bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Footprint of ADU Students: Reasons and Solutions
Authors: Qafisheh Nida , Sarr Makhtar , Hussain Umm Amara , Awadh Shikha
Published: March 2017

The objective of the study was to calculate the carbon footprint of ADU students, studying environmental sciences and environmental health & safety and compared it with the average carbon footprint of UAE. Students’ activity, which contributed to the highest emissions of carbon dioxide per year, has been determined. The carbon footprints were calculated using the online carbon footprint calculator, which estimated the CO2 emissions of each student. The method resulted from different activities like consumption of gas and electricity, transportation, flights, food as well as other different activities are associated with individual’s life style. The average carbon footprint of Environmental ADU students after decreasing their emissions was 12.22 tons CO2/year, which was 68%, less than the average carbon footprint of UAE (37.8 tons/year). The public transportation, driving friendly cars, eating locally and living in a simply sustainable life style are great solutions to reduce an individual carbon footprint.
Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Willingness to Pay for Irrigation Water in Kerio Valley Basin, Kenya
Authors: Kiprop Jonah , Mulungu Kelvin , Kibet Noah , Macharia Antony
Published: March 2017

Food security is the major outcome of irrigation development activities. However, this cannot be achieved without sustainable water resources management. With the increasing budgetary constraints in many developing countries, governments have recognized the need to delegate irrigation scheme management to Irrigation Water Users’ Associations (IWUA’s) as much as possible. Despite the majority of these associations being operational, the major challenge has been poor performance due to inadequate farmer participation. This study examines the factors which influence farmers’ willingness to pay for irrigation water in a smallholder irrigation scheme in Kerio Valley Basin, Kenya. Using a multi-stage sampling method, a representative sample of 216 smallholder farmers from the Basin were interviewed. Results show that education level, access to training on irrigation, participation in construction of the irrigation system, crop income from irrigation and membership in IWUA significantly and positively influence farmers’ decisions to pay for irrigation water. Distance to the water source reduces the willingness to pay for irrigation water. Differential pricing based on income levels of farmers, rather than uniform pricing is recommended. We further recommend formulation of policies to train farmers in water management and to support farmer participation in IWUA’s.
Comparative Analysis of Distribution of Intertidal Fish Assemblages in Different Estuarine Systems on Northern Coast of Brazil
Authors: Silva Junior Milton Goncalves , Castro Antonio Carlos Leal , Saint-Paul Ulrich
Published: March 2017

The northern coast of Brazil has more than 30 estuaries distributed along 650 km of coastline. These conditions favor the presence of relatively large fish communities in estuarine environments, but published information on the fish fauna in tidal creeks in northern Brazil is only available for some mangrove systems, and comparative studies between fish estuarine communities in different tidal creeks are less common. The choice of the study area was based on the fact that it has been poorly investigated with regard to estuarine fish fauna in comparison in mangrove tidal creeks using the same fishing gear. The objective of the present study was to compare the composition of the relative biomass of taxonomic, functional and ecological guilds of fish assemblages occurring in estuarine systems along the northern coast of Brazil. The study area of the present comparative analysis extended from the southeastern edge of the Marajoara Gulf to the western edge of the Maranhense Gulf. A comparative analysis among different estuarine systems was performed using data from other studies. The abundance of juveniles was greater in the Caeté, Curuçá and Cururuca estuaries than other estuaries. Cluster analysis separated the estuaries into two distinct groups and significant differences between these groups only exist in relation to geographical proximity. The present investigation indicates that the coastal region between the states of Pará and Maranhão is characterized by high dynamics and environmental heterogeneity, particularly with regard to changes in river discharge and tidal fluctuations. The present results underscore the importance of ecological information on ichthyofauna in tropical estuaries in order to include appropriate descriptors in conservation or restoration processes of marine communities and habitats.
Effects of Selected Plant Growth Regulators on Bread Wheat Spike Development
Authors: Rasaei Ali , Honarmand Saeid Jalali , Saeidi Mohsen , Ghobadi Mohammad-Eghbal , Khanizadeh Shahrokh
Published: March 2017

Although the grain yield of wheat is finally determined after anthesis, the yield potential is largely dependent on early growth and development. At the specific stage from double ridge to terminal spikelet, spikelet initiation occurs and can affect the number of grains per spike and the grain yield. A factorial experiment using a randomized complete blocks design with six replicates was used to study the effect of three growth regulators (3‑indoleacetic acid [IAA], gibberellic acid [GA3], and 6‑benzylaminopurine [6‑BAP]) on two bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars (Rijaw and Azar‑2), at the Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Razi University, in Kermanshah, Iran, during the 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 cropping seasons. The effect of the hormones was not significant for spikelet initiation number or spikelet initiation rate based on days and growing degree days (GDDs), but apical meristem length and rate of elongation of the apical meristem were affected by exogenous application of hormones in both years. The Rijaw genotype was better than Azar‑2 with respect to apical meristem traits. As well, biplot diagrams showed that the treatment combination 6‑BAP × Rijaw was the best in terms of shoot apex length and rate of shoot apex elongation and that the treatment combination GA3×Rijaw was the best in terms of spikelet number and rate of spikelet initiation. It is concluded that each hormone can improve specific apical meristem characteristics and that the rate of each hormone’s effect depends on the plant’s genetic feature and on the environmental conditions.
CLSM: COUPLE LAYERED SECURITY MODEL A HIGH-CAPACITY DATA HIDING SCHEME USING WITH STEGANOGRAPHY
Authors: Kocak Cemal
Published: March 2017

Cryptography and steganography are the two significant techniques used in secrecy of communications and in safe message transfer. In this study CLSM – Couple Layered Security Model is suggested which has a hybrid structure enhancing information security using features of cryptography and steganography. In CLSM system; the information which has been initially cryptographically encrypted is steganographically embedded in an image at the next step. The information is encrypted by means of a Text Keyword consisting of maximum 16 digits determined by the user in cryptography method. Similarly, the encrypted information is processed, during the embedding stage, using a 16 digit pin (I-PIN) which is determined again by the user. The carrier images utilized in the study have been determined as 24 bit/pixel colour. Utilization of images in .jpeg, .tiff, .pnp format has also been provided. The performance of the CLSM method has been evaluated according to the objective quality measurement criteria of PSNR-dB (Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio) and SSIM (Structural Similarity Index). In the study, 12 different sized information between 1000 and 609,129 bits were embedded into images. Between 34.14 and 65.8 dB PSNR values and between 0.989 and 0.999 SSIM values were obtained. CLSM showed better results compared to Pixel Value Differencing (PVD) method, Simulated Annealing (SA) Algorithm and Mix column transform based on irreducible polynomial mathematics methods.
ESTIMATION OF PARAMETERS IN A PLANAR SEGMENT PROCESS WITH A BIOLOGICAL APPLICATION
Authors: Benes Viktor , Vecera Jakub , Eltzner Benjamin , Wollnik Carina , Rehfeldt Florian , Kralova Veronika , Huckemann Stephan
Published: March 2017

The paper deals with modeling of segment systems in a bounded planar set (a cell) by means of random segment processes. Two models with a density with respect to the Poisson process are presented. In model I interactions are given by the number of intersections, model II includes the length distribution and takes into account distances from the centre of the cell. The estimation of parameters of the models is suggested based on Takacz-Fiksel method. The method is tested first using simulated data. Further the real data from fluorescence imaging of stress fibres in mesenchymal human stem cells are evaluated. We apply model II which is inhomogeneous. The degree-of-fit testing of the model using various characteristics yields quite satisfactory results.
DESCRIPTION OF THE 3D MORPHOLOGY OF GRAIN BOUNDARIES IN ALUMINUM ALLOYS USING TESSELLATION MODELS GENERATED BY ELLIPSOIDS
Authors: Šedivý Ondřej , Dake Jules Mullen , Krill III Carl Emil , Schmidt Volker , Jäger Aleš
Published: March 2017

Parametric tessellation models are often used to approximate complex grain morphologies of polycrystalline microstructures. A big advantage of such models is the substantial reduction in disk space required to store large, three-dimensional data sets, especially when compared with voxel-based alternatives. By selection of an appropriate tessellation model, a reasonably small loss of information on the real grain shapes can usually be achieved. Special attention has recently been devoted to models based on ellipsoidal approximations fitted to each grain. Faces of these tessellations are portions of quadric surfaces whose parameters can be derived easily. In this paper, we deal with geometric features of the structure, notably curvatures and dihedral angles, which are closely related to the kinetics of grain growth. These characteristics are computed for ellipsoidbased tessellations fitted to two different aluminum alloys with nominal composition Al-3 wt% Mg-0.2 wt% Sc and Al-1 wt% Mg. The results are then compared with estimations based on meshed empirical data. We observe that the model offers more consistent estimations of grain shape characteristics than do the meshed empirical data. Precise description of grain boundaries by the model is also promising with respect to possible applications of these tessellations in stochastic space-time modeling of grain growth.
Estimation of pasture herbage intake by beef cattle based on n-alkanes as markers
Authors: Nowakowski Piotr , Czyz Katarzyna , Iwaszkiewicz Marta
Published: March 2017

The aim of the study was to evaluate herbage dry matter intake in 16 beef cows which grazed continuously on permanent pastures within the “The Warta Estuary” National Park (Poland), using the minimally invasive method based on n-alkanes as markers (C29, C31, C33). Significant differences were observed in the nutritive value of herbage collected for analyses by cutting or nipping. The calculated content of energy and protein in the nipped herbage was higher: UFL by 58.1% and PDI by 50%, with a higher digestibility of nutrients. The values obtained for DM intake in pasture herbage by cows were closest to the standards when calculations were based on the C29/C32 pair of n-alkanes. However, the best prediction of DM intake estimation from creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) pasture, in agreement with the accepted energy and protein standards, was based on the proportions between alkanes C31/C32.
Changes in presence of alien species in the ruderal vegetation of a representative ecosystem in a major city over 30 years: a case study from Bratislava
Authors: Rendeková Alena , Miškovic Ján , Mičieta Karol , Hrabovský Michal , Jarolímek Ivan
Published: March 2017

The study is focused on evaluating changes in the presence of alien species in ruderal vegetation. Two datasets comprising phytosociological relevés of ruderal communities during two time periods within the Bratislava City (in southwestern Slovakia) were analyzed. The old dataset consisted of 387 relevés recorded in the years 1975–1982, and the more recent dataset consisted of 308 relevés from the years 2011–2014. The relevés from both time periods were assigned to phytosociological classes via the same procedure – numerical classification (hierarchical clustering) using HIERCLUS software. The average values of the percentage number and percentage cover of the archaeophytes and neophytes as groups in the earlier and more recent relevés of each class were compared by the main effects ANOVA analysis in the STATISTICA 7.0 software. The proportion of each taxon of archaeophytes and neophytes in both datasets was also calculated. The invasive status, origin, and life forms of alien species in both datasets were compared. In total, both datasets comprised 120 archaeophytes and 71 neophytes. The old dataset contained more archeaophytes than the more recent dataset. On the contrary, the more recent dataset contained more neophytes than the old dataset. In the years 2011–2014, more invasive neophytes were recorded than in the past. The results revealed a statistically significant decrease in the average percentage number of archaeophytes in the classes Stellarietea mediae, Artemisietea vulgaris, and Galio-Urticetea, and a decrease in the average percentage cover of archaeophytes in the class Artemisietea vulgaris, compared to the past. On the contrary, a statistically significant increase in the average percentage number and cover of neophytes in the classes Artemisietea vulgaris and Galio-Urticetea was recorded. Some rare species of archaeophytes were only recorded 30 years ago (e.g., Kickxia elatine, Silene gallica). Furthermore, several species of neophytes (including some invasive taxa, e.g., Fallopia japonica, Helianthus tuberosus, Juncus tenuis) occur only currently in the ruderal vegetation of Bratislava.
Triterpenoid profile of fruit and leaf cuticular waxes of edible honeysuckle Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica
Authors: Becker Rafał , Pączkowski Cezary , Szakiel Anna
Published: March 2017

Edible honeysuckle (honeyberry) Lonicera caerulea is becoming popular as a novel berry crop with several useful features such as early fruit ripening and exceptional hardiness, particularly resistance to pests and diseases as well as severe frosts in winter and droughts in summer. The triterpenoid profile of fruit and leaf cuticular waxes of edible honeysuckle (a Russian cultivar Chernichka) was analyzed by GC-MS. The major compounds identified were the tetracyclic triterpenoids campesterol, cholesterol, cycloartanol, cycloart-23-ene-3,25-diol, 24-methylenecycloartanol (only in leaves), sitosterol, stigmasta-3,5-dien-7-one, and stigmasterol; and the pentacyclic triterpenes: α-amyrin, β-amyrin, hop-22(29)-en-3-one, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid. Several remarkable features of the analyzed triterpenoid contents were revealed, including the relatively low abundance of triterpenoids in fruit waxes (6.5% of wax extract) compared to leaf waxes (22%), and a particularly high proportion of tetracyclic triterpenoids (tetracyclic to pentacyclic compound ratios of 4:1 in fruits and almost 7:1 in leaves). These rare features distinguish the triterpenoid profile of the cuticular waxes of L. caerulea var. kamtschatica from the majority of triterpenoid profiles in plant cuticular waxes investigated to date. To our knowledge, this is the first quantitative compositional study on triterpenoid compounds in the cuticular waxes of edible honeysuckle, supplementing the knowledge of cuticular triterpenoid diversity and distribution.
MIEJSCE I ROLA ROLNICTWA W PRODUKCJI ENERGII ODNAWIALNEJ W POLSCE I UE
Authors: Sulewski Piotr , Majewski Edward , Wąs Adam
Published: March 2017

W opracowaniu podjęto próbę oceny znaczenia rolnictwa w procesach rozwoju energetyki odnawialnej w Polsce i UE. Wskazano, że w wielu krajach, w tym w Polsce, pomimo dużego potencjału produkcyjnego udział rolnictwa w produkcji energii odnawialnej jest stosunkowo niewielki. Podkreślono, że szczególną rolę w procesie zwiększania znaczenia rolnictwa w rozwoju energetyki odnawialnej mogą odegrać biogazownie rolnicze. Produkcja biogazu rolniczego stanowi nie tylko sposób na pozyskiwanie energii odnawialnej, ale przekłada się też na ograniczenie emisji metanu powstającego w trakcie przechowywania nawozów organicznych, co jest szczególnie istotne z punktu widzenia unijnej polityki klimatycznej. Doświadczenia wielu krajów wskazują, że wzrost znaczenia energetyki odnawialnej, zwłaszcza w początkowych fazach rozwoju poszczególnych technologii, uzależniony jest od wsparcia środkami publicznymi. Dostępne dane statystyczne wskazują, że poszczególne państwa UE prowadzą bardzo różną politykę w zakresie wsparcia sektora energetyki odnawialnej. W niektórych krajach UE (w�tym w Polsce) znaczną część środków publicznych kierowano na wsparcie energetyki bazującej na paliwach kopalnych.
Development and Validation of Clinical Whole-Exome and Whole-Genome Sequencing for Detection of Germline Variants in Inherited Disease
Authors: Hegde Madhuri , Santani Avni , Mao Rong , Ferreira-Gonzalez Andrea , Weck Karen E. , Voelkerding Karl V.
Published: March 2017

Context.—

With the decrease in the cost of sequencing, the clinical testing paradigm has shifted from single gene to gene panel and now whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing. Clinical laboratories are rapidly implementing next-generation sequencing–based whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing. Because a large number of targets are covered by whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing, it is critical that a laboratory perform appropriate validation studies, develop a quality assurance and quality control program, and participate in proficiency testing.

Objective.—

To provide recommendations for whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing assay design, validation, and implementation for the detection of germline variants associated in inherited disorders.

Data Sources.—

An example of trio sequencing, filtration and annotation of variants, and phenotypic consideration to arrive at clinical diagnosis is discussed.

Conclusions.—

It is critical that clinical laboratories planning to implement whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing design and validate the assay to specifications and ensure adequate performance prior to implementation. Test design specifications, including variant filtering and annotation, phenotypic consideration, guidance on consenting options, and reporting of incidental findings, are provided. These are important steps a laboratory must take to validate and implement whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing in a clinical setting for germline variants in inherited disorders.
The GRETA project: the contribution of near-surface geothermal energy for the energetic self-sufficiency of Alpine regions
Authors: Casasso Alessandro , Piga Bruno , Sethi Rajandrea , Prestor Joerg , Pestotnik Simona , Bottig Magdalena , Goetzl Gregor , Zambelli Pietro , D'Alonzo Valentina , Vaccaro Roberto , Capodaglio Pietro , Olmedo Marcela , Baietto Alessandro , Maragna Charles , Böttcher Fabian , Zoesseder Kai
Published: March 2017

The Alpine regions are deeply involved in the challenge set by climate change, which is a threat for their environment and for important economic activities such as tourism. The heating and cooling of buildings account for a major share of the total primary energy consumption in Europe, and hence the energy policies should focus on this sector to achieve the greenhouse gas reduction targets set by international agreements. Geothermal heat pump is one of the least carbon-intensive technologies for the heating and cooling of buildings. It exploits the heat stored within the ground, a local renewable energy source which is widely available across the Alpine territory. Nevertheless, it has been little considered by European policies and cooperation projects. GRETA (near-surface Geothermal REsources in the Territory of the Alpine space) is a cooperation project funded by the EU INTERREG-Alpine Space program, aiming at demonstrating the potential of shallow geothermal energy and to foster its integration into energy planning instruments. It started in December 2015 and will last three years, involving 12 partners from Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia. In this paper, the project is presented, along with the results of the first year of work.
Charon in the Intelvi Valley. The Gorge of Osteno
Authors: Luzzini Francesco
Published: March 2017

Not available.
Folklore and Folk Songs of Chittagong: A Critical Review
Authors: Mohammad Khan Amir
Published: March 2017

Folk Songs stems from Folklore are very rich in the southern region of Chittagong. In this part of the world Folk Songs play pivotal role in the lifestyle of people as a heart-touching and heavenly connection exists between human, nature and Folk Songs. Folk Songs in this area are special because we found the theme of Nature Conservation in them. We took the southern part of Chittagong (Lohagara, Satkania, Chandanaish and Patiya) as our research area, selected a village namely Chunati in the systematic sampling and more than 100 people were interviewed through focus group discussion and key informant interviews. The sufficient literature review is also done. People in this area love nature a lot. Here music personnel were born from time to time who not only worked for the musical development but also created consciousness among people to love nature and save it. We discussed about the origin of Folk Songs, pattern of Folk Songs to clarify the importance of Folk Songs of Chittagong for its connection to Folklore and at the same time for promoting the idea of Nature Conservation. Of course, this part of studies deserves more attention in the field of research. Our ultimate goal should be to conserve and promote Folk Songs of Chittagong with yearlong heritage that automatically will later enrich Folklore and Nature Conservation.
Human impact on long‐term organic carbon export to rivers
Authors: Noacco Valentina , Wagener Thorsten , Worrall Fred , Burt Tim P. , Howden Nicholas J. K.
Published: March 2017

Anthropogenic landscape alterations have increased global carbon transported by rivers to oceans since preindustrial times. Few suitable observational data sets exist to distinguish different drivers of carbon increase, given that alterations only reveal their impact on fluvial dissolved organic carbon (DOC) over long time periods. We use the world's longest record of DOC concentrations (130 years) to identify key drivers of DOC change in the Thames basin (UK). We show that 90% of the long‐term rise in fluvial DOC is explained by increased urbanization, which released to the river 671 kt C over the entire period. This source of carbon is linked to rising population, due to increased sewage effluent. Soil disturbance from land use change explained shorter‐term fluvial responses. The largest land use disturbance was during the Second World War, when almost half the grassland area in the catchment was converted into arable land, which released 45 kt C from soils to the river. Carbon that had built up in soils over decades was released to the river in only a few years. Our work suggests that widespread population growth may have a greater influence on fluvial DOC trends than previously thought.
Spatial and temporal estimates of population exposure to wildfire smoke during the Washington state 2012 wildfire season using blended model, satellite, and in situ data
Authors: Lassman William , Ford Bonne , Gan Ryan W. , Pfister Gabriele , Magzamen Sheryl , Fischer Emily V. , Pierce Jeffrey R.
Published: March 2017

In the western U.S., smoke from wild and prescribed fires can severely degrade air quality. Due to changes in climate and land management, wildfires have increased in frequency and severity, and this trend is expected to continue. Consequently, wildfires are expected to become an increasingly important source of air pollutants in the western U.S. Hence, there is a need to develop a quantitative understanding of wildfire‐smoke‐specific health effects. A necessary step in this process is to determine who was exposed to wildfire smoke, the concentration of the smoke during exposure, and the duration of the exposure. Three different tools have been used in past studies to assess exposure to wildfire smoke: in situ measurements, satellite‐based observations, and chemical‐transport model (CTM) simulations. Each of these exposure‐estimation tools has associated strengths and weakness. We investigate the utility of blending these tools together to produce estimates of PM2.5 exposure from wildfire smoke during the Washington 2012 fire season. For blending, we use a ridge‐regression model and a geographically weighted ridge‐regression model. We evaluate the performance of the three individual exposure‐estimate techniques and the two blended techniques by using leave‐one‐out cross validation. We find that predictions based on in situ monitors are more accurate for this particular fire season than the CTM simulations and satellite‐based observations because of the large number of monitors present; therefore, blending provides only marginal improvements above the in situ observations. However, we show that in hypothetical cases with fewer surface monitors, the two blending techniques can produce substantial improvement over any of the individual tools.
LaTiOxNy Thin Film Model Systems for Photocatalytic Water Splitting: Physicochemical Evolution of the Solid–Liquid Interface and the Role of the Crystallographic Orientation
Authors: Pichler Markus , Si Wenping , Haydous Fatima , Téllez Helena , Druce John , Fabbri Emiliana , Kazzi Mario El , Döbeli Max , Ninova Silviya , Aschauer Ulrich , Wokaun Alexander , Pergolesi Daniele , Lippert Thomas
Published: March 2017

The size of the band gap and the energy position of the band edges make several oxynitride semiconductors promising candidates for efficient hydrogen and oxygen production under solar light illumination. Intense research efforts dedicated to oxynitride materials have unveiled the majority of their most important properties. However, two crucial aspects have received much less attention: One is the critical issue of compositional/structural surface modifications that occur during operation and how these affect photoelectrochemical performance. The second concerns the relation between electrochemical response and the crystallographic surface orientation of the oxynitride semiconductor. These are indeed topics of fundamental importance, since it is exactly at the surface where the visible‐light‐driven electrochemical reaction takes place.

In contrast to conventional powder samples, thin films represent the best model system for these investigations. This study reviews current state‐of‐the‐art oxynitride thin film fabrication and characterization, before focusing on LaTiO2N, selected as a representative photocatalyst. An investigation of the initial physicochemical evolution of the surface is reported. Then, it is shown that after stabilization the absorbed photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency of epitaxial thin films can differ by about 50% for different crystallographic surface orientations, and be up to 5 times larger than for polycrystalline samples.
Dynamic Cellular Interactions with Extracellular Matrix Triggered by Biomechanical Tuning of Low‐Rigidity, Supported Lipid Membranes
Authors: Vafaei Setareh , Tabaei Seyed R. , Biswas Kabir H. , Groves Jay T. , Cho Nam‐Joon
Published: March 2017

The behavior of cells in a tissue is regulated by chemical as well as physical signals arising from their microenvironment. While gel‐based substrates have been widely used for mimicking a range of substrate rigidities, there is a need for the development of low rigidity substrates for mimicking the physical properties of soft tissues. In this study, the authors report the development of a supported lipid bilayer (SLB)‐based low rigidity substrate for cell adhesion studies. SLBs are functionalized with either collagen I or fibronectin via covalent, amine coupling to a carboxyl group‐modified lipid molecule. While the lipid molecules in the bilayer show long‐range lateral mobility, the covalently functionalized extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are immobile on the bilayer surface. Specific adhesion of cells results in an enrichment of the protein on the bilayer and the appearance of a zone of depletion around the cells. Further, the lateral reorganization of the ECM proteins is controlled by altering the fluidity of lipid molecules in the substrate. Thus, the experimental platform developed in this study can be utilized for addressing basic questions related to cell adhesion on low rigidity substrates as well as biomedical applications requiring adhesion of cells to low rigidity substrates.
2‐Nitrobenzyl Isocyanide as a Universal Convertible Isocyanide
Authors: Chandgude Ajay L. , Li Jingyao , Dömling Alexander
Published: March 2017

2‐Nitrobenzyl isocyanide is reported as a universal convertible isocyanide with extensive applicability in both Ugi four‐component reaction (Ugi‐4CR) and Ugi‐tetrazole reaction. The cleavage of this isocyanide from 17 examples in both acidic and basic conditions is presented. Additionally, this isocyanide has various handling and synthetic advantages, as it is easy to prepare, odorless, stable, and easy to handle as a solid.
Surface modification of lignin for applications in polypropylene blends
Authors: Atifi Siham , Miao Chuanwei , Hamad Wadood Y.
Published: March 2017

The surface modification of wet‐milled softwood lignin produced with the LignoForce System was successfully carried out in a one‐step aqueous process. Different hydrophobic molecules, including cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, poly(ethylene oxide), polyethylene‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol), dodecenyl succinic anhydride, and alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), were investigated to design the hydrophobicity of lignin with the objective of improving the adhesion and compatibility in polymer blends composed of polar lignin particles and, for example, nonpolar polypropylene (PP). AKD, among all of the investigated approaches, proved to be the simplest and most effective for significantly increasing the contact angle of lignin while preserving the original micrometer size of wet‐milled, spray‐dried lignin particles. This treatment led to a noticeable improvement in the stiffness of lignin–PP composite blends, with an increase of approximately 15% in Young's modulus. The compatibility of the AKD‐treated lignin with PP was assessed through tensile strength measurements and blend morphology observation, whereas the mechanism of AKD interaction with lignin was investigated with contact angle measurement, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy measurements. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45103.
Two‐Dimensional Crystallization of Rylene Diimide Based n‐Type Semiconductors Tuned by the Dimensions of the Aromatic Core at the Liquid–Solid Interface
Authors: Guo Zongxia , Yu Ping , Sun Kai , Wang Wenpin , Wei Yuhan , Li Zhibo
Published: March 2017

The investigation of semiconductors at the surface provides opportunities to observe and understand the mechanism of molecular interaction for the design of semiconductors so that organic electronics with good performance can be built. Herein, the 2D crystallization of rylene diimide based n‐type semiconductors (i.e., 1–4) was explored at the liquid–highly oriented pyrolytic graphite interface by means of scanning tunneling microscopy. Rylene diimides 1–3 with increased aromatic dimensions show different surface crystallization behaviors and distinguished 2D patterns. The surface chirality was also found to be directly affected by the aromatic dimensions. The 2D patterns and the surface chirality could also be tuned by the nature of the solvent. In addition, molecular symmetry was found to be of great important for the formation of long‐range ordered 2D monolayers. This investigation highlights the importance of the rational design of molecular dimensions and geometrical symmetry in achieving determined 2D nanopatterns on surfaces, especially for the rylene diimide based n‐type semiconductors.
One‐step synthesis of nitrogen, boron co‐doped fluorescent carbon nanoparticles for glucose detection
Authors: Liang Meijuan , Ren Yi , Zhang Haijuan , Ma Yunxia , Niu Xiaoying , Chen Xingguo
Published: March 2017

Heteroatom‐doped carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) have attracted considerable attention due to an effective improvement in their intrinsic properties. Here, a facile and simple synthesis of nitrogen, boron co‐doped carbon nanoparticles (NB‐CNPs) from a sole precursor, 3‐aminophenylboronic acid, was performed via a one‐step solid‐phase approach. Because of the presence of boronic acid, NB‐CNPs can be used directly as a fluorescent probe for glucose. Based on a boronic acid‐triggered specific reaction, we developed a simple NB‐CNP probe without surface modification for the detection of glucose. When glucose was introduced, the fluorescence of NB‐CNPs was suppressed through a surface‐quenching states mechanism. Obvious fluorescence quenching allowed the highly sensitive determination of glucose with a limit of detection of 1.8 μM. Moreover, the proposed method has been successfully used to detect glucose in urine from people with diabetes, suggesting potential application in sensing glucose.
Determination of (4‐(1,3‐dioxo‐1,3‐dihydro‐2H‐isoindol‐ 2‐yl)‐N′‐[(4‐ethoxyphenyl) methylidene] benzohydrazide, a novel anti‐inflammatory agent, in biological fluids by UPLC‐MS/MS: Assay development, validation and in vitro metabolic stability study
Authors: Iqbal Muzaffar , Bhat Mashooq A. , Raish Mohammad , Ezzeldin Essam
Published: March 2017

A thalidomide analog, (4‐(1,3‐dioxo‐1,3‐dihydro‐2H‐isoindol‐2‐yl)‐N′‐[(4‐ethoxyphenyl) methylidene] benzohydrazide), has been identified as a promising broad‐spectrum anti‐inflammatory agent in previous study. In this study, a sensitive and selective UPLC‐MS/MS assay was developed and validated for its determination in rat plasma samples. The chromatographic separation was performed on an Aquity BEH C18 column using mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile and 10 mm ammonium acetate in the ratio of 85: 15, at flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The detection and quantification were performed in positive multiple reaction monitoring mode by parent to daughter ion transition of 414.06 ˃ 148.05 for analyte and 411.18 ˃ 191.07 for internal standard (risperidone), respectively using electrospray ionization source. The sample extraction process consisted of liquid–liquid extraction method using diethyl ether as the extracting solvent. The assay was validated by following FDA guidelines and all parameters were found to be within acceptable limits. The linearity was between 10.1 and 2500 ng/mL and the lower limit of quantification was 10.1 ng/mL. The reported results indicate that the assay could meet the requirement for analysis of this compound in amounts expected to the present in actual samples. Further, in vitro metabolic stability study was performed in rat liver microsomes by using the validated assay.
Migraine prevalence in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms: A case–control study
Authors: Witvoet Elbert H. , Pelzer Nadine , Terwindt Gisela M. , Rinkel Gabriël J.E. , Vlak Monique H.M. , Algra Ale , Wermer Marieke J.H.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Migraine is a suggested risk factor for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). An increased risk of aSAH in migraineurs may be explained by an increased prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA). We performed a case–control study to compare lifetime migraine prevalence in patients with UIA, patients with a history of transient ischemic attact (TIA) or ischemic stroke and controls without a history of aSAH, TIA or ischemic stroke.

Materials and Methods

Patients with UIA were recruited from two university hospitals. Data on patients with TIA/stroke were retrieved from a previous study. Partners of patients with UIA or TIA/stroke were included as controls. Migraine history was assessed via a telephone interview based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders, second edition criteria. We calculated odds ratios (OR) for migraine with univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses, adjusted for age, sex, hypertension and smoking.

Results

We included 172 patients with UIA, 221 patients with TIA or stroke, and 164 controls. In UIA patients, migraine prevalence was 24.4% compared with 14.6% in controls (UIA vs. controls; OR 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–3.5) and 22.2% in TIA/stroke patients (UIA vs. TIA/stroke; OR 1.1; 95% CI 0.7–1.8). After adjustments, the OR for migraine in UIA patients versus controls were 1.7 (95% CI 1.0–3.1) and 0.9 (95% CI 0.5–1.0) versus TIA/stroke. Results were comparable for migraine with and without aura.

Conclusions

Migraine prevalence is possibly increased in patients with UIA compared with controls and comparable with the prevalence in patients with TIA or stroke. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and to investigate the underlying pathophysiology.
Direct evaluative conditioning in brand placement: The impact of scene valence and prominence on brand placement repetition effects
Authors: D'Hooge Serena C. , Hudders Liselot , Cauberghe Veroline
Published: March 2017

Whereas previous studies investigated the affect transfer from one specific affective stimulus of the brand placement context (such as an artist or the genre) to the brand, this research study investigates the effect of the valence of various scenes in which the brand is repeatedly placed on brand attitude. Direct evaluative conditioning theory suggests that pairing a brand repeatedly with various positive (negative) stimuli positively (negatively) affects brand attitude. The results of 2 experimental studies indicate that when a brand is repeatedly and prominently placed in different affective scenes of the same valence (a series of either positive or negative scenes), the affect aroused by those scenes influences explicit and implicit brand attitudes. In addition, whereas previous research found negative effects of brand prominence on brand evaluations, this study found that prominence positively moderates the affect transfer from the valence of various scenes on brand attitude. This implies that by placing the brand in various positive scenes, prominent brand placements can have a positive effect on recall and recognition and on brand attitude, which transcends the previously declared paradox of prominent placement.
Bioethylene Production from Ethanol: A Review and Techno‐economical Evaluation
Authors: Mohsenzadeh Abas , Zamani Akram , Taherzadeh Mohammad J.
Published: March 2017

Manufacturing of bioethylene via dehydration of bioethanol is an alternative to the fossil‐based ethylene production and decreases the environmental consequences for this chemical commodity. A few industrial plants that utilize 1st generation bioethanol for the bioethylene production already exist, although not functioning without subsidiaries. However, there is still no process producing ethylene from 2nd generation bioethanol. This study is divided into two parts. Different ethanol and ethylene production methods, the process specifications and current technologies are briefly discussed in the first part. In the second part, a techno‐economic analysis of a bioethylene plant was performed using Aspen® plus and Aspen Process Economic Analyzer, where different qualities of ethanol were considered. The results show that impurities in the ethanol feed have no significant effect on the quality of the produced polymer‐grade bioethylene. The capacity of the ethylene storage tank significantly affects the capital costs of the process.
Porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct nevus: a unique case treated with CO2 laser
Authors: Zade John , Jfri Abdulhadi , Nabatian Adam , Alajaji Abdullah , Geller Lauren , Khorasani Hooman
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

Porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct nevus (PEODDN) is a rare eccrine hamartoma, with treatment generally being unsatisfactory. The unique features of PEODDN presented include bilateral and facial lesions, and extensive body involvement. Management with CO2 laser was successful, and follow‐up will be necessary to monitor for recurrent lesions.
Third‐degree AV block sensitive to prednisolone 72 hours post AVNRT ablation
Authors: Parwani Abdul S. , Schröder Anna I. , Blaschke Daniela , Blaschke Florian , Huemer Martin , Attanasio Philipp , Pieske Burkert , Boldt Leif‐Hendrik , Haverkamp Wilhelm
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

A patient developed a transient first‐degree AV block during a radiofrequency ablation of an atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia. Three days later the patient presented with a third‐degree AV block. It resolved within 24 h under antiphlogistic therapy. Patient was asymptomatic without necessity for pacemaker implantation at 12 months follow‐up.
Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease‐like posterior uveitis in the course of nivolumab (anti‐PD‐1 antibody), interposed by vemurafenib (BRAF inhibitor), for metastatic cutaneous malignant melanoma
Authors: Matsuo Toshihiko , Yamasaki Osamu
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

A patient with metastatic cutaneous malignant melanoma developed Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease‐like posterior uveitis after two nivolumab (anti‐PD‐1 antibody) injections. Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease, with the background of autoimmunity against choroidal melanocytes, suggests nivolumab be working by disintegrating inhibition circuit of T cells against a common epitope shared between melanoma cells and normal melanocytes.
Thromboelastometry‐guided blood transfusion in septic shock complicated with disseminated intravascular coagulation: a case report
Authors: Crochemore Tomaz , Nunes Dias Campos Flavia , Menezes Souza Pessoa Camila , Lima Rocha Leonardo , Zanella do Amaral Campos Pedro Paulo , Corrêa Thiago Domingos
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

Approximately 25–50% of septic patients develop disseminated intravascular coagulation. The thromboelastometry evaluates whole blood clot formation and dissolution in real time and has been considered for management of bleeding in diverse clinical conditions. We present a case of thromboelastometry‐guided bleeding management of a septic shock patient with overt disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
Isolated intestinal type angioedema due to ACE‐inhibitor therapy
Authors: Palmquist Stephen , Mathews Benji
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

A 42‐year‐old woman presents with abdominal pain after taking her first dose of lisinopril. Visceral angioedema was diagnosed based on clinical suspicion and abdominal computed tomography (CT). Awareness of this rare side effect of a common medication is key to avoid delays in diagnosis and unnecessary procedures.
Di‐Zinc–Aryl Complexes: CO2 Insertions and Applications in Polymerisation Catalysis
Authors: Romain Charles , Garden Jennifer A. , Trott Gemma , Buchard Antoine , White Andrew J. P. , Williams Charlotte K.
Published: March 2017

Two new di‐zinc–aryl complexes, [LZn2Ph2] and [LZn2(C6F5)2], coordinated by a diphenol tetraamine macrocyclic ligand have been prepared and fully characterised, including by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction experiments. The complexes’ reactivities with monomers including carbon dioxide, cyclohexene oxide, phthalic anhydride, isopropanol and phenol were investigated using both experimental studies and density functional theory calculations. In particular, [LZn2Ph2] readily inserts carbon dioxide to form a carboxylate, at 1 bar pressure, whereas [LZn2(C6F5)2] does not react. Under these conditions [LZn2Ph2] shows moderate activity in the ring‐opening copolymerisation of cyclohexene oxide/carbon dioxide (TOF=20 h−1), cyclohexene oxide/phthalic anhydride (TOF=33 h−1) and the ring‐opening polymerisations of rac‐lactide (TOF=99 h−1) and ϵ‐caprolactone (TOF=5280 h−1).
Organic Electron Acceptors Comprising a Dicyanomethylene‐Bridged Acridophosphine Scaffold: The Impact of the Heteroatom
Authors: Schaub Tobias A. , Brülls Steffen M. , Dral Pavlo O. , Hampel Frank , Maid Harald , Kivala Milan
Published: March 2017

Stable two‐electron acceptors comprising a dicyanomethylene‐bridged acridophosphine scaffold were synthesized and their reversible reduction potentials were efficiently tuned through derivatization of the phosphorus center. X‐ray crystallographic analysis combined with NMR, UV/Vis, IR spectroscopic, and electrochemical studies, supported by theoretical calculations, revealed the crucial role of the phosphorus atom for the unique redox, structural, and photophysical properties of these compounds. The results identify the potential of these electron deficient scaffolds for the development of functional n‐type materials and redox active chromophores upon further functionalization.
Luminescent NaYF4:Yb,Er upconversion nanocrystal colloids: Towards controlled synthesis and near‐infrared optical response
Authors: Duong Hau V. , Truong Quy‐Tung , Tran Thai‐Hoa , Nguyen Thanh‐Dinh , Viet Long Nguyen
Published: March 2017

Lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanocrystals are an emerging class of near‐IR‐sensitive luminescent nanomaterials that have aroused widespread interest in the investigation of their unique optical properties for sensing, biomedical, and energy applications. In this work, we have hydrothermally prepared NaYF4:Yb,Er upconversion nanocrystals that can respond with brilliant photoluminescence to near‐infrared laser light. The structural phase of the NaYF4:Yb,Er upconversion nanocrystals can be controlled by extending the hydrothermal reaction to visibly tune their emission intensity. The highly photoluminescent NaYF4:Yb,Er colloidal nanocrystals are subsequently assembled in host matrices of hard substrates and polymethyl methacrylate plastics by colloidal solution solidification to fabricate optical display components that may be useful as a potential alternative for fingerprint identification and encryption.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Oxidative Diazidation of Alkenes
Authors: Peng Haihui , Yuan Zheliang , Chen Pinhong , Liu Guosheng
Published: March 2017

A palladium‐catalyzed oxidative vicinal diazidation of alkenes has been developed, in which TMSN3 was used as azide source. Both styrenes and unactivated alkenes are suitable for this reaction. And trans‐alkyldiazides were obtained as major products from cyclic alkenes with moderate to good diastereoselectivities. This reaction afforded an efficient way for the synthesis of useful 1,2‐diamines after hydrogenation.
[3 + 3] Formal Cycloadditions of Nitrones from Isatins and Azaoxyallyl Cations for Construction of Spirooxindoles
Authors: Lin Weijia , Zhan Gu , Shi Minglin , Du Wei , Chen Yingchun
Published: March 2017

A [3 + 3] formal cycloaddition reaction between in situ formed azaoxyallyl cations and nitrones from isatins has been developed, furnishing a spectrum of spiro[1,2,4‐oxadiazinan‐5‐one]oxindoles in good to excellent yields with excellent diastereoselectivity. This method provides direct and efficient access to potentially bioactive spirooxindoles incorporating a six‐membered heterocyclic scaffold.