bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diet analysis by next‐generation sequencing indicates the frequent consumption of introduced plants by the critically endangered red‐headed wood pigeon (Columba janthina nitens) in oceanic island habitats
Authors: Ando Haruko , Setsuko Suzuki , Horikoshi Kazuo , Suzuki Hajime , Umehara Shoko , Inoue‐Murayama Miho , Isagi Yuji
Published: October 2013

Oceanic island ecosystems are vulnerable to the introduction of alien species, and they provide a habitat for many endangered species. Knowing the diet of an endangered animal is important for appropriate nature restoration efforts on oceanic islands because introduced species may be a major component of the diets of some endangered species. DNA barcoding techniques together with next‐generation sequencing may provide more detailed information on animal diets than other traditional methods. We performed a diet analysis using 48 fecal samples from the critically endangered red‐headed wood pigeon that is endemic to the Ogasawara Islands based on chloroplast trnL P6 loop sequences. The frequency of each detected plant taxa was compared with a microhistological analysis of the same sample set. The DNA barcoding approach detected a much larger number of plants than the microhistological analysis. Plants that were difficult to identify by microhistological analysis after being digested in the pigeon stomachs were frequently identified only by DNA barcoding. The results of the barcoding analysis indicated the frequent consumption of introduced species, in addition to several native species, by the red‐headed wood pigeon. The rapid eradication of specific introduced species may reduce the food resources available to this endangered bird; thus, balancing eradication efforts with the restoration of native food plants should be considered. Although some technical problems still exist, the trnL approach to next‐generation sequencing may contribute to a better understanding of oceanic island ecosystems and their conservation.
Threats and knowledge gaps for ecosystem services provided by kelp forests: a northeast Atlantic perspective
Authors: Smale Dan A. , Burrows Michael T. , Moore Pippa , O'Connor Nessa , Hawkins Stephen J.
Published: October 2013

Kelp forests along temperate and polar coastlines represent some of most diverse and productive habitats on the Earth. Here, we synthesize information from >60 years of research on the structure and functioning of kelp forest habitats in European waters, with particular emphasis on the coasts of UK and Ireland, which represents an important biogeographic transition zone that is subjected to multiple threats and stressors. We collated existing data on kelp distribution and abundance and reanalyzed these data to describe the structure of kelp forests along a spatial gradient spanning more than 10° of latitude. We then examined ecological goods and services provided by kelp forests, including elevated secondary production, nutrient cycling, energy capture and flow, coastal defense, direct applications, and biodiversity repositories, before discussing current and future threats posed to kelp forests and identifying key knowledge gaps. Recent evidence unequivocally demonstrates that the structure of kelp forests in the NE Atlantic is changing in response to climate‐ and non‐climate‐related stressors, which will have major implications for the structure and functioning of coastal ecosystems. However, kelp‐dominated habitats along much of the NE Atlantic coastline have been chronically understudied over recent decades in comparison with other regions such as Australasia and North America. The paucity of field‐based research currently impedes our ability to conserve and manage these important ecosystems. Targeted observational and experimental research conducted over large spatial and temporal scales is urgently needed to address these knowledge gaps.
Sap flow and trunk maximum daily shrinkage (MDS) measurements for diagnosing water status of Populus euphratica in an inland river basin of Northwest China
Authors: Ma Jian‐Xin , Huang Xiang , Li Wei‐Hong , Zhu Cheng‐Gang
Published: October 2013

Using sap flow flux density and trunk maximum daily shrinkage (MDS) as the main plant‐based water stress indicators and combined with soil salinity parameters and plant population characteristics, water statuses of Populus euphratica were diagnosed. Based on these parameters, optimal groundwater depth for maintaining the development of natural P. euphratica were explored in middle and lower reaches of the Tarim River. When excluding the impact of soil salinity and climatic factors, our results demonstrated that sap flow flux density in P. euphratica decreases with increase groundwater depth and that such a negative correlation is significant. It also showed that MDS has a significant positive correlation with groundwater depth. When the water table depth reached 4.5–5.0 m, our study showed a significant reduction in sap flow flux density changes of P. euphratica apparent and increasing MDS, indicating that the growth of P. euphratica is under drying stress, and the plant adapts to the environment through reducing transpirational water consumption by self‐regulation. When water table is in the range of 4–6 m, the populations characteristics (coverage, density and frequency) of P. euphratica under different groundwater depth reached the maximums. We conclude that groundwater depth between 4.5 and 5.0 m is the optimum restoring P. euphratica and its ecosystem in the middle and lower reaches of the Tarim River. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase is a critical node in the death of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes during Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infection
Authors: Deobagkar‐Lele Mukta , Victor Emmanuel S. , Nandi Dipankar
Published: October 2013

Thymic atrophy, due to the depletion of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes, is observed during infections with numerous pathogens. Several mechanisms, such as glucocorticoids and inflammatory cytokines, are known to be involved in this process; however, the roles of intracellular signaling molecules have not been investigated. In this study, the functional role of c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK) during infection‐induced thymic atrophy was addressed. The levels of phosphorylated JNK in immature CD4+CD8+ thymocytes from C57BL/6 (Nramp‐deficient) and 129/SvJ (Nramp‐sufficient) mice were increased upon oral infection of mice with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. typhimurium). Furthermore, inhibition of JNK signaling, but not ERK or p38 MAPK, prevented the in vitro death of infected thymocytes. Importantly, the in vivo inhibition of JNK signaling with SP600125 protected C57BL/6 CD4+CD8+ thymocytes from depletion via multiple mechanisms as follows: lower intracellular ROS, inflammatory cytokines, Bax and caspase 3 activity, increase in Bcl‐xL amounts, and prevention of the loss in mitochondrial membrane potential. Notably, thymic architecture was preserved in infected mice treated with SP600125. Overall, this study identifies a novel role for JNK as a crucial regulator of the death of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes during S. typhimurium infection.
Expression of an anti‐RNA autoantibody in a mouse model of SLE increases neutrophil and monocyte numbers as well as IFN‐I expression
Authors: Han Jin‐Hwan , Umiker Benjamin R. , Kazimirova Anastasia A. , Fray Michael , Korgaonkar Parimal , Selsing Erik , Imanishi‐Kari Thereza
Published: October 2013

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of antinucleic acid autoantibodies, high levels of circulating type I interferon (IFN‐I), and an IFN‐I‐dependent elevated expression of activating FcγR. Increases in neutrophils and monocytes are often observed in clinical SLE, but how these contribute to autoantibody and IFN‐I production is poorly understood. Here, we analyzed SLE pathogenesis in 564Igi mice, an SLE‐model strain carrying gene‐targeted heavy and light chain antibody genes encoding an anti‐RNA autoantibody in a C57BL/6 background. Similar to human SLE patients, 564Igi mice produce anti‐RNA autoantibodies and expanded neutrophil and monocyte populations. These myeloid cells produced IFN‐I and exhibit increased FcγRIV expression induced via an IFN‐I autocrine loop. A direct effect of IFN‐I on 564Igi BM B cells and neutrophils was supported by their upregulation of “IFN‐I signature genes”. In addition, 564Igi developing B cells showed upregulated TLR7 resulting in IgG2a/2b class switch recombination and autoantibody production. Our results indicate that the production of anti‐RNA autoantibody is sufficient to induce an increase of BM, blood, and spleen IFN‐I‐producing neutrophils, and suggest a mechanism by which autoantibody and IFN‐I contribute to SLE by activating B lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocyte effector cells in vivo.
Photoluminescent Metal–Organic Frameworks – Rapid Preparation, Catalytic Activity, and Framework Relationships
Authors: Silva Patrícia , Ananias Duarte , Bruno Sofia M. , Valente Anabela A. , Carlos Luís D. , Rocha João , Almeida Paz Filipe A.
Published: October 2013

An optimized microwave‐assisted synthesis has been used to prepare an isotypical series of 3D Ln3+ metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) based on residues of 2,5‐pyridinedicarboxylic (pydc), namely, [Ln2(pydc)3(H2O)2] with Ln3+ = Ce3+ (1), (La0.95Eu0.05)3+ (1‐LaEu), (La0.95Tb0.05)3+ (1‐LaTb), and (La0.90Eu0.05Tb0.05)3+ (1‐LaEuTb). The materials can be readily isolated as microcrystals after 1 min of reaction time at 120 °C. The compounds have been extensively studied in the solid state by vibrational spectroscopy (FTIR and FT‐Raman), thermogravimetry, powder X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and electron microscopy (SEM, SEM mapping, and TEM). The structural relationships between the isolated materials and other solids reported in the literature have been investigated in detail from a structural and topological perspective with attention focused on the different connectivities of the employed organic ligand. The 3D densely packed [Ln2(pydc)3(H2O)2] compounds are very similar to the previously reported microporous 3D [Ce2(pydc)2(Hpydc)(H2O)2]Cl·(9 + y)H2O; layered [{Ce2(pydc)2(Hpydc)2(H2O)4}·2H2O]n can be isolated at lower temperatures and transforms to [Ce2(pydc)3(H2O)2] under certain experimental conditions. Compound 1 is an effective solid catalyst for the ring opening of styrene with methanol under mild reaction conditions (55 °C) to give 2‐methoxy‐2‐phenylethanol in 100 % selectivity and ca. 80 % conversion. The mixed‐lanthanide materials are effective UV‐to‐visible light converters (red 1‐LaEu, green 1‐LaTb, and orange 1‐LaEuTb). The compounds have very high absolute emission quantum yields (43 % for 1‐LaEu and 75 % for 1‐LaTb) under indirect excitation of the UV ligand bands with lifetimes of 0.50 and 1.06 ms for 1‐LaEu and 1‐LaTb, respectively, and these properties result from effective intersystem crossing and ligand‐to‐metal transfer processes.
Water Oxidation Catalysis: Survey of Amorphous Binary Metal Oxide Films Containing Lanthanum and Late 3d Transition Metals
Authors: Zhang Cuijuan , Trudel Simon , Berlinguette Curtis P.
Published: October 2013

A series of amorphous phases of binary metal oxide films formulated as LaMOx (M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) were prepared by a photochemical metal–organic deposition (PMOD) process. The resultant films deposited on conducting glass demonstrate comparable or superior activities towards the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) when compared with crystalline materials of the same molecular formula. The trend in catalytic activity follows the M–OH bond strength and the enthalpy of formation of M(OH)3.
Insights on Growth and Nanoscopic Investigation of Uncommon Iron Oxide Polymorphs
Authors: Carraro Giorgio , Maccato Chiara , Bontempi Elza , Gasparotto Alberto , Lebedev Oleg I. , Turner Stuart , Depero Laura E. , Van Tendeloo Gustaaf , Barreca Davide
Published: October 2013

Si(100)‐supported Fe2O3 nanomaterials were developed by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) approach. The syntheses, which were performed at temperatures between 400 and 550 °C, selectively yielded the scarcely studied β‐ and ϵ‐Fe2O3 polymorphs under O2 or O2 + H2O reaction environments, respectively. Correspondingly, the observed morphology underwent a progressive evolution from interconnected nanopyramids to vertically aligned nanorods. The present study aims to provide novel insights into Fe2O3 nano‐organization by a systematic investigation of the system structure/morphology and of their interrelations with growth conditions. In particular, for the first time, the β‐ and ϵ‐Fe2O3 preparation process has been accompanied by a thorough multitechnique investigation, which, beyond X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), is carried out by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDXS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), electron diffraction (ED), scanning TEM electron energy‐loss spectroscopy (STEM‐EELS), and high‐angle annular dark‐field STEM (HAADF‐STEM). Remarkably, the target materials showed a high structural and compositional homogeneity throughout the whole thickness of the nanodeposit. In particular, spatially resolved EELS chemical maps through the spectrum imaging (SI) technique enabled us to gain important information on the local Fe coordination, which is of crucial importance in determining the system reactivity. The described preparation method is in fact a powerful tool to simultaneously tailor phase composition and morphology of iron(III) oxide nanomaterials, the potential applications of which include photocatalysis, magnetic devices, gas sensors, and anodes for Li‐ion batteries.
Selective Confinement of Ruthenium Nanoparticles in Silica Nanotubes
Authors: Nguyen T. Trang , Ersen Ovidiu , Serp Philippe
Published: October 2013

One hundred percent confinement of ruthenium nanoparticles inside silica nanotubes was reached for the first time in bulk by a simple synthesis strategy involving the use of carbon nanotubes as template.
A Contribution to the Direct Observation of Transient Phosphanylidene Complexes [RP=W(CO)5] (R: Me, Ph): A Revisited Approach to Their Electronic Structure by UV‐Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Labat Stéphane , Miqueu Karinne , Sotiropoulos Jean‐Marc , Baylère Patrick , Pfister‐Guillouzo Geneviève , Huy Ngoc Hoa Tran , Mathey François
Published: October 2013

An original approach involving a coupling in the gas phase between flash vacuum thermolysis (FVT) and UV‐photoelectron spectroscopy (UV‐PES) allowed the transient terminal electrophilic phosphanylidene complex [MeP=W(CO)5] to be characterized; this is the first direct observation of this P–Me derivative. This approach also permitted the electronic structure of [PhP=W(CO)5] to be revisited and confirmed the results obtained with the methylated analogues. In contrast, [p‐NC–C6H4P=W(CO)5] proved to be too reactive to be detected under our experimental conditions. These [RP=W(CO)5] phosphanylidene complexes (R: Me, Ph) were identified by their ionization potentials, which are real “fingerprints”. These experimental data, supported by density functional calculations, give an overall electronic cartography of these transient species. For generation in the gas phase of these phosphanylidene complexes, the thermal degradation of two kinds of precursors were investigated. The joint experimental/theoretical approach allowed us to conclude that phosphanorbornadiene complexes are more suitable precursors than phosphirane complexes.
Kinugasa Reaction: A Direct One‐Pot Route to Highly Functionalized β‐Lactams
Authors: Khangarot Rama K. , Kaliappan Krishna P.
Published: October 2013

The β‐lactam antibiotics are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world and their importance has been demonstrated by the isolation and syntheses of several classes of these agents. Of the synthetic routes used to access this interesting scaffold, the Kinugasa reaction utilizes a convergent strategy based on cycloaddition between readily available terminal alkynes and nitrones. Asymmetric versions involving chiral catalysts, chiral auxiliaries or chiral substrates have also been reported. This article gives a brief overview of the Kinugasa reaction and of recent advances since its discovery.
9,11,12,14‐Tetraaryldibenzo[f,h]imidazo[1,2‐b]isoquinolines and Their Emission Responses to Solvent Polarity, Acidity, and Nitroarenes
Authors: Li Jichao , Hu Gongfang , Li Xihui , Hu Binbin , Wang Ningning , Lu Ping , Wang Yanguang
Published: October 2013

9,11,12,14‐Tetraaryldibenzo[f,h]imidazo[1,2‐b]isoquinolines 3a–h were synthesized in moderate yields through the reaction of benzils with 1,3‐diphenyl‐2H‐cyclopenta[l]phenanthren‐2‐ones and ammonium acetate. The photophysical properties of the products in solutions and in thin films were investigated, and strong emissions ranging from 492 to 516 nm were observed in cyclohexane solutions. Moreover, 3h exhibited potential as a versatile fluorescent chemosensor for the detection of solvent polarity, acidity, or trace amounts of nitroaromatics.
p‐Nitrophenyl Ethylthioester in Enantioselective Organocatalytic Michael Additions: Different Behaviour of β‐Aryl and β‐Alkyl Enals
Authors: Duce Sara , Jorge María , Alonso Inés , Ruano José Luis García , Cid M. Belén
Published: October 2013

Although several nucleophiles derived from arylacetic acids have been described in catalysis via iminium activation, none have presented good enantioselectivity and reactivity with both β‐alkyl and β‐aryl enals. This study on the Michael addition of p‐nitrophenylacetic thioesters suggests that this behavior is due to the different reactivity and distinct tendency to reversibility exhibited by these types of enal. Independent optimization of the conditions for β‐alkyl and β‐aryl enals provide good yields and enantioselectivities with both substrates, affording Michael adducts that are versatile building blocks for the preparation of an interesting variety of arylacetic acid derivatives.
Enantioselective Oxidation of Alkenylbenzoates Catalyzed by Chiral Hypervalent Iodine(III) To Yield 4‐Hydroxyisochroman‐1‐ones
Authors: Shimogaki Mio , Fujita Morifumi , Sugimura Takashi
Published: October 2013

In this study, the enantioselective oxylactonization of ortho‐alk‐1‐enylbenzoates with chiral hypervalent iodine(III) reagents yielded 3‐alkyl‐4‐hydroxyisochroman‐1‐ones with high enantiomeric purity (ca. 90 % ee). The enantioselective oxidation was also performed under catalytic conditions, in which a catalytic amount (10 mol‐%) of a chiral iodoarene was oxidized to the hypervalent iodine species in situ using a stoichiometric co‐oxidant, m‐chloroperbenzoic acid (mCPBA). The catalytic oxidation mediated by chiral hypervalent iodine(III) species yielded enantiocontrolled syn products, while the direct oxidation of the substrate with mCPBA occurred as background oxidation to give racemic anti products. Under optimized conditions, the catalytic oxylactonization led to high levels of enantioselectivity (ca. 90 % ee) and improved syn/anti selectivities (ca. 80 % syn). The product distribution indicated that the lactate side‐chain on the chiral iodoarene precatalyst plays an important role in enhancing both the enantioselectivity and the catalytic efficiency in the oxylactonization.
BF3·OEt2‐Promoted Tandem O‐Arylation/Hydroxylation: Efficient Synthesis of 2‐Hydroxyflavanones from Triazenylaryl‐Substituted Diketones
Authors: Chen Zhengkai , Yang Weijun , Xu Lijun , Zhang Lili , Miao Maozhong , Ren Hongjun
Published: October 2013

A transition‐metal‐free tandem O‐arylation/hydroxylation approach has been developed for the efficient synthesis of highly substituted 2‐hydroxyflavanones from triazenylaryl‐substituted diketones. The intermediate benzopyrylium cation may be involved in these reactions.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation of Amino‐ and Amido‐Substituted Acetophenones
Authors: Watson Andrew J. A. , Fairbanks Antony J.
Published: October 2013

The ruthenium‐catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of electron‐rich amino‐substituted acetophenones is reported. Variation of the reductant, ligands, base, and solvent allowed reaction optimization. A key discovery was the use of 1,4‐butanediol as an irreversible reducing agent, which significantly improved the conversion. A range of amino‐ and amido‐substituted aryl ketones were explored, and they all gave the corresponding alcohols in good yield, which demonstrates the wider applicability of this process.
Total Synthesis of the Neuronal Cell‐Protecting Carbazole Alkaloids Carbazomadurin A and (S)‐(+)‐Carbazomadurin B
Authors: Hieda Yuhzo , Choshi Tominari , Fujioka Haruto , Hibino Satoshi
Published: October 2013

The total syntheses of the neuronal cell‐protecting carbazole alkaloids carbazomadurin A and (S)‐(+)‐carbazomadurin B were achieved. The key step of the synthesis of the polysubstituted carbazole rings included an allene‐mediated electrocyclic reaction of the 6π‐electron system that involved the indole 2,3‐bond. The cleavage of the alkoxy groups of the resulting 3‐ethoxy‐8‐isopropoxycarbazole successfully gave the 3,8‐dihydroxycarbazole, which was converted into the 3,8‐bis(OSEM)‐carbazole (SEM = 2‐trimethylsilylethoxymethyl). A Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction of the 3,8‐bis(OSEM)‐carbazole with the corresponding alkenyl pinacol borates afforded the 1‐alkenylcarbazoles, which were treated with tetra‐n‐butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) followed by reduction with NaBH4 to provide carbazomadurin A and (S)‐(+)‐carbazomadurin B, respectively.
Constrained 3,6‐Anhydro‐Heptosides: Synthesis by a DAST‐Induced Debenzylative Reaction, and Reactivity Profile
Authors: Tikad Abdellatif , Vincent Stéphane P.
Published: October 2013

We report the first synthesis of a conformationally constrained 3,6‐anhydroheptoside analogue of D‐glycero‐D‐manno‐heptopyranose 7‐phosphate by a DAST (diethylaminosulfur trifluoride)‐induced intramolecular cycloetherification. The reactivity of a series of constrained bicyclic 3,6‐anhydro‐thioheptosides as glycosyl donors was also studied in glycosylation reactions and compared with the reactivities of related unconstrained mannose and heptose scaffolds. Competition experiments confirmed that in the D‐manno‐heptose series, a reversal of chair conformation leads to an enhancement of the anomeric reactivity.
Influence of 1,3‐Difluorobenzene Substituents for Palladium‐Catalyzed Direct Arylations
Authors: Yan Tao , Bheeter Charles Beromeo , Doucet Henri
Published: October 2013

The influence of electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating substituents (nitro, nitrile, chloro, bromo, methoxy or amino) on 1,3‐difluorobenzenes in their palladium‐catalysed direct C2 arylation has been explored. With most substituents, the reaction proceeds nicely using air‐stable palladium catalysts (0.5–2 mol‐%) and KOAc/DMA. In general, very regioselective C2‐arylation was observed. Moreover, a variety of substituents on the aryl bromide coupling partner (ester, acetyl, formyl, nitro, nitrile, trifluoromethyl, chloro, fluoro or methyl) was tolerated.
Direct Electrochemistry and Electrocatalysis of Hemoglobin on Aligned Carbon Nanotubes Based Electrodes Modified with Au Nanoparticles and SiO2 Gel
Authors: Yang Jing , Xu Ying , He Pingang , Fang Yuzhi
Published: October 2013

Here we report on the preparation and characterization of new electrodes based on aligned carbon nanotubes (ACNTs) for hemoglobin (Hb) electrochemistry and electrocatalysis. The ACNTs are obtained by a thermal chemical vapor deposition method under normal pressure. Then the electrodes are elaborated by first sputtering a thin Au film (thickness of 200 nm) onto the top of the ACNTs, and then removing the Au layer/ACNTs from the quartz substrate with the aide of hydrofluoric acid (HF) treatment. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) demonstrates that after nitric acid (HNO3) treatment, the nanotubes of the removed Au layer are totally tip‐opened, purified and organized in a perfect vertically aligned architecture. The final ACNTs electrode is obtained by attaching the Au layer of ACNTs onto a glassy carbon electrode. Then the electrode was modified to act as a matrix for hemoglobin (Hb) immobilization and as an electrode for Hb electroanalysis by the assistance of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) and SiO2 gel. Due to the individual specific effects of AuNPs, SiO2 gel and ACNTs, the resulting SiO2/Hb‐AuNPs/ACNTs electrode showed good direct electrochemistry of Hb with an apparent MichaelisMenten constant of 0.44 mM. The electrode showed an excellent electrocatalytic activity towards H2O2, possessing a linear range from 40 µM to 4 mM and the detection limit was 22 µM based on a signal to noise ratio of 3.
Highly Selective and Sensitive Determination of Dopamine in the Presence of Ascorbic Acid Using a 3D Graphene Foam Electrode
Authors: Huang Shuo , Yue Hongyan , Zhou Jin , Zhang Jianjiao , Zhang Chunyu , Gao Xin , Chang Jing
Published: October 2013

A three‐dimensional (3D), macroporous and highly conductive graphene foam (GF) was synthesized by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The morphologies of the GF were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The structure of the GF was investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The GF prepared by CVD was then transferred onto ITO coated glass, acting as an electrode, to detect dopamine (DA) and ascorbic acid (AA) by electrochemical methods. The results show that the GF exhibits high selectivity for the detection of DA and AA. It also shows high sensitivity for detection of DA with the lower detection limits of ∼2.0 nM in the linear response up to ∼10 µM. This demonstrates the free‐standing GF provides a promising platform as a 3D biosensing material.
A Simple and Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Biosensor for microRNA Detection Using Target‐Assisted Isothermal Exponential Amplification Reaction
Authors: Yan Yurong , Zhao Dan , Yuan Taixian , Hu Jun , Zhang Decai , Cheng Wei , Zhang Wei , Ding Shijia
Published: October 2013

A simple and highly sensitive electrochemical biosensor for microRNA (miRNA) detection was successfully developed by integrating a target‐assisted isothermal exponential amplification reaction (EXPAR) with enzyme‐amplified electrochemical readout. The binding of target miRNA with the immobilized linear DNA template generated a part duplex and triggered primer extension reaction to form a double‐stranded DNA. Then one of the DNA strands was cleaved by nicking endonuclease and extended again. The short fragments with the same sequence as the target miRNA except for the replacement of uridines and ribonucleotides with thymines and deoxyribonucleotides could be displaced and released. Hybridization of these released DNA fragments with other amplification templates and their extension on the templates led to target exponential amplification. Integrating with enzyme‐amplified electrochemical readout, the electrochemical signal decreases with the increasing target microRNA concentration. The method could detect miRNA down to 98.9 fM with a linear range from 100 fM to 10 nM. The fabrication and binding processes were characterized with cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The specificity of the method allowed single‐nucleotide difference between miRNA family members to be discriminated. The established biosensor displayed excellent analytical performance toward miRNA detection and might present a powerful and convenient tool for biomedical research and clinic diagnostic application.
Liver gene therapy by lentiviral vectors reverses anti‐factor IX pre‐existing immunity in haemophilic mice
Authors: Annoni Andrea , Cantore Alessio , Della Valle Patrizia , Goudy Kevin , Akbarpour Mahzad , Russo Fabio , Bartolaccini Sara , D'Angelo Armando , Roncarolo Maria Grazia , Naldini Luigi
Published: October 2013

A major complication of factor replacement therapy for haemophilia is the development of anti‐factor neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors). Here we show that liver gene therapy by lentiviral vectors (LVs) expressing factor IX (FIX) strongly reduces pre‐existing anti‐FIX antibodies and eradicates FIX inhibitors in haemophilia B mice. Concomitantly, plasma FIX levels and clotting activity rose to 50–100% of normal. The treatment was effective in 75% of treated mice. FIX‐specific plasma cells (PCs) and memory B cells were reduced, likely because of memory B‐cell depletion in response to constant exposure to high doses of FIX. Regulatory T cells displaying FIX‐specific suppressive capacity were induced in gene therapy treated mice and controlled FIX‐specific T helper cells. Gene therapy proved safer than a regimen mimicking immune tolerance induction (ITI) by repeated high‐dose FIX protein administration, which induced severe anaphylactoid reactions in inhibitors‐positive haemophilia B mice. Liver gene therapy can thus reverse pre‐existing immunity, induce active tolerance to FIX and establish sustained FIX activity at therapeutic levels. These data position gene therapy as an attractive treatment option for inhibitors‐positive haemophilic patients.
A Reservoir/Wellbore‐Coupling Model for the Pressure, Flow Rate, and Optimum Perforation Distribution in Gas Wells
Authors: Hu Jiancheng
Published: October 2013

Due to the variation in pressure drawdown along a well, pressure drop can occur in a vertical well. Accurate prediction of the inflow performance for perforated vertical wells is of great significance to reservoir analysis and perforation optimization. Under steady‐state inflow, a reservoir/wellbore‐coupling model is proposed that combines a numerical reservoir model and a semianalytical wellbore model. One type of optimization problem is also established that considers the effects of perforation density on the productivity of a vertical well, for which the vertical‐well production is treated as an objective function. A number of experiments are presented demonstrating how the model could be used to obtain the optimum perforation distribution for infinite‐conductivity and finite‐conductivity wells.
Effect of KCl on the selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3 over vanadia‐based catalysts for biomass combustion
Authors: Jiang Ye , Gao Xiang , Zhang Yongxin , Wu Weihong , Luo Zhongyang , Cen Kefa
Published: October 2013

Effect of KCl on vanadia‐based catalysts for selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3 was investigated by means of BET and pore size distribution measurements, XRD, XPS, FTIR, and NO reduction measurements. The catalytic activity was found to decrease rapidly with increasing the amount of KCl addition at different reaction temperatures. When the molar ratio of K/V exceeded 2.0, most of the activity was lost. The presence of KCl caused the sintering of the catalysts as well as the decrease in the amount of V atoms and the change of V valence state at the catalyst surface. Based on the analysis of physical and chemical properties of the catalysts, the KCl‐poisoning mechanism model of the vanadia‐based SCR catalysts was proposed. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 390–395, 2014
New technique for estimating the monthly average daily global solar radiation using bees algorithm and empirical equations
Authors: Tolabi Hajar Bagheri , Ayob Shahrin Bin Md , Moradi M.H. , Shakarmi Mehrnoosh
Published: October 2013

Measurement of solar radiance demands expensive devices to be used. Alternatively, estimator models are used instead. In this article, a new method based on the empirical equations is introduced to estimate the monthly average daily global solar radiation (GSR) on a horizontal surface. The proposed method uses Bees algorithm as a heuristic and population‐based search technique. The best coefficients of linear and nonlinear empirical models and GSR are calculated for seven different climate regions of Iran using proposed algorithm written in MATLAB software. The results of the proposed method are compared with other techniques. The result shows that the proposed method is more accurate in estimating the monthly average daily GSR. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 1042–1050, 2014
Anaerobic codigestion of poultry manure and sewage sludge under solid‐phase configuration
Authors: Fierro Julio , Martínez Judith E. , Rosas Jose G. , Blanco Daniel , Gómez Xiomar
Published: October 2013

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an efficient technology for valorizing biomass. However, when considering livestock farm operation, the dilution of the biomass to be treated in a conventional anaerobic digester may not be a suitable alternative. Solid phase percolating system may circumvent this problem. These types of digestion systems require low volume of water, thus needing a smaller reactor. In this line, AD of poultry manure (PM) and primary sludge (PS) was studied in a percolating reactor with high‐solid content. The process was carried out in laboratory‐scale plant at mesophilic conditions.

The addition of PS as cosubstrate in a 10:1 ratio of volatile solids (VS) improved biogas yield as well as VS removal. Two‐fold higher biogas production was observed with the addition of cosubstrate along with an increase from 46 to 64% in the removal of VS. The initial acidification of the percolate could be perfectly balanced by the high alkalinity of the system. Methane yield obtained from the codigestion experiment was 56.5 l CH4/kg VS while the digestion of PM resulted in a value of 24.6. The ammonium concentration values measured in the percolate did not reach inhibitory levels in spite of the high nitrogen content present in PM.© 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 866–872, 2014
ASI: Hydrothermal extraction and characterization of bio‐crude oils from wet chlorella sorokiniana and dunaliella tertiolecta
Authors: Reddy Harvind K. , Muppaneni Tapaswy , Rastegary Jalal , Shirazi Saeid A. , Ghassemi Abbas , Deng Shuguang
Published: October 2013

In this research, the potential of geothermal water as an alternative water source was tested for the production of algal bio‐fuels. Two algal species, Chlorella Sorokiniana and Dunaliella Tertiolecta were cultivated in a photo‐bioreactor with tap water and geothermal water. The freshly harvested wet algae samples were used to produce bio‐crude oil samples in a high pressure reactor under a hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) condition (300°C, 90 bar and solid loading of 9 wt %). Supernatant water obtained after harvesting was used in the HTL experiments. A thermogravimetric analyzer was used to determine the moisture and ash content of the algal biomass. It was observed that the bio‐crude oil yield could be higher than the lipid content in the algae. The GC‐MS analysis of biocrude oils showed the contribution of both lipids and proteins to the yield of biocrude. The highest bio‐crude oil yield of 30 wt % (of dry algae) was obtained with a Dunaliella Tertiolecta sample cultivated in a regular tap water medium. A similar amount of biocrude was achieved with a geothermal water medium. Using a calorie meter, the high heating values of bio‐crude oils were measured and these values ranged from 36 to 38 MJ/kg, which are close to that of crude petroleum oils. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 910–915, 2013
Modeling metal bioaccumulation and tissue distribution in killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) in three contaminated estuaries
Authors: Dutton Jessica , Fisher Nicholas S.
Published: October 2013

The present study experimentally assessed the uptake, loss, and resulting tissue distribution of As(V), Cd, Cr(III), Hg(II), and methylmercury (MeHg) in killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) following aqueous exposure in water collected from 3 contaminated field sites—Baltimore Harbor and Elizabeth River (Chesapeake Bay), and Mare Island (San Francisco Bay)—using a radiotracer technique. Uptake rate constants (L g−1 d−1) were highest for MeHg (0.370–0.781) and lowest for As (0.00028–0.00065). Loss rate constants (d−1) were highest for As (0.046–0.096) and lowest for MeHg (0.006–0.009). Tissue distribution data showed that MeHg was redistributed around the body throughout the 9-d depuration period, and drinking may be an uptake mechanism for Cd from the aqueous phase in higher-salinity water. The kinetic parameters calculated in the present study were entered into a bioaccumulation model to calculate the predicted body burden of each metal at steady state and the percentage body burden attributable to dietary exposure on a site-specific basis. Calculated body burdens varied between field sites for all metals except Cr. The predicted values for Cd, Hg(II), and MeHg matched independent field data from contaminated estuaries, indicating that the model can account for the major processes governing metal concentration in killifish. The diet accounted for >97% of the body burden of Cd and MeHg and was the predominant exposure route for As and Cr. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:89–101. © 2013 SETAC
Persistence of estrogenic activity in soils following land application of biosolids
Authors: Langdon Kate A. , Warne Michael S.t.J. , Smernik Ronald J. , Shareef Ali , Kookana Rai S.
Published: October 2013

Estrogenic compounds may enter the environment when biosolids are applied to land. In the present study, soil samples were collected over 4 mo from a field trial following addition of biosolids. The recombinant yeast estrogen screen bioassay identified estrogenic activity in the soil at all sampling times to concentrations up to 2.3 µg 17β-estradiol equivalency/kg. The present results indicate the potential for estrogenic compounds to persist in soil following biosolids application. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:26–28. © 2013 SETAC
Food security: intensification of agriculture is essential, for which current tools must be defended and new sustainable technologies invented
Authors: Pickett John A.
Published: October 2013

To spare land for amenity use and to preserve natural habitats, including those for ecosystem services, food production must be intensified on land which is presently farmed. Current tools, such as pesticides, although largely unsustainable in that they require seasonal application, must be defended against the growth of legislated restrictions being imposed without recourse to scientific evidence. This is the only practical short‐term approach to increasing food production without taking more land for agriculture, but more sustainable approaches delivered via the seed must be invented, including by genetic modification (GM), in order to replace seasonal inputs in the future. Eventually, perennial arable crops will be needed, thereby replacing seasonal land preparation, but, for full benefits to be realized, all crop protection and nutrition will need to be delivered via the planting material. Governments, and particularly those in the EU, must embrace risk analysis in which advantages, as well as potential hazards, are accommodated. The precautionary principle is not an appropriate approach to the registration of new technologies for achieving food security in a world suffering both climate change and rapid population increase.
Simultaneous Determination of the Permeability of a Nafion Membrane to Formic Acid and Water
Authors: Dugas R. , Guay D. , Tavares A. C.
Published: October 2013

The simultaneous diffusion of formic acid and water through Nafion was measured for four formic acid concentration differentials (1–17.5 M) and for two counter‐ions in the membrane (H+ and Ba2+). An iterative method based on Fick's law is presented to calculate the volumes and concentrations of the solutions as a function of time. Besides the initial conditions, the input parameters are two diffusion coefficients, one of formic acid and one of water, which were adjusted to fit the experimental data. Once the difference in liquid fraction between the two types of membranes is taken into account, the diffusion coefficient of formic acid through Nafion appears independent of the nature of the counter‐ion and the conductivity of the formic acid solution. The diffusion coefficient of water is 10 times higher than the formic acid diffusion coefficient and is systematically lower in membranes in the Ba2+ form than in H+ form.
Physical pathways for carbon transfers between the surface mixed layer and the ocean interior
Authors: Levy M. , Bopp L. , Karleskind P. , Resplandy L. , Ethe C. , Pinsard F.
Published: October 2013

Although they are key components of the surface ocean carbon budget, physical processes inducing carbon fluxes across the mixed‐layer base, i.e., subduction and obduction, have received much less attention than biological processes. Using a global model analysis of the preindustrial ocean, physical carbon fluxes are quantified and compared to the other carbon fluxes in and out of the surface mixed layer, i.e., air‐sea CO2gas exchange and sedimentation of biogenic material. Model‐based carbon obduction and subduction are evaluated against independent data‐based estimates to the extent that was possible. We find that climatological physical fluxes of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) are two orders of magnitude larger than the other carbon fluxes and vary over the globe at smaller spatial scale. At temperate latitudes, the subduction of DIC and to a much lesser extent (<10%) the sinking of particles maintain CO2undersaturation, whereas DIC is obducted back to the surface in the tropical band (75%) and Southern Ocean (25%). At the global scale, these two large counter‐balancing fluxes of DIC amount to +275.5 PgC yr−1 for the supply by obduction and −264.5 PgC yr−1 for the removal by subduction which is ∼ 3 to 5 times larger than previous estimates. Moreover, we find that subduction of organic carbon (dissolved and particulate) represents ∼ 20% of the total export of organic carbon: at the global scale, we evaluate that of the 11 PgC yr−1 of organic material lost from the surface every year, 2.1 PgC yr−1 is lost through subduction of organic carbon. Our results emphasize the strong sensitivity of the oceanic carbon cycle to changes in mixed‐layer depth, ocean currents, and wind.
A method for remote sensing of weak planetary magnetic fields: Simulated application to Mars
Authors: Larsson Richard , Ramstad Robin , Mendrok Jana , Buehler Stefan Alexander , Kasai Yasuko
Published: October 2013

We present a method for characterizing the magnetic anomalies from the crustal fields in the lower atmosphere of Mars that requires two perpendicular linear polarization measurements of the Zeeman effect. The maximum effect of the magnetic field on the signal is found at the Doppler broadening width at low pressures rather than at the magnetically induced line frequency shift, and the effect strongly increases with increasing magnetic field strength. Based on simulations of the Zeeman‐affected spectral cross section of the 119 GHz O2 line in a model Martian atmosphere at various magnetic field strengths, we conclude that it should be possible to probe the strength of the magnetic anomalies remotely with presently available technology. We discuss limitations of the method, how these results could be relevant to the interpretation of residuals in Herschel/HIFI observations of Mars, as well as the application to detection of exoplanetary magnetic fields.
NAL phase in K‐rich portions of the lower mantle
Authors: Kato Chie , Hirose Kei , Komabayashi Tetsuya , Ozawa Haruka , Ohishi Yasuo
Published: October 2013

The stability of the K‐rich new aluminous (NAL) phase was examined on the join Na1.00Mg2.00Al4.80Si1.15O12‐K1.00Mg2.00Al4.80Si1.15O12 (Na100‐K100) up to 144 GPa by X‐ray diffraction in a laser‐heated diamond anvil cell. Single‐phase K100 and Na50K50 NAL were formed up to the lower mantle conditions, and the NAL phase coexisted with the calcium ferrite–type (CF) phase at 120 GPa and 2300 K for the Na75K25 bulk composition. This is a striking contrast to the K‐free (Na100) NAL that becomes unstable above 27 GPa at 1850 K, which suggests that potassium stabilizes NAL at significantly higher pressures. K‐rich NAL may host potassium in the lower mantle that contains K2O more than 0.09 wt %. In addition, the NAL phase likely formed owing to partial melting in the ultralow‐velocity zone or because of a basal magma ocean. Future seismological observations may clarify whether NAL is a radiogenic heat source above the core‐mantle boundary.
Effects of lunar cumulate mantle overturn and megaregolith on the expansion and contraction history of the Moon
Authors: Zhang Nan , Parmentier E. M. , Liang Yan
Published: October 2013

Gravity anomalies derived from recent Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory data suggest the presence of early volume expansion of the Moon. The absence of identifiable thrust faults limits the total net contraction that has occurred. These observations provide constraints on the lunar thermal evolution which raise questions for giant impact origin of the Moon. To study the lunar expansion/contraction history, we perform 3‐D thermochemical mantle evolution models, with solidifying core overlain by a layer of ilmenite‐bearing cumulates (IBCs) resulting from mantle overturn after magma ocean solidification. Our models focus on the effects of the overturn‐produced density stratification with a deep heat‐producing element (HPE) distribution and a top insulating megaregolith layer. The deep HPE can cause an early expansion up to 1.5 km radius due to the heating of thedeep mantle. This HPE distribution also reduces the present‐day contraction by ~7 km. Compared to the models without overturn, an end‐member model with a stable IBC‐rich layer on the core‐mantle boundary shows an overall present‐day contraction as small as 1.1 km. The low thermal conductivity of megaregolith also affects the present‐day contraction, reducing it by ~3 km.
Tandem Hydroformylation/Reductive Amination of 3‐Allyl‐2‐methylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐one
Authors: El‐Badry Yaser A. , El‐Farargy Ahmed F. , Eilbracht Peter
Published: October 2013

The 3‐allyl‐2‐methylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐one (1), a model functionalized terminal olefin, was submitted to hydroformylation and reductive amination under optimized reaction conditions. The catalytic carbonylation of 1 in the presence of Rh catalysts complexed with phosphorus ligands under different reaction conditions afforded a mixture of 2‐methyl‐4‐oxoquinazoline‐3(4H)‐butanal (2) and α,2‐dimethyl‐4‐oxoquinazoline‐3(4H)‐propanal (3) as products of ‘linear’ and ‘branched’ hydroformylation, respectively (Scheme 2). The hydroaminomethylation of quinazolinone 1 with arylhydrazine derivatives gave the expected mixture of [(arylhydrazinyl)alkyl]quinazolinones 5 and 6, besides a small amount of 2 and 3 (Scheme 3). The tandem hydroformylation/reductive amination reaction of 1 with different amines gave the quinazolinone derivatives 7–10. Compound 10 was used to prepare the chalcones 11a and 11b and pyrazoloquinazolinones 12a and 12b (Scheme 4).
Two Novel Plumeran Indole Alkaloids Isolated from Aspidosperma cylindrocarpon (Apocynaceae)
Authors: Guimarães Heloisa A. , Vieira Ivo J. C. , Braz‐Filho Raimundo , Crotti Antônio E. M. , dos Almeida Vitor S. , de Paula Renata C.
Published: October 2013

Two novel indole alkaloids with plumeran skeleton, N‐benzoyl‐12‐demethoxycylindrocarine and N‐cinnamoyl‐12‐demethoxycylindrocarine (1 and 2, resp.), were isolated from the MeOH extract of the stem bark of Aspidosperma cylindrocarpon Müll.Arg. These compounds were obtained by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of their NMR (1D and 2D) data. They were tested in vitro against chloroquine‐resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, and only 2 showed a weak activity (IC50 127.97 ng/ml with respect to the standard drug). Several other known compounds, comprising steroids, flavonoids, the rarely found atraric acid, as well as the previously reported alkaloid 3, were also isolated by conventional chromatographic techniques.