bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Economic Analysis of Resource Use Efficiency between Insured and Non-Insured Sugarcane Farms in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: N Nivetha , M Thilagavathi , V Karthick , S Selvanayaki , Selvi R Pangayar
Published: September 2024

This study analysed the resource use efficiency among the insured and non-insured sugarcane farms in Kallakurichi district in Tamil Nadu, India. The research aimed to inform policy decisions and extension programs for improving productivity and sustainability in the sugarcane sector. Multistage Purposive sampling method was used by which 120 farmers (60 insured and 60 non-insured) were selected from Rishivandiyam and Thirukovillur block. Cobb-Douglas Production function was used to calculate the resource use efficiency using the ratio of Marginal Value Product (MVP) to Marginal Factor Cost (MFC) for various inputs. Results showed that for insured farmers variables such as Nitrogen fertiliser, human labour and machine labour significantly and positively influenced the yield. For non-insured farmers, human labour, nitrogen and phosphorus had significant positive effects on yield. The R2 values were 0.70 and 0.75 for insured and non insured farmers respectively. Resource use efficiency analysis revealed differences between insured and non insured farmers. Insured farmers underutilised farm yard manure and machine labour while over utilizing other inputs. Non-insured farmers only underutilised machine labour and over utilising all other inputs. The study concludes that crop insurance influences the input allocation decisions highlighting inefficiencies in resource use among both groups. These findings specify the need for targeted interventions to enhance the resource use efficiency in sugarcane cultivation. Optimizing input utilization could improve the sector's resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness that supports the India's food security and sustainable agricultural development goals. The research also provides a foundation for further studies into factors influencing resource use efficiency and the potential role of precision agriculture in promoting sustainable farming practices.
Evolution of the stable carbon isotope composition of atmospheric CO2 over the last glacial cycle
Authors: Eggleston S. , Schmitt J. , Bereiter B. , Schneider R. , Fischer H.
Published: February 2016

We present new δ13C measurements of atmospheric CO2 covering the last glacial/interglacial cycle, complementing previous records covering Terminations I and II. Most prominent in the new record is a significant depletion in δ13C(atm) of 0.5‰ occurring during marine isotope stage (MIS) 4, followed by an enrichment of the same magnitude at the beginning of MIS 3. Such a significant excursion in the record is otherwise only observed at glacial terminations, suggesting that similar processes were at play, such as changing sea surface temperatures, changes in marine biological export in the Southern Ocean (SO) due to variations in aeolian iron fluxes, changes in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, upwelling of deep water in the SO, and long‐term trends in terrestrial carbon storage. Based on previous modeling studies, we propose constraints on some of these processes during specific time intervals. The decrease in δ13C(atm) at the end of MIS 4 starting approximately 64 kyr B.P. was accompanied by increasing [CO2]. This period is also marked by a decrease in aeolian iron flux to the SO, followed by an increase in SO upwelling during Heinrich event 6, indicating that it is likely that a large amount of δ13C‐depleted carbon was transferred to the deep oceans previously, i.e., at the onset of MIS 4. Apart from the upwelling event at the end of MIS 4 (and potentially smaller events during Heinrich events in MIS 3), upwelling of deep water in the SO remained reduced until the last glacial termination, whereupon a second pulse of isotopically light carbon was released into the atmosphere.
Ensemble simulations of the magnetic field induced by global ocean circulation: Estimating the uncertainty
Authors: Irrgang Christopher , Saynisch Jan , Thomas Maik
Published: February 2016

The modeling of the ocean global circulation induced magnetic field is affected by various uncertainties that originate from errors in the input data and from the model itself. The amount of aggregated uncertainties and their effect on the modeling of electromagnetic induction in the ocean is unknown. For many applications, however, the knowledge of uncertainties in the modeling is essential. To investigate the uncertainty in the modeling of motional induction at the sea surface, simulation experiments are performed on the basis of different error scenarios and error covariance matrices. For these error scenarios, ensembles of an ocean general circulation model and an electromagnetic induction model are generated. This ensemble‐based approach allows to estimate both the spatial distribution and temporal variation of the uncertainty in the ocean‐induced magnetic field. The largest uncertainty in the ocean‐induced magnetic field occurs in the area of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Local maxima reach values of up to 0.7 nT. The estimated global annual mean uncertainty in the ocean‐induced magnetic field ranges from 0.1 to 0.4 nT. The relative amount of uncertainty reaches up to 30% of the signal strength with largest values in regions in the northern hemisphere. The major source of uncertainty is found to be introduced by wind stress from the atmospheric forcing of the ocean model. In addition, the temporal evolution of the uncertainty in the induced magnetic field shows distinct seasonal variations. Specific regions are identified which are robust with respect to the introduced uncertainties.
Length‐Selective Chemical Assembly of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Hussein Zarrar , Rawson Frankie J. , Oppenheimer Pola G. , Acton Aaron , Mendes Paula M.
Published: February 2016

Many potential applications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), ranging from electronics and optoelectronics to biology and medicine, require length‐controlled and well‐aligned CNTs on surfaces. In this work, the length selectivity behavior of wet‐dispersed CNTs on gold functionalized surfaces is investigated, providing new mechanistic insights into the length‐selective process that occurs upon chemical assembly. A combination of experimental evidence derived from atomic force microscopy and plane and cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy implies a length‐selective deposition of CNTs on the functionalized gold surface. All the solutions containing either a high distribution of longer or shorter CNTs lead to the selective formation of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes with average lengths of 10.6 ± 3.1 nm. It is postulated that such length‐selective phenomenon is not only driven by diffusion mechanisms but also is governed by the interactions between the CNTs and the chemically functionalized surfaces. The orientation of the initial attached nanotubes, which act as nucleation sites in the CNT assembly process, is proposed to dictate the CNT length distribution on the surface and be dependent on the packing and ordering of the molecules on the functionalized surface.
An Enantioselective Three‐Component Sulfa‐Michael/Aldol Cascade Reaction and its Application to the Synthesis of Thioaryl Substituted (−)‐Bestatin Derivatives
Authors: Hou Wenduan , Wei Qi , Peng Yungui
Published: February 2016

An efficient catalytic asymmetric three‐component sulfa‐Michael/aldol cascade reaction has been developed using a chiral multi‐functional catalyst. This reaction provided facile access to γ‐sulfur‐β‐nitro‐α‐hydroxy esters bearing three consecutive linear stereocenters in high yields (up to 97%) with excellent diastereo‐ (up to >97:3 dr) and enantioselectivities (>99% ee). These compounds were readily converted into 2‐nitroallylic alcohols and potentially bioactive γ‐sulfur‐β‐amino‐α‐hydroxy esters, which could be further used for the synthesis of Bestatin derivatives.

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Novel Thermo‐Regulating Comfort Textile Based on Poly(allyl ethylene diamine)/n‐Hexadecane Microcapsules Grafted onto Cotton Fabric
Authors: Benmoussa D. , Molnar K. , Hannache H. , Cherkaoui O.
Published: February 2016

This paper deals with preparation and characterization of allyl ethylene diamine and poly(allyl ethylene diamine)/n‐hexadecane microcapsules containingn‐hexadecane as a phase change material for thermal energy storage grafted on the surface of cotton fabric. The chemical characterization of poly(allyl ethylene diamine,)/n‐hexadecane microcapsules was made by the Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy method, and particle size was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Thermal properties of microencapsulatedn‐hexadecane were determined using differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that melting and freezing temperatures of the microencapsulatedn‐hexadecane were 16 and 18°C, respectively, as the latent heats of melting and crystallization were 63 J/g.
Yolk–Shell‐Structured Aluminum Phenylphosphonate Microspheres with Anionic Core and Cationic Shell
Authors: Zhang Liqiu , Qian Kun , Wang Xupeng , Zhang Fan , Shi Xin , Jiang Yijiao , Liu Shaomin , Jaroniec Mietek , Liu Jian
Published: February 2016

Spherical materials with yolk‐shell structure have great potential for a wide range of applications. The main advantage of the yolk‐shell geometry is the possibility of introducing different chemical or physical properties within a single particle. Here, a one‐step hydrothermal synthesis route for fabricating amphoteric yolk‐shell structured aluminum phenylphosphonate microspheres using urea as the precipitant is proposed. The resulting microspheres display 3D sphere‐in‐sphere architecture with anionic core and cationic shell. The controllable synthesis of aluminum phosphates with various morphologies is also demonstrated. The anionic core and cationic shell of the aluminum phenylphosphonate microspheres provide docking sites for selective adsorption of both cationic methylene blue and anionic binuclear cobalt phthalocyanine ammonium sulphonate. These new adsorbents can be used for simultaneous capture of both cations and anions from a solution, which make them very attractive for various applications such as environmental remediation of contaminated water.
Wetting kinetics of polymer solutions and force‐based contact angles
Authors: Al‐Shareef Amer , Neogi P. , Bai Baojun
Published: February 2016

The effect of the shear thinning behavior and elasticity of polymer solutions on the dynamic contact angles are investigated. Under dynamic conditions, the contact angle of a liquid on a solid surface changes significantly with the substrate velocity from its equilibrium value. The dynamic contact angles for polyethylene oxide (PEO) solutions of two molecular weights 3 × 105 and 4 × 106 have been measured using a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plate. The three‐parameter Ellis model to fit the rheological data to obtain shear thinning power n, characteristic shear stress, and the zero‐shear viscosity is used. The theory indicates that dynamic contact angles follow power law in this instance instead of showing Newtonian behavior with zero‐shear viscosity when the shear thinning effects are considered. The elastic effect becomes important at larger polymer concentrations that reduces the dependence on capillary number, that is, reduces n keeping with the experiments. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 2533–2541, 2016
Growth of the pectoral girdle in a sample of juveniles from the kellis 2 cemetery, Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt
Authors: Bleuze Michele M. , Wheeler Sandra M. , Williams Lana J. , Dupras Tosha L.
Published: February 2016

Objectives

This study investigates growth patterns in the scapula and clavicle in a cross‐sectional juvenile skeletal sample ranging from 20 weeks gestation to 8.5 years of age from the Kellis 2 cemetery, Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt. The primary goal is to quantify growth patterns and growth velocities in the scapula and clavicle to better understand the development of the pectoral girdle.

Methods

A series of low‐order polynomial regression models was used to examine growth curves in clavicle diaphyseal length, scapular height, and scapular width. Incremental growth and relative percent increase were examined among successive age groups as a proxy measure of growth velocity. Scapular body proportions were assessed with the scapular index and compared across age groups using a Kruskal–Wallis test with post‐hoc tests.

Results

A third‐order polynomial best describes growth in clavicle diaphyseal length and scapular height, and a second‐order polynomial best describes growth in scapular width. Growth velocity patterns are similar among clavicle diaphyseal length, scapular height, and scapular width particularly from birth until the end of early childhood. Clavicle diaphyseal length decelerates during middle childhood while scapular height and width accelerate during this time. With increasing age, the scapular body proportionately increases more in height than in width. The relatively narrow scapular body characteristic of adult scapulae is first evident during early childhood.

Conclusions

Changes in scapular body shape during ontogeny may be a reflection of the greater alterations taking place in the integrated morphology of the pectoral girdle during the biomechanical shift from crawling to bipedalism. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:636–645, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wraparound eyeglasses improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors: Comert Sule , Karakaya Gul , Kalyoncu Ali Fuat
Published: February 2016

Background

Allergen avoidance is important for allergic rhinitis management. However, studies evaluating the efficiency of avoidance measures from pollens are lacking. We aimed to investigate the efficiency of wraparound eyeglasses in seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (SAR).

Methods

Eligible patients with a diagnosis of SAR (n = 70) rated their symptom scores, filled the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ), and were randomized either to receive wraparound eyeglasses in addition to medical treatment (group 1, n = 39) or medical treatment only (group 2, n = 31) throughout the 3 pollen seasons in the years 2011, 2012, and 2013. Patients rated their symptom scores and checked the need for use of rescue medications in their diaries over a period of 4 weeks. RQLQ was reapplied 1 week and 4 weeks after randomization.

Results

The median (interquartile range [IQR]) change from baseline over 4 weeks in the eye itching (−2.51 [−3.65 to −1.36] vs −0.88 [−1.95 to 0.43], p < 0.001), eye watering (−2.31 [−3.09 to −1.24] vs −1.60 [−2.59 to −0.21], p = 0.02), sneezing (−2.26 [−3.19 to −1.51] vs −1.68 [−2.27 to −0.56], p = 0.03), and rhinorrhea (−2.48 [−3.74 to −1.49] vs −1.59 [−2.88 to −0.87], p = 0.04) scores were significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2. There were significantly higher improvements in ocular symptoms domain score (−1.75 [−3.12 to −1.00] vs −0.50 [−2.31 to −0.31], p = 0.002), nasal symptoms domain score (−2.25 [−4.06 to −1.50] vs −1.25 [−2.37 to −0.68], p = 0.004), and total RQLQ score (−1.98 [−2.67 to −0.88] vs −1.10 [−2.06 to −0.25], p = 0.02) and reduced need for rescue medication use in group 1 compared to group 2 at the end of 4 weeks.

Conclusion

Standard wraparound eyeglasses can provide a safe, convenient, and effective measure for protection from pollens in patients with SAR.
Spontaneous isolated left gastric artery dissection: unusual visceral artery dissection
Authors: Ichiba Toshihisa , Naito Hiroshi , Nagata Takeshi , Masuda Rieko , Hata Masako , Maeda Keisuke
Published: February 2016

Case

A 51‐year‐old woman visited our emergency department complaining of acute onset of upper abdominal pain and nausea. Abdominal contrast‐enhanced computed tomography showed an isolated left gastric artery dissection and pseudoaneurysm. After conservative management for 6 days, endovascular embolization was carried out for treatment of the pseudoaneurysm. Spontaneous dissection of a visceral artery rarely occurs in the case of a left gastric artery.

Outcome

Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography is essential to make an accurate diagnosis and establish a therapeutic strategy.

Conclusion

We should consider the occurrence of minor visceral artery dissection if a patient has acute abdominal pain without other obvious causes.
Shared genetic contribution to ischemic stroke and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Traylor Matthew , Adib‐Samii Poneh , Harold Denise ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, The International Stroke Genetics Consortium (ISGC), UK Young Lacunar Stroke DNA resource, Dichgans Martin , Williams Julie , Lewis Cathryn M. , Markus Hugh S. ,   and the METASTROKE and International Genomics of Alzheimer's Project (IGAP) investigators
Published: February 2016

Objective

Increasing evidence suggests epidemiological and pathological links between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and ischemic stroke (IS). We investigated the evidence that shared genetic factors underpin the two diseases.

Methods

Using genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data from METASTROKE + (15,916 IS cases and 68,826 controls) and the International Genomics of Alzheimer's Project (IGAP; 17,008 AD cases and 37,154 controls), we evaluated known associations with AD and IS. On the subset of data for which we could obtain compatible genotype‐level data (4,610 IS cases, 1,281 AD cases, and 14,320 controls), we estimated the genome‐wide genetic correlation (rG) between AD and IS, and the three subtypes (cardioembolic, small vessel, and large vessel), using genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. We then performed a meta‐analysis and pathway analysis in the combined AD and small vessel stroke data sets to identify the SNPs and molecular pathways through which disease risk may be conferred.

Results

We found evidence of a shared genetic contribution between AD and small vessel stroke (rG [standard error] = 0.37 [0.17]; p = 0.011). Conversely, there was no evidence to support shared genetic factors in AD and IS overall or with the other stroke subtypes. Of the known GWAS associations with IS or AD, none reached significance for association with the other trait (or stroke subtypes). A meta‐analysis of AD IGAP and METASTROKE + small vessel stroke GWAS data highlighted a region (ATP5H/KCTD2/ICT1) associated with both diseases (p = 1.8 × 10−8). A pathway analysis identified four associated pathways involving cholesterol transport and immune response.

Interpretation

Our findings indicate shared genetic susceptibility to AD and small vessel stroke and highlight potential causal pathways and loci. Ann Neurol 2016;79:739–747
A Shape‐Memory DNA‐Based Hydrogel Exhibiting Two Internal Memories
Authors: Hu Yuwei , Guo Weiwei , Kahn Jason S. , Aleman‐Garcia Miguel Angel , Willner Itamar
Published: February 2016

The synthesis of a shape‐memory acrylamide–DNA hydrogel that includes two internal memories is introduced. The hydrogel is stabilized, at pH 7.0, by two different pH‐responsive oligonucleotide crosslinking units. At pH 10.0, one of the T‐A⋅T triplex DNA bridging units is dissociated, resulting in the dissociation of the hydrogel into a shapeless quasi‐liquid state that includes the other oligonucleotide bridges as internal memory. Similarly, at pH 5.0, the second type of bridges is separated, through the formation of C‐G⋅C+ triplex units to yield the shapeless quasi‐liquid state that includes the other oligonucleotide bridges as internal memory. By reversible pH triggering of the hydrogel between the values 10.0⇔7.0⇔5.0, the two internal memories cycle the material across shaped hydrogel and shapeless quasi‐liquid states. The two memories enable the pH‐dictated formation of two different hydrogel structures.
Synthesis of PEGylated chitosan copolymers as efficiently antimicrobial coatings for leather
Authors: Luo Quanqing , Gao Haiqi , Peng Lihua , Liu Gongyan , Zhang Zongcai
Published: February 2016

In this work, poly(ethylene glcycol)‐grafted chitosan (PEG‐g‐CS) was synthesized by conjugating PEG to the chitosan (CS) backbone. Such PEGylated CS copolymer was further characterized by FTIR and1H NMR, and the results demonstrated the successful synthesis. After PEGylation, the water solubility of CS was significantly improved due to the hydrophilicity of the PEG polymer. Therefore, this PEGylated CS was prepared as water borne coating for leather surface. The morphology and hydrophilicity of this coating on leather was studied by SEM and water contact angle measurement. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of PEGylated CS coating was investigated by measuring its minimum inhibitory concentration and the inhibition zone of coated leather against Gram‐negativeEscherichia coliand Gram‐positiveStaphylococcus aureus, respectively. Compared to CS coating, such PEG‐g‐CS coating exhibited better antimicrobial property, which indicated the synergetic effect of the antimicrobial property of CS and the antiadhesive property of PEG. Thus, this PEGylated CS copolymer can be used as efficiently antimicrobial coating for leather product. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Applied Polymer Science Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,133, 43465.
Compressive mechanical properties of HTPB propellant at low, intermediate, and high strain rates
Authors: Yang Long , Xie Kan , Pei Jiangfeng , Sui Xin , Wang Ningfei
Published: February 2016

Low, intermediate, and high strain rate compression testing (1.7 × 10−4 to 2500 s−1) of the hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) propellant at room temperature, were performed using a universal testing machine, a hydraulic testing machine, and a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB), respectively. Results show that the stress linearly increases with strain at each condition; the increasing trend of stress at a given strain with the logarithm of strain rate changes from a linear to an exponential form at 1 s−1. By combining these characteristics, we propose a rate‐dependent constitutive model which is a linearly elastic component as a base model, then multiplied by a rate‐dependent component. Comparison of model with experimental data shows that it can characterize the compressive mechanical properties of HTPB propellant at strain rates from 1.7 × 10−4 to 2500 s−1. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43512.
Distribution and Origin of VIP‐, SP‐, and Phospholipase Cβ2‐Immunoreactive Nerves in the Tongue of the Bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana
Authors: Tadokoro Osamu , Ando Hiroshi , Kawahara Ichiro , Asanuma Naokazu , Okumura Masayo , Kitagawa Junichi , Kondo Eiji , Yagasaki Hiroshi
Published: February 2016

Previous studies have found a few intralingual ganglionic cells that were immunoreactive to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in the frog. A recent study reported a large number of such cells, and the possibility of the release of substance P (SP) from these. The aim of the present study was to investigate the distribution, origin, and colocalization of VIP‐ and SP‐ immunoreactive nerves in the tongue of the bullfrog, R. catesbeiana. In addition, the study also examined the colocalization of SP and phospholipase Cβ2 (PLCβ2) in the tongue and jugular ganglion. VIP immunoreactivity was seen in unipolar cells that were sparse in nerve bundles in the submucosal and muscle layers. The density of VIP‐immunoreactive cells was approximately 4.8 cells/mm3. Their fibers terminated in the vicinity of the epithelial basal layer of the fungiform papillae. SP immunoreactivity was not seen in the VIP‐immunoreactive cells, but was observed in pseudounipolar cells in the jugular ganglion. The SP fibers terminated close to the free surface, showing spindle‐ and button‐like profiles. Transection of glossopharyngeal nerve resulted in the persistence of VIP‐immunoreactive cells and the disappearance of SP‐immunoreactive fibers in the tongue. SP immunoreactivity was co‐expressed with PLCβ2 in both the tongue and jugular ganglia. No PLCβ2 immunoreactivity was seen in cells comprising the epithelial taste disk. These findings indicate that the origin of VIP nerve fibers are unipolar cells in the tongue, and SP and PLCβ2 fibers originate from pseudounipolar cells that may be able to release SP primarily in the jugular ganglion. Anat Rec, 299:929–942, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative Analysis of the Morphology, Ultrastructure, and Glycosylation Pattern of the Jejunum and Ileum of the Wild Rodent Lagostomus maximus
Authors: Tano De La Hoz María Florencia , Flamini Mirta Alicia , Díaz Alcira Ofelia
Published: February 2016

Morphological and histochemical analyses were performed to characterize the histology, ultrastructure, and glycosylation pattern of the jejunum and ileum of the wild rodent Lagostomus maximus. Enterocytes, goblet cells, Paneth cells, and enteroendocrine cells were identified in both intestinal epithelia. Two morphological types of enterocytes were identified only in the ileum based on their cytoplasm electron density. Although the histological and ultrastructural examination showed that the epithelia of both anatomical regions were morphologically similar, a certain specialization in their secretory products was evident. The glycosylation pattern of the jejunum and ileum was characterized in situ by histochemical and lectin histochemical methods. Histochemical results revealed the presence of carboxylated and sulfated gycoconjugates in both regions, although sulfomucins were clearly prevalent in the ileum. Sialic acid was highly O‐acetylated and particularly abundant in the jejunum. The KOH/PA*/Bh/PAS technique evidenced a more intense histochemical reaction in the jejunal than in the ileum goblet cells, demonstrating a reduction of neutral mucin secretion in the distal small intestine. Further specific differences were revealed by lectin histochemistry. These data evidenced that the nature of mucus varies at different anatomical regions, probably adapted to physiological requirements. Anat Rec, 299:630–642, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Studies of the Electronic Effects of Zinc Cluster Catalysts and Their Application to the Transesterification of β‐Keto Esters
Authors: Agura Kazushi , Hayashi Yukiko , Wada Mari , Nakatake Daiki , Mashima Kazushi , Ohshima Takashi
Published: February 2016

The electronic effects of tetranuclear zinc cluster catalysts on transesterification were investigated by changing the carboxylate ligands in the clusters. High catalyst activity crucially depended on the balance between Lewis acidity and Brønsted basicity of the catalyst; this was consistent with the dual activation of both the electrophile and nucleophile by the cooperative zinc centers. In addition, tetranuclear zinc cluster catalysts achieved the transesterification of β‐keto esters with unprecedented levels of broad substrate generality, in which a newly developed pentafluoropropionate‐bridged zinc cluster and 4‐dimethylaminopyridine additive greatly improved the reactivity of sterically congested α‐ and α,α‐disubstituted β‐keto esters.
Asymmetric P−C Bond Formation: Diastereoselective Synthesis of Adjacent P,C‐Stereogenic Allylic Phosphorus Compounds
Authors: Xie Peizhong , Guo Lei , Xu Lanlan , Loh Teck‐Peng
Published: February 2016

A novel catalytic asymmetric P−C bond formation between phosphinates/phosphine oxide and allylic carbonates was developed. This methodology could not only afford a variety of functionalized adjacent P,C‐stereogenic phosphorus compounds in high yields with high regio‐ and diastereoselectivities but also provide an alternative strategy to access enantiomerically enriched (SP)‐phosphinates through kinetic resolution.
Normenbezogene Schadenserwartung von Stahlbetonrahmensystemen in Schwach‐ und Starkbebengebieten
Authors: Abrahamczyk Lars , Schwarz Jochen , Leipold Mathias
Published: February 2016

Auf der Grundlage empirisch abgeleiteter Schadensgrade wird das Gebäudeverhalten von bestandsrepräsentativen Stahlbetonrahmentragwerken in gering‐, mittel‐ und hochseismischen Gebieten beurteilt und der Einfluss der untergrundspezifischen Bodenbewegung auf den prognostizierten Schadensgrad bestimmt. Die Schadensbeschreibung erfolgt elementbezogen und wird aus dem Verformungszustand (Damage State) des Querschnitts abgeleitet. In Anlehnung an die EMS‐98 werden diese Schäden als lokale Schadensgrade (LDG) definiert und nach der Konsequenz für die Tragstruktur in primäre (strukturelle) und sekundäre (nichtstrukturelle) unterschieden.

Unter Vorgabe der Schadensgrade wird eine Vorgehensweise entwickelt, um Kennfunktionen mit direktem Bezug zu Entscheidungen über die Notwendigkeit einer Bauwerksertüchtigung abzuleiten. Anhand der durchgeführten Untersuchungen können normungsrelevante Beschleunigungsniveaus und zugehörige Schadensgrade bzw. Entwurfskonzepte überprüft werden. In den gering seismischen Gebieten Deutschlands ist am Maßstab der aktuellen Einwirkungsvorgaben und auch im Falle stärkerer Einwirkungen ein Versagen von Stahlbetonrahmensystemen auszuschließen und das Auftreten eines kritischen, ertüchtigungsrelevanten Schadensgrads nicht zu erwarten. Diese werden jedoch erreicht, wenn für die Standorte in deutschen Erdbebengebieten intensitätsbezogene Spitzenbodenbeschleunigungen aus aktuellen Korrelationen bzw. Ergebnisse von europäischen Forschungsprojekten (z. B. SHARE) zugrunde gelegt werden.

Code based damage prognosis for R. C. frame structures in low and high seismicity region

Clearly defined and empirically derived damage grades are applied to assess the building behavior of building stock representative R. C. frame structures under low, medium and high seismic action. Additionally the influence of the specific subsoil related ground acceleration on the damage prognosis is determined. The damage description is related to the individual structural element and will be derived from the damage state of the cross section based on the material behavior. With respect to the EMS‐98 different local damage grades are defined and differentiated according to the relevance for the primary (structural) and secondary (non‐structural) structural system. Thus, a method on the basis of clearly defined damage grades will be presented for the derivation of fragility functions with a direct link to decisions upon the necessity for strengthening measures. On the basis of the presented investigations code relevant results can be derived. There are no failure as well as no critical damage grade (relevant for strengthening) expected for R. C. frame structures in the low seismicity region Germany under the consideration of current code consistent seismic action. However, such damage grades might be expectable in case of intensity based peak ground accelerations according to current correlations as well as research projects (e. g. SHARE) for German earthquake regions.
Macrocyclization and labeling of helix–loop–helix peptide with intramolecular bis‐thioether linkage
Authors: Nishihara Toshio , Kitada Hidekazu , Fujiwara Daisuke , Fujii Ikuo
Published: February 2016

Conformationally constrained peptides have been developed as an inhibitor for protein–protein interactions (PPIs), and we have de novo designed cyclized helix–loop–helix (cHLH) peptide with a disulfide bond consisting of 40 amino acids to generate molecular‐targeting peptides. However, synthesis of long peptides has sometimes resulted in low yield according to the respective amino acid sequences. Here we developed a method for efficient synthesis and labeling for cHLH peptides. First, we synthesized two peptide fragments and connected them by the copper‐mediated alkyne and azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. Cyclization was performed by bis‐thioether linkage using 1,3‐dibromomethyl‐5‐propargyloxybenzene, and subsequently, the cHLH peptide was labeled with an azide‐labeled probe. Finally, we designed and synthesized a peptide inhibitor for the p53‐HDM2 interaction using a structure‐guided design and successfully labeled it with a fluorescent probe or a functional peptide, respectively, by click chemistry. This macrocyclization and labeling method for cHLH peptide would facilitate the discovery of de novo bioactive ligands and therapeutic leads. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 415–421, 2016.
A hybrid approach identifies metabolic signatures of high‐producers for chinese hamster ovary clone selection and process optimization
Authors: Popp Oliver , Müller Dirk , Didzus Katharina , Paul Wolfgang , Lipsmeier Florian , Kirchner Florian , Niklas Jens , Mauch Klaus , Beaucamp Nicola
Published: February 2016

In‐depth characterization of high‐producer cell lines and bioprocesses is vital to ensure robust and consistent production of recombinant therapeutic proteins in high quantity and quality for clinical applications. This requires applying appropriate methods during bioprocess development to enable meaningful characterization of CHO clones and processes. Here, we present a novel hybrid approach for supporting comprehensive characterization of metabolic clone performance. The approach combines metabolite profiling with multivariate data analysis and fluxomics to enable a data‐driven mechanistic analysis of key metabolic traits associated with desired cell phenotypes. We applied the methodology to quantify and compare metabolic performance in a set of 10 recombinant CHO‐K1 producer clones and a host cell line. The comprehensive characterization enabled us to derive an extended set of clone performance criteria that not only captured growth and product formation, but also incorporated information on intracellular clone physiology and on metabolic changes during the process. These criteria served to establish a quantitative clone ranking and allowed us to identify metabolic differences between high‐producing CHO‐K1 clones yielding comparably high product titers. Through multivariate data analysis of the combined metabolite and flux data we uncovered common metabolic traits characteristic of high‐producer clones in the screening setup. This included high intracellular rates of glutamine synthesis, low cysteine uptake, reduced excretion of aspartate and glutamate, and low intracellular degradation rates of branched‐chain amino acids and of histidine. Finally, the above approach was integrated into a workflow that enables standardized high‐content selection of CHO producer clones in a high‐throughput fashion. In conclusion, the combination of quantitative metabolite profiling, multivariate data analysis, and mechanistic network model simulations can identify metabolic traits characteristic of high‐performance clones and enables informed decisions on which clones provide a good match for a particular process platform. The proposed approach also provides a mechanistic link between observed clone phenotype, process setup, and feeding regimes, and thereby offers concrete starting points for subsequent process optimization. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2005–2019. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adults' Insensitivity to Developmental Changes in Children's Ability to Report When and How Many Times Abuse Occurred
Authors: Cleveland Kyndra C. , Quas Jodi A.
Published: February 2016

In legal settings, children are frequently asked to provide temporal information about alleged abuse, such as when it occurred and how often. Although there is a sizeable body of work in the literature regarding children's ability to provide such information, virtually nothing is known about how adults evaluate the veracity of that information. This omission is especially noteworthy given that adults' evaluations are critical to the progression and outcome of legal cases. We examined adults' perceptions of children's reports of temporal details regarding alleged sexual abuse. We varied both children's age (6 vs. 11 years) and how certain children were when providing such details to assess whether adults were sensitive to changes in how children of different ages typically talk about temporal information. With regard to credibility, adults were insensitive to children's age, perceiving younger and older children who reported temporal details with confidence as more credible than those who reported information tentatively. Normative developmental trends, however, would suggest that, with age, children are often tentative when reporting true temporal details. With regard to perceptions of children's accuracy in reporting temporal information, adults found younger children who were confident to be the most accurate. Regarding guilt judgments, adults rated defendants as having a higher degree of guilt when children were confident in reporting temporal details. The findings have implications for juror decision‐making in cases of alleged sexual abuse in which children report when or how often abuse occurred. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A versatile noninvasive method for adsorber quantification in batch and column chromatography based on the ionic capacity
Authors: Huuk Thiemo C. , Briskot Till , Hahn Tobias , Hubbuch Jürgen
Published: February 2016

Within the Quality by Design (QbD) framework proposed by the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH), high‐throughput process development (HTPD) and mechanistic modeling are of outstanding importance for future biopharmaceutical chromatography process development. In order to compare the data derived from different column scales or batch chromatographies, the amount of adsorber has to be quantified with the same noninvasive method. Similarly, an important requirement for the implementation of mechanistic modeling is the reliable determination of column characteristics such as the ionic capacity Λ for ion‐exchange chromatography with the same method at all scales and formats. We developed a method to determine the ionic capacity in column and batch chromatography, based on the adsorption/desorption of the natural, uv‐detectable amino acid histidine. In column chromatography, this method produces results comparable to those of classical acid−base titration. In contrast to acid−base titration, this method can be adapted to robotic batch chromatographic experiments. We are able to convert the adsorber volumes in batch chromatography to the equivalent volume of a compressed column. In a case study, we demonstrate that this method increases the quality of SMA parameters fitted to batch adsorption isotherms, and the capability to predict column breakthrough experiments. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:666–677, 2016
Luffa cylindrica sponges as a thermally and chemically stable support for Aspergillus niger lipase
Authors: Zdarta Jakub , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: February 2016

The use of biopolymer compounds as matrices for enzyme immobilization is currently a focus of increasing interest. In the present work we propose the use of Luffa cylindrica vegetable sponges as a support for the lipase extracted from Aspergillus niger. Effectiveness of immobilization was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis and the Bradford method. An initial enzyme solution concentration of 1.0 mg/mL and an immobilization time of 12 h were selected as the parameters that produce a system retaining the highest hydrolytic activity (84% of free enzyme). The resulting biocatalyst system also exhibited high thermal and chemical stability, reusability and storage stability, which makes it a candidate for use in a wide range of applications. Kinetic parameters for the native and immobilized lipase were also calculated. The value of the Michaelis–Menten constant for the immobilized lipase (0.47 mM) is higher than for the free enzyme (0.21 mM), which indicates that the adsorbed enzyme exhibits a lower affinity to the substrate than native lipase. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:657–665, 2016
Binding of B‐cell maturation antigen to B‐cell activating factor induces survival of multiple myeloma cells by activating Akt and JNK signaling pathways
Authors: Shen Xianjuan , Guo Yuehua , Qi Jing , Shi Wei , Wu Xinhua , Ju Shaoqing
Published: February 2016

B‐cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is expressed on normal and malignant plasma cells and represents a potential target for therapeutic intervention. In this study, we characterized the mechanism underlying the protein kinase B (Akt) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) pathways and BCMA interactions in regulating multiple myeloma (MM) cell survival. It was found that the expression levels of B cell‐activating factor (BAFF) and BCMA were increased in MM cells as compared with those in normal controls. The proliferation of U266 cells was induced by recombinant human BAFF (rhBAFF) and could also be decreased by BCMA siRNA. The expression of Bcl‐2 protein was up‐regulated, and Bax protein was down‐regulated after rhBAFF treatment, which could be reversed by BCMA siRNA. Similarly, the protein p‐JNK and p‐Akt were activated by rhBAFF and could be changed by BCMA siRNA. In addition, the BCMA mRNA and protein expression levels were decreased after treatment with Akt and JNK pathway inhibitors. These results suggest that Akt and JNK pathways are involved in the regulation of BCMA. A novel BAFF/BCMA signalling pathway in MM may be a new therapeutic target for MM. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
α‐Hydroxylation of Carboxylic Acids Catalyzed by Taurine Dioxygenase
Authors: Wetzl Dennis , Bolsinger Jennifer , Nestl Bettina M. , Hauer Bernhard
Published: February 2016

Enzymes still have a limited application scope in synthetic organic chemistry. To expand this, different strategies exist that range from the de novo design of enzymes to the exploitation of the catalytic capabilities of known enzymes by converting different substrates; denoted as substrate promiscuity. We harnessed the synthetic potential offered by the taurine dioxygenase (TauD) from Escherichia coli (E. coli) by studying its promiscuous catalytic properties in the hydroxylation of carboxylic acid substrates. TauD showed high selectivities in the hydroxylation reaction but reduced levels of activity (26 % conversion, >96 % ee). We enhanced the enzyme substrate scope and improved the conversions for the tested substrates by introducing a point mutation at position 206 (F206Y). The conversions of the improved catalyst increased by at least 140 % compared to that of the wild‐type enzyme. The number of carboxylic acids that accepted by the enzyme variant doubled from four to eight carboxylic acids.
Design and Control of Extractive Distillation Based on an Effective Relative Gain Array
Authors: Wang Honghai , Li Yue , Su Weiyi , Zhang Yuzhen , Guo Jiajia , Li Chunli
Published: February 2016

The extractive distillation process for the separation of an ethyl formate‐ethanol‐water mixture with ethylene glycol as the extractive solvent was investigated. High‐purity products could be gathered in the top of the column, and ethylene glycol could be completely recycled in the bottom of the recovery column. Two kinds of control strategy were designed and tested in the extractive distillation system to handle strong disturbances in feed flow rate and feed composition. A comparison of the results indicated that the control strategy based on a proper variable pairing defined according to the effective relative gain array could more efficiently minimize the dynamic disturbances.
Unravelling the Mechanism of Electrochemical Degradation of PANI in Supercapacitors: Achieving a Feasible Solution
Authors: Sekar Pandiaraj , Anothumakkool Bihag , Vijayakumar Vidyanand , Lohgaonkar Apurva , Kurungot Sreekumar
Published: February 2016

Herein, we have investigated the mode of electrochemical degradation of polyaniline (PANI) when it was utilized as electrodes for supercapacitors. The PANI‐based electrodes in supercapacitor devices were biased at a constant potential of 0.80 V, and the performance characteristics and property changes were carefully investigated as a function of the difference in the polarity of the electrodes. Subsequent to this, the analysis of the individual electrodes [positive (POS‐PANI) and negative (NEG‐PANI)] shows that the degradation mainly occurs at POS‐PANI in comparison to NEG‐PANI. Moreover, NEG‐PANI retains a maximum capacitance of 510 F g−1, with a low charge‐transfer resistance (RCT) of 1.84 Ω and similar redox behavior in comparison to the fresh PANI (f‐PANI). In contrast to this case, POS‐PANI shows significant loss in capacitance (250 F g−1) and increase in RCT (3.5 Ω) with a disappearance of the characteristic redox behavior normally displayed by PANI. Furthermore, the drastic drop in the electrical conductivity for POS‐PANI (1.2 S cm−1) compared to f‐PANI (3.4 S cm−1 and NEG‐PANI (2.4 S cm−1) shows that the degradation of PANI occurs mainly at the anode (POS‐PANI) and, thus, contributes to reduce the net performance of the cell. Hence, to ensure this potential‐induced degradation of PANI in supercapacitors and also to promote the system stability, we made an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) by keeping PANI as a negative electrode and using carbon as a positive electrode. The derived system is found to display stable capacitance behavior before and after the potential application, in contrast to the ASC fabricated by using conventional method, that is, by keeping PANI as the positive electrode and carbon as the negative electrode. Furthermore, the durability analysis of the prototype solid‐state ASC shows an enhanced durability of 27 000 cycles with excellent columbic efficiency. The findings of the present study will be helpful in the development of highly stable supercapacitors and other similar energy systems when a material like PANI should be utilized for the electrode applications.
A Pronounced Halogen Effect on the Organogelation Properties of Peripherally Halogen Functionalized Poly(benzyl ether) Dendrons
Authors: Feng Yu , Chen Hui , Liu Zhi‐Xiong , He Yan‐Mei , Fan Qing‐Hua
Published: February 2016

An interesting halogen‐substituent effect on the organogelation properties of poly(benzyl ether) dendrons is reported. A new class of poly(benzyl ether) dendrons with halo substituents decorating their periphery was synthesized and fully characterized. A systematic study on the gelation abilities, thermotropic behaviors, aggregated microstructures, and mechanical properties of self‐assembled organogels was performed to elucidate the halogen‐substituent effects on their organogelation propensity. It was found that the exact halogen substitutions on the periphery of dendrons exert a profound effect on the organogelation propensity, and dendrons Gn‐Cl (n=2, 3) and G2‐I proved to be highly efficient organogelators. The cooperation of multiple π–π, dispersive halogen, CH–π, and weak C−H⋅⋅⋅X hydrogen‐bonding interactions were found to be the key contributor to forming the self‐assembled gels. Dendritic organogels formed from Gn‐Cl (n=2, 3) in 1,2‐dichloroethane exhibited thixotropic‐responsive properties, and such thixotropic organogels are promising materials for future research and applications.
A Resettable Keypad Lock with Visible Readout Based on Closed Bipolar Electrochemistry and Electrochromic Poly(3‐methylthiophene) Films
Authors: Wang Lei , Lian Wenjing , Liu Hongyun
Published: February 2016

A closed bipolar electrode (BPE) system was developed with electrochromic poly(3‐methylthiophene) (PMT) films electropolymerized on the ITO/rGO electrode as one pole of BPE in the reporting reservoir and the bare ITO electrode as another pole of BPE in the analyte reservoir, in which rGO represents reduced graphene oxide. Under a suitable driving voltage (Vtot), the electrochemical reduction/oxidation of electroactive probes, such as H2O2/glutathione (Glu), in the analyte reservoir could induce the reversible color change of PMT films in the reporting reservoir between blue and red. Based on this, a keypad lock with H2O2, Glu, and Vtot=−3.0 V as the three inputs and the color change of PMT films as the visible output was established. This system was easily operated and did not need to synthesize the complex compounds or DNA molecules. The security system was easy to reset and could be used repeatedly.