bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D Printed Hollow‐Core Terahertz Optical Waveguides with Hyperuniform Disordered Dielectric Reflectors
Authors: Ma Tian , Guerboukha Hichem , Girard Martin , Squires Andrew D. , Lewis Roger A. , Skorobogatiy Maksim
Published: September 2016

Novel hollow‐core THz waveguides featuring hyperuniform disordered reflectors are proposed, fabricated, and characterized. The reflector comprises aperiodically positioned dielectric cylinders connected with dielectric bridges. The proposed waveguides are fabricated using a 3D MultiJet printer. Optical properties of the fabricated waveguides are investigated numerically using finite element method, as well as experimentally using terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy. The results confirm that proposed waveguides exhibit sizable photonic bandgaps (21%) even with relatively low refractive index contrast (resin/air). Position of the bandgaps can be easily tuned by varying reflector geometrical parameters.
Efficient Synthesis of Dimethyl Ether from Methanol in a Bifunctional Zeolite Membrane Reactor
Authors: Zhou Chen , Wang Nanyi , Qian Yanan , Liu Xiaoxing , Caro Jürgen , Huang Aisheng
Published: September 2016

A sandwich FAU–LTA zeolite dual‐layer membrane has been developed and used as a catalytic membrane reactor for the synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME). In the top H‐FAU layer with mild acidity, methanol is dehydrated to DME. The other reaction product, water, is removed in situ through a hydrophilic Na‐LTA layer, which is located between the porous alumina support and the H‐FAU top layer. The combination of mild acidity with the continuous removal of water results in high methanol conversion (90.9 % at 310 °C) and essentially 100 % DME selectivity. Furthermore, owing to the selective and continuous removal of water through the Na‐LTA membrane, catalyst deactivation can be effectively suppressed.
Fabrication and characterization of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride microporous membranes via thermally induced phase separation process
Authors: Zhang Chunfang , Min Ying , Bai Yunxiang , Gu Jin , Sun Yuping
Published: September 2016

Microporous chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) membranes were prepared via thermally induced phase separation process for the first time using diphenyl ether (DPE) as diluent. The CPVC/DPE blends exhibit upper critical solution temperature (UCST)‐type phase behavior, which undergoes liquid‐liquid phase separation followed by sol‐gel transition during cooling process. Therefore, the resulting CPVC membranes presented symmetric morphology with uniformly distributed cellular pores. The cloud point (liquid‐liquid phase separation temperature) decreased with increasing CPVC content, while the sol‐gel transition temperature showed an opposite trend. Both the growth rate of diluent‐rich phase droplets and the gelation rate of the CPVC/DPE blends increased by decreasing CPVC concentration or cooling rate, leading to an increase of the pore size in the final membranes. Results of water permeation tests confirmed that the water flux of the membranes have a significant dependence on their porosity and pore size, that is the water flux increased with the increase of porosity and pore size. Moreover, the CPVC microporous membranes prepared by the TIPS process showed a high mechanical strength and excellent acid/alkali resistance, which has presented a great potential for application in the fields of water and wastewater treatment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44346.
Experimental research of hydroquinone (HQ)/hexamethylene tetramine (HMTA) gel for water plugging treatments in high‐temperature and high‐salinity reservoirs
Authors: Fang Jichao , Zhang Xiao , He Long , Zhao Guang , Dai Caili
Published: September 2016

Polymer gel, as a water plugging treatment agent, has been successfully used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) of mature oil fields. A new thermal‐resistance and salt‐tolerance polymer gel was developed based on HPAM and HQ/HMTA under the condition of high‐temperature (100.8 °C) and high‐salinity (up to 19.8 × 104 mg/L and Ca2+&Mg2+ 0.8 × 104 mg/L). The influence factors of gelling performance and coreflood performances were studied, the microstructure of the gel was observed with the environmental scanning electron microscopy, and gelation mechanism was proposed to illuminate the detailed gelation process. The gelation time decreases and the gel strength increases with the increase of polymer concentration, crosslinker concentration, or temperature. Although shearing had a negative effect on the viscosity of gelling solution, the gel strength, and the stability of gel have not been affected. The gelling solution has a good ability of injection and could selectively flow into high permeable zone. Additionally, the plugging rate increases and stays above 85% with the increase of the permeability or the gel strength. The microstructure of the gel confirms that the gel formed a three‐dimensional network structure. Based on the microstructure and the reaction process of the gel, a possible gelation mechanism is proposed. This study suggests that the gel system can be used in harsh reservoir conditions and the gelation time and gel strength can be controlled with adjusting the formation rate and the concentration of crosslinking agents. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44359.
Thin film initiation of cracks for fracture toughness measurements in epoxy resins
Authors: McAninch Ian M. , La Scala John J. , Palmese Giuseppe R. , Robinette E. Jason
Published: September 2016

The first step in accurately measuring the fracture toughness of a polymeric material is to generate a sharp crack in the sample. Often this is accomplished by tapping a razor blade into the sample, allowing a natural crack to grow; however, it can be difficult to control the crack propagation. Alternate methods for initial crack generation are investigated, including scoring the sample with a razor blade and inserting thin films or foils into the samples during cure. Fluoropolymer films and aluminum and stainless steel foils of various thicknesses are examined in a number of epoxy‐amine resins with a range of toughness and glass transition values. None of the alternative methods replicate the results of starting with a natural crack. Furthermore, it is difficult to form satisfactory test samples using fluoropolymer films. For relative toughness comparisons, either the scoring method or thin, ≤25.4 μm, foils can be used to initiate cracks with similar results. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44364.
Morphology and blowing agent encapsulation efficiency of vinylidene chloride copolymer microspheres synthesized by suspension polymerization in the presence of a blowing agent
Authors: Xie Guiming , Pan Pengju , Bao Yongzhong
Published: September 2016

Polymer microspheres were synthesized by the suspension copolymerization of vinylidene chloride (VDC), acrylonitrile (AN), and/or methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the presence of a paraffin blowing agent. The effects of the monomer composition, crosslinking agent content, blowing agent type, and content on the morphology and blowing agent encapsulation efficiency of the microspheres were investigated. The porous and non‐core–shell structure microspheres with a low encapsulation efficiency of blowing agent were formed when VDC was copolymerized with individual AN or MMA, whereas microspheres with a good core–shell structure and a high encapsulation efficiency of blowing agent were formed when the feeding monomer mass ratios of VDC–AN–MMA were 50/20/30, 60/20/20, and 70/20/10. The addition of 0.2–0.4 wt % divinyl benzene crosslinking agent (on the basis of monomer mass) was favorable to the formation of core–shell structure microspheres with a high encapsulation efficiency of blowing agent. Microspheres with wrinkled surfaces and a pronounced internal topography were formed as the carbon atom number of paraffin increased from 5 to 7. The encapsulation efficiency of blowing agent increased as the carbon atom number and content of paraffin blowing agent increased. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44376.
Synthesis of an elastic β‐cyclodextrin hydrogel cage by hydroxyethyl cellulose
Authors: Chen Zhi , Wang Ting , Yan Xiufeng
Published: September 2016

Current cyclodextrin (CD) hydrogels have disadvantages, including a limited CD content, long reaction time, and complicated chemical reactions. To overcome these, a one‐pot reaction was adopted, and a concept of a β‐CD hydrogel cage was proposed. Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) was used as the raw material with the adjustment of the stoichiometric relationship among the crosslinking agent of epichlorohydrin, alkali environment, and β‐CD amount, and an elastic β‐CD hydrogel cage system was established. After the β‐CD was caged, the contents of active β‐CD in hydrogel products reached 74.45 and 69.14 wt % by weight measurement and photometric titration, respectively. Furthermore, compared to the pure HEC hydrogel, the hydrogel mechanical strength improved obviously after the β‐CD was caged, and we obtained a faster water swelling rate at the same time. Finally, a hydrophobic molecule of phenolphthalein (PP) was used to evaluated the activity of caged β‐CD in the hydrogel. In addition, the absorption and release of PP by an elastic β‐CD hydrogel cage at certain time intervals were also studied. The results demonstrate that the β‐CD hydrogel cage was used as a functional molecule carrier to quickly absorb and sustain the release of PP. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44388.
High performance polyurethane composites with isocyanate‐functionalized carbon nanotubes: Improvements in tear strength and scratch hardness
Authors: Lopes Magnovaldo Carvalho , Ribeiro Helio , Gonçalves Santos Mayara Cele , Seara Luciana Moreira , Queiroz Ferreira Felipe Luiz , Lavall Rodrigo Lassarote , Silva Glaura Goulart
Published: September 2016

A microwave‐assisted functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with isocyanate groups allowed a reduction of functionalization time from 24 h to 30 min with no change in the degree of functionalization or in the nanotube characteristics. Polymer nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties were obtained because of the tailored interface by the covalent linkage between the surface‐modified multiwalled‐carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and an elastomeric polyurethane (PUE) matrix. The mechanical data revealed that the composite containing 0.25 wt % of MWCNT‐NCO showed an increase of 31% in tear strength and 28% in static toughness. A good adhesion between the matrix and individually dispersed nanotubes was observed in the scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images. Nanoindentation and nanoscratch experiments were conducted to investigate the properties on the sub‐surface. An increase by a factor of 3 in the scratch hardness was observed for the composite with 0.50 wt % of MWCNT‐NCO with respect to the neat PUE. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44394.
Regulation of trans‐1,4‐polyisoprene crystallinity and mechanical properties of styrene‐butadiene rubber/trans‐1,4‐polyisoprene vulcanizate
Authors: Wang Chunwei , Liu Zijin , Zhang Yong , Jiang Jie , Moriguchi Nobuhiro , Zhu Jun , Yamana Yoshihiro
Published: September 2016

The effects of processing temperature and bis‐[γ‐(triethoxysilyl)‐propyl]‐tetrasulfide (Si69) on crystallization, morphology, and mechanical properties of styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR)/trans‐1,4‐polyisoprene (TPI) vulcanizate are investigated. The crystallinity and crystalline melting temperature (Tm) of TPI in the vulcanizates with TPI/silica/(Si69) pre‐mixed at 150 °C are much lower than that pre‐mixed at 80 °C. At the same pre‐mixing temperature, the presence of 1 phr Si69 leads to a decreased crystallinity and Tm. The TPI domains with phase size of about 1 μm and silica are well dispersed in the vulcanizate, and TPI crystals get smaller in size and less in amount by pre‐mixing TPI, silica and Si69 at 150 °C. The vulcanizates with TPI/silica/(Si69) pre‐mixed at 150 °C have decreased tensile strength and modulus at a given extension than that pre‐mixed at 80 °C. At the same pre‐mixing temperature, the tensile strength and modulus of the vulcanizate increase with the addition of 1 phr Si69. The crystallinity of TPI component in SBR/TPI vulcanizate is effectively controlled by changing processing temperature and adding Si69, which is important for theoretical research and practical application of TPI. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44395.
Influences of monomer self‐association on the radical solution homopolymerization of N‐[3‐(dimethylamino)propyl](meth)acrylamide
Authors: Kamorin Denis M. , Rumyantsev Misha , Kazantsev Oleg A. , Sivokhin Alexey P. , Kamorina Sofia I.
Published: September 2016

The specific dependencies of the initial reduced polymerization rate on the initial monomer concentration were introduced for the radical homopolymerization of N‐[3‐(dimethylamino)propyl]acrylamide (DMAPA) and N‐[3‐(dimethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide (DMAPMA) in toluene, DMF, and water at 60 °С. The degree of the monomer self‐association and the ratio of the amides constituting various types of associates were evaluated using FT‐IR spectroscopy and computer simulation for the solutions of DMAPA and DMAPMA in toluene with different monomer concentrations. The hypothesis linking the type of predominant pre‐reaction monomer assemblies and the revealed concentration effects was proposed for the homopolymerization of aminoamide monomers and explaining unconventional experimental data. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44412.
Biobased blends of poly(propylene carbonate) and poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate): Fabrication and characterization
Authors: Enriquez Eugene , Mohanty Amar K. , Misra Manjusri
Published: September 2016

Poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC), a CO2‐based bioplastic and poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) were melt blended followed by injection molding. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy detected an interaction between the macromolecules from the reduction in the OH peak and a shift in the CO peak. The onset degradation temperature of the polymer blends was improved by 5% and 19% in comparison to PHBV and PPC, respectively. Blending PPC with PHBV reduced the melting and crystallization temperatures and crystallinity of the latter as observed through differential scanning calorimetry. The amorphous nature of PPC affected the thermal properties of PHBV by hindering the spherulitic growth and diluting the crystalline region. Scanning electron micrographs presented a uniform dispersion and morphology of the blends, which lead to balanced mechanical properties. Incorporating PHBV, a stiff semi‐crystalline polymer improved the dimensional stability of PPC by restricting the motion of its polymer chains. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Applied Polymer Science Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44420.
Fumed SiO2 nanoparticle reinforced biopolymer blend nanocomposites with high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss for flexible organic electronics
Authors: Deshmukh Kalim , Ahamed M. Basheer , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Ponnamma Deepalekshmi , AlMaadeed Mariam Al‐Ali , Deshmukh Rajendra R. , Pasha S. K. Khadheer , Polu Anji Reddy , Chidambaram K.
Published: September 2016

In the present study, fumed silica (SiO2) nanoparticle reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) blend nanocomposite films were prepared via a simple solution‐blending technique. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to elucidate the successful incorporation of SiO2 nanoparticles in the PVA/PVP blend matrix. A thermogravimetric analyzer was used to evaluate the thermal stability of the nanocomposites. The dielectric properties such as dielectric constant (ɛ) and dielectric loss (tan δ) of the PVA/PVP/SiO2 nanocomposite films were evaluated in the broadband frequency range of 10−2 Hz to 20 MHz and for temperatures in the range 40–150 °C. The FTIR and UV–vis spectroscopy results implied the presence of hydrogen bonding interaction between SiO2 and the PVA/PVP blend matrix. The XRD and SEM results revealed that SiO2 nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in the PVA/PVP blend matrix. The dielectric property analysis revealed that the dielectric constant values of the nanocomposites are higher than those of PVA/PVP blends. The maximum dielectric constant and the dielectric loss were 125 (10−2 Hz, 150 °C) and 1.1 (10−2 Hz, 70 °C), respectively, for PVA/PVP/SiO2 nanocomposites with 25 wt % SiO2 content. These results enable the preparation of dielectric nanocomposites using a facile solution‐casting method that exhibit the desirable dielectric performance for flexible organic electronics. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44427.
Reinforcement of electrospun poly(ε‐caprolactone) scaffold using diopside nanopowder to promote biological and physical properties
Authors: Hosseini Yasamin , Emadi Rahmatollah , Kharaziha Mahshid , Doostmohammadi Ali
Published: September 2016

Considerable efforts have been devoted toward the development of electrospun scaffolds based on poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) for bone tissue engineering. However, most of previous scaffolds have lacked the structural and mechanical strength to engineer bone tissue constructs with suitable biological functions. Here, we developed bioactive and relatively robust hybrid scaffolds composed of diopside nanopowder embedded PCL electrospun nanofibers. Incorporation of various concentrations of diopside nanopowder from 0 to 3 wt % within the PCL scaffolds notably improved tensile strength (eight‐fold) and elastic modulus (two‐fold). Moreover, the addition of diopside nanopowder significantly improved bioactivity and degradation rate compared to pure PCL scaffold which might be due to their superior hydrophilicity. We investigated the proliferation and spreading of SAOS‐II cells on electrospun scaffolds. Notably, electrospun PCL‐diopside scaffolds induced significantly enhanced cell proliferation and spreading. Overall, we concluded that PCL‐diopside scaffold could potentially be used to develop clinically relevant constructs for bone tissue engineering. However, the extendedin vivostudies are essential to evaluate the role of PCL‐diopside fibrous scaffolds on the new bone growth and regeneration. Therefore, in vivo studies will be the subject of our future work. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2017,134, 44433.
Take steps to address mental health crises among student‐athletes
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: September 2016

CLEARWATER BEACH, FLA. — When Canadian parents Lynn Courey and Mike Menu searched for colleges for their daughter Sasha, they intentionally chose a U.S. college for the support services that would be available to her as a student‐athlete with mental health issues.
Establishment of SV40 large T antigen‐immortalized bovine liver sinusoidal cell lines and their immunological responses to deoxynivalenol and lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Yoshioka Miyako , Takenouchi Takato , Kitani Hiroshi , Okada Hiroyuki , Yamanaka Noriko
Published: September 2016

Immortalized bovine sinusoidal cell lines provide useful tools to study the immunological responses in the liver to the gastrointestinal tract‐derived toxic substances, which may cause systemic symptoms in the affected livestock. Here, we established two immortalized bovine liver sinusoidal cell lines, endothelial‐like B46, and myofibroblast‐like A26, from primary cultures of bovine liver cells by the transfection with SV40 large T antigen. The pro‐inflammatory cytokine responses in these cell lines to deoxynivalenol (DON) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were then compared to those in the primary bovine Kupffer cells (BKC). BKC were highly responsive to LPS, showing increased levels of IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α mRNA 3 h after stimulation. DON induced similar pro‐inflammatory cytokine responses in BKC, except for IL‐6. The endothelial B46 cells exhibited upregulation of IL‐1α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 3 h after stimulation by LPS. In contrast to the stimulation by LPS, B46 had relatively low pro‐inflammatory cytokine responses to DON, except for IL‐1α, which was moderately induced at 3 h and increased at 24 h after stimulation. The myofibroblast‐like A26 cells exhibited low responses in the induction of pro‐inflammatory cytokines to LPS or DON; however, the expression of IL‐6 was significantly observed 3 h after DON stimulation. Our results suggest that bovine liver sinusoidal cells have distinctive pro‐inflammatory cytokine responses against harmful substances, and these immune responses might determine the consequence of systemic inflammations in the diseased animal.
Zinc‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Hydrosilylation of Ketones and Imines under Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Szewczyk Marcin , Bezłada Agata , Mlynarski Jacek
Published: September 2016

The zinc acetate promoted asymmetric hydrosilylation of various ketones and imines under solvent‐free conditions was examined by using an unprecedented low catalyst loading. Exposure of ketones to 0.05 mol % Zn‐based chiral diamine complex in the presence of triethoxysilane afforded enantioenriched alcohols in excellent yields (up to 98 %) and enantioselectivities (up to 97 % ee). This methodology also allowed for the chemoselective 1,2‐reduction of α,β‐unsaturated ketones and imines.
Reaction‐separation interaction on the control of ideal two‐feed, two‐product exothermic reactive distillation columns
Authors: Kumar Malladi V. Pavan , Mathew Anish K.
Published: September 2016

In this paper, the interaction of reaction and separation in an optimal design of an ideal, hypothetical, exothermic, quaternary (A + B↔C + D) reactive distillation (RD) system is explored. The relative volatilities of the components are αC:αA:αB:αD = 8:4:2:1. The closed loop dynamics of the column are evaluated for five different decentralized control structures. The prevention of the accumulation of light reactant A is crucial for successful control. A drastic improvement in the controllability is observed for a modified design of the RD system having a greater number of reactive trays as the accumulation of A is effectively prevented. The controllability improvement is observed to be control structure specific. A comprehensive understanding of the interaction of reaction and separation is very helpful for the design of RD columns of improved controllability. Application of the plant‐wide control principles in the control of RD columns is highlighted.
Differentiation in putative male sex pheromone components across and within populations of the African butterfly Bicyclus anynana as a potential driver of reproductive isolation
Authors: Bacquet Paul M. B. , de Jong Maaike A. , Brattström Oskar , Wang Hong‐Lei , Molleman Freerk , Heuskin Stéphanie , Lognay George , Löfstedt Christer , Brakefield Paul M. , Vanderpoorten Alain , Nieberding Caroline M.
Published: September 2016

Sexual traits are often the most divergent characters among closely related species, suggesting an important role of sexual traits in speciation. However, to prove this, we need to show that sexual trait differences accumulate before or during the speciation process, rather than being a consequence of it. Here, we contrast patterns of divergence among putative male sex pheromone (pMSP) composition and the genetic structure inferred from variation in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 and nuclear CAD loci in the African butterfly Bicyclus anynana (Butler, 1879) to determine whether the evolution of “pheromonal dialects” occurs before or after the differentiation process. We observed differences in abundance of some shared pMSP components as well as differences in the composition of the pMSP among B. anynana populations. In addition, B. anynana individuals from Kenya displayed differences in the pMSP composition within a single population that appeared not associated with genetic differences. These differences in pMSP composition both between and within B. anynana populations were as large as those found between different Bicyclus species. Our results suggest that “pheromonal dialects” evolved within and among populations of B. anynana and may therefore act as precursors of an ongoing speciation process.
Strategies for determining kinship in wild populations using genetic data
Authors: Städele Veronika , Vigilant Linda
Published: September 2016

Knowledge of kin relationships between members of wild animal populations has broad application in ecology and evolution research by allowing the investigation of dispersal dynamics, mating systems, inbreeding avoidance, kin recognition, and kin selection as well as aiding the management of endangered populations. However, the assessment of kinship among members of wild animal populations is difficult in the absence of detailed multigenerational pedigrees. Here, we first review the distinction between genetic relatedness and kinship derived from pedigrees and how this makes the identification of kin using genetic data inherently challenging. We then describe useful approaches to kinship classification, such as parentage analysis and sibship reconstruction, and explain how the combined use of marker systems with biparental and uniparental inheritance, demographic information, likelihood analyses, relatedness coefficients, and estimation of misclassification rates can yield reliable classifications of kinship in groups with complex kin structures. We outline alternative approaches for cases in which explicit knowledge of dyadic kinship is not necessary, but indirect inferences about kinship on a group‐ or population‐wide scale suffice, such as whether more highly related dyads are in closer spatial proximity. Although analysis of highly variable microsatellite loci is still the dominant approach for studies on wild populations, we describe how the long‐awaited use of large‐scale single‐nucleotide polymorphism and sequencing data derived from noninvasive low‐quality samples may eventually lead to highly accurate assessments of varying degrees of kinship in wild populations.
Scale dependent drivers of wild bee diversity in tropical heterogeneous agricultural landscapes
Authors: Basu Parthiba , Parui Arpan Kumar , Chatterjee Soumik , Dutta Aditi , Chakraborty Pushan , Roberts Stuart , Smith Barbara
Published: September 2016

Factors associated with agricultural intensification, for example, loss of seminatural vegetation and pesticide use has been shown to adversely affect the bee community. These factors may impact the bee community differently at different landscape scales. The scale dependency is expected to be more pronounced in heterogeneous landscapes. However, the scale‐dependent response of the bee community to drivers of its decline is relatively understudied, especially in the tropics where the agricultural landscape is often heterogeneous. This study looked at effects of agricultural intensification on bee diversity at patch and landscape scales in a tropical agricultural landscape. Wild bees were sampled using 12 permanent pan trap stations. Patch and landscape characteristics were measured within a 100 m (patch scale) and a 500 m (landscape scale) radius of pan trap stations. Information on pesticide input was obtained from farmer surveys. Data on vegetation cover, productivity, and percentage of agricultural and fallow land (FL) were collected using satellite imagery. Intensive areas in a bee‐site network were less specialized in terms of resources to attract rare bee species while the less intensive areas, which supported more rare species, were more vulnerable to disturbance. A combination of patch quality and diversity as well as pesticide use regulates species diversity at the landscape scale (500 m), whereas pesticide quantity drove diversity at the patch scale (100 m). At the landscape scale, specialization of each site in terms of resources for bees increased with increasing patch diversity and FL while at the patch scale specialization declined with increased pesticide use. Bee functional groups responded differentially to landscape characteristics as well as pesticide use. Wood nesting bees were negatively affected by the number of pesticides used but other bee functional groups were not sensitive to pesticides. Synthesis and Applications: Different factors affect wild bee diversity at the scale of landscape and patch in heterogeneous tropical agricultural systems. The differential response of bee functional groups to agricultural intensification underpins the need for guild‐specific management strategies for wild bee conservation. Less intensively farmed areas support more rare species and are vulnerable to disturbance; consequently, these areas should be prioritized for conservation to maintain heterogeneity in the landscape. It is important to conserve and restore seminatural habitats to maintain complexity in the landscapes through participatory processes and to regulate synthetic chemical pesticides in farm operations to conserve the species and functional diversity of wild bees.
Grazed wet meadows are sink habitats for the southern dunlin (Calidris alpina schinzii) due to nest trampling by cattle
Authors: Pakanen Veli‐Matti , Aikio Sami , Luukkonen Aappo , Koivula Kari
Published: September 2016

The effect of habitat management is commonly evaluated by measuring population growth, which does not distinguish changes in reproductive success from changes in survival or the effects of immigration or emigration. Management has rarely been evaluated considering complete life cycle of the target organisms, including also possible negative impacts from management. We evaluated the effectiveness of cattle grazing in the restoration of coastal meadows as a breeding habitat for small and medium‐sized ground‐nesting birds by examining the size and demography of a southern dunlin (Calidris alpina schinzii) breeding population. Using a stochastic renesting model that includes within‐season variation in breeding parameters, we evaluated the effect of grazing time and stocking rates on reproduction. The census data indicated that the population was stable when nest trampling was prevented, but detailed demographic models showed that the population on managed meadows was a sink that persisted by attracting immigrants. Even small reductions in reproductive success caused by trampling were detrimental to long‐term viability. We suggest that the best management strategy is to postpone grazing to after the 19th of June, which is about three weeks later than what is optimal from the farmer's point of view. The differing results from the two evaluation approaches warn against planning and evaluating management only based on census population size and highlight the need to consider target‐specific life history characteristics and demography. Even though grazing management is crucial for creating and maintaining suitable habitats, we found that it was insufficient in maintaining a viable population without additional measures that increase nest success. In the presently studied case and in populations with similar breeding cycles, impacts from nest trampling can be avoided by starting grazing when about 70% of the breeding season has past.
Protein p53 Binding to Cisplatin‐modified DNA Targets Evaluated by Modification‐specific Electrochemical Immunoprecipitation Assay
Authors: Tichy Vlastimil , Sebest Peter , Orsag Petr , Havran Ludek , Pivonkova Hana , Fojta Miroslav
Published: September 2016

Studies of protein interactions with chemically modified nucleic acids are of importance in various areas of biomolecular and biomedical research, including investigations of the binding of proteins important in medicine with DNA modified with drugs and diagnostic applications of modified DNAs in biosensing and bioanalysis. Chemical modification of DNA substrates with various species inside or outside specific protein binding sites can affect the protein‐DNA recognition. In this paper we present a simple electrochemical immunoprecipitation technique designed for evaluation of the effects of antitumor drug cisplatin on the p53‐DNA binding. The cisplatin‐DNA adducts are utilized as electroactive labels allowing a facile determination of the p53‐bound modified DNA. Effects observed using this technique accord with results of previous biochemical assays. This approach is potentially applicable in studies that deal with the influence of any electroactive DNA modifications on the protein‐DNA binding.
Parameterizing the binding properties of dissolved organic matter with default values skews the prediction of copper solution speciation and ecotoxicity in soil
Authors: Djae Tanalou , Bravin Matthieu N. , Garnier Cédric , Doelsch Emmanuel
Published: September 2016

Parameterizing speciation models by setting the percentage of dissolved organic matter (DOM) that is reactive (% r-DOM) toward metal cations at a single 65% default value is very common in predictive ecotoxicology. The authors tested this practice by comparing the free copper activity (pCu2+ = –log10[Cu2+]) measured in 55 soil sample solutions with pCu2+ predicted with the Windermere humic aqueous model (WHAM) parameterized by default. Predictions of Cu toxicity to soil organisms based on measured or predicted pCu2+ were also compared. Default WHAM parameterization substantially skewed the prediction of measured pCu2+ by up to 2.7 pCu2+ units (root mean square residual = 0.75–1.3) and subsequently the prediction of Cu toxicity for microbial functions, invertebrates, and plants by up to 36%, 45%, and 59% (root mean square residuals ≤9 %, 11%, and 17%), respectively. Reparametrizing WHAM by optimizing the 2 DOM binding properties (i.e., % r-DOM and the Cu complexation constant) within a physically realistic value range much improved the prediction of measured pCu2+ (root mean square residual = 0.14–0.25). Accordingly, this WHAM parameterization successfully predicted Cu toxicity for microbial functions, invertebrates, and plants (root mean square residual ≤3.4%, 4.4%, and 5.8%, respectively). Thus, it is essential to account for the real heterogeneity in DOM binding properties for relatively accurate prediction of Cu speciation in soil solution and Cu toxic effects on soil organisms. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:898–905. © 2016 SETAC
Managing false diffusion during second‐order upwind simulations of liquid micromixing
Authors: Bailey Robert T.
Published: September 2016

Liquid mixing is an important component of many microfluidic concepts and devices, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is playing a key role in their development and optimization. Because liquid mass diffusivities can be quite small, CFD simulation of liquid micromixing can over predict the degree of mixing unless numerical (or false) diffusion is properly controlled. Unfortunately, the false diffusion behavior of higher‐order finite volume schemes, which are often used for such simulations, is not well understood, especially on unstructured meshes. To examine and quantify the amount of false diffusion associated with the often recommended and versatile second‐order upwind method, a series of numerical simulations was conducted using a standardized two‐dimensional test problem on both structured and unstructured meshes. This enabled quantification of an ‘effective’ false diffusion coefficient (Dfalse) for the method as a function of mesh spacing. Based on the results of these simulations, expressions were developed for estimating the spacing required to reduce Dfalse to some desired (low) level. These expressions, together with additional insights from the standardized test problem and findings from other researchers, were then incorporated into a procedure for managing false diffusion when simulating steady, liquid micromixing. To demonstrate its utility, the procedure was applied to simulate flow and mixing within a representative micromixer geometry using both unstructured (triangular) and structured meshes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simple and ecofriendly synthesis of dihydropyrimidinones (thiones), dihydropyridines, and pyridines using 3‐formylchromones as substrates assisted by a recyclable Preyssler heteropolyacid
Authors: Sanchez Laura M. , Pasquale Gustavo , Sathicq Ángel , Ruiz Diego , Jios Jorge , Ferreira de Souza Andrea L. , Romanelli Gustavo P.
Published: September 2016

Several dihydropyrimidinones/thiones, 1,4‐dihydropyridines, and pyridine derivatives were prepared in very good yields and purity values. The corresponding reactions were carried out by employing a bulk Preyssler heteropolyacid H14[NaP5W29MoO110] as an efficient and recyclable catalyst. The preparation of pyridine derivatives was carried out not through a usual procedure, i.e., the opening of the γ‐pyrone ring of 3‐formylchromone. In general, reactions took place in solvent‐free conditions at 80°C during short reaction times.
Incidence of small lymph node metastases in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Clinical implications for prognosis and treatment
Authors: Xu Peng , Min Yanmei , Blanchard Pierre , Feng Mei , Zhang Peng , Luo Yangkun , Fan Zixuan , Lang Jinyi
Published: September 2016

Background

Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) often present small lymph nodes. The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic impact on local recurrence of small lymph nodes, defined as smaller than 10 mm in greatest diameter.

Methods

Consecutive patients treated by intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for pathologically confirmed NPC were analyzed retrospectively. Those without small lymph nodes were excluded from the study. From January 2005 to January 2011, 275 patients with NPC represented with 2722 small lymph nodes, which were analyzed. Small lymph node axial diameter was measured using CT/MRI before radiotherapy (RT), at 50 Gy, and 6 months after the end of RT. The dose received by the small lymph nodes and the changes in lymph node diameter were recorded. Clinical endpoints were overall survival (OS), locoregional control, disease‐specific survival (DSS), and distant metastasis‐free survival. Median follow‐up time was 55 months (range, 5–96 months).

Results

Patients were grouped according to the dose received by the small lymph nodes and the number of small lymph nodes. Only 27 patients (9.8%) had a decrease ≥50% in the small lymph node diameter at 50 Gy and 53 patients (19.3%) had a decrease ≥50% at 6 months after RT. The 5‐year locoregional control, distant metastasis‐free survival, DSS, and OS were 93.5%, 85.2%, 88.8%, and 87.0%, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that T classification and N classification are independent prognostic factors for OS. However, the dose received and the numbers of small lymph nodes were not statistically associated with any of the survival endpoints.

Conclusion

In the IMRT era, N classification remains an independent prognostic factor in NPC. However, the incidence of small lymph nodes is not a significant prognostic factor in patients with NPC. The presence of small lymph nodes should not influence the nodal contouring or the dose delivered to nodal areas. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 305–310, 2017
Megastigmane Glycosides from Docynia indica and Their Anti‐inflammatory Activities
Authors: Dung Hoang Viet , Bach Nguyen Van , Trung Trinh Nam , Nhiem Nguyen Xuan , Tai Bui Huu , Kiem Phan Van , Park SeonJu , Lee Taek Hwan , Kim Sun Yeou , Kim Seung Hyun
Published: September 2016

Using various chromatographic methods, three new megastigmane glycosides, docynicasides A – C (1 – 3) and ten known, (6S,9R)‐vomifoliol 9‐O‐β‐d‐xylopyranosyl‐(1′′→6′)‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (4), hyperin (5), quercitrin (6), quercetin 3‐α‐l‐arabinofuranoside (7), naringenin 7‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (8), phloridzin (9), phloretin 2′‐O‐β‐d‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (10), pinosylvin 3‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (11), tormentic acid (12), and chlorogenic acid methyl ester (13) were isolated from the fruits of Docynia indica. Their chemical structures were elucidated by physical and chemical methods. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for the inhibitory activity on NO production in LPS‐stimulated BV2 cells. As the results, compounds 3 – 5 showed significant inhibitory activity on LPS‐stimulated NO production in BV2 cells with the IC50 values ranging from 21.0 to 29.3 μm.
Aloeverasides A and B: Two Bioactive C‐Glucosyl Chromones from Aloe vera Resin
Authors: Rehman Najeeb Ur , Hussain Hidayat , Khiat Mohammed , Al‐Riyami Samia Ahmed , Csuk René , Khan Husain Yar , Abbas Ghulam , Al‐Thani Ghanim Salim , Green Ivan R. , Al‐Harrasi Ahmed
Published: September 2016

Two new C‐glucosyl chromones named aloeverasides A (1) and B (2) were isolated from the resin of Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. The structures of the two new natural products were elucidated based on 1D‐ (1H‐ and 13C‐NMR) and 2D‐NMR (COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). Aloeverasides A (1) and B (2) were evaluated for their anticancer activity, and both induced a 76.4 and 70.5% growth inhibition of the breast cancer cell line (MDA‐MB‐231) at a concentration of 100 μm. Both compounds were also evaluated for their 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl antioxidant, urease enzyme, and α‐glucosidase enzyme inhibition activities. Aloeverasides A (1) and B (2) displayed good urease enzyme inhibition activities (62 and 55%, resp.), as well as antioxidant activity in which aloeveraside A (1) had a value of 60% inhibition, while aloeveraside B (2) demonstrated a more potent antioxidant activity with 80% inhibition.
A Metal‐Free Synthesis of 2‐Alkyl(or Aryl) Thiomethyl‐2‐cyclohexenones from Cyclic Morita–Baylis–Hillman Bromides
Authors: Baioui Narjes , Abidi Ahlem , Rezgui Farhat
Published: September 2016

Under mild conditions, an efficient and rapid S‐allylation of thiols with cyclic Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) bromides without the need of a transition‐metal catalyst or an expensive additive is described herein. Treatment of the MBH bromides with various thiols or ethane‐1,2‐dithiol in the presence of Et3N regioselectively affords the corresponding 2‐alkyl(or aryl) thiomethyl‐2‐cyclohexenones or the perhydro benzo[1,4]dithiepinone, respectively, in moderate to good yields (40 – 73%). The reaction is rapid and carried out in THF at room temperature.
Remote sensing for restoration ecology: Application for restoring degraded, damaged, transformed, or destroyed ecosystems
Authors: Reif Molly K , Theel Heather J
Published: September 2016

Restoration monitoring is generally perceived as costly and time consuming, given the assumptions of successfully restoring ecological functions and services of a particular ecosystem or habitat. Opportunities exist for remote sensing to bolster the restoration science associated with a wide variety of injured resources, including resources affected by fire, hydropower operations, chemical releases, and oil spills, among others. In the last decade, the role of remote sensing to support restoration monitoring has increased, in part due to the advent of high-resolution satellite sensors as well as other sensor technology, such as lidar. Restoration practitioners in federal agencies require monitoring standards to assess restoration performance of injured resources. This review attempts to address a technical need and provides an introductory overview of spatial data and restoration metric considerations, as well as an in-depth review of optical (e.g., spaceborne, airborne, unmanned aerial vehicles) and active (e.g., radar, lidar) sensors and examples of restoration metrics that can be measured with remotely sensed data (e.g., land cover, species or habitat type, change detection, quality, degradation, diversity, and pressures or threats). To that end, the present article helps restoration practitioners assemble information not only about essential restoration metrics but also about the evolving technological approaches that can be used to best assess them. Given the need for monitoring standards to assess restoration success of injured resources, a universal monitoring framework should include a range of remote sensing options with which to measure common restoration metrics. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:614–630. Published 2016. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Key Points

Without post-implementation restoration monitoring, it is impossible to evaluate success, understand restoration recovery trajectories, or gather lessons learned that might better inform restoration science. Opportunities exist for remote sensing to bolster the restoration science associated with a wide variety of degraded, damaged, transformed, or destroyed ecosystems. This manuscript attempts to bring remote sensing technology to the forefront, while highlighting its applicability to site-specific restoration metrics for injured resources.
Classification of Wastewater Reuse for Agriculture: A Case Study in South Korea
Authors: Jeong Hanseok , Seong Chounghyun , Jang Taeil , Park Seungwoo
Published: September 2016

There are several types of wastewater reuse for agriculture, and an explicit classification is necessary before providing the proper management plan for the specific type. The objective of this study was to classify types of agricultural wastewater reuse for safe and sustainable wastewater irrigation. Three criteria were applied based on the reuse circumstances in Korea: (i) whether wastewater diluted with fresh water (direct/indirect); (ii) whether planned by government agencies (planned/unplanned); (iii) treatment level of wastewater (untreated wastewater/treated wastewater/reclaimed wastewater). The wastewater reuse for agriculture was classified into seven types. This study describes characteristics and a possible management practice for each reuse type, and also provides some representative cases. The proposed classification would contribute to a better understanding of agricultural wastewater reuse and help decision makers in both Korea and developing countries having agricultural similarity with Korea to provide optimal management plans. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancement of Mercury Sorbent Using Metal Aluminate Carbonates with Chloride under Hydrothermal Conditions
Authors: Yu Ching‐Tsung , Lin Hui‐Mei
Published: September 2016

Mercury sorbents M–Al–CO3
(M=Mg2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Cu2+, or Zn2+) were prepared by the coprecipitation of M2

+ and Al3+ in an alkaline NaOH/Na2CO3
solution. The formation of a layered double hydroxide structure significantly enhanced Hg removal, uniquely with a suitable binder as a support. Both Hg(NO3
)2 and HgCl2
were used to perform the capture test. The calcined sorbent exhibited superior efficiency, particularly for materials having bivalent states of mixed oxide (MO), such as calcined Mn and Fe. Chloride ions effectively raised the mercury scrubber efficiency, regardless of the type of sorbent. The results show that synthetic sorbents can provide 96% removal of Hg at 200°C. In addition, a suitable binder such as TiO2
can be used as a support for dispersing metal oxides, which significantly decreases the MO content while maintaining a high equivalent capture capacity.