the signature of millennial-scale variability in the tropical Andes, in particular, Heinrich stadials and Greenland interstadials. We identify rapid responses of the tropical vegetation to this climate variability, and relate differences between sites to moisture sources and site sensitivity.
Farmers' perceptions of and adaptation strategies to climate change and their determinants: the case of Punjab province, Pakistan
Authors: Abid M. , Scheffran J. , Schneider U. A. , Ashfaq M.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Climate change is a global environmental threat to all economic sectors, particularly the agricultural sector. Pakistan is one of the countries negatively affected by climate change due to its high exposure to extreme events and low adaptive capacity. In Pakistan, farmers are the primary stakeholders in agriculture and are more at risk due to climate vulnerability. Based on farm household data from 450 households collected from three districts in three agroecological zones in the Punjab province of Pakistan, this study examines how farmers perceive climate change and how they adapt their farming in response to perceived changes in climate. The results demonstrate that awareness of climate change is widespread throughout the area, and farm households make adjustments to adapt their agriculture in response to climatic change. Overall 58% of the farm households adapted their farming to climate change. Changing crop varieties, changing planting dates, planting of shade trees and changing fertilizers were the main adaptation methods implemented by farm households in the study area. The results from the binary logistic model reveal that education, farm experience, household size, land area, tenancy status, ownership of a tube well, access to market information, information on weather forecasting and agricultural extension services all influence farmers' choices of adaptation measures. The results also indicate that adaptation to climate change is constrained by several factors such as lack of information, lack of money, resource constraints and shortage of irrigation water in the study area. Findings of the study suggest the need for greater investment in farmer education and improved institutional setup for climate change adaptation to improve farmers' wellbeing.
Measurement of the fracture toughness of polycrystalline bubbly ice from an Antarctic ice core
Authors: Christmann J. , Müller R. , Webber K. G. , Isaia D. , Schader F. H. , Kipfstuhl S. , Freitag J. , Humbert A.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. The critical fracture toughness is a material parameter describing the resistance of a cracked body to further crack extension. It is an important parameter for simulating and predicting the breakup behavior of ice shelves from the calving of single icebergs to the disintegration of entire ice shelves over a wide range of length scales. The fracture toughness values are calculated with equations that are derived from an elastic stress analysis. Additionally, an X-ray computer tomography (CT scanner) was used to identify the density as a function of depth. The critical fracture toughness of 91 Antarctic bubbly ice samples with densities between 840 and 870 kg m−3 has been determined by applying a four-point bending technique on single-edge v-notched beam samples. The examined ice core was drilled 70 m north of Kohnen Station, Dronnning Maud Land (75°00' S, 00°04' E; 2882 m). Supplementary data are available at doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.835321.
Global warming increases the frequency of river floods in Europe
Authors: Alfieri L. , Burek P. , Feyen L. , Forzieri G.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. EURO-CORDEX (Coordinated Downscaling Experiment over Europe), a new generation of downscaled climate projections, has become available for climate change impact studies in Europe. New opportunities arise in the investigation of potential effects of a warmer world on meteorological and hydrological extremes at regional scales. In this work, an ensemble of EURO-CORDEX RCP8.5 scenarios is used to drive a distributed hydrological model and assess the projected changes in flood hazard in Europe through the current century. Changes in magnitude and frequency of extreme streamflow events are investigated by statistical distribution fitting and peak over threshold analysis. A consistent method is proposed to evaluate the agreement of ensemble projections. Results indicate that the change in frequency of discharge extremes is likely to have a larger impact on the overall flood hazard as compared to the change in their magnitude. On average, in Europe, flood peaks with return periods above 100 years are projected to double in frequency within 3 decades.
Variations in water storage in China over recent decade from GRACE Observations and GLDAS
Authors: Mo X. , Wu J. , Wang Q. , Zhou H.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. We applied GRACE Tellus products in combination with GLDAS simulations and data from reports, to analyze variations in terrestrial water storage (TWS) in China and eight of its basins from 2003 to 2013. Amplitudes of TWS were well restored after scaling, and showed good correlations with those estimated from models at the basin scale. TWS generally followed variations in annual precipitation, it decreased linearly in Huai River basin (−0.564 cm yr−1) and increased with fluctuations in Changjiang River basin (0.348 cm yr−1), Zhujiang basin (0.552 cm yr−1) and Southeast Rivers basin (0.696 cm yr−1). In Hai River basin and Yellow River basin, groundwater exploitation may have altered TWS's response to climate, but it began to restore since 2012. Changes in soil moisture storage contributed over 50% in of variances in TWS in most basins. Precipitation and runoff showed large impact on TWS, with explained variances higher in TWS in the south than in the north. North China and Southwest Rivers region exhibited long-term TWS depletions. TWS increased significantly over the recent decade in the middle and lower reaches of Changjiang, southeastern coastal area, as well as the Hoh Xil, and headstream region of the Yellow River in Tibetan plateau. The findings in this study could be helpful to climate change impact research and disaster mitigation planning.
Numerical simulation of extreme snowmelt observed at the SIGMA-A site, northwest Greenland, during summer 2012
Authors: Niwano M. , Aoki T. , Matoba S. , Yamaguchi S. , Tanikawa T. , Kuchiki K. , Motoyama H.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. The surface energy balance (SEB) from 30 June to 14 July 2012 at site SIGMA (Snow Impurity and Glacial Microbe effects on abrupt warming in the Arctic)-A, (78°03' N, 67°38' W; 1490 m a.s.l.) on the northwest Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) was investigated by using in situ atmospheric and snow measurements as well as numerical modeling with a one-dimensional multi-layered physical snowpack model called SMAP (Snow Metamorphism and Albedo Process). At SIGMA-A, remarkable near-surface snowmelt and continuous heavy rainfall (accumulated precipitation between 10 and 14 July was estimated to be 100 mm) were observed after 10 July 2012. Application of the SMAP model to the GrIS snowpack was evaluated based on the snow temperature profile, snow surface temperature, surface snow grain size, and shortwave albedo, all of which the model simulated reasonably well. Above all, the fact that the SMAP model successfully reproduced frequently observed rapid increases in snow albedo under cloudy conditions highlights the advantage of the physically based snow albedo model (PBSAM) incorporated in the SMAP model. Using such data and model, we estimated the SEB at SIGMA-A from 30 June to 14 July 2012. Radiation-related fluxes were obtained from in situ measurements, whereas other fluxes were calculated with the SMAP model. By examining the components of the SEB, we determined that low-level clouds accompanied by a significant temperature increase played an important role in the melt event observed at SIGMA-A. These conditions induced a remarkable surface heating via cloud radiative forcing in the polar region.
A Content Analysis of Social Media Interactions in the Facebook Band Directors Group
Authors: Brewer Wesley D. , Rickels David A.
Published: May 2015

The authors examine the interactions of music educators within an online social media community, the Band Directors Group on Facebook. Using a quantitative content analysis approach to examine 1,656 unique threads, the authors explore the frequencies of posted topics and general topic interest as measured by user responses. Among the 54 different codes used to categorize topics, repertoire selection, instrument recommendations, and rehearsal strategies emerged as the most frequent topics of discussion. Additionally, the authors explored the application of Wenger, McDermott, and Snyder’s (2002) community of practice theory and found that the group is a functioning community of practice that exhibits many of the common characteristics associated with the theory.
Brain-Map Based Carangiform Swimming Behaviour Modeling and Control in a Robotic Fish Underwater Vehicle
Authors: Chowdhury Abhra Roy , Panda Sanjib Kumar
Published: May 2015

Fish swimming demonstrates impressive speeds and exceptional characteristics in the fluid environment. The objective of this paper is to mimic undulatory swimming behaviour and its control of a body caudal fin (BCF) carangiform fish in a robotic counterpart. Based on fish biology kinematics study, a 2-level behavior based distributed control scheme is proposed. The high-level control is modeled by robotic fish swimming behavior. It uses a Lighthill (LH) body wave to generate desired joint trajectory patterns. Generated LH body wave is influenced by intrinsic kinematic parameters Tail-beat frequency (TBF) and Caudal amplitude (CA) which can be modulated to change the trajectory pattern. Parameter information is retrieved from a fish memory (cerebellum) inspired brain map. This map stores operating region information on TBF and CA parameters obtained from yellow fin tuna kinematics study. Based on an environment based error feedback signal, robotic fish map selects the right parameters value showing adaptive behaviour. A finite state machine methodology has been used to model this brain-kinematic-map control. The low-level control is implemented using inverse dynamics based computed torque method (CTM) with dynamic PD compensation. It tracks high-level generated and encoded patterns (trajectory) for fish-tail undulation. Three types of parameter adaptation for the two chosen parameters have been shown to successfully emulate robotic fish swimming behavior. Based on the proposed control strategy joint-position and velocity tracking results are discussed. They are found to be satisfactory with error magnitudes within permissible bounds.
General-Weighted Least-Norm Control for Redundant Manipulators under Time-Dependent Constraint
Authors: Jiang Pei , Xiang Ji , Wei Wei , Shan Caihua
Published: May 2015

Previous research dealing with constrained kinematic redundancy problems focuses on manipulators with time-independent constraints. This paper extends the general-weighted least-norm (GWLN) method to manipulators with time-dependent constraints by introducing time-dependent virtual joints. In the virtual joint space, corresponding task space velocity is revised to encapsulate the effects of time-dependent parameters of constraints. This is done so that an intermediate kinematic control problem with only joint limit is obtained. Then, the inverse kinematic problem is solved in the virtual joint space. A new inverse-weighted matrix setting criterion is proposed to replace the one-step prediction that originally complicated implementation of the GWLN method. To demonstrate the efficacy of the method, simulations and experiments are carried out on a five-link welding manipulator to track the welding trajectory. Time-dependent orientation constraint and preventing joint limits is guaranteed using this method.
„Time to talk“ aneb Čas mluvit o tom, komu patří angličtina v české učebnici
Authors: Kubrická Jana
Published: May 2015

V tomto příspěvku se věnujeme identitám postav zobrazeným v české učebnici anglického jazyka Time to talk. Hlavním cílem studie je popsat jak různé aspekty identit postav, tak způsoby omezování možností interpretace kulturních sdělení v textech a úlohách. V první části textu představujeme koncept identity v oblasti cizích jazyků a výzkumy, které jsou na něm založeny. Pomocí obsahové analýzy, kritické analýzy diskurzu a konceptu uzavřených a otevřených textů se v empirické části textu pokoušíme odhalit, jakou představu společenství mluvčích cílového jazyka autoři učebnice vytváří. V analýze textů, ilustrací a úloh dokládáme, že učebnice reflektuje současný interkulturní diskurz, ve kterém jsou prezentována a konfrontována různá kulturní prostředí, zároveň však v textech poukazujeme na dominantní roli britské kultury a autoritu britských rodilých mluvčích. Zobrazené postavy patří k etnické majoritě, jsou často genderově stereotypní a mají střední až vyšší sociokulturní status. V učebnici je však patrný i vliv tzv. diskurzu kulturní inkorporace, kde prostor získávají dříve opomíjené sociální skupiny.
Book Review: Rare Books and Special Collections
Authors: Lapkin Rachel
Published: May 2015

In the introduction to Rare Books and Special Collections, author Sidney E. Berger writes that the book aims to be an overview, “of the realm” (xv), and the text presents itself as an omnibus from someone who has extensive experience and knowledge of the field. A novice or an outsider to the rare books and special collections world will gain a broad understanding about its diversity from this work, but experienced librarians and other practitioners might consider it more for refreshing concepts or ideas introduced in their schooling, but not as a ready reference. Part memoir, part seminar, this book allows you to visit with Berger and glimpse at the many experiences that informed his career.
Evaluation of Crude Extract of Melia azedarach Linn. Against Attenuated Amphotericin B Resistant Leishmania tropica Strain
Authors: Imran Khan  , Muhammad Naveed Umar
Published: May 2015

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is still a big health problem around the world and drug resistance has emerged as a major problem in treatment. The purpose of the study was to generate Amphotericin B resistant strainand evaluate the crude extract of Melia azedarach against wild and lab generated resistant strain of Leishmania tropica. The result obtained revealed that the continuous increase of drug pressure for 60 days cause resistance in L. tropica by 09 fold compared to wild type. The LC50 value recorded for wild and resistant type strain was 0.024 and 0.224µg/ml, respectively against Amp B drug. The antileishmanial activity of crude extract against wild and resistant type strain was 0.57 and 123.3 µg/ml for green fruit and 1220.8 and 4010.1µg/ml for ripe fruit, respectively. A significant difference (P
Homeless Perpetrators and Victims of Crimes: Preliminary Findings of a Research in the Region of Puglia (Italy)
Authors: Grattagliano Ignazio , Signorile Cristian , Lisi Andrea , De Rinaldis Maria Francesca , Montedoro Maria Antonietta , Aliquo Giovanni , Poduti Daniela , Palella Lucio , Ventrella Vito , Catanesi Roberto
Published: May 2015

The aim of the study is to analyze from a criminological perspective a peculiar case of deviance: that perpetrated by homeless people, defined as "an individuals in a condition of material and immaterial poverty, carrying a complex, dynamic and multiform kind of discomfort".
In collaboration with the Division of the Railway Police of the Regions of Puglia, Basilicata and Molise, 95 homeless were recruited and the incidence of perpetrators and victims of crimes was investigated.
De novo synthesis of a sunscreen compound in vertebrates
Authors: Osborn Andrew R , Almabruk Khaled H , Holzwarth Garrett , Asamizu Shumpei , LaDu Jane , Kean Kelsey M , Karplus P Andrew , Tanguay Robert L , Bakalinsky Alan T , Mahmud Taifo
Published: May 2015

Ultraviolet-protective compounds, such as mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) and related gadusols produced by some bacteria, fungi, algae, and marine invertebrates, are critical for the survival of reef-building corals and other marine organisms exposed to high-solar irradiance. These compounds have also been found in marine fish, where their accumulation is thought to be of dietary or symbiont origin. In this study, we report the unexpected discovery that fish can synthesize gadusol de novo and that the analogous pathways are also present in amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Furthermore, we demonstrate that engineered yeast containing the fish genes can produce and secrete gadusol. The discovery of the gadusol pathway in vertebrates provides a platform for understanding its role in these animals, and the possibility of engineering yeast to efficiently produce a natural sunscreen and antioxidant presents an avenue for its large-scale production for possible use in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Radiocarbon in dissolved organic carbon of the South Pacific Ocean
Authors: Druffel E. R. M. , Griffin S.
Published: May 2015

Marine dissolved organic carbon (DOC) originates mainly from primary production using dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) that has young 14C ages. Paradoxically, the 14C age of deep DOC ranges from 4000 to 6400 14C years, indicating that a portion of DOC survives multiple, deep ocean mixing cycles. Here we show that 14C ages of DOC from the deep South Pacific are equal to those from the deep north central Pacific. This is contrary to DIC 14C ages that increase from south to north in the deep Pacific. We hypothesize that DOC in the South Pacific is influenced by input of ancient DOC from hydrothermal flanks and ridges of the East Pacific Rise. We show that DOC Δ14C values in the deep Pacific are not controlled by aging during northward transport of deep waters, indicating that the deep oceanic carbon cycle needs reassessment.
Aerosol effects on the timing of warm rain processes
Authors: Dagan Guy , Koren Ilan , Altaratz Orit
Published: May 2015

Warm rain production as the end result of all clouds' processes is highly affected by aerosol loading and properties. Here an axisymmetric bin microphysics cloud model is used to study the aerosol's effects on the competition and synergy between processes in a single convective cloud, to provide a baseline for studies of aerosol effects on cloud fields. A new measure that considers the timing of processes is suggested for evaluating the optimal conditions for maximum rain yield. These conditions are linked to an optimal aerosol concentration (Nrain_op), which drives similar time intervals to maximum collected mass and to maximum vertical development. Nrain_op is a function of cloud size and thermodynamic conditions. Giant cloud condensation nuclei (GCCN) impact was shown before to precede the initiation of collision‐coalescence and to increase the amount of rain from polluted clouds. Here we show that the GCCN effect is important only under aerosol conditions above Nrain_op.
Heat sources for glacial ice melt in a west Greenland tidewater outlet glacier fjord: The role of subglacial freshwater discharge
Authors: Bendtsen Jørgen , Mortensen John , Lennert Kunuk , Rysgaard Søren
Published: May 2015

The melting of tidewater outlet glaciers from the Greenland Ice Sheet contributes significantly to global sea level rise. Accelerated mass loss is related to melt processes in front of calving glaciers, yet the role of ocean heat transports is poorly understood. Here we present the first direct measurements from a subglacial plume in front of a calving tidewater outlet glacier. Surface salinity in the plume corresponded to a meltwater content of 7%, which is indicative of significant entrainment of warm bottom water and, according to plume model calculations, significant ice melt. Energy balance of the area near the glacier showed that ice melt was mainly due to ocean heat transport and that direct plume‐associated melt was only important in periods with high meltwater discharge rates of ~100 m3 s−1. Ocean mixing outside of the plume area was thus the primary heat source for melting glacier ice.
Revised interpretation of recent InSAR signals observed at Llaima volcano (Chile)
Authors: Remy D. , Chen Y. , Froger J. L. , Bonvalot S. , Cordoba L. , Fustos J.
Published: May 2015

We analyzed C band and L band interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data acquired from 2003 to 2011 to search for volcanic deformations at Llaima volcano, Southern Andes (38.69°S, 71.73°W). There, specific environmental conditions (steep slopes, snow‐ or ice‐capped summit, dense vegetation cover, and strong tropospheric artifacts) and limited amount of radar data available make it challenging to accurately measure ground surface displacement with InSAR. To overcome these difficulties, we first performed a careful analysis of the water vapor variations using Medium‐Resolution Imaging Spectrometer and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer near‐infrared water vapor products and then we inverted wrapped interferograms for both topographic correlated phase delays and a simple model source strength. In the light of our results, we conclude that there is no detectable ground displacement related to a deep magmatic source for the 2003–2011 period and that most of the fringes observed in the interferograms were produced by tropospheric delays.
Theoretical and Experimental Studies of Epidermal Heat Flux Sensors for Measurements of Core Body Temperature
Authors: Zhang Yihui , Chad Webb Richard , Luo Hongying , Xue Yeguang , Kurniawan Jonas , Cho Nam Heon , Krishnan Siddharth , Li Yuhang , Huang Yonggang , Rogers John A.
Published: May 2015

Long‐term, continuous measurement of core body temperature is of high interest, due to the widespread use of this parameter as a key biomedical signal for clinical judgment and patient management. Traditional approaches rely on devices or instruments in rigid and planar forms, not readily amenable to intimate or conformable integration with soft, curvilinear, time‐dynamic, surfaces of the skin. Here, materials and mechanics designs for differential temperature sensors are presented which can attach softly and reversibly onto the skin surface, and also sustain high levels of deformation (e.g., bending, twisting, and stretching). A theoretical approach, together with a modeling algorithm, yields core body temperature from multiple differential measurements from temperature sensors separated by different effective distances from the skin. The sensitivity, accuracy, and response time are analyzed by finite element analyses (FEA) to provide guidelines for relationships between sensor design and performance. Four sets of experiments on multiple devices with different dimensions and under different convection conditions illustrate the key features of the technology and the analysis approach. Finally, results indicate that thermally insulating materials with cellular structures offer advantages in reducing the response time and increasing the accuracy, while improving the mechanics and breathability.
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of β‐D‐Glucosides using Cellobiose Phosphorylase from Clostridium thermocellum
Authors: De Winter Karel , Van Renterghem Lisa , Wuyts Kathleen , Pelantová Helena , Křen Vladimír , Soetaert Wim , Desmet Tom
Published: May 2015

Over the past decade, disaccharide phosphorylases have been successfully applied for the synthesis of numerous α‐glucosides. In contrast, much less research has been done with respect to the production of β‐glucosides. Although cellobiose phosphorylase was already successfully used for the synthesis of various disaccharides and branched trisaccharides, its glycosylation potential towards small organic compounds has not been explored to date. Unfortunately, disaccharide phosphorylases typically have a very low affinity for non‐carbohydrate acceptors, which urges the addition of solvents. The ionic liquid AMMOENGTM 101 and ethyl acetate were identified as the most promising solvents, allowing the synthesis of various β‐glucosides. Next to hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl and undecyl β‐D‐glucopyranosides, also the formation of vanillyl 4‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside, 2‐phenylethyl β‐D‐glucopyranoside, β‐citronellyl β‐D‐glucopyranoside and 1‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl hydroquinone was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Moreover, the stability of cellobiose phosphorylase could be drastically improved by creating cross‐linked enzyme aggregates, while the efficiency of the biocatalyst for the synthesis of octyl β‐D‐glucopyranoside was doubled by imprinting with octanol. The usefulness of the latter system was illustrated by performing three consecutive batch conversions with octanol imprinted cross‐linked enzyme aggregates, yielding roughly 2 g of octyl β‐D‐glucopyranoside.

magnified image
Oxazolidinone Synthesis through Halohydrin Dehalogenase‐ Catalyzed Dynamic Kinetic Resolution
Authors: Mikleušević Ana , Hameršak Zdenko , Salopek‐Sondi Branka , Tang Lixia , Janssen Dick B. , Majerić Elenkov Maja
Published: May 2015

An efficient dynamic kinetic resolution protocol using a single enzyme is described. Both the kinetic resolution and substrate racemization are catalyzed by halohydrin dehalogenase from Agrobacterium radiobacter AD1 (HheC). The HheC‐catalyzed reaction of epibromohydrin and 2‐bromomethyl‐2‐methyloxirane with sodium cyanate afforded 5‐substituted 2‐oxazolidinones in high yields (97% and 87%) and high optical purity (89% and >99% ee) in the presence of catalytic amounts of bromide ion. These compounds are valuable building blocks with diverse synthetic applications.

magnified image
Von Carbanionen zu metallorganischen Verbindungen: Quantifizierung des Metallionen‐Effekts auf die nucleophile Reaktivität
Authors: Corral‐Bautista Francisco , Klier Lydia , Knochel Paul , Mayr Herbert
Published: May 2015

Der Einfluss des Metalls auf die nucleophile Reaktivität von Indenylmetall‐Verbindungen wurde durch kinetische Untersuchungen ihrer Reaktionen mit Benzhydrylium‐Ionen (Ar2CH+) und strukturell verwandten Chinonmethiden quantifiziert. Aus der Korrelationsgleichung lg k2=sN(N+E) wurde ermittelt, dass die ionischen Indenylalkalimetall‐Verbindungen 1018–1024‐mal reaktiver sind (abhängig vom Referenzelektrophil) als das entsprechende Indenyltrimethylsilan.
Formation of a Syndiotactic Organic Polymer Inside a MOF by a [2+2] Photo‐Polymerization Reaction
Authors: Park In‐Hyeok , Medishetty Raghavender , Lee Hyeong‐Hwan , Mulijanto Caroline Evania , Quah Hong Sheng , Lee Shim Sung , Vittal Jagadese J.
Published: May 2015

Getting suitable crystals for single‐crystal X‐ray crystallographic analysis still remains an art. Obtaining single crystals of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) containing organic polymers poses even greater challenges. Here we demonstrate the formation of a syndiotactic organic polymer ligand inside a MOF by quantitative [2+2] photopolymerization reaction in a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal manner. The spacer ligands with trans,trans,trans‐conformation in the pillared‐layer MOF with guest water molecules in the channels, undergo pedal motion to trans,cis,trans‐conformation prior to [2+2] photo‐cycloaddition reaction and yield single crystals of MOF containing two‐dimensional coordination polymers fused with the organic polymer ligands. We also show that the organic polymer in the single crystals can be depolymerized reversibly by cleaving the cyclobutane rings upon heating. These MOFs also show interesting photoluminescent properties and sensing of small organic molecules.
A Molecular Nanotube with Three‐Dimensional π‐Conjugation
Authors: Neuhaus Patrik , Cnossen Arjen , Gong Juliane Q. , Herz Laura M. , Anderson Harry L.
Published: May 2015

A π‐conjugated twelve‐porphyrin tube is synthesized in 32 % yield by a template‐directed coupling reaction that joins together six porphyrin dimers, forming twelve new CC bonds. The nanotube has two bound templates, enclosing an internal volume of approximately 4.5 nm3. Its UV/Vis/NIR absorption and fluorescence spectra resemble those of a previously reported six‐porphyrin ring, but are red‐shifted by approximately 300 cm−1, reflecting increased conjugation. Ultrafast fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrates extensive excited‐state delocalization. Transfer of electronic excitation from an initially formed state polarized in the direction of the nanotube axis (z axis) to an excited state polarized in the xy plane occurs within 200 fs, resulting in a negative fluorescence anisotropy on excitation at 742 nm.
A framework for selecting indicators of bioenergy sustainability
Authors: Dale Virginia H. , Efroymson Rebecca A. , Kline Keith L. , Davitt Marcia S.
Published: May 2015

A framework for selecting and evaluating indicators of bioenergy sustainability is presented. This framework is designed to facilitate decision‐making about which indicators are useful for assessing sustainability of bioenergy systems and supporting their deployment. Efforts to develop sustainability indicators in the United States and Europe are reviewed. The first steps of the framework for indicator selection are defining the sustainability goals and other goals for a bioenergy project or program, gaining an understanding of the context, and identifying the values of stakeholders. From the goals, context, and stakeholders, the objectives for analysis and criteria for indicator selection can be developed. The user of the framework identifies and ranks indicators, applies them in an assessment, and then evaluates their effectiveness, while identifying gaps that prevent goals from being met, assessing lessons learned, and moving toward best practices. The framework approach emphasizes that the selection of appropriate criteria and indicators is driven by the specific purpose of an analysis. Realistic goals and measures of bioenergy sustainability can be developed systematically with the help of the framework presented here. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
PPAR‐α agonist elicits metabolically active brown adipocytes and weight loss in diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Rachid Tamiris Lima , Penna‐de‐Carvalho Aline , Bringhenti Isabele , Aguila Marcia Barbosa , Mandarim‐de‐Lacerda Carlos Alberto , Souza‐Mello Vanessa
Published: May 2015

Obesity is considered a public health problem worldwide. Fenofibrate, a selective peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPAR‐α) agonist, elicits weight loss in animal models. This study aimed to examine the effects of fenofibrate on energy expenditure, body mass (BM) and gene expression of thermogenic factors in brown adipose tissue of diet‐induced obese mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a standard chow (SC; 10% lipids) diet or a high‐fat (HF; 50% lipids) diet for 10 weeks. Afterwards, groups were subdivided as SC, SC‐F, HF and HF‐F (n = 10, each). Treatment with fenofibrate (100 mg kg−1 BM mixed into the diet) lasted 5 weeks. Treated groups had reduced final BM compared with their counterparts (p < 0·05), explained by the increase in energy expenditure, CO2 production and O2 consumption after treatment with fenofibrate (p < 0·05). Similarly, genes involved in thermogenesis as PPAR‐α, PPAR‐γ coactivator 1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1, mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam), PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16), β‐3 adrenergic receptor (β3‐AR), bone morphogenetic protein 8B and uncoupling protein 1 were significantly expressed in brown adipocytes after the treatment (p < 0·05). All observations ensure that selective PPAR‐α agonist can induce thermogenesis by increasing energy expenditure and enhancing the expression of genes involved in the thermogenic pathway. These results suggest fenofibrate as a coadjutant drug for the treatment of obesity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deoxycholate‐Based Glycosides (DCGs) for Membrane Protein Stabilisation
Authors: Bae Hyoung Eun , Gotfryd Kamil , Thomas Jennifer , Hussain Hazrat , Ehsan Muhammad , Go Juyeon , Loland Claus J. , Byrne Bernadette , Chae Pil Seok
Published: May 2015

Detergents are an absolute requirement for studying the structure of membrane proteins. However, many conventional detergents fail to stabilise denaturation‐sensitive membrane proteins, such as eukaryotic proteins and membrane protein complexes. New amphipathic agents with enhanced efficacy in stabilising membrane proteins will be helpful in overcoming the barriers to studying membrane protein structures. We have prepared a number of deoxycholate‐based amphiphiles with carbohydrate head groups, designated deoxycholate‐based glycosides (DCGs). These DCGs are the hydrophilic variants of previously reported deoxycholate‐based N‐oxides (DCAOs). Membrane proteins in these agents, particularly the branched diglucoside‐bearing amphiphiles DCG‐1 and DCG‐2, displayed favourable behaviour compared to previously reported parent compounds (DCAOs) and conventional detergents (LDAO and DDM). Given their excellent properties, these agents should have significant potential for membrane protein studies.
ChemInform Abstract: The Emerging Chemistry of Sodium Ion Batteries for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Kundu Dipan , Talaie Elahe , Duffort Victor , Nazar Linda F.
Published: May 2015

Review: 143 refs.
Effect of Gas Density on Gas Holdup in Bubble Columns
Authors: Hecht Kristin , Bey Oliver , Ettmüller Jürgen , Graefen Patrick , Friehmelt Rainer , Nilles Michael
Published: May 2015

Gas density affects the gas holdup in bubble columns. Even at atmospheric pressure, different gases produce varying gas holdups. This contribution explores the causes for variations in gas holdups occurring for different gases. Differences in the bubble size distribution resulting from varying rates of bubble breakup and coalescence as well as dissimilar bubble rise velocities are the most likely causes of differences. Correlations that include a term for gas density are able to qualitatively predict the effect of changing gas density, but no correlation can consistently predict the gas holdup for multiple systems.
Efficiency of EGFR mutation analysis for small microdissected cytological specimens using multitech DNA extraction solution
Authors: Oh Seo Young , Lee Hoon Taek
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

The microdissection method has greatly facilitated the isolation of pure cell populations for accurate analysis of mutations. However, the absence of coverslips in these preparations leads to poor resolution of cellular morphological features. In the current study, the authors developed the MultiTech DNA extraction solution to improve the visualization of cell morphology for microdissection and tested it for the preservation of morphological properties of cells, quality of DNA, and ability to detect mutations.

METHODS

A total of 121 cytological samples, including fine‐needle aspirates, sputum, pleural fluid, and bronchial washings, were selected from hospital archives. DNA extracted from microdissected cells was evaluated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation analysis using pyrosequencing, Sanger sequencing, and peptide nucleic acid (PNA)‐mediated real‐time polymerase chain reaction clamping. Morphological features of cells as well as DNA quality and quantity were analyzed in several cytological samples to assess the performance of the MultiTech DNA extraction solution. The results were compared with previous EGFR mutation tests.

RESULTS

The MultiTech DNA extraction solution improved the morphology of archived stained cells before microdissection and provided a higher DNA yield than the commercial QIAamp DNA Mini Kit in samples containing a minimal number of cells (25‐50 cells). The authors were able to detect identical EGFR mutations by using different analysis platforms and consistently identified these mutations in samples comprising as few as 25 microdissected cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The MultiTech DNA extraction solution is a reliable medium that improves the resolution of cell morphology during microdissection. It was particularly useful in EGFR mutations of samples containing a small number of cells. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2015;123:401‐12. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Tolerability, safety, and pharmacokinetics of the novel cathepsin A inhibitor SAR164653 in healthy subjects
Authors: Tillner Joachim , Lehmann Anne , Paehler Tobias , Lukacs Zoltan , Ruf Sven , Sadowski Thorsten , Pinquier Jean‐Louis , Ruetten Hartmut
Published: May 2015

Cathepsin A (CathA) is a lysosomal protein where it forms a stable complex with neuraminidase and ß‐galactosidase. CathA also has enzymatic activity and is involved in the degradation of many peptides. CathA was recently discovered as a target for heart failure, fostering the development of CathA inhibitors with SAR164653 as a frontrunner. The first‐in‐man study investigated single oral doses from 20 to 800 mg of SAR164653 followed by repeat dose studies at doses up to 800 mg in healthy young and elderly subjects. SAR164653 was safe and well tolerated at doses up to 800 mg in healthy subjects, and a maximum tolerated dose could not be determined from the study. Activity of ß‐galactosidase measured in leukocytes did not show any abnormalities. The tmax was 1.0 to 2.5 hours, and the t1/2 was ∼5–11 after single dosing; exposure increased less than dose proportional. Following multiple dosing, accumulation was not observed, Cmax and AUC0–24 increased in a dose‐proportional manner, and t1/2 was around 14–20 hours. The novel CathA inhibitor SAR164653 was found to have a favorable safety profile in these early phase 1 studies, but further studies are required to confirm if SAR164653 is equally safe in patients undergoing long‐term treatment.
Single‐ and multiple‐dose pharmacokinetics of tofacitinib in healthy Chinese volunteers
Authors: Krishnaswami Sriram , Wang Tao , Yuan Yi , Alvey Christine W. , Checchio Tina , Peterson Mark , Shi Haihong , Riese Richard
Published: May 2015

Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor. The objective of this phase 1, open‐label study was to characterize the single‐ and multiple‐dose pharmacokinetics (PK) of tofacitinib in 12 healthy, adult Chinese volunteers. Eligible subjects received oral tofacitinib 10 mg once daily on days 1 and 6 and twice daily on days 2–5. Blood samples were collected on day 1 predose and over 24 hours postdose (day 2 predose), predose on days 3–6, and over 12 hours postdose on day 6. PK parameters were calculated using noncompartmental analysis. Mean concentration–time profiles for days 1 and 6 were similar, with median time to peak concentration of 0.5 hours on both days. Plasma concentrations declined rapidly following attainment of peak concentrations, with a mean terminal half‐life of 3.3 hours on day 1 (single dose) and 2.5 hours on day 6 (multiple dose). No accumulation in plasma occurred with twice‐daily administration: accumulation ratio of 1.04. The rapid absorption, elimination, and systemic exposures (peak and area under the concentration–time curve) observed in healthy Chinese volunteers in this study are similar to those previously reported in white subjects.
From Graphene to Carbon Nanotubes: Variation of the Electronic States and Nonlinear Optical Responses
Authors: Hu Yang‐Yang , Gu Jia , Li Wei‐Qi , Yang Li , Feng Ji‐Kang , Tian Wei Quan
Published: May 2015

From the same piece of graphene sheet, (3, 3) and (6, 0) carbon nanotube clips were obtained on the basis of the different manners of rolling. The nature of the electronic state varies differently with different manners of rolling and is significantly affected by zigzag edges. The intermediate structures formed during the rolling process were functionalized with fluorine and oxygen atoms to investigate the electronic states and nonlinear optical (NLO) responses. Passivation of the intermediate structures with fluorine neither changes the nature of electronic states and nor improves the NLO responses. In constrast, passivation with oxygen enhances the NLO properties and changes the electronic states of the structures upon passivating at the open zigzag edges.
Victim‐Offender Mediation with Youth Offenders in Indonesia
Authors: Abdul Syukur Fatahillah , Bagshaw Dale Margaret
Published: May 2015

This article critically analyzes the practice of victim‐offender mediation in district courts in Indonesia, an approach that incorporates the values of indigenous cultures and is compatible with Islamic teachings. The authors highlight the principles of child protection in Indonesia, examine the changing paradigm of legal professionals from retributive to restorative justice, elaborate on legal reforms in handling juvenile offenders, and identify constraints that hamper the implementation of victim‐offender mediation. A case study illustrates the current practice of victim‐offender mediation in the Indonesian courts.
The changes in miR‐130b levels in human serum and the correlation with the severity of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Lv Chuan , Zhou Yue‐hong , Wu Can , Shao Ying , Lu Can‐lu , Wang Qiu‐yue
Published: May 2015

Background

Circulating microRNA 130b has been closely associated with multiple diseases in humans such as cancer, obesity and diabetes mellitus. This study evaluates the correlation between serum miR‐130b and the severity of diabetic nephropathy evaluated by measurement of albuminuria.

Methods

Three hundred twenty‐seven patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were divided into three groups: normoalbuminuria group [diabetes mellitus, urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) < 30 mg/g, n = 137], microalbuminuria group (DN1, UACR 30–300 mg/g, n = 122) and macroalbuminuria group (DN2, UACR > 300 mg/g, n = 68). The levels of serum miR‐130b were validated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Serum transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1), hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) and fibronectin were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Compared with control, serum miR‐130b levels were significantly decreased in T2DM patients and further decreased in the patients of diabetes mellitus, DN1 and DN2 groups (p < 0.001). Furthermore, age‐adjusted and sex‐adjusted regression analyses showed that decreased level of serum miR‐130b, increased levels of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), triglyceride (TG), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), TGF‐β1, HIF‐1α and fibronectin were significantly correlated with UACR (p < 0.05). In addition, serum miR‐130b levels were inversely correlated with HbA1c, HOMA‐IR, TG, LDL, BUN, TGF‐β1, HIF‐1α and FN (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that serum miR‐130b may be a new biomarker for the early diagnosis of DN in T2DM. Circulating miR‐130b may possibly be involved in the pathological mechanism of DN, such as lipid metabolic disorders, oxidative stress, extracellular matrix deposition and renal fibrosis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conditional cell ablation via diphtheria toxin reveals distinct requirements for the basal plate in the regional identity of diencephalic subpopulations
Authors: Lee Bumwhee , Tri Lam Duc , Baek Kwanghee , Yoon Jaeseung , Jeong Yongsu
Published: May 2015

The mammalian diencephalon is the caudal derivative of the embryonic forebrain. Early events in diencephalic regionalization include its subdivision along the dorsoventral and anteroposterior axes. The prosomeric model by Puelles and Rubenstein (1993) suggests that the alar plate of the posterior diencephalon is partitioned into three different prosomeres (designated p1–p3), which develop into the pretectum, thalamus, and prethalamus, respectively. Here, we report the developmental consequences of genetic ablation of cell populations from the diencephalic basal plate. The strategy for conditionally regulated cell ablation is based on the targeted expression of the diphtheria toxin gene (DTA) to the diencephalic basal plate via tamoxifen‐ induced, Cre‐mediated recombination of the ROSADTA allele. We show that activation of DTA leads to specific cell loss in the basal plate of the posterior diencephalon, and disrupted early regionalization of distinct alar territories. In the basal plate‐deficient embryos, the p1 alar plate exhibited reduced expression of subtype‐specific markers in the pretectum, whereas p2 alar plate failed to further subdivide into two discrete thalamic subpopulations. We also show that these defects lead to abnormal nuclear organization at later developmental stages. Our data have implications for increased understanding of the interactive roles between discrete diencephalic compartments. genesis 53:356–365, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Asymmetric Enynylation of N‐Sulfonyl Aldimines Catalyzed by Zn‐BINOL Complexes
Authors: Yang Zhen‐Yan , Liu Tian‐Lin , Zheng Yan , Li Shen , Ma Jun‐An
Published: May 2015

An efficient enynylation of N‐sulfonyl aldimines is described herein. In the presence of Zn‐BINOL complexes, catalytic enantioselective addition reactions of terminal 3‐en‐1‐ynes to N‐sulfonyl aldimines proceed smoothly to produce enynylated carbinamines in up to 96 % yield and 95 % ee. The adducts are versatile synthetic intermediates that readily undergo Pauson–Khand cycloaddition reactions to give polycyclic products that are otherwise difficult to access.
Dually Electroactive Disulfide‐Confined Aryldiazonium Salt Used as a Linker Molecule for Preparing Immunosensor Platforms
Authors: Mohibul Islam Khan Md. , Poduval Mithrabinda K. , Kim Tae‐Hyun , Kim Kyuwon
Published: May 2015

A new electroactive disulfide‐confined aryl diazonium (DSAD) salt was synthesized and used as a linker for biomolecules immobilization to prepare two kinds of immunoassay platforms. DSAD was electrodeposited on ITO electrode surfaces by cyclic voltammetry. Disulfide group of DSAD attached on the surfaces were electrochemically oxidized into thiosulfinate or thiosulfonate groups. For the first work, a detection of rabbit antigen was performed on ITO microelectrodes array by spatially‐selective approach. In the second work, DSAD was deposited on electrochemically reduced graphene oxide‐modified ITO surfaces, which were used as a platform for electrochemical sandwich immunoassay for detecting mouse antigen.
Direct‐acting antiviral drug approvals for treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection: Scientific and regulatory approaches to clinical trial designs
Authors: Mishra Poonam , Murray Jeffrey , Birnkrant Debra
Published: May 2015

Therapeutic options for treatment of chronic hepatitis C have improved substantially since the approval of direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs). Several interferon (IFN)‐free or IFN‐ and ribavirin (RBV)‐free treatment regimens with shorter durations and improved efficacy and safety profiles are now available. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) used several scientific approaches and regulatory mechanisms, such as (1) use of a “validated” surrogate (sustained virological response) for a primary endpoint, (2) shortening the time point for measuring the surrogate by 12 weeks, (3) use of historical controls when clinically appropriate, and (4) use of modeling when scientifically sound to extend treatment indications to subpopulations not fully evaluated in clinical trials, which had an impact on DAA development and subsequent approvals. This article intends to provide increased transparency about the FDA's scientific approaches and regulatory processes that supported drug development and marketing approval of DAAs for treatment of hepatitis C, a serious, life‐threatening infection. (Hepatology 2015;62:1298‐1303)