bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategy Map
Authors: Oliveira Tiago , Páscoa Carlos , Tribolet José
Published: September 2013

Evolution happens every moment–as every single moment of the present becomes the past, and the future becomes the present. As a consequence of the process of evolution, the world presents itself to us more complexly than ever. Information value, globalization, technological revolution, acceleration of innovation, and constant change characterize the contemporary challenges that are faced by organizations in what is called the Information Age and Knowledge-Based Economy. Today, to successfully accomplish their mission, organizations need to adapt, act, and think strategically. Alvin Toffler (1985) refers to the role of strategy in an organization: “An organization without strategy is like an airplane weaving through stormy skies, hurled up and down, slammed by the wind, lost in the thunderheads. If lightning or crushing winds do not destroy it, it will simply run out of gas.” Under the body of knowledge and principles of Organizational Engineering—and other theoretical-practical knowledge—this chapter proposes a Strategy Map for the Portuguese Air Force, a tool that clarifies strategy and provides the organization with a means of communication capable of generating motivation and creating focus and alignment, key features to “move” the organization towards its vision.
Information Management in Industrial Areas
Authors: Pessoa Cláudio Roberto Magalhães , Silva Umberto Pereira , Cruz Carlos Henrique de Ávila
Published: September 2013

The constant demands for modernization of technological business parks and the high availability of technological resources provoke companies to invest in an unplanned and unstable manner in technologies. In this chapter, the authors observe the orientation of the strategic alignment and the perspective of the knowledge management with the objective to structure the implementation of technologies that are focused in industrial production. It uses a multiple cases studies method to verify the proposal of Knowledge Management in the production environment. In development, these multiple case studies evaluate how the insertion of RFID is given in an untimely manner, not allowing its users to obtain the best results from strategic management of knowledge for the alignment to enterprise strategies. These two constructs, reviewed in the theoretical framework, are used to analyze whether managers make decision based on these theories.
Variability of Antinutritive Compounds in Flaxseed Flours
Authors: Russo Roberto , Reggiani Remo
Published: September 2013

The use of flaxseed flours in the diets of poultry and broilers may be limited by the presence of antinutritive compounds. The content of cyanogenic glycosides, phytic acid, condensed tannins and trypsin inhibitors was evaluated in seven varieties of Linum usitatissimum. Phytic acid, condensed tannins and trypsin inhibitors showed significant differences among varieties. Only the concentration of cyanogenic glycosides and phytic acid in the flour deserves attention, while the content of condensed tannins and trypsin inhibitors are to acceptable levels. Since the flax meal is an important source of omega-3 for poultry and broilers, the cyanogenic glycoside and phytic acid contents in linseed has to be reduced to increase the ration to be included in the diet.
Global and regional impacts of HONO on the chemical composition of clouds and aerosols
Authors: Elshorban Y. F. , Crutzen P. J. , Steil B. , Pozzer A. , Tost H. , Lelieveld J.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Nitrous acid (HONO) photolysis can significantly increase HOx (OH+HO2) radical formation, enhancing organic and inorganic oxidation products in polluted regions, especially during winter. It has been reported that chemistry-transport models underestimate sulphate concentrations, mostly during winter. Here we show that HONO can significantly enhance aerosol sulphate (S(VI)), mainly due to the increased formation of H2SO4. Even though in-cloud aqueous phase oxidation of dissolved SO2 (S(IV)) is the main source of S(VI), it appears that HONO related enhancement of H2O2 does not significantly affect sulphate because of the predominantly S(IV) limited conditions, except over eastern Asia. Nitrate is also increased via enhanced gaseous HNO3 formation and N2O5 hydrolysis on aerosol particles. Ammonium nitrate is enhanced in ammonia-rich regions but not under ammonia-limited conditions. Furthermore, particle number concentrations are also higher, accompanied by the transfer from hydrophobic to hydrophilic aerosol modes. This implies a significant impact on the particle lifetime and cloud nucleating properties. The HONO induced enhancements of all species studied are relatively strong in winter though negligible in summer. Simulating realistic HONO levels is found to improve the model-measurement agreement of sulphate aerosols, most apparent over the US. Our results underscore the importance of HONO for the atmospheric oxidizing capacity and the central role of cloud chemical processing in aerosol formation.
Fracture-induced softening for large-scale ice dynamics
Authors: Albrecht T. , Levermann A.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Floating ice shelves can exert a retentive and hence stabilizing force onto the inland ice sheet of Antarctica. However, this effect has been observed to diminish by fracture-coupled dynamic processes within the protective ice shelves leading to accelerated ice flow and hence to a sea-level contribution. In order to better understand the role of fractures in ice dynamics we apply a large-scale continuum representation of fractures and related fracture growth into the prognostic Parallel Ice Sheet Model (PISM). To this end we introduce a higher-order accuracy advection scheme for the transport of the two-dimensional fracture density across the regular computational grid. Dynamic coupling of fractures and ice flow is attained by a reduction of effective ice viscosity proportional to the inferred fracture density. This formulation implies the possibility of a non-linear threshold behavior due to self-amplified fracturing in shear regions triggered by small variations in damage threshold. As a result of prognostic flow simulations, flow patterns with realistically large across-flow velocity gradients in fracture-weakened regions as seen in observations are reproduced. This model framework is expandable to grounded ice streams and accounts for climate-induced effects on fracturing and hence on the ice-flow dynamics. It further allows for an enhanced fracture-based calving parameterization.
Selective Catalytic Oxidation of Alcohols, Aldehydes, Alkanes and Alkenes Employing Manganese Catalysts and Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Saisaha Pattama , Buettner Lea , van der Meer Margarethe , Hage Ronald , Feringa Ben L. , Browne Wesley R. , de Boer Johannes W.
Published: September 2013

The manganese‐containing catalytic system [MnIV,IV2O3(tmtacn)2]2+ (1)/carboxylic acid (where tmtacn=N,N′,N′′‐trimethyl‐1,4,7‐triazacyclononane), initially identified for the cis‐dihydroxylation and epoxidation of alkenes, is applied for a wide range of oxidative transformations, including oxidation of alkanes, alcohols and aldehydes employing H2O2 as oxidant. The substrate classes examined include primary and secondary aliphatic and aromatic alcohols, aldehydes, and alkenes. The emphasis is not primarily on identifying optimum conditions for each individual substrate, but understanding the various factors that affect the reactivity of the Mn‐tmtacn catalytic system and to explore which functional groups are oxidised preferentially. This catalytic system, of which the reactivity can be tuned by variation of the carboxylato ligands of the in situ formed [MnIII,III2(O)(RCO2)2(tmtacn)2]2+ dimers, employs H2O2 in a highly atom efficient manner. In addition, several substrates containing more than one oxidation sensitive group could be oxidised selectively, in certain cases even in the absence of protecting groups.

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One Substrate – Seven Products with Different Prenylation Positions in One‐Step Reactions: Prenyltransferases Make it Possible
Authors: Fan Aili , Li Shu‐Ming
Published: September 2013

Prenylated indole alkaloids derived from L‐tryptophan are widely distributed in nature and show diverse biological and pharmacological activities, usually distinct from their non‐prenylated precursors. Prenyltransferases catalyze the transfer reactions of prenyl moieties onto the indole nucleus and contribute largely to the structural diversity of these compounds. In this study, we demonstrate the acceptance of cyclo‐L‐homotryptophan‐D‐valine, an unnatural cyclic dipeptide, by eight prenyltransferases of the dimethylallyltryptophan synthase superfamily. Seven products with one prenyl moiety at each position of the indole nucleus and one diprenylated derivative were isolated from enzyme assays of cyclo‐L‐homotryptophan‐D‐valine with dimethylallyl diphosphate. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report for production of seven monoprenylated products from one substrate by one‐step reactions.

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Engineering of a Cytidine 5′‐Monophosphate‐Sialic Acid Synthetase for Improved Tolerance to Functional Sialic Acids
Authors: Yi Dong , He Ning , Kickstein Michael , Metzner Julia , Weiß Martin , Berry Alan , Fessner Wolf‐Dieter
Published: September 2013

Sialic acid‐containing glycoconjugates at the cell surface are of high importance in carbohydrate‐mediated recognition phenomena in physiological and pathological events, as well as in bacterial or viral infection. A key step in the enzymatic synthesis of natural sialoconjugates and functional synthetic analogues is the activation of sialic acids to cytidine 5′‐monophosphate (CMP)‐sialic acid intermediates catalyzed by CMP‐sialic acid synthetase (CSS). Based on our recently developed aligned protein model of substrate binding and a simple colorimetric screening assay, we have engineered the CSS from Neisseria meningitidis by structure‐guided site‐specific saturation mutagenesis at positions 192/193 to generate enzymes with broadened substrate scope. Top hits, including the F192S/F193Y variant, display an improvement of up to 70‐fold catalytic efficiency relative to wild‐type CSS for the conversion of sterically demanding N‐acyl modified sialic acid analogues, without compromising protein stability. Such significantly enhanced substrate capacity is a major step forward to realizing a generalized chemo‐enzymatic strategy for the efficient preparation of neo‐sialoconjugate libraries, demonstrated by the highly efficient, regio‐ and stereospecific synthesis of 2,6‐sialyllactose analogues by enzymatic coupling to the highly substrate tolerant α2,6‐sialyltransferase from Photobacterium leiognathi JT‐SHIZ‐145. Our results further document the unusual versatility of the N. meningitidis CSS and engineered variants for a common synthetic approach to sialoconjugates comprising a large diversity of natural and non‐natural sialic acid forms without the need for post‐synthetic enzymatic modification.

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Retailer Motivation to Adjust Milk Prices: An Analysis Using Superelasticity of Demand
Authors: Hovhannisyan Vardges , Bozic Marin
Published: September 2013

Superelasticity of demand offers a quantitative measure of demand curvature which is an important consideration in firm pricing decisions. We derive superelasticity analytic formulations for logit and random coefficient logit (RCL) demand models that can be used to shed light on firm incentives to alter price, firm cost pass‐through, and market power potential. We use the RCL superelasticities that are obtained via simulated generalized method of moments (GMM) to examine retail market power potential in regards to the marketing of national and store‐brand milk in the U.S. Our findings show that elasticity of demand rises in price for both brands, with elasticity for store brand milk lagging behind that for national brand in magnitude. Similarly, elasticities for national brands tend to decrease faster when prices are on the decline. Such a condition suggests that retailers can identify a pricing position, possibly in relation to national brand prices, at which there is a low incentive to increase or reduce store brand prices. [JEL Codes: D22, L13.]
Navigating in small‐scale space: The role of landmarks and resource monitoring in understanding saddleback tamarin travel
Authors: Garber Paul A. , Porter Leila M.
Published: September 2013

Recent studies of spatial memory in wild nonhuman primates indicate that foragers may rely on a combination of navigational strategies to locate nearby and distant feeding sites. When traveling in large‐scale space, tamarins are reported to encode spatial information in the form of a route‐based map. However, little is known concerning how wild tamarins navigate in small‐scale space (between feeding sites located at a distance of ≤60 m). Therefore, we collected data on range use, diet, and the angle and distance traveled to visit sequential feeding sites in the same group of habituated Bolivian saddleback tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis weddelli) in 2009 and 2011. For 7–8 hr a day for 54 observation days, we recorded the location of the study group at 10 min intervals using a GPS unit. We then used GIS software to map and analyze the monkeys' movements and travel paths taken between feeding sites. Our results indicate that in small‐scale space the tamarins relied on multiple spatial strategies. In 31% of cases travel was route‐based. In the remaining 69% of cases, however, the tamarins appeared to attend to the spatial positions of one or more near‐to‐site landmarks to relocate feeding sites. In doing so they approached the same feeding site from a mean of 4.5 different directions, frequently utilized different arboreal pathways, and traveled approximately 30% longer than then the straight‐line distance. In addition, the monkeys' use of non‐direct travel paths allowed them to monitor insect and fruit availability in areas within close proximity of currently used food patches. We conclude that the use of an integrated spatial strategy (route‐based travel and attention to near‐to‐goal landmarks) provides tamarins with the opportunity to relocate productive feeding sites as well as monitor the availability of nearby resources in small‐scale space. Am. J. Primatol. Am. J. Primatol. 76:447–459, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combating Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria: Current Strategies for the Discovery of Novel Antibacterials
Authors: O'Connell Kieron M. G. , Hodgkinson James T. , Sore Hannah F. , Welch Martin , Salmond George P. C. , Spring David R.
Published: September 2013

The introduction of effective antibacterial therapies for infectious diseases in the mid‐20th century completely revolutionized clinical practices and helped to facilitate the development of modern medicine. Many potentially life‐threatening conditions became easily curable, greatly reducing the incidence of death or disability resulting from bacterial infections. This overwhelming historical success makes it very difficult to imagine life without effective antibacterials; however, the inexorable rise of antibiotic resistance has made this a very real and disturbing possibility for some infections. The ruthless selection for resistant bacteria, coupled with insufficient investment in antibacterial research, has led to a steady decline in the efficacy of existing therapies and a paucity of novel structural classes with which to replace them, or complement their use. This situation has resulted in a very pressing need for the discovery of novel antibiotics and treatment strategies, the development of which is likely to be a key challenge to 21st century medicinal chemistry.
Aging of the flame‐retardant properties of polycarbonate and polypropylene protected by an intumescent coating
Authors: Duquesne Sophie , Jimenez Maude , Bourbigot Serge
Published: September 2013

Flame retardancy (FR) in polycarbonate (PC) and polypropylene (PP) was obtained through the application of an intumescent coating on the polymeric substrate. A better performance was obtained with PC, a char former and highly viscous polymer, compared to with PP. Indeed, whereas 61 μm was required to obtain good FR (by the UL94 V0 rating, in particular) in the case of PC, at least 158 μm needed to be used to give FR to PP. The aging of the coated materials induced by UV‐filtered light radiation was then studied. This exposure led to a decrease in the FR. This effect was more pronounced in the case of PP compared to that of PC. The decrease in the FR was attributed to a decrease in the adhesion of the coating on the polymeric substrate because of its suspected physical aging. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39566.
Influence of thermooxidative aging on the static and dynamic mechanical properties of long‐glass‐fiber‐reinforced polyamide 6 composites
Authors: Zuo Xiaoling , Zhang Kaizhou , Lei Yang , Qin Shuhao , Hao Zhi , Guo Jianbing
Published: September 2013

The static and dynamic mechanical properties, thermal behaviors, and morphology of pure long‐glass‐fiber‐reinforced samples [polyamide 6 (PA6)/long glass fiber (LGF)] with different thermal exposure times at 160°C were studied by comparison with stabilized samples in this study. The aging mechanism of the PA6/LGF samples under heat and oxygen was studied with the methods of thermal Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and so on. The results indicate that the static mechanical strength, melting temperature, and crystallization temperature decreased because of the decomposition of the macromolecular chain of PA6 resin and the debonding of the interface between the glass fibers and matrix. The glass‐transition temperature and crystallinity also increased and decreased, respectively, after aging. The macromolecular chain decomposition dominated in the subsequent aging process; this resulted in many sharp and brittle microcracks appearing on the surfaces of the aged samples, as shown by SEM and the FTIR spectra. The existence of stabilizers endowed the PA6/LGF composites with better retention of static and dynamic mechanical properties. The reason was that the metal ions of the copper salt antioxidant acted as an anti‐aging catalyst in the reinforced PA6 system. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39594.
The flame retardant group‐synergistic‐effect of a phosphaphenanthrene and triazine double‐group compound in epoxy resin
Authors: Qian Lijun , Qiu Yong , Liu Jing , Xin Fei , Chen Yajun
Published: September 2013

A flame retardant tri‐(phosphaphenanthrene‐(hydroxyl‐methylene)‐phenoxyl)‐1, 3, 5‐triazine (Trif‐DOPO) and its control samples are incorporated into diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA) and 4, 4′‐diamino‐diphenyl sulfone (DDS) to prepare flame retardant thermosets, respectively. According to the results of limited oxygen index (LOI), UL94 vertical burning test and cone calorimeter test, the Trif‐DOPO/DGEBA/DDS thermoset with 1.2 wt % phosphorus possesses the LOI value of 36% and UL94 V‐0 flammability rating, and Trif‐DOPO can decrease the peak of heat release rate (pk‐HRR) and reduce the total heat release (THR) of thermosets. All these prove better flame retardant performance of Trif‐DOPO than that of 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide(DOPO). The residue photos of thermosets after cone calorimetry test disclose that Trif‐DOPO can promote the formation of thick and tough melting char layer for combined action of the flame retardant groups of Trif‐DOPO. The results from thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and pyrolysis‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry(Py‐GC/MS) show that the groups in Trif‐DOPO can be decomposed and produce PO2 fragments, phosphaphenanthrene and phenoxy fragments, which can jointly quench the free radical chain reaction during combustion. Therefore, the excellent flame retardancy of Trif‐DOPO is attributed to its flame retardant group‐synergic‐effect. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39709.
Preparation and characteristic of a sodium alginate/carboxymethylated bacterial cellulose composite with a crosslinking semi‐interpenetrating network
Authors: Lin Qinghua , Zheng Yudong , Ren Lingling , Wu Jian , Wang Hong , An Jiaxin , Fan Wei
Published: September 2013

A novel ionic crosslinking sodium alginate (SA)/carboxymethylated bacterial cellulose (CM‐BC) composite with a semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) structure was developed in this study. The composite was prepared through the blending of an SA gel with CM‐BC then crosslinking by Ca2+ followed by a freeze‐drying process. Scanning electron microscopy showed the composite matrix organized in a three‐dimensional network of CM‐BC interpenetrated against SA molecular chains with a quantity of calcium alginate microspheres upon the surface. The swelling ratios of the composite were enhanced by 183, 198, and 212% with the supplementation of CM‐BC weight fractions of 25, 50, and 75%, respectively; the swelling ratios changed with changing pH. The tensile modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break of SA were enhanced by 165, 152, and 188%, respectively, with the addition of 50 wt % CM‐BC. This study demonstrated that the semi‐IPN structure dramatically changed the swelling and mechanical properties of the composite, and the semi‐IPN will be a promising candidate for biomedical applications such as wound dressings and skin tissue engineering. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39848.
Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes as indicators of sedentism and territoriality in late Holocene South Australia
Authors: Pate F. Donald , Owen Timothy D.
Published: September 2013

Previous research has presented hypotheses concerning the presence of widespread Aboriginal sedentism in coastal and riverine South Australia during the past 5000 years. These hypotheses were based on biological distance data (metric and non‐metric), isotopic analyses at the inland Roonka Flat site and the emergence of large, well‐defined cemeteries throughout the region. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope data for a large burial population at the Swanport archaeological site in the lower Murray River Basin of South Australia, near the coastal river mouth, provide additional evidence for the presence of hunter–gatherer sedentism and territoriality during the late Holocene. Stable isotope research provides a powerful method to examine subsistence‐settlement systems and social relations in prehistoric populations.
A Caged, Destabilized, Free Radical Intermediate in the Q‐Cycle
Authors: Vennam Preethi R. , Fisher Nicholas , Krzyaniak Matthew D. , Kramer David M. , Bowman Michael K.
Published: September 2013

The Rieske/cytochrome b complexes, also known as cytochrome bc complexes, catalyze a unique oxidant‐induced reduction reaction at their quinol oxidase (Qo) sites, in which substrate hydroquinone reduces two distinct electron transfer chains, one through a series of high‐potential electron carriers, the second through low‐potential cytochrome b. This reaction is a critical step in energy storage by the Q‐cycle. The semiquinone intermediate in this reaction can reduce O2 to produce deleterious superoxide. It is yet unknown how the enzyme controls this reaction, though numerous models have been proposed. In previous work, we trapped a Q‐cycle semiquinone anion intermediate, termed SQo, in bacterial cytochrome bc1 by rapid freeze‐quenching. In this work, we apply pulsed‐EPR techniques to determine the location and properties of SQo in the mitochondrial complex. In contrast to semiquinone intermediates in other enzymes, SQo is not thermodynamically stabilized, and can even be destabilized with respect to solution. It is trapped in Qo at a site that is distinct from previously described inhibitor‐binding sites, yet sufficiently close to cytochrome bL to allow rapid electron transfer. The binding site and EPR analyses show that SQo is not stabilized by hydrogen bonds to proteins. The formation of SQo involves “stripping” of both substrate ‐OH protons during the initial oxidation step, as well as conformational changes of the semiquinone and Qo proteins. The resulting charged radical is kinetically trapped, rather than thermodynamically stabilized (as in most enzymatic semiquinone species), conserving redox energy to drive electron transfer to cytochrome bL while minimizing certain Q‐cycle bypass reactions, including oxidation of prereduced cytochrome b and reduction of O2.
Cooperative Catalysis: Combining an Achiral Metal Catalyst with a Chiral Brønsted Acid Enables Highly Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Imines
Authors: Tang Weijun , Johnston Steven , Li Chaoqun , Iggo Jonathan A. , Bacsa John , Xiao Jianliang
Published: September 2013

Asymmetric hydrogenation of imines leads directly to chiral amines, one of the most important structural units in chemical products, from pharmaceuticals to materials. However, highly effective catalysts are rare. This article reveals that combining an achiral pentamethylcyclopentadienyl (Cp*)–iridium complex with a chiral phosphoric acid affords a catalyst that allows for highly enantioselective hydrogenation of imines derived from aryl ketones, as well as those derived from aliphatic ones, with ee values varying from 81 to 98 %. A range of achiral iridium complexes containing diamine ligands were examined, for which the ligands were shown to have a profound effect on the reaction rate, enantioselectivity and catalyst deactivation. The chiral phosphoric acid is no less important, inducing enantioselection in the hydrogenation. The induction occurs, however, at the expense of the reaction rate.
Concealed Cyclotrimeric Polymorph of Lithium 2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidide Unconcealed: X‐Ray Crystallographic and NMR Spectroscopic Studies
Authors: Hevia Eva , Kennedy Alan R. , Mulvey Robert E. , Ramsay Donna L. , Robertson Stuart D.
Published: September 2013

Lithium 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidide (LiTMP), one of the most important polar organometallic reagents both in its own right and as a key component of ate compositions, has long been known for its classic cyclotetrameric (LiTMP)4 solid‐state structure. Made by a new approach through transmetalation of Zn(TMP)2 with tBuLi in n‐hexane solution, a crystalline polymorph of LiTMP has been uncovered. X‐ray crystallographic studies at 123(2) K revealed this polymorph crystallises in the hexagonal space group P63/m and exhibited a discrete cyclotrimeric (C3h) structure with a strictly planar (LiN)3 ring containing three symmetrically equivalent TMP chair‐shaped ligands. The molecular structure of (LiTMP)4 was redetermined at 123(2) K, because its original crystallographic characterisation was done at ambient temperature. This improved redetermination confirmed a monoclinic C2/c space group with the planar (LiN)4 ring possessing pseudo (non‐crystallographic) C4h symmetry. Investigation of both metalation and transmetalation routes to LiTMP under different conditions established that polymorph formation did not depend on the route employed but rather the temperature of crystallisation. Low‐temperature (freezer at −35 °C) cooling of the reaction solution favoured (LiTMP)3; whereas high‐temperature (bench) storage favoured (LiTMP)4. Routine 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic studies in a variety of solvents showed that (LiTMP)3 and (LiTMP)4 exist in equilibrium, whereas 1H DOSY NMR studies gave diffusion coefficient results consistent with their relative sizes.
Synthesis and Structure of Organobismuth Chlorides and Triflates Containing (C,E)‐Chelating Ligands (E=O, S) and Their Catalytic Application in the Allylation of Aldehydes with Tetraallyltin
Authors: Tan Nianyuan , Chen Yi , Zhou Yongbo , Au Chak‐Tong , Yin Shuang‐Feng
Published: September 2013

Four air‐stable hypervalent organobismuth compounds with (C,O)‐ or (C,S)‐chelating ligands, namely, R2BiCl (R=2‐(MeECH2)C6H4; E=O (3), S (4)), [2‐(MeOCH2)C6H4]2BiOTf (5), and [{2‐(MeSCH2)C6H4}2Bi][OTf] (6; OTf=triflate) were successfully synthesized. The structures of compounds 3–6 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 6 comprises the [2‐(MeSCH2)C6H4]2Bi+ cation and the OTf− anion. Compounds 5 exhibited good catalytic efficiency and reusability for the allylation reaction of different aldehydes with tetraallyltin in methanol to give the corresponding homoallylic alcohols in excellent yields.
Long‐term metapopulation study of the Glanville fritillary butterfly (Melitaea cinxia): survey methods, data management, and long‐term population trends
Authors: Ojanen Sami P. , Nieminen Marko , Meyke Evgeniy , Pöyry Juha , Hanski Ilkka
Published: September 2013

Long‐term observational studies conducted at large (regional) spatial scales contribute to better understanding of landscape effects on population and evolutionary dynamics, including the conditions that affect long‐term viability of species, but large‐scale studies are expensive and logistically challenging to keep running for a long time. Here, we describe the long‐term metapopulation study of the Glanville fritillary butterfly (Melitaea cinxia) that has been conducted since 1991 in a large network of 4000 habitat patches (dry meadows) within a study area of 50 by 70 km in the Åland Islands in Finland. We explain how the landscape structure has been described, including definition, delimitation, and mapping of the habitat patches; methods of field survey, including the logistics, cost, and reliability of the survey; and data management using the EarthCape biodiversity platform. We describe the long‐term metapopulation dynamics of the Glanville fritillary based on the survey. There has been no long‐term change in the overall size of the metapopulation, but the level of spatial synchrony and hence the amplitude of fluctuations in year‐to‐year metapopulation dynamics have increased over the years, possibly due to increasing frequency of exceptional weather conditions. We discuss the added value of large‐scale and long‐term population studies, but also emphasize the need to integrate more targeted experimental studies in the context of long‐term observational studies. For instance, in the case of the Glanville fritillary project, the long‐term study has produced an opportunity to sample individuals for experiments from local populations with a known demographic history. These studies have demonstrated striking differences in dispersal rate and other life‐history traits of individuals from newly established local populations (the offspring of colonizers) versus individuals from old, established local populations. The long‐term observational study has stimulated the development of metapopulation models and provided an opportunity to test model predictions. This combination of empirical studies and modeling has facilitated the study of key phenomena in spatial dynamics, such as extinction threshold and extinction debt.
A Synthetic Approach to Tetrasubstituted Alkenes: Using β‐Carbonyl Benzothiazol‐2‐yl Sulfones as Electrophiles
Authors: Ou Song , Cao Chun‐Ru , Jiang Min , Liu Jin‐Tao
Published: September 2013

A novel olefination method based on the modified Julia olefination reaction was developed. The reactions of β‐carbonyl benzothiazol‐2‐yl sulfones with a series of alkynyllithiums and TMSCN gave the corresponding β‐alkoxy sulfone intermediates, which underwent facile Smiles rearrangement and spontaneous elimination to yield tetrasubstituted enynes and cyanoalkenes, respectively.
Physical Activity Correlates in Persons with Binge Eating Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vancampfort Davy , Vanderlinden Johan , Stubbs Brendon , Soundy Andrew , Pieters Guido , Hert Marc De , Probst Michel
Published: September 2013

Understanding the factors that influence physical activity in persons with binge eating disorders can aid the design of more effective interventions. In order to address this, the present paper provides a systematic quantitative review of the correlates of physical activity in people with binge eating disorder. We searched PsycINFO, PubMed and PEDro from inception until June 2013. Keywords included ‘binge eating’ with ‘physical activity’ or ‘exercise’, or ‘physical inactivity’ or ‘sedentary’. Nine papers involving 636 (489 women) persons with binge eating disorders and evaluating 24 correlates were included. No consistent physical activity correlates were reported in four or more studies. The only significant correlate with lower physical activity participation reported in more than one study was a negative body attitude. Further research is required to address this current gap in literature. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
El Niño, the 2006 Indonesian peat fires, and the distribution of atmospheric methane
Authors: Worden John , Jiang Zhe , Jones Dylan B. A. , Alvarado Matthew , Bowman Kevin , Frankenberg Christian , Kort Eric A. , Kulawik Susan S. , Lee Meemong , Liu Junjie , Payne Vivienne , Wecht Kevin , Worden Helen
Published: September 2013

Dry conditions from a moderate El Niño during the fall of 2006 resulted in enhanced burning in Indonesia with fire emissions of CO approximately 4–6 times larger than the prior year. Here we use new tropospheric methane and CO data from the Aura Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer and new CO profile measurements from the Terra Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) satellite instruments with the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS)‐Chem model to estimate methane emissions of 4.25 ± 0.75 Tg for October–November 2006 from these fires. Errors in convective parameterization in GEOS‐Chem, evaluated by comparing MOPITT and GEOS‐Chem CO profiles, are the primary uncertainty of the emissions estimate. The El Niño related Indonesian fires increased the tropical distribution of atmospheric methane relative to 2005, indicating that tropical biomass burning can compensate for expected decreases in tropical wetland methane emissions from reduced rainfall during El Niño as found in previous studies.
Si‐Doped B12N12 Nanocage as an Adsorbent for Dissociation of N2O to N2 Molecule
Authors: Baei Mohammad T.
Published: September 2013

Adsorption of N2O molecule by using density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/6–31G* level onto pristine and Si‐doped B12N12 nanocage in terms of energetic, geometric, and electronic properties was investigated. The results of calculations showed that the N2O molecule is physically adsorbed on the pristine and Si‐doped B12N12 (SiN) models, releasing energies in the range of –1.13 to –2.02 kcal mol−1. It was found that the electronic properties of the models have not changed significantly upon the N2O adsorption. On the other hand, the adsorption energy of N2O on the Si‐doped B12N12 (SiB model) was about –67.20 kcal mol−1and the natural bond orbital charge of 0.58|e| is transferred from the nanocage to the N2O molecule. In the configuration, the O atom of N2O molecule is bonded to the Si atom of the nanocage, so that an N2 molecule escapes from the wall of the nanocage. The results showed that the SiB model can be an adsorbent for dissociation of the N2O molecule.
Association between trends in daily rainfall percentiles and the global mean temperature
Authors: Benestad R. E.
Published: September 2013

Attributing changes in extreme daily precipitation to global warming is difficult, even when based on global climate model simulations or statistical trend analyses. The question about trends in extreme precipitation and their causes has been elusive because of climate models' limited precision and the fact that extremes are both rare and occur at irregular intervals. Here a newly discovered empirical relationship between the wet‐day mean and percentiles in 24 h precipitation amounts was used to show that trends in the wet‐day 95th percentiles worldwide have been influenced by the global mean temperature, consistent with an accelerated hydrological cycle caused by a global warming. A multiple regression analysis was used as a basis for an attribution analysis by matching temporal variability in precipitation statistics with the global mean temperature.
A high resolution multi‐view 3D display using switchable liquid crystal lens
Authors: Yang Yingbao , Koito Takeo , Takasaki Naoyuki
Published: September 2013

A 4.4‐inch 2D/3D switchable full high definition (FHD) six‐view 3D display with 3D resolution greater than 170 ppi has been accomplished. In addition to adopting low temperature polysilicon technology (LTPS), which is most suitable for high resolution displays, a new RGBW pixel arrangement using four‐square sub‐pixels has been devised. In 2D, a resolution greater than 500 ppi, accompanied with high luminance, has been achieved. A new liquid crystal lens (LCL) has been exploited for 2D/3D switching. By employing a special multielectrode structure and dedicated manufacturing process, an optical focal ratio less than 20%, which is essential for low 3D cross talk for a six‐view 3D display, has been attained by adopting the LCL. In the vertical direction of the display, there is no cross talk increase when the viewing position is changed because of the new pixel structure. The strong focal strength of the LCL combined with a revised high‐density multi‐view design give rise to a wide 3D viewing angle greater than 20 degrees in the horizontal direction and minimum cross talk less than 10%.
Extranodal metastasis is a powerful prognostic factor in patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction
Authors: Zhang Hong‐Dian , Tang Peng , Duan Xiao‐Feng , Chen Chuan‐Gui , Ma Zhao , Gao Yong‐Yin , Zhang Hua , Yu Zhen‐Tao
Published: September 2013

Background and Objectives

The purpose of this study is to estimate the effect of extranodal metastasis (EM) on recurrence and survival in patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) after curative resection.

Methods

Clinical data from 284 node‐positive AEG patients who underwent curative resection were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to elucidate the effect of EM on recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

EM was detected in 70 (24.6%) of the 284 cases. It had a significant correlation with tumor size, Lauren type, histopathological grading, depth of tumor invasion, number of metastatic nodes, lymph node ratio, and TNM stage. The 5‐year RFS and OS rates were 22.2% and 24.3%, respectively. Patients with EM had a significantly decreased RFS (16 vs. 36 months, P < 0.001) and OS (23 vs. 41 months, P < 0.001) compared with those without EM. Multivariate analyses identified EM as an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.003 and 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

The presence of EM increases recurrence probability and reduces OS probability of AEG patients with lymph node metastasis. EM is a powerful prognostic factor reflecting a particularly aggressive biological behavior. Better understanding of EM status can help clinicians with regard to treatment decision and prognosis evaluation. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013; 108:542–549. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Direct Fabrication of Hierarchical Porous Carbonaceous Microparticles by Electron‐Beam Irradiation and Post‐Annealing of Polystyrene Colloidal Crystals
Authors: Yoo Seung Hwa , Kum Jong Min , Huang Qingsong , Cho Sung Oh
Published: September 2013

A novel approach to fabricate hierarchical porous carbonaceous microparticles (HPCMs) by electron irradiation of polystyrene (PS) colloidal crystals followed by annealing is presented. Electron irradiation transforms PS spheres into hydrogenated amorphous carbon and post‐annealing further graphitizes the irradiated PS. Colloidal crystals consist of regularly ordered mesopores and electron irradiation and post‐annealing create new micropores on the surfaces of PS spheres. Consequently, PS colloidal crystals were transformed into carbonaceous materials comprising mesopores and micropores. Through mechanically grinding the colloidal crystals, HPCMs are fabricated. Due to comparatively high surface areas and graphitic structures, the HPCMs exhibit moderate adsorption properties for methyl orange in an aqueous solution.
The cytoplasmic PASC domain of the sensor kinase DcuS of Escherichia coli: role in signal transduction, dimer formation, and DctA interaction
Authors: Monzel Christian , Degreif‐Dünnwald Pia , Gröpper Christina , Griesinger Christian , Unden Gottfried
Published: September 2013

The cytoplasmic PASC domain of the fumarate responsive sensor kinase DcuS of Escherichia coli links the transmembrane to the kinase domain. PASC is also required for interaction with the transporter DctA serving as a cosensor of DcuS. Earlier studies suggested that PASC functions as a hinge and transmits the signal to the kinase. Reorganizing the PASC dimer interaction and, independently, removal of DctA, converts DcuS to the constitutive ON state (active without fumarate stimulation). ON mutants were categorized with respect to these two biophysical interactions and the functional state of DcuS: type I‐ON mutations grossly reorganize the homodimer, and decrease interaction with DctA. Type IIA‐ON mutations create the ON state without grossly reorganizing the homodimer, whereas interaction with DctA is decreased. The type IIB‐ON mutations were neither in PASC/PASC, nor in DctA/DcuS interaction affected, similar to fumarate activated wild‐typic DcuS. OFF mutations never affected dimer stability. The ON mutations provide novel mechanistic insight: PASC dimerization is essential to silence the kinase. Reorganizing the homodimer and its interaction with DctA activate the kinase. The study suggests a novel ON homo‐dimer conformation (type IIB) and an OFF conformation for PASC. Type IIB‐ON corresponds to the fumarate induced wild‐type conformation, representing an interesting target for structural biology.
Role of mitogen‐activated protein kinases and Mcl‐1 in apoptosis induction by withaferin A in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Hahm Eun‐Ryeong , Lee Joomin , Singh Shivendra V.
Published: September 2013

Withaferin A (WA), a bioactive constituent of Ayurvedic medicine plant Withania somnifera, is a potent apoptosis inducer in cancer cells but the mechanism of cell death induction is not fully characterized. The present study was undertaken to determine the role of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK), including c‐jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), and p38 MAPK, and anti‐apoptotic protein myeloid cell leukemia‐1 (Mcl‐1) in regulation of WA‐induced apoptosis using human breast cancer cells. Exposure of MCF‐7 (estrogen responsive) and SUM159 (triple negative) human breast cancer cells to WA resulted in increased phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK, but these effects were relatively more pronounced in the former cell line than in SUM159. Overexpression of manganese‐superoxide dismutase conferred partial protection against WA‐mediated hyperphosphorylation of ERK, but not JNK or p38 MAPK. Cell death resulting from WA treatment in MCF‐7 cells was significantly augmented by pharmacological inhibition of ERK and p38 MAPK. Interestingly, the WA‐induced apoptosis in MCF‐7 cells was partially but significantly blocked in the presence of a JNK‐specific inhibitor. Pharmacological inhibition of ERK or JNK had no effect on WA‐induced apoptosis in SUM159 cells. The WA‐treated cells exhibited induction of long and short forms of Mcl‐1. RNA interference of Mcl‐1 alone triggered apoptosis. Furthermore, the WA‐induced cell death in MCF‐7 cells was modestly but significantly augmented by knockdown of the Mcl‐1 protein. These observations indicate that: MAPK have cell line‐specific role in cell death by WA, and Mcl‐1 induction confers modest protection against WA‐induced apoptosis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Zwischen Protein und Membran
Authors: Silva Daniel Varón
Published: September 2013

Spezielle Glykolipide verankern eukaryotische Proteine an der äußeren Zellmembran. Bislang ist jedoch wenig über die Funktionen dieser Glykosylphosphatidylinositole bekannt. Erkenntnisse über ihre biologischen Eigenschaften lassen sich mit synthetischen Molekülen gewinnen.
FTIR‐Spektroskopie im Ultrahochvakuum: Messung an TiO2‐Pulver
Authors: Stammer Xia , Heißler Stefan
Published: September 2013

Die Zahl der Defektstellen auf der Rutiloberfläche ist maßgebendes Kriterium für deren katalytische Aktivität. Um diese zu bestimmen, gibt es ein neues Ultrahochvakuum‐FT‐IR‐Spektrometer. So lassen sich nun IR‐Spektren für Pulverpartikel unmittelbar mit IR‐Daten für einkristalline Referenzsysteme vergleichen.
Symposium statt Seminar — Bioanorganik im Masterstudium
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: September 2013

An der Universität Gießen organisieren Masterstudenten im Bioanorganik‐Modul ein Symposium für Oberstufenschüler mit Experimentalvorträgen. Christian Würtele, der dieses Modul entwickelt hat, erhielt dafür den Hessischen Hochschulpreis für Exzellenz in der Lehre. Inzwischen hat sich die neuartige Lehrform in Gießen etabliert und findet jährlich im Sommersemester statt.
Roles of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors in the control of micturition in rats
Authors: Kitta Takeya , Chancellor Michael B. , de Groat William C. , Kuno Sadako , Nonomura Katsuya , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: September 2013

Aims

Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that exerts numerous physiological effects in many organs. However, few studies have focused on the role of adenosine receptors in the control of micturition. Therefore, we examined the role of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors in the control of bladder activity in rats with normal or acetic acid (AA) irritated bladders.

Methods

Cystometrograms during saline or 0.2% AA infusion were recorded under urethane anesthesia in female Sprague–Dawley rats. After a stabilization period, CCPA (A1 receptor agonist) and/or ZM24138 (A2A receptor antagonist) were administered intravenously (i.v.), intrathecally (i.t.), intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.), or intravesically. Micturition parameters were recorded and compared before and after drug administration.

Results

I.v., i.t., or i.c.v. administration of CCPA or ZM24138 significantly increased intercontraction intervals (ICIs) in both saline and AA infusion groups. During AA infusion, the inhibitory effects induced by i.c.v. CCPA or i.t. ZM24138 were significantly greater than those by i.t. or i.c.v. administration, respectively. Intravesical administration of CCPA, but not ZM24138, significantly increased ICI.

Conclusions

These results indicated that: (1) when nociceptive signals from the bladder increase, adenosine A1 receptor‐mediated inhibition of micturition is enhanced in the brain, compared to the normal condition, (2) A1 receptor activation also exerts a peripheral inhibitory effect on micturition, and (3) adenosine A2A receptor‐mediated excitatory mechanisms are enhanced in the spinal cord following C‐fiber bladder afferent stimulation. Thus adenosine A1 receptor agonists and A2A receptor antagonists might be effective for the treatment of overactive bladder and/or bladder hypersensitive disorders, in which C‐fiber afferent function is enhanced. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:1259–1265, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.