bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of a Mn‐Schiff base complex anchored on modified MCM‐41 as a novel and recyclable catalyst for oxidation of olefins
Authors: Zakeri Hassan , Rayati Saeed , Zarei Goldasteh
Published: October 2018

Mn‐Schiff base complex has been covalently attached to the surface of Mobil Composite Material No. 41 (MCM‐41) using a 1,4‐diisocyanatobutane (DIC‐4) as a binder. The prepared heterogeneous catalyst was characterized by X‐ray diffraction pattern (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, X‐ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The BET results indicated that the surface area and pore size of MCM‐41 were decreased after modification. The obtained catalyst was used as a highly efficient, heterogeneous and recyclable catalyst for the oxidation of a wide range of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a green oxidant. The effect of various parameters such as catalyst and imidazole (co‐catalyst) concentration, tempreture, and reaction time on the conversion effecincy and selectivity of the reaction have been studied. The catalyst was used in five consecutive experiment without any loss of activity, confirming the success of the anchoring process and the catalyst stability.
Bio‐based engineered nanocomposite foam with enhanced mechanical and thermal barrier properties
Authors: Kadam H. , Bandyopadhyay‐Ghosh S. , Malik N. , Ghosh S. B.
Published: October 2018

Bio‐based polyurethane (PU) foams were developed from bio‐polyol (castor oil‐based) in the presence of selective catalyst, surfactant, and blowing agent. Bentonite nanoclay (NC) was incorporated into the bio‐polyol mixture as nano‐reinforcement, while, triethyl phosphate was used as flame‐retardant agent. After fabrication, these bioengineered foam nano‐composites were studied for microstructural, mechanical and thermal characterizations. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated the presence of characteristic functionalities within biopolyol segments, which was influenced by reactant activity within the polyurethane (PU) foams. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the cellular morphology of the foam. Thermogravimetric analysis enabled the study of foam decomposition behavior for different sample compositions. Incorporation of NC into pristine foam was found to delay the onset degradation temperature. Flammability studies depicted significant enhancement of flame retardancy with incorporation of NC up to a certain loading level. Compression tests demonstrated that significant improvement of compressive strength properties of foams could be achieved by incorporating bentonite nanoclay, owing to nucleation effect of nanoclay and corresponding enhanced structural integrity. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47063.
Crosslinking behaviors and mechanical properties of curable PDMS and PEG films with various contents of glycidyl methacrylate
Authors: Kim N. H. , Yoon S. , Jung K. I. , Lee D. G. , Bang J. , Jung H. W.
Published: October 2018

The real‐time curing behaviors and surface mechanical properties of two curable systems, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) films containing different portions of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), were investigated via various measurements for potential application as anti‐fouling coatings. In these mixtures, methacryloxypropyl‐terminated PDMS and poly(ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate were used as the difunctional crosslinkers, and GMA was employed as the epoxy component. During the coating process, UV irradiation generated network structures for both mixtures (PDMS‐GMA and PEG‐GMA), while they exhibited the different evolution of the elastic modulus with respect to the GMA content. It was found that a small portion of the crosslinkers formed at early stage has a dominant contribution to the overall film properties, leading to a small swelling ratio and large gel fraction. The indentation and scratch mechanical properties of the cured films were qualitatively well linked with the real‐time rheological data for the curable mixtures acquired during the curing process. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47088.
Cellular morphology evolution of chain extended poly(butylene succinate)/organic montmorillonite nanocomposite foam
Authors: Zhou H. , Song J. , Ding X. , Qu Z. , Wang X. , Mi J. , Wang J.
Published: October 2018

Polymer foam with complex cellular structure (CCS) possessing both large cell and small cell simultaneously has lower density as well as better mechanical and thermal properties than those with mono‐porous cell structure, which could be applied in the fields of packaging and construction materials. In this article, organic montmorillonite (OMMT) was introduced into chain‐extended poly(butylene succinate) (CPBS) through melt blending method. CCS in the resultant CPBS samples were generated in a stainless steel autoclave using supercritical CO2 as physical blowing agent by a cooling and two‐step depressurization method. The crystallization temperature and crystallinity of CPBS increased by 4 °C and 2% respectively, due to the introduction of OMMT. Exfoliated structure of OMMT and some fish scale‐like OMMT were observed in the CPBS/OMMT nanocomposites. The optimum range of the first depressurization between 1 and 7 MPa for fabricating the CCS in the CPBS foams with different contents of OMMT was obtained. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47107
Effective modeling and optimization of PVDF–PTFE electrospinning parameters and membrane distillation process by response surface methodology
Authors: Li J. , Xu S. , Hassan M. , Shao J. , Ren L.‐F. , He Y.
Published: October 2018

Ploy(vinylidene fluoride)–polytetrafluoroethylene nanofibrous membrane fabrication and direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) process were simulated and optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). Analysis of variance was applied to develop and verify the models that predict the objectives. The three‐dimensional response surfaces of different objectives were obtained. Results showed that the membrane with thickness of 70.7 μm, contact angle of 146.2°, and liquid entry pressure of 53.5 kPa was obtained within investigated experimental range under the optimum electrospinning conditions. Rejection rate of 99.99% and the permeate flux of 67.5 kg m−2 h−1 were gained under the optimum membrane distillation (MD) process parameters. The actual and predicted values show good consistency verifying the accuracy of the models. In addition, an overall investigation of the influence of heat‐press temperature on the morphological and mechanical properties of electrospun membrane was carried out. Results indicated that electrospinning process and MD performance can be enhanced after the corresponding variables were optimized by RSM. This study provides a scientific way to optimize the electrospinning and DCMD parameters. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47125.
Surface modification of magnesium hydroxide and its application in flame‐retardant oil‐extended styrene–ethylene–butadiene–styrene/polypropylene composites
Authors: Liu Lubin , Xu Miaojun , Hu Yumeng , Xu Yue , Zhang Zhiyong , Li Bin
Published: October 2018

Magnesium hydroxide (MH) was modified with triethoxysilane and polymethyl–vinyl silicone rubber and used to prepare flame‐retardant oil‐extended styrene–ethylene–butadiene–styrene (O‐SEBS)–polypropylene (PP) composites. The water contact angle of modified magnesium hydroxide (MMH) reached 141°; this indicated that MMH possessed excellent hydrophobic properties. The samples (1.6 mm) passed the UL‐94 V‐0 rating during vertical burning tests when the loading amount of MH or MMH was 70 wt %. This indicated the modification did not decrease the flame‐retardant properties of MH. The tensile strength and elongation at break values of the MMH–O‐SEBS–PP composites increased by 20.4 and 88.9%, respectively, compared with those of the MH–O‐SEBS–PP composites. The modification of MH enhanced the interfacial compatibility between the flame retardant and the matrix; thus, the mechanical performance was enhanced. Moreover, MMH was scarcely extracted after water treatment for 168 h at 70 °C. As a result, the mechanical properties and flame retardancy of the MMH–O‐SEBS–PP composites were well maintained after the water treatment. The modification of the MH endowed the O‐SEBS–PP composites with an excellent compatibility and water‐resistant performance. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47129.
Listening to the unseen: Passive acoustic monitoring reveals the presence of a cryptic fish species
Authors: Picciulin Marta , Kéver Loïc , Parmentier Eric , Bolgan Marta
Published: October 2018

Rare and cryptic fish species such as the cusk‐eel Ophidion rochei (Műller, 1845) (Ophidiiformes), an endemic sand‐dwelling Mediterranean fish, are likely to go undetected by traditional non‐invasive monitoring techniques commonly used to survey biodiversity.

Although the cusk‐eel is distributed along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, no study to date has reported its presence along the north‐western coastline.

Despite this, passive acoustic monitoring carried out during summer 2009 at the WWF‐Miramare Marine Protected Area, located on the northernmost shore of the Adriatic Sea (Trieste Gulf, Italy), revealed loud sounds with characteristics similar to those of O. rochei.

The sounds were long trains of low‐frequency pulses, showing the typical and unique pulse period alternation pattern of O. rochei adult male reproductive calls. The consistency of these peculiar call features indicates that O. rochei is present in the marine protected area, where it is likely to reproduce. The results are further discussed in light of the occasional presence of the congeneric snake blenny Ophidion barbatum (Linnaeus, 1975).

This is the first reported case in which passive acoustic monitoring enabled the identification of a cryptic fish species in a marine protected area where visual census surveys of the fish fauna, carried out for decades on a monthly basis, failed to detect the presence of this species.

Passive acoustic monitoring is a powerful tool for both conservation and fishery science that should be coupled with visual surveys in order to improve the resolution of fish biodiversity assessments.
Gene pool and connectivity patterns of Pinna nobilis in the Balearic Islands (Spain, Western Mediterranean Sea): Implications for its conservation through restocking
Authors: González‐Wangüemert Mercedes , Basso Lorena , Balau Ana , Costa Joana , Renault Lionel , Serrão Ester A. , Duarte Carlos M. , Hendriks Iris E.
Published: October 2018

Pinna nobilis is an endemic bivalve of the Mediterranean Sea, and a vulnerable species registered as endangered and protected under the European Council Directive 92/43/EEC and Barcelona Convention.

In early autumn 2016, a mass mortality event impacted P. nobilis populations in the south‐western Mediterranean Sea, including the Balearic Islands. At the time of this study, P. nobilis still maintained high population densities along the Balearic coasts (Western Mediterranean).

This study evaluated the connectivity of P. nobilis post‐larvae and adults in seagrass habitats around the Balearic Islands and identified its source and sink populations. These objectives were reached through a multidisciplinary approach including population genetics (10 microsatellites) and hydrodynamic modelling.

High genetic diversity was found and significant genetic differentiation (inferred by fixation index FST) was detected between post‐larvae samples, but not between adult populations. Significant genic and genotypic differentiation was recorded for adults and post‐larvae.

This pattern was confirmed by correspondence analysis using allele frequencies. The genetic connectivity pattern was consistent with marine currents and dispersal models.

This work not only improves knowledge of the P. nobilis gene pool in south‐west Mediterranean populations and their connectivity patterns, but is also crucial to help evaluate the possibility of recovery from source populations and the possibility of restocking programmes, as well as provide a solid base to establish effective marine reserve networks.
Distribution of Pacini‐Like Lamellar Corpuscles in the Vascular Sheath of the Femoral Artery
Authors: Morishita Saeko , Sai Kaei , Maeda Seishi , Kuwahara‐Otani Sachi , Minato Yusuke , Yagi Hideshi
Published: October 2018

Pacinian corpuscles are vibration‐sensing mechanoreceptors that are densely distributed in the dermis of the human hand. Although they are also known to occur in various other regions/structures throughout the human body, including the adventitia of large vessels, their precise distribution and function in arteries remain unclear. In the present study, we identified Pacini‐like lamellar corpuscles (LCs) adjacent to the femoral artery, and investigated their distribution with respect to that structure via a histological analysis. We identified nine LCs that were localized in the connective tissue surrounding the femoral artery and vein. We showed that although their distribution was heterogeneous, they were predominantly concentrated on the dorsal side of the femoral artery. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that the identified femoral artery LCs exhibited features characteristic of typical LCs located in the dermis of the index finger. Thus, the results of the present study contribute to an improved understanding of the function of femoral artery LCs. Anat Rec, 301:1809–1814, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sacroiliac Joint Ankylosis in Young Spondyloarthritis Patients Receiving Biologic Therapy: Observation of Serial Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scans
Authors: Bray Timothy J. P. , Lopes Andre , Fisher Corinne , Ciurtin Coziana , Sen Debajit , Hall‐Craggs Margaret A.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To assess the temporal relationship between initiating biologic therapy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scores of inflammation and structural damage in young patients with spondyloarthritis.

Methods

A local adolescent/young adult patient rheumatology database was searched for patients ages 12–24 years who had evidence of sacroiliitis on MRI and a clinical diagnosis of enthesitis‐related arthritis (ERA) with axial involvement or nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Patients treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) therapy who had undergone a minimum of 1 MRI scan before and 2 MRI scans after starting TNFi therapy (over ≥2 years) were included. Images of the sacroiliac joints were scored for inflammation and structural abnormalities (including erosions, fat metaplasia, and fusion). The effects of TNFi therapy and of time since initiation of TNFi therapy on inflammation and structural abnormalities were assessed using a mixed‐effects regression analysis.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients (ages 12–23 years) with ERA or nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis who underwent TNFi therapy were included. Inflammation scores were significantly lower in patients receiving TNFi treatment (P = 0.013), but there was no significant effect of time from TNFi initiation on inflammation (P = 0.125). Conversely, there was no significant effect of active TNFi treatment on fusion scores (P = 0.308), but fusion scores significantly increased with time from TNFi initiation (P < 0.001); a similar positive relationship between time since biologic start and fat metaplasia scores was observed.

Conclusion

TNFi therapy failed to prevent the eventual development of joint ankylosis in this cohort of young patients with spondyloarthritis, despite a substantial reduction in inflammation with TNFi therapy.
Reproduktionstoxikologie
Authors: Viertel Bruno
Published: October 2018

Reproduktionstoxikologische Prüfungen gehören zum festen Programm der Arzneimittelentwicklung. In drei Versuchsabschnitten (Prüfung der Fertilität bis zur Einnistung der befruchteten Eizellen an der Ratte; Prüfung der embryo‐fötalen Toxizität an Ratte und Kaninchen; Prüfung der prä‐ und postnatalen Entwicklung einschließlich der maternalen Funktion an der Ratte) wird der mögliche Einfluss von Arzneimittelkandidaten auf die Fortpflanzung der Versuchstiere geprüft. Die Problematik der Übertragbarkeit der Ergebnisse auf den Menschen besteht, wird aber durch möglichst hoch dosierte Arzneimittelgaben und die detaillierte Kenntnis der Labortiere reduziert. Hinzu kommen Monitoringstudien und Datenbanken, die die Normalentwicklung der Labortiere repräsentieren. Die Prüfungen geben Anhaltspunkte zur Festlegung einer sicheren humantherapeutischen Dosis und des toxischen Profils des Arzneimittels. Die Häufigkeit der Medikamenteneinnahme sowie die Schwere des Krankheitsbildes gehen in die Risikobewertung mit ein.
Fortpflanzungsbiologie und Ursprung der Säugetiere
Authors: Maier Wolfgang
Published: October 2018

Alle neugeborenen Säugetiere sind auf intensive Brutpflege durch das Muttertier angewiesen; das gilt auch für die Schlüpflinge der eierlegenden Säugetiere (Monotremata). Die wichtigste Komponente dieser Brutpflege ist die Ernährung mit Muttermilch. Dieses Nährsekret muss von den Jungtieren aktiv eingesaugt werden. Die strukturellen und funktionellen Anpassungen an das Saugen und Schlucken von Milch werden bei den extrem unreifen (altricialen) Neonaten der Marsupialier besonders deutlich. Im späteren Lebensalter baut der Kauapparat strukturell und funktionell auf den früheren Sauganpassungen auf. Es wird hier daher die These vertreten, dass diese ontogenetische Abfolge auch phylogenetisch gegolten hat, dass hier also ein Beispiel für die biogenetische Rekapitulation im Sinne von Ernst Haeckel vorliegt. Bei fossilien Therapsiden kann aus der Bildung des sekundären Gaumens und der sekundären Schädelseitenwand, die bisher zumeist im Zusammenhang mit der Evolution des Kauapparats interpretiert worden sind, indirekt auf den evolutiv wichtigen Komplex der Reproduktionsbiologie geschlossen werden.
Das Verwandtschaftsnetz von Fledermaus, Pferd, Hund und Kuh
Authors: Doronina Liliya , Kranke Nina
Published: October 2018

Die Rekonstruktion der Verwandtschaftsbeziehungen innerhalb der Gruppe der Laurasiatheria gestaltet sich kompliziert. Vor allem die Stammesgeschichte der Fledertiere, Unpaarhufer, Raubtiere und Cetartiodactyla, zu denen Paarhufer und Wale gehören, ist umstritten. Die Analyse springender Gene von Fledermaus, Pferd, Hund und Kuh zeigte nun, dass es sich bei den Fledertieren um die älteste der vier Ordnungen handelt. Die Daten legen außerdem nahe, dass das Pferd aus einer Fusion des Vorfahren der Fledermaus und des gemeinsamen Vorfahren von Hund und Kuh hervorgegangen ist.
Invasive giftige Kröte gefährdet endemische Fauna von Madagaskar
Authors: Hille‐Rehfeld Annette
Published: October 2018

Kröten imprägnieren ihre Haut mit herzwirksamen Steroiden, die wie die bekannten Digitalis‐Glycoside eine lebenswichtige Ionenpumpe hemmen. Sympatrisch lebende Beutegreifer haben entweder gelernt, die giftige Beute zu meiden, oder sind resistent gegen die Toxine. Fehlen solche Anpassungen, wie in der über lange Zeit isolierten Inselfauna von Australien oder Madagaskar, kann sich die Invasion giftiger neozoischer Kröten fatal auswirken.
Biogas purification via optimal microalgae growth: A literature review
Authors: Cea‐Barcia Glenda , López‐Caamal Fernando , Torres‐Zúñiga Ixbalank , Hernández‐Escoto Héctor
Published: October 2018

In this review, we compare works from the current decade that address the CO2‐removal from biogas by means of microalgae. The microalgae culture process acts as a biochemical absorption process; it is potentially competitive with respect to classical and commercial absorption methods due to its additional benefits such as availing CO2 for the production of valuable microalgae biomass and being an environmentally friendly technique. Nevertheless, the low yield of biogas purification translates into the need to use optimal operation strategies that render the whole biogas production process economically feasible. A class of these strategies requires models capable of reproducing key traits of the dynamical behavior of microalgae growth. Thus, without overlooking the classical physico‐chemical methods for biogas purification, our literature review addresses: (i) biogas purification via microalgae and different microalgae growth conditions, (ii) approaches that maximize microalgae growth, in order to increase CO2‐consumption, and (iii) different models that describe the representative characteristics of microalgae growth. This investigation traces a pathway to future considerations on optimal biogas purification alternatives by microalgae culture processes. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:1513–1532, 2018
Enhancement of transgene expression by nuclear transcription factor Y and CCCTC‐binding factor
Authors: Zimmerman Devon , Patel Krupa , Hall Matthew , Elmer Jacob
Published: October 2018

If a transgene is effectively delivered to a cell, its expression may still be limited by epigenetic mechanisms that silence the transgene. Indeed, once the transgene reaches the nucleus, it may be bound by histone proteins and condensed into heterochromatin or associated with repressor proteins that block transcription. In this study, we sought to enhance transgene expression by adding binding motifs for several different epigenetic enzymes either upstream or downstream of two promoters (CMV and EF1α). Screening these plasmids revealed that luciferase expression was enhanced 10‐fold (10.4 ± 5.8) by the addition of a CCAAT box just upstream of the EF1α promoter to recruit nuclear transcription factor Y (NF‐Y), while inserting a CCCTC‐binding factor (CTCF) motif downstream of the EF1α promoter enhanced expression at least 14‐fold (14.03 ± 6.54). ChIP assays confirmed that NF‐Y and CTCF bound to the motifs that were added to each plasmid, but the presence of NF‐Y and CTCF did not significantly affect the levels of histone acetylation (H3K9ac) or methylation (H3K9me3). Overall, these results show that transgene expression from the EF1α promoter can be significantly increased with motifs that recruit NF‐Y or CTCF. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:1581–1588, 2018
Microbial contamination in methanol biofilters inoculated with a pure strain of Pichia pastoris: A potential limitation for waste revalorization
Authors: Palomo‐Briones Rodolfo , Esquivel‐González Saúl , Aizpuru Aitor , Gómez‐Hernández Nicolás , Casas‐Flores Sergio , Barba de la Rosa Ana Paulina , Arriaga Sonia
Published: October 2018

Novel biotechnologies to valorize waste emissions are based on the use of specialized microbial groups that produce different compounds of industrial interest. On this scenario, the retention of such specific microorganisms in the system is of critical interest; however, the potential limitations of working with simplified cultures in a competitive open environment are neither fully explored nor well understood. In this work, a series of biofilters treating methanol vapors coupled with heterologous endochitinase production were used to evaluate the performance of a specialized microbial population during a typical open‐to‐environment operation. The biofilters were inoculated with a transformed strain of Pichia pastoris and were operated identically for about 90 days. The results showed that the biofiltration performance became diverse with time in terms of the elimination capacity (EC) shifting from a variation coefficient of 1.5% (EC = 274 ± 24, 279 ± 5, and 281.9 ± 25 g/[m3 h]) at the beginning of the operation to 33% (EC = 297 ± 9, 338 ± 7, and 341 ± 2 g/[m3 h]) at the end of operation. Epifluorescence analysis and cloning‐sequencing suggested that P. pastoris remained as the dominant microorganism of methanol degradation, whereas diverse airborne bacteria, including Ochrobactrum spp. and Klebsiella oxytoca, played a secondary role possibly associated with the consumption of intermediates. Overall, this study found that low diversity systems operated under non‐sterile conditions could be susceptible to contamination with external microorganisms causing a diversifying behavior at the performance and microbial community levels. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2715, 2019
Fluorescence Imaging of Alzheimer's Disease with a Flat Ensemble Formed between a Quinoline–Malononitrile AIEgen and Thin‐Layer Molybdenum Disulfide
Authors: Dou Wei‐Tao , Zhang Jing‐Jing , Li Qiang , Guo Zhiqian , Zhu Weihong , Chen Guo‐Rong , Zhang Hai‐Yan , He Xiao‐Peng
Published: October 2018

The sensitive imaging of amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptides is important for the timely detection of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although clinically the diagnosis of AD relies on the use of radiolabeled imaging reagents, herein we report the simple construction of a “flat ensemble” formed between a quinoline–malononitrile AIEgen (EDS) and thin‐layer molybdenum disulfide (2D MoS2) for the sensitive detection of Aβ by means of fluorescence‐based techniques. Self‐assembly between EDS and 2D MoS2 in aqueous buffer solution produces the flat ensemble, and the subsequent interaction of the material ensemble with oligomeric and aggregated Aβ peptides leads to up to 19‐fold enhanced fluorescence of EDS. The ensemble is also applicable for staining Aβ aggregates in vivo.
Versatility in the Brook Rearrangement for the Selective Ring‐Opening of Three‐Membered Rings
Authors: Tugny Coralie , Zhang Fa‐Guang , Marek Ilan
Published: October 2018

From a single α‐silylated carbinol intermediate, easily accessible by carbometallation of cyclopropenes, various scaffolds featuring a quaternary carbon stereocenter could be obtained selectively. The selectivity towards these different products was achieved by either changing the experimental conditions or the nature of the organometallic species involved.
Efficient access to both enantiomers of 3‐(1‐hydroxyethyl)phenol by regioselective and enantioselective CAL‐B–catalyzed hydrolysis of diacetate in organic media by sodium carbonate
Authors: Braia Nabila , Merabet‐Khelassi Mounia , Aribi‐Zouioueche Louisa
Published: October 2018

In the present paper, we describe several pathways employing immobilized lipase from Candida antarctica B (CAL‐B) as biocatalyst to prepare easily both enantiomers of 3‐(1‐hydroxyethyl)phenol. We have applied hydrolysis with Na2CO3 in organic media under mild conditions. The reaction parameters solvent effect, amount of lipase, and Na2CO3 were examined with 3‐(1‐acetoxyethyl)phenyl acetate as substrate. In alkaline hydrolysis, (R)‐3‐(1‐hydroxyethyl)phenol was obtained with ee = 99% and (S)‐(−)‐3‐(1‐acetoxyethyl)phenol with ee = 98% at optimal conversion (c = 50%) and high selectivity (E > 200). Two other deacylation reactions were compared: alcoholysis with MeOH and with NEt3. The acylation of 3‐(1‐hydroxyethyl)phenol with vinyl acetate was also examined. Alkaline hydrolysis gave the best results, while good regioselectivity and enantioselectivity were observed in alcoholysis and acylation reactions. Finally, (S)‐ and (R)‐3‐(1‐hydroxyethyl)phenol (ee > 98%), key intermediates for the synthesis of important drugs, were prepared from the corresponding racemic diacetate through alkaline hydrolysis.
Is obstructive sleep apnea associated with ventricular tachycardia? A retrospective study from the National Inpatient Sample and a literature review on the pathogenesis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Salama Amr , Abdullah Abdullah , Wahab Abdul , Eigbire George , Hoefen Ryan , Kouides Ruth , Ritter Nathan , Mieszczanska Hanna , Alweis Richard
Published: October 2018

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a known independent risk factor for a multiple cardiovascular morbidities and mortality. The association of OSA and ventricular arrhythmias is less well understood. The aim of this analysis is to study the relationship between OSA and ventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Hypothesis

OSA is associated with increased ventricular arrhythmias.

Methods

Data from the national inpatient sample (NIS) 2012 to 2014, were reviewed. Discharges associated with OSA were identified as the target population using the relevant ICD‐9‐CM codes. The primary outcome was a diagnosis of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in the OSA population. Secondary outcomes include the rate of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and cardiac arrest. Multivariable analyses were performed to examine the association of VT with multiple potential confounding clinical variables.

Results

Of 18 013 878 health encounters, 943 978 subjects (5.24%) had a diagnosis of OSA. VT and VF were more prevalent among patients with OSA compared to those without a diagnosis of OSA (2.24% vs 1.16%; P < 0.001 and 0.3% vs 0.2%; P < 0.001, respectively). Odds ratio for cardiac arrest in OSA group was not statistically significant (1, 95% confidence interval 0.97‐1.02, P < 0.76). In unadjusted analyses, all examined comorbidities were significantly more common in those with OSA, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, acute coronary syndrome, and heart failure.

Conclusion

OSA is associated with increased rates of ventricular tachyarrhythmia.
A comparison of the influence of three different lumbar interbody fusion approaches on stress in the pedicle screw fixation system: Finite element static and vibration analyses
Authors: Fan Wei , Guo Li‐Xin
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to examine breakage risk of the bilateral pedicle screw (BPS) fixation system under static and vibration loadings after three different types of lumbar interbody fusion surgery. A previously validated intact L1‐sacrum finite element model was modified to simulate anterior, posterior, and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF, PLIF, and TLIF, respectively) with BPS fixation system (consisting of pedicle screws and rigid connecting rods) at L4‐L5. As a risk parameter for breakage, the von Mises stresses in the pedicle screws and the rods for the ALIF, PLIF, and TLIF models under static loading (flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial torsion moments) and vibration loading (sinusoidal vertical load) were calculated and compared. The calculated von Mises stresses were different in the ALIF, PLIF, and TLIF models, but these stresses for all the fusion models were found to be concentrated in neck of the pedicle screw and middle of the rod under both the static and vibration loadings. The results from static analyses showed that the maximum stress in the BPS fixation system was greater in the TLIF model than in the ALIF and PLIF models under all the applied static loadings. The results from transient dynamic analyses also showed that the TLIF generated greater dynamic responses of the stress in the BPS fixation system to the vertical vibration compared with the ALIF and PLIF. It implies that the TLIF procedure might incur a higher risk of breakage for the BPS fixation system than the ALIF and PLIF procedures.
A Density Functional Theoretical Study on the Charge‐Transfer Enhancement in Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Gao Shu‐Ting , Xiang Shi‐Qin , Jiang Yimin , Zhao Liu‐Bin
Published: October 2018

The chemical enhancement due to ground‐state charge transfer (GSCT) and photon‐driven charge transfer (PDCT) in surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been investigated by density functional theory. Para‐substituted thiophenol derivatives adsorbed on silver and gold surfaces are selected as model systems to evaluate the chemical enhancement factor. By changing the functional groups on thiophenol, we are allowed to modulate the chemical interactions between the thiophenol and the metal cluster in both ground state and charge transfer excited state. Both off‐resonance and pre‐resonance SERS spectra are simulated to calculate the chemical enhancement factors. The GSCT enhancement factor, EFGSCT, shows a roughly linear relationship to (ωTP/ωM‐TP)4, where ωTP denotes the HOMO‐LUMO gap of free molecule, and ωM‐TP denotes the energy difference between the HOMO of the molecule and the LUMO of the metal. The PDCT enhancement factor, EFPDCT, is governed by the energy difference between the incident light energy and the excitation energy to the CT excited state. EFPDCT first increases and then decreases with the increase of incident light energy.
Self‐focusing of a cosh‐Gaussian laser beam in magnetized plasma under relativistic‐ponderomotive regime
Authors: Rawat Priyanka , Purohit Gunjan
Published: October 2018

The combined effect of relativistic and ponderomotive nonlinearities on the self‐focusing of an intense cosh‐Gaussian laser beam (CGLB) in magnetized plasma have been investigated. Higher‐order paraxial‐ray approximation has been used to set up the self‐focusing equations, where higher‐order terms in the expansion of the dielectric function and the eikonal are taken into account. The effects of various lasers and plasma parameters viz. laser intensity (a0), decentred parameter (b), and magnetic field (ωc) on the self‐focusing of CGLB have been explored. The results are compared with the Gaussian profile of laser beams and relativistic nonlinearity. Self‐focusing can be enhanced by optimizing and selecting the appropriate laser‐plasma parameters. It is observed that the focusing of CGLB is fast in a nonparaxial region in comparison with that of a Gaussian laser beam and in a paraxial region in magnetized plasma. In addition, strong self‐focusing of CGLB is observed at higher values of a0, b, and ωc. Numerical results show that CGLB can produce ultrahigh laser irradiance over distances much greater than the Rayleigh length, which can be used for various applications.
Using Religious Studies Theory to Access the Sacred in Counseling
Authors: Gilbride Dennis , Shannonhouse Laura , Kessler Samuel J.
Published: October 2018

This article explores the ideas of Mircea Eliade, the works of other classic religious studies scholarship, and traditional religious practices for insights and strategies that can be used in contemporary counseling settings. The ideas are not intended to be proscriptive or comprehensive, but rather are offered as a way to more explicitly and intentionally access the potential of the sacred (as it is understood in classic religious studies texts) in counseling work. The authors focus on 4 specific areas: sacred space, sacred time, rebirth/return, and initiation/rites of passage.
Impact of Self‐Transcendent and Self‐Enhancement Values on Compassion, Humility, and Positivity in Marital Relationships
Authors: McDonald James E. , Olson Jonathan R. , Goddard H. Wallace , Marshall James P.
Published: October 2018

The authors investigated the degree to which self‐enhancement and self‐transcendent values relate to spousal reports of compassion, humility, and positivity in marital relationships. The data were drawn from a self‐report telephone survey of 1,513 heterosexual married individuals living in the United States in 2013. Results indicate that self‐transcendent values positively relate to compassion, humility, and positivity, whereas self‐fulfillment values relate only to positivity. These results did not differ by gender or age. Together, these findings suggest personal values have an impact on marital processes. Implications for practice are discussed.
The extracellular protease AdamTS‐B inhibits vein formation in the Drosophila wing
Authors: Pham Minh Ngoc , Schuweiler Mark , Ismat Afshan
Published: October 2018

Vein patterning in the Drosophila wing provides a powerful tool to study regulation of various signaling pathways. Here we show that the ADAMTS extracellular protease AdamTS‐B (CG4096) is expressed in the embryonic wing imaginal disc precursor cells and the wing imaginal disc, and functions to inhibit wing vein formation. Knock‐down of AdamTS‐B displayed posterior crossveins (PCVs) with either extra branches or deltas, or wider PCVs, and a wandering distal tip of the L5 longitudinal vein. Conversely, over‐expression of AdamTS‐B resulted in a complete absence of the PCV, an incomplete anterior crossvein, and missing distal end of the L5 longitudinal vein. We conclude that AdamTS‐B inhibits wing vein formation through negative regulation of signaling pathways, possibly BMP as well as Egfr, displaying the complexity of roles for this family of extracellular proteases.
Can large carnivores change streams via a trophic cascade?
Authors: Beschta Robert L. , Ripple William J.
Published: October 2018

Large carnivores were persecuted in Yellowstone National Park, WY, USA, during the late 1800s and early 1900s, leading to extirpation of grey wolves (Canis lupus) and cougars (Puma concolor). Soon thereafter increased herbivory of riparian plant communities by Rocky Mountain Elk (Cervus elaphus) became widespread in the park's northern ungulate winter range or “northern range.” Wolves were reintroduced in 1995–1996, again completing the park's large carnivore guild. In 2004 and 2017, we sampled Geyer willow (Salix geyeriana), a commonly occurring tall willow, along the West and East Forks of Blacktail Deer Creek in the central portion of the northern range. Results indicated high levels of elk herbivory in the 1990s, as in previous decades, not only continued to keep willows short, generally ≤52 cm in height, but also resulted in stream widening and incision, leading to “oversized” channel cross‐sections and a drastically reduced frequency of overbank flows. However, by 2017, willow heights ≥200 cm ( = 310 cm) were prevalent, and canopy cover over the stream, essentially absent in 1995, had increased to 43% and 93% along the West Fork and East Fork, respectively. These recent increases in tall willow heights, greater canopy cover, well‐vegetated streambanks, and the recent development of an inset floodplain all pointed towards a riparian/aquatic ecosystem beginning to recover. Overall, results were consistent with a landscape‐scale trophic cascade, whereby reintroduced wolves, operating in concert with other large carnivores, appear to have sufficiently reduced elk herbivory in riparian areas to initiate the recovery of Blacktail Deer Creek's riparian plant communities and stream channels.
Intrarenal venous flow in cardiorenal syndrome: a shining light into the darkness
Authors: de la Espriella‐Juan Rafael , Núñez Eduardo , Miñana Gema , Sanchis Juan , Bayés‐Genís Antoni , González Jessika , Chorro Javier , Núñez Julio
Published: October 2018

The aim of this case report is to assess the potential role of intrarenal Doppler ultrasonography as a non‐invasive method to evaluate intrarenal venous flow (IRVF) in acute heart failure (AHF) and concomitant renal dysfunction. We report a case of an 81‐year‐old woman with valvular heart disease (previous mitral valve replacement) that presented with acutely decompensated heart failure and concomitant worsening renal function (WRF). In addition to complete physical examination, laboratory analysis, and echocardiography, IRVF was assessed at baseline and 48 h after the administration of diuretic treatment. At admission, physical examination and echocardiography revealed signs of intravascular congestion (jugular venous distension and severely dilated inferior vena cava). In addition, a significant increase in serum creatinine from 1.23 to 1.81 mg/dL was noted without signs of hypoperfusion at clinical evaluation. At baseline, intrarenal Doppler ultrasonography showed a monophasic IRVF pattern indicating a severely elevated interstitial renal pressure. After aggressive decongestion, a dynamic behaviour was found in IRVF changing from monophasic to biphasic pattern in parallel with an improvement in clinical parameters and renal function (serum creatinine changed from 1.81 to 1.44 mg/dL). In this case of a patient with AHF and WRF, IRVF changed after aggressive decongestion in agreement with clinical evolution. According to these findings, this technique could provide valuable information for identifying patients with a ‘congestion kidney failure’ phenotype. Further studies are needed confirming this observation and evaluating the potential role of this technique for guiding decongestive therapy in patients with AHF and WRF.
Preparation of Heteroleptic Tin(IV) N,O‐β‐Heteroarylalkenolate Complexes and Their Properties as PI‐MOCVD Precursors for SnO2 Deposition
Authors: Podhorsky Jan , Murauskas Tomas , Hegemann Corinna , Graf David , Fischer Thomas , Babiak Michal , Pinkas Jiri , Plausinaitiene Valentina , Mathur Sanjay , Abrutis Adulfas , Moravec Zdenek
Published: October 2018

We have successfully prepared and structurally characterized five novel tin(IV) heteroleptic N,O‐β‐heteroarylalkenolates containing –CF3 groups. The synthetic route used reactions of Sn(OtBu)4 with 3,3,3‐trifluoro(pyridin‐2‐yl)propen‐2‐ol (PyTFPH), 3,3,3‐trifluoro(dimethyl‐1,3‐oxazol‐2‐yl)propen‐2‐ol (DMOTFPH), and 3,3,3‐trifluoro(1,3‐benzthiazol‐2‐yl)propen‐2‐ol (BTTFPH) in dry aprotic solvents leading to elimination of tert‐butanol and formation of Sn(OtBu)2(PyTFP)2 (1), Sn(OtBu)2(DMOTFP)2 (2), and Sn(OtBu)2(BTTFP)2 (3). The chelating ligands employed a bidentate N∩O donor set. The reactivity of OtBu groups in the obtained Sn(OtBu)2(N∩O)2 complexes was further investigated in reactions with fluorinated alcohols, 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFEH) and 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐propanol (HFPH). Two complexes Sn(TFE)2(DMOTFP)2 (4) and Sn(HFP)2(PyTFP)2 (5) were obtained and structurally characterized. Thermal behavior of complexes 1–5 was studied by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC). The most volatile compounds Sn(OtBu)2(PyTFP)2 (1) and Sn(OtBu)2(DMOTFP)2 (2) were chosen and tested in a PI‐MOCVD process for the SnO2 growth on sapphire‐C substrates. Film growth rates at different temperatures (500–900 °C), crystalline quality, surface roughness, transparency in UV/Vis‐mid‐IR spectral ranges have been investigated. The results showed that these two compounds are suitable precursors for MOCVD deposition of high quality SnO2 films. Fabricated films displayed good response to CO and NO2 in chemo‐resistive gas sensing measurements.
Preparation and Structure of Protonated Selenourea
Authors: Leitz Dominik , Virmani Alan , Morgenstern Yvonne , Zischka Florian , Kornath Andreas J.
Published: October 2018

Selenourea was investigated in the binary superacidic media XF/MF5 (X = H, D; M = As, Sb). The protonation selectively takes place at the selenium atom leading to the corresponding salts [(X2N)2CSeX]+[MF6]–. The characterization of the colorless salts was performed by low temperature vibrational spectroscopy. In the case of [(H2N)2CSeH]+[SbF6]– a single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis is reported. The observed Se···F interaction in the solid state is discussed in context of σ‐hole interactions. Selenourea undergoes structural changes due to the protonation which are discussed together with quantum‐chemical calculations.
Redox‐Switchable Cyan Fluorescence of a BODIPY Analog Inspired by Propentdyopent Pigments
Authors: Gautam Ritika , Petritis Steven J. , Tomat Elisa
Published: October 2018

The combination of reversible redox chemistry and bright redox‐responsive emission properties is key to the development of electrofluorochromic switches for applications in bioimaging and optoelectronics. Herein, the redox‐active dipyrrin‐1,9‐dione fragment, which is characteristic of the propentdyopent family of heme metabolites and urinary pigments, is employed for the synthesis of a BODIPY analog. This boron difluoride complex exhibits bright fluorescence in organic solvents and a significant ipsochromic shift to the cyan region when compared to typical green BODIPY dyes. Electrochemical and spectroscopic measurements show that the dipyrrindione ligand acts as an electron reservoir by hosting an unpaired spin upon one‐electron reduction. This ligand‐based redox event reversibly abolishes the fluorescence emission, thus switching off the novel electrofluorochromic system.
Ruthenacyclic Carbamoyl Complexes: Highly Efficient Catalysts for Organosilane Hydrolysis
Authors: Barik Chandan Kr , Ganguly Rakesh , Li Yongxin , Leong Weng Kee
Published: October 2018

The ruthenacyclic carbamoyl complexes [RuX{2‐NHC(O)C5H3NR}(CO)2(NCMe)] (R = H and Me; X = Br and SC6H3‐o,o‐Me2) are excellent catalysts for the hydrolysis of organosilanes, particularly towards primary silanes, generating hydrogen under ambient conditions within seconds. These complexes are structural mimics of the [Fe]‐hydrogenase active site and like the natural enzyme, a labile ligand at the sixth coordination site is essential to the catalytic activity.
Cationic Group 4 Complexes (M = Ti, Zr, Hf): Modifications and Limitations in the Design of Tridentate Cp,O,P‐Ligand Frameworks Built Directly in the Coordination Sphere of the Metal
Authors: Fischer Malte , Jaugstetter Maximilian , Schaper Raoul , Schmidtmann Marc , Beckhaus Rüdiger
Published: October 2018

The reactions of monopentafulvene complexes Ti1, Zr1, and Hf1 with bidentate O,P‐ligand precursors L1–L3 to form the corresponding cationic complexes employing an established three‐step synthetic protocol [insertion, methylation, activation with B(C6F5)3] are investigated. Ligands L1–L3 are designed to have different sized spacers between the carbonyl and diphenylphosphine functional groups. The attempts to react Ti1, Zr1, and Hf1 with acetyldiphenylphosphine (L1) proved to yield undesired products at various steps in the synthetic sequence. When Ti1 is used, Ti2 is formed and diphenylphosphine is released at the same time. Compound Ti2, with the exocyclic double bond, is the formal product of insertion of the smallest ketene (H2C=C=O) into the Ti–Cexo bond. Starting with Zr1 results in isolation of the insertion product Zr2 without loss of diphenylphosphine, but a byproduct is formed during the reaction with L1. Subsequent methylation with methyllithium yields a complex reaction mixture. Hf1 reacts cleanly with L1 to the insertion product Hf2. Also, the methylation reaction selectively yields Hf3 as the result of chloride/methyl exchange, but final activation with B(C6F5)3 causes decomposition and release of diphenylphosphine. The use of the ligand precursors L2 and L3 with two methylene groups or an aryl group as linkers between the functional groups selectively provides the desired cationic complexes Ti6, Zr6, Hf6, and Ti9 in good to excellent overall yields.
Cu and Hydroquinone for the Trifluoromethylation of Unprotected Phenols
Authors: Pletz Jakob , Koeberl Christoph , Fuchs Michael , Steiner Oliver , Goessler Walter , Kroutil Wolfgang
Published: October 2018

Fluorination and trifluoromethylation are indispensable tools in the preparation of modern pharmaceuticals and APIs. Herein we present a concept for the introduction of a trifluoromethyl group into unprotected phenols employing catalytic copper(I) iodide and hydroquinone, tBuOOH, and the Langlois' reagent. The method proceeds under mild conditions and exhibits an extended substrate scope compared to the biocatalytic trifluoromethylation using laccase from Agaricus bisporus. Various functional groups such as aldehydes, esters, ethers, ketones and nitriles were tolerated. The hydroquinone‐mediated trifluoromethylation reaction allowed accessing trifluoromethylated phenols, which are cumbersome to prepare via previously known chemical methods.