bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subduction of thick oceanic plateau and high‐angle normal‐fault earthquakes intersecting the slab
Authors: Arai Ryuta , Kodaira Shuichi , Yamada Tomoaki , Takahashi Tsutomu , Miura Seiichi , Kaneda Yoshiyuki , Nishizawa Azusa , Oikawa Mitsuhiro
Published: June 2017

The role of seamounts on interplate earthquakes has been debated. However, its impact on intraslab deformation is poorly understood. Here we present unexpected evidence for large normal‐fault earthquakes intersecting the slab just ahead of a subducting seamount. In 1995, a series of earthquakes with maximum magnitude of 7.1 occurred in northern Ryukyu where oceanic plateaus are subducting. The aftershock distribution shows that conjugate faults with an unusually high dip angle of 70–80° ruptured the entire subducting crust. Seismic reflection images reveal that the plate interface is displaced over 1 km along one of the fault planes of the 1995 events. These results suggest that a lateral variation in slab buoyancy can produce sufficient differential stress leading to near‐vertical normal‐fault earthquakes within the slab. On the contrary, the upper surface of the seamount (plate interface) may correspond to a weakly coupled region, reflecting the dual effects of seamounts/plateaus on subduction earthquakes.
Reduced convergence within the Tibetan Plateau by 26 Ma?
Authors: Meng Jun , Coe Robert S. , Wang Chengshan , Gilder Stuart A. , Zhao Xixi , Liu Hao , Li Yalin , Ma Pengfei , Shi Kai , Li Shuai
Published: June 2017

Understanding the dynamics of double‐thickening and uplifting of the Tibetan crust requires constraints on the magnitude and timing of crustal shortening. New elongation/inclination (E/I)‐corrected paleomagnetic data from ~26–22 Ma sediments indicate that the latitude of southern Tibet in the early Miocene was 31.1/−6.8/+5.2°N, not significantly different from today. This implies that the southern margin of Asia, which was at 21–24°N latitude from the Late Cretaceous to the early Eocene, advanced 8–10° northward between the early Eocene and the latest Oligocene. Our results therefore suggest that at least 900–1100 km of continental shortening and significant regional uplift of the plateau occurred between the early Eocene and late Oligocene. Our results suggest that N‐S intra‐Asian convergence was considerably reduced around 26 Ma, corresponding to a transition from compression to extension within the Tibetan Plateau.
Low‐frequency oscillatory flow signatures and high‐speed flows in the Earth's magnetotail
Authors: De Spiegeleer A. , Hamrin M. , Pitkänen T. , Volwerk M. , Mann I. , Nilsson H. , Norqvist P. , Andersson L. , Vaverka J.
Published: June 2017

Using plasma sheet data from Cluster 1 spacecraft from 2001 till 2011, we statistically investigate oscillatory signatures in the plasma bulk flow. These periodic oscillations are compared to high‐speed and quiet flows. Periodic oscillations are observed approximately 8% of the time, while high‐speed flows and quiet flows are observed around 0.5% and 12% of the time, respectively. We remark that periodic oscillations can roughly occur everywhere for xgsm<−10RE and |ygsm|<10RE, while quiet flows mainly occur toward the flanks of this region and toward x =− 10RE. The relation between the geomagnetic and solar activity and the occurrence of periodic oscillations is investigated and reveal that periodic oscillations occur for most Kp values and solar activity, while quiet flows are more common during low magnetospheric and solar activity. We find that the median oscillation frequency of periodic oscillations is 1.7 mHz and the median duration of the oscillation events is 41 min. We also observe that their associated Poynting vectors show a tendency to be earthward (Sx≥0). Finally, the distribution of high‐speed flows and periodic oscillations as a function of the velocity is investigated and reveals that thresholds lower than 200 km/s should not be used to identify high‐speed flows as it could result in misinterpreting a periodic oscillations for a high‐speed flow.
Testing the expanding‐contracting polar cap paradigm
Authors: Sotirelis Thomas , Keller Mary Ruth , Liou Kan , Smith Daniel , Barnes Robin J. , Talaat Elsayed , Baker Joseph B. H.
Published: June 2017

The expanding‐contracting polar cap (ECPC) paradigm is tested. Under the ECPC paradigm ionospheric convection in the polar cap is driven by the combined effects of magnetic field dayside merging and nightside reconnection, as opposed to being mapped down from higher altitudes. The ECPC paradigm is tested by separately examining the cross polar cap potential when the polar cap is expanding versus contracting. The open magnetic flux is estimated from Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) observations of the convection reversal boundary (CRB) made simultaneously at different local times. Sotirelis et al. (2005) established the CRB as a proxy for the open‐closed boundary. The correlation of the ionospheric convection potential, determined from SuperDARN, with solar wind/interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) driving is indeed found to depend on whether the polar cap is expanding or contracting. Specifically, when the polar cap is expanding, ionospheric convection potential correlates best (0.86) with the most recent 10 min of solar wind/IMF driving (versus 0.57 for contracting). When contracting, convection potential correlates best (0.87) with 90 min averages of solar wind/IMF driving (versus 0.51 for expanding). This result is consistent with the expectations of the ECPC paradigm.
Global modeling of thermospheric airglow in the far ultraviolet
Authors: Solomon Stanley C.
Published: June 2017

The Global Airglow (GLOW) model has been updated and extended to calculate thermospheric emissions in the far ultraviolet, including sources from daytime photoelectron‐driven processes, nighttime recombination radiation, and auroral excitation. It can be run using inputs from empirical models of the neutral atmosphere and ionosphere or from numerical general circulation models of the coupled ionosphere‐thermosphere system. It uses a solar flux module, photoelectron generation routine, and the Nagy‐Banks two‐stream electron transport algorithm to simultaneously handle energetic electron distributions from photon and auroral electron sources. It contains an ion‐neutral chemistry module that calculates excited and ionized species densities and the resulting airglow volume emission rates. This paper describes the inputs, algorithms, and code structure of the model and demonstrates example outputs for daytime and auroral cases. Simulations of far ultraviolet emissions by the atomic oxygen doublet at 135.6 nm and the molecular nitrogen Lyman‐Birge‐Hopfield bands, as viewed from geostationary orbit, are shown, and model calculations are compared to limb‐scan observations by the Global Ultraviolet Imager on the TIMED satellite. The GLOW model code is provided to the community through an open‐source academic research license.
Aftershocks, groundwater changes and postseismic ground displacements related to pore pressure gradients: Insights from the 2012 Emilia‐Romagna earthquake
Authors: Albano Matteo , Barba Salvatore , Solaro Giuseppe , Pepe Antonio , Bignami Christian , Moro Marco , Saroli Michele , Stramondo Salvatore
Published: June 2017

During the 2012 Emilia‐Romagna (Italy) seismic sequence, several time‐dependent phenomena occurred, such as changes in the groundwater regime and chemistry, liquefaction, and postseismic ground displacements. Because time‐dependent phenomena require time‐dependent physical mechanisms, we interpreted such events as the result of the poroelastic response of the crust after the main shock. In our study, we performed a two‐dimensional poroelastic numerical analysis calibrated with Cosmo‐SkyMed interferometric data and measured piezometric levels in water wells. The simulation results are consistent with the observed postseismic ground displacement and water level changes. The simulations show that crustal volumetric changes induced by poroelastic relaxation and the afterslip along the main shock fault are both required to reproduce the amplitude (approximately 4 cm) and temporal evolution of the observed postseismic uplift. Poroelastic relaxation also affects the aftershock distribution. In fact, the aftershocks are correlated with the postseismic Coulomb stress evolution. In particular, a considerably higher fraction of aftershocks occurs when the evolving poroelastic Coulomb stress is positive. These findings highlight the need to perform calculations that adequately consider the time‐dependent poroelastic effect when modeling postseismic scenarios, especially for forecasting the temporal and spatial evolution of stresses after a large earthquake. Failing to do so results in an overestimation of the afterslip and an inaccurate definition of stress and strain in the postseismic phase.
Correlated error reduction in GRACE data over Greenland using extended empirical orthogonal functions
Authors: Eom Jooyoung , Seo Ki‐Weon , Lee Choon‐Ki , Wilson C. R.
Published: June 2017

Surface mass change estimates from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) spherical harmonic solutions are contaminated by north‐south stripe noise due largely to aliasing of high‐frequency variations into monthly samples. These meridional stripes are especially troubling for ice mass balance studies of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) where large ice mass variations are known to occur along north‐south trending coastlines. By assuming that mass variations and noise have different patterns in both space and time over Greenland, we use extended empirical orthogonal functions (EEOFs) to filter out this noise. The method is compared with a conventional approach, by examining both continent‐wide estimates and regional changes. GRACE results are compared with independent regional estimates derived from a climate model. The EEOF filter is effective at separating ice mass change signals from meridional stripe noise, with better rejection of high temporal frequency noise and less signal attenuation and spatial smoothing compared to a conventional method. We use EEOF‐filtered GRACE data to examine regional seasonal variations. Consistent with surface and other data, results show ice mass loss along the west, southwest, and east coasts during summer and gain in these regions during winter. In addition, there is summer ice mass gain in the central region of the GrIS.
Thoughts on Scaffolds
Authors: Jayasinghe Suwan N.
Published: June 2017

Scaffolds are instrumental in the engineering of functional tissues, and therefore have been an intense area of interest within regenerative biology and medicine in areas of research and development. Many approaches exist for creating scaffolds with either natural or synthetic advanced materials, which are subsequently coupled with cells and other materials and microintegrated with the aid of a bioreactor, finally forming a functional three‐dimensional tissue. Although many advances have been made over the years, none of these have truly been successful, as postulated by literature for either biomedical or clinical utility. For example, generated reconstructs have many limitations, such as poor cell infiltration throughout the entire depth of the scaffold, the associated cost, and the time for generating functional reconstructs mimicking native tissue. These and other roadblocks have truly limited the use of scaffolds as tissue engineering biomaterials/building blocks in regenerative medicine. However, these obstacles have recently been overcome with new scaffolding technologies unearthed and pioneered in 2005, which demonstrate the ability to directly handle large quantities of multiple cell types with both a biopolymer and other advanced materials for simultaneously forming a three‐dimensional living reconstruct mimicking native tissues. These recently discovered platform biotechnologies will have significant ramifications for the engineering of a three‐dimensional tissue and for regenerative medicine in general, as these platforms are versatile.
Mechanical Behavior and Adhesion of the Ti/Cr/Au Metallization Scheme on Diamond Substrate
Authors: Msolli Sabeur , Alexis Joel , Kim Heungsoo
Published: June 2017

The mechanical properties of a Ti/Cr/Au metallization system deposited on a heavily doped diamond substrate are evaluated, first using nano‐indentation tests. Various kinds of conditions are adopted, such as small and high force loadings. These tests are completed by in situ scanning electron microscopy observations of the surface. The adhesion of such multilayer on the diamond substrate is assessed using nano‐scratching tests. The profiles of the obtained scratches are analyzed to detect any singularities or defects. Finally, a cross‐section topography is performed, in order to obtain the cross profile of the scratch, and to determine the scratch hardness parameter of the metallization system. The Ti/Cr/Au metallization system is a potential candidate to play the role of ohmic contact on diamond. Therefore, its adhesion to diamond is important, since the whole power electronic assembly is mainly subjected to thermal cycling during service. The metallization system must adhere well to diamond, so as to resist temperature gradients and thermal strains that are widely observed in extreme thermal conditions. Otherwise, debonding phenomena may occur, and the whole electronic packaging fail.
Large‐Area Schottky Barrier Transistors Based on Vertically Stacked Graphene–Metal Oxide Heterostructures
Authors: Kim Seongchan , Choi Young Jin , Choi Yongsuk , Kang Moon Sung , Cho Jeong Ho
Published: June 2017

The fabrication of all‐transparent flexible vertical Schottky barrier (SB) transistors and logic gates based on graphene–metal oxide–metal heterostructures and ion gel gate dielectrics is demonstrated. The vertical SB transistor structure is formed by (i) vertically sandwiching a solution‐processed indium‐gallium‐zinc‐oxide (IGZO) semiconductor layer between graphene (source) and metallic (drain) electrodes and (ii) employing a separate coplanar gate electrode bridged with a vertical channel through an ion gel. The channel current is modulated by tuning the Schottky barrier height across the graphene–IGZO junction under an applied external gate bias. The ion gel gate dielectric with high specific capacitance enables modulation of the Schottky barrier height at the graphene–IGZO junction over 0.87 eV using a voltage below 2 V. The resulting vertical devices show high current densities (18.9 A cm−2) and on–off current ratios (>104) at low voltages. The simple structure of the unit transistor enables the successful fabrication of low‐power logic gates based on device assemblies, such as the NOT, NAND, and NOR gates, prepared on a flexible substrate. The facile, large‐area, and room‐temperature deposition of both semiconducting metal oxide and gate insulators integrates with transparent and flexible graphene opens up new opportunities for realizing graphene‐based future electronics.
Tough Elastomers with Superior Self‐Recoverability Induced by Bioinspired Multiphase Design
Authors: Yoshida Shoma , Ejima Hirotaka , Yoshie Naoko
Published: June 2017

Incorporating reversible sacrificial bonds in network polymers not only toughens these materials but also endows them with self‐recoverability. However, self‐recoverability is only realized for dispersed energy less than 10 MJ m−3. It remains a challenge to achieve simultaneous high stretchability, toughness, and recoverability. Here, inspired by the structure of mussel byssus cuticles, a new design strategy is proposed and demonstrated to improve both the toughness and self‐recoverability of elastomers by introducing a microphase‐separated structure with different physical crosslink densities. This structure can be achieved using a carefully designed comonomer sequence distribution of hydrogen bonding units in an ABA‐type triblock copolymer. The A blocks form hard domains with dense crosslinking that prevents macroscopic deformation, while the B blocks form a softer matrix with sparse and dynamic crosslinks that serve as sacrificial bonds. This elastomer exhibits high toughness (≈62 MJ m−3), self‐healing, and most notably, excellent self‐recovery (recovery against 650% elongation and 17 MPa tensile stress with a dissipated energy >27 MJ m−3 at room temperature). This combination of toughness, self‐healing, and self‐recovery expands the range of applications of these advanced dynamic materials.
High‐Density Microfluidic Particle‐Cluster‐Array Device for Parallel and Dynamic Study of Interaction between Engineered Particles
Authors: Kim Hojin , Lee Sanghyun , Lee Wonhyung , Kim Joonwon
Published: June 2017

A high‐density and high‐performance microfluidic particle‐cluster‐array device utilizing a novel hydrodynamically tunable pneumatic valve (HTPV) is reported for parallel and dynamic monitoring of the interactions taking place in particle clusters. The key concept involves passive operation of the HTPV through elastic deformation of a thin membrane using only the hydrodynamic force inherent in microchannel flows. This unique feature allows the discrete and high‐density (≈30 HTPVs mm−2) arrangement of numerous HTPVs in a microfluidic channel without any pneumatic connection. In addition, the HTPV achieves high‐performance clustering (≈92%) of three different particles in an array format through the optimization of key design and operating parameters. Finally, a contamination‐free, parallel, and dynamic biochemical analysis strategy is proposed, which employs a simple one‐inlet–one‐outlet device operated by the effective combination of several techniques, including particle clustering, the interactions between engineered particles, two‐phase partitioning and dehydration control of aqueous plugs, and shape/color‐based particle identification.
Amine Activation: N‐Arylamino Acid Amide Synthesis from Isothioureas and Amino Acids
Authors: Zhu Yan‐Ping , Mampuys Pieter , Sergeyev Sergey , Ballet Steven , Maes Bert U. W.
Published: June 2017

N‐arylamino acid amides have been synthesized via a novel method based on N‐arylamine activation into isothioureas followed by reaction with amino acids under iron catalysis. The activated N‐arylamines are easily prepared using a three‐component reaction with commercial reagents, tert‐butylisocyanide and S‐phenyl benzenethiosulfonate. The protocol shows a broad functional group compatibility, with respect to side chain functionality of the amino acid (e. g. aliphatic and aromatic OH, (hetero)aromatic NH, amide NH, thioether), and the chiral amino acids do not undergo epimerization. The mechanism of the new amide synthesis has been studied.

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Enantioselective Mannich‐Type Reactions to Construct Trifluoromethylthio‐Containing Tetrasubstituted Carbon Stereocenters via Asymmetric Dual‐Reagent Catalysis
Authors: Xu Lijun , Wang Hongyu , Zheng Changwu , Zhao Gang
Published: June 2017

An approach to construct tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenters bearing both a trifluoromethylthio (SCF3) group and a cyano group has been realized, through asymmetric organophosphine‐catalyzed Mannich‐type reactions. The products were obtained in high yields and moderate to high enantioselectivities. Two diastereoisomers could be isolated from each reaction (overall 25 examples), rendering this approach a viable opportunity for molecular diversity generation and improvement of the bioactivity of related drug candidates.

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Iron deficiency across chronic inflammatory conditions: International expert opinion on definition, diagnosis, and management
Authors: Cappellini Maria Domenica , Comin‐Colet Josep , de Francisco Angel , Dignass Axel , Doehner Wolfram , Lam Carolyn S. , Macdougall Iain C. , Rogler Gerhard , Camaschella Clara , Kadir Rezan , Kassebaum Nicholas J. , Spahn Donat R. , Taher Ali T. , Musallam Khaled M. ,   on behalf of the IRON CORE Group
Published: June 2017

Iron deficiency, even in the absence of anemia, can be debilitating, and exacerbate any underlying chronic disease, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Iron deficiency is frequently concomitant with chronic inflammatory disease; however, iron deficiency treatment is often overlooked, partially due to the heterogeneity among clinical practice guidelines. In the absence of consistent guidance across chronic heart failure, chronic kidney disease and inflammatory bowel disease, we provide practical recommendations for iron deficiency to treating physicians: definition, diagnosis, and disease‐specific diagnostic algorithms. These recommendations should facilitate appropriate diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency to improve quality of life and clinical outcomes.
Long‐term follow‐up of chemoimmunotherapy with rituximab, oxaliplatin, cytosine arabinoside, dexamethasone (ROAD) in patients with relapsed CD20+ B–cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: Results of a study of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center Research Consortium (MCCRC) MC0485 now known as academic and community cancer research united (ACCRU)
Authors: Witzig Thomas E. , Johnston Patrick B. , LaPlant Betsy R. , Kurtin Paul J. , Pederson Levi D. , Moore Jr Dennis F. , Nabbout Nassim H. , Nikcevich Daniel A. , Rowland Kendrith M. , Grothey Axel
Published: June 2017

Patients with relapsed aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) are often treated with platinum‐based chemoimmunotherapy regimens in preparation for autologous stem cell transplant. We sought to reduce toxicity and maintain efficacy by using oxaliplatin with rituximab, cytarabine and dexamethasone (ROAD) in a phase II clinical trial in patients who had relapsed after one prior regimen. ROAD was delivered q21 days and consisted of rituximab 375 mg/m2 IV weekly x 4 doses (cycle 1 only); dexamethasone 40 mg PO/IV d2 – 5; oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 IV day 2; cytarabine 2000 mg/m2 IV × two doses on days 2 to 3; and pegfilgrastim 6 mg SC on day 4. Forty‐five eligible patients were accrued between 2006 and 2008. Patient characteristics were a median age of 69 years; 96% had received prior rituximab; 53% were within one year of diagnosis. The median number of cycles received was 2 (range, 1‐6). Forty‐four % received ROAD as an outpatient. The overall response rate was 71% with 27% (12/45) CR and 44% (20/45) PR. Forty‐four % (20/45) of all patients and 69% (18/26) of patients whom responded after 2 cycles proceeded to transplant. Median overall survival was 26 mos (95% CI: 7.3 mos—not reached) and median progression‐free survival was 11 mos (95% CI: 6—104 mos). There was no grade 3/4 nephrotoxicity; the rate of grade 3/4 neuropathy was 4%. Forty‐two percent of all patients and 69% of patients transplanted remain alive at 5 years. ROAD represents an acceptable salvage therapeutic option for patients with relapsed aggressive NHL.
Interindividual differences in embodied marginalization: Osteological and stable isotope analyses of antebellum enslaved individuals
Authors: Dent Sophia C.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Through pathological and stable isotope analyses, this study probes the stressors, disease ecology, and diets of enslaved individuals from an antebellum plantation cemetery. The study aims to highlight how interindividual isotopic differences reveal that marginalization is not uniformly experienced or embodied.

Methods

The cemetery population consists of 16 individuals; dental and skeletal pathological indicators were collected for all individuals, and light stable isotope ratios (δ15N, δ13C) were generated from the collagen and hydroxyapatite of nine individuals.

Results

The analyzed individuals have high frequencies of enamel defects—similar to contemporaneous enslaved cemetery individuals—and particularly high frequencies of carious lesions. Skeletal analysis shows evidence of chronic conditions among several individuals, two of whom likely have tuberculosis. Although the sample size is small, stable isotope values display interesting trends: there is interindividual heterogeneity in δ13C values, and most subadults from the cemetery have lower δ15N and higher δ13C values than the sampled adults. These relationships can be tested with larger datasets and have the potential to reveal important information about slave foodways and the broader experience of enslavement.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that racial discrimination, enslavement, and age do not fully account for the heterogeneity in degree of embodied stressors. There are likely other factors at play, intersecting with the aforementioned, that influenced the lived experience of slavery and the degree of marginalization.
Rapid and convenient removal of fluoride by magnetic magnesium–aluminum–lanthanum composite: Synthesis, performance and mechanism
Authors: Zhao Wei , Chen Yuantao , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2017

By an easy co‐precipitation method, the magnetic magnesium–aluminum–lanthanum composite was successfully synthesized. The effects of the synthetic conditions such as Mg/Al/La molar ratio and calcination temperature on fluoride removal by the adsorbent were studied. The adsorbents were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). By means of changing various conditions, such as contact time, solution pH, initial fluoride concentration, temperature and coexisting anions, batch adsorption studies were worked out. Results indicated that with a Mg/Al/La molar ratio of 16:1:1, at 500 °C, near neutral pH and room temperature, the adsorbent obtained the maximum capacity of 65.75 mg/g for fluoride adsorption. The adsorption process was fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo‐first order kinetic model. Adsorption mechanism involved electrostatic interaction on surface and ion exchange interaction. All results indicated that the magnetic magnesium–aluminum–lanthanum composite can be a very promising adsorbent, has potential application in fluoride removal in water treatment and has positive effects on human health. © 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Improved Parameterized Controller Reduction Technique via New Frequency Weighted Model Reduction Formulation
Authors: Jazlan Ahmad , Houlis Pantazis , Sreeram Victor , Togneri Roberto
Published: June 2017

In this paper, an improved parameterized controller reduction technique via a new frequency weighted model reduction formulation is developed for the feedback control of MIMO discrete time systems particularly for non‐unity feedback control system configurations which have the controller located in the feedback path. New frequency weights which are a function of a free parameter matrix are derived based on a set of equivalent block diagrams and this leads to a generalized double sided frequency weighted model reduction formulation. Solving this generalized double sided frequency weighted model reduction problem for various values of the free parameter results in obtaining controllers which correspond to each value of the free parameter. It is shown that the proposed formulation has a useful characteristic such that selecting a controller which corresponds to a large value of the free parameter results in obtaining an optimal reduced order controller and using this optimal reduced order controller in a closed loop system results in significant reduction in the infinity norm of the approximation error between the original closed loop system and the closed loop system which uses an optimal reduced order controller (when compared to existing frequency weighted model reduction methods).
A review of progress in (bio)catalytic routes from/to renewable succinic acid
Authors: Mazière Audrey , Prinsen Pepijn , García Araceli , Luque Rafael , Len Christophe
Published: June 2017

In the last decade, succinic acid has become a key platform chemical in the bio‐based industry. It is one of the few renewable chemicals that have proven to be competitive with the fossil‐derived production. Still, improvements can be made in terms of sustainability, especially in the usage of alternative carbon sources for advanced life cycles. Numerous catalytic routes have been developed for the conversion of bio‐succinate to a wide range of chemical compounds and bio‐based polymers. However, most of them have been demonstrated from pure isolated succinic acid, but the isolation and purification of succinic acid from fermentation broths is no mean task and requires a considerable amount of energy. Therefore, catalytic routes in aqueous phase have also been studied intensively to by‐pass isolation and purification steps. This review describes the recent developments published in this research field. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Spectroscopic and molecular docking study on the structure–affinity relationship and mechanism in the interaction of genistein and its derivatives with bovine serum albumin
Authors: Guo Yu , Shen Lixian , Yao Xu , Liu Yang , Liu Yunmei , Chen Hongfei , Min Ke , Zheng Xing
Published: June 2017

In this paper, the interaction of genistein (GEN) and its four derivatives (GEN1–4) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated by ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra, fluorescence, synchronous fluorescence, three‐dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism and molecular docking techniques. The experimental results showed that the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA was quenched by genisteins and was due to the formation of a genisteins–BSA complex. The quenching constant, binding constants, binding sites, intermolecular distances and thermodynamic properties were calculated at 298 K, 306 K and 310 K. Site marker competitive experiments indicated that the binding site of genisteins to BSA was mainly located in subdomain IIA. The conformational investigation showed that the presence of 0020 genisteins led to changes in the secondary structure of BSA and induced the slight unfolding of protein polypeptides, which confirmed some micro‐environmental and conformational changes of BSA molecules. Furthermore, the binding affinity decreased in the order GEN1 > GEN > GEN4 > GEN3 > GEN2, which revealed that different type and position of substituents of genistein significantly influenced the affinity of compounds to BSA. The number of hydroxyl groups on the ring A was the most important factor because increasing the hydroxyl groups on ring A clearly enhanced the binding affinity. However, trifluoromethylation did not much affect the affinity, alkylation, esterification and difluoromethylation slightly enhanced the binding affinity. The results obtained herein will provide valuable information about the pharmacokinetics at a molecular level and be a useful guideline for the further design of much more suitable genistein derivatives.
Photoluminescence, cathodoluminescence and thermal stability of Sm3+‐activated Sr3La(VO4)3 red‐emitting phosphors
Authors: Du Peng , Yu Jae Su
Published: June 2017

A series of Sm3+‐activated Sr3La(VO4)3 phosphors were synthesized by a facile sol‐gel method. X‐ray diffraction patterns and photoluminescence (PL)/cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra as well as PL decay curves were employed to characterize the obtained samples. Upon 402 nm light excitation, the characteristic emissions of Sm3+ ions corresponding to 4G5/2→6HJ transitions were observed in all the as‐prepared products. The PL emission intensity was increased with increase in Sm3+ ion concentration, while concentration quenching occurred when the doping concentration was over 4 mol%. The non‐radiative energy transfer mechanism for concentration quenching of Sm3+ ions was dominated by dipole–dipole interaction and the critical distance was around 21.59 Å. Furthermore, temperature‐dependent PL emission spectra revealed that the obtained phosphors possessed good thermal stability with an activation energy of 0.19 eV. In addition, the CL spectra of the samples were almost the same as the PL spectra, and the CL emission intensity showed a tendency to increase with increase in accelerating voltage and filament current. These results suggest that the Sm3+‐activated Sr3La(VO4)3 phosphors with good color coordinates, high color purity and superior thermal stability may be a potential candidate for applications in white light‐emitting diodes and field‐emission displays as red‐emitting phosphors.
Maskerade – wenn die Beute den Räuber imitiert
Authors: Sander Johannes
Published: June 2017

Die Nachahmung von Lebewesen durch andere Lebewesen (Mimikry) ist in der Natur ein weit verbreitetes Phänomen. Insbesondere gefährliche Tiere werden häufig nachgeahmt, da dies dem Imitator Schutz verleiht. Umstritten ist allerdings, weshalb diese Nachahmung in einigen Fällen fast vollkommen, in anderen aber nur unvollkommen ist. Eine neue Hypothese versucht jetzt Licht in das Dunkel zu bringen.
Phagen‐resistente Zellen können vorübergehend sensitiv werden
Authors: Schumann Wolfgang
Published: June 2017

Viren, die Bakterien befallen (Phagen), spielen eine wichtige Rolle bei der Übertragung von bakteriellen Genen von einer in eine andere Zelle. Dieser Vorgang wird Transduktion genannt und ist einer der bislang fünf bekannten Wege des horizontalen Gentransfers bei Bakterien. Jetzt wurde ein neuer Mechanismus beschrieben, der zeigt, wie auch gegen Phagen resistente Zellen vorübergehend wieder sensitiv werden können.
Seltenes Wissen aus Wachs und wie man es erhält
Authors: Aretz Nicole , Markert Michael
Published: June 2017

Früher waren sie aus dem Vorlesungsalltag nicht wegzudenken: Die wächsernen Modelle aus dem Hause Ziegler in Freiburg. Ganz gleich, wo auf der Welt man in der ersten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts Biologie studierte, Zieglers Modelle zur Entwicklung des Hühnerembryos oder die achtteilige Serie zu Wirbeltiergehirnen, aus dem weichen Naturmaterial gegossen und handbemalt, waren treue Gefährten.
Nachrichten des Verbandes Biologie, Biowissenschaften & Biomedizin in Deutschland
Authors: Groß Jorge
Published: June 2017

Ausbildung & Karriere

Ars legendi‐Fakultätenpreis 2017 an Prof. Jorge Groß

Biotech & Pharma Business Summer School

Arbeitsmarktgespräch Biologie

Wissenschaft & Gesellschaft

„March for Science“

Landesverbände

Bayern

Publikationen

VBIO‐Jahresbericht ist online

Veranstaltungen
Anti‐Inflammatory Constituents from the Branches of Pourthiaea villosa (Thunb.) Decne
Authors: Ko Ha Na , Kang Ji Mi , Kim Hyung Min , Han Jong‐Heon , Lee Nam Ho
Published: June 2017

In this study, the extract from Pourthiaea villosa Decne branches was investigated and their anti‐inflammatory constituents were identified. The prepared ethanol extract was fractionated successively to afford n‐hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n‐butanol, and aqueous layers. In the examination of the anti‐inflammatory activities, EtOAc layer was observed to have good nitric oxide production inhibitory property in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Phytochemical studies for EtOAc layer led to isolation of eight constituents such as ursolic acid (1), arjunolic acid (2), daucosterol (3), myricanol (4), gallic acid (5), myricetin (6), myricitrin (7), and quercitrin (8). The isolate 4 efficiently inhibited nitric oxide production in a dose‐dependent manner in LPS‐induced RAW 264.7 cells. The production of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) enzyme protein was decreased by compound 4, which showed that the observed NO inhibition could be interconnected to down‐expression of iNOS protein. In addition, compound 4 reduced the production of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 in a concentration‐dependent manner. This study demonstrated that the P. villosa extract containing myricanol (4) could be considered potential anti‐inflammatory agents in pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries.
The Sequential Intercept Model and Juvenile Justice: Review and Prospectus
Authors: Heilbrun Kirk , Goldstein Naomi E.S. , DeMatteo David , Newsham Rebecca , Gale‐Bentz Elizabeth , Cole Lindsay , Arnold Shelby
Published: June 2017

Behavioral health needs in justice‐involved adolescents are an increasing concern, as it has been estimated that two‐thirds of youths in the juvenile justice system now meet the criteria for one or more psychological disorders. This article describes the application of the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM), developed to describe five “points of interception” from standard prosecution into rehabilitation‐oriented alternatives for adults (Munetz & Griffin, 2006), to juvenile justice. The five SIM intercepts are: (1) first contact with law enforcement or emergency services; (2) initial hearings and detention following arrest; (3) jails and courts (including problem‐solving courts); (4) re‐entry from jails, prisons and forensic hospitals; and (5) community corrections and community support, including probation and parole. Modifying the SIM for application with justice‐involved adolescents, this article describes three examples of interventions at different intercepts: Intercept 1 (the Philadelphia Police School Diversion Program), Intercept 3 (problem‐solving courts for juveniles), and Intercept 5 (juvenile probation). Relevant research evidence for each example is reviewed, and the further application of this model to juveniles is described. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding and Treating Offenders with Serious Mental Illness in Public Sector Mental Health
Authors: Lamb H. Richard , Weinberger Linda E.
Published: June 2017

This article begins with the history of the rise and fall of the state hospitals and subsequent criminalization of persons with serious mental illness (SMI). Currently, there is a belief among many that incarceration has not been as successful as hoped in reducing crime and drug use, both for those with and those without SMI. Moreover, overcrowding in correctional facilities has become a serious problem necessitating a solution. Consequently, persons with SMI in the criminal justice system are now being released in large numbers to the community and hopefully treated by public sector mental health. The issues to consider when releasing incarcerated persons with SMI into the community are as follows: diversion and mental health courts; the expectation that the mental health system will assume responsibility; providing asylum and sanctuary; the capabilities, limitations, and realistic treatment goals of community outpatient psychiatric treatment for offenders with SMI; the need for structure; the use of involuntary commitments, including assisted outpatient treatment, conservatorship and guardianship; liaison between treatment and criminal justice personnel; appropriately structured, monitored, and supportive housing; management of violence; and 24‐hour structured in‐patient care. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epithelial invasion after open globe injury
Authors: Viestenz Arne , Seitz Berthold , Viestenz Anja , Naumann Gottfried O.H.
Published: June 2017

Epithelial invasion after open globe injury is a rare complication. Wrong treatment (laser opening of the cyst) or no treatment can lead to painful blindness. Forty percent (25/62) of patients with block excision with epithelial downgrowth had a history of open globe injury. Four of them were female. Their mean age was 45 ±21 years. A tectonic keratoplasty with block excision was performed on 25 patients. Seven of them had simultaneously undergone cataract surgery. The mean extension of epithelial invasion was 3.0 ± 1.3 clock hours. Laser cystotomy was contraindicated. The diameter of the block excision was 8.2 ± 1.5 mm. Histological examination revealed diffuse epithelial invasion in three eyes and cystic epithelial downgrowth in 22 eyes. Mean pre‐ and post‐operative visual acuity (20/60) did not differ significantly. The intraocular pressure was 16 ± 7 mm Hg before and 14 ± 7 mm Hg after the surgery. Only one eye (4%) developed ocular hypotony after block excision. Epithelial invasion can become manifest many years after an open globe injury. En block excision for cystic epithelial downgrowth with an extension less than 150 degrees is the therapy of choice. Opening of the cyst by laser or surgically is not recommended: It can induce transformation of cystic into diffuse epithelial invasion, and the succeeding secondary glaucoma can be refractory to therapy and lead to blindness. Clin. Anat. 31:68–71, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tenonplasty for closing defects during sclerocorneal surgery—A brief review of its anatomy and clinical applications
Authors: Fries Fabian N. , Suffo Shady , Daas Loay , Seitz Berthold , Fiorentzis Miltiadis , Viestenz Arne
Published: June 2017

To provide insight into the clinical anatomy of Tenon's capsule and to describe a technique to manage sclerocorneal defects using autologous Tenon's tissue. A thin layer of Tenon's capsule harvested from the patient's own eye is used to seal the defect and act as a scaffold. The Tenon's flap is spread over the defect and held in place by Vicryl sutures. A bandage contact lens is then placed on the eye. Tenon's capsule is composed of thick fibrous tissue with smooth muscle fibers and a thin posterior capsule of orbital fat. It is rich in fibroblasts, which can accelerate wound healing and eventually lead to robust scarring without risk of immunogenicity and without cost. Tenonplasty uses easily‐available autologous Tenon's tissue in patients with sclerocorneal defects to preserve globe morphology. The technique is a feasible alternative not limited by the availability of graft tissue. Clin. Anat. 31:72–76, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Racial disparities in survival outcomes by breast tumor subtype among African American women in Memphis, Tennessee
Authors: Vidal Gregory , Bursac Zoran , Miranda‐Carboni Gustavo , White‐Means Shelley , Starlard‐Davenport Athena
Published: June 2017

Racial disparities in survival among African American (AA) women in the United States have been well documented. Breast cancer mortality rates among AA women is higher in Memphis, Tennessee as compared to 49 of the largest US cities. In this study, we investigated the extent to which racial/ethnic disparities in survival outcomes among Memphis women are attributed to differences in breast tumor subtype and treatment outcomes. A total of 3527 patients diagnosed with stage I–IV breast cancer between January 2002 and April 2015 at Methodist Health hospitals and West Cancer Center in Memphis, TN were included in the analysis. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were generated and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to compare survival outcomes among 1342 (38.0%) AA and 2185 (62.0%) non‐Hispanic White breast cancer patients by race and breast tumor subtype. Over a mean follow‐up time of 29.9 months, AA women displayed increased mortality risk [adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 1.65; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.35–2.03] and were more likely to be diagnosed at advanced stages of disease. AA women with triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) had the highest death rate at 26.7% compared to non‐Hispanic White women at 16.5%. AA women with TNBC and luminal B/HER2‐ breast tumors had the highest risk of mortality. Regardless of race, patients who did not have surgery had over five times higher risk of dying compared to those who had surgery. These findings provide additional evidence of the breast cancer disparity gap between AA and non‐Hispanic White women and highlight the need for targeted interventions and policies to eliminate breast cancer disparities in AA populations, particularly in Memphis, TN.
Interrogating the ethics of operational psychology
Authors: Soldz Stephen , Olson Bradley , Arrigo Jean Maria
Published: June 2017

Commissioned amidst allegations of collusion between American Psychological Association officials and Central Intelligence Agency and Department of Defense officials involved in the enhanced interrogation programme, the July 2015 Hoffman Report documented a decade of collusion between American Psychological Association and Department of Defense officials in unethical national security interrogations. However, interrogation support is but one of numerous areas where psychologists are directly aiding military and intelligence operations, an area known as operational psychology. The ethical issues posed by the larger field of operational psychology have received little public discussion apart from apologia by operational psychologists themselves. To stimulate public review of operational psychology, leaders of the movement to remove psychologists from national security interrogations convened, in September 2015, a group of experts to work towards a consensus set of principles to guide future discussion. Participants included psychologists, physicians, and social scientists; military and intelligence professionals; and attorneys, ethicists, and human rights advocates. The discussion also drew upon years of dialogue between participants and military health and intelligence professionals. The workshop produced “The Brookline Principles on the Ethical Practice of Operational Psychology,” with implications for the profession of psychology and for civil society.
Chemical Composition and Biological Studies of the Essential Oil from Aerial Parts of Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima (L.) Arcang. Growing in Tunisia
Authors: Zardi‐Bergaoui Afifa , Ben Nejma Aymen , Harzallah‐Skhiri Fethia , Flamini Guido , Ascrizzi Roberta , Ben Jannet Hichem
Published: June 2017

The chemical composition, antioxidant, cytotoxic, anticholinesterase and anti‐tyrosinase activities of the hydrodistilled essential oil of the aerial parts of Beta vulgaris subsp. maritime (L.) Arcang. from Tunisia have been evaluated. The chemical composition of the oil (yield 0.037% [w/w]), determined by GC‐FID and GC/MS is reported for the first time. Twenty five components, accounting for 98.1% of the total oil have been identified. The oil was characterized by a high proportion of oxygenated sesquiterpenes (39.2%), followed by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (30.3%) and one apocarotenoids (26.3%). The main compounds were γ‐irone (26.3%), α‐cadinol (12.1%), T‐cadinol (10.6%), bicyclogermacrene (10.4%) and δ‐cadinene (6.0%). The isolated oil was tested for its antioxidant activity using the DPPH·, ABTS+·, catalase, and paraoxonase assays and also for its cytotoxic, anticholinesterase, and anti‐tyrosinase activities. The essential oil exhibited high antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.055 ± 0.006 mg/ml) and important result oncatalase (524.447 ± 2.58 Units/mg protein). Furthermore, it exerted a significant cytotoxic effect against A549 cell line, with IC50 = 42.44 ± 1.40 μg/ml. The results indicate that the essential oil of B. vulgaris subsp. maritima (L.) Arcang. aerial parts may be used in future as an alternative to synthetic antioxidant agents, with potential application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
SET domain‐containing protein 5 is required for expression of primordial germ cell specification‐associated genes in murine embryonic stem cells
Authors: Yu Seung Eun , Kim Min Seong , Park Su Hyung , Yoo Byong Chul , Kim Kyung Hee , Jang Yeun Kyu
Published: June 2017

Primordial germ cell (PGC) specification is one of the most fundamental processes in developmental biology. Because PGCs are a common source of both gametes, generation of PGCs from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is a useful model for analysing the germ line lineage. Although several studies focused on the role of epigenetic regulation on PGC differentiation from ESCs in vitro have been published, germ line commitment remains poorly understood. Here, we show that SET domain‐containing protein (Setd5), which has a previously unknown function, is essential for regulating germ cell‐associated genes in murine ESCs (mESCs). Even though Setd5 knockdown with 3 distinct shRNAs did not affect expression of pluripotency genes or levels of global histone methylation, all 3 shRNAs significantly diminished the expression of early and late‐stage PGC‐associated genes. Furthermore, our immunoprecipitation assay showed that Setd5 can interact with Tbl1xr1 and Ctr9, which are components of 2 different transcriptional regulatory complexes, namely, NcoR1 corepressor complex and Paf1 complex, respectively, in mESCs. Taken together, our data suggest that Setd5 is required for maintaining PGC‐associated genes and Setd5‐associated protein complexes containing Tbl1xr1 and Ctr9, which in turn are likely involved in regulating germ cell–related genes in mESCs.