bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re-use of construction and demolition residues and industrial wastes for the elaboration or recycled eco-efficient concretes
Authors: Juan Valdés A. , Medina Martínez C. , Guerra Romero M.I. , Llamas García B. , Morán del Pozo J.M. , Tascón Vegas A.
Published: November 2013

Production of residues from industries and construction and demolition sectors has increased during last years. The total amount of debris produced according to different estimations reaches values close to 42 million tonnes yr1. Much of this waste has been thrown to landfill, without considering its potential for reuse, recycling or valuation. The aim of this research is to describe some of the physical and mechanical properties of different laboratory-mixed concretes, using various proportions of additional materials recovered from industrial waste and demolition rubble. The added materials are included either as admixtures (forestry residues, cork dust, steel fibre) or in partial substitution of natural aggregates (wire from electrical residues, tyre rubber, white ceramic, sanitary porcelain or shale). The laboratory tests have followed the standard EN protocols. Assay results were variable according to the nature of the material added to the mix: organic materials and shale, despite the steel fibre reinforcement, reduce the compression strength, but are suitable for the manufacture of lightweight concrete for agricultural pavements, with certain flexion resistance and a relatively good behaviour to impact. The substitution of natural aggregates with ceramic and porcelain wastes produces a significant increase in compression resistance, making them suitable for the manufacture of concrete with characteristic resistances above 40 MPa, which can be used both for structures or other agricultural elements: separators, feeders, slat floors. As a conclusion can be stated the possibility of reuse these wastes for the production of structural or non-structural concrete, with different applications in agricultural engineering.
Prolamin proteins alteration in durum wheat by species of the genus Eurygaster and Aelia (Insecta, Hemiptera)
Authors: Salis L. , Goula M. , Valero J. , Gordún E.
Published: November 2013

Wheat bugs are widely distributed in various areas of Europe, Asia and North Africa. Species belonging to the genus Eurygaster and Aelia pierce wheat kernels affecting protein quality. The effects of these insects' feeding activity have been studied mainly in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). This study provides information on the degradation of prolamin proteins (glutenins and gliadins) of bug-damaged durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var durum) in six cultivars grown in Sardinia (Italy). Samples of whole flour mixture of 70% sound wheat and 30% damaged wheat were hydrated and incubated at two temperatures (45 and 4 deg C), for different periods of time (0, 1 and 3 h). Glutenin and gliadin content was analysed using free zone capillary electrophoresis. The presence of bug-damaged kernels had influence on the quality of durum wheat proteins. Glutenins were rapidly degraded independently to incubation temperature. Gliadin degradation, however, took place with dependence on temperature and incubation time. Therefore glutenin degradation was possibly not due solely to the activity of proteolytic enzymes but also to some other as yet unknown factor linked to wheat bugs' feeding activity.
Evaluation of some infiltration models and hydraulic parameters
Authors: Haghighi F. , Gorji M. , Shorafa M. , Sarmadian F. , Mohammadi M.H.
Published: November 2013

The evaluation of infiltration characteristics and some parameters of infiltration models such as sorptivity and final steady infiltration rate in soils are important in agriculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate some of the most common models used to estimate final soil infiltration rate. The equality of final infiltration rate with saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) was also tested. Moreover, values of the estimated sorptivity from the Philip's model were compared to estimates by selected pedotransfer functions (PTFs). The infiltration experiments used the doublering method on soils with two different land uses in the Taleghan watershed of Tehran province, Iran, from September to October, 2007. The infiltration models of Kostiakov-Lewis, Philip two-term and Horton were fitted to observed infiltration data. Some parameters of the models and the coefficient of determination goodness of fit were estimated using MATLAB software. The results showed that, based on comparing measured and model-estimated infiltration rate using root mean squared error (RMSE), Horton's model gave the best prediction of final infiltration rate in the experimental area. Laboratory measured Ks values gave significant differences and higher values than estimated final infiltration rates from the selected models. The estimated final infiltration rate was not equal to laboratory measured Ks values in the study area. Moreover, the estimated sorptivity factor by Philip's model was significantly different to those estimated by selected PTFs. It is suggested that the applicability of PTFs is limited to specific, similar conditions.
Low cost fish feed for aquarium fish: a test case using Colisa fasciata
Authors: Chakrabarty D. , Das S. K. , Das M. K. , Bag M. P.
Published: November 2013

A comprehensive trial was undertaken to assess the effect of various types of feed on biomass conversion rate as well as on gonad (ovarian) weight in Colisa fasciata, a dual-purpose fish for food and ornamental use. Three groups of juvenile fish (3.0±0.015 g; 10.00±0.75 mm) were fed with three different types of feed: dried earthworm feed, laboratory prepared feed (LPF) and market feed. The LPF made with dried earthworm powder, eggshell powder and plant rhizome (Commelina sp.) dusts proved to be the best and economical feed among the three feed tested. The LPF also increased gonad weight of the cultured fishes indicating a production of more fish offspring’s from a single female fish. The plant rhizome possibly played a role in increasingly appetite among LPF cultured fish, which in turn influenced somatic as well as reproductive growth of those fish.
Creating a typology of tobacco farms according to determinants of diversification in Valle de Lerma (Salta-Argentina)
Authors: Chavez M. D. , Berentsen P. B. M. , Oude Lansink A. G. J. M.
Published: November 2013

The objective of this article is to identify typical tobacco farms according to determinants of diversification that can be used to explore possibilities of diversification in the province of Salta (Northwest of Argentina). National Agriculture Census data of 278 farms in the main tobacco production area of Salta were used for the analysis. The variables selected concerning determinants of diversification were: land area, irrigation, general capital goods and specific capital goods, ownership of land, education, off-farm work, and labour availability. The analysis of the principal components applied to 16 selected variables allowed to reduce the dimensionality of the data to four components. Those components were used to apply K-means cluster approach to classify the farms. Four clusters were determined. Cluster 1 and Cluster 2 are the largest clusters. These concern highly specialized tobacco farms. They differ regarding determinants for diversification due to different levels of education of the farmer and different levels of off-farm work. Both clusters are interesting for further analysis regarding diversification alternatives to maintain or improve income and to reduce soil degradation. Cluster 3 concerns large tobacco farms being somewhat less specialized than the farms in clusters 1 and 2. Intensive tobacco production makes this group interesting for exploring diversification alternatives to improve soil conditions. Farms in cluster 4 already have a high level of diversification with substantial livestock production. The presence of perennial pastures suggests a better soil management than the other clusters. This cluster looks appealing to investigate what can be done regarding diversification.
Biomass production and nutrient concentration of kenaf grown on sewage sludge-amended soil
Authors: De Andres E. F. , Tenorio J. L. , Walter I.
Published: November 2013

Due to increasingly strict control of wastewater treatment, the production of sewage sludge is surging and the problem of its disposal is therefore also growing. Recycling this waste as a fertilizer is an economically and environmentally attractive option. Determining the availability of macro- and micronutrients in these sludges is important if such wastes are to provide sufficient nutrients to crops while causing minimal environmental damage. A greenhouse study with two kenaf cultivars (‘Everglades 41’ and ‘Tainung 2’) was designed to evaluate the effects of sewage sludge processing mode on plant development, biomass yield, and nutrient availability. Two different processing modes of sludges (digested dewatered and pelletized-heat dried) applied at two rates, 10 and 20 Mg ha-1 were compared with inorganic N and a zero-N control. Plant height, basal stems diameter and biomass production increased slightly with the sewage sludge treatments but in different manners depending on the kenaf cultivar in question. Both sludges were similar in their ability to supply N to the plants. Apparent N recovery and N fertilizer equivalent value were greater in the low dosage treatments. Of the two cultivars, ‘Everglades 41’ showed greater mean values for all the variables studied. No differences were found in leaf P, K, Ca, Mg contents among treatments. The Zn and Cu concentrations were the only trace elements that increased in the leaf tissues with sludge application, although the values recorded were well below critical environmental thresholds.
Management and sanitary practices in ewe dairy farms and bulk milk somatic cell count
Authors: Molina A. , Yamaki M. , Berruga M. , Althaus R. L. , Molina M. P.
Published: November 2013

This study was done to establish relationships between management and sanitary practices on ewe dairy farms and the quality of milk produced. For this purpose, a survey was carried out on 118 farms and a total of 121,117 animals in the Castilla-La Mancha region (Southeast Spain) in which the veterinarians of the Association of Sanitary Defence participated. Flocks varied considerably in size, ranging from 120-7,200 sheep, with an average milking period lasting 3-5 months and milk yields of between 50 and 150 litres per lactation by mechanical systems on 75.0% of farms. Sanitary practices during milking are still not commonplace; 53.3% performed post milking teat disinfection, 37.0% did the California mastitis test, 31.1% had a dry therapy programme and only 18.6% of farms kept records of animals with clinical mastitis. Nonetheless, the results revealed that 42.7% of the farms surveyed showed good quality hygienic milk (bulk milk somatic cell count, BMSCC<600 × 103 cells mL-1). On most farms, the rate of animals with clinical mastitis was less than 5.0%, while that of subclinical mastitis cases was less than 5.0% on 25.6% of farms. Certain factors like mechanical milking, post milking teat disinfection, recording animals with clinical mastitis and controlling the frequency of animals with subclinical mastitis did not exceed 5.0%. Those risk factors for increased BMSCC levels were significant. Therefore, farmers are recommended to bear these factors in mind, and to instil the importance of carrying out these practices when implementing a good dairy farm practices system.
Performance and emissions of an agricultural diesel engine fuelled with different diesel and methyl ester blends
Authors: Milan I. , Camps M. , Ponce de Leon J. L. , Sanchez-Giron V.
Published: November 2013

This paper shows the results of an investigation carried out to assess the application of different fuels produced by blending diesel fuel with methyl ester obtained from mixture of 75% (v/v) sunflower oil and 25% (v/v) used cooking oil on a Kubota agricultural indirect injection diesel engine, natural aspirated, and with a rated horsepower of 19.7 kW. Seven fuels, namely diesel fuel; 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100 (%v/v) blends were prepared and tested for the performance of the diesel engine in accordance with the standardised OECD test code 2. The test results showed that the performance of the engine was satisfactory without a significant reduction in power output and torque with blends smaller than 50%. Fuel consumptions with biodiesel were higher than that when fuelled with diesel but differences were not very marked up to 30% blends. As the reduction of the engine thermal efficiency was less than the corresponding reduction in heating value of the different biodiesel blends, the latter resulted in a more complete combustion in comparison with diesel fuel. The oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions were found to be reduced as the biodiesel concentration increase, particularly with 70% and 100% blends. The emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) were lower and increased at a lower rate with the oxygen concentration of the exhaust as the biodiesel blends were equal or higher than 50%.
A Microeconomic Framework for Evaluating Energy Efficiency Rebound and Some Implications
Authors: Borenstein Severin
Published: November 2013

Improving energy efficiency can lower the cost of using energy-intensive goods and may create wealth from the energy savings, both of which lead to increased energy use, a “rebound” effect. I present a theoretical framework that parses rebound into economic income and substitution effects. The framework leads to new insights about the magnitude of rebound when goods are not priced at marginal cost and when consumers are imperfect optimizers, as well as the role of technological progress in rebound. I then explore the implications of this framework with illustrative calculations for improved auto fuel economy and lighting efficiency. These suggest that rebound is unlikely to more than offset the savings from energy efficiency investments (known as “backfire”), but rebound likely reduces the net savings by roughly 10% to 40% from these energy efficiency improvements.
Super-FRS Target Area Remote Handling: Scenario and Development
Authors: Orona Luis Miguel , Weick Helmut , Mattila Jouni , Amjad Faraz , Kozlova Ekaterina , Karagiannis Christos , Behr Karl-Heinz , Winkler Martin
Published: November 2013

The Super-FRS, Superconducting Fragment Separator, is a unique machine that presents several challenging technical problems. One of these is regarding how to conduct maintenance in the target area where high levels of radiation will be generated and human access is forbidden. To address this problem the use of a remote maintenance system is foreseen. The objective of this paper is to develop a systems engineering (SE) research and development (R&D) approach suitable to develop the Super-FRS Target Area Remote Maintenance Systems (TARMS) and the RH design adaptation of the components in the target area. The Super-FRS target area is described in detail in order to introduce the need for a remote maintenance system. Components in the target area are classified by adopting ITER RH maintenance classification. The general scenario of remote handling and the current target area remote maintenance system are described. Finally, the proposed systems engineering approach is presented.
Identificação das áreas de recarga de fontes cársticas com o uso do traçador rodamina FWT , área carbonática Lajeado - Bombas, Iporanga, São Paulo
Authors: Genthner Claudio , Ferrari José Antonio , Karmann Ivo
Published: November 2013

Testes qualitativos com o traçador Rodamina FWT foram realizados para identificar a estrutura da drenagem subterrânea e delimitar áreas de recarga de fontes cársticasde um planalto calcário localizado na região sudeste do Estado de São Paulo. É proposto um método para a interpretação dos resultados dos testes qualitativos, com base na intensidade da fluorescência de fundo detectada nos captores de carvão ativado. Os resultados dos testes de conexão entre sumidouros e ressurgências mostraram que pelo menos três sistemas de drenagem subterrânea são responsáveis pela drenagem do planalto: Areias (estrutura convergente), Córrego Fundo (estrutura divergente) e Bombas (estrutura ainda não determinada). Os resultados alcançados mostram que a detecção de conexões hidrológicas com o uso da Rodamina FWT e fluocaptores de carvão ativado é viável no contexto fisiográfico das paisagens cársticas do vale do rio Ribeira de Iguape.
Análise morfoestrutural em área de ocorrência de arenito asfáltico, Bacia do Paraná, São Paulo
Authors: Araújo Carlos César de , Yamamoto Jorge Kazuo , Madrucci Vanessa
Published: November 2013

Arenitos asfálticos ocorrem na borda leste da Bacia do Paraná, Estado de São Paulo. As ocorrências estão relacionadas a condicionantes estratigráficos, estruturais e geomorfológicos. Desse modo, uma análise morfoestrutural foi feita para estabelecer quais elementos geomorfológicos refletem os controles geológicos relacionados à gênese dos arenitos asfálticos. A análise morfoestrutural foi baseada no mapa da rede de drenagem e em imagens de sensoriamento remoto. A interpretação considerou os lineamentos de relevo e a delineação das principais flexuras do terreno. O método de interpretação foi baseado na identificação de anomalias de drenagem, que correspondem a modificações geométricas em relação ao padrão de drenagem regional, como anomalias anelares, radiais e padrões assimétricos. Além disso, foram interpretadas feições retilíneas de drenagem, de mesmo comprimento; estas feições representariam zonas de juntas. Foram detectadas várias anomalias de drenagem na área de ocorrência de arenito asfáltico, várias delas relacionadas a estruturas geológicas mapeadas. Desse modo, o mapa morfoestrutural com a delineação de altos e baixos e os lineamentos são os principais elementos geomorfológicos que refletem os fatores geológicos relacionados à ocorrência de arenito asfáltico. As ocorrências encontram-se em áreas de alta e média densidade de zonas de juntas. Terrenos fraturados são favoráveis à migração dos hidrocarbonetos mas também, à erosão do depósito, agindo de forma antagônica em tempos diferentes. As principais estruturas geológicas da área, estrutura do Jacu e Alto Estrutural de Anhembi, são exemplos da relação entre substrato geológico e relevo, o que ajuda no entendimento da gênese das ocorrências.
Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activity of Entandrophragma angolense
Authors: Anthonia Ogheneruno Ugboduma  , Francis Adu  , Christian Agyare  , Kofi Annan  , Samuel Osei-Asante
Published: November 2013

Entandrophragma angolense (Welw.) C.DC. (Meliaceae) is a deciduous plant commonly found on in west Africa and it is used for treatment microbial infections, wounds, rheumatic and arthritic pains. The methanol stem bark extract was investigated for its antimicrobial activity using the agar well diffusion method and macro-dilution technique and time kill kinetics. The antimicrobial activity of the methanol extract and its fractions were evaluated against five bacteria species and a fungus including Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Bacillus subtilis NCTC 10073, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 4853 and clinical strains of Candida albicans and some of the test bacteria. Phytochemical screening of the crude extract revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins and cardiac glycosides. The MICs of the methanol extract against the test organisms were: S. aureus (11.0 mg/mL), E. faecalis (9.0 mg/mL), B. subtilis (13.0 mg/mL) E. coli (17.0 mg/mL), P. aeruginosa (19 mg/mL) and C. albicans (15.0 mg/mL). The fractions of the methanol extract (pet ether, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions) exhibited varying antimicrobial activities, with the highest activity exhibited by the aqueous fraction. The extract exhibited bacteriostatic and fungistatic activity against all test organisms. Time kill studies showed that the extract exhibited an inhibition of bacterial and fungal growth. The results indicate that the methanol stem bark of E. angolense has antibacterial and antifungal activities and may justify the medicinal uses of the plant in the management of bacterial and fungal infections.
Deprivation-related and use-dependent plasticity go hand in hand
Authors: Makin Tamar R , Cramer Alona O , Scholz Jan , Hahamy Avital , Henderson Slater David , Tracey Irene , Johansen-Berg Heidi
Published: November 2013

Arm-amputation involves two powerful drivers for brain plasticity—sensory deprivation and altered use. However, research has largely focused on sensory deprivation and maladaptive change. Here we show that adaptive patterns of limb usage after amputation drive cortical plasticity. We report that individuals with congenital or acquired limb-absence vary in whether they preferentially use their intact hand or residual arm in daily activities. Using fMRI, we show that the deprived sensorimotor cortex is employed by whichever limb individuals are over-using. Individuals from either group that rely more on their intact hands (and report less frequent residual arm usage) showed increased intact hand representation in the deprived cortex, and increased white matter fractional anisotropy underlying the deprived cortex, irrespective of the age at which deprivation occurred. Our results demonstrate how experience-driven plasticity in the human brain can transcend boundaries that have been thought to limit reorganisation after sensory deprivation in adults.
Relations of the energetic proton fluxes in the central plasma sheet with solar wind and geomagnetic activities
Authors: Cao Jinbin , Duan Aiying , Reme Henri , Dandouras Iannis
Published: November 2013

In this paper, using 9 years of Cluster data, we statistically investigate the relations of central plasma sheet energetic proton fluxes, ~30 keV to 380 keV, with the solar wind parameters and geomagnetic indexes. The energetic proton fluxes increase with increasing solar wind dynamical pressure and solar wind speed. The energetic proton fluxes are more correlated with solar wind dynamical pressure than with solar wind speed. During northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz, energetic proton fluxes are independent of northward IMF Bz, while during southward IMF Bz, energetic proton fluxes are highly correlated with southward IMF Bz and increase with increasing |IMF Bz|. The response time of energetic proton flux to southward IMF Bz is between 40 and 100 min. The energetic proton fluxes are correlated with plasma sheet ion temperature. The energetic proton fluxes increase with increasing indexes of Kp, AE, and |Dst|. Among the three geomagnetic indexes, the central plasma sheet energetic proton fluxes are most correlated with Kp index with the largest correlation coefficient being 0.82. The energetic proton fluxes are large during positive Dst index, suggesting that the sharp increase of solar wind dynamical pressure can enhance the plasma sheet energetic proton fluxes. The enhanced plasma sheet energetic proton fluxes may be important for geomagnetic storms and substorms since they can possibly directly become the source of ring current and substorm‐injected energetic particles without the need of additional acceleration process in the inner magnetosphere.
A new dynamic approach for statistical optimization of GNSS radio occultation bending angles for optimal climate monitoring utility
Authors: Li Y. , Kirchengast G. , Scherllin‐Pirscher B. , Wu S. , Schwaerz M. , Fritzer J. , Zhang S. , Carter B. A. , Zhang K.
Published: November 2013

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)‐based radio occultation (RO) is a satellite remote sensing technique providing accurate profiles of the Earth's atmosphere for weather and climate applications. Above about 30 km altitude, however, statistical optimization is a critical process for initializing the RO bending angles in order to optimize the climate monitoring utility of the retrieved atmospheric profiles. Here we introduce an advanced dynamic statistical optimization algorithm, which uses bending angles from multiple days of European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) short‐range forecast and analysis fields, together with averaged‐observed bending angles, to obtain background profiles and associated error covariance matrices with geographically varying background uncertainty estimates on a daily updated basis. The new algorithm is evaluated against the existing Wegener Center Occultation Processing System version 5.4 (OPSv5.4) algorithm, using several days of simulated MetOp and observed CHAMP and COSMIC data, for January and July conditions. We find the following for the new method's performance compared to OPSv5.4: 1.) it significantly reduces random errors (standard deviations), down to about half their size, and leaves less or about equal residual systematic errors (biases) in the optimized bending angles; 2.) the dynamic (daily) estimate of the background error correlation matrix alone already improves the optimized bending angles; 3.) the subsequently retrieved refractivity profiles and atmospheric (temperature) profiles benefit by improved error characteristics, especially above about 30 km. Based on these encouraging results, we work to employ similar dynamic error covariance estimation also for the observed bending angles and to apply the method to full months and subsequently to entire climate data records.
Shaping the Emission Spectral Profile of Quantum Dots with Periodic Dielectric and Metallic Nanostructures
Authors: Zhou Zhang‐Kai , Lei Dang Yuan , Liu Jiaming , Liu Xin , Xue Jiancai , Zhu Qiangzhong , Chen Huanjun , Liu Tianran , Li Yinyin , Zhang Hongbo , Wang Xuehua
Published: November 2013

The emission profile and lifetime dynamics of semiconductor quantum dots can be significantly shaped and altered using dielectric and plasmonic nanostructures based on anodic aluminum oxide templates. Remarkable spectral modification and a large total decay rate enhancement in the photoluminescence of quantum dots are observed when they are deposited on a pristine anodic aluminum oxide template. The modified emission spectral profile is consistent with the calculated photonic local density of states above the anodic aluminum oxide template surface, suggesting that this interesting spectral tuning phenomenon stems from the surface electromagnetic modes supported by the anodic aluminum oxide template. Furthermore, when the anodic aluminum oxide template is loaded with metallic nanowires that sustain plasmon resonances, the photoluminescence of the quantum dots can be largely enhanced. These unprecedented results suggest that the anodic aluminum oxide template can be used as a versatile platform for tailoring the photoluminescence properties of quantum emitters in future photonic and optoelectronic applications.
Electrospun Conformal Li4Ti5O12/C Fibers for High‐Rate Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Henghui , Hu Xianluo , Luo Wei , Sun Yongming , Yang Ze , Hu Chenchen , Huang Yunhui
Published: November 2013

Conformal carbon‐coated Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) fibers are easily synthesized through a simple electrospinning route combined with subsequent thermal treatment. The as‐formed fibers comprise interconnected LTO nanoparticles and an external coating layer of carbon. When evaluated as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries, the resulting LTO/C fibers exhibit excellent high‐rate lithium‐storage performances. The influence of the carbon content in the composite LTO/C fibers on the electrochemical properties is explored in detail. The enhanced lithium‐storage performances are attributed to the synergetic features of interconnected LTO nanocrystals and a highly electronically conductive coating layer of carbon, which reduce the Li+‐diffusion distance and improve the electronic conductivity. This work presents a facile and effective synthetic strategy, which is potentially competitive for scaling‐up the industrial production of high‐rate LTO anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries.
Synthesis of Asymmetrically Substituted Terpyridines by Palladium‐Catalyzed Direct CH Arylation of Pyridine N‐Oxides
Authors: Duric Sasa , Sypaseuth Fanni D. , Hoof Santina , Svensson Emma , Tzschucke C. Christoph
Published: November 2013

The synthesis of asymmetrically substituted 2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridines is reported. First, palladium‐catalyzed CH arylation of pyridine N‐oxides with substituted bromopyridines gave 2,2′‐bipyridine N‐oxides, which were further arylated in a second step to form 2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine N‐oxides. Yields of up to 77 % were obtained with N‐oxides bearing an electron‐withdrawing ethoxycarbonyl substituent in the 4‐position. Pd(OAc)2 with either P(tBu)3 or P(o‐tolyl)3 was used as the catalyst. Cyclometalated complexes derived from Pd(OAc)2 and these phosphines were also effective. K3PO4 as the base gave better results than K2CO3. Subsequent deoxygenation with H2 and Pd/C as the catalyst gave the asymmetrically substituted 2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridines in near quantitative yield. This reaction sequence significantly reduces the number of steps required in comparison with known cross‐coupling methods and therefore allows convenient and scalable access to substituted terpyridines.
Trapped in Misbelief for Almost 40 Years: Selective Synthesis of the Four Stereoisomers of Mefloquine
Authors: Schützenmeister Nina , Müller Michael , Reinscheid Uwe M. , Griesinger Christian , Leonov Andrei
Published: November 2013

Here we report the synthesis of all four stereoisomers of mefloquine. Mefloquine (Lariam) is an important anti‐malaria drug that is applied as a racemate of the erythro form. However, the (−)‐isomer induces psychosis, while the (+)‐enantiomer does not have this undesired side effect. There are six syntheses of which five lead to the wrong enantiomer without the authors of these syntheses noting that they had synthesized the wrong compound. At the same time physical chemistry investigations had assigned the absolute configuration correctly and the last enantioselective synthesis that took these results into account delivered the correct absolute configuration. Since various synthetic approaches failed to provide the correct stereoisomers in previous syntheses, we submit here a synthetic approach with a domino Sonogashira‐6π‐electrocyclisation as key step that confirmed synthetically the correct absolute configuration of all four isomers.
Simultaneous Bromate and Nitrate Reduction in Water Using Sulfur‐Utilizing Autotrophic and Mixotrophic Denitrification Processes in a Fixed Bed Column Reactor
Authors: Demirel Sevgi , Uyanık İbrahim , Yurtsever Adem , Çelikten Hakan , Uçar Deniz
Published: November 2013

Carcinogenic bromate (BrO3−) can be present in drinking water as a result of its formation from bromide (Br−) during ozonation. A fixed bed column reactor filled with elementel sulfur and limestone was operated for about six months under autotrophic and mixotrophic (autotrophic + heterotrophic) conditions at 30°C. The reactor was operated at the hydraulic retention time (HRT) ranging from 16.5 to 10.1 h at autotrophic conditions. Under mixotrophic conditions, 45 mg/L NO3‐N was removed completely at C/N ratio (mg CH3OH/mg NO3‐N) between 0.55 and 1.66 at HRT of 10.1 h. The average effluent pH was 7.8 and the sulfate concentration was lower than the Environmental Protection Agency limits at the mixotrophic stages. Efficient simultaneous BrO3− and nitrate removal was achieved at feed concentrations of 100–500 µg/L BrO3− and 45 mg/L nitrate under autotrophic and mixotrophic conditions. Effluent Br− measurements indicated that BrO3− was completely reduced without accumulation of by‐products.
Sex disparities in diagnosis of bladder cancer after initial presentation with hematuria: A nationwide claims‐based investigation
Authors: Cohn Joshua A. , Vekhter Benjamin , Lyttle Christopher , Steinberg Gary D. , Large Michael C.
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

Women have disproportionately higher mortality rates relative to incidence for bladder cancer. Multiple etiologies have been proposed, including delayed diagnosis and treatment. Guidelines recommend ruling out malignancy in men and women presenting with hematuria. This study sought to determine the difference in timing from presentation with hematuria to diagnosis of bladder cancer in women versus men.

METHODS

This is a retrospective population‐based study examining the timing from presentation with hematuria to diagnosis of bladder cancer, based on data from the MarketScan databases, which include enrollees of more than 100 health insurance plans of approximately 40 large US employers from 2004 through 2010. All study patients presented with hematuria and were subsequently diagnosed with bladder cancer. The primary outcome measure was number of days between initial presentation with hematuria and diagnosis of bladder cancer by sex.

RESULTS

A total of 5416 men and 2233 women met inclusion criteria. Mean days from initial hematuria claim to bladder cancer claim was significantly longer in women (85.4 versus 73.6 days, P < .001), and the proportion of women with >6 month delay in bladder cancer diagnosis was significantly higher (17.3% versus 14.1%, P < .001). Women were more likely to be diagnosed with urinary tract infection (odds ratio = 2.32, 95% confidence interval = 2.07‐2.59) and less likely to undergo abdominal or pelvic imaging (odds ratio = 0.80, 95% confidence interval = 0.71‐0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

Both men and women experience significant delays between presentation with hematuria and diagnosis of bladder cancer, with longer delays for women. This may be partly responsible for the sex‐based discrepancy in outcomes associated with bladder cancer. Cancer 2014;120:555–661. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Synthesis of Polyboronic Acid Functionalized Hierarchically Ordered Macro‐/Mesoporous Silica for Selective Enrichment of Glycopeptides for Mass Spectrometric Analysis
Authors: Yan Yinghua , Deng Chunhui , Zheng Zhifang , Zhang Xiangmin , Yang Pengyuan
Published: November 2013

A novel hierarchically ordered macro/mesoporous silica was functionalized with polyboronic acid (HOMMS@PolyVPBA). This composite possesses the attractive features of high surface area and large accessible porosity, and was applied to enrich glycopeptides. Here the HOMMS material was introduced into glycoproteome for the first time. The HOMMS@PolyVPBA gave remarkable selectivity for glycopeptides even at a low molar ratio of glycopeptides/nonglycopeptides (1:50) with a very rapid enrichment speed (only 10 min) and low detection (1 ng μL−1). Therefore the synthetic HOMMS@PolyVPBA might be a promising selective enrichment material for glycoproteome analysis.
Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation/Hydrogenolysis for Reductive Upgrading of Furfural and 5‐(Hydroxymethyl)furfural
Authors: Scholz David , Aellig Christof , Hermans Ive
Published: November 2013

The sequential transfer hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis of furfural and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural to 2‐methylfuran and 2,5‐dimethylfuran was studied over in situ reduced, Fe2O3‐supported Cu, Ni, and Pd catalysts, with 2‐propanol as hydrogen donor. The remarkable activity of Pd/Fe2O3 in both transfer hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis is attributed to a strong metal–support interaction. Selectivity towards hydrogenation, hydrogenolysis, decarbonylation, and ring‐hydrogenation products is shown to strongly depend on the Pd loading. A significant enhancement in yield to 62 %, of 2‐methylfuran and 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran was observed under continuous flow conditions.
Ensemble modeling to predict habitat suitability for a large‐scale disturbance specialist
Authors: Latif Quresh S. , Saab Victoria A. , Dudley Jonathan G. , Hollenbeck Jeff P.
Published: November 2013

To conserve habitat for disturbance specialist species, ecologists must identify where individuals will likely settle in newly disturbed areas. Habitat suitability models can predict which sites at new disturbances will most likely attract specialists. Without validation data from newly disturbed areas, however, the best approach for maximizing predictive accuracy can be unclear (Northwestern U.S.A.). We predicted habitat suitability for nesting Black‐backed Woodpeckers (Picoides arcticus; a burned‐forest specialist) at 20 recently (≤6 years postwildfire) burned locations in Montana using models calibrated with data from three locations in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. We developed 8 models using three techniques (weighted logistic regression, Maxent, and Mahalanobis D2 models) and various combinations of four environmental variables describing burn severity, the north–south orientation of topographic slope, and prefire canopy cover. After translating model predictions into binary classifications (0 = low suitability to unsuitable, 1 = high to moderate suitability), we compiled “ensemble predictions,” consisting of the number of models (0–8) predicting any given site as highly suitable. The suitability status for 40% of the area burned by eastside Montana wildfires was consistent across models and therefore robust to uncertainty in the relative accuracy of particular models and in alternative ecological hypotheses they described. Ensemble predictions exhibited two desirable properties: (1) a positive relationship with apparent rates of nest occurrence at calibration locations and (2) declining model agreement outside surveyed environments consistent with our reduced confidence in novel (i.e., “no‐analogue”) environments. Areas of disagreement among models suggested where future surveys could help validate and refine models for an improved understanding of Black‐backed Woodpecker nesting habitat relationships. Ensemble predictions presented here can help guide managers attempting to balance salvage logging with habitat conservation in burned‐forest landscapes where black‐backed woodpecker nest location data are not immediately available. Ensemble modeling represents a promising tool for guiding conservation of large‐scale disturbance specialists.
Label‐free evanescent microscopy for membrane nano‐tomography in living cells
Authors: Bon Pierre , Barroca Thomas , Lévèque‐Fort Sandrine , Fort Emmanuel
Published: November 2013

We show that through‐the‐objective evanescent microscopy (epi‐EM) is a powerful technique to image membranes in living cells. Readily implementable on a standard inverted microscope, this technique enables full‐field and real‐time tracking of membrane processes without labeling and thus signal fading. In addition, we demonstrate that the membrane/interface distance can be retrieved with 10 nm precision using a multilayer Fresnel model. We apply this nano‐axial tomography of living cell membranes to retrieve quantitative information on membrane invagination dynamics. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Abdominal MRI at 3.0 T: LAVA‐flex compared with conventional fat suppression T1‐weighted images
Authors: Li Xing Hui , Zhu Jiang , Zhang Xiao Ming , Ji Yi Fan , Chen Tian Wu , Huang Xiao Hua , Yang Lin , Zeng Nan Lin
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To study liver imaging with volume acceleration‐flexible (LAVA‐Flex) for abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3.0 T and compare the image quality of abdominal organs between LAVA‐Flex and fast spoiled gradient‐recalled (FSPGR) T1‐weighted imaging.

Materials and Methods

Our Institutional Review Board approval was obtained in this retrospective study. Sixty‐nine subjects had both FSPGR and LAVA‐Flex sequences. Two radiologists independently scored the acquisitions for image quality, fat suppression quality, and artifacts and the values obtained were compared with the Wilcoxon signed rank test. According to the signal intensity (SI) measurements, the uniformity of fat suppression, the contrast between muscle and fat and normal liver and liver lesions were compared by the paired t‐test. The liver and spleen SI on the fat‐only phase were analyzed in the fatty liver patients.

Results

Compared with FSPGR imaging, LAVA‐Flex images had better and more homogenous fat suppression and lower susceptibility artifact (qualitative scores: 4.70 vs. 4.00, 4.86% vs. 7.14%, 4.60 and 4.10, respectively). The contrast between muscle and fat and between the liver and pathologic lesions was significantly improved on the LAVA‐Flex sequence. The contrast value of the fatty liver and spleen was higher than that of the liver and spleen.

Conclusion

The LAVA‐Flex sequence offers superior and more homogenous fat suppression of the abdomen than does the FSPGR sequence. The fat‐only phase can be a simple and effective method of assessing fatty liver. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:58–66. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Imaging of the murine biliopancreatic tract at 7 tesla: Technique and results in a model of primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Ernst Thomas M. , Schwinge Dorothee , Raabe Nina , Daubmann Anne , Kaul Michael G. , Adam Gerhard , Schramm Christoph , Ittrich Harald
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To assess the feasibility of a 7 Tesla (T) MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) protocol to image the morphology and detect and intraindividually monitor pathological changes of the biliopancreatic tract in a mouse model of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

Materials and Methods

Six female Mdr2(Abcb)−/− mice, a well‐established model of PSC, were imaged five times during weeks 10–19. Three wild‐type controls were imaged at age 15 weeks. MRCP acquisition with three‐dimensional fast recovery fast spin echo sequences (3D‐FRFSE) was performed using three sequences with different resolutions, repetition times (TR), and with/without respiration‐gating in a 7T preclinical MRI system. Image quality and visualization of five biliopancreatic structures were evaluated by three independent readers.

Results

Image quality was rated diagnostically sufficient in 86% of the datasets acquired without gating and in 100% for the respiration‐gated sequences. Intrahepatic ducts were well visualized (≥97%) in Mdr2−/− mice. Stenoses and dilatations of the biliary ducts were intraindividually monitored. Progression and regression of bile duct pathologies were sufficiently assessed during the observation time.

Conclusion

High‐quality respiration‐gated MRCP of the Mdr2−/− PSC model at 7T allows for in vivo imaging of murine biliopancreatic tract and monitoring of bile duct pathologies, permitting longitudinal intraindividual studies in murine models of inflammatory bile duct diseases. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1355–1364. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Infrared and Raman spectroscopic studies of the charge localization in one‐dimensional organic metals (DMtTTF)2X (X = ReO4, ClO4) with regular organic stacks
Authors: Jankowski Damian , Świetlik Roman , Jeannin Olivier , Assaf Ali , Reinheimer Eric W. , Fourmigué Marc
Published: November 2013

A novel selective synthesis of the unsymmetrically substituted tetrathiafulvalene dimethyltrimethylene‐tetrathiafulvalene (DMtTTF) is described together with its electrocrystallization to the known conducting mixed‐valence ClO4– and ReO4– salts. Infrared (IR) and Raman spectra of the two isostructural quasi‐one‐dimensional cation radical salts (DMtTTF)2X (X = ReO4–, ClO4–) are investigated as a function of temperature (T = 5–300 K). At ambient temperature, these salts show metallic‐like properties and below Tρ = 100–150 K, they undergo a smeared transition to semiconducting state. To study this charge localization, we measured temperature dependence of polarized IR reflectance spectra (700–16 000 cm–1) and Raman spectra (150–3500 cm–1, excitation λ = 632.8 nm) of single crystals. For both compounds, the Raman data and especially the bands related to the C=C stretching vibration of the DMtTTF molecule show that the charge distribution on molecules is uniform down to the lowest temperatures. Similarly, IR data confirm that down to the lowest temperatures, there is neither charge ordering nor important modification of the electronic structure. However, the temperature dependence of Raman spectra of both salts reveals a regime change at about 150 K. Additionally, using Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods, the normal vibrational modes of the neutral DMtTTF0 and cationic DMtTTF+ species and also their theoretical IR and Raman spectra were calculated. The theoretical data were compared with the experimental IR and Raman spectra of neutral DMtTTF0 molecule. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein modifications by electrophilic lipoxidation products: Adduct formation, chemical strategies and tandem mass spectrometry for their detection and identification
Authors: Vasil'ev Yury V. , Tzeng Shin‐Chen , Huang Lin , Maier Claudia S.
Published: November 2013

The post‐translational modification of proteins by electrophilic oxylipids is emerging as an important mechanism that contributes to the complexity of proteomes. Enzymatic and non‐enzymatic oxidation of biological lipids results in the formation of chemically diverse electrophilic carbonyl compounds, such as 2‐alkenals and 4‐hydroxy alkenals, epoxides, and eicosanoids with reactive cyclopentenone structures. These lipoxidation products are capable of modifying proteins. Originally considered solely as markers of oxidative insult, more recently the modifications of proteins by lipid peroxidation products are being recognized as a new mechanism of cell signaling with relevance to redox homeostasis, adaptive response and inflammatory resolution. The growing interest in protein modifications by reactive oxylipid species necessitates the availability of methods that are capable of detecting, identifying and characterizing these protein adducts in biological samples with high complexity. However, the efficient analysis of these chemically diverse protein adducts presents a considerable analytical challenge. We first provide an introduction into the chemistry and biological relevance of protein adductions by electrophilic lipoxidation products. We then provide an overview of tandem mass spectrometry approaches that have been developed in recent years for the interrogation of protein modifications by electrophilic oxylipid species. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 33: 157–182, 2014.
Avian Skeletal Part Representation: A Case Study from Offing 2, A Hunter‐Gatherer‐Fisher Site in the Strait of Magellan (Chile)
Authors: Lefèvre C. , Laroulandie V.
Published: November 2013

The large midden site of Offing 2 (southern Chile) has yielded a series of human occupations dating back to 4200–2500 bp. From a very large collection of bird specimens, we sampled over 45 000 bird bones from four taxa (Diomedea sp., Procellaria sp., Phalacrocorax sp. and Sterna hirundinacea). The distributions of skeletal parts do not contradict the bone density and functional anatomy hypotheses for cormorants and terns, but the observed data for albatross and petrel are less convincing. The presence of most or all elements (except for the terns) indicates that the birds were brought back to the site as complete carcasses. The deficit of some of the long wing bones observed for albatross and petrel is remarkable and may indicate a particular removal for later use as raw material for tools or trade goods. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.