bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peptides as probes for food authentication
Authors: Tedeschi Tullia , Prandi Barbara , Buhler Sofie , Caligiani Augusta , Galaverna Gianni , Sforza Stefano
Published: April 2018

The aim of this review is to provide a brief summary of the recent applications of peptide molecules in the food area. Since, in the last few years, there has been growing interest in food authenticity, the role of peptides in this area has assumed greater importance. A fundamental part, as discussed in the article, was played by the growth of innovative analytical techniques, based on mass spectrometry (MS), which allows identifying and quantifying protein fragments in complex mixtures of different components. These procedures have been successfully applied for the identification of peptide markers in food authenticity. Because food‐derived proteins have high variability in chemical and physical properties, it is obvious that an exhaustive proteomic analysis cannot be applied by using a single technique for all objectives. The report shows some examples of various methodologies applied to different food matrices and some trivial aspects are also critically described.
Synthesis of azo‐functionalized ion‐imprinted polymeric resin for selective extraction of nickel(II) ions
Authors: Monier Mohammed , Shafik Amira L , Abdel‐Latif Doaa A
Published: April 2018

The work presented involved the fabrication and evaluation of an ion‐imprinted azo‐functionalized phenolic resin for selective extraction of Ni2+ions from aqueous media. The azo‐containing ligand was first synthesized by coupling of ap‐aminophenol diazonium salt with resorcinol. The ligand was coordinated with Ni2+ion template before condensation polymerization with formaldehyde and resorcinol was performed. The Ni2+ions were extracted from the crosslinked resin matrix to finally afford the Ni2+ion‐imprinted Ni‐PARF adsorbent. The synthetic steps were extensively investigated using elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared, NMR and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopies. Also, the surface morphologies along with the surface areas of the adsorbent resin were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller techniques, respectively. Batch experiments indicated that the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic equation provided the best fit with the experimentally obtained kinetic data and equilibrium was reached after 40 min. The isotherm studies were also in a good fit with the Langmuir model and the maximum adsorption capacities of Ni2+ions with respect to both Ni‐PARF and control non‐imprinted C‐PARF adsorbents were around 260 and 100 mg g−1, respectively. In the presence of Co2+, Cu2+, Zn2+and Pb2+as competing coexisting ions, the relative selectivity coefficients of Ni‐PARF for Ni2+were, respectively, 84.91, 44.97, 30.41 and 32.20. Regeneration experiments indicated that after eight adsorption/desorption cycles, the Ni‐PARF adsorbent still maintained around 97% of its initial efficiency. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Shape memory composites based on a thermoplastic elastomer polyethylene with carbon nanostructures stimulated by heat and solar radiation having piezoresistive behavior
Authors: Palza Humberto , Zapata Paula , Sagredo Christian
Published: April 2018

A thermoplastic elastomer polyethylene (TEPE) based on an ethylene/1‐butene copolymer having shape memory effect (SME) without any chemical modification is presented and the effect of adding either carbon nanotubes or thermally reduced graphite oxide is analyzed. For electrical percolated samples, the development of a polymer sensor that changes its electrical conductivity under solar radiation triggered by SME is further presented. Our results showed that programmed samples recovered their permanent shape showing SME under a direct heating stimulus at 60 °C. The addition of carbon nanostructures increased the times needed to reach 100% recovery as compared with pure TEPE. Noteworthy, the SME was also stimulated remotely by solar radiation increasing the sample temperature. Composites presented a faster SME under this remote radiation process as compared with pure TEPE due to their higher radiation absorption. Percolated TEPE/carbon nanotube composites displayed further a decrease in the electrical resistivity during SME under this solar radiation. Finally, our results showed that the glass transition also triggered the SME in these samples allowing the development of triple shape memory polyethylenes without any chemical crosslinking process. Based on these findings, a simple route was developed to produce double, or even triple, shape memory piezoresistive polyethylenes that can be activated remotely by solar radiation. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Efficiency enhancement of bifacial PERC solar cells with laser‐doped selective emitter and double‐screen‐printed Al grid
Authors: Wu Weiliang , Zhang Zhongwei , Zheng Fei , Lin Wenjie , Liang Zongcun , Shen Hui
Published: April 2018

We report that the application of a laser‐doped selective emitter (SE) can improve the trade‐off between the recombination in the emitter and the Ag‐Si specific contact resistance and that a double‐screen‐printed rear aluminum grid can decrease the series resistance in the industrial bifacial passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC). Our results reveal that a front‐side efficiency of 21.9% can be achieved in the PERC (SE)+ solar cell by using low surface‐recombination Al2O3/SiNx films as passivation layers, low‐recombination emitter, and low resistive Ag‐Si contact with an optimized sheet resistance of the lightly doped area of SE with 125Ω/sq and sheet resistance of the highly doped area of SE with 70 Ω/sq. The highest front‐side efficiency of 22.0%, with open‐circuit voltage of 680 mV, short‐circuit current density of 40.1 mA/cm2, and fill factors of 80.8%, is obtained by using double‐screen‐printed rear Al grid process, which is 0.1% higher than the best PERC (SE)+ solar cell. The rear‐side double‐layer antireflection coating consists of 50 nm SiNx:H (n = 2.1) and 10 nm SiNx:H (n = 2.37), which enables a large bifacial gain with the output power density PMPP of 25.5 mW/cm2 in the PERC (SE)+ solar cell by using double‐screen‐printed rear Al grid process when rear‐side illumination intensity Erear = 0.25 suns.
Analysis of Human Nuclear Protein Complexes by Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Profiling
Authors: Connelly Katelyn E. , Hedrick Victoria , Paschoal Sobreira Tiago Jose , Dykhuizen Emily C. , Aryal Uma K.
Published: April 2018

Analysis of protein complexes provides insights into how the ensemble of expressed proteome is organized into functional units. While there have been advances in techniques for proteome‐wide profiling of cytoplasmic protein complexes, information about human nuclear protein complexes are very limited. To close this gap, we combined native size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with label‐free quantitative MS profiling to characterize hundreds of nuclear protein complexes isolated from human glioblastoma multiforme T98G cells. We identified 1794 proteins that overlapped between two biological replicates of which 1244 proteins were characterized as existing within stably associated putative complexes. co‐IP experiments confirmed the interaction of PARP1 with Ku70/Ku80 proteins and HDAC1 (histone deacetylase complex 1) and CHD4. HDAC1/2 also co‐migrated with various SIN3A and nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase components in SEC fractionation including SIN3A, SAP30, RBBP4, RBBP7, and NCOR1. Co‐elution of HDAC1/2/3 with both the KDM1A and RCOR1 further confirmed that these proteins are integral components of human deacetylase complexes. Our approach also demonstrated the ability to identify potential moonlighting complexes and novel complexes containing uncharacterized proteins. Overall, the results demonstrated the utility of SEC fractionation and LC–MS analysis for system‐wide profiling of proteins to predict the existence of distinct forms of nuclear protein complexes.
Studies in sulfur‐nitrogen nucleophilicity
Authors: Caserio Marjorie C. , Kim Jhong K.
Published: April 2018

As part of a study of nitrogen vs sulfur nucleophiles, the behavior of methylation products from dimethyl‐(2‐methylthioethyl)amine CH3SCH2CH2N(CH3)2 1 is described. Of the 2 potential products (a sulfonium salt or an ammonium salt), the ammonium salt from N‐methylation 2 dominated. The isomeric sulfonium salt 3 prepared by an independent route was found to be unstable and rearranged to the isomeric ammonium salt. The rearrangement pathway was investigated using deuterium‐labeled reactants. The sulfonium salt 3 also produced a piperazinium double salt 9 on heating. The reaction pathway was also followed by deuterium labeling. The results support the conclusion that production of the double salt 9 involves intermediate formation of N,N‐dimethylaziridium ion 4.
Phenyl rotation barrier in Z‐azobenzene: A physical organic problem in honor of J.D.R.
Authors: Brittain William J. , Rastogi Shiva K. , Rogers Robert A. , Rinaldi Peter
Published: April 2018

The Z isomer of azobenzene exhibits nonbonded interactions between ortho substituents on adjacent phenyl groups. For o,o′‐difluoroazobenzene derivatives, through‐space 19F‐19F spin‐spin coupling is observed. The coupling constant decreases as the nuclear magnetic resonance probe temperature is decreased culminating in collapse to a single peak. We have used density functional theory and X‐ray crystallography to argue that phenyl group rotation is responsible for this loss of through‐space coupling. We experimentally measured phenyl rotation barriers in the range of 37 to 44 kJ/mol for o,o′‐difluoroazobenzene derivatives. These rotation barriers are qualitatively similar to literature experimental values for fluxional systems but higher than calculated values for Z‐azobenzene.

This is the only project in 35 years that I discussed with J.D.R. This mechanistic interpretation of an unusual nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon is a classic physical organic investigation inspired by my training with Roberts. I tell this scientific story interwoven with a few observations about working with Roberts.
Interprofessional, psycho‐social intervention to facilitate resilience and reduce supportive care needs for patients with cancer: Results of a noncomparative, randomized phase II trial
Authors: Eicher Manuela , Ribi Karin , Senn‐Dubey Catherine , Senn Stefanie , Ballabeni Pierluigi , Betticher Daniel
Published: April 2018

Objective

We developed 2 intensity levels of a complex intervention for interprofessional supportive care in cancer (IPSC‐C) to facilitate resilience and reduce unmet supportive care needs. We aimed to test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of both intensity levels in routine practice.

Methods

In a randomized, noncomparative phase II trial, newly diagnosed patients received either low (LI‐IPSC‐C) or high (HI‐IPSC‐C) intensity interventions. Low‐intensity‐interprofessional supportive care in cancer (LI‐IPSC‐C) consisted of 3 electronic assessments of resilience, unmet supportive care needs, mood, and coping effort over 16 weeks with an immediate feedback to clinicians including tailored intervention recommendations to facilitate resilience and supportive care. High‐intensity‐interprofessional supportive care in cancer (HI‐IPSC‐C) added 5 structured consultations (face‐to‐face and telephone) provided by specialized nurses. Primary outcome was a change ≥5 in resilience score on the Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale (CD‐RISC). Secondary outcomes were unmet supportive care needs, mood, and coping effort. We assessed feasibility by clinician‐provided tailored interventions as recommended and acceptability through qualitative interviews with clinicians and patients.

Results

In the LI‐IPSC‐C arm, 11 of 41, in the HI‐IPSC‐C arm 17 of 43, patients increased resilience scores by ≥5. Relatively more patients decreased unmet needs in HI‐IPSC‐C arm. Mood, in both arms, and coping effort, in HI‐IPSC‐C arm, improved meaningfully. Feasibility was limited for the LI‐IPSC‐C arm, mainly due to lack of time; acceptability was high in both arms.

Conclusion

Neither LI‐IPSC‐C nor HI‐IPSC‐C interventions reached the desired threshold. HI‐IPSC‐C showed positive effects on secondary outcomes and was feasible. Resilience as measured by the CD‐RISC may not be the optimal outcome measure for this intervention.
Modified Tal Score: Validated score for prediction of bronchiolitis severity
Authors: Golan‐Tripto Inbal , Goldbart Aviv , Akel Khaled , Dizitzer Yotam , Novack Victor , Tal Asher
Published: April 2018

Objective

To further validate the use of the Modified Tal Score (MTS), a clinical tool for assessing bronchiolitis severity, by physicians with varying experience and training levels, and to determine the ability of the MTS to predict bronchiolitis severity.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included infants of <12 months of age who were diagnosed with bronchiolitis and assessed via MTS. We calculated the intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) among four groups of raters: group 1, board‐certified pediatric pulmonologists; group 2, board‐certified pediatricians; group 3, senior pediatric residents; and group 4, junior pediatric residents. Clinical outcomes were determined as length of oxygen support and length of stay (LOS). We assessed MTS's prediction of these outcomes. Relative risk (RR) for clinical severity was calculated via a Generalized Linear Model.

Results

Twenty‐four physicians recorded a total of 600 scores for 50 infants (average age 5 ± 3 months; 56% male). The ICC values with group 1 as a reference were 0.92, 0.87, and 0.83, for groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively (P < 0.001). RR for oxygen support required was; 1.33 (CI 1.12‐1.57), 1.26 (1.1‐1.46), 1.26 (1.06‐1.5), and 1.21 (0.93‐1.58) for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. RR for LOS was; 1.15 (CI 0.97‐1.37), 1.19 (1.03‐1.38), 1.18 (1.0‐1.39), and 1.18 (0.93‐1.51) for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

Conclusion

The MTS is a simple and valid scoring system for evaluating infants with acute bronchiolitis, among different physician groups. The first score upon admission is a fair predictor of oxygen requirement at 48 h, and LOS at 72 h.
Hyperviscoelastic Constitutive Modelling of Solid Propellants with Damage and Compressibility
Authors: Kumar Nomesh , Patel Badri Prasad , Rao V. Venkateswara , Subhaschandran B. S.
Published: April 2018

Filled elastomers especially composite solid propellants demonstrate strain rate dependent, large deformation/large strain, thermo‐rheological, stress relaxation, stress softening due to microstructural damage and compressible constitutive behavior. This paper presents a micromechanism inspired framework capturing all the above mentioned features by combining both continuum formulation of hyperelasticity, statistical formulation of viscoelasticity, compressibility and damage. The mechanical response is decomposed into equilibrium and time dependent parts. The equilibrium and time dependent parts are further decomposed into dilational and deviatoric parts. Deviatoric parts are modelled using Mooney‐ Rivlin hyperelastic strain energy density functions. Compressibility is modelled by considering dilatational part of strain energy density as the function of the dilation with quadratic and quartic terms. The stress softening during cyclic loading (Mullins effect) due to microstructural damage is described by polynomial function of the current strain energy density and its previous maximum value. The predictions based on the proposed model are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Understanding of multigene test results among males undergoing germline testing for inherited prostate cancer: Implications for genetic counseling
Authors: Giri Veda N. , Obeid Elias , Hegarty Sarah E. , Gross Laura , Bealin Lisa , Hyatt Colette , Fang Carolyn Y. , Leader Amy
Published: April 2018

Background

Genetic testing (GT) for prostate cancer (PCA) is rising, with limited insights regarding genetic counseling (GC) needs of males. Genetic Evaluation of Men (GEM) is a prospective multigene testing study for inherited PCA. Men undergoing GC were surveyed on knowledge of cancer risk and genetics (CRG) and understanding of personal GT results to identify GC needs.

Methods

GEM participants with or high‐risk for PCA were recruited. Pre‐test GC was in‐person, with video and handout, or via telehealth. Post‐test disclosure was in‐person, by phone, or via telehealth. Clinical and family history data were obtained from participant surveys and medical records. Participants completed measures of knowledge of CRG, literacy, and numeracy pre‐test and post‐test. Understanding of personal genetic results was assessed post‐test. Factors associated with knowledge of CRG and understanding of personal genetic results were examined using multivariable linear regression or McNemar's test.

Results

Among 109 men who completed pre‐ and post‐GT surveys, multivariable analysis revealed family history meeting hereditary cancer syndrome (HCS) criteria was significantly predictive of higher baseline knowledge (P = 0.040). Of 101 men who responded definitively regarding understanding of results, 13 incorrectly reported their result (McNemar's P < 0.001). Factors significantly associated with discordance between reported and actual results included having a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) (P < 0.001) and undergoing GC via pre‐test video and post‐test phone disclosure (P = 0.015).

Conclusions

While meeting criteria for HCS was associated with higher knowledge of CRG, understanding of personal GT results was lacking among a subset of males with VUS. A more exploratory finding was lack of understanding of results among men who underwent GC utilizing video and phone. Studies optimizing GC strategies for males undergoing multigene testing for inherited PCA are warranted.
Quercetin protects against chronic prostatitis in rat model through NF‐κB and MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Meng Ling‐Quan , Yang Fei‐Ya , Wang Ming‐Shuai , Shi Ben‐Kang , Chen De‐Xi , Chen Dong , Zhou Qiang , He Qing‐Bao , Ma Lin‐Xiang , Cheng Wen‐Long , Xing Nian‐Zeng
Published: April 2018

Background

Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common disease of urology, of which the pathogenesis and therapy remain to be further elucidated. Quercetin has been reported to improve the symptoms of CP/CPPS patients. We aimed to verify the therapeutic effect of quercetin on CP/CPPS and identify the mechanism responsible for it.

Methods

A novel CP/CPPS model induced with Complete Freund Adjuvant in Sprague Dawley rats was established and the prostates and blood specimens were harvested for further measurement after oral administration of quercetin for 4 weeks.

Results

Increased prostate index and infiltration of lymphocytes, up‐regulated expression of IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐17A, MCP1, and TNFα, decreased T‐SOD, CAT, GSH‐PX, and increased MDA, enhanced phosphorylation of NF‐κB, P38, ERK1/2, and SAPK/JNK were detected in CP/CPPS rat model. Quercetin was identified to ameliorate the histo‐pathologic changes, decrease the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐17A, MCP1, and TNFα, improve anti‐oxidant capacity, and suppress the phosphorylation of NF‐κB and MAPKs.

Conclusions

Quercetin has specific protective effect on CP/CPPS, which is mediated by anti‐inflammation, anti‐oxidation, and at least partly through NF‐κB and MAPK signaling pathways.
Effects of cyclophosphamide administration on the in vitro fertilization of mice
Authors: Koike Megumi , Kanda Akiko , Kido Kyoko , Goto Kaori , Kumasako Yoko , Nagaki Miyuki , Otsu Eiko , Araki Yasuyuki , Araki Yasuhisa , Kawabe Fumiko , Kai Yufuko , Utsunomiya Takafumi
Published: April 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the oocyte fertilization ability and embryo growth after cyclophosphamide (CPA) treatment in mice.

Methods

Mice were treated with CPA at different doses (0‐800 mg/kg body weight). The oocytes then were retrieved and evaluated for their in vitro fertilization efficiency.

Results

The average number of metaphase II (MII) oocytes significantly decreased by ≥400 mg/kg CPA administration. The fertilization rate also decreased in the group that was treated with ≥400 mg/kg CPA. However, after fertilization, the embryos demonstrated normal growth ability. Two weeks after CPA administration, the number of mice from which the oocytes could be retrieved markedly decreased, but the fertilization rate and development of morphological features in the embryos were similar to those of the controls. One month after CPA administration, the number of mice from which the oocytes could be retrieved, fertilization rate, and development of the morphological features in the embryos were similar to those of the controls.

Conclusion

The number of oocytes decreased as the CPA administration level increased; however, the oocytes' potential for fertilization and development to the blastocyst stage was not significantly affected. One month after CPA administration, the number of oocytes and the potential for development into blastocysts were recovered.
Robust adaptive control for a class of semi‐strict feedback systems with state and input constraints
Authors: Zhang Zhikai , Duan Guangren , Hu Yanmei
Published: April 2018

This paper proposes a dynamic surface control (DSC)–based robust adaptive control scheme for a class of semi‐strict feedback systems with full‐state and input constraints. In the control scheme, a constraint transformation method is employed to prevent the transgression of the full‐state constraints. Specifically, the state constraints are firstly represented as the surface error constraints, then, an error transformation is introduced to convert the constrained surface errors into new equivalent variables without constraints. By ensuring the boundedness of the transformed variables, the violation of the state constraints can be prevented. Moreover, in order to obtain magnitude limited virtual control signal for the recursive design, the saturations are incorporated into the control law. The auxiliary design systems are constructed to analyze the effects of the introduced saturations and the input constraints. Rigorous theoretical analysis demonstrates that the proposed control law can guarantee all the closed‐loop signals are uniformly ultimately bounded, the tracking error converges to a small neighborhood of origin, and the full‐state constraints are not violated. Compared with the existing results, the key advantages of the proposed control scheme include: (i) the utilization of the constraint transformation can handle both time‐varying symmetric and asymmetric state constraints and static ones in a unified framework; (ii) the incorporation of the saturations permits the removal of a feasibility analysis step and avoids solving the constrained optimization problem; and (iii) the “explosion of complexity” in traditional backstepping design is avoided by using the DSC technique. Simulations are finally given to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
A polarimetric Doppler radar time‐series simulator for biological applications
Authors: Stepanian Phillip M. , Mirkovic Djordje , Chilson Phillip B.
Published: April 2018

The high mobility of airborne organisms makes them inherently difficult to study, motivating the use of radars and radar networks as biological surveillance tools. While the utility of radar for ecological studies has been demonstrated, a number of challenges remain in expanding and optimizing their use for surveillance of birds, bats and insects. To explore these topics, a Lagrangian simulation scheme has been developed to synthesize realistic, polarimetric, pulsed Doppler radar baseband signals from modelled flocks of biological point scatterers. This radar simulation algorithm is described, and an application is presented using an agent‐based model of the nocturnal emergence of a cave‐dwelling colony of Brazilian free‐tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis). Dual‐polarization radar signals for an S‐band weather surveillance radar are synthesized and used to develop a new extension of the spectral velocity azimuth display for polarimetric roost‐ring signature analysis, demonstrating one capability of this simulation scheme. While these developments will have direct benefits for radar engineers and meteorologists, continuing investment in radar methods such as these will have cascading effects toward improving ecological models and developing new observational techniques for monitoring aerial wildlife.
Compressed Collagen Enhances Stem Cell Therapy for Corneal Scarring
Authors: Shojaati Golnar , Khandaker Irona , Sylakowski Kyle , Funderburgh Martha L. , Du Yiqin , Funderburgh James L.
Published: April 2018

Stem cells from human corneal stroma (CSSC) suppress corneal stromal scarring in a mouse wound-healing model and promote regeneration of native transparent tissue (PMID:25504883). This study investigated efficacy of compressed collagen gel (CCG) as a vehicle to deliver CSSC for corneal therapy. CSSC isolated from limbal stroma of human donor corneas were embedded in soluble rat-tendon collagen, gelled at 37°C, and partially dehydrated to a thickness of 100 µm by passive absorption. The CCG disks were dimensionally stable, easy to handle, and could be adhered securely to de-epithelialized mouse cornea with fibrin-based adhesive. CSSC in CCG maintained >80% viability for >1 week in culture media and could be cryopreserved in 20% fetal bovine serum-10%DMSO in liquid nitrogen. CCG containing as few as 500 CSSC effectively prevented visible scarring and suppressed expression of fibrotic Col3a1 mRNA. CSSC in CCG were more effective at blocking scarring on a per-cell basis than CSSC delivered directly in a fibrin gel as previously described. Collagen-embedded cells retained the ability to suppress corneal scarring after conventional cryopreservation. This study demonstrates use of a common biomaterial that can facilitate storage and handling of stem cells in a manner that may provide off-the-shelf delivery of stem cells as a therapy for corneal scarring.
Sustainable development indicators: Conceptual frameworks of comparative indicators sets for local administrations in Japan
Authors: Hatakeyama Takehiro
Published: April 2018

Comparative indicators, with which local governments monitor and evaluate policy progress, help effective implementation of public policy toward sustainable development (SD). However, such policy tools have been less developed at the local level. This study proposes conceptual frameworks of sustainable development indicators (SDIs) taking Japanese municipal governments as examples. The results illustrated five SDIs thereby indicating four approaches, and highlighted the most feasible and optimal frameworks. The former, supported by the vast majority of local governments, had a strong predilection for socioeconomic policies while disregarding environmental aspects despite their holistic aim, reflecting the current trend of sustainability at the local level in Japan. In contrast, the latter tended to encompass three dimensions of SD in a balanced manner, focusing largely on well‐being. Hence, this framework helped complement the lack of environmental orientation and potentially maintain the consistency of public policy.
Governance strategy for sustainable land management and water reuse: Challenges for transdisciplinary research
Authors: Nölting Benjamin , Mann Carsten
Published: April 2018

Sustainability research often recommends the application of integrated and system‐based management approaches for overcoming complex problems of land and natural resource use. This paper poses four major governance challenges for sustainable land management as its point of departure: (i) fragmented knowledge and expertise, (ii) heterogeneous actors, (iii) institutional diversity and (iv) inadequate processes for coordination, adaptation and learning. Taking these challenges for conceptual orientation, we analyze a process for designing a governance strategy for treated wastewater uses. Drawing on a transdisciplinary research project that empirically explored the potential of water reuse in two case study regions in north‐east Germany, the paper reflects upon the project's experiences to arrive at practicable governance solutions. Our conclusions are intended to provide insights regarding challenges facing transdisciplinary research, acting on the science–policy–practice interface for dealing with such complex land and water management problems, and the coproduction of accepted governance solutions.
Supply constraints and waitlists in new product diffusion
Authors: Keith David R. , Sterman John D. , Struben Jeroen
Published: April 2018

Constraints on production capacity adjustment present a strategic and operational problem for managers launching products when demand is uncertain. Stock‐outs can be costly if demand exceeds available product supply, as sales are deferred or lost when prospective customers are waitlisted. Recent research on diffusion under supply constraints has analyzed launch strategies to minimize the chance of stock‐outs. Others suggest that waitlisted buyers generate social exposure that can boost customer demand and shape the diffusion process. We develop a generalized model of new product diffusion under supply constraints that explicitly accounts for endogenous customer waitlisting and waitlist‐generated word‐of‐mouth. We estimate the model for a prominent example of waitlisting, the launch of the Toyota Prius hybrid‐electric vehicle in the U.S.A., finding evidence of positive word‐of‐mouth from waitlisted buyers. Inclusion of endogenous supply constraints and waitlisting also alters the estimated contribution of marketing and adopter word‐of‐mouth.

Copyright © 2018 System Dynamics Society
Synthesis of Mn3O4 Nanoparticles for Catalytic Application via Ultrasound‐Assisted Ball Milling
Authors: Chen Ding , Yang Bing , Jiang Yong , Zhang Ying‐zhe
Published: April 2018

In this present study, tetragonal manganese oxide (Mn3O4) nanoparticle was successfully prepared using Mn(CH3COO)2⋅4H2O as raw material by the ultrasound‐assisted ball milling at a low temperature. The as‐prepared Mn3O4 was characterized by XRD, SEM and N2 absorption‐desorption. The research results confirmed that the ball milling product was single phase Mn3O4. The catalytic activity of the as‐prepared sample was testified by quantifying the degradation of the Methyl blue and Rhodamine B aqueous solution with the assistance of H2O2. It shows the degradation efficiency of Mn3O4 nanoparticle can reach up to 100% within 40 min and 50 min for the Methyl blue and Rhodamine B respectively.
Access to 3‐Aroylchromanones from Dibenzoylmethanes via an Iron‐Catalyzed α‐Methylenation Reaction
Authors: Gouveia Ana Paula A. , Taylor Jason Guy
Published: April 2018

A simple and straightforward synthesis of 3‐aroylchromanones based on a tandem iron catalyzed α‐methylenation – intramolecular oxy‐Michael addition reaction of dibenzoylmethanes with N,N‐dimethylacetamide is described. The reaction employs FeCl3 as catalyst under aerobic conditions to afford the corresponding 3‐aroylchromanones and tolerates a variety of substituents on both aromatic rings.
Enantioselective α‐Arylation of Cyclic β‐Ketoamides with a Quinone Monoimine
Authors: Hu Xiao‐Yan , Hu Fang‐Zhi , Chen Hui , Xu Xiao‐Ying , Yuan Wei‐Cheng , Zhang Xiao‐Mei
Published: April 2018

A facile and direct method for the construction of enantioenriched α‐arylated quaternary β‐ketoamides was developed. By employing a chiral bifunctional thiourea‐tertiary amine as catalyst, enantioselective α‐arylation of cyclic β‐ketoamides with a quinone monoimine proceeded smoothly to afford various α‐arylated quaternary β‐ketoamides in good yields (up to 97%) with moderate to good enantioselectivities (up to 85% ee). Generally, benzo six‐membered cyclic β‐ketoamides exhibited better enantioselection than benzo five‐membered cyclic β‐ketoamides.
Synthesis, Anticholinesterase, Antioxidant, and Anti‐Aflatoxigenic Activity of Novel Coumarin Carbamate Derivatives
Authors: Kurt Belma Zengin , Gazioglu Isil , Kandas Nur Ozten , Sonmez Fatih
Published: April 2018

New coumarin derivatives with the carbamate moiety were synthesized and their inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) were evaluated. 4‐methyl‐2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐7‐yl cycloheptylcarbamate (4 h) showed the strongest inhibition against AChE with IC50 values of 2.30 μM, and 2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐7‐yl‐(cyclohexylmethyl)carbamate (4 c) and 4‐methyl‐2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐7‐yl‐(cyclohexylmethyl)carbamate (4 g) were found to be the most potent BuChE inhibitors with IC50 value of 0.003 μM and 0.004 μM, respectively. Moreover antioxidant, anti‐aflatoxigenic activities, protective effects against aflatoxin‐B1 (AFB1) in H4IIE−C3 cells and effects on glutathione s‐transferase of the synthesized compounds were investigated. The synthesized coumarin carbamates inhibited AFB1 in H4IIE−C3 cells. Western blot analyses confirmed that GSTα protein was induced in cells treated with coumarin carbamates and AFB1. These results showed that the synthesized coumarin carbamates possess a potent protective effect against AFB1.
Organomagnesiate‐Promoted Enantioselective Cascade Process: Straightforward Access to Chiral 3‐Substituted Isobenzofuranones
Authors: Touchet Sabrina , Kommidi Sai Shradha Reddy , Gros Philippe C.
Published: April 2018

The bimetallic organomagnesiate ate complex (S)‐(BIPHEN)BuMgLi is reported here as a dual efficient halogen‐metal exchange and chirality transfer agent in the reaction of ethyl‐2‐iodobenzoate with aldehydes leading to the formation of various chiral 3‐substituted isobenzofuranones in good yields and enantiomeric ratios.
Synthesis of Peptide Nucleic Acid Monomers via N‐Alkylation of Nosyl‐protected Amino Acids with N‐Boc Bromoethyl Amine
Authors: Malamgari Sudhakar Reddy , Manikandan Priyadharshini , Ramani Prasanna , Katta Vishweshwar Rao
Published: April 2018

We have developed an alternate and effective pathway for completely protected peptide nucleic acid (PNA) monomer synthesis. The process involves alkylation of nosyl protected amino acids with N‐Boc protected bromoethyl amine followed by deprotection of the nosyl group and condensation of thymine‐1‐acetic acid which was chosen as a nucleobase. The key intermediates, chiral/achiral PNA backbone, were obtained with an average overall yield of 50–60%. The glycine, valine, alanine and serine derived PNA monomers were prepared in four steps, starting from readily available materials and this result suggests that our approach is executable in all amino acids.
Green Synthesis of Sodium Cholate Stabilized Silver Nanoparticles: An Effective Colorimetric Sensor for Hg2+ and Pb2+ Ions
Authors: Marimuthu Vanitha , Chandirasekar Shanmugam , Rajendiran Nagappan
Published: April 2018

In this study, we have reported a facile, cost‐effective and green approach for the preparation of AgNPs in aqueous medium using sodium cholate (NaC) as a reducing and stabilizing agent under sunlight exposure. The synthesized AgNPs were thoroughly characterized using UV‐visible spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) techniques. The anisotropic and spherical shaped NPs were prepared by varying the concentration of NaC from below to above critical micellar concentration (CMC) at neutral pH and showed very good stability for more than one year without any noticeable aggregation. Kinetics of the formation of anisotropic and spherical shaped NPs were monitored using UV‐visible spectroscopy. The synthesized AgNPs showed excellent selective towards Hg2+ and Pb2+ ions that could be monitored by UV‐visible spectrophotometer and naked eyes, with lowest detection limit (LOD) of 12 and 60 nM for Hg2+ and Pb2+ respectively. The AgNPs embedded in the gel network was confirmed by FE‐SEM image. The reported sensor showed rapid and sensitive detection of Hg2+ and Pb2+ ions at nM level in water samples, indicating its potential applicability for detection of the metal ions in real samples such as tap and drinking water.
Highly (110)‐Oriented Co1‐xS Nanosheet Arrays on Carbon Fiber Paper as High‐Performance and Binder‐Free Electrodes for Oxygen Production
Authors: Zhu Weikang , Chen Rui , Yin Yan , Zhang Junfeng , Wang Qingfa
Published: April 2018

Ordered (110)‐oriented Co1‐xS nanosheet arrays on carbon fiber paper (CFP) are prepared by a one‐step electrodeposition. The Co1‐xS/CFP electrode not only enhances the oxygen evolution reaction performance, η=0.328 V (10 mA cm−2) and Tafel slope at about 48.5 mV dec−1, but also has excellent durability. Due to its high activity and facile preparation, the binder‐free Co1‐xS/CFP electrode shows great potential in replacing noble metal catalysts for water splitting.
Ensemble Effect of Ni in Bimetallic PtNi on Reduced Graphene Oxide Support for Temperature‐Dependent Formic Acid Oxidation
Authors: Saquib Mohammad , Halder Aditi
Published: April 2018

Easy transportability, safety storage and low temperature operating conditions make direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) suitable alternatives to high temperature solid oxide fuel cells. These low temperature fuel cells generally use platinum or platinum‐based electrocatalysts. However detrimental effect of poisonous intermediates formed during formic acid and methanol oxidations makes platinum vulnerable and led to the development of platinum based bimetallic alloy and composite electrocatalysts. In this work, we have prepared graphene supported platinum and platinum‐nickel bimetallic electrocatalyst to study the catalytic activity towards formic acid oxidation. Further, we have also carried out the temperature‐dependent kinetic studies of these catalysts to understand the mechanism of formic acid oxidation at various temperatures. Our findings confirmed that the ensemble effect of Ni in platinum‐nickel bimetallic catalysts shows the higher catalytic activity by using a lesser amount of expensive platinum.
Ca2+‐Assisted DOSY NMR: An Unexpected Tool for Anomeric Identification for d‐Glucopyranose
Authors: Ning Caifang , Ge Wenzhi , Lyu Zexiang , Luo Dan , Shi Kemeng , Pedersen Christian Marcus , Nielsen Michael Martin , Qiao Yan , Wang Yingxiong
Published: April 2018

d‐glucopyranose undergoes mutarotation into a mixture of anomers, α‐ and β‐d‐glucopyranose, once it is dissolved in an aqueous solution. Distinguishing the two anomers by routine NMR methods are difficult because of their similarity and hence overlapped 1H‐NMR spectra. In this paper, we demonstrate that the DOSY technique can be used to discern the two anomers of the d‐glucopyranose. This is possible when taking advantage of a matrix effect of Ca2+, which separate the α‐ and β‐ anomers of d‐glucopyranose by their differences in diffusion. The effect of Ca2+ was further supported by DFT calculations. Our results demonstrate the power of DOSY NMR to gain a deeper understanding of the interactions between carbohydrates and metal ions.
Multicomponent Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Dihydropyran‐bis Coumarins
Authors: Kalalbandi Veerendra Kumar A. , Bijjaragi Subhas C. , Seetharamappa Jaldappagari
Published: April 2018

A synthetic route for the synthesis of biscoumarin fused with dihydropyran ring via one pot multicomponent reaction using hydroxy coumarins, formyl coumarins and malononitrile as precursors is proposed. A plausible mechanistic pathway for the formation of biscoumarin fused with dihydropyran ring is suggested. The synthesized compounds were characterized by FTIR,1H NMR,13C NMR and mass spectral data. Among the synthesized compounds, single crystals of 2‐amino‐5‐oxo‐4‐(2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐6‐yl)‐4,5‐dihydropyrano[3, 2‐c]chromene‐3‐carbonitrile were obtained and their crystal parameters were discussed. Further, antimicrobial activities of all the synthesized compounds against microbial pathogens were investigated by broth micro dilution method. Majority of the compounds exhibited promising antimicrobial activities.
Enantioselective Separation of Racemic Tryptophan with Sonochemically Prepared Egg Albumin Microspheres
Authors: Mutalikdesai Amruta , Zoabi Amani , Kumar Vijay Bhooshan , Abu‐Reziq Raed , Hassner Alfred , Gedanken Aharon
Published: April 2018

New approaches for chiral resolution are gaining importance and are of economic interest for the development of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, chiral sensors and food additives. Herein we disclose the first examples in which sonochemically prepared egg albumin microspheres (EAMs) were used for chiral resolution of an amino acid. When EAMs were in contact with an aqueous solution of racemic tryptophan (Trp) they selectively interacted with L‐Trp leading to 94% enantiomeric excess (ee) of D‐Trp. In a control experiment in which the egg protein, without applying ultrasonic waves to form microspheres, was dissolved and exposed to racemic Trp, no chiral resolution was observed. The effects of temperature and concentration were studied in detail. These preliminary results show that EAMs produced by sonication may provide a simple, cost‐effective an unconventional way to chiral separation of racemic amino acids.
Optoelectronic Properties of Supramolecular Aggregates of Phenylalanine Conjugated Perylene Bisimide
Authors: Chal Pousali , Shit Arnab , Nandi Arun K.
Published: April 2018

Perylene derivatives exhibit good optoelectronic properties and in order to augment it, the self‐assembly of phenyl alanine conjugated with perylene bisimide (PBI) would be a good motif because of excellent self‐organizing power of both the components. So we have synthesized N, N’‐di((S)‐1‐carboxylphenylalanine)‐3,4:9,10‐ perylenetetracarboxyl bisimide (PPA) and have studied its self‐organization in different organic solvents. Microscopic images reveal the formation of vesicles cast from chloroform. There is a gradual change in color from green to yellow to orange to red under UV light with increasing PPA concentration. The emission maximum for the lowest energy peak gradually increases with increase in PPA concentration and the emission intensity shows a maximum at a 4–8 mM concentration due to variation of self‐aggregation nature. Fluorescence of PPA in other solvents also varies in a similar fashion indicating dynamic nature of the self‐assembly with concentration. The current voltage (I−V) property of the dried ensemble from chloroform exhibit negative differential resistance with rectification property indicating co‐existence of holes and electrons. On application of electric field the holes and electrons of the system become recombined generating luminescence, which peak position and intensity vary with increasing applied voltage.
Synthesis, Antimicrobial Evaluation and Docking Study of Some Pyrazole Bearing [1, 2,4]Triazolo[3, 4‐b][1, 3,4]thiadiazole Derivatives
Authors: Shingare Ramesh M. , Patil Yogesh S. , Sangshetti Jaiprakash N. , Damale Manoj G. , Rajani Dhanji P. , Madje Balaji R.
Published: April 2018

A novel series of pyrazole bearing[1, 2,4]triazolo[3, 4‐b][1, 3,4]thiadiazole derivatives (6 a‐l) such as 3‐(5‐(3‐fluoro‐4‐methoxyphenyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yl)‐6‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐[1, 2,4]triazolo[3, 4‐b][1, 3,4]thiadiazole were synthesized by cyclo‐condensation of 4‐amino‐5‐[5‐(3‐fluoro‐4‐methoxy‐phenyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yl]‐4H‐[1, 2,4]triazole‐3‐thiol (5) with substituted benzoic/pyridinyl acids in phosphorus oxychloride giving good yields and purity. IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and LCMS/MS spectroscopy were used to characterise all the synthesized compounds. All the new derivatives were appraised for their antimicrobial activity, antifungal assay against C. Albicans, A. Niger and A. Clavatus along with Nystatin and Griseofulvin as standard drug and antibacterial assay against E. Coli, P. Aeruginosa, S. Aureus, S. Pyogenus along with Ampicillin as standard drug. Compounds (6 b) and (6 j) displayed excellent antifungal activity whereas compound (6 d) and (6 e) displayed excellent antibacterial activity. Molecular modelling and adsorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion‐toxicity (ADMET) prediction data clearly shows that 1,2,4‐triazolo[3, 4‐b][1, 3,4] thiadiazole derivatives (6 a‐l) have potential to explore in the drug discovery pipeline as antifungal agents.
Deciphering the Role of Bilayer of a Niosome towards Controlling the Entrapment and Release of Dyes
Authors: Damera Deepthi Priyanka , Venuganti Venkata Vamsi Krishna , Nag Amit
Published: April 2018

Niosomes are self‐assemblies of non‐ionic surfactants into vesicular structures, which mimic cell membranes in several aspects and potentially used as transdermal carriers for hydrophilic or hydrophobic drugs. However, controlling the amount of prescribed drug is absolutely important during transdermal delivery. The drug entrapment in a niosome, depends on several factors such as the bilayer arrangement, size and surface charge of a particular niosome. Hence, a systematic synthetic and spectroscopic study will convey the important information about drug entrapment and even controlling the entrapment, upon structural variation of the niosomes. In this report, we show that how the hydrophobic bilayer arrangement can be crucial to alter the molecular entrapment inside the niosome. For such study, niosomes are synthesized, which contain bilayers of different capacities. Entrapment and release studies are performed subsequently using common fluorophores: coumarin‐153 (a hydrophobic dye) and rhodamine 6G (a water loving dye). Raman Spectroscopy is extensively used to characterize the bilayer disorderness for the synthesized niosomes. Our study reveals, that the niosome with ordered bilayer can entrap the hydrophobic dye coumarin‐153 significantly more than the niosome containing a disordered bilayer. However, we have also identified that these entrapment efficiencies of the niosomes are reversed in a substantial way by the addition of ionic surfactants like CTAB, to the niosome.
Optimization of SnO2 Nanoparticles Confined in a Carbon Matrix towards Applications as High‐Capacity Anodes in Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wei Shenying , Chu Shiyong , Lu Qian , Zhou Wei , Cai Rui , Shao Zongping
Published: April 2018

SnO2/carbon composites including amorphous carbon and graphene or carbon nanotubes are synthesized by a gas‐liquid interfacial approach and subsequent annealing process. The effect of the carbon source and the conductive additive on the electrochemical performance is investigated by galvanostatic charge‐discharge tests. SnO2@Glucose/Graphene (SnO2@Glu/G) composites as anodes of sodium‐ion batteries show the best electrochemical performance, delivering 306 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g−1 between 0.01‐3 V, while exhibiting 278 and 226 mA h g−1 at 1 and 2 A g−1, respectively. The mechanism of improved electrochemical performance for graphene is researched in detail. The results reveal a porous structure with fine SnO2 particles due to the introduction of graphene oxide, and an effective electron charge transfer network from the graphene increases its reversible capacity, rate performance and cycling performance.
Zinc‐Catalyzed Etherification Reaction of Aryl Iodides with Phenols
Authors: Krishnan K. Keerthi , Harry Nissy Ann , Ujwaldev Sankuviruthiyil M. , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: April 2018

A novel and efficient Zinc‐catalyzed C−O cross‐coupling reaction have been developed using phenols with activated iodoarenes to afford diaryl ether derivatives in moderate to good yields under moderate reaction conditions. The reaction proceeds through an in situ generated Zn/L‐proline complex. The use of relatively nontoxic and ecofriendly Zn, cheap and easily available amino acid ligand L‐proline makes a better alternative for the synthesis of diaryl ethers. The main advantage of our protocol is that we could activate a d10 metal for the cross‐coupling reaction. The scope and limitations of this protocol are also investigated.