bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimates of the vitality and performances of Apis mellifera mellifera and hybrid honey bee colonies in Siberia: a 13-year study
Authors: Ostroverkhova Nadezhda V. , Rosseykina Svetlana A. , Yaltonskaya Ilona A. , Filinov Michail S.
Published: July 2024

Honeybees display a great range of biological, behavioral, and economic traits, depending on their genetic origin and environmental factors. The high diversity of honeybees is the result of natural selection of specific phenotypes adapted to the local environment. Of particular interest is adaptation of local and non-local bee colonies to environmental conditions. To study the importance of genotype-environment interactions on the viability and productivity of local and non-local bee colonies, we analyzed the long-term dynamics of the main traits in dark forest bees (Apis mellifera mellifera) and hybrid colonies. From 2010 to 2022, a total of 64 colonies living in an apiary in Siberia, Russia, were monitored and tested to assess their biological, behavioral, and economic traits in a temperate continental climate. We detected significant correlations between the studied biological and behavioral indicators of the bee colony such as colony strength, overwintering ability, infection of colonies with diseases, hygienic behavior, and others. No relationships between the biological and economic (honey productivity) traits of bee colonies are shown. The overall result of our study is that local dark forest bee, A.m.mellifera, showed higher values for all analyzed traits than hybrid colonies. Compared to hybrids, dark forest bee colonies showed more gentleness, productivity, and survivorship. The results from our study indicate a specific local adaptation of the A.m.mellifera subspecies in a temperate continental climate. Siberia represents a unique region for the conservation of the dark forest bee. The creation of conservation areas is one way to protect local bee populations, well adapted to local environmental conditions, from uncontrolled importation of bee breeds from different regions.
Analysis of measurement differences and causes of C, N, and P in river flooding areas—taking the Hailar River in China as an example
Authors: Dong Xi , Hu Chunming
Published: July 2024

The Hailar River is located in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of Northeast China. It is a connecting hub of the agricultural pastoral transitional zone on the Hulunbuir grassland, with abundant water and biodiversity resources, and important ecological conservation significance. This study takes the Hailar River as the research area to evaluate the impact and main influencing factors of soil C, N, and P ecological measurement from the upstream to downstream concave convex riverbanks of the Hailar River. The research results show that: (1) The average soil particle size shows differences in the upstream and downstream: the average soil particle size in Section 1 is 31.6–192.3 µm, Section 2 is 21–213 µm, Section 3 is 21–288 µm, and Section 4 is 42–206 µm; the pH value in the upstream area is generally low, while the pH value in the downstream area increases. The reason for this is that the convex bank area has sufficient water, which plays a role in inhibiting salt content; (2) the nutrient content in the concave bank is generally higher in the upstream region than in the downstream region, while the difference in nutrient content between the upstream and downstream regions is relatively small in the convex bank; (3) the nutrient content of concave banks is mostly positively correlated with soil moisture content, while convex banks are positively and negatively correlated with soil moisture content and soil particle size. Research has shown that different cross-sections upstream and downstream, as well as uneven riverbanks, significantly affect soil physicochemical properties and soil C, N, and P ecological measurements. Studying the content of soil C, N, and P in different riparian zones under typical cross-sections can provide new ideas for regional ecological protection and even global C, N, and P cycling.
Decoding the mobilome of marine microbial communities and their composition in response to local environmental conditions
Authors:   , Tamayo Leiva Javier
Published: July 2024

La transferencia horizontal de genes es un proceso natural que permite que los genomas celulares evolucionen rápidamente al adquirir nuevos rasgos genéticos. Entre los cinco procesos celulares capaces de realizar la transferencia horizontal de genes, la conjugación es el más frecuente. Este mecanismo está implicado en el intercambio de vectores de ADN, llamados elementos genéticos móviles y aquí colectivamente denominados como mobiloma conjugativo. El ambiente marino muestra de forma habitual un dinamismo especialmente elevado. Por esta razón, han existido esfuerzos de investigación de la ecología y diversidad microbiana a gran escala, y por ello es un candidato ideal para el estudio del moviloma ambiental. El objetivo de esta tesis fue caracterizar la estructura y prevalencia del moviloma conjugativo en el bacterioplancton de la superficie oceánica. Para ello, se ha examinado el moviloma conjugativo, primeramente, desde metagenomas marinos públicos (TARA Ocean Project) en un gradiente geográfico. Y posteriormente en una sucesión estacional (dos años) en el observatorio costero de Montemar (Viña Del Mar, Chile). Para identificar el moviloma, se utilizaron modelos ocultos de Markov para la búsqueda de marcadores moleculares como relaxasas, integrasas y el sistema de secreción del tipo 4 (T4SS). Nuestros resultados revelan que los elementos movilizables -elementos que requieren asistencia para ser conjugados- son más abundantes, y superan en número a las secuencias auto-conjugativas. Esto sugiere la cooperación entre secuencias del moviloma. Además, muestran que la adaptación moviloma-huésped favorece una prevalencia del moviloma asociado a los taxa dominantes en el sistema marino a escala temporal como geográfica.
An Unusual Association of Interstitial Lung Section Disease with Pulmonary Arterio-venous Malformation: A Case Report
Authors: Mittal Rahul , Seetharaman Praveen Raj , Suriyan Subramanian , Sakthivel Nagarjun
Published: July 2024

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) in diffuse cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients is present in about 53% of cases and 35% in cases with limited cutaneous SSc. Even though there are only a few case reports of ILD associated with Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), a direct association of SSc and HHT has not been reported. Hence, little is known about the pathogenetic link between the two diseases. In this case report, a 24 years old married female patient presented with progressive breathlessness for one year. Initial evaluation of the patient suggested the diagnosis of SSc based on clinical findings like sclerodactyly along with telangiectasia. High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) of the chest revealed the presence of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation along with ILD. Past medical history and family history of epistaxis for three generations suggested the diagnosis of HHT. This case reports a rare association of Connective Tissue Disease (CTD) and an autosomal disorder of vascular dysplasia with overlapping features of telangiectasia. This case is presented to highlight the possible association of HHT with CTDs. With the currently available literature, an attempt is made to find a plausible pathogenetic link between HHT and SSc. Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) is a pleiotropic growth factor that regulates the growth and differentiation of various cell types, and immune regulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of both HHT and SSc. The other pathogenetic mechanism common to both diseases is impaired nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation. This case report emphasises the need for further research for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of both diseases.
Volumetric Evaluation of Brain Grey Matter in Asthmatic Patients using Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Case-control Study
Authors: Mohamed Dalya IA , Elghazaly Elghazaly A , Jubartallah Tamer Sayed , Ali Taher Osman , Alfaki Amani Abdulraza , Rezigalla Assad Ali
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Asthma is a serious disease that affects not only the respiratory system but also the brain by decreasing oxygen saturation. Despite the numerous neuroimaging studies that have shed light on the effect of asthma on brain volume, there is still a need for new studies to evaluate brain volume in asthmatic patients. Aim: To evaluate the Grey Matter Volume (GMV) of the brain in asthmatic patients using Magnetic Resonance Imaging images (MRI) to detect possible changes. Materials and Methods: This is an observational analytic casecontrol study carried out at Al Amal Hospital in Khartoum State, Sudan, between January 2020 and October 2022. The study included 100 adult participants (50 asthmatic patients and 50 healthy controls) using MRI and automatic brain segmentation through a software program (BrainSuite). Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software, version 25.0 (IBM SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL), and Microsoft Excel 2013. An independent sample T-test was used to compare the mean of the measurements between controls and asthmatics. Frequencies, means, and standard deviations were taken. A p-value of 0.05 or less was accepted as statistically significant. Results: Out of all participants, 50 were asthmatics and 50 were controls. The mean age of asthmatics was (31±8.53) years and of controls was 32±8.49 years. The mean Grey Matter Volume (GMV) of the asthmatic patients was 575.93 cm3 ±71.46 SD and of controls was 569.55 cm3 ±73.77 SD. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups depending on the GMV of asthmatic and control participants (p>0.05). The mean GMV in asthmatic males was 355.50 cm3 ±53.26 SD and in females 321.65 cm3 ±32.72 SD, while in control males it was 367.63 cm3 ±45.77 SD and in females 318.03 cm3 ±34.16 SD. GMV showed significant statistical differences between asthmatic males and females (p<0.05). Conclusion: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups depending on the GMV of asthmatic and control participants (p>0.05). Asthma disease does not result in noticeable changes in GMV in either male or female brains.
Duodenal Neuroendocrine Tumour: A Report of Two Cases with Rare Presentations
Authors: Samaddar Dwaipayan , Barua Madhumita , Pandey Richa , Samaddar Jaya Bagchi , Bhutia Penzin Dichen
Published: July 2024

Duodenal Neuroendocrine Tumours (D-NETs) are extremely rare tumours with a propensity to be solitary and limited to the first and second parts of the duodenum, the periampullary area contributing to only about 20% of such cases. They can be discovered incidentally at imaging or at Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (UGIE) for vague Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. The authors encountered two successive cases (55-year-old female; 50-year-old male) of D-NETs within a couple of months in which one presented with acute upper GI bleeding and another with vague upper GI symptoms. The first case was located at the second part of the duodenum with nodal metastasis, whilst the second case had multiple D-NETs at the second and third parts of the duodenum. Sub-centimetric growths may be treated by endoscopic mucosal resections but larger ones require surgery. Both cases were more than 20 mm in size and were successfully managed by classical Whipple’s procedure. Diagnoses were confirmed and graded with histopathology and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) using chromogranin, synaptophysin, and Kiel 67 (Ki67). Normally these are mucosal and submucosal lesions, however, in the first case, the tumour invaded muscularis propria and extended upto subserosa. The authors present these two cases because of their rarity, singular presentations, and successful management in a rural set-up with logistical constraints.
Effect of Garcinia Kola in Ivermectin-Induced Toxicity in the Hematology of Treated Rats (Rattus Novergicus)
Authors: Okolonkwo Benjamin Nnamdi , Achi Godspower Ikechi , A Erasmus Martha , Promise Suama , Williams Patrick , Atoukaritou Osuosa , Ogbugo Esther Okagbe
Published: July 2024

Garcinia kola (GK) is prized in African herbal medicine for its diverse uses, including social, economic, and medicinal purposes. This study examined the dose-dependent toxicity of ivermectin and the protective effects of Garcinia kola extract on the hematological parameters of Wistar rats. A total of 32 Wistar Rats (120 – 150g) were randomly chosen from PAMO University of Medical Sciences' Animal House. They were acclimatized for two weeks. Divided into 4 main groups (A, B, C, D), which were further subdivided into 2 subgroups each (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1 and D2) with each subgroup containing 4 rats. Subgroup A: negative control (0 mg/kg BW of ivermectin, no Garcinia kola). Subgroup A2: positive control (0 mg/kg BW of ivermectin and 20 mg/kg/ml Garcinia kola). Test Subgroups 1 (B1, C1 and D1) received respectively doses of 10 mg/kg/ml, 20 mg/kg/ml, and 40 mg/kg/ml of Ivermectin intraperitoneally, Subgroups 2 (B2, C2 and D2) received respectively the same doses followed by oral administration of Garcinia kola at 20 mg/kg BW of rat per ml daily for 7 days, starting 24 hours after toxicity induction. On the eighth day, each rat was anesthetized with chloroform. 5mls of blood was collected via cardiac puncture into EDTA bottle for the analysis of the CBC parameters. ANOVA was used to test the hypotheses at alpha = 0.05. The result showed a significant dose-dependent difference in anaemia indicators in ivermectin induction but there was no significant change in after bitter kola treatment. The study has shown that ivermectin inflicted haematological toxicity particicular in particular in anaemic indicators but bitter kola couldn’t ameliorate the effect of the toxicity.
Mathematical Applications for Sustainable Agricultural Development: A Review
Authors: Qayoom Kahkashan , Manzoor Shaista
Published: July 2024

This review article explores the pivotal role of mathematics in fostering sustainable development within the realm of agriculture. Drawing upon diverse sources, the paper investigates the multifaceted applications of mathematical principles in various facets of agricultural practices. These applications, from soil analysis to financial decision-making, crop modeling, and statistical approaches for yield tests, have tangible benefits for agriculture, enhancing efficiency, productivity, and environmental sustainability. The article delves into the significance of number systems, mathematical models, and experimental designs, providing a comprehensive overview of how these mathematical applications contribute to informed decision-making and innovation in agricultural science, leading to practical benefits in the field.
A Review on Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Agricultural Extension Services in Adapting to Climate Change among Subsistence Farmers
Authors: R Rahul Prasad , K Anil , Bhat Prahlad P , K N Manohar , C M Rajesh , Jadhav Abhishek , B Bhanu Prakash
Published: July 2024

The effectiveness of agricultural extension services in facilitating climate change adaptation among subsistence farmers, assessing their impact on agricultural productivity and sustainability. Agricultural extension services are pivotal for disseminating knowledge and innovative practices among farmers, essential for adjusting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The review highlights several successful regional interventions, such as the adoption of drought-resistant crops and water-efficient technologies, and provides a comparative analysis of various approaches to illustrate differing regional needs and outcomes. Despite these successes, significant challenges remain. Resource constraints, both financial and human, severely limit the reach and effectiveness of these services. Socio-cultural factors, including resistance to change and gender disparities, further inhibit the adoption of new practices. Additionally, policy and institutional barriers, such as inadequate frameworks and poor stakeholder coordination, complicate the effective delivery of services. To address these issues, the review suggests tailored, location-specific solutions that consider local climate threats and cultural practices, and calls for an increase in the capacity of extension agents through enhanced training and resources. Policy recommendations focus on strengthening support mechanisms for subsistence farmers and refining policy interventions to better support extension frameworks. The review identifies significant research gaps, particularly in the integration of traditional knowledge with modern techniques and the long-term impacts of extension services, which require further exploration to develop more effective adaptation strategies. Overall, while agricultural extension services have made notable strides in assisting farmers to adapt to climate change, substantial improvements and sustained efforts are needed to fully realize their potential in securing India's agricultural productivity against the backdrop of an increasingly unpredictable climate.
Assessment of Organic, Inorganic and Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Yield and Economics of Groundnut during the Kharif Season
Authors: Babu S. Soma Sekhar , Panduranga G.S. , Madhuri K. , Saheb Y Peeru , Sreenivas A
Published: July 2024

Achieving sustainable and balanced food production is a difficult task given the rising food demand brought on by the world's fastest population growth. Taking this into account, an On Farm Trial (OFT) on the effect of organic, inorganic and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) practices on groundnut growth, yield attributes, yield and economics was conducted in 5 locations at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) operated mandals in Kalikiri during the Kharif seasons from 2021-2022 to 2023-2024 on 2.0 ha of rainfed alfisols.
The study revealed that INM practice recorded higher yield attributes, pod yield, gross return, net return and return per rupee invested than organic and inorganic nutrient management practices. The improvement in pod yield in INM was 11.9% and 7.8% over organic and inorganic nutrient management practices, respectively. Similarly, INM recorded higher gross returns (63,637 Rs. /ha), net returns (22,983 Rs. /ha) and B:C ratio of 1.56 as compared to organic and inorganic nutrient management practices. Results of the study suggested the integrated use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrition for increasing groundnut productivity and economic stability of groundnut farmers of Chittoor district.
Impact of Seed Priming and Seed Rate on Productivity and Economic Profitability of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Kumar Devashish , Choudhury Suborna Roy , Das Anupam , Pathak Sushil Kumar , Sushant  , Panda Chandan Kumar , Kumar Pravesh , Seema
Published: July 2024

In order to achieve optimal plant growth, the lifecycle of plants encounters various critical stage such as uneven seed germination, induce early flowering, poor and early seedling growth, poor root establishment which ultimately results in low crop yield. Keeping in view of the hypothesis of seed priming improves seedling emergence, reduces seedling emergence time, reduces seed dormancy, expands root growth, enhances nutrient uptake, resulted in better yield and yield contributing characters of plants, a field experiment was planned during Rabi season to figure out the effect of seed priming and seed rate on the yield performance of wheat. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design which replicated thrice. The treatments included four seed priming methods (P1: no seed priming, P2: water seed priming, P3: 1% KNO3 seed priming, P4: 1% CaCl2 seed priming) and three seed rates (S1: 100 kg ha-1, S2: 125 kg ha-1, S3: 150 kg ha-1) using the wheat variety HD-2967. The result revealed that the yield and yield attributes of wheat were significantly influenced by the priming techniques. Seed priming with 1% CaCl2 solution increased grain yield (3977 kg ha-1), number of ear head (275.61 m-²), length of ear head (11.29 cm), number of grains per ear head (46.17) and test weight (41.11 g) and was found to be statistically at par with seed priming with 1% KNO3, but significantly superior over seed priming with water and dry seeding. Different seed rate significantly influenced grain and straw yield and yield contributing characters of wheat. The higher grain yield (3959 kg ha-1), straw yield (5095 kg ha-1) and no. of ear head (287.83) was obtained with the seed rate@150 kg/ha followed by 125 and 100 kg ha-1 of seed rate.
Survey of Artificial Intelligence for Automated Regulatory Compliance Tracking
Authors: Khinvasara Tushar , Shankar Abhishek , Wong Connor
Published: July 2024

For businesses trying to negotiate complex rules, the use of artificial intelligence to automate the tracking of regulatory compliance is a significant advancement. Automation of enforcement and monitoring is achieved by leveraging state-of-the-art technology like machine learning and natural language processing. By using artificial intelligence technologies, businesses may swiftly determine whether rules apply to their operations and look into how those constraints effect their operations. These systems can entirely adapt to laws that are always changing, make sure you are following the rules, and lessen the possibility that anything goes wrong. Artificial intelligence has the potential to help identify compliance issues and promptly address them, eliminating the need for you to worry about paying a fee. Additionally, by automating time-consuming tasks like filing papers and creating reports, it frees up your team to focus on more important tasks. The use of artificial intelligence for compliance tracking offers businesses a scalable, economical, and efficient approach to managing regulatory difficulties in the ever-changing corporate environment.
Morphological Exploration of Lignicolous Macrofungi: Xylaria
Authors: John Priya , Addangadi Kotramma , Suansia Anjali , Vyas Megha
Published: July 2024

Xylaria is a large and first described genus of Xylariaceae which is generally recognized as one of the most diverse and relatively well-known largest family of Ascomycota. The fruiting bodies of Xylaria species were collected from Navsari, Gujarat during rainy season. All the specimens were examined for their morphological characters based on shape, size and colour of stromata followed by detailed microscopic examination of perithecia and ascospores with light microscope and were identified. From the total collection seven species were designated based on detailed macro- and micro-morphological characteristics. Among the different collected samples five were identified upto species level and two upto genus level. These were Xylariahypoxylon, X. longipes, X. polymorpha, X. filiformis and X. carpophila. The diversity of Xylaria species in this region invokes and unveils opportunities for exploring rich source of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, terpenoids, cytochalasins, cell-degrading enzymes, exopolysaccharides, xylaramide, xylarinxyloketals, xylaranic acids and helvonic acid which exhibited antifungal and antibacterial activities. So, exploitation of Xylaria fungi creates new opportunities to develop bio-based commercial products to combat global crop and human pathogens.
Characterizing the low wage immigrant workforce: A comparative analysis of the health disparities among selected occupations in Somerville, Massachusetts
Authors: Panikkar Bindu , Woodin Mark A. , Brugge Doug , Hyatt Raymond , Gute David M. ,   Community Partners of the Somerville Community Immigrant Worker Project
Published: July 2013

Background

This study estimates job‐related risks among common low wage occupations (cleaning, construction, food service, cashier/baggers, and factory workers) held by predominantly Haitian, El Salvadorian, and Brazilian immigrants living or working in Somerville, Massachusetts.

Methods

A community‐based cross‐sectional survey on immigrant occupational health was conducted between 2006 and 2009 and logistic regression was used to assess the job‐related risks among the most common low wage occupations.

Results

Construction workers reported significantly higher health risks, and lower access to occupational health services than the other occupations. Compared to cashier/baggers, the reference population in this study, cleaners reported significantly lower access to health and safety and work training and no knowledge of workers' compensation. Factory workers reported significantly lower work training compared to cashier/baggers. Food service workers reported the least access to doctors compared to the other occupations.

Conclusion

We found significant variability in risks among different low wage immigrant occupations. The type of occupation independently contributed to varying levels of risks among these jobs. We believe our findings to be conservative and recommend additional inquiry aimed at assuring the representativeness of our findings. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:516–526, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neural effects of the CSMD1 genome‐wide associated schizophrenia risk variant rs10503253
Authors: Rose Emma J. , Morris Derek W. , Hargreaves April , Fahey Ciara , Greene Ciara , Garavan Hugh , Gill Michael , Corvin Aiden , Donohoe Gary
Published: July 2013

The single nucleotide polymorphism rs10503253 within the CUB and Sushi multiple domains‐1 (CSMD1) gene on 8p23.2 has been identified as genome‐wide significant for schizophrenia (SZ). This gene is of unknown function but has been implicated in multiple neurodevelopmental disorders that impact upon cognition, leading us to hypothesize that an effect on brain structure and function underlying cognitive processes may be part of the mechanism by which CMSD1 increases illness risk. To test this hypothesis, we investigated this CSMD1 variant in vivo in healthy participants in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study comprised of both fMRI of spatial working memory (N = 50) and a voxel‐based morphometry investigation of grey and white matter (WM) volume (N = 150). Analyses of these data indicated that the risk “A” allele was associated with comparatively reduced cortical activations in BA18, that is, middle occipital gyrus and cuneus; posterior brain regions that support maintenance processes during performance of a spatial working memory task. Conversely, there was an absence of significant structural differences in brain volume (i.e., grey or WM). In accordance with previous evidence, these data suggest that CSMD1 may mediate brain function related to cognitive processes (i.e., executive function); with the relatively deleterious effects of the identified “A” risk allele on brain activity possibly constituting part of the mechanism by which CSMD1 increases schizophrenia risk. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular mechanism of ventricular trabeculation/compaction and the pathogenesis of the left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC)
Authors: Zhang Wenjun , Chen Hanying , Qu Xiuxia , Chang Ching‐Pin , Shou Weinian
Published: July 2013

Ventricular trabeculation and compaction are two of the many essential steps for generating a functionally competent ventricular wall. A significant reduction in trabeculation is usually associated with ventricular compact zone deficiencies (hypoplastic wall), which commonly leads to embryonic heart failure and early embryonic lethality. In contrast, hypertrabeculation and lack of ventricular wall compaction (noncompaction) are closely related defects in cardiac embryogenesis associated with left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC), a genetically heterogenous disorder. Here we review recent findings through summarizing several genetically engineered mouse models that have defects in cardiac trabeculation and compaction. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lewis‐Base‐Katalyse der gerichteten Mukaiyama‐Aldolreaktion: 40 Jahre Inspiration und Fortschritt
Authors: Beutner Gregory L. , Denmark Scott E.
Published: July 2013

Die Mukaiyama‐Aldolreaktion, die 1973 erstmals beschrieben wurde, ist eine regio‐, diastereo‐ und enantioselektive Reaktion, die den seltenen Rang einer Namensreaktion von strategischer Bedeutung erlangt hat. Die Bedeutung der Mukaiyama‐Reaktion für die stereoselektive Synthese organischer Verbindungen (Naturstoffe sowie vollsynthetische) kann kaum überschätzt werden. Ihr Einfluss auf das Gebiet der Synthesechemie reicht über die bloße Anwendung in der Synthese hinaus, denn sie hat sich als Inspiration für neue Konzepte und Methoden der Stereokontrolle und der Katalyse erwiesen. Dieser Kurzaufsatz soll aufzeigen, wie die Suche nach einer regio‐, diastereo‐ und enantioselektiven Katalysereaktion zur Entwicklung der Lewis‐Base‐katalysierten Aldolreaktion geführt hat. Die Entwicklungsgeschichte dieses Verfahrens wird anhand der Studien aus den Arbeitsgruppen der Autoren und von Teruaki Mukaiyama nachgezeichnet.
Bipolar Electrochemistry
Authors: Fosdick Stephen E. , Knust Kyle N. , Scida Karen , Crooks Richard M.
Published: July 2013

A bipolar electrode (BPE) is an electrically conductive material that promotes electrochemical reactions at its extremities (poles) even in the absence of a direct ohmic contact. More specifically, when sufficient voltage is applied to an electrolyte solution in which a BPE is immersed, the potential difference between the BPE and the solution drives oxidation and reduction reactions. Because no direct electrical connection is required to activate redox reactions, large arrays of electrodes can be controlled with just a single DC power supply or even a battery. The wireless aspect of BPEs also makes it possible to electrosynthesize and screen novel materials for a wide variety of applications. Finally, bipolar electrochemistry enables mobile electrodes, dubbed microswimmers, that are able to move freely in solution.
Glycosylated membranes: A promising biomimetic material
Authors: Hu Meng‐Xin , Fang Yan , Xu Zhi‐Kang
Published: July 2013

Development in the area of glycosylated membranes has been actively pursued in the past few years. This kind of promising biomimetic material is inspired by cell membranes. The recent surge of interest in these glycosylated membranes stems from their widespread number of applications to many areas in science and technology. With the glycosylation strategy, membrane separation properties, such as flux and antifouling, are greatly improved. Moreover, the ability to modulate biocompatibility, protein recognition, separation of biomolecules, enzyme immobilization, cell culture, and microorganisms capture are important in a variety of biological and medical applications. This review focuses on the recent progress in the preparation of these glycosylated membranes and highlights their applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39658.
Nanocomposites based on thermoplastic polyurethane, millable polyurethane and organoclay: Effect of matrix composition and dynamic vulcanization
Authors: Barick Aruna Kumar , Chang Young‐Wook
Published: July 2013

Dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/millable polyurethane (MPU) blend nanocomposites, simple TPU/MPU blend nanocomposite, and TPU nanocomposite with 3 parts per hundred (phr) of organoclay were melt compounded in an internal mixer. Interfacial interactions between the organoclay and polyurethanes were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscope analysis, which revealed that the dispersion of organoclays significantly improved with increasing TPU content in the TPU/MPU blends and dynamic vulcanization process. Tensile test and dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the mechanical properties are improved with the TPU content in the TPU/MPU blends and dynamic vulcanization process. Both hardness and tension set of the samples decreased with increasing MPU content in the TPU/MPU blends. Thermal stability determined by thermo‐gravimetric analysis revealed that it increased with increase in TPU concentration in the samples. Differential scanning calorimetry study showed that the glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature (Tm), and melt crystallization temperature (Tc) of the samples were significantly affected by the blend composition and dynamic vulcanization. Dynamic melt rheology of the nanocomposite samples in the molten state revealed a pseudo solid‐like behavior as well as an enhanced shear thinning behavior, and the variation of the rheological properties are well correlated with blend compositions and morphology of the nanocomposites. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4014–4023, 2013
Study on polybenzoxazinone membrane in pervaporation processes
Authors: Pulyalina Alexandra , Polotskaya Galina , Goikhman Mikhail , Podeshvo Irina , Kalyuzhnaya Ludmila , Chislov Mikhail , Toikka Alexander
Published: July 2013

Poly(benz‐3,1‐oxazinone‐4) was prepared by thermal cyclization of its hydrolytically stable precursor polyamic acid. Both polymer and its precursor were investigated as membrane materials. Thermogravimetric analysis and contact angle measurements were carried out for characterization of peculiarity of membrane compositions and analysis of membrane surface. Pervaporation of water–isopropanol mixture was studied in the wide range of feed composition. To interpret the pervaporation transport properties of the membranes, swelling experiments were performed, kinetic curves of sorption and desorption were plotted, and basic sorption and diffusion parameters were analyzed. It was established that poly(benz‐3,1‐oxazinone‐4) membrane is extremely effective in dehydration of water–isopropanol mixture and shows high separation factor. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4024–4031, 2013
Synthesis and evaluation of P(AM‐b‐DADMAC) as fixative for dissolved and colloidal substances
Authors: Wang Lijun , Li Guodong , Zhang Yiqian , Xiao He
Published: July 2013

Acrylamide (AM) and diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride (DADMAC) block copolymer P(AM‐b‐DADMAC) was synthesized via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization method. The successful polymerization of controlled composition and polydispersity index of the block copolymer was confirmed by FTIR, 1H‐NMR, and size exclusion chromatography analyses. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis further confirmed the interaction between the trithioester groups of RAFT agent and alkenyl groups of AM and DADMAC in the final product. With turbidity, chemical oxygen demand and focused beam reflectance measurement measurements, the block copolymer was proved to be effective at fixing dissolved and colloidal substances onto papermaking fibers, thus removing these substances from the water phase where they have a tendency to aggregate and form troublesome deposits. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4040–4046, 2013
Facile preparation of shape memory polyurethanes by polyurethanes blending
Authors: Yang Shixing , Yuan Hongmin , Luo Jieling , Chen Shaojun , Ge Zaochuan , Chen Shiguo , Zheng Jiawei
Published: July 2013

This article presents a facile preparation method of shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) by polyurethane blending from commercial thermoplastic polyurethane (PUA) with designed polyurethane (PUB). Structure, morphology, and shape memory behaviors of SMPU blends are investigated systematically. The results show that the PUB and PUA are miscible in the SMPU blends. When the PUB content is higher than 40 wt %, the Tg of SMPU blends is adjusted to above room temperature. As the PUA content increases, the PUA phase changes gradually from a droplet‐like dispersion phase to continuous soft phase, whereas the PUB phase changes from a continuous hard phase to a droplet‐like dispersion hard phase. SMPU blends show good shape memory effect when the PUA is blended with more than 40 wt % PUB. Thus, the commercialization of SMPU can be promoted greatly through the polyurethane blending from the commercial thermoplastic polyurethanes with polyurethane containing higher hard segment content. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4047–4053, 2013
TheSwedish system of innovation: Regional synergies in a knowledge‐based economy
Authors: Leydesdorff Loet , Strand Øivind
Published: July 2013

Based on the complete set of firm data forSweden (N = 1,187,421;November 2011), we analyze the mutual information among the geographical, technological, and organizational distributions in terms of synergies at regional and national levels. Using this measure, the interaction among three dimensions can become negative and thus indicate a net export of uncertainty by a system or, in other words, synergy in how knowledge functions are distributed over the carriers. Aggregation at the regional level (NUTS3) of the data organized at the municipal level (NUTS5) shows that 48.5% of the regional synergy is provided by the 3 metropolitan regions of Stockholm,Gothenburg, andMalmö/Lund.Sweden can be considered a centralized and hierarchically organized system. Our results accord with other statistics, but this triple helix indicator measures synergy more specifically and quantitatively. The analysis also provides us with validation for using this measure in previous studies of more regionalized systems of innovation (such asHungary andNorway).
Conjugated Polyelectrolytes with Aggregation‐Enhanced Emission Characteristics: Synthesis and their Biological Applications
Authors: Hu Rongrong , Ye Ruquan , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Li Min , Leung Chris W. T. , Zhong Tang Ben
Published: July 2013

Conjugated polyelectrolytes are promising candidates for the construction of fluorescent bioprobes. In this study, a series of water‐soluble fluorescent polyelectrolytes have been designed and synthesized by means of the quaternization of their tetraphenylethene‐containing polyyne precursors. The polyynes can be facilely prepared through Hay–Glaser polycoupling in high yields (up to 99 %) with high molecular weights (up to 38 900). All the polymers exhibit a phenomenon of aggregation‐induced or ‐enhanced emission. The fluorimetric titrations of biomolecules such as heparin, calf thymus DNA, RNA, bovine serum albumin, and human serum albumin to buffer solutions of the polyelectrolytes suggest that they are promising fluorescent bioprobes with high sensitivity and fast response. The emission intensity of the polyelectrolytes is enhanced by up to sevenfold upon binding with biomolecules through electrostatic and hydrophobic cooperative interactions. The polyelectrolytes can also serve as fluorescent visualizers for intracellular imaging with good biocompatibility and low autofluorescence interference.
Systems‐wide analysis and engineering of metabolic pathway fluxes in bio‐succinate producing Basfia succiniciproducens
Authors: Becker Judith , Reinefeld Jasper , Stellmacher René , Schäfer Rudolf , Lange Anna , Meyer Hanna , Lalk Michael , Zelder Oskar , von Abendroth Gregory , Schröder Hartwig , Haefner Stefan , Wittmann Christoph
Published: July 2013

Basfia succiniciproducens has been recently isolated as novel producer for succinate, an important platform chemical. In batch culture, the wild type exhibited a high natural yield of 0.75 mol succinate (mol glucose)−1. Systems‐wide 13C metabolic flux analysis identified undesired fluxes through pyruvate‐formate lyase (PflD) and lactate dehydrogenase (LdhA). The double deletion strain B. succiniciproducens ΔldhA ΔpflD revealed a 45% improved product yield of 1.08 mol mol−1. In addition, metabolic flux analysis unraveled the parallel in vivo activity of the oxidative and reductive branch of the TCA cycle in B. succiniciproducens, whereby the oxidative part mainly served for anabolism. The wild type re‐directed surplus NADH via a cycle involving malic enzyme or via transhydrogenase, respectively, to supply NADPH for anabolism, because the fluxes through the oxidative PPP and isocitrate dehydrogenase, that also provide this cofactor, were not sufficient. This was not observed for the deletion mutants, B. succiniciproducens ΔpflD and ΔldhA ΔpflD, where PPP and isocitrate dehydrogenase flux alone matched with the reduced anabolic NADPH demand. The integration of the production performance into the theoretical flux space, computed by elementary flux mode analysis, revealed that B. succiniciproducens ΔldhA ΔpflD reached 62% of the theoretical maximum yield. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013;110: 3013–3023. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Randomized clinical trial of stents versus angioplasty for the treatment of iliac artery occlusions (STAG trial)
Authors: Goode S D , Cleveland T J , Gaines P A
Published: July 2013

Background

The management of total iliac artery occlusion is now undertaken routinely using percutaneous techniques but there are no controlled data to indicate whether either balloon angioplasty or stent placement is preferable. This was a multicentre randomized trial to assess whether stents confer any safety or efficacy advantage over balloon angioplasty for complete iliac artery occlusion.

Methods

Six participating centres recruited patients with symptoms of lower limb peripheral arterial disease due to iliac artery occlusion 8 cm or less in length. Patients were assigned randomly to either percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA group) or primary stent placement (stent group) alone after the lesion had been traversed with a guidewire.

Results

There were 118 patients recruited to the study; six were excluded from the analysis owing to major protocol violations, leaving a total of 112 patients for analysis. Some 55 patients had PTA and 57 had a primary iliac stent. Technical success was achieved in 46 patients (84 per cent) in the PTA group and 56 (98 per cent) in the stent group (P = 0·007). There were 11 (20 per cent) major procedural complications after PTA compared with three (5 per cent) after primary stenting (P = 0·010). There were no significant differences in primary or secondary patency between the groups after 1 and 2 years.

Conclusion

Primary stent placement for iliac artery occlusion increased technical success and reduced major procedural complications (predominantly distal embolization) compared with balloon angioplasty. Registration number: ISRCTN 48145465 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).
Long-term clinical effectiveness of supervised exercise therapy versus endovascular revascularization for intermittent claudication from a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Fakhry F , Rouwet E V , den Hoed P T , Hunink M G M , Spronk S
Published: July 2013

Background

Long-term comparisons of supervised exercise therapy (SET) and endovascular revascularization (ER) for patients with intermittent claudication are scarce. The long-term clinical effectiveness of SET and ER was assessed in patients from a randomized trial.

Methods

Consenting patients with intermittent claudication were assigned randomly to either SET or ER. Outcome measures on functional performance (pain-free and maximum walking distance, ankle : brachial pressure index), quality of life (QoL) and number of secondary interventions were measured at baseline and after approximately 7 years of follow-up. Repeated-measurement and Kaplan–Meier methods were used to analyse the data on an intention-to treat-basis.

Results

A total of 151 patients were randomized initially to either SET or ER. After 7 years, functional performance (P < 0·001) and QoL (P ≤ 0·005) had improved after both SET and ER. Long-term comparison showed no differences between the two treatments, except in the secondary intervention rate, which was significantly higher after SET (P = 0·001). Nevertheless, the total number of endovascular and surgical interventions (primary and secondary) remained higher after ER (P < 0·001).

Conclusion

In the longer term, SET-first or ER-first treatment strategies were equally effective in improving functional performance and QoL in patients with intermittent claudication. The substantially higher number of invasive interventions in the ER-first group supports a SET-first treatment strategy for intermittent claudication. Registration number: NTR199 (http://www.trialregister.nl).
Sulfur‐Bridged BODIPY DYEmers
Authors: Ahrens Johannes , Böker Birte , Brandhorst Kai , Funk Markus , Bröring Martin
Published: July 2013

Reactions of BODIPY monomers with sulfur nucleophiles and electrophiles result in the formation of new BODIPY dimers. Mono‐ and disulfur bridges are established, and the new dyestuff molecules were studied with respect to their structural, optical, and electrochemical properties. X‐ray diffraction analyses reveal individual angulated orientations of the BODIPY subunits in all cases. DFT calculations provide solution conformers of the DYEmers which deviate in a specific manner from the crystallographic results. Clear exciton‐like splittings are observed in the absorption spectra, with maxima at up to 628 nm, in combination with the expected weak fluorescence in polar solvents. A strong communication between the BODIPY subunits was detected by cyclic voltammetry, where two separated one‐electron oxidation and reduction waves with peak‐to‐peak potential differences of 120–400 mV are observed. The qualitative applicability of the exciton model by Kasha for the interpretation of the absorption spectral shape with respect to the conformational state, subunit orientation and distance, and conjugation through the different sulfur bridges, is discussed in detail for the new BODIPY derivatives. This work is part of our concept of DYEmers, where the covalent oligomerisation of BODIPY‐type dye molecules with close distances is leading to new functional dyes with predictable properties.
cine‐Substitution Reactions of Metallabenzenes: An Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Wang Tongdao , Zhang Hong , Han Feifei , Long Lipeng , Lin Zhenyang , Xia Haiping
Published: July 2013

Alkali‐resistant osmabenzene [(SCN)2(PPh3)2Os{CHC(PPh3)CHCICH}] (2) can undergo nucleophilic aromatic substitution with MeOH or EtOH to give cine‐substitution products [(SCN)2(PPh3)2Os{CHC(PPh3)CHCHCR}] (R=OMe (3), OEt(4)) in the presence of strong alkali. However, the reactions of compound 2 with various amines, such as n‐butylamine and aniline, afford five‐membered ring species, [(SCN)2(PPh3)2Os{CHC(PPh3)CHC(CHNHR′)}] (R′=nBu(8), Ph(9)), in addition to the desired cine‐substitution products, [(SCN)2(PPh3)2Os{CHC(PPh3)CHCHC(NHR′)}] (R′=nBu(6), Ph(7)), under similar reaction conditions. The mechanisms of these reactions have been investigated in detail with the aid of isotopic labeling experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results reveal that the cine‐substitution reactions occur through nucleophilic addition, dissociation of the leaving group, protonation, and deprotonation steps, which resemble the classical “addition‐of‐nucleophile, ring‐opening, ring‐closure” (ANRORC) mechanism. DFT calculations suggest that, in the reaction with MeOH, the formation of a five‐membered metallacycle species is both kinetically and thermodynamically less favorable, which is consistent with the experimental results that only the cine‐substitution product is observed. For the analogous reaction with n‐butylamine, the pathway for the formation of the cine‐substitution product is kinetically less favorable than the pathway for the formation of a five‐membered ring species, but is much more thermodynamically favorable, again consistent with the experimental conversion of compound 8 into compound 6, which is observed in an in situ NMR experiment with an isolated pure sample of 8.
Bond‐Forming Reactions of Small Triply Charged Cations with Neutral Molecules
Authors: Fletcher James D. , Parkes Michael A. , Price Stephen D.
Published: July 2013

Time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry reveals that atomic and small molecular triply charged cations exhibit extensive bond‐forming chemistry, following gas‐phase collisions with neutral molecules. These experiments show that at collision energies of a few eV, I3+ reacts with a variety of small molecules to generate molecular monocations and molecular dications containing iodine. Xe3+ and CS23+ react in a similar manner to I3+, undergoing bond‐forming reactions with neutrals. A simple model, involving relative product energetics and electrostatic interaction potentials, is used to account for the observed reactivity.