bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple and effective method for quantifying spatial anisotropy of time series of precipitation fields
Authors: Niemi Tero J. , Kokkonen Teemu , Seed Alan W.
Published: July 2014

The spatial shape of a precipitation event has an important role in determining the catchment's hydrological response to a storm. To be able to generate stochastic design storms with a realistic spatial structure, the anisotropy of the storm has to be quantified. In this paper, a method is proposed to estimate the anisotropy of precipitation fields, using the concept of linear Generalized Scale Invariance (GSI). The proposed method is based on identifying the values of GSI parameters that best describe isolines of constant power on the two‐dimensional power spectrum of the fields. The method is evaluated using two sets of simulated fields with known anisotropy and a measured precipitation event with an unknown anisotropy from Brisbane, Australia. It is capable of accurately estimating the anisotropy parameters of simulated nonzero fields, whereas introducing the rain‐no rain intermittency alters the power spectra of the fields and slightly reduces the accuracy of the parameter estimates. The parameters estimated for the measured event correspond well with the visual observations on the spatial structure of the fields. The method requires minimum amount of decision making and user interaction, making it suitable for analyzing anisotropy of storm events consisting of long time series of fields with a changing spatial structure.
Characterizing the diurnal patterns of errors in the prediction of evapotranspiration by several land‐surface models: An NACP analysis
Authors: Matheny Ashley M. , Bohrer Gil , Stoy Paul C. , Baker Ian T. , Black Andy T. , Desai Ankur R. , Dietze Michael C. , Gough Chris M. , Ivanov Valeriy Y. , Jassal Rachhpal S. , Novick Kimberly A. , Schäfer Karina V. R. , Verbeeck Hans
Published: July 2014

Land‐surface models use different formulations of stomatal conductance and plant hydraulics, and it is unclear which type of model best matches the observed surface‐atmosphere water flux. We use the North American Carbon Program data set of latent heat flux (LE) measurements from 25 sites and predictions from 9 models to evaluate models' ability to resolve subdaily dynamics of transpiration. Despite overall good forecast at the seasonal scale, the models have difficulty resolving the dynamics of intradaily hysteresis. The majority of models tend to underestimate LE in the prenoon hours and overestimate in the evening. We hypothesize that this is a result of unresolved afternoon stomatal closure due to hydrodynamic stresses. Although no model or stomata parameterization was consistently best or worst in terms of ability to predict LE, errors in model‐simulated LE were consistently largest and most variable when soil moisture was moderate and vapor pressure deficit was moderate to limiting. Nearly all models demonstrate a tendency to underestimate the degree of maximum hysteresis which, across all sites studied, is most pronounced during moisture‐limited conditions. These diurnal error patterns are consistent with models' diminished ability to accurately simulate the natural hysteresis of transpiration. We propose that the lack of representation of plant hydrodynamics is, in part, responsible for these error patterns.
Clinically Important Changes in Short Form 36 Health Survey Scales for Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials: The Impact of Low Responsiveness
Authors: Ward Michael M. , Guthrie Lori C. , Alba Maria I.
Published: July 2014

Objective

Despite wide use of the Short‐Form 36 (SF‐36) health survey in clinical trials of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), estimates of minimum clinically important improvement (MCII) for its scales are not well‐established. We estimated MCIIs for SF‐36 scales in patients with active RA.

Methods

In this prospective longitudinal study, we studied 243 patients who had active RA and who completed the SF‐36 before and after treatment escalation. We first assessed responsiveness with standardized response means (SRMs). For scales with adequate responsiveness (SRM ≥0.50), we used patient judgments of improvement in arthritis status as anchors for estimating MCIIs. We used receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to identify the MCIIs as the change associated with a specificity of 0.80 for improvement.

Results

Patients had substantial improvement in RA activity with treatment. However, among SF‐36 scales, only the physical functioning and bodily pain scales and the physical component summary had adequate responsiveness. Using 0.80 specificity for improvement as the criterion, the MCIIs were 7.1 for the physical functioning scale, 4.9 for the bodily pain scale, and 7.2 for the physical component summary.

Conclusion

Low responsiveness precluded estimation of valid MCIIs for many SF‐36 scales in patients with RA, particularly the scales assessing mental health. Although the SF‐36 has been included in many clinical trials to broaden the assessment of health status, low responsiveness limits the interpretation of changes in its mental health–related scales.
Chain Extension and Foaming Behavior of Poly(lactic acid) by Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Chain Extender
Authors: Wang Xiangdong , Zhou Hongfu , Liu Bengang , Du Zhongjie , Li Hangquan
Published: July 2014

A nanocomposited biofoam consisting of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), a chain extender with multi‐epoxy groups (CEME), and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was prepared by a batch foam process. First of all, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was directly grafted onto the surface of MWCNTs by in situ polymerization. And then, the modified MWCNTs, CEME, and PLA were reacted by melt mixing through the esterification reaction between the epoxy groups of the CEME and the carboxyl groups of PAA or PLA. Finally, the resultant nanocomposites were foamed in a high‐pressure stainless steel autoclave using CO2 as a physical blowing agent. The functionalized MWCNTs were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The crystallization and rheological properties of various samples were examined by a differential scanning calorimeter, rotational rheometer, and torque rheometer, respectively. The foaming properties of various samples were characterized by a scanning electron microscope and densimeter. It was found that the volume expansion ratio of modified MWCNT/PLA foam with a uniform cell size reached nearly 10 times.
A double‐blind randomized controlled trial of oxytocin nasal spray in Prader Willi syndrome
Authors: Einfeld Stewart L. , Smith Ellie , McGregor Iain S. , Steinbeck Kate , Taffe John , Rice Lauren J. , Horstead Siân K. , Rogers Naomi , Hodge M. Antoinette , Guastella Adam J.
Published: July 2014

Individuals with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) have a significant reduction in the number of oxytocin‐producing neurons (42%) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. A number of animal studies and observations of humans show that lesions in this region can produce PWS‐like symptoms. Given the evidence for potential oxytocin deficiency, we tested the effects of a course of intranasal oxytocin on PWS symptoms. Thirty individuals with PWS aged 12–30 years participated in an 18‐week randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled crossover trial. Participants received 8 weeks of oxytocin and 8 weeks of placebo with a minimum 2‐week washout period. The first 11 participants received the following oxytocin doses: 24 IU (twice daily) B.I.D for participants 16 years and over and 18 IU B.I.D for participants 13–15 years. The dose was increased for the remaining 18 participants to 40 IU B.I.D for participants 16 years and over and 32 IU B.I.D for 13–15 years. Measures used to assess changes were standardized well‐accepted measures, including the Developmental Behavior Checklist—Monitor, Parent, Teacher, and Adult; The Yale‐Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale; The Dykens Hyperphagia questionnaire; Reading The Mind in the Eyes Test; Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Movie Stills. Oxytocin had little impact on any measure. The only significant difference found between the baseline, oxytocin, and placebo measures was an increase in temper outbursts (P = 0.023) with higher dose oxytocin. The lack of effect of oxytocin nasal spray may reflect the importance of endogenous release of oxytocin in response to exogenous oxytocin. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Superhydrophobic durable coating based on UV‐photoreactive silica nanoparticles
Authors: Nahum Tehila , Dodiuk Hanna , Dotan Anna , Kenig Shmuel , Lellouche Jean Paul
Published: July 2014

Superhydrophobic surfaces can be obtained by tailoring both the chemistry and roughness topography, mimicking the Lotus leaf characteristics. Most of the synthetic superhydrophobic surfaces reported have been composed of micro and nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in polymer‐based coatings. The particles which tailor the topography are bonded to the base polymers by weak secondary forces. Consequently, the topography integrity is highly affected by handling and surface drag making them unsuitable for long term applications. This work is focused on promoting covalent bonding between the NPs and the base polymer to obtain durable superhydrophobic surfaces. The rough topography was achieved by ultraviolet (UV) curing of SiO2 NPs containing a photoreactive benzophenone moiety in addition to methylated fumed silica NPs which can bind covalently to the polymer base coating, on UV radiation. The hydrophobic chemistry was obtained by fluoroalkylsilane top coating. Coating durability was evaluated using surface air drag and accelerated weathering conditions (UV radiation, humidity and temperature). Results indicated that the proposed approach resulted in superhydrophobic surfaces having high contact angle (>150°) and low sliding angle (<10°) with improved long term durability. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41122.
Analysis of the Steps in Single‐Molecule Photobleaching Traces by Using the Hidden Markov Model and Maximum‐Likelihood Clustering
Authors: Yuan Jinghe , He Kangmin , Cheng Ming , Yu Jianqiang , Fang Xiaohong
Published: July 2014

The step analysis of single‐molecule photobleaching data offers a new approach for studying protein stoichiometry under physiological conditions. As such, it is important to develop suitable algorithms that can accurately extract the step events from the noisy single‐molecule data. Herein, we report a HMM method that combines maximum‐likelihood clustering for initializing the emission‐probability distribution of the HMMs with an extended silhouette clustering criterion for estimating the state number of single molecules. In this way, the limitations of standard HMM in terms of processing typical single‐molecule data with a short sequence are overcome. By using this method, the number and time points of the step events are automatically determined, without the introduction of any subjectivity. Simulation experiments on the experimental photobleaching data indicate that our method is very effective and robust in the analysis of single‐molecule fluorescence photobleaching curves if the signal/noise ratio is larger than 2:1. This method was employed for processing photobleaching data that were obtained from single‐molecule fluorescence imaging of transforming growth factor typeII receptors on a cell surface. This method is also expected to be applicable to the analysis of other stepwise events.
Modern Synthetic Tools Toward the Preparation of Sophisticated Phthalocyanine‐Based Photoactive Systems
Authors: Ragoussi Maria‐Eleni , Torres Tomás
Published: July 2014

Phthalocyanines are ideal components in a variety of electronic applications due to their extraordinary photophysical characteristics combined with their synthetic versatility and robustness. They have attracted substantial attention in recent decades and are now established building blocks of sophisticated molecular materials. Synthetically, a great deal of this progress is attributed to the use of modern synthetic tools, which gave rise to phthalocyanine‐based systems that could not have been envisaged in the past. In particular, Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions, together with other transition‐metal‐catalyzed procedures, “click” chemistry, and ruthenium metathesis have been employed extensively en route to an abundant range of elaborate phthalocyanine mono‐ and multicomponent photoactive architectures. Herein, we describe the synthesis of a selection of key examples that are representative in certain optoelectronic applications.
Enhanced production of d‐lactic acid by Sporolactobacillus sp.Y2–8 mutant generated by atmospheric and room temperature plasma
Authors: Sun Jiaduo , Wang Yan , Wu Bin , Bai Zhongzhong , He Bingfang
Published: July 2014

To improve the production of d‐lactic acid, atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) was used to generate mutations in Sporolactobacillus sp. Y2–8. An efficient mutant YBS1–5 was rapidly isolated by implanting ARTP twice with a 100 W radio‐frequency power input, 10 standard liters per minute of the helium flow, and a 2 mm treatment distance. Significant improvement of d‐lactic acid productivity (1.39 g L−1 H−1) by YBS1–5 was achieved, and it was 41.84% higher than the productivity (0.98 g L−1 H−1) of Y2–8. Moreover, the dry cell weight of YBS1–5 was 16.7% higher than that of Y2–8. Metabolic activities of concerned substrates related with key enzymes of d‐lactic acid fermentation were analyzed by Biolog approach. Results showed that the activities of the key enzymes glucokinase and d‐lactate dehydrogenase in mutant YBS1–5 were increased by approximately 45% and 66%, respectively, in comparison with those of the strain Y2–8. Fed‐batch fermentation further improved the productivity; 127 g L−1 d‐lactic acid in 74 H by YBS1–5 with higher productivity (1.72 g L−1 H−1) was achieved. The subculture experiments indicated that YBS1–5 was genetically stable after eight generations.
Synthetisch gebundene offenporige Zwischenschichten zur gezielten Temperierung von Straßen im Winter
Authors: Schacht Andreas , Munk Maximilian , Busen Christian , Oeser Markus
Published: July 2014

Verkehr ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil einer modernen Gesellschaft. Der Transport von Waren auf der Straße stellt den mit Abstand größten Teil der Verkehrsleistung dar, sodass dieser jederzeit durch geeignete Verfahren, auch unter ungünstigen Wetterverhältnissen in den Wintermonaten, aufrecht zu erhalten ist. Eine Möglichkeit ist die Temperierung von Asphaltbefestigungen mithilfe eines Fluids, wodurch den maßgebenden Unfallursachen im Winter, wie beispielsweise Glätte durch Regen/Schnee/Eis, die einen erheblichen volkswirtschaftlichen Schaden durch Verkehrsbehinderung verursachen, entgegengewirkt wird.

Die gezielte Temperierung der Asphaltbefestigung in den Wintermonaten ist keine neue Erfindung. Derzeit wird die Temperierung üblicherweise mittels eines in die Asphaltbefestigung eingebauten Rohrregisters, welches von einem Fluid durchflossen wird, ermöglicht. Doch haben Rohrsysteme im Asphalt Nachteile in der Verarbeitung und in ihrer wirtschaftlichen Bereitstellung. Daher wurde in den vorliegenden Untersuchungen der Einsatz einer offenporigen Asphaltzwischenschicht, die ähnlich dem o. g. Konzept von einem Fluid zwecks Temperierung durchflossen wird, grundlegend betrachtet. Hierbei wurde insbesondere der Einsatz synthetisch gebundener Zwischenschichten untersucht. Gegenstand der Untersuchungen sind neben der bautechnischen Umsetzbarkeit derartiger Zwischenschichten auch Aspekte hinsichtlich der Dauerhaftigkeit, des Verformungsverhaltens, der Wasserdurchlässigkeit und der thermischen Wirksamkeit des Konzeptes.

Application of porous interlayer for targeted road temperature control

Traffic is an essential component of modern society. The transportation of goods on roads represents by far the biggest part of the traffic capacity; as a result, this must always be maintained through appropriate procedures, also under unfavourable weather conditions in the winter season. One possible way is the temperature control of the surface with a kind of liquid. With this method, the decisive accident causes in winter, such as slipperiness through rain, snow and ice, which result in great economic damage through hindering the transport, can be counteracted. The conception of temperature control on asphalt road is not brand‐new. At the moment, the temperature control is typically achieved by installing tubes assembly, in which a kind of liquid flows. However, the tube system has disadvantages in fabrication and the economical provision. Therefore in this research the concept of porous asphalt interlayer was considered, which is similar to the above method flow through with a liquid. Apart from the porous asphalt interlayer, further applications with polyurethane binding interlayer were investigated. Objects of the investigation were the construction practicability of this porous interlayer and the aspects of durability, deformation behavior, water permeability and the thermal effectiveness of this concept.
Entwicklung verschleißarmer Fahrbahnübergänge
Authors: Lachinger Stefan , Spielhofer Roland , Strauss Alfred , Zimmermann Thomas , Kleiser Michael
Published: July 2014

Durch ihre Position im Bauwerk werden Fahrbahnübergangskonstruktionen an Brücken hochdynamisch belastet. Zudem treten in den letzten Jahren aufgrund der Altersstruktur vermehrt Sanierungen in den Vordergrund. Ziel des Forschungsprojektes EVAF – Entwicklung verschleißarmer Fahrbahnübergänge – ist es, ausgehend von einer Analyse der Einwirkungen und der daraus resultierenden Schäden, Lösungsansätze für robuste, wartungsarme bzw. mit geringem Aufwand instand zu setzende Technologien für Fahrbahnübergangskonstruktionen zu finden. Das Projekt wird in einer Auftragnehmergemeinschaft von der MAGEBA GmbH, der Universität für Bodenkultur (BOKU) und vom Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) durchgeführt.

In einem ersten Beitrag wurden die Ergebnisse der Schadenserhebung und Sensitivitätsanalysen an Fahrbahnübergangskonstruktionen (FÜK) gezeigt. Dieser Beitrag stellt die Ergebnisse der mobilen Datenerfassung von FÜK sowie der Analyse dynamischer Einwirkungen durch Fahrbahnunebenheiten vor.

Development of low‐wear road expansion joints – Research project EVAF – Mobile collection of data – Analysis of dynamic impacts

Road expansion joints are dynamically high loaded structural elements due to their exposed position. Repair and maintenance actions on road expansion joints have become more and more important over the last years. Goal of the research project EVAF – Development of low‐wear road expansion joints – is, based on analysis of the impact and resulting damages, the development of solutions for robust and low‐maintenance road expansion joints. The project is carried out in collaboration between the industrial partner Mageba and the research partners AIT (Austrian Institute of Technology) and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna.

A first publication about the project in this journal showed the results of damage evaluation and sensitivity analysis. This publication presents the results from the mobile collection of data and the numerical evaluation of the dynamic impact on road expansion joints.
Gebäudehüllen – Wie weiter?
Authors: Sobek Werner
Published: July 2014

Das Bauwesen trägt einen wesentlichen Anteil am aktuellen Ressourcenverbrauch und den daraus resultierenden Umweltfolgen. In den vergangenen Jahren gab es zwar wichtige Schritte hin zu mehr Energieeffizienz in der Gebäudehülle – die bislang für die energetische Sanierung verwendeten Maßnahmen sind aber viel zu ressourcen‐ und kostenintensiv, als dass sie in der erforderlichen Zeit tatsächlich durchgeführt werden könnten. Neben der Suche nach alternativen Lösungen muss auch eine Änderung der Bezugsgröße in Angriff genommen werden – es muss nicht nur der Energieverbrauch pro Quadratmeter, sondern auch (und v. a.) der pro Kopf betrachtet und bewertet werden. Dieser Paradigmenwechsel ist eine wichtige Ergänzung der technischen Entwicklungen, die im Bereich der Gebäudehüllen zu verzeichnen sind. Diverse Neuerungen zeigen, wie sich unsere Gebäudehüllen entwickeln können, um künftigen Anforderungen an Komfort, Effizienz und Ressourceneinsparung gerecht zu werden.
Elastische Lagerung von Gebäuden zum Schutz vor Einwirkungen aus Schienenverkehr
Authors: Appel Silke , Biskup Michael
Published: July 2014

In Berlin‐Grunewald, auf dem Gelände des ehemaligen Güterbahnhofs, erfolgte die Planung und Errichtung einer Vielzahl hochwertiger drei‐ bzw. viergeschossiger Ein‐ und Mehrfamilienhäuser. Die Neubauten weisen hierbei teilweise sehr geringe Abstände zu den noch in Betrieb befindlichen Gleisanlagen nördlich des Baugrundstückes auf. Im Zuge von messtechnischen und rechnerischen Untersuchungen wurden für eine Reihe der von privaten Investoren geplanten Gebäude die infolge des Schienenverkehrs zu erwartenden Schwingungsimmissionen und sekundären Luftschalleinträge prognostiziert. Anhand von numerischen Simulationen erfolgte die Dimensionierung von Schwingungsminderungsmaßnahmen in Form konstruktiver Aussteifungen bzw. elastischer Lagerungen der Bauwerke. Für die effektive Dimensionierung einer elastischen Gebäudelagerung müssen Parameter wie die Nachgiebigkeit des anstehenden Untergrundes, das Schwingungsverhalten des Bauwerkes sowie die elastischen Eigenschaften der verwendeten Materialien Berücksichtigung finden. Durchgeführte Schwingungsmessungen in zwei der errichteten Einfamilienhäuser gaben Aufschluss über den Erfolg der getroffenen Maßnahmen. So konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass mithilfe einer detailliert geplanten elastischen Gebäudelagerung die Schwingungs‐ und folgend auch die sekundären Luftschallimmissionen um mehr als 12 dB reduziert werden konnten.

Elastic bedding of buildings for protection against emissions from railroad traffic

In Berlin‐Grunewald, on the area of a former freight depot, a large number of premium three‐floor or four‐floor houses or apartment buildings was planned and erected.

Some of the new buildings are very close to the railroad line which is located to the north of the building site. For a number of buildings, measurements and calculative analyses were carried out in order to predict the impact of vibrations and secondary airborne sound due to railway traffic. By means of numeric simulations, vibration isolation measures were dimensioned in the form of structural reinforcements or elastic bedding of the construction. For an effective design of elastic bedding measures, parameters to be considered are e. g. the soil resilience, the construction's vibrational behavior, and the elastic properties of the materials. Vibration measurements in two of the one‐family buildings could be used in order to quantify the success of measures. Thus, evidence was provided that with the detailed planning of elastic beddings, the vibration immission as well as the secondary airborne sound could be reduced by more than 12 dB.
Erfolgreicher Einsatz von pultrudierten GFK‐Profilen in Architektur und Ingenieurbau auf Grundlage der ersten Allgemeinen Bauaufsichtlichen Zulassung
Authors: Oppe Matthias , Trumpf Heiko
Published: July 2014

Die Firma Fiberline Composites A/S hat im Dezember 2011 die Allgemeine Bauaufsichtliche Zulassung Z‐10.9‐299 für pultrudierte glasfaserverstärkte Kunststoffprofile (GFK‐Profile) vom Deutschen Institut für Bautechnik in Berlin erlangt. Weitreichende theoretische Untersuchungen und umfangreiche Versuchsreihen bilden die Grundlage dieser Zulassung. Architekten und Ingenieure können nun direkt eine breite Palette an GFK‐Konstruktionsprofilen im Hoch‐ und Ingenieurbau einsetzen. Experimentelle Untersuchungen und eine gutachterliche Stellungnahme bzw. Zustimmung im Einzelfall (ZiE) sowie eine projektbezogene Fremdüberwachung sind nicht mehr erforderlich. Bestandteil der Allgemeinen Bauaufsichtlichen Zulassung ist neben umfangreichen Angaben zu den Materialkennwerten ein umfassendes Bemessungskonzept mit normativem Charakter. In den vergangenen Jahren wurden bereits diverse Projekte auf Grundlage dieser Allgemeinen Bauaufsichtlichen Zulassung erfolgreich umgesetzt. Im Fokus dieses Beitrags stehen die Vorstellung des Bemessungskonzeptes auf der Grundlage dieser Allgemeinen Bauaufsichtlichen Zulassung, erweiterte Berechnungsansätze und die Vorstellung bereits in Deutschland umgesetzter ausgewählter Projekte.

Successful implementation of pultruded (GFRP) profiles in architecture and civil engineering based on the first official general technical approval

Pultruded Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) profiles developed by the firm Fiberline Composites A/S were granted a general technical approval (no. Z‐10.9‐299) by the German Institute for Building Technology in Berlin in December 2011. This approval is based on extensive theoretical analysis as well as a series of rigorous experiments. Architects and engineers are now able to implement a wide variety of GFRP profiles within the construction and civil engineering fields without the need for elaborate experimental investigations or experts' appraisals, or requiring explicit individual approvals or external monitoring of projects. The technical approval is subject not only to extensive information of material characteristics and properties, but also to a comprehensive design concept based on relevant codes and standards. Several diverse projects have been successfully completed in recent years due to the issuing of the general technical approval. This article focuses on the underlying design concept developed based on this technical approval, extended design checks as well as showcases of some selected national projects realized in Germany.
Diethyl Tartrate Linked Chiral Macrocyclic Manganese(III)–Salen Complex for Enantioselective Epoxidation of Olefins and Oxidative Kinetic Resolution of Racemic Secondary Alcohols
Authors: Maity Nabin Ch. , Kumar Bera Prasanta , Saravanan S. , Abdi Sayed H. R. , Kureshy Rukhsana I. , Khan Noor‐ul H. , Bajaj Hari C.
Published: July 2014

A diethyl tartrate linked chiral macrocyclic manganese(III)–salen (salen=N,N′‐ethylenebis(salicylimine)) complex has been used for the enantioselective epoxidation of nonfunctionalized alkenes, namely, indene and chromenes, as well as oxidative kinetic resolution of racemic alcohols. For the epoxidation reaction, a 2.5 mol % catalyst loading in the presence of pyridine N‐oxide as an axial ligand and urea–H2O2 adduct as an oxidant gave respective epoxides in high yield (>97 %) and enantiomeric excess (ee, up to 92 %). The same catalyst at a loading of 1.5 mol % has provided enantioenriched (ee up to 97 %) secondary alcohols through oxidative kinetic resolution of racemic alcohols. The catalyst can be recovered and reused up to four times with no loss in performance.
Links between sediment structures and ecological processes in the hyporheic zone: ground‐penetrating radar as a non‐invasive tool to detect subsurface biologically active zones
Authors: Mermillod‐Blondin Florian , Winiarski Thierry , Foulquier Arnaud , Perrissin Anne , Marmonier Pierre
Published: July 2014

At the scale of geomorphological units (riffles, pools, and gravel bars), the contribution of the hyporheic zone to the functioning of streams and rivers depends on the hydrological exchanges between surface water and groundwater. These exchanges are largely controlled by sediment structure and texture, which are difficult to assess with classical methods (shovelling and freeze coring). We aimed to evaluate the ability of a non‐destructive method, ground‐penetrating radar (GPR), to detect sediment structures associated with subsurface biologically active zones in a gravel‐bed river. After GPR data acquisition and processing, a three‐dimensional reconstruction of a gravel bar permitted the identification of two sediment facies: a cobble/gravel lithofacies denoted as ‘coarse’ and a sand/gravel lithofacies denoted as ‘fine’. We installed piezometers along two longitudinal profiles (each corresponding to a lithofacies identified by GPR) and monitored hydraulic head and temperature for 20 days. Water and sediments were sampled along the two profiles to measure water physicochemistry, sediment characteristics, bacterial abundance and activity, and interstitial invertebrate assemblages. These measurements confirmed that the two profiles were characterized by distinct hydrological flow rates and associated biological activities. Rapid water transport in the coarse profile fuelled the hyporheic zone with organic matter, whereas water and organic matter supplies were lower in the fine profile. Consequently, the higher supply of organic matter in the coarse profile was associated with higher microbial activities and invertebrate density and diversity. Therefore, GPR could be an efficient tool to detect the sediment features playing a key role in hyporheic zone functioning. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Role of Residual Charges in the Interaction between NpO2+ and Th4+ Cations: Spectrophotometric and Computational Studies
Authors: Verma Parveen Kumar , Pathak Priyanath , Bhattacharyya Arunasis , Prabhu Dattaprasad Ravaji , Ghanty Tapan Kumar , Mohapatra Prasanta Kumar
Published: July 2014

Spectrophotometric investigations have been carried out in order to understand the interaction of NpO2+ (8.5 × 10–5 M) with Th4+ under varying conditions of nitric acid (1–6 M HNO3), thorium concentrations (up to 0.86 M), and temperature (293–343 K). These studies show the appearance of the signature peak of NpIV (ca. 964 nm) in addition to those responsible for the NpO2+ species (980 nm) and the NpO2+–Th4+ complex (ca. 994 nm). The intensity of the NpIV peak increases with increasing temperature, while that of the NpV peak decreases. The Th interaction is noticed at higher ThIV concentrations, which explains the reason for neglecting the NpV–NpIV interactions. The variation of the stability constant data with temperature suggests both exothermic (at low acidity) and endothermic nature of interactions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have shown that the NpO2+–Th4+ interaction is stronger than that of the NpO2+–UO22+ one, which has been attributed to high positive charge on the Th4+ ions.
The Side Chain Makes the Difference: Investigation of the 2D Self‐Assembly of 1,3,5‐Tris[4‐(4‐pyridinyl)phenyl]benzene Derivatives by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
Authors: Trawny Daniel , Vandromme Lucie , Rabe Jürgen P. , Reissig Hans‐Ulrich
Published: July 2014

Flexible and straightforward syntheses of a series of D3h‐ or C3h‐symmetrical star‐shaped compounds with pyridine end groups are reported. In all cases, the acid‐mediated cyclocondensations of the corresponding aryl methyl ketone provided the central benzene ring. For the preceding preparation of the functionalized compound arms, Suzuki couplings were applied. The crucial introduction of the pyridine C‐2 and C‐6 substituents occurred by Fe(acac)3‐catalyzed alkylations (acac = acetylacetonate). The preparation of the C3‐symmetrical compound involved an alternating sequence of halogenations and coupling reactions. The self‐assembly behavior of the four resulting star‐shaped compounds at the interface between 1‐phenyloctane and the basal plane of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) was studied by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). We found self‐assembled monolayers with structures strongly dependent on the substitution patterns of the investigated compounds. The reduction of the symmetry from a D3h‐ to a C3h‐symmetrical compound led to an entirely different self‐assembly behavior with the change from a hexagonal to a lamellar arrangement.
Two‐dimensional numerical modeling for separation of deformable cells using dielectrophoresis
Authors: Ye Ting , Li Hua , Lam K. Y.
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we numerically explore the possibility of separating two groups of deformable cells, by a very small dielectrophoretic (DEP) microchip with the characteristic length of several cell diameters. A 2D two‐fluid model is developed to describe the separation process, where three types of forces are considered, the aggregation force for cell–cell interaction, the deformation force for cell deformation, and the DEP force for cell dielectrophoresis. As a model validation, we calculate the levitation height of a cell subject to DEP force, and compare it with the experimental data. After that, we simulate the separation of two groups of cells with different dielectric properties at high and low frequencies, respectively. The simulation results show that the deformable cells can be separated successfully by a very small DEP microchip, according to not only their different permittivities at the high frequency, but also their different conductivities at the low frequency. In addition, both two groups of cells have a shape deformation from an original shape to a lopsided slipper shape during the separation process. It is found that the cell motion is mainly determined by the DEP force arising from the electric field, causing the cells to deviate from the centerline of microchannel. However, the cell deformation is mainly determined by the deformation force arising from the fluid flow, causing the deviated cells to undergo an asymmetric motion with the deformation of slipper shape.
Membrane‐Type 1 Matrix Metalloproteinase Downregulates Fibroblast Growth Factor‐2 Binding to the Cell Surface and Intracellular Signaling
Authors: Tassone Evelyne , Valacca Cristina , Mignatti Paolo
Published: July 2014

Membrane‐type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1‐MMP, MMP‐14), a transmembrane proteinase with an extracellular catalytic domain and a short cytoplasmic tail, degrades extracellular matrix components and controls diverse cell functions through proteolytic and non‐proteolytic interactions with extracellular, intracellular, and transmembrane proteins. Here we show that in tumor cells MT1‐MMP downregulates fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) signaling by reducing the amount of FGF‐2 bound to the cell surface with high and low affinity. FGF‐2 induces weaker activation of ERK1/2 MAP kinase in MT1‐MMP expressing cells than in cells devoid of MT1‐MMP. This effect is abolished in cells that express proteolytically inactive MT1‐MMP but persists in cells expressing MT1‐MMP mutants devoid of hemopexin‐like or cytoplasmic domain, showing that FGF‐2 signaling is downregulated by MT1‐MMP proteolytic activity. MT1‐MMP expression results in downregulation of FGFR‐1 and ‐4, and in decreased amount of cell surface‐associated FGF‐2. In addition, MT1‐MMP strongly reduces the amount of FGF‐2 bound to the cell surface with low affinity. Because FGF‐2 association with low‐affinity binding sites is a prerequisite for binding to its high‐affinity receptors, downregulation of low‐affinity binding to the cell surface results in decreased FGF‐2 signaling. Consistent with this conclusion, FGF‐2 induction of tumor cell migration and invasion in vitro is stronger in cells devoid of MT1‐ MMP than in MT1‐MMP expressing cells. Thus, MT1‐MMP controls FGF‐2 signaling by a proteolytic mechanism that decreases the cell's biological response to FGF‐2. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 366–377, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antecedent and consequential control of derived instruction‐following
Authors: O'Hora Denis , Barnes‐Holmes Dermot , Stewart Ian
Published: July 2014

It is possible to understand instructions and yet not follow them. In the current study, participants responded in accordance with derived instructions and then this relational repertoire was brought under over‐arching consequential control. Across two experiments, nine undergraduates, trained to respond in accordance with Same/Different and Before/After relations in the presence of arbitrary contextual cues, produced sequences of responses based on ‘instructions’ composed of novel stimuli and the previously trained relational cues. Consequences for following instructions were then manipulated. In Experiment 1, for all five participants that responded in accordance with derived relations, reinforcing and punishing instruction‐following generalized to novel instructions. In Experiment 2, reinforcing and punishing consequences were varied systematically in the presence of two novel antecedent stimuli and antecedent control was observed for all three participants. These findings demonstrate that understanding instructions and following them may be subject to independent sources of stimulus control.
Contribution of ClpP to stress tolerance and virulence properties of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Hou Xiang‐Hua , Zhang Jia‐Qin , Song Xiu‐Yu , Ma Xiao‐Bo , Zhang Shi‐Yang
Published: July 2014

Abilities to tolerate environmental stresses and to form biofilms on teeth surface are key virulence attributes of Streptococcus mutans, the primary causative agent of human dental caries. ClpP, the chief intracellular protease of S. mutans, along with ATPases degrades altered proteins that might be toxic for bacteria, and thus plays important roles in stress response. To further understand the roles of ClpP in stress response of S. mutans, a ClpP deficient strain was constructed and used for general stress tolerance, autolysis, mutacins production, and virulence assays. Here, we demonstrated that inactivation of ClpP in S. mutans resulted in a sensitive phenotype to several environmental stresses, including acid, cold, thermal, and oxidative stresses. The ClpP deficient strain displayed slow growth rates, poor growth yields, formation of long chains, increased clumping in broth, and reduced capacity to form biofilms in presence of glucose. Mutacins production and autolysis of S. mutans were also impaired by mutation of clpP. Animals study showed that clpP mutation increased virulence of S. mutans but not significant. However, enhanced abilities to survive lethal acid and to form biofilm in sucrose were observed in ClpP deficient strain. Our findings revealed a broad impact of ClpP on several virulence properties of S. mutans and highlighted the relevance of ClpP proteolysis with progression of diseases caused by S. mutans.
Evaluation of matrix solid‐phase dispersion extraction for 11 β‐agonists in swine feed by liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Tao Yanfei , Zhu Fangwei , Chen Dongmei , Xie Shuyu , Yuanhu Pan , Wang Xu , Liu Zhenli , Peng Dapeng , Yuan Zonghui
Published: July 2014

A sensitive liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of 11 β‐agonists (clenbuterol, salbutamol, ractopamine, terbutaline, fenoterol, cimaterol, isoxsuprine, mabuterol, mapenterol, clenproperol, and tulobuterol) in swine feed. This rapid, simple, and effective extraction method was based on matrix solid‐phase dispersion. The limit of quantification of clenbuterol, cimaterol, mabuterol, salbutamol, terbutaline, mapenterol, clenproperol, and tulobuterol was 1 μg/kg and that of ractopamine, fenoterol, and isoxsuprine was 2 μg/kg. The recoveries of β‐agonists spiked in swine feeds at a concentration range of 1–8 μg/kg were >83.1% with relative standard deviations <9.3%. This rapid and reliable method can be used to efficiently separate, characterize, and quantify the residues of 11 β‐agonists in swine feeds with advantages of simple pretreatment and environmental friendliness.
Toward Anticancer Immunotherapeutics: Well‐Defined Polymer–Antibody Conjugates for Selective Dendritic Cell Targeting
Authors: Tappertzhofen Kristof , Bednarczyk Monika , Koynov Kaloian , Bros Matthias , Grabbe Stephan , Zentel Rudolf
Published: July 2014

This paper describes the synthesis of semitelechelic maleimide‐modified N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamid) (HPMA) based polymers of narrow dispersity that can be conjugated e.g. to anti‐DEC‐205 antibodies affording “star‐like” topologies (one antibody decorated with several polymer chains). FCS revealed a hydrodynamic diameter of Rh = 7.9 nm and SEC narrow dispersity (1.45). Primary in vitro studies with bone marrow derived dendritic cells (DC) show higher cellular binding and uptake rates compared to control samples. Moreover, incubating these conjugates to primary splenocytes demonstrates a much higher affinity to the primary DCs than to any other immune cell population within the spleen. This differentiation is, thereby, much more pronounced for the star‐like conjugates than for conjugates made from polymers statistically modified with anti‐DEC‐205.
Preparation and characterization of polystyrene‐grafted attapulgite via surface‐initiated redox polymerization
Authors: Zhang Liu , Yang Haicun , Liu Hui , Ni Qingting , Gong Fanghong
Published: July 2014

Polystyrene‐grafted attapulgite (ATP‐g‐PS) was prepared using surface‐initiated redox initiation via graft from approach. ATP was modified with (3‐aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) to anchor amine on the surface (ATP‐NH2), and then ATP‐NH2 was further treated with 4‐(diethylamino) salicylaldehyde (DEAS) to give aromatic tertiary amine groups functional ATP (ATP‐ATA). Subsequently, the surface‐initiated redox polymerization of styrene in the presence of ATP‐ATA and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) was performed to afford ATP‐g‐PS. The chemical grafting of PS on the surface of ATP was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The crystal structure of PS‐grafted ATP was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The morphology of ATP‐g‐PS was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:889–895, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dealing with transgene flow of crop protection traits from crops to their relatives
Authors: Gressel Jonathan
Published: July 2014

Genes regularly move within species, to/from crops, as well as to their con‐ specific progenitors, feral and weedy forms (‘vertical’ gene flow). Genes occasionally move to/from crops and their distantly related, hardly sexually interbreeding relatives, within a genus or among closely related genera (diagonal gene flow). Regulators have singled out transgene flow as an issue, yet non‐transgenic herbicide resistance traits pose equal problems, which cannot be mitigated. The risks are quite different from genes flowing to natural (wild) ecosystems versus ruderal and agroecosystems. Transgenic herbicide resistance poses a major risk if introgressed into weedy relatives; disease and insect resistance less so. Technologies have been proposed to contain genes within crops (chloroplast transformation, male sterility) that imperfectly prevent gene flow by pollen to the wild. Containment does not prevent related weeds from pollinating crops. Repeated backcrossing with weeds as pollen parents results in gene establishment in the weeds. Transgenic mitigation relies on coupling crop protection traits in a tandem construct with traits that lower the fitness of the related weeds. Mitigation traits can be morphological (dwarfing, no seed shatter) or chemical (sensitivity to a chemical used later in a rotation). Tandem mitigation traits are genetically linked and will move together. Mitigation traits can also be spread by inserting them in multicopy transposons which disperse faster than the crop protection genes in related weeds. Thus, there are gene flow risks mainly to weeds from some crop protection traits; risks that can and should be dealt with. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
The value of respiratory muscle testing in a child with congenital muscular dystrophy
Authors: Khirani Sonia , Dabaj Ivana , Amaddeo Alessandro , Ramirez Adriana , Quijano‐Roy Susana , Fauroux Brigitte
Published: July 2014

Respiratory muscle testing is often limited to noninvasive volitional tests such as vital capacity and maximal static pressures. We report the case of a 12‐year‐old boy with congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) in whom invasive and non‐volitional respiratory muscle tests showed an elective diaphragmatic dysfunction with the preservation of expiratory muscle strength. This finding, coupled with a clinical phenotype associating diffuse muscle atrophy with finger hyperlaxity and proximal contractures, strengthened the suspicion of Ullrich CMD. Skin‐cultured fibroblasts showed intracellular retention of collagen 6 (COL6), muscle magnetic resonance imaging was typical of COL6 myopathy, and molecular studies identified a COL6 gene mutation (COL6A2 c.954+2T>C). The diagnosis of a diaphragmatic dysfunction led to a sleep study that evidenced periods of hypoxemia which justified nocturnal noninvasive ventilation. This case report highlights the benefit of assessing respiratory muscles, through invasive procedure, to assist in clinical diagnosis and to guide clinical management.
A comparative study of polypropylene/(chloroprene rubber) and (recycled polypropylene)/(chloroprene rubber) blends
Authors: Salmah H. , Azra B. N. , Yusrina M. D. , Ismail H.
Published: July 2014

The blends of virgin polypropylene (PP) and recycled polypropylene (RPP) with chloroprene rubber (CR) have been prepared. The effect of different blend ratios on tensile properties, swelling behavior, morphology, and crystallinity of both blends of virgin and RPP was investigated. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of both blends decreased with increasing CR in blend ratios but the elongation at break was increased. It was found that the tensile properties of PP/CR blends were better than the RPP/CR blends. The PP/CR blends showed the lower value of swelling index. The scanning electron micrograph of the tensile fractured surface of PP/CR blends indicates that a higher energy is needed to cause failure compared with RPP/CR blends. The differential scanning calorimery results indicated that the degree of crystallinity of PP/CR blends also was found to be higher than RPP/CR blends. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 21:122–127, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Hetero‐metallic Lanthanide CPs Involving Sodium: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Luminescence Properties
Authors: Nie Zhi‐Wen , Li Sha‐Sha , Zeng Cheng‐Hui , Wang Lei , Li Yuan , Yin Shun‐Gao , Zhong Sheng‐Liang
Published: July 2014

[TbNa(4‐msal)4(phen)2]n (1) (4‐msal = 4‐methyl salicylic acid), a new hetero‐metallic lanthanide coordination polymer (CP) involving sodium was synthesized. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n, with a = 20.4809(9) Å, b = 9.8183(2) Å, c = 26.1987(11) Å, α = 90.00°, β = 112.922(5)°, γ = 90.00°, V = 4852.2(3) Å3, and Z = 4. The complex was characterized by single crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis (EA), and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and luminescence spectroscopy. The luminescence properties of a powder sample of 1 were studied at room temperature and the luminescence lifetime and total quantum yield (QY) were determined.