bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolated cases of remote dynamic triggering in Canada detected using cataloged earthquakes combined with a matched‐filter approach
Authors: Wang Bei , Harrington Rebecca M. , Liu Yajing , Yu Hongyu , Carey Alex , van der Elst Nicholas J.
Published: June 2015

Here we search for dynamically triggered earthquakes in Canada following global main shocks between 2004 and 2014 with MS > 6, depth < 100 km, and estimated peak ground velocity > 0.2 cm/s. We use the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) earthquake catalog to calculate β statistical values in 1° × 1° bins in 10 day windows before and after the main shocks. The statistical analysis suggests that triggering may occur near Vancouver Island, along the border of the Yukon and Northwest Territories, in western Alberta, western Ontario, and the Charlevoix seismic zone. We also search for triggering in Alberta where denser seismic station coverage renders regional earthquake catalogs with lower completeness thresholds. We find remote triggering in Alberta associated with three main shocks using a matched‐filter approach on continuous waveform data. The increased number of local earthquakes following the passage of main shock surface waves suggests local faults may be in a critically stressed state.
Stability and compressibility of a new iron‐nitride β‐Fe7N3 to core pressures
Authors: Minobe Sayuri , Nakajima Yoichi , Hirose Kei , Ohishi Yasuo
Published: June 2015

We have examined the phase relations in the iron‐rich portion of the Fe‐N binary system up to 150 GPa and 2720 K in a laser‐heated diamond anvil cell. Synchrotron X‐ray diffraction measurements revealed the formation of a new phase (β‐Fe7N3) above 41 GPa and ~1000 K. The β phase is structurally identical or very close to Fe7C3 and the most iron‐rich Fe‐N intermediate compound at its stability field. We also measured the volume of β‐Fe7N3 to 132 GPa and found its elastic property very similar to that of Fe7C3. Recently, it has been proposed that the density and sound velocities, in particular, shear wave velocity, in the Earth's inner core are reconciled with Fe7C3, but such properties could be explained by β‐Fe7N3 equally well. It is therefore possible that the inner core consists of Fe7(C,N)3, which is found as diamond inclusions and likely stable under inner core conditions.
Response of ionospheric electric fields at mid‐low latitudes during sudden commencements
Authors: Takahashi N. , Kasaba Y. , Shinbori A. , Nishimura Y. , Kikuchi T. , Ebihara Y. , Nagatsuma T.
Published: June 2015

Using in situ observations from the Republic of China Satellite‐1 spacecraft, we investigated the time response and local time dependence of the ionospheric electric field at mid‐low latitudes associated with geomagnetic sudden commencements (SCs) that occurred from 1999 to 2004. We found that the ionospheric electric field variation associated with SCs instantaneously responds to the preliminary impulse (PI) signature on the ground regardless of spacecraft local time. Our statistical analysis also supports the global instant transmission of electric field from the polar region. In contrast, the peak time detected in the ionospheric electric field is earlier than that of the equatorial geomagnetic field (~20 s before in the PI phase). Based on the ground‐ionosphere waveguide model, this time lag can be attributed to the latitudinal difference of ionospheric conductivity. However, the local time distribution of the initial excursion of ionospheric electric field shows that dusk‐to‐dawn ionospheric electric fields develop during the PI phase. Moreover, the westward electric field in the ionosphere, which produces the preliminary reverse impulse of the geomagnetic field on the dayside feature, appears at 18–22 h LT where the ionospheric conductivity beyond the duskside terminator (18 h LT) is lower than on the dayside. The result of a magnetohydrodynamic simulation for an ideal SC shows that the electric potential distribution is asymmetric with respect to the noon‐midnight meridian. This produces the local time distribution of ionospheric electric fields similar to the observed result, which can be explained by the divergence of the Hall current under nonuniform ionospheric conductivity.
The glacial mid‐depth radiocarbon bulge and its implications for the overturning circulation
Authors: Burke Andrea , Stewart Andrew L. , Adkins Jess F. , Ferrari Raffaele , Jansen Malte F. , Thompson Andrew F.
Published: June 2015

Published reconstructions of radiocarbon in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean indicate that there is a mid‐depth maximum in radiocarbon age during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). This is in contrast to the modern ocean where intense mixing between water masses results in a relatively homogenous radiocarbon profile. Ferrari et al. (2014) suggested that the extended Antarctic sea ice cover during the LGM necessitated a shallower boundary between the upper and lower branches of the meridional overturning circulation. This shoaled boundary lay above major topographic features associated with strong diapycnal mixing, isolating dense southern sourced water in the lower branch of the overturning circulation. This isolation would have allowed radiocarbon to decay and thus provides a possible explanation for the mid‐depth radiocarbon age bulge. We test this hypothesis using an idealized, 2‐D, residual‐mean dynamical model of the global overturning circulation. Concentration distributions of a decaying tracer that is advected by the simulated overturning are compared to published radiocarbon data. We find that a 600 km (~5° of latitude) increase in sea ice extent shoals the boundary between the upper and lower branches of the overturning circulation at 45°S by 600 m and shoals the depth of North Atlantic Deep Water convection at 50°N by 2500 m. This change in circulation configuration alone decreases the radiocarbon content in the mid‐depth South Atlantic at 45°S by 40‰, even without an increase in surface radiocarbon age in the source region of deep waters during the LGM.
Effects of Interest, Thematic Congruence, and Typicality on Memory for Television, Radio, and Press Advertisements of New Products
Authors: Martín‐Luengo Beatriz , Luna Karlos , Migueles Malen
Published: June 2015

Little is known about how the content of advertisements is remembered. We studied how product interest, thematic congruence between advertisement and programme, and the typicality of the elements of an advertisement affect memory for new product ads in television, radio, and printed media. Participants were exposed to a single type of media with two embedded ads. After a filler task, they completed a true/false recognition task. In television and radio, accuracy was higher for the interesting product ads. In three experiments, we found no effect of thematic congruence, and the standard effect of typicality. In printed media, where participants are free to read the ads or not, the differences in hits and false alarms in typicality were due to a change in the response criterion and not to an effect on memory. We conclude that different results can be obtained depending on the exposure to different media. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanocomposite Precursor Polyacrylonitrile Fibers for Medical Applications
Authors: Szparaga Grzegorz , Król Paulina , Brzezińska Magdalena , Rabiej Stanisław , Boguń Maciej
Published: June 2015

The significant development of the fibers' manufacturing processes favors the emergence of new solutions in the preparation of the bioactive implantable materials. Thus, the properly designed manufacturing processes, as well as properly controlled process parameters enable controlling properties of the final composite material. This paper presents the investigation of the effect of the initial manufacturing parameters on the structure and properties of the precursor polyacrylonitrile fibers containing two types of bioglass. By using a bioactive silicate modifier during the fibers spinning process, carbon biomaterials with modified properties can be obtained. Therefore, the incorporation of modifiers containing calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) into the carbon fibers matrix could contribute to the increase of its compatibility with the surrounding bone tissue. The significant part of the investigation concerned the application of the drawing distribution during the fibers spinning process. It is already known that the proper value of the total draw parameter allows obtaining fibers that are characterized by optimal specific strength values. The resulting fibers have strength of 34–46 cN/tex and elongation at break of 9–14%; which supports its processing into nonwovens for further carbonization processes. Furthermore, the porous and macroscopic structure in relation to the sorption properties of the obtained fibers has been investigated.
Bubble formation and dynamics in a quiescent high‐density liquid
Authors: Chakraborty Indrajit , Biswas Gautam , Polepalle Satyamurthy , Ghoshdastidar Partha S.
Published: June 2015

Gas bubble formation from a submerged orifice under constant‐flow conditions in a quiescent high‐density liquid metal, lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE), at high Reynolds numbers was investigated numerically. The numerical simulation was carried out using a coupled level‐set and volume‐of‐fluid method governed by axisymmetric Navier–Stokes equations. The ratio of liquid density to gas density for the system of interest was about 15,261. The bubble formation regimes varied from quasi‐static to inertia‐dominated and the different bubbling regimes such as period‐1 and period‐2 with pairing and coalescence were described. The volume of the detached bubble was evaluated for various Weber numbers, We, at a given Bond number, Bo, with Reynolds number
. It was found that at high values of the Weber number, the computed detached bubble volumes approached a 3/5 power law. The different bubbling regimes were identified quantitatively from the time evolution of the growing bubble volume at the orifice. It was shown that the growing volume of two consecutive bubbles in the period‐2 bubbling regime was not the same whereas it was the same for the period‐1 bubbling regime. The influence of grid resolution on the transition from period‐1 to period‐2 with pairing and coalescence bubbling regimes was investigated. It was observed that the transition is extremely sensitive to the grid size. The transition of period‐1 and period‐2 with pairing and coalescence is shown on a Weber–Bond numbers map. The critical value of Weber number signalling the transition from period‐1 to period‐2 with pairing and coalescence decreases with Bond number as
, which is shown to be consistent with the scaling arguments. Furthermore, comparisons of the dynamics of bubble formation and bubble coalescence in LBE and water systems are discussed. It was found that in a high Reynolds number bubble formation regime, a difference exists in the transition from period‐1 to period‐2 with pairing and coalescence between the bubbles formed in water and the bubbles formed in LBE. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 3996–4012, 2015
Traditional and environmentally preferable cleaning product exposure and health symptoms in custodians
Authors: Garza Jennifer L. , Cavallari Jennifer M. , Wakai Sara , Schenck Paula , Simcox Nancy , Morse Tim , Meyer John D. , Cherniack Martin
Published: June 2015

Background

We investigated the associations between traditional and environmentally preferable cleaning product exposure and dermal, respiratory, and musculoskeletal symptoms in a population of custodians.

Methods

We analyzed associations between symptoms and exposure to traditional and environmentally preferable cleaning product exposure among 329 custodians.

Results

We observed increased odds of dermal (P < 0.01), upper (P = 0.01) and lower respiratory (P = 0.01), and upper extremity (P < 0.01), back (P < 0.01), and lower extremity (P = 0.01) musculoskeletal symptoms associated with increased typical traditional cleaning product exposure. We observed significant trends for increased odds of dermal (P = 0.03) and back (P = 0.04) and lower (P = 0.02) extremity musculoskeletal symptoms associated with increased typical environmentally preferable cleaning product exposure.

Conclusions

Fewer positive associations and reduced odds of health symptoms associated with environmentally preferable cleaning product exposure suggest that these products may represent a safer alternative to traditional cleaning products. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:988–995, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. American Journal of Industrial Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age and amyloid effects on human central nervous system amyloid‐beta kinetics
Authors: Patterson Bruce W. , Elbert Donald L. , Mawuenyega Kwasi G. , Kasten Tom , Ovod Vitaliy , Ma Shengmei , Xiong Chengjie , Chott Robert , Yarasheski Kevin , Sigurdson Wendy , Zhang Lily , Goate Alison , Benzinger Tammie , Morris John C. , Holtzman David , Bateman Randall J.
Published: June 2015

Objective

Age is the single greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), with the incidence doubling every 5 years after age 65. However, our understanding of the mechanistic relationship between increasing age and the risk for AD is currently limited. We therefore sought to determine the relationship between age, amyloidosis, and amyloid‐beta (Aβ) kinetics in the central nervous system (CNS) of humans.

Methods

Aβ kinetics were analyzed in 112 participants and compared to the ages of participants and the amount of amyloid deposition.

Results

We found a highly significant correlation between increasing age and slowed Aβ turnover rates (2.5‐fold longer half‐life over five decades of age). In addition, we found independent effects on Aβ42 kinetics specifically in participants with amyloid deposition. Amyloidosis was associated with a higher (>50%) irreversible loss of soluble Aβ42 and a 10‐fold higher Aβ42 reversible exchange rate.

Interpretation

These findings reveal a mechanistic link between human aging and the risk of amyloidosis, which may be owing to a dramatic slowing of Aβ turnover, increasing the likelihood of protein misfolding that leads to deposition. Alterations in Aβ kinetics associated with aging and amyloidosis suggest opportunities for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. More generally, this study provides an example of how changes in protein turnover kinetics can be used to detect physiological and pathophysiological changes and may be applicable to other proteinopathies. Ann Neurol 2015;78:439–453
Refined comparison theorems for the Dirac equation in d dimensions
Authors: Hall Richard L. , Zorin Petr
Published: June 2015

A single spin‐1/2 particle obeys the Dirac equation in spatial dimension and is bound by an attractive central monotone potential which vanishes at infinity (in one dimension the potential is even). This work refines the relativistic comparison theorems which were derived by Hall . The new theorems allow the graphs of the two comparison potentials and to crossover in a controlled way and still imply the spectral ordering for the eigenvalues at the bottom of each angular momentum subspace. More specifically in a simplest case we have: in dimension , if , then ; and in dimensions, if , where and , then .

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Exceedingly Facile PhX Activation (X=Cl, Br, I) with Ruthenium(II): Arresting Kinetics, Autocatalysis, and Mechanisms
Authors: Miloserdov Fedor M. , McKay David , Muñoz Bianca K. , Samouei Hamidreza , Macgregor Stuart A. , Grushin Vladimir V.
Published: June 2015

[(Ph3P)3Ru(L)(H)2] (where L=H2 (1) in the presence of styrene, Ph3P (3), and N2 (4)) cleave the PhX bond (X=Cl, Br, I) at RT to give [(Ph3P)3RuH(X)] (2) and PhH. A combined experimental and DFT study points to [(Ph3P)3Ru(H)2] as the reactive species generated upon spontaneous loss of L from 3 and 4. The reaction of 3 with excess PhI displays striking kinetics which initially appears zeroth order in Ru. However mechanistic studies reveal that this is due to autocatalysis comprising two factors: 1) complex 2, originating from the initial PhI activation with 3, is roughly as reactive toward PhI as 3 itself; and 2) the PhI bond cleavage with the just‐produced 2 gives rise to [(Ph3P)2RuI2], which quickly comproportionates with the still‐present 3 to recover 2. Both the initial and onward activation reactions involve PPh3 dissociation, PhI coordination to Ru through I, rearrangement to a η2‐PhI intermediate, and PhI oxidative addition.
o‐Nitrobenzyl‐photolabile Gruppen der nächsten Generation in der lichtgesteuerten Chemie und der Synthese von Mikroarrays
Authors: Kretschy Nicole , Holik Ann‐Katrin , Somoza Veronika , Stengele Klaus‐Peter , Somoza Mark M.
Published: June 2015

Der Einsatz von Licht als externer Schalter ist ein zielgerichtetes und leicht kontrollierbares Verfahren zur räumlichen und zeitlichen Steuerung chemischer Reaktionen. Zwei o‐Nitrobenzylderivate – Benzoyl‐NPPOC und Thiophenyl‐NPPOC – steigern die Photolyseeffizienz in der Mikroarraysynthese um den Faktor 2 bzw. 12 gegenüber derjenigen der herkömmlichen NPPOC‐Gruppe.
Reductive Catenation of Phosphine Antimony Complexes
Authors: Chitnis Saurabh S. , Burford Neil , Weigand Jan J. , McDonald Robert
Published: June 2015

Reactions of triarylphosphines with fluoroantimony(III) triflates give phosphine antimony(III) complexes, which undergo spontaneous reductive elimination of fluorophosphonium cations. The resulting phosphine antimony(I) complexes catenate to give the first examples of cationic antimony bicyclic compounds, [(R3P)4Sb6]4+, featuring a bicyclo[3.1.0]hexastibine framework stabilized by four phosphine ligands. The unprecedented 14‐electron redox process illustrates the generality of the reductive catenation method.
Defect‐Engineered Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Fang Zhenlan , Bueken Bart , De Vos Dirk E. , Fischer Roland A.
Published: June 2015

Defect engineering in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is an exciting concept for tailoring material properties, which opens up novel opportunities not only in sorption and catalysis, but also in controlling more challenging physical characteristics such as band gap as well as magnetic and electrical/conductive properties. It is challenging to structurally characterize the inherent or intentionally created defects of various types, and there have so far been few efforts to comprehensively discuss these issues. Based on selected reports spanning the last decades, this Review closes that gap by providing both a concise overview of defects in MOFs, or more broadly coordination network compounds (CNCs), including their classification and characterization, together with the (potential) applications of defective CNCs/MOFs. Moreover, we will highlight important aspects of “defect‐engineering” concepts applied for CNCs, also in comparison with relevant solid materials such as zeolites or COFs. Finally, we discuss the future potential of defect‐engineered CNCs.
Next‐Generation o‐Nitrobenzyl Photolabile Groups for Light‐Directed Chemistry and Microarray Synthesis
Authors: Kretschy Nicole , Holik Ann‐Katrin , Somoza Veronika , Stengele Klaus‐Peter , Somoza Mark M.
Published: June 2015

Light as an external trigger is a valuable and easily controllable tool for directing chemical reactions with high spatial and temporal accuracy. Two o‐nitrobenzyl derivatives, benzoyl‐ and thiophenyl‐NPPOC, undergo photo‐deprotection with significantly improved efficiency over that of the commonly used NPPOC group. The two‐ and twelvefold increase in photo‐deprotection efficiency was proven using photolithograph synthesis of microarrays.
Fluorine‐Rich Fluorides: New Insights into the Chemistry of Polyfluoride Anions
Authors: Vent‐Schmidt Thomas , Brosi Felix , Metzger Jens , Schlöder Tobias , Wang Xuefeng , Andrews Lester , Müller Carsten , Beckers Helmut , Riedel Sebastian
Published: June 2015

Polyfluoride anions have been investigated by matrix‐isolation spectroscopy and quantum‐chemical methods. For the first time the higher polyfluoride anion [F5]− has been observed under cryogenic conditions in neon matrices at 850 cm−1. In addition, a new band for the Cs+[F3]− complex in neon is reported.
Conversion of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) to methyl crotonate for the production of biobased monomers
Authors: Spekreijse Jurjen , Le Nôtre Jerome , Sanders Johan P. M. , Scott Elinor L.
Published: June 2015

Within the concept of the replacement of fossil with biobased resources, bacterial polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) can be obtained from volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from agro‐food waste streams and used as an intermediate toward attractive chemicals. Here we address a crucial step in this process, the conversion of PHB to methyl crotonate (MC), which can be converted via cross‐metathesis with ethylene to methyl acrylate and propylene, two important monomers for the plastics industry. The conversion of PHB to MC proceeds via a thermolysis of PHB to crotonic acid (CA), followed by an esterification to MC. At pressures below 18 bar, the thermolysis of PHB to CA is the rate‐determining step, where above 18 bar, the esterification of CA to MC becomes rate limiting. At 200°C and 18 bar, a full conversion and 60% selectivity to MC is obtained. This conversion circumvents processing and application issues of PHB as a polymer and allows PHB to be used as an intermediate to produce biobased chemicals. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42462.
Preparation of polypropylene microfiltration membranes via thermally induced (solid–liquid or liquid–liquid) phase separation method
Authors: Zhou Bo , Tang Yuanhui , Li Qian , Lin Yakai , Yu Miao , Xiong Yan , Wang Xiaolin
Published: June 2015

Polypropylene (PP) hollow fiber microfiltration membranes with excellent performance were successfully prepared from the PP‐binary diluent system via thermally induced liquid–liquid (L–L) phase separation method. The binary diluent consisted of myristic acid and diphenyl carbonate. The effects of the binary diluent on phase separation and membrane structure were systematically investigated. With the decrease in the weight ratio of myristic acid to diphenyl carbonate, the Flory–Huggins interaction parameter between PP and the binary diluent became more positive, and the mechanism of phase separation changed from solid–liquid (S–L) to L–L. This resulted in the membrane structure changing from spherulitic to bicontinuous. Moreover, as the weight ratio of myristic acid to diphenyl carbonate decreased from 11/9 to 2/3, the L–L phase separation region kept enlarging while the viscosity of the whole system became higher. The pore size of the cross‐section increased due to the longer coarsening time while the surface pore size decreased due to the higher viscosity of the system. The bulk porosity of resultant PP membranes was mostly higher than 70% and pure water flux were generally larger than 650 L m−2h−1. In addition, the PP hollow fiber microfiltration membrane possessed excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength of 3.47 MPa and elongation of 118%) and good separation performance (rejection to PEO (Mw = 1000 kDa) of 94.6%) when the weight ratio of myristic acid to diphenyl carbonate was 2/3. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 42490.
Preparation of fine fiberglass‐resin powders from waste printed circuit boards by different milling methods for reinforcing polypropylene composites
Authors: Yang Shuangqiao , Bai Shibing , Wang Qi
Published: June 2015

In this study, different milling methods were used to prepare fine fiberglass‐resin powders (FRP) from waste printed circuit boards for the sake of obtaining high‐performance polypropylene (PP)/FRP composite. The processability and appearance of composites can be greatly improved through further milling of FRP; smaller average particle size and narrower particle size distribution can be obtained by pan milling as compared with jet milling and planetary ball milling. Mechanical test results showed that fine FRP prepared by pan milling could be used as reinforcing fillers in the PP composites and possessed better mechanical properties than other two milling methods. The mechanical properties was also confirmed by scanning electron microscopy studies which indicated that the dispersion of FRP and interfacial adhesion between fiberglass and PP matrix was much better by pan milling. Meanwhile, the heterogeneous nucleation effect of FRP by pan milling was more obvious. The above results indicate that solid‐state shear is a new method for producing fine FRP and high‐performance PP composites filled with FRP. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42494.
Numerical simulation of flow of rubber compounds in partially filled internal mixer
Authors: Liu Jinpeng , Li Fanzhu , Zhang Liqun , Yang Haibo
Published: June 2015

Most numerical simulations of the flow in an internal mixer are based on the assumption that the internal mixer is totally filled with rubber compounds. However, in fact, the internal mixers are only partially filled with rubber compounds, thus posing many challenges for researchers in simulating the flow in the internal mixer. In this study, the volume of fluid method and the dynamic mesh technology of commercial CFD software FLUENT were used to simulate the flow of rubber compound in a partially filled internal mixer. To improve simulation accuracy, every 18 degrees in circumferential direction, we manually re‐meshed the calculated transient location of the rubber compound. Thus, we obtained the transient distribution of the rubber compound in the internal mixer as the rotors rotated. The simulation results showed that voids were mainly located behind the rotor blades, and there were material exchanges in the bridge regions between the two chambers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 42496.
Synchronization of Heterogeneous Multi‐Agent Systems by Adaptive Iterative Learning Control
Authors: Yang Shiping , Xu Jian‐Xin , Huang Deqing , Tan Ying
Published: June 2015

In this work, under a repeatable control environment, an adaptive iterative learning control method is applied to synchronize a group of uncertain heterogeneous agents. The agent dynamics are modeled by nonlinear equations, which contain both parametric and non‐parametric uncertainties. Furthermore, the uncertainties are assumed to be general nonlinear terms instead of the global Lipschitz functions. The communication among the followers is depicted by an undirected and connected graph, meanwhile, the virtual leader's trajectory is only accessible to a small portion of the followers. The proposed learning rules enable all the followers to learn and handle both parametric and non‐parametric uncertainties based on the local information such that the followers can synchronize their trajectories to the desired one. In comparison with the existing literature, most works assume first or second order nonlinear systems, and perfect initial conditions. In order to mitigate the identical initialization condition, the applicability of alignment condition and initial rectifying action are further explored. In addition, our developed algorithms can be applied to general high order nonlinear systems. Finally, synchronization examples of networked robotic manipulators are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed methods.
Evaluation of hypothermia on the in vitro metabolism and binding and in vivo disposition of midazolam in rats
Authors: Miyamoto Hirotaka , Matsueda Satoshi , Moritsuka Akihiro , Shimokawa Kenta , Hirata Haruna , Nakashima Mikiro , Sasaki Hitoshi , Fumoto Shintaro , Nishida Koyo
Published: June 2015

The effect of hypothermia on the in vivo pharmacokinetics of midazolam was evaluated, with a focus on altered metabolism in the liver and binding to serum proteins. Rat primary hepatocytes were incubated with midazolam (which is metabolized mainly by CYP3A2) at 37, 32 or 28 °C. The Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) and maximum velocity (Vmax) of midazolam were estimated using the Michaelis–Menten equation. The Km of CYP3A2 midazolam remained unchanged, but the Vmax decreased at 28 °C. In rats, whose temperature was maintained at 37, 32 or 28 °C by a heat lamp or ice pack, the plasma concentrations of midazolam were higher, whereas those in the brain and liver were unchanged at 28 °C. The tissue/plasma concentration ratios were, however, increased significantly. The unbound fraction of midazolam in serum at 28 °C was half that at 37 °C. These pharmacokinetic changes associated with hypothermic conditions were due to reductions in CYP3A2 activity and protein binding. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multicenter investigation of lifestyle‐related diseases and visceral disorders in thalidomide embryopathy at around 50 years of age
Authors: Shiga Tomoko , Shimbo Takuro , Yoshizawa Atsuto
Published: June 2015

Background

In utero exposure to thalidomide causes a wide range of birth defects, including phocomelia, hearing loss and visceral disorders, known as thalidomide embryopathy (TE). Fifty years after the first report of TE, we conducted the first cross‐sectional multicenter study to investigate the development of lifestyle‐related diseases and identify risk factors for visceral disorders in subjects with TE.

Methods

Seventy‐six cases with TE (31 men, 45 women) underwent medical examinations between 2011 and 2014 to determine the types of TE‐related anomalies (limbs, auditory organs, or visceral organs) and lifestyle‐related diseases present. Logistic multiple regression analyses, adjusted for gender and age, were conducted between TE and lifestyle‐related diseases and to evaluate association between block vertebra and gallbladder aplasia.

Results

Fatty liver (FL), nonalcoholic FL disease and dyslipidemia were detected in 52.6%, 35.0%, and 23.7% of subjects, respectively, with higher incidences among men. Dyslipidemia was detected in 40.0% of subjects with FL and was significantly associated with FL (odds ratio = 8.86; p = 0.008). Block vertebrae were detected in 44.4% of subjects with gallbladder aplasia, and this association was significant (odds ratio = 9.96; p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Subjects with TE have also a risk for lifestyle‐related disease as well as the general Japanese population. In addition, cervical spine radiography and magnetic resonance imaging are recommended to assess block vertebrae in subjects with TE with gallbladder aplasia who develop shoulder pain. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:787–793, 2015. © 2015 The Authors Birth Defects Research Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maternal occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and craniosynostosis among offspring in the national birth defects prevention study
Authors: O'Brien Jacqueline L. , Langlois Peter H. , Lawson Christina C. , Scheuerle Angela , Rocheleau Carissa M. , Waters Martha A. , Symanski Elaine , Romitti Paul A. , Agopian A.J. , Lupo Philip J. ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: June 2015

Background

Evidence in animal models and humans suggests that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may lead to birth defects. To our knowledge, this relationship has not been evaluated for craniosynostosis, a birth defect characterized by the premature closure of sutures in the skull. We conducted a case‐control study to examine associations between maternal occupational exposure to PAHs and craniosynostosis.

Methods

We used data from craniosynostosis cases and control infants in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) with estimated delivery dates from 1997 to 2002. Industrial hygienists reviewed occupational data from the computer‐assisted telephone interview and assigned a yes/no rating of probable occupational PAH exposure for each job from 1 month before conception through delivery. We used logistic regression to assess the association between occupational exposure to PAHs and craniosynostosis.

Results

The prevalence of exposure was 5.3% in case mothers (16/300) and 3.7% in control mothers (107/2,886). We observed a positive association between exposure to PAHs during the 1 month before conception through the third month of pregnancy and craniosynostosis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–3.05) after adjusting for maternal age and maternal education. The number of cases for each craniosynostosis subtype limited subtype analyses to sagittal craniosynostosis; the odds ratio remained similar (OR = 1.76, 95% CI, 0.82–3.75), but was not significant.

Conclusion

Our findings support a moderate association between maternal occupational exposure to PAHs and craniosynostosis. Additional work is needed to better characterize susceptibility and the role PAHs may play on specific craniosynostosis subtypes. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:55–60, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Die Terminologie von Epochen – Überlegungen am Beispiel Frühe Neuzeit/,early modern‘
Authors: Nipperdey Justus
Published: June 2015

The Significance of Terminology for the Idea of a Historical Period – Considerations on Frühe Neuzeit/Early Modern. This article focuses on the relationship between the names given to historical periods and the attributed substance of that period. It argues that the possibility of a neutralisation in terms of substantive meaning depends on the terminology used to delineate a historical period. Considering the example of ‘early modern history’ the article sketches the usage of that term in twentieth century historiography. While it is clear that the concept cannot escape the inherent teleology of modernity succeeding pre‐modern ages, the analysis shows that historians have used ‘early modern’ in surprisingly divers ways trying to overcome the semantic meaning of the term itself.
The changes in bone organic and inorganic matrix in newborn rats after maternal application of antiretroviral agents: Indinavir and zidovudine
Authors: Maciejewska Karina , Drzazga Zofia , Kaszuba Michal
Published: June 2015

This work presents results concerning influence of indinavir (protease inhibitor, PI1) and zidovudine (nucleoside and nucleotide inhibitor of reverse transcriptase, NRTI) administered to pregnant Wistar rat females on organic and mineral constituents of bones and teeth (mandibles, skulls, tibiae, femurs, and incisors) of their offspring at the age of: 7, 14, and 28 days studied by means of induced laser and X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy supported by digital radiography. Influence of indinavir administered to pregnant female rats on bone of their offspring revealed mainly in changes of mineral concentration: lowered Ca concentration and disturbances of trace elements. Zidovudine influenced organic matter more than inorganic matrix which was seen in enhancement of LIF fluorescence. However, there was also an unexpected increase of bone density for rats from zidovudine group, unlike indinavir group, observed. Our studies suggest that studied antiretroviral agents given to pregnant women, may have different destructive impact on bone state of their offspring in the first period of life. Maternal administration of zidovudine may delay development of organic matrix, while indinavir may have adverse effects on inorganic structure. © 2015 BioFactors, 41(3):198–208, 2015
Dynamic modelling of high biomass density cultivation and biohydrogen production in different scales of flat plate photobioreactors
Authors: Zhang Dongda , Dechatiwongse Pongsathorn , del Rio‐Chanona Ehecatl Antonio , Maitland Geoffrey C. , Hellgardt Klaus , Vassiliadis Vassilios S.
Published: June 2015

This paper investigates the scaling‐up of cyanobacterial biomass cultivation and biohydrogen production from laboratory to industrial scale. Two main aspects are investigated and presented, which to the best of our knowledge have never been addressed, namely the construction of an accurate dynamic model to simulate cyanobacterial photo‐heterotrophic growth and biohydrogen production and the prediction of the maximum biomass and hydrogen production in different scales of photobioreactors. To achieve the current goals, experimental data obtained from a laboratory experimental setup are fitted by a dynamic model. Based on the current model, two key original findings are made in this work. First, it is found that selecting low‐chlorophyll mutants is an efficient way to increase both biomass concentration and hydrogen production particularly in a large scale photobioreactor. Second, the current work proposes that the width of industrial scale photobioreactors should not exceed 0.20 m for biomass cultivation and 0.05 m for biohydrogen production, as severe light attenuation can be induced in the reactor beyond this threshold. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 2429–2438. © 2015 The Authors. Biotechnology and Bioengineering Published by Wiley Peiodicals, Inc.
trans‐Symmetric Dynamic Covalent Systems: Connected Transamination and Transimination Reactions
Authors: Schaufelberger Fredrik , Hu Lei , Ramström Olof
Published: June 2015

The development of chemical transaminations as a new type of dynamic covalent reaction is described. The key 1,3‐proton shift is under complete catalytic control and can be conducted orthogonally to, or simultaneous with, transimination in the presence of an amine to rapidly yield two‐dimensional dynamic systems with a high degree of complexity evolution. The transamination–transimination systems are proven to be fully reversible, stable over several days, compatible with a range of functional groups, and highly tunable. Kinetic studies show transamination to be the rate‐limiting reaction in the network. Furthermore, it was discovered that readily available quinuclidine is a highly potent catalyst for aldimine transaminations. This study demonstrates how connected dynamic reactions give rise to significantly larger systems than the unconnected counterparts, and shows how reversible isomerizations can be utilized as an effective diversity‐generating element.
Cation‐Transporting Peptides: Scaffolds for Functionalized Pores?
Authors: Behera Harekrushna , Ramkumar Venkatachalam , Madhavan Nandita
Published: June 2015

Protein pores that selectively transport ions across membranes are among nature’s most efficient machines. The selectivity of these pores can be exploited for ion sensing and water purification. Since it is difficult to reconstitute membrane proteins in their active form for practical applications it is desirable to develop robust synthetic compounds that selectively transport ions across cell membranes. One can envision tuning the selectivity of pores by incorporating functional groups inside the pore. Readily accessible octapeptides containing (aminomethyl)benzoic acid and alanine are reported here that preferentially transport cations over halides across the lipid bilayer. Ion transport is hypothesized through pores formed by stable assemblies of the peptides. The aromatic ring(s) appear to be proximal to the pore and could be potentially utilized for functionalizing the pore interior.
Synthesis and Isolation of Organogold Complexes through a Controlled 1,2‐Silyl Migration
Authors: McGee Philippe , Bellavance Gabriel , Korobkov Ilia , Tarasewicz Anika , Barriault Louis
Published: June 2015

During our efforts toward the synthesis of naturally occurring polyprenylated polycyclic acylphloroglucinol using a AuI‐catalyzed 6‐endo dig carbocyclization, we isolated stable vinyllic gold intermediates. Optimization lead to isolated yields of up to 98 %, using 2‐(di‐tert‐butylphosphino)biphenyl as the ligand. This transformation is derived from a silyl rearrangement that can be fully controlled according to the nature of the substituent on the ynone. This selective transformation does not require basic conditions to prevent protodeauration. These vinylgold complexes are the first isolated intermediates during a silyl migration with gold(I). More than 16 new organogold complexes were synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Reactivity of these complexes is also presented.
Carbon‐Atom Extrusion from Halobenzenes and Its Coupling with a Methylene Ligand to Form Acetylene
Authors: Zhou Shaodong , Schlangen Maria , Li Jilai , Wu Xiao‐Nan , Schwarz Helmut
Published: June 2015

Mechanistic aspects of an unusual gas‐phase reaction of [LaCH2]+ with halobenzenes have been investigated using Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In this thermal process a carbon‐atom from the benzene ring, most likely the ipso‐position, and the carbene ligand are coupled to form C2H2.
Albumin Supplement Affects the Metabolism and Metabolism‐Related Drug–Drug Interaction of Fenoprofen Enantiomers
Authors: Wang Nan , Wang Feng , Meng Yu , Yang Guo‐Hui , Chen Ju‐Wu , Wang Jia‐Xiang
Published: June 2015

The influence of albumin towards the metabolism behavior of fenoprofen enantiomers and relevant drug–drug interaction was investigated in the present study. The metabolic behavior of fenoprofen enantiomers was compared in a phase II metabolic incubation system with and without bovine serum albumin (BSA). BSA supplement increased the binding affinity parameter (Km) of (R)‐fenoprofen towards human liver microsomes (HLMs) from 148.3 to 214.4 μM. In contrast, BSA supplement decreased the Km of (S)‐fenoprofen towards HLMs from 218.2 to 123.5 μM. For maximum reaction velocity (Vmax), the addition of BSA increased the Vmax of (R)‐fenoprofen from 1.3 to 1.6 nmol/min/mg protein. In the contrast, BSA supplement decreased the Vmax value from 3.3 to 1.5 nmol/min/mg protein. Andrographolide–fenoprofen interaction was used as an example to investigate the influence of BSA supplement towards fenoprofen‐relevant drug–drug interaction. The addition of 0.2% BSA in the incubation system significantly decreased the inhibition potential of andrographolide towards (R)‐fenoprofen metabolism (P < 0.001). Different from (R)‐fenoprofen, the addition of BSA significantly increased the inhibition potential of andrographolide towards the metabolism of (S)‐fenoprofen. BSA supplement also changed the inhibition kinetic type and parameter of andrographolide towards the metabolism of (S)‐fenoprofen. In conclusion, albumin supplement changes the metabolic behavior of fenoprofen enantiomers and the fenoprofen–andrographolide interaction. Chirality 27:436–440, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Influence of Tailings Composition on Flocculation
Authors: Botha Linda , Soares Joao B. P.
Published: June 2015

It is hard to treat fine tailings resulting from oil sands extraction processes. No current fine tailings treatment technology can completely eliminate tailings ponds, despite considerable efforts to address the slow settling of fines and to facilitate the consolidation of sediments. Some treatments use coagulants and coarse solids to form composite or consolidated tailings; others use polymer flocculants. The performance of polymer flocculants is evaluated empirically, with fine tailings often being considered as a black box. Some fundamental studies use single clay systems, such as kaolinite suspended in water, as models to evaluate the performance of polymer flocculants. While it is easier to relate polymer performance to specific conditions in these simpler systems, it is difficult to translate these results to the treatment of the much more complex tailings environment. For the rational design of polymer flocculants, one must understand the interactions between polymers and the several components in tailings. With this information in hand, one can optimize the molecular structure of polymer flocculants to treat oil sands tailings efficiently. In this review, we summarize the published research on flocculation performance within the context of complex fine tailings systems. Furthermore, we describe the compositional complexity of mature fine tailings to help the design of more representative model tailings systems.
Biodegradation of 2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Contaminated Soil in a Roller Slurry Bioreactor
Authors: Mustafa Yasmen A. , Abdul‐Hameed Hayder M. , Razak Zainab Abdul
Published: June 2015

The bioremediation of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) contaminated soil was studied in a roller slurry bioreactor operated under aerobic conditions. The performance of the roller slurry bioreactor was tested for different concentrations of 2,4‐D in sandy loam soil (200, 300, and 500 mg/kg soil). Sewage sludge was used as an inexpensive source of microorganisms which is available in large quantities in wastewater treatment plants. The results show that all biodegradation experiments demonstrated a significant decrease in 2,4‐D concentrations. Removal efficiencies of 100, 99, and 97% for the initial concentrations of 200, 300, and 500 mg 2,4‐D/kg of soil were obtained after ten days, respectively. Abiotic conditions (reactor without microorganisms) were also performed to investigate the desorption efficiency of contaminants from soil to liquid phase. Different amendments as the surfactants sodium dodecyl sulfate, rhamnolipid and glass beads (with 10% load) were used in the roller slurry bioreactor to reduce the incubation time and to enhance the bioremediation efficiency. The results show that there was no reduction in the incubation time and no significant enhancement in the degradation efficiency of 2,4‐D in soil for these amendments.
The effect of MRI contrast agents on hepatic and splenic uptake in the rabbit during 99mTc‐MDP bone scintigraphy
Authors: Qiu Lin , Tang Yuhui , Chen Yue , Huang Zhanwen , Zhu Yan , Zhang Li , Cai Liang , Wan Qiang , Feng Yue
Published: June 2015

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Omniscan® and Magnevist® on 99mTc‐MDP uptake in rabbits during 99mTc‐MDP bone scintigraphy. In Experiment Group 1, 30 healthy adult rabbits were randomized into six subgroups (n = 5); each subgroup experienced a different time interval between injections (30 min, 60 min, 120 min, 240 min, 360 min, 24 h). All six subgroups were injected first with Omniscan®, then with 99mTc‐MDP. After 7 days, the same six subgroups were injected with normal saline followed by 99mTc‐MDP at the same time intervals. In Experiment Group 2, 20 healthy adult rabbits were allocated randomly to four subgroups (n = 5); each subgroup experienced a different time interval between injections (30 min, 60 min, 120 min, 240 min). All four subgroups were injected first with Magnevist®, then with 99mTc‐MDP. After 7 days, the same four subgroups were injected with normal saline followed by 99mTc‐MDP. In all experiments, whole‐body skeletal imaging was performed. Liver, spleen, and background were delineated to determine the target‐to‐background (T/B) ratio. Diffusely increased intake of the imaging agent was seen in the liver and spleen when the injection‐time interval between Omniscan® and 99mTc‐MDP varied from 30 min to 240 min and when the time interval between Magnevist® and 99mTc‐MDP was 30 min–60 min. The imaging findings are consistent with the results of L/B and S/B ratios in each experiment group. Both Omniscan® and Magnevist® have an effect on 99mTc‐MDP uptake during bone scanning; the main effect is diffusely increased hepatic and splenic activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.